One Piece Swordsman's Heart - Chapter 35

Two years later, on a deserted island in a remote area of the Grand Line.

This island was somewhat unique, with a towering “chimney” at its center and an eerie silence suggesting no signs of life.

In the island’s center, a peculiar scene unfolded: a large rabbit wielding a wooden stick was vigorously swinging it at a human.

What was strange, however, was that no matter how hard the rabbit tried, it couldn’t hit the person in front of it, instead tiring itself out.

That person was Vir, who had been training on this desolate island for two years.

If his previous training on the deserted island laid the foundation, this period was the time for harvesting the fruits of his labor.

Using the new Haki training methods, Vir had become highly proficient in Armament Haki. In terms of Armament Haki duels, apart from those with extraordinarily strong Armament Haki, like Garp or Zephyr, Vir wasn’t afraid of anyone.

As for Observation Haki, it was clear that Vir wasn’t naturally gifted in it. Despite considerable effort, he had to admit that mastering Observation Haki required an innate talent that he simply didn’t have. While it was easy to grasp, becoming proficient was exceedingly difficult.

Regarding Conqueror’s Haki, Vir never even considered it. He believed his greatest strength was his self-awareness.

But these were not Vir’s greatest gains.

Vir still vividly remembered one evening after dinner. He was chatting with the rabbit before taking out the swordsmanship notes he had copied by hand to study, a habit he had developed.

While reading, Vir suddenly felt a spark of inspiration, similar to what he had felt when he achieved the ability to cut iron, but somewhat unclear.

He knew this was a sign of progress in his swordsmanship after prolonged combat, similar to when he had first cut iron. Unlike some who experienced breakthroughs in battle, Vir accumulated experience through focused training. For him, breakthroughs during combat were a myth.

Unsure if he had truly advanced, Vir suddenly realized he could do things previously impossible.

It was like having the ability to jump ten meters instead of one meter one day, with no particular sensation accompanying the change.

He went to the storage room and took out a large piece of alloy he had previously been unable to cut through, drew his dual swords, and with one swift slash, the alloy split cleanly in two.

“Hehehe, I’ve finally reached the fourth stage of a swordsman, cutting through materials harder than steel.

“Master, can you see this? Your disciple has become a great swordsman. Although not the world’s best, I’m definitely a swordsman now. Wait and see, Master, I’ll make the world know that your disciple is a great swordsman, and your name is Ryu Ryo!” Vir remembered his excitement that day.

His master had said that reaching the fourth stage meant one could be called a great swordsman, while the fifth stage was something few, even among the greatest, could achieve. Even Mihawk hadn’t reached that level.

Achieving the ability to cut iron made one a renowned swordsman, while reaching the fourth stage made one a great swordsman.

Vir instructed the rabbit to stop attacking.

He drew his sword single-handedly and slashed through the air, sending a blue sword wave flying rapidly into the distance, cutting through numerous trees and rocks before disappearing.

Indeed, Vir had learned to unleash sword waves when he reached the fourth stage.

Upon mastering this ability, Vir discovered that each person’s sword wave was unique.

He wasn’t sure about others, but his own sword waves had two distinct features: they were incredibly fast, so quick that an opponent had to react instantly to avoid being cut. Unlike Zoro’s slow-moving sword waves, Vir’s were lightning fast.

Secondly, their cutting power was immense. So far, Vir hadn’t found anything on the island that could withstand his sword waves.

In terms of overall strength, if Vir had been at the level of a Rear Admiral before arriving on the island, he was now undoubtedly at the level of a top Vice Admiral.

Because Vir specialized in speed, with his lightning abilities enhancing his attack power, even if he faced an Admiral now, defeating one would be impossible. However, it wouldn’t be easy for an Admiral to defeat him either.

Of course, exceptions like Whitebeard or Garp weren’t included. Vir felt that if he encountered Whitebeard now, he might last a dozen or so moves at best.

With his newly strengthened Armament Haki, Vir also developed a new technique.

This wasn’t a sword technique but a leg-based move.

Why call it a leg-based move? Because aside from being executed with a leg, it had little in common with traditional leg techniques.

The inspiration for this move came from an anime character Vir had admired in his previous life: Misaka Mikoto, the Railgun.

Initially, when Vir discovered his lightning abilities, he thought of Misaka’s moves, but reality hit hard. If he tried those techniques, he would likely die, and his lightning wasn’t nearly as powerful as hers.

After multiple stages of growth, Vir realized he could use some of Misaka’s techniques. Yet again, reality struck; their power was mediocre.

It wasn’t until Vir gained Haki that he considered replicating Misaka’s signature move: the Railgun.

But this technique had significant flaws: it was slow to execute and required tools.

Perhaps in Misaka’s world, this was powerful, but in the world of pirates, the time taken to flick a coin would be enough to get beaten countless times.

Vir thus improved the technique, borrowing the principle of the Railgun.

By covering his lower body in Armament Haki, he used his right leg instead of a coin, kicking out at a speed even he couldn’t react to.

The first time he performed it, his entire right leg turned orange. His first target was the island’s artificial volcano.

The once reliable volcano had been damaged by Vir’s kicks. Previously erupting every three days, it now erupted once every half month, with less and less magma each time. Vir suspected he had broken the volcano.

The forbidden area had also been damaged. The metal pit was now gone, seemingly collapsed, but Vir already knew its contents and had no interest in the other door’s contents, so he left it alone.

This technique had the advantage of being quick and extremely powerful, but it also put a great strain on the body. Without Armament Haki, it wouldn’t be possible, and even if it succeeded, Vir’s right leg would likely be flung several kilometers away.

In conclusion, Vir’s training this time had given him the means to truly embark on his sea adventures.

He was no longer the person who had been nearly killed by a group of nobodies at the dock.

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