Translator: PapaSmurf0700
In Zoro's memory, a scene unfolds vividly before him—a poignant moment from his childhood. A young boy with green hair, tears streaking down his face, stands opposite a girl. His voice breaks through his sobs as he makes a heartfelt plea, "Promise me!"
"One day, either you or I will become the greatest swordsman in the world! Let's see who reaches the top first!" His eyes, though wet, burn with determination.
The girl, trying hard to hold back her own tears, nods firmly. Under the gentle glow of the moonlight, they clasp hands tightly—a pact sealed between two aspiring spirits.
Bai Ye observes Zoro lost in his memories, understanding deeply the only person who could evoke such a poignant expression from him: Kuina. She was the daughter of Zoro's mentor, Koushirou, and his childhood rival at the Isshin Dojo. Together, they had dreamed of mastering the sword, vowing to each other to vie for the title of the world's greatest swordsman.
Tragically, Kuina's life was cut short at just ten years old, a sudden accident snatching away her dreams and altering Zoro's path forever. Overwhelmed by loss but driven by their shared dream, a young Zoro knelt before his mentor, tears unabated, pleading through his grief, "Teacher, give me that sword. Please, give me Kuina's sword."
Lifting his head, his voice resolute amidst the sorrow, Zoro declared, "I will become stronger for both of us! I will become so strong that my name will echo through the heavens! I will be the strongest swordsman in the world! Because... because that's what we agreed on!"
This memory, laden with pain and resolve, continues to fuel Zoro's relentless pursuit of strength, shaping the very core of his being.
The way Zoro held his sword, Wado Ichimonji, and spoke, there was a certain gravity in his voice that resonated deeply. "I don't care how many years it takes others," Zoro said slowly, his voice rough with determination. "If it takes 28 years to reach the top—" He paused, his gaze lifting to the sky as if searching for a sign, or perhaps seeking an unseen presence. "I can't keep someone waiting that long."
Eventually, Zoro turned back to Bai Ye, his expression resolute yet tinged with urgency. "So, I need your help, Bai Ye."
It was clear Zoro was torn between patience and the pressing need to fulfill his promises sooner rather than later. He knew his current strength wasn't sufficient to claim the title of the world's greatest swordsman. Yet, he felt the weight of time pressing against him. He had vowed to Luffy and Bai Ye never to face defeat again. However, his recent confrontations, particularly with formidable opponents like Stainless and Aokiji, had starkly highlighted his limitations without the support of his comrades.
For Zoro, such defeats were intolerable. He was haunted by his vow, and every setback felt like a betrayal of his commitment. This had even led him to obsess over mastering haki, neglecting his fundamental skills with the sword in the process.
Normally, Zoro's days were filled with rigorous training, each session driven by an intense desire to catch up to the best. But the unexpected rest day caused by Bai Ye's teleportation had given him time to reflect, bringing him to a realization that perhaps he needed to approach his goal differently.
Now, as he reached out to Bai Ye for guidance, there was a rare openness in his request, a humility that Zoro seldom showed. Bai Ye, caught off guard by this admission, found himself momentarily lost for words, his expression a mix of surprise and contemplation. This was the first time he had seen Zoro willingly acknowledge his need for help in such a straightforward manner.
The most pressing reason behind Bai Ye's hesitation was his confusion about what Zoro actually meant by 'help.' Watching Bai Ye's puzzled expression, Zoro felt compelled to clarify.
"Remember the time we faced the vice admiral? Even with all of us teaming up, we didn't make a dent on him," Zoro recounted, his voice heavy with the weight of that memory. "But after you forcefully sent us away, you took him down single-handedly. That slash you used—it was something else, on a whole different level."
Zoro's eyes sparkled with admiration and a burning desire. "I need to learn how to do that!" he exclaimed passionately. "I'll do whatever it takes, no matter the cost."
For the first time, Zoro set aside his swordsman pride and asked humbly for guidance, his gaze earnest and expectant. But his request went beyond just mastering a new technique.
"Bai Ye, you've gotten incredibly strong so fast," Zoro continued, a hint of envy creeping into his voice as he mentioned their recent battle with Aokiji. "Your growth rate is terrifying—faster than me, Luffy, or even Sanji."
He paused, his expression turning serious. "Without you, just the three of us might not last long. We'd probably be defeated," he admitted, locking eyes with Bai Ye. "If it's possible, I want to grow quickly too."
In that moment, Bai Ye finally grasped the full extent of Zoro's plea. As he considered the request, Bai Ye's thoughts were careful and deliberate. He had no intention of denying Zoro's request. After all, they were more than just companions; they were friends who would risk their lives for each other. And now, with his newfound perspective, Bai Ye was even more inclined to help Zoro reach his potential.
So, he knew he had to plan this out carefully—because helping Zoro grow stronger was not just a matter of training; it was about strengthening their bond and ensuring their collective survival.
Firstly, there was the incident with the slash against Stainless. In reality, Zoro had a big misunderstanding about that situation. The immense power he witnessed was not just Bai Ye's skill—it was due to a demonic pill and Bai Ye releasing a surge of pent-up energy. It was essentially a desperate, final move, something like a last stand in battle. In fact, anyone possessing the same energy that Bai Ye had at that moment could have executed that same powerful slash.
Next, let's address the second point of discussion: the Growth Rate. Zoro might not realize this, but Bai Ye is well aware that his rapid development is not due to mere chance. There are several key factors involved. One major factor is his method of cultivation; whether it's practicing the Golden Light Curse or the Qimen techniques, these are high-level methods. Successfully mastering these techniques creates a significant difference compared to those using lesser methods. However, these advanced techniques are notoriously difficult to begin.
Bai Ye benefits from several advantages here: he has a full-level comprehension buff in the Taomen Jilu, a rich environment conducive to practice, and most crucially, a slower flow of time. These conditions have enabled him to make substantial progress in a remarkably short period.
Another crucial reason for Bai Ye's strength reaching its current level is his experience with the heart demon tribulation. Whether it's mastering the two hexagrams or enhancing the golden light curse, it's all been a result of facing and overcoming this tribulation.
With these thoughts, Bai Ye had his answer almost ready. Among the various methods for gaining strength, the only one Bai Ye could realistically offer Zoro was the last one: facing a tribulation. For cultivators, undergoing a tribulation is one of the fastest ways to enhance one's strength, second only to the path of demonic cultivation.
Obviously, Bai Ye couldn't just inflict a heart demon on Zoro, as the Heart Demon Tribulation specifically benefits cultivators like Bai Ye who practice heavenly arts and refine their inner selves. However, among ancient cultivators, especially those who studied the Sword Dao, there was a similar challenge known as the Sword Demon Tribulation.