One Piece Shadow Army - Chapter 56
“Why?”
William was puzzled. He had proposed an option that seemed beneficial to both parties. Why would Corus refuse?
Facing William’s confusion, Corus slightly shook his head, his eyes revealing a determined glint.
“Because I don’t want to retreat!”
Back at the Loguetown harbor, when William exchanged Navy recruits for Jeff and successfully left, it remained a lingering obstacle in some people’s hearts. At that time, Corus’s strength was weak, and he could do nothing.
But today, he had the right to refuse!
William’s eyes narrowed, and a dangerous aura spread around him.
“Do you think you can defeat me?”
“It’s unlikely!” Corus replied honestly.
“Then why refuse my offer?” William was even more puzzled.
Corus stabbed his standard-issue blade into the deck, sending Larlos back to the shadow realm, and then looked at his own hands.
“Since the end of my recruitment period, my strength has undergone a significant leap. The enemies I encountered afterward posed little challenge. I’ve maintained stability, consistently improving and training my skills. My strength increased further.
During this mission, whether battling Arlong or clashing with Krieg, it all felt very easy. Although everything was within my control and expectations, I always felt something was missing. Until you appeared, I finally saw what I lacked.”
William didn’t interrupt, listening quietly from a distance.
Corus spread his fingers, and shadowy energy surged in his hands.
“I’m a simple person. I have many things I care about. Because I’m afraid of dying and failing to protect what I want to protect, I tend to be overly cautious. In this regard, I’m similar to Major Kain.
William didn’t argue. He recalled that his brother Kain was indeed like that, always considering many things. That’s why, back at Loguetown harbor, William had been able to force Kain to agree to the exchange.
“When you suggested I leave with my men to avoid the fight, I was tempted. It felt like a voice was saying, ‘Train more and come back stronger, there’s no need to fear one failure!’ But would that truly make me stronger?
I kept examining myself, searching for what I was missing to become stronger truly.”
As Corus spoke, a new shadow appeared beside him.
“It turns out… what I was missing was the resolve to bet my life!”
Corus reached into the shadow with his right hand and pulled out a long, eerie red sword.
This blade was crimson, with a dramatically curved edge, resembling a crescent moon.
It was the “Cursed Blade Red Moon,” a renowned blade from the Ghost Ship, obtained from Larlos.
One of the 21 Great Grade Swords!
Corus didn’t shield the blade with his shadow powers but grasped it directly. The hilt was cold and eerie.
Corus extended his arm, pointing the blade at William, splitting him symmetrically in his sight.
“In this fight,”
“I will bet my life!”
As Corus’s words echoed, the main ship deck fell silent, and even the wind seemed to hold its breath.
Tashigi and the other Marines were shocked, unable to fathom the resolve in Corus’s words. This is what set him apart from them—they still had a long way to go.
As William’s opponent, he wore a genuinely pleased smile after hearing this.
“It’s rare to encounter an opponent betting their life!”
“Charlotte Corus… if you weren’t a Marine, I would definitely invite you to join my crew!”
Corus showed no reaction, maintaining a steady grip on his blade.
“Sorry, but being a pirate isn’t for me.”
Corus refused, even if it was just a hypothetical scenario. William wasn’t offended by the rejection, as it was just a possibility.
William drew his own sword from his waist. This blade, “Raging Wave,” was one of the 50 Skillful Grade Swords, with a black lacquered blade and chaotic pattern.
As he unsheathed it, the blade glinted in the moonlight.
A breeze rustled Corus’s Marine coat and William’s black cloak, making them flap wildly.
Holding the Raging Wave, William locked his gaze on Corus, exuding an overwhelming presence.
“Let’s go!”
The scene fell silent as everyone’s attention was drawn to the confrontation.
The next moment, Corus’s legs moved, his boots making sharp sounds on the deck.
As the sound traveled, it always moved faster than anyone else. As everyone heard the urgent footsteps, they saw Corus charging at William like a fierce tiger.
William didn’t stay put, rushing forward as well.
Their boots made different sounds on the deck, William’s lighter compared to Corus’s heavy steps.
Their distance closed in an instant, and their blades clashed.
A clear ringing sound echoed as they each stepped back.
Corus dug his heels into the deck, stopping his retreat and charging again. William mirrored his movements.
But after a few exchanges, William noticed Corus’s strength was starting to surpass his own.
Impressed by Corus’s strength, William, with his high-level swordsmanship, swept his blade horizontally.
The strike was incredibly fast, and Corus barely managed to dodge with the enhanced reflexes from his shadow powers.
Swish!
The large mast nearby was caught in the attack, cleanly cut by William’s Raging Wave.
As the mast lost its support, it fell heavily onto the deck.
Corus and William dodged the falling mast, continuing their sword duel.
The sound of clashing blades echoed frequently.
William eyed Corus’s Cursed Blade Red Moon, asking, “Your sword is peculiar and of high quality. Is it a famed blade?”
Dodging a direct slash, Corus countered with a diagonal strike.
“It’s a cursed blade!”
William, understanding Corus’s answer, launched a powerful strike that forced Corus back.
“No wonder! But cursed blades are notoriously unlucky. Aren’t you afraid of being cursed by the blade you’re using?”
Using “Soru,” Corus appeared behind William, showing no sign of fear.
“A true swordsman doesn’t fear challenges. Besides, I’m in control of this cursed blade.”
“If misfortune is destined, let it come!”
Facing Corus’s back attack, William didn’t even turn, countering with a reverse strike, forcing Corus to retreat.
“How audacious!”
“But without summoning that shadow swordsman, do you think you can defeat me?”
Corus retreated to the upper deck of the main ship, replying calmly.
“How will I know if I don’t try?”
Holding his blade, William’s gaze turned serious.
“Then I’ll fight for real!”
Watching William’s rising aura, Corus lifted his head, seeing the dark clouds parting and moonlight shining through.
Under the clear moonlight, the Cursed Blade Red Moon emitted an eerie red glow, enveloping Corus in a powerful energy, doubling his strength.
“In that case,”
“I’ll go all out too!”
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