The teenagers nearby began to whisper among themselves, proudly remarking, "See, I told you he came to seek guidance!" Their faces were filled with joy and a sense of superiority.
However, the indifferent middle-aged man observed a different quality in Ron's composed gaze.
This wasn't about seeking guidance.
This was a challenge.
The indifferent middle-aged man couldn't help but suppress a faint smile and asked, "You stated that you came seeking guidance! Haha, young people are so audacious nowadays. Are you certain you want me to instruct you?"
"Absolutely" Ron responded with a nonchalant nod. Then he suddenly shifted and added, "But when it comes on to a duel, how about a bit of wagering?"
"Oh, a duel?" Grace inquired with interest. He had been active in the East Blue for many years and had gained a reputation. The teenager standing before him couldn't be older than twenty, yet he dared to challenge him. Grace chuckled inwardly, confident that he would teach this young upstart swordsman a lesson. He planned to demonstrate his skills before his students and show them the difference between an accomplished master swordsman and a mere challenger.
"My head!" Ron pointed to his own head and declared, "I propose a wager, I challenge your sword drawing technique and your mastery of the two sword style. If I lose, you can claim the ten-million-Bailey bounty on my head, but If I win, you must teach me these two sword skills. How about it?"
"A ten-million-Bailey bounty?" Grace narrowed his eyes. "Are you a pirate?"
"Yeah!" Ron admitted with a shrug.
"Young man, you're quite daring to gamble with your life on the line for two sword techniques" Grace noted with a wry smile.
"Doesn't a swordsman seek an unwavering and determined spirit?" Ron replied calmly.
"Well said" Grace remarked, his opinion of Ron shifting. "I accept your challenge."
"Hmm..."
The teenagers nearby were slightly dumbfounded. This wasn't how they had expected the situation to unfold. They had anticipated that someone had come to admire their teacher's fame and seek guidance. How had it turned into a challenge?
Frowning in secret, one of the shorter teenagers said, "We completely misread this. He is actually here to challenge our teacher!"
"Yeah, and he won't stand a chance!" Another slightly chubby teenager regarded Ron with disdain. "He can't be much older than us, even if he's been practicing kendo since he was a child. How skilled can he be? I'm confident our teacher will defeat him with a single blow!"
"That's right, our teacher is incredibly powerful. I've seen him spar with a naval base captain, and It only took two moves to defeat the captain!" Another teenager's eyes sparkled as he added, "Why did this stranger challenge our teacher? Is he seeking trouble?"
"Well, if he's looking for trouble, let's find out how it will end!" A nonchalant teenager snorted.
Click...
Grace remained stern. Once he accepted a challenge, he approached with unwavering focus, regardless of his opponent's identity.
With a slight bend of his knees, Grace's right thumb pressed against the sheath of his sword. His posture exuded a sense of power and readiness, much like a tiger preparing to pounce.
"Is this the stance for drawing the sword?" Ron observed Grace's movements with interest. He was genuinely eager to learn this sword technique, renowned for its attack potency and explosiveness, although it came at the cost of reduced durability. Ron wasn't worried; once he acquired this technique, he had plenty of complementary moves to address such shortcomings.
"Are you ready?" Grace's tone was icy as he asked, "I won't hold back."
"I'm ready" Ron nodded. He held the demonic sword in his left hand, crossing it in front of him. But instead of immediately drawing the sword, he remained still.
Grace furrowed his brow and asked, "Aren't you going to attack first?"
"Mr. Grace, as a senior you please go ahead" Ron replied with a gentle smile.
"Truly Daring!" Grace muttered under his breath. "It's been quite some time since I encountered such a cocky young man. If you're so bold, then I'll teach you the essence of true swordplay today. You'll learn that underestimating your opponent is unwise."
"Wind-Cutting Strike!"
Swish!
A flash of the blade, and Grace was suddenly behind Ron.
Click!
Grace lowered his head as he closed the sheath and hilt of the sword in his left hand. Then, he stood upright once more.
Ron maintained his gentle and composed expression. He slowly lowered the demonic sword in his hand, then turned around to face Grace. In a soft tone, he said, "Mr. Grace, you truly deserve your reputation as a renowned swordsman in Logue Town. Your sword drawing technique is exceptional, and I admire it greatly."
Grace remained silent, still keeping his head down.
The teenagers standing nearby wore expressions of satisfaction. They believed that their teacher had won the duel. Because they heard the challenger, the one who came to challenge, admiring their teacher?
"Haha, this kid thought he could challenge our sensei? Dream on!" one teenager laughed.
"Yes, our sensei is incredibly strong. Even navy officers can't match up to him" another teenager chimed in, laughing heartily.
The rest of the teenagers wore similar happy expressions, radiating pride. With such a formidable teacher to instruct them in swordsmanship, how could they not grow strong?
"Silence!!!" A sudden and commanding shout silenced the teenagers in their tracks.
Grace turned his head to address the exuberant praise from the teenagers. Then, he shifted his gaze back to Ron, his face a mixture of astonishment and fear, his emotions unsteady. Ron's calm demeanor had stirred up excitement and trepidation within him.