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The battle began in a flash—and ended even faster.
Before Maya could grasp what had happened, the so-called cursed Holy Sword had already been shattered—cut cleanly into fragments by Bai Yu's swing.
Maya was once again awestruck by Bai Yu's strength. His combat ability was not something a mere island priestess like her could comprehend.
Turning her gaze back to Bai Yu—
After obliterating the Holy Sword, the draconic scales coating Bai Yu's arms slowly dissolved into shimmering embers. At the same time, the blood-red hue of the full moon above faded away, returning to its normal silver glow.
Just then, the familiar voice of the system echoed.
[Ding! Host has completed Main Quest: "Cursed Holy Sword"]
[Rewards acquired: Gathering · Liulian proficiency +10%, Haki (Three Colors) proficiency +5%]
[Dragon Force proficiency +10%, Thunderclap proficiency +10%]
All of Bai Yu's core techniques were instantly strengthened.
One detail stood out: his three-color Haki proficiency had risen to 47%.
Just 3% more, and he would break past the threshold—unlocking the realm of Advanced Haki.
Bai Yu calmly accepted the upgrade.
But just as he thought the rewards were over, the system's voice rang again.
[Ding! Main Quest completed — Bonus Reward: +1 Forging Attempt]
A surprise reward—an extra chance to forge!
That meant Bai Yu's Dragon Flame Tachi could now be pushed to an even higher tier.
Currently, the Longyan Tachi was classified as a Grade: Fast Sword. Though forged through the system, its performance already rivaled the rank of a Good Grade Sword.
Now, with this upgrade, it would reach the tier of a Great Grade Sword—the likes of which only a handful existed in the One Piece world.
In the world of swordsmen, there were only 21 Great Grade Swords acknowledged by name—swords like Shusui or Enma.
To possess a weapon on that level was rare. For Bai Yu, this was no small step—it was the making of a legend.
He accepted the reward, satisfaction plain in his eyes.
Yet, surrounded by onlookers and his own troops, Bai Yu didn't immediately proceed with the forging. The time wasn't right.
After securing the rewards, Bai Yu returned to Maya's side.
"I didn't think... you'd actually do it," Maya said, blinking in disbelief.
In her mind, the best-case scenario was Bai Yu restraining the Holy Sword's wrath, allowing her to seal it with her ritual techniques.
In that outcome, Maya would continue her duties as the island's guardian priestess—still chained by tradition.
But now, with the sword utterly destroyed, Maya was... free.
"How about it?" Bai Yu asked with a smile. "I did what I promised. Will you follow me?"
"I... I need some time," Maya replied softly. "Let me discuss it with the previous priestess. Can I give you an answer tomorrow?"
Having spent her whole life burdened by a sacred lineage, Maya found it hard to make such a sudden decision.
"No problem," Bai Yu nodded. "A forced follower is no follower at all. If the system's going to mark you as a 'trusted ally,' it has to come from the heart."
"The crisis on Aska Island is over. We'll set sail tomorrow for Navy Branch 188. If you decide to come with us... find me before then."
"I understand," Maya nodded in reply.
