The Celestial Dragon Pirates marched across a dirt path towards Jasa's hideout each using Haki to keep a lookout. They wandered for almost an hour as the sun set before Markus found the base with Haki.
They didn't bother sneaking around as Markus unleashed his Haki and walked towards the large camp surrounded by wooden walls and spikes. He stopped right in front of a gate where a few pirates were waiting with their weapons aimed at them. Markus simply smiled and nodded to his crew.
Anderson accurately threw his fishing line through the gate gap before it wrapped around a nearby lever. He used Haki to help pull the lever forcing the gate to start opening. The pirates tried to get to the lever to stop it but Markus's Haki incapacitated most of them. Markus confidently strode into the hideout as the gate finished opening.
Harlen followed with his brass knuckles on and a pistol in his left hand. He started by firing a shot stopping a pirate charging them dead before Anderson swept his fishing line across the legs of nearby pirates. Markus swung his sword to decapitate the trapped pirates before they were in the center of the camp.
Markus was impressed having already taken out almost a thousand pirates on the island but found nearly three hundred surrounding them. Markus kept his calm and maintained eye contact with a large behemoth of a man. The fat man had a severe red face with veins pulsing across his bald head. He glared down at Markus and his crew.
"So you're the brats destroying MY crew?! A bunch of fucking children?!" The man, Jasa Markus assumed, gripped his armrest tight enough to destroy it. He was shouting in rage seeing his entire business and crew fall apart. "KILL THEM!!"
Markus watched as the pirates blindly charged them with weapons raised. His crew easily avoided bullets leaving them to be more deadly for the pirates that couldn't dodge with Haki. Harlen leg swept a few pirates before rushing under an attack and slamming his fists into a pirates head.
Anderson leaned back dodging a sword feeling his heartbeat wildly he turned around and raised his fishing rod with Haki covering it to block a sword slash. He felt was pushed back a single step when he felt a chill run down his back. Before he could turn around he decided to take a step forward and focus on the pirate in front of him. Behind him Markus easily blocked gun fire and a sword before killing the pirates targeting Anderson behind his back.
Harlen was quickly becoming overrun with pirates as he knocked down one and three more attacked him. He was put on the backfoot as he tried to find an opening to run. He thought he found one and charged forward quickly with a powerful strike into a man's face. CLANK!
Markus caught a sword in his Haki covered hand protecting Harlen before he threw the man into a few other pirates. Markus unsheathed his sword into a thrust pinning down three pirates before jumping back and performing and spun around unleashing a 360o slash. He looked around at his crew before quickly looking at his status then back to the angry Jasa all in a second.
[Name: Markus
Level: 70
Primary Class: [Adept Swordsman - Level: 24]
Secondary Class: [Beginner Marksman - Level: 7]
HP: 100%
SP: 89%
HK: 90%]
[Skills:
[Adept Swordsmanship - Level: MAX]
[Armament Haki - Level: 7 [251,417/300,000]
[Observation Haki - Level: 8 [1,827/400,000]
[Conqueror's Haki - Level: 3 [137,900/400,000]
[Beginner Marksmanship - Level: 40 [25/1,000]
[One Sword Style - Flow - Level: MAX]
[Cooking - Level: 2 [39/200]
Markus broke out in a sprint towards Jasa while Markus cleared his way. Anderson used his fishing pole to throw different pirates around and catch those that tried to attack Markus. Quickly the fights changed. Anderson stood back to back with Harlen and Markus while facing down almost fifty pirates while Markus and Harlen faced down Jasa and his First Mate, Endo the 'Terror'.
While Jasa had a bounty of 45 million, Endo only had one of 10 but he was still a decent opponent as he drew a sword and aimed it towards Harlen. Markus smiled condescendingly and pointed his Sword at Jasa.
"Come Jasa. I need you to die today, I hope you understand." Jasa became increasingly angry as he stood up showing his towering 8 foot height. Endo charged first along with Harlen while Markus and Jasa walked each other down. They held eye contact before they were mere inches apart. Markus raised his sword while Jasa leaned back with his fist pulled back.
