SIX PATH SAGE OF THE ROCKS PIRATES

It seemed Kaito had reached a bottleneck in his growth. The only way to significantly advance his Sage Body abilities was to battle someone of overwhelming strength—someone like the Golden Lion, Shiki, whose swordsmanship and power were legendary.

Moreover, fighting Shiki wasn't just about survival; it was about pushing himself to the limit. Kaito was eager to discover his current ceiling and what level he had truly reached. This encounter would not only grant him invaluable combat experience but also provide a measure of safety compared to life-or-death duels with enemies like Kaido or Big Mom.

The Rocks Pirates' ship loomed before him, massive and imposing, its deck crowded with infamous figures Kaito had only read about in history. The wooden ladder connecting the ships creaked under his boots as Kaito ascended, step by step, his resolve hardening with every stride.

Standing before the Golden Lion, Kaito felt the oppressive aura of a living legend. The pirate's golden mane fluttered in the breeze, and his trademark grin was both welcoming and menacing.

"Ready, kid?" Shiki's voice was deep, with a mocking undertone. His arms were crossed, his dual blades—gleaming at his waist. "No, I should ask, are you ready, Kaito?"

"Bring it on," Kaito replied, drawing his sword with deliberate precision. The blade reflected the sunlight, its edge honed to perfection.

Kaito had been refining his swordsmanship since setting sail a year ago. During this time, he'd mastered the ability to "hear the breath of all things," an advanced technique described in the annals of swordsmanship. He'd even grasped the concept of cutting only what he wished—a feat only a few swordsmen, like Zoro, had accomplished. Despite these achievements, Kaito was still a swordsman, far from reaching the level of a great swordsman like Shiki, who could imbue his blades with Haki so frequently that they had permanently turned black.

Still, Kaito was no slouch. His determination burned brightly. This wasn't just about surviving a duel; it was about learning, growing, and pushing his limits.

"Jie ha ha ha!" Shiki laughed, unsheathing Deadwood with a swift motion. The air itself seemed to split as the blade moved, leaving behind a resonant hum. "Not bad, kid. You've got guts. Let's see if you've got the skills to back it up."

Kaito's eyes narrowed as he noticed the blackened edge of Deadwood. "A black blade…?" he murmured. Unlike normal Armament Haki, this wasn't temporary. Shiki had fought so many battles that his blade was permanently imbued with an unyielding layer of Haki. It was an achievement that placed him among the greatest swordsmen in history.

"Your move," Shiki said, holding Deadwood in one hand. He didn't even bother drawing his second sword, signaling his confidence—or perhaps his condescension.

Without hesitation, Kaito wrapped his own blade in a dense layer of Armament Haki, the black sheen radiating his resolve. His muscles coiled as he launched himself forward with explosive speed, his feet leaving deep imprints on the deck.

"Clang!!!"

Their blades met in a dazzling collision of sparks and pressure. The sheer force of the impact sent shockwaves rippling across the ship, causing nearby crewmates to shield their eyes and steady themselves.

The clash wasn't just physical—it was a test of willpower. Kaito gritted his teeth, pushing back against the overwhelming strength of the Golden Lion.

"Not bad," Shiki said, his tone now tinged with genuine interest. "You've got more fight in you than I thought."

Kaito's knuckles whitened around his blade. This is it, he thought. This is the strength I need to overcome. I won't stop here.

The battle was only beginning, but Kaito already felt the fires of growth igniting within him.

Although it was Kaito's first time crossing swords with the infamous Golden Lion Shiki, he did not hold back a shred of his strength.

Channeling every ounce of his swordsmanship into his blade, Kaito cloaked it in a dense layer of Armament Haki, amplifying his attacks to their utmost limit. The sharp metallic clang of his strikes echoed like thunder.

Yet, Shiki's twin blades, Oto and Kogarashi, felt immovable, like a mountain standing tall against a storm. With ease, he parried Kaito's ferocious assault, his calm demeanor betraying no sign of strain.

The gap between a fledgling swordsman and a seasoned master was clear.

After all, Kaito had only been at sea for a single year. Shiki, on the other hand, was a legendary pirate who had roamed the Grand Line for over a decade, leaving devastation in his wake.

Though the strength disparity was glaring, Kaito could accept it. For him, this was a test—a battle to surpass his limits.

"Oh? Not bad. You've got some fire in you," Shiki remarked, his lips curling into a slight grin. His tone carried a mix of curiosity and amusement, as though he had stumbled upon an intriguing specimen.

Shiki could feel it—the raw, untapped power coursing through Kaito.

"Clang! Clang! Clang!"

The two clashed again, their blades colliding in a blur of motion. Sparks exploded from the ferocity of their exchanges, lighting up the battlefield. The air rippled visibly with the shockwaves of their attacks, a testament to the immense power both wielded.

Despite the overwhelming odds, Kaito refused to falter.

As their blades met dozens of times in rapid succession, Kaito focused his senses. Drawing upon his Observation Haki, he analyzed Shiki's movements, seeking any crack in the great swordsman's defenses.

But Shiki's mastery was flawless. His attacks flowed seamlessly, his swordsmanship honed to the peak of perfection. Even with Kaito's determination, finding a weakness seemed impossible.

And yet…

"Impossible doesn't mean unachievable," Kaito thought, his eyes narrowing with resolve.

"Shh!!!"

Suddenly, Kaito shifted his approach. Using Observation Haki, he anticipated Shiki's next move and sidestepped with precision. Capitalizing on the opening, he redirected his blade, thrusting it toward Shiki's chest in a single fluid motion.

Caught off guard, Shiki—who had been holding back—reacted a moment too late.

"Slash!"

Kaito's blade grazed Shiki's chest, leaving a deep cut. Blood seeped from the wound, staining Shiki's shirt in crimson streaks.

The battlefield froze for a moment.

"What?! Captain Shiki was injured?!"

"This is insane! Even when fighting Marines, Captain Shiki rarely gets hurt! And now, this rookie… he actually managed to cut him?!"

"But Captain Shiki was holding back… even so, finding a flaw in his swordsmanship is almost unheard of!"

"Who was the idiot that said Kaito wouldn't last five moves? Look at him now! Not only has he gone beyond that, he's injured Captain Shiki!"

Shiki glanced down at his wound, his expression a mix of surprise and amusement. Slowly, his lips curled into a grin.

"Hah! Well, well, kid. You're more than I expected. But don't get cocky."

The battle wasn't over, but in this moment, Kaito had done the impossible—he had struck a blow against a swordsman who stood at the pinnacle of the sea. For the onlookers, it was a moment of awe. For Kaito, it was the spark of a growing legend.