Chapter 145: Level 10, Ryūjin Jakka! (Patreon)

Ren Kurogami hadn't expected to trigger another side quest. He accepted the quest without hesitation.

He also wanted to see how strong the Level 9 Yamamoto Character Template really was.

Ren said to Zoro, "Alright. Let's take it outside. No point damaging the restaurant."

Zoro had no objections.

Word of Helmeppo's death had already spread. The street outside the restaurant was empty, making it an ideal place for Ren and Zoro to fight.

Ren drew his Asauchi.

Zoro tied his green bandana around his head and assumed his Three-Sword Style stance.

Nami, the only spectator, looked surprised.

She had seen dual-wielders before, but someone fighting with three swords was a first.

Then, as if realizing something, she pointed at Zoro. "I remember now. You're the Pirate Hunter they've been talking about lately. The one they call the Beast-like Swordsman!"

Her concern quickly turned to Ren. "Ren, be careful. If things get rough, just use Vimana."

Nami had witnessed Vimana's power firsthand. But she had only seen a fraction of Ren's own abilities.

He had only ever fought nameless opponents before. Zoro was different. Even she had heard of him, so it was only natural for her to worry.

Ren gave her a reassuring look, then said to Zoro, "Whenever you're ready."

Though Zoro had a sword in his mouth, his speech was clear.

"Then let's begin!"

With that, he charged at Ren, making the first move.

Zoro's assault came like a raging gale, one wave after another, forcing Ren into a defensive position.

CLANG! CLANG!

SHING! SHING!

Nami's eyes could no longer keep up with their slashes.

To her, their strikes had turned into fierce streaks of blade light, clashing and colliding endlessly.

Still, though she couldn't track their movements, she could tell Ren was losing ground.

His clothes already bore several cuts, while Zoro remained untouched.

Ren now had a rough idea of his current power level.

E-rank Swordsmanship was, for now, weaker than Zoro's current level.

He estimated that E-rank Swordsmanship would be enough to match this version of Zoro.

And Zoro was still far from becoming a Sword Master capable of cutting steel.

That suggested D-rank Swordsmanship was probably at the threshold of becoming a Sword Master.

He just didn't know whether D-rank Swordsmanship could truly step into the realm of a Sword Master.

Zoro felt a tinge of disappointment.

This level of strength was only enough to serve as a warm-up.

He put some distance between them and said, "I've got a handle on your strength. I'll end this with my next move."

He positioned his two swords behind his back and declared solemnly,

"Three-Sword Style: Tiger Hunt!"

The moment the words left his mouth, he charged at Ren. But Ren merely raised a finger.

As Zoro stared in surprise, he chanted,

"Bakudō #1: Sai!"

Yamamoto was a Shinigami.

Swordsmanship was only one of the four core Shinigami arts.

As Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, Yamamoto had mastered all four.

At this stage, Ren only had E-rank Kidō, enough to cast Bakudō #5 and below.

Facing Ren's Bakudō, Zoro felt an invisible force bind his hands.

He almost lost his grip on his swords.

His Three-Sword Style: Tiger Hunt was interrupted.

Before he could react, a cold, sharp edge pressed against his neck.

His eyes widened.

He looked down and saw Ren standing beside him, the Asauchi resting against his throat.

When did he get close? How did I not see even the slightest movement?

"You lose." Ren's voice sounded beside him.

Though unwilling, Zoro had to accept the result. "I lose."

Nami, watching from the side, finally relaxed. A smile appeared on her face.

She knew Ren wouldn't let her down.

In Ren's mind, the system notification sounded.

[EXP +40]

[Ding! The Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni Character Template has reached Level 10. Unlocked Talent: Leadership Presence (E)! The Asauchi has evolved into a Zanpakutō.]

With a thought, Ren opened his status panel.

[Character Template: Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni (S)]

[Level: 10 (20/200)]

[Talents: Reiryoku (E), Reiatsu (E), Leadership Presence (E)]

[Abilities: Kidō (E), Swordsmanship (E), Hakuda (E), Shunpo (E)]

[Zanpakutō: Ryūjin Jakka (Not Yet Released)]

Just then, a furious roar echoed from the distance.

"Who killed my son!?"

Ren and Nami looked toward the source of the voice and saw a hulking man nearly three meters tall, his right arm fitted with a massive, razor-sharp axe, storming toward them in a rage.

Behind him followed dozens of Marine soldiers.

By then, Zoro had already managed to free himself from Bakudō #1: Sai.

Rubbing his sore wrists, he said to Ren,

"Do you need my help?"

Ren glanced at him with mild surprise.

"Are you sure? Helping me means making enemies of the Marines."

Zoro replied indifferently,

"So be it. I can always stop being a Pirate Hunter."

Ren had always liked Zoro's character in the original story.

After spending some time with him, he found Zoro quite likable.

Ren couldn't help but invite him.

"Why don't you join me?"

Zoro shook his head.

"Can't do that. I have my own goal to pursue."

Ren wasn't surprised by the refusal, nor was he disappointed.

Just as he thought the conversation was over, Zoro continued,

"But if you don't mind, I can travel with you for a while."

"Until I truly beat you. Then I'll leave."

Ren froze for a moment before laughing heartily.

"Of course I don't mind. I'm afraid you won't be leaving."

Zoro didn't take it seriously.

Ren's Swordsmanship was weaker than his, but his overall strength was greater.

Still, once he figured out how to counter Ren's speed and Bakudō, he could defeat Ren in battle.