They both moved at the same time creating sparks as they clashed. Markus slashed down first into his arm before using Mirage to slash his stomach to find a small cut. Jasa became angry and kicked at Markus but was easily dodged. Markus danced around Jasa as he unleashed a few cuts that even with his strong Armament barely broke through Jasa's defense. Markus felt his eye twitch but kept dodging Jasa's wide swings.
"STAY STILL!" Jasa roared and swung a backhand that actually caught Markus off guard. He dodged thanks to Haki but only barely. Jasa slammed his fist into the ground barely missing Markus again but quickly increased his speed until he actually caught Markus.
Markus blocked the punch with his sword but was sent thrown backwards. He used his sword to stabilize himself in time to see Jasa charging him. Markus jumped over him and slashed his back leaving a slightly bigger slash. Jasa stopped charging and turned around with a glare. They eyed each other before charging again.
Harlen swung first into Endo's sword before blocking a slash using his Haki coated fist before he kicked Endo with his shin. Endo was caught off guard but recovered quickly with a frenzy of slashes that Harlen mostly avoided. A large cut started bleeding across his chest but he ignored the pain and swung at Endo.
Endo ducked and went for a stab that Harlen caught with a Haki coated palm. He pulled Endo towards him to slam his knee into Endo's face before kicking him away. Endo held his blade tightly as he rolled across the ground. Endo got up and groaned before glaring at a smirking Harlen through his bloodied face.
Anderson used Guerilla tactics he learned from Harlen to pick off the extra pirates one by one. They tried to interfere in Markus and Harlens fights but quickly found they couldn't ignore Anderson and his rod. They tried to surround him but that was easier said than done with him creating his own openings.
Anderson dodged a series of gun fire using a building before throwing his fishing line over the top to steal a gun and use it for himself. He fired off a few shots before repeatedly taking peoples guns as he ran out of ammo.
****
Anderson huffed as he held his fishing pole tightly while crouched behind a wall. He could sense the pirates heading towards him but he was tired. He knew he was older than most that started as pirates but he didn't want it to affect him as much. He took a few deep breaths before throwing his line around the wall and catching two pirates legs. He pulled them towards him to shoot before he ran for it again.
The pirates cursed and quickly followed. Anderson counted off 44 pirates left. He took a deep breath once more while running before turning around and throwing his line onto a sign on a building. He felt his arms strain but his Haki manifested as he pulled with all his strength tearing the sign down onto five pirates.
Anderson ran towards them this time, surprising them. He used his rod to trip up a pirate before ducking under a punch. He ran around the pirates in a similar dance to how Markus would fight before he stood on the other side of the pirates with a huge grin. They were angry and went to rush him just to collectively fall. They then noticed the line of wire that was wrapped around each of them that seemed to tighten each time even one of them moved.
A few screamed in pain while a few fast thinkers tried to slice the line apart but since it was so thin he could effectively spread his weak Haki across the entire line keeping it from being cut by such weak pirates. Anderson wiped his forehead before taking a gun and finishing them off one at a time. By the end he ignored his turning stomach and sat to watch Harlen and Markus in exhaustion.
****
Harlen barely dodged a decapitation before trying to go for an attack that was blocked by Endo's sword. Endo sneered and rushed behind Harlen for a surprise attack but Harlen easily sidestepped it and kicked Endo in the gut. Harlen raised his hands quickly, barely blocking a fast slash that bounced off his Haki coated brass knuckles.
Harlen took a step back to avoid another attack before sliding his left foot forward. Endo never saw it coming as he went in for a wide slash to force Harlen into a corner but quickly surprised as a fist slammed into his temple launching him into a building. Harlen huffed but kept his guard up. Thankfully his Haki was active as a sword almost pierced his heart if he hadn't moved at the last second.
