One Piece Fanfiction : Shimotsuki Ryuma Inheritance

"Yajuro!"

Murmuring the name to himself, Takeda smiled faintly.

This was a name he had heard before, and it was a significant part of why he had come here.

Yajuro was a renowned samurai in the Hakumai region, celebrated primarily for his extraordinary swordsmanship.

To duel with every master swordsman in Wano Country , refine his swordsmanship, and eventually become the strongest swordmaster in the land before venturing out into the vast world—this was Takeda's goal and the reason he had come here.

In the spacious arena, Yajuro stood with a katana at his waist, dressed in a kimono and wooden clogs. His expression was stern and cold.

The man exuded a powerful aura. Opposite him stood another samurai, equally imposing.

The referee had already announced the start of the duel, but neither man moved.

"Yajuro will definitely win! He has an undefeated record of 33 consecutive victories!"

"This arena might as well have been built for him!"

"He's undoubtedly the strongest samurai in Hakumai!"

Voices surged from the crowd, reaching Takeda's ears.

Taking a few steps forward, Takeda stood at the front of the arena with his hands tucked into his sleeves, observing the duel up close.

Moments passed, and a bead of sweat formed on the forehead of Yajuro's opponent.

Suddenly, Yajuro moved. His figure flickered like a ghost, darting left and right, and in the blink of an eye, he was in front of his opponent.

The other man raised his blade, shouting as he met the attack.

"Clang! Clang! Clang!"

Their blades collided, sending out brilliant sparks and the relentless sound of metal clashing. The force of their blows created a powerful wind that howled through the arena.

Takeda's eyes lit up as he focused intently on the duel.

Both men were undoubtedly powerful samurai with exceptional swordsmanship.

Their movements were swift and precise, sometimes on the ground, sometimes in midair. Their mastery over their blades and bodies was unparalleled, allowing them to attack from seemingly impossible angles.

"Boom!"

As the battle intensified, both combatants went all out, unleashing their full strength.

The sheer pressure of their clashes forced the spectators to retreat, and the arena's floor bore deep, jagged scars from their blades.

"Yajuro, they say you're the strongest!"

"But I don't believe it!!"

The opponent roared thunderously, bending his body and positioning his katana in a strange stance.

Takeda narrowed his eyes, recognizing that the man was preparing to unleash a powerful technique.

Opposite him, Yajuro raised his right hand, pointing his katana at his foe. Standing sideways, his aura surged outward in waves.

"That's Haki!"

Takeda identified the unique energy emanating from Yajuro.

Beyond the Haki, Yajuro exuded a chilling and formidable presence—a sword intent honed through countless life-and-death battles in the arena.

Behind Yajuro, a ghostly shadow seemed to rise, its crimson eyes glaring fiercely.

"This is a swordsman of exceptional strength," Takeda thought, his fighting spirit stirring.

In the next moment, the two figures on the stage clashed, their blades meeting in a ferocious collision.

"Swish!"

As they passed each other, both men froze in place. Then, blood blossomed from one of their chests.

With a heavy thud, the man collapsed.

Yajuro sheathed his katana, his voice calm as he uttered two words:

"Ghost Slash."

This strike was as elusive as a phantom, impossible to predict or evade. In the instant his blade flashed, his opponent had already fallen.

"Yajuro, victorious!!"

Only then did the referee shout loudly.

The crowd erupted, chanting Yajuro's name in deafening unison.

Takeda smirked. The atmosphere was electrifying, and the man on the stage ignited his fighting spirit.

"Is there anyone else who dares challenge Yajuro?"

"The undefeated Yajuro! He is Hakumai's War Artist!"

"Come forth, samurai! Challenge him and prove your strength!"

"A warrior's blade is never meant to remain silent. A blade that dares to be drawn and strike is the invincible blade!"

The referee's fiery words stirred the crowd.

Takeda noticed the samurai around him clenching their fists and gritting their teeth, barely restraining themselves from charging into the Takeda.

But in the end, they held back, knowing they could not defeat Yajuro.

"Is there no one left? Have all the samurai here surrendered to Yajuro's strength?"

"How disappointing!"

The referee feigned despair, shouting dramatically.

At that moment, Takeda chuckled softly. With a light leap, he landed on the arena stage, drawing his black blade and pointing it at Yajuro, whose cold aura was palpable.

"Your next opponent will be me," Takeda declared.

Yajuro stiffened, turning his piercing gaze to Takeda . His eyes radiated an intense pressure.

"Wow! Yajuro has a new challenger!"

"This samurai is brave. Can you tell us your name, warrior?" the referee exclaimed excitedly.

Grinning, Takeda announced his name:

"Shimotsuki Takeda !"

The arena fell silent, and disbelief filled everyone's eyes.

Across from him, Yajuro's eyes narrowed as he tightened his grip on his katana.

"You have a fine name," Yajuro said coldly.