Zoro's swords sang through the air as he practiced on the Sunny's deck, his focus razor-sharp as he executed precise, powerful strikes. The rhythmic sound of steel slicing through the wind echoed across the ship.
Kikidori, who had been lounging nearby, sat up, brushing the crumbs of a snack off his shirt. Watching Zoro's discipline and skill sparked something in him. Standing, he dusted off his pants and approached the swordsman with a smirk.
"Hey, Zoro," Kikidori called out, resting his hand on the hilt of his sword.
Zoro paused, wiping sweat from his brow. "What do you want, Kikidori?"
Kikidori twirled his sword expertly, the sunlight catching its polished blade. "I want to spar with you. I've gotten a lot stronger, you know."
Zoro's expression didn't change, but a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. "You think you can take me now, huh? Alright, show me what you've got."
The crew, hearing the challenge, gathered around, knowing that watching Zoro and Kikidori spar was always entertaining. Luffy, with a mouthful of meat, cheered, "Yeah, Kikidori! Show Zoro what you've got!"
The two swordsmen squared off on the deck, the air between them tense with anticipation. Kikidori's grip on his sword tightened as he focused. "I'm not the same kid you used to know, Zoro. I've been working hard."
Zoro's smirk widened. "We'll see."
With that, Kikidori lunged forward, his blade clashing against Zoro's with a resounding *clang.* Zoro easily blocked, his movements fluid and controlled. Kikidori pressed on, his strikes fast and relentless, but Zoro's defense was impenetrable.
As the spar continued, Zoro couldn't help but recall memories of a younger Kikidori. At twelve, he had been an excitable, goofy kid who followed Zoro around like a shadow. Kikidori used to cling to his arm, jump on his back, and beg for lessons.
"Zoro, teach me how to be the strongest swordsman!" Kikidori's voice from the past echoed in his mind.
Zoro smirked at the memory as he parried another of Kikidori's strikes. Back then, Kikidori's moves had been clumsy, and his sword had seemed too big for him. Now, at nineteen, Kikidori had grown into a skilled swordsman. While he still had that playful, goofy side, there was now a maturity and determination in his fighting.
The duel ended with Zoro disarming Kikidori, his sword flying from his hand and landing with a *clatter* on the deck. Kikidori fell to one knee, panting heavily, but a grin spread across his face. "Alright, you win… but I'm getting stronger. One day, I'll beat you."
Zoro sheathed his swords and offered Kikidori a hand. "You're better than you used to be, but you've got a long way to go."
Kikidori took his hand and stood, brushing himself off. "Yeah, yeah. Just wait, though. I'll surpass you someday."
As the spar ended, Nami watch called out, "Land ahead!"
The crew rushed to the bow, their eyes widening in amazement as Lodestar Island came into view. The legendary island of the New World, its towering peaks shrouded in mist, rose majestically from the horizon.
"This is it," Nami said, her voice tinged with awe as she studied the map. "Lodestar Island."
Luffy grinned, his excitement palpable. "Alright, everyone! Let's go explore!"
The Straw Hats prepared to dock, their hearts racing with anticipation. Lodestar Island held the promise of new adventures, mysteries, and challenges—everything they lived for.
End of Chapter 90