Harlen looked at the small cut across his arm and glared at Endo who just glared back and spit out some blood. They circled each other before Endo charged first. Harlen slid his foot back and used Endo's momentum to dodge and throw him. Endo cursed his shortsightedness but quickly recovered to unleash a barrage of slashes that Harlen either dodged or blocked with his knuckles.
Harlen kept dodging and blocking before seeing a wide opening in Endo's gut that he quickly charged to. He slammed a Haki fist into Endo's stomach but was met with a sword piercing his arm at the same time. Endo went flying while Harlen grabbed his wound and backed up again on high alert.
He didn't see Endo through the adrenaline so he unleashed his Haki again just in time to duck and Endo flew over him. He set his hands on the pavement and lifted himself into a Haki enhanced Donkey kick that launched Endo into the air. Harlen spun around landing on his right foot into a spin before kicking Endo in the face as he came down.
Endo was sent flying. He struggled to get up with support from his sword but kept his eyes on Harlen. Harlen rolled his shoulders and got back into his combat stance before he advanced forward. Endo charged at him again this time with more caution.
As they were about to clash they both went with a feint before sword and knuckles clashed in air. Sparks flew with each consecutive clash. Endo fought with all his strength, speed, and rage now as he increased each strike to try and kill Harlen who was much calmer. Harlen was in the Zone.
He had forgotten all about everything else and only knew he was fighting. He had forgotten where he was or why just that the person he was punching needed to stay down. Harlen increased the speed of his punches and slowly built up ferocity with each strike. His heart was pumping nearly 160 beats a minute while his brain went into overtime trying to find the smallest opening. Then it clicked. His Haki seemed to dispearce but it actually spread thinly out across just Endo and him.
Harlen stopped mid punch to lean back. Harlen quickly started taking small seemingly unprecedented steps but with each step he not only avoided an attack from Endo but also got closer. Harlen immediately grabbed Endo's wrist and pulled him in. It was quickly a massacre as Harlen brutalized Endo's face.
Harlen lost track of the time or place as he bashed Endo's face in. He raised his fist up but found his arm couldn't move. He looked back to see a Haki coated wire around his arm. He looked towards a serious Anderson before sighing and collapsing onto his back next to Endo's dead body.
****
Markus ducked under a back hand from Jasa before unleashing multiple well placed slashes at his vitals that failed to leave more than shallow cuts. Markus felt slightly annoyed at first but quickly his smile became euphoric. Why? Because Jasa is the strongest person he's fought since Shisu.
Jasa had superior strength and defense to Markus with immense vitality and stamina able to wreck the entire area with mini craters from his attacks. Markus's Armament barely evened the playing field while his Observation gave him an advantage however even with his increased Recovery he was losing health, stamina, and Haki too fast.
"You come into MY village, MY island, kill MY people, and ruin MY plans?! What purpose do you even have coming here to die?!!" Jasa kicked the ground hard and took off the fastest he had yet before trying to closeline Markus. Markus easily ducked under it but was surprised his speed had almost doubled. Markus was slightly worried since his speed advantage was the only thing keeping him up right now.
Markus felt his Haki surge but kept his Conqueror's in check before unleashing Armament to coat his sword in a dense, black and purple, semi-liquid armor. He vaulted over a punch from Jasa and quickly adjusted himself to unleash a Flow: Eroded Century but found Jasa's other fist connecting with his sword.
Jasa screamed in pain but powered through it to throw Markus back. Markus easily stabilized himself and smiled at the angry Jasa. Jasa for his credit actually didn't shout or rage instead he took a deep breath and straightened his posture. His skin slowly took on a grayish hue as he grew to almost five times his original size into what Markus identified as a giant fucking elephant.
"HAHAHA!! I am Jasa "The Trampler"! I have the Zou Zou no mi: Model Savanna Elephant! You might have some interesting tricks you shitty brat but you can't stop true power!!" Markus cursed and dodged Jasa's five foot thick trunk that was about to slam on him. He quickly started running up the trunk.
