Interesting—this woman really is a gifted swordsman. Looks like Tashigi will master Water Breathing before long. A small smile tugged at Arton's lips as he moved on to the next drill and shut down the recording.
Smoothie: "Hm? It's already over?"
Gion: "Too short—I couldn't absorb all of Arton's pointers."
Whitey Bay: "A shame; I was just getting a feel for it. I'd hoped the video alone might make me stronger."
Kozuki Hiyori: "Just watching, with Arton's explanations, made power well up inside. If he pressed his hand to my chest and guided my breathing in person, I'd learn as fast as Tashigi."
Ain: "By the time Arton uploads the next clip, will she have the whole Water Breathing style down?"
Black Maria: "Tempting her with the blades inside Unlimited Blade Works—what a slick strategy."
Stussy: "If I were a swordswoman, I'd fall for that lure, too."
Nico Robin: "If Arton dangled a Poneglyph in front of me, I'd train just as hard."
While the diary holders muttered, Arton and Tashigi were already sparring.
He personally couldn't use Water Breathing, but Yoriichi's memories in his template contained every Water‑style form; mimicking them for Tashigi was simple.
What surprised him was the look growing in her eyes—something he saw from Kaya, Uta, and the others.
Respect, perhaps.
"Very good, Tashigi—you're already showing the outline of Water Breathing. I expected you to succeed, but this speed is impressive."
Her eyes lit up. "Th‑then… may I observe the world of Unlimited Blade Works?"
By now she wielded Shigure—up‑graded to Supreme Grade by Arton—and even Tier's Zanpakuto Shark, yet UBW's blades still drew her like iron to a lodestone. An entire world of swords! She was sure many inside outclassed even Shark itself.
"Of course. A captain keeps his word." Arton smiled, raised a clenched right fist to his chest, and began a slow, rhythmic chant.
At the first words Tashigi recognized the aria—Emiya Shirou's version of Unlimited Blade Works.
Boom!
Brilliant light flared around Arton. When it faded, they stood in another realm—a barren field studded with countless swords.
"Go on—take a look. Time is short, so make the most of it." Finding an empty patch, Arton sat with one hand braced on the ground.
Tashigi dashed into the forest of blades. With his permission she could actually draw each one, turning them over for study; her face flushed crimson, hands trembling with excitement.
Finding it amusing, Arton opened the log system and snapped away.
[Photo: Unlimited Blade Works—Tashigi inspecting the Noble Phantasm Gram!]
[Photo: Unlimited Blade Works—Tashigi inspecting the Noble Phantasm Sword of Högni!]
[Photo: Unlimited Blade Works—Tashigi inspecting the Noble Phantasm Joyeuse!]
[Photo: Unlimited Blade Works—Tashigi inspecting the Noble Phantasm Durandal!]
[Photo: Unlimited Blade Works—Tashigi inspecting the Noble Phantasm Caladbolg!]
Kozuki Hiyori: "So… Arton really opened UBW for her to explore?!"
Ain: "That world drains a ton of his stamina—he'd go that far for Tashigi?"
Custard: "Didn't she just join the crew? Spoiling her already?!"
Gion: "An entire realm of swords to admire—and she can touch them too… a little enviable, I must say."
Domino: "Tashigi looks overjoyed—Arton's playing to her heart. After this, she'll never be able to leave him."
Doll: "If I were a swordswoman I'd cling to a man who owns an entire world of blades—especially when he offers personal instruction."
Nico Robin: "She fled the Navy over the World Nobles and Imu, yet one day she'll be glad she chose Arton."
Kujaku: "Gram, the Sword of Högni, Joyeuse, Durandal… those blades' powers have never been shown! If Excalibur and Revolving Victory Sword are special, these must be too."
Kalifa: "Each sword is like a Devil Fruit. With so many, can the Navy or Government really oppose Arton?"
Stussy: "He knows Imu exists yet still taunts the World Government—clearly, in his eyes, Imu is no big deal."
Belo Betty: "If we could recruit Arton, toppling the Government would be simple for the Revolutionaries."
Koala: "Too bad he's so hard to find. He almost dropped coordinates, and Tashigi cut him off by stripping."
Vivi: "No matter how hard it is, I will find Arton."
Viola: "He's taken thirty‑three shots of Tashigi already. Those points will make her strong fast. Arton, let me meet you soon so I can dance on your body. Don't worry—you won't be disappointed. If I dance while we get intimate, you'll record it, won't you?"
…
"A message from Uta?"
Tashigi was eagerly examining the Noble Phantasms Joyeusewhen a diary ping drew her eye. She glanced at Arton—rubbing his chin in thought—then quietly opened the note.
[Uta: Yo, Tashigi—did you manage to eat Captain Arton?]
Whoosh!
Her face went scarlet.
[Tashigi: U‑Uta, what are you talking about? I didn't do anything like that!]
[Uta: Really? Pity. Arton even opened Unlimited Blade Works just for you. Alone in that world, no one can interfere no matter what you two do.]
[Tashigi: I‑I'm only studying the swords inside. It's my reward for training.]
[Uta: I see. Arton's generous—teaching you and letting you browse his arsenal. And yet you've given him no reward in return.]
[Tashigi: Re… reward?]
[Uta: Exactly! All you did was let him look at your body—hardly equal to what he's done. ]
[Tashigi: …]
[Uta: Arton won't force anyone, but he's still a man. After seeing you like that he's bound to be interested. Am I supposed to handle him later? You teased him—must I clean up?]
[Tashigi: I‑I…]
Clutching her sword, Tashigi blushed even deeper. Uta's words laid bare the bond between her and Arton—and the thought that she had stirred him only to leave Uta to finish left her guilty.
[Uta: Tell me—you really feel nothing for the captain? He saved you from the World Nobles, he's the world's top swordsman, he's training you, and he's shown you blades no one else can see. Any other woman would already have fallen for him.]
[Tashigi: …]
...
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