10. Saber Toothed Tiger!

Bang!!

An explosion went off. Dust and rubble flew everywhere, smoke clouds surrounded that part of forest.

From within this cloud of smoke two shadows jumped out. One of these shadows was a youngster about the age of fourteen holding a sword.

The other one was a large beast larger than an elephant. Two teeth protruded out of it's mouth as its ice cold eyes glared at this human.

The youngster was obviously Zoro, he was fighting a Class two Beast that attacked him some time ago,

A Saber Toothed Tiger!

This type of beast was considered an overlord in this part of forest. It was of a higher standing than other beasts due to its bloodline as well as it's strength.

Even someone with abundant experience as Zoro was finding it hard to fight such a monster.

Both of them stared silently at each other for a second before attacking.

The Saber Toothed Tiger was quite agile for its size. Zoro dodged most it's attack and got close, his sword was covered in reddish black energy.

Zoro's mastery over swords had reached an unimaginable level in his previous life but he could only bring out a fraction of it with his current strength.

Sword light flashed around the tiger, Zoro made atleast dozens of cut before retreating.

His eyes shrunk when focused on the Tiger, it wasn't injured at all!!

It's fur was slightly cut out but that's all.

" That's some thick hide you have."

The Tiger's eyes blazed with anger, a puny human was looking down on it.

Roar!!

An ear piercing roar escaped its mouth. Zoro readied himself, the fight upto now was just the warm up. The beast was now angered, it's next attacks will be stronger and faster.

As expected, the beast bent down. It's hindleg muscles contracted. Tremendous amount of energy seemed to be condensed into its legs, Zoro's pupil shrunk seeing this. He got a bad feeling seeing this.

Swish!

The beast disappeared.

" What!?! "

Zoro didn't expect such a situation. His Haki was spread wide, so he could make out a shadow coming from his side.

Without even looking at it Zoro retreated, just as he moved the Saber Toothed Tiger appeared infront of him. It's huge body flashed passed him, tearing along dozens of trees along its path.

The beast stopped in its tracks and looked back. It's mouth was filled with tree barks, which it spat out.

A sweat rolled down Zoro's cheeks.

" Whew, that was close."

This time he focused even more, the Tiger did the same action as before. Zoro focused in on its muscles, he wanted to figure out what it was doing.

Swish!

Again it disappeared. But Zoro was prepared, his back was straightened as he listened to the rhythm of life.

Vaguely he felt a presence flicker out of his sense. Zoro held his sword above him....

The eyes of the old man watching him brightened.

' It's that same move! But..... it won't be enough. Kiddo, you are underestimating a class two beast and a peak one at that.'

Zoro's grip on his sword tightened.

" One Sword Style....

Great Dragon Shock!! "

Clang!!!

Sparks danced in air as his sword struck squarely against the Saber Toothed Tiger's claws. Zoro still underestimated his opponent, he felt his hands go numb from this short exchange.

Tremendous energy was transmitted towards his direction from that strike. His body flew back, crashing through several trees raising a cloud a dust.

The Tiger wasn't done, its body flashed again as it appeared right beside Zoro. Those huge sharp claws of it was in motion of tearing him into several pieces.

' Shit!! '

Zoro cursed inside and rolled away. He used this chance to gain his footing and retreated, a confused look was on his face.

' How did it get stronger? '

The old man smirked inside.

' Kid, you don't understand the difference between a Class One and Class Two Beast. Just before it was just playing with you.

You have surprised me this far, will you do it again or will you die? '

He had no intention of stepping in at this point, he wanted to see how far Zoro can go. He wanted to see his true potential, will he step up against adversary or fall down miserably?

Zoro's expression got serious, he didn't understand how it's battle capabilities went up a notch all of a sudden but it still wouldn't change its fate.

The Tiger again did the same motion and disappeared. But this time Zoro was prepared, he was able to figure out it's path!

A large mouth filled with razor sharp teeth was coming behind him. It's mouth was inching closer to head, the old man was very worried seeing him not move.

' Is this it? '

Just as he was about save Zoro he was surprised again, Zoro disappeared!

' No! '

The old man looked up, Zoro was now up in the air. His Sword was sheathed and he was in motion of falling down.

The Tiger was confused for a second before looking up.

' That idiot!! He jumped up!! Hasn't he figured out why that beast can move so fast!?! '

Zoro was about to make another move when a hair rising feeling woke him up. He looked below to see the Saber Toothed Tiger open its mouth.

A red ball of energy was forming just infront of its mouth. Even with that much distance between them Zoro could feel his face heat up.

' Oh shit!! '

He was falling down. Even if he cancel out the attack the Saber Toothed Tiger still had the advantage.

' It could do that!! That's way too crazy! '

He didn't have much time to think, the Tiger seemed to have completed its preparations. A burst of heat was blasted off its mouth as that large ball of compressed fire came at him.

He was prepared to cut it apart but...

Just as he was about to take out his sword that ball of fire split into tens of smaller ones and rushed at him.

Zoro's eyes nearly popped out seeing this, the next second.....

boom! boom! boom!...