"Clang!"
Another sharp metallic clash echoed as Wood's longsword struck Iron Arm Cook's other gauntlet, sending sparks flying.
Wood, gripping his sword with both hands, pushed down with all his strength, but his face clearly showed the strain. Despite all his training, Wood still couldn't match the raw power of the much larger Cook.
While Wood used both hands to wield his sword, Cook held his ground with just one arm, easily maintaining the stalemate. But it didn't last long—Wood quickly noticed Cook's other fist barreling towards his head with a whistling sound.
Knowing he couldn't match Cook in strength, Wood wisely chose not to engage in a direct clash. He swiftly jumped back several times, putting a safe distance between himself and Cook.
"Kid, when I saw you standing alone against our Iron Arm Pirate Crew, I thought you had some guts. But it turns out you're just a coward who knows how to run," Cook taunted, his voice dripping with scorn.
Cook's strength was formidable, and with his custom-made iron gauntlets, every punch he threw packed a massive punch. But that power came with a downside—Cook was slow.
The solid iron gauntlets that boosted his attack and defense also weighed him down considerably.
Since the fight began, Cook had been chasing Wood relentlessly, leaving the ground around them riddled with craters, yet he hadn't even touched Wood's clothes.
Cook's confidence had turned into frustration as he failed repeatedly to land a hit on Wood, who remained calm and unfazed by Cook's insults.
This wasn't some heroic anime where two characters exchanged blow after blow—Wood wasn't a protagonist with plot armor or the luck of a shonen hero.
In a real life-or-death battle, brute strength alone wasn't enough; you had to use your brain.
Facing an opponent who seemed weaker than him but had eluded his attacks for so long, Cook was starting to lose his cool, giving Wood a psychological edge.
Wearing those heavy gauntlets was also sapping Cook's stamina, while Wood, who had been dodging and conserving his energy, had barely broken a sweat.
Wood knew that once Cook's stamina waned and his anger clouded his judgment, that would be the perfect moment to strike.
Sure, this method wasn't exactly honorable or in line with the heroic, manly battles often glorified on the seas, but Wood didn't care. His life was on the line, and survival was the ultimate goal.
In fact, Wood could probably defeat Cook head-on with his speed and the sword techniques he'd honed over the past year. But that would likely leave him injured, and his fight wouldn't end with just Cook.
He was up against the entire Iron Arm Pirate Crew.
If he defeated Cook but ended up seriously injured, what difference would it make if he won or lost? The people of Red Leaf Island were relying on him as their only line of defense.
If Wood and Cook both went down, the other pirates would easily overpower the defenseless islanders.
"Captain Cook, if this brat is such a coward, why don't we just go after the people on the island? We're a pirate crew—who says we have to fight one-on-one? We don't need to defeat this kid to raid the town," suggested the Iron Arm Pirate Crew's first mate, who often played the role of strategist for the less-than-bright Cook.
The suggestion sparked significant reactions from both Wood and Cook.
Wood's expression turned grim; this was precisely what he had feared all along. He had been goading Cook from the start, trying to keep his focus on him and away from the townspeople.
Wood had recognized Cook immediately. Even though this wasn't a character from the timeline Wood was familiar with, he knew Cook wasn't just some random pirate.
Since receiving the mission to protect Red Leaf Island, Wood had gathered wanted posters of various rookie pirates from the four seas.
Iron Arm Cook, with his 20 million Berries bounty and notorious reputation, was naturally among them.
Because Wood had researched Cook beforehand and observed him during their brief encounter, he had acted the way he did.
But now it seemed that his plan to wear Cook down had failed. He needed to act quickly!
Unlike Wood, who was now deeply concerned, Cook's eyes lit up at his first mate's suggestion. A cruel grin spread across his face.
"Kid, keep running if you want. I'll kill everyone on this island first, and then I'll deal with you.
Men, start by killing all the children and elderly. Keep the men alive to cut down the trees, and leave the women for the crew," Cook ordered.
The Iron Arm Pirate Crew, numbering nearly a hundred, roared in agreement and began charging toward the town.
Seeing this, Wood knew he had no time to lose. He dashed forward, intercepting the first wave of pirates.
"One-Sword Style: Iai Strike – Falling Cherry Blossom!"
A fierce slash of his sword exploded through the air. As Wood's blade returned to its sheath, nearly ten pirates in front of him were suddenly marked by intersecting sword wounds.
The instant Wood's blade was fully sheathed, the pirates' wounds burst open, spraying blood like cherry blossoms in bloom.
The Iron Arm Pirate Crew froze at the sight of Wood's swordsmanship. Earlier, when Wood had been dodging their captain, they had assumed he was weak.
But now it was clear—Wood hadn't been weak at all. He had been holding back the entire time!