"Hey now! You know what they say! The bigger they are! THE HARDER THEY DIE!!" Markus slashed Jasa in the eye before running across his back dragging his sword across his spine. He was shocked to find that even with his strongest Haki he was struggling to make a dent in his skin.
"HAHAHAHAHA! That tickles!" Jasa jumped onto his hind legs trying to throw Markus off but Markus stabbed into his back to hold on. Jasa quickly drug him out of the base still flailing about before ultimately deciding to fall onto his back.
Markus saw that coming and already freed himself and rolled across the ground. Jasa slammed into the ground hard causing the island to shake from the almost fifty foot tall elephant falling. Jasa transformed into a twenty foot tall man with tusks and thick grayish skin. Markus cursed ones more.
"Of course you know Hybrid!" Markus was still faster thankfully and rushed in to dodge Jasa's swinging trunk. He tried to slash at Jasa's left side seeing him still squinting from his stab in the eye. He was stunned to find he couldn't break through Jasa's skin. He jumped back and narrowed his eyes.
"HAHAHAHAHA! You can't win brat!" Jasa slammed his hands into the ground before ripping out a chunk of earth to throw at Markus. Markus simply sliced it in half before realizing the problem. His Haki could break iron yeah but it was just an enhancement not actual strength and Jasa's body was just as strong if not stronger than iron. If he wanted to win he needed to learn to cut steel.
Markus barely dodged another rock as he entered a state of concentration. His mind was racing a hundred miles a minute as he considered everything he knew about One Piece and it's very lenient laws of physics along with what he knew of Swordsmanship. To cut steel he needs to be able to cut nothing. And to cut nothing he must connect with the world. However first he needed to connect with his sword.
Markus dodged Jasa charging him and quickly went on the defensive as he ran away.
"Where the fuck do you think you're going?!?" Jasa became angrier and charged Markus again. Markus led him around and away from a village they were close to before stopping in an open field. He closed his eyes and held his sword tightly. Jasa arrived quickly and saw Markus standing still.
Jasa grinned widely and kicked up dirt before charging.
Markus focused heavily on his sword. How much it weighed, how it felt in his hand, the shape, the materials, how sharp the blade was, and how it felt when he would use it. He opened his eyes to see a field of flowers. He gracefully swept his sword across a few roses before he turned around and blocked Jasa's charge.
Markus's eyes narrowed and his Observation almost exploded out of him. He narrowly dodged Jasa's trunk before crouching. His sword was sheathed.
"Advanced Flow: Gully Erosion!" Markus's blade, at a perfect perpendicular angle to Jasa's solar plexus, cut through him like butter. A large gash opened and sprayed blood across Markus who simply sheathed his sword. Jasa took a step back but collapsed into what looked like a large canal that stretched almost fifty meters behind him in a winding motion back towards Markus.
"You were a good opponent." Markus watched as Jasa untransformed before removing his head and taking it. He looked towards the sky with a smile of relief.
[You have maxed out your Primary Class!]
[Class Quest -
[Advanced Swordsman] C-Rank
Learn to cut steel! {Completed}]
[Class upgraded!]
[Obtained Primary Class:
[Advanced Swordsman] - Increase physical stats by 5% when using a sword! Increased Sword Knowledge!
[Name: Markus
Level: 74
Primary Class: [Advanced Swordsman - Level: 1]
Secondary Class: [Beginner Marksman - Level: 7]
HP: 47%
SP: 15%
HK: 6%]
[Skills:
[Advanced Swordsmanship - Level: 1 [0/10,000]
[Armament Haki - Level: 8 [399/400,000]
[Observation Haki - Level: 8 [105,281/400,000]
[Conqueror's Haki - Level: 3 [138,103/400,000]
[Beginner Marksmanship - Level: 40 [25/1,000]
[One Sword Style - Flow - Level: MAX]
[Cooking - Level: 2 [39/200]
[One Sword Style - Advanced Flow - Level: 1/7]
An advanced set of Strong Sword techniques from the gentle sword Flow style! Increase Speed and Strength by 1%! Better understanding of the Flow style!]
3000~ Words