33 Chapter 33: Tashigi's Swordsmanship, 'Rain of Slashes'

Ding!

With a crisp sound, Tashigi's named blade, Shigure, was exploited by Nojiko, finding a flaw and sending it flying.

A hint of panic flashed in Tashigi's eyes, but by the time she reached out for her Shigure, it was too late.

Nojiko's long sword, carrying the momentum of flowing water, pointed towards Tashigi's neck.

Seeing this scene, Hina furrowed her brow slightly and withdrew the faintly emerging black cane from between her hands.

Clearly, she intended to use her own abilities to prevent Nojiko from harming Tashigi.

After all, in the midst of their battle...

Hina had already noticed that Nojiko's strength was considerably stronger than when they were in Arlong Park.

At the same time, in Rosen's mind, there came a notification from the system.

[Ding! Host's companion Nojiko defeats Tashigi, congratulations to the host and Nojiko for acquiring Tashigi's current swordsmanship 'Rain of Slashes'.]

[Nojiko's acquired swordsmanship 'Rain of Slashes' is integrated into a 'Swordsmanship Inheritance Card' and distributed by the host.]

[The host can now strip Tashigi of the famous sword 'Shigure' and use it to exchange for lottery chances.]

"Shigure is just a named blade, not even worthy of being considered a fine sword among the fifty."

"I wonder how many lottery chances I can get by exchanging it."

"But can companions acquire related swordsmanship by defeating other swordsmen?"

"Interesting, it seems I'll have to let Nami and Nojiko fight more with others in the future."

Rosen thought to herself.

Although with the Breathing Style swordsmanship, Nami and Nojiko might not necessarily need to master other people's swordsmanship.

But following the principle of having many skills, Rosen still wanted her companions to learn more swordsmanship styles.

Perhaps, they could even develop some swordsmanship styles of their own.

"You've lost, Miss Tashigi."

Nojiko smirked, addressing Tashigi.

"Yeah, I lost."

Tashigi lowered her head, feeling the weight of losing her companion of many years, Shigure.

Her mood couldn't help but become heavy.

"Don't feel too sad, Tashigi."

"At least, although you lost Shigure..."

"You'll surely encounter even better famous swords in the future."

"And also, you can learn swordsmanship from Captain Rosen, right?"

Nojiko nodded towards Tashigi and picked up the fallen Shigure from the side.

Then, she handed it over to Rosen.

Rosen nodded with a satisfied expression.

Just as she was about to take Shigure, Hina raised her hand and placed it on his shoulder.

"Is there something wrong, Captain Hina?"

Rosen turned to look at Hina, puzzled.

"Rosen, you really are an annoying man."

"You knew Nojiko had such strength, yet you still let Tashigi and Nojiko duel."

Hina furrowed her brow, her eyes revealing a hint of displeasure.

"But I didn't force Tashigi, did I?"

"And I only mentioned that Nojiko only knows the 'Flowing Dance' move, not anything about her strength, right?"

Rosen patted Hina's hand resting on his shoulder, saying nonchalantly.

"Hmph! Remember this, Rosen!"

"If you don't teach Tashigi swordsmanship with all your heart and soul."

"Hina will definitely arrest you and send you to the Marine's prison."

Hina crossed her arms, her words revealing a hint of determination.

"Hey hey, I haven't committed any crimes."

"Is it necessary to be so terrifying?"

Rosen shook his head and took Shigure from Nojiko's hand.

But because Tashigi and Hina were still present, Rosen didn't immediately upload Shigure.

Instead, he went to Tashigi, who looked disappointed.

"Miss Tashigi, I'll temporarily take Shigure."

"Although I said that, in the future, you can still challenge me or Nojiko."

"If you can win, maybe I'll return Shigure to you."

"As for now, it's time to fulfill my promise."

"I wonder if Miss Tashigi is interested in learning 'Water Breathing'?"

Upon hearing 'Water Breathing', Tashigi's ears twitched.

There was a glimmer in her eyes.

She lifted her head, looked at Rosen, and there was a hint of resentment in her eyes.

"Lord Rosen, please teach me with all your heart and soul."

"Also, as you said."

"I will come to challenge you and Nojiko in the future to get back my Shigure."

Upon hearing this, Rosen nodded slightly. "That's natural."

"However, Miss Tashigi is a member of the Marine."

"Afterward, should you return with Captain Hina?"

In other words, he was asking if Tashigi was convenient to learn swordsmanship by Rosen's side.

After all, the matter with Captain Nezumi had already concluded, and Tashigi, as a member of the Loguetown Marines, couldn't possibly stay here forever.

Tashigi pursed her lips and looked up at Hina beside her.

"Captain Hina, can I stay here for a while?"

"I want to learn swordsmanship from Lord Rosen first."

Hina rested her chin on her hand, her eyes showing a hint of contemplation.

"It's okay, but how will Captain Hina explain to Captain Smoker?"

"And as the logistics officer of Loguetown, you can't stay in Cocoyashi Village all the time."

At this moment, Rosen felt he needed to speak up.

"As for this, Captain Hina and Miss Tashigi don't need to worry."

"In fact, I originally planned to go to Loguetown."

"After Nami and Nojiko finish their affairs here, I will set sail."

"If Miss Tashigi doesn't mind, you can take my ship to Loguetown."

Rosen smiled.

Hina didn't speak, but turned to look at Tashigi.

Tashigi nodded and agreed to Rosen's proposal.

"Now that Tashigi has agreed, Hina naturally won't say anything more."

"But, Rosen, if you bully Tashigi..."

"Rosen..."

Hina walked up to Rosen, her eyes very serious as she began to warn Rosen.

"Captain Hina means you won't let me off, right? I understand, don't worry."

Rosen waved his hand, directly interrupting Hina's words.

"Hmph."

Interrupted, Hina could only snort coldly, expressing her dissatisfaction.

"Now that it's decided, let's make the most of our time and start training."

"Tashigi, come with me for the next period of time."

"How much you can learn from me depends on yourself."

Rosen patted Tashigi's shoulder, pushing her towards the neighboring gym.

As they left, Rosen raised his hand and handed Nojiko the Shadow of the Novice Swordsman 'Tanjiro Kamado' challenge card.

Hina took a drag from her cigarette, then followed Rosen's footsteps.

Before leaving Cocoyashi Village, she wanted to see how Rosen would teach Tashigi.

Rosen glanced back at Hina and smiled:

"Captain Hina is interested in learning too? Why don't you agree to my previous conditions and find a famous sword to exchange with me?"

"Hmph, Captain Hina doesn't care about your swordsmanship. Captain Hina just wants to make sure Tashigi is safe."

"Is that so? Then do you want to learn the technique of lighting a cigarette I just did?"

"Captain Hina already said she doesn't care!"

Hina's face darkened, responding to Rosen's teasing while following him into the gym.

Soon, only Nojiko remained in the dojo.

"Well then, let's get started."

Nojiko looked at the Novice Swordsman challenge card in her hand, took a deep breath, and walked towards the arena.