Zoro's hand trembled slightly on the hilt of his sword. He looked up at the female Marine standing across from him, his eyes lighting up. It had been a long time since he had faced a proper swordsman, and his fighting spirit surged in anticipation.
The 'Seki' in his hand vibrated subtly. He tightened his grip, lowered his head, and asked, "Do you truly wish to fight?"
Gion rose, her hand tingling from the icy tension of the battlefield. Sunlight glinted off their blades, and a gentle wind swept across the ice, carrying the faint tinkle of shattered shards. The atmosphere was electric, a chilling aura thick in the air.
Almost simultaneously, both moved. Zoro's foot stomped onto the ice with the force of an earthquake, leaving a deep crater in his wake. He surged forward, 'Seki' in hand, the blade catching the sun as it aimed for Gion's neck.
Gion reacted immediately, her figure flickering as she raised her sword to meet his.
Clang! The blades collided, sparks dancing as they locked in a brief stalemate.
Zoro chuckled. "You're the strongest female swordsman I've ever met." He remembered his childhood friend, who had fretted about being a girl. If she were still around, she would probably surpass even this Marine.
Gion planted her other hand firmly on her sword hilt, forcing Zoro back before swinging again.
Zoro narrowed his eyes, drawing 'Ryugu' to cross with 'Seki' and block her strike.
"Oh? Two-Sword Style?" Gion's curiosity flickered.
Zoro shook his head. "Three-Sword Style is my specialty, but two swords suffice for you. You're not strong enough to make me draw the third."
A flash of solemnity crossed Gion's eyes. "What an arrogant pirate! Today, I will capture you and deliver you to Impel Down!"
Her attacks quickened, each strike more ferocious than the last.
For a long stretch, the clash of their swords rang out, techniques flowing like moving clouds and running water. Gradually, the ice beneath them fractured into smaller floes.
Zoro panted slightly, eyes locked on Gion. It reminded him of the night he had fought Kuina.
He tied his green bandana around his head, drew 'Wado Ichimonji', and bit down on the hilt.
Gion, noticing his change, asked, "Is that your full strength? Can biting your sword really enhance it?"
Zoro glanced at her, assessing her formidable skill. "Old woman, prepare yourself. You're about to face a beast."
Gion's eyes flared with anger. "What? Who are you calling an old woman? I'm in my forties, in the prime of my life!"
Instantly, her aura intensified.
Zoro smirked. "You're in your forties and still won't admit it."
"Nani! I'll kill you!"
No woman likes being called old. Gion's fury erupted as she charged, sword raised.
---
Lina and Vice Admiral Tokikake
"I say, Uncle, don't make that 'I ruined your date' face, alright? As they say, love can overcome mountains and seas, and flatten all obstacles," Lina said, tilting her head as if seeing through the ways of the world.
Vice Admiral Tokikake stared at the fiery young woman. "Lina-san, you are beautiful, but my heart belongs to Gion."
Lina blinked. Confused. Had this perverted Uncle really gone mad? She hadn't confessed anything.
"Out of your mind? I wouldn't like you even if I wanted to. Which ear heard me confessing?"
Tokikake, oblivious, rubbed his head. "What can I do? One Gion is already difficult, now there's another beautiful girl confessing."
"No, This Uncle is crazy," Lina muttered, slapping her forehead. This man's narcissism knew no bounds.
She had no time for his delusions. Flames engulfed her right hand.
"Fire Whip!"
A long flaming whip lashed toward Tokikake. He grabbed it instinctively. Lina tried to retract her arm but found it locked as if in pliers.
He pulled, drawing her into the air. Yet Lina didn't panic. She formed a flaming dagger in her left hand and stabbed toward his forehead.
The dagger struck, but Tokikake's forehead turned pitch black, Armament Haki reinforcing it, and it caused no harm.
Lina adapted instantly. Her heel, coated with Haki, kicked Tokikake's shoulder. With a loud impact, he bent under the force. Ice beneath him cracked, fissures spreading across the ground.
Seizing the moment, Lina backflipped to the ground, eyes scanning the perverted Marine before her. After such a barrage, he had barely moved—this Uncle was no pushover.
Tokikake was also impressed. He hadn't expected such power from a young member of the Rolan Pirates. A Logia-type Devil Fruit user, beautiful and deadly, with limitless potential.
Lina clenched her right hand, summoning a flaming spear. Her upper body became pure flame as she charged at Tokikake at lightning speed.
His arm extended, turning pitch black to block.
Clang! The spear and his arm collided, sending an invisible shockwave outward. His hat was blown off, and the ice between them split into a meter-wide fissure.
The flames intensified. Lina poured more power into the spear, and the ice under Tokikake's feet fractured further, forcing him to retreat.
Squinting, Lina realized the "weapon" she had feared was merely his polished bald head reflecting sunlight.
Tokikake adjusted, looking at her seriously. That last blow—he had to exert great effort to block it.
---