After everyone stepped back, they all stared intently at the arena.
Especially Smoker, who wanted to see what qualified this person to fight against his big brother, Kuzan.
"I've heard your swordsmanship is strong. Today, I'll test it first."
"Heh..."
Kuzan spoke, letting out a cold breath.
In his hand, an ice blade slowly appeared.
Powerful cold air surrounded the ice blade.
"Swordsmanship?"
"Kuzan, sometimes, you really are foolish!"
As Yeyin spoke, he drew his two swords, Rainfall and Lingxiang.
With a burst of speed using Soru, he appeared in front of Kuzan in the blink of an eye.
"Even in training, if you don't put forth your full strength, it's disrespectful to both yourself and your opponent!"
"Blood will make you understand this lesson!"
Crack...
With just one strike, Kuzan's ice blade shattered.
The sword, imbued with Armament Haki, instantly cut across Kuzan's chest.
A streak of crimson immediately appeared.
"You're right. I shouldn't have been arrogant."
"Ice Time Capsule!"
Without hesitation, Kuzan quickly retreated.
One by one, ice projectiles rapidly shot towards Yeyin.
"As expected of Kuzan."
"In just a year, you've developed your Devil Fruit abilities to this level!"
"Super Technique: Lateral Jump!"
Yeyin instantly used his most powerful technique, the Lateral Jump.
With the aid of Soru and his immense speed and agility, the ice projectiles couldn't hit Yeyin at all.
However, no matter where the ice projectiles landed, massive ice spikes appeared.
If this continued, his space to move would soon become restricted.
This guy must be planning it that way, right?
"Two-Sword Style: First Technique – Cross Waterwheel!"
Yeyin gripped his swords horizontally and slashed out in an instant.
A faint sword energy overflowed from the blade.
Though it hadn't reached the level of a full slash yet.
But with Soru and Armament Haki, Yeyin instantly cut through all the ice spikes and appeared behind Kuzan.
"What terrifying power. Have you concentrated Armament Haki in your feet?"
Kuzan's body, in its elemental state, slowly began to heal, with a few beads of icy sweat falling from his face.
Just now, Kuzan had thought he was going to die.
Even Zephyr, who was watching from afar, broke into a cold sweat.
However, Yeyin's attack had only scratched Kuzan's skin.
Upon realizing the danger, Kuzan had instinctively used his elemental state, as any Logia-type Devil Fruit user would.
If he hadn't studied the Ice-Ice Fruit so extensively this past year, that attack might have killed him.
"Not bad. You didn't get so scared by the ambush that you forgot how to use your elemental powers."
"I know you still have some abilities you haven't unleashed, but with your current mindset, you're sure to lose against me."
"As expected, you're still far from it!"
Yeyin sheathed both of his swords and then motioned for Kuzan to come forward.
"I understand."
Kuzan reached into his pocket and threw the prepared trash on the ground.
Yeyin picked it up, satisfied, and left.
As he left, Kuzan clenched his fists, dispelling the icy spikes around him.
"So, have you made up your mind?"
Zephyr appeared behind Kuzan and asked slowly.
"I've made up my mind. Staying here any longer won't help me improve."
"I will become a true Marine and hone my strength on the seas."
"In the face of evil, I will never hesitate again. I will challenge him once more!"
Kuzan declared boldly.
(End of Chapter)