28 28. Zoro's Asura Road, Fighting Kuma
The sky crackled with black and red lightning, stretching across the horizon.
Explosions echoed all around, shaking the Sabaody Archipelago.
The sky turned dark and grim as if heavy clouds had swallowed the sun.
The whole area felt the impact of the clash between powerful fighters of the sea.
"It's not safe here. We should move away," Rayleigh said, swiftly blocking attacks with his sword to protect Nami.
"Thanks, Rayleigh," Nami replied, shaking off her earlier fear and standing up.
"But is that really Luffy? How did he become like this?" she asked, puzzled.
"It's Luffy using his Rubber Fruit powers along with his new Armament Haki form. He's doing fine. Surprisingly, he's quite skilled," Rayleigh reassured her.
Rayleigh chuckled.
"Nami, you alright?" Zoro and Sanji had joined them, Sanji using Armament Haki to shield his feet, and Zoro wielding a black sword gleaming with Haki, easily cutting through the aftermath.
"Observing closely, these two members of the Straw Hat Pirates aren't ordinary," Rayleigh noted, impressed as Zoro and Sanji effortlessly dealt with the fallout.
Their mastery of Haki, swordsmanship, and physical abilities surpassed typical rookie pirates.
"But it's odd. Despite their physical strength being on par with newly awakened Haki users, their Haki skills are exceptional," Rayleigh mused, slightly puzzled.
Comparatively, Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji's strength was formidable, while the rest of the crew seemed average.
"But that's not my concern," Rayleigh shrugged off the thought, recalling his own experiences defying common logic during his legendary journey.
He attributed Luffy and the others' strength to their talent.
"Zoro, Sanji, escort Nami and the others to Shakky's place. It's best they're not here to witness this battle any longer."
Rayleigh said with a faint smile.
"The clash between top fighters can even shake a large island. It's dangerously close here."
He knew he had to remain. Luffy's strength seemed on par with Kizaru's, or perhaps a bit less. So he planned to stay and intervene if Luffy faltered. Even if Luffy managed to win, it'd likely be a close call, and he wanted to ensure Luffy's safety from other Marines.
"Hey, lustful cook, you watch over Nami and the others," Zoro declared firmly, adjusting his green headband and clenching his sword between his teeth.
"I've spotted an old acquaintance I need to greet."
"I understand," Sanji replied, glancing towards the Kuma. He recalled their clash at Thriller Bark over who would sacrifice themselves for Luffy. Though he got knocked out, he witnessed Zoro's severe injuries, understanding his current sentiment. It felt appropriate to offer a greeting now.
Sanji, unusual in not bickering with Zoro, exhaled a puff of smoke and escorted Nami and the rest away.
"Everything alright? Kuma is tough," Rayleigh asked Zoro, noticing his excitement.
Despite Luffy's punch appearing to injure the Kuma, it wasn't seriously harmed. Its abilities were formidable, even among the Shichibukai.
"Luffy aims to be a pirate king, and I aim to be the world's greatest swordsman. Certain things must be acknowledged," Zoro affirmed.
Zoro clenched his teeth around the words "Wado Ichimonji" and spoke with a grin, "The tougher the opponent, the better. I'll brave through hell, cut through the weak, and endure any hardship. That's my way of Shura."
With these words, Zoro brandished his three famous swords and approached the Kuma with determination.
"A swordsman following the path of Shura? What a remarkable revelation," Rayleigh remarked, watching Zoro's confident stride, slightly surprised.
If he once saw glimpses of Roger in Luffy, now he saw echoes of his own youth in Zoro. That same fighting spirit, that same determination.
Being the first mate wasn't an easy role. In many ways, the first mate often had a deeper understanding than the captain, especially when the captain was as carefree and unassuming as theirs.
Meanwhile, the Kuma slowly rose, holding a Bible in hand, and spoke calmly, "Roronoa, you shouldn't have come."
The Kuma wasn't an enemy; it had come for the Straw Hat Crew, intending to rescue them from Kizaru.
Unexpectedly, Luffy now possessed formidable strength, almost on par with an Admiral. Nonetheless, this outcome perfectly suited Kuma's intentions.
He intended to stay until the battle's end. If Kizaru won, he wouldn't interfere; Rayleigh would save the Straw Hat Crew. If Kizaru failed, he'd step in, rescue Kizaru, and answer to higher authorities.
However, if Zoro entered the fray, then he'd have to join as well. It was no longer a time for personal agendas.
"I owe you one from our encounter at Thriller Bark," Zoro remarked, his tone light with a smile. "So I've come to offer my greetings."
"We're not enemies," he continued, meeting Kuma's gaze unwaveringly. "I'm not Luffy's fool, and I've sensed your goodwill, but that doesn't change anything."
Zoro's eyes remained fixed on Kuma's.
"Whether it's for me or for you, facing desperation, weakness, delivering a single decisive strike, and stepping over it, it's all part of the journey."
"And considering you let us go once before at Thriller Bark, and now you've let the water flow again, it can't be easy going against the World Government, Kuma."
"So let's fight without reservations."
Kuma remained silent, deeply impressed by the man before him for the second time. The first was when Zoro was willing to sacrifice himself for Luffy, and now, for choosing to confront the battle, despair, and his own weaknesses head-on.
"It's a shame my time is running out. You truly are something special, Roronoa," Kuma said calmly, slipping the Bible into his pocket and gently removing the glove from his other hand.
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