Ronan's pupils contracted slightly.
So it's here… Sandai Kitetsu.
This was fate. No matter how much the course of events changed, the cursed blade that sought its master would ultimately fall into Zoro's hands.
"Wait!!"
Ipponmatsu, who had been sitting behind the counter, leapt to his feet as if he'd seen a ghost the moment he saw that sword.
"T-that sword isn't for sale!!"
Ronan, feigning ignorance, teased casually, "What, is it a treasure blade? Need to raise the price?"
"N-no… it's not about money!"
Ipponmatsu's face turned deathly pale, sweat pouring down his forehead as he pointed at the sword in Zoro's hand, his voice trembling.
"That… that's something I can't sell to customers!"
Zoro completely ignored the shopkeeper's protests.
He raised the sword and stared straight at the flame-like hamon, cold light reflected in his eyes.
"It's a cursed blade, right?"
Ipponmatsu froze. "Y-you can tell? You figured it out?"
"No."
A feverish smile crept onto Zoro's face. His beastlike instincts sent his blood boiling.
"I can feel it… its killing intent."
"…That's right." Ipponmatsu swallowed, his voice sinking low. "It's Sandai Kitetsu."
"From Shodai Kitetsu onward, every blade forged by the Kitetsu line is a rare weapon of this world. But… every single one is cursed."
His body trembled slightly as if recalling horrific rumors.
"Every famous swordsman who ever wielded a Kitetsu… without exception, met a tragic end."
"Some went mad. Some were killed by their own blade. Others suffered inexplicable disasters on the battlefield…"
"No one dares use a Kitetsu anymore! Even owning one fills people with fear!"
"That's why I mixed it in with the bargain stock, trying to get rid of it quietly… it's like being cursed just by keeping it!"
"Put it down! I won't sell that sword! If you die because of it, it'd be like I killed you myself!!"
The shop fell silent.
Only Ipponmatsu's ragged breathing remained.
Zoro didn't put the sword down.
Instead, his grip tightened.
He felt the cold, biting sensation in his palm—painful, thrilling, intoxicating.
The sword craved blood. It craved battle. And it craved a master who could suppress it.
"So that's how it is…"
Zoro looked at Sandai Kitetsu, his grin widening into something feral, overflowing with absolute confidence.
"I like it. This is the one."
"Y-you idiot! Didn't you hear me?!" Ipponmatsu shouted in panic. "You'll die!"
"If it's a cursed blade…"
Zoro slowly raised his head. In his eyes burned a presence so overwhelming even demons would recoil.
"Then let's do this."
He tossed Sandai Kitetsu into the air, his body settling into a posture that made everyone's breath catch.
He extended his left arm, holding it straight out to the side, palm open.
"My 'luck'…"
"…and this thing's 'curse'…"
"Let's see… which one's stronger!!"
"W-what?!"
Ipponmatsu's eyes bulged. He clutched his head and screamed in despair.
"Stop!! Are you insane?! That'll really cut your arm off!!"
Even Ronan held his breath.
Though he knew the outcome, witnessing it firsthand was still overwhelming.
This wasn't just swordsmanship or strength—it was spirit. The mentality of a true warrior who placed life and death on the table without hesitation.
"Interesting."
Ronan pushed his Observation Haki to the limit. In his vision, the world slowed.
Whoosh—whoosh—
Sandai Kitetsu spun in the air, its blade slicing through the air with a chilling sound.
It began to fall.
The spinning edge descended straight toward Zoro's unprotected left arm.
One inch. Two inches.
Ipponmatsu shut his eyes in despair, unable to bear the sight of blood about to spill.
But Zoro didn't even blink.
"Come on!"
At the instant the blade was about to touch Zoro's skin—
Shhh—!!
Time itself seemed to twist.
The rapidly spinning cursed blade bent through an impossibly slight arc in midair.
The edge skimmed past Zoro's arm, even slicing a few hairs, carrying a freezing gust—
Thunk!!
A dull impact rang out.
The sharp tip of Sandai Kitetsu plunged deep into the wooden floor beside Zoro's arm, buried several inches in, the blade trembling faintly with a clear hum.
Not a scratch.
Dead silence.
Ipponmatsu shakily opened his eyes. When he saw Zoro's uninjured arm, his jaw dropped, and he collapsed to the floor.
"H-how is that possible…"
Ronan exhaled slowly, his eyes filled with admiration.
"Such luck. Such spirit. The blade has acknowledged its master."
Zoro slowly lowered his left arm and looked at the cursed sword embedded in the floor, a satisfied smile on his face.
He reached down, grasped the hilt, and pulled Sandai Kitetsu free, casually spinning it in a clean arc, feeling the battle intent resonating with his own blood.
"This one's mine."
He turned to the utterly stunned shopkeeper.
"Well? Can you sell it to me now?"
Ipponmatsu stared at Zoro as if looking at a monster.
After a long moment, he finally came back to himself.
The petty greed of a merchant had completely evaporated in the face of what he had just witnessed.
He took a deep breath and made a decision.
Without a word, Ipponmatsu turned and ran into the back room.
"Huh? What's going on?" Zoro asked, confused.
Moments later, Ipponmatsu returned carrying a jet-black, ornately decorated long sword.
"This blade is called Yubashiri."
He stroked the blade, his eyes filled with reluctance and resolve.
"It's one of the Fifty Skillful Grade swords. Finely crafted, light, and sharp. It's a family heirloom."
He thrust Yubashiri toward Zoro.
"Take it!!"
"…Huh?" Zoro froze. "I don't have the money—"
"No money!!"
Ipponmatsu roared, tears shining in his eyes.
"That Kitetsu… and this Yubashiri—both are yours, free of charge!"
"T-this…"
"Enough talk! A man's words should carve out a path in this chaotic world!"
Ipponmatsu looked at Zoro, his voice burning with sincerity.
"I had dreams once… but I didn't have that kind of spirit. Today, I've seen what a true swordsman is! That Kitetsu has found the best possible master!"
"Take them! Go to the Grand Line! Carry my dream with you!"
Zoro accepted Yubashiri, feeling the weight of his two new swords, and nodded solemnly.
"Yeah. I'm grateful."
Ronan watched the scene quietly, unable to help but feel moved.
This was the charm of the Pirate King's era—
even a supporting character could have a moment of pure romance and brilliance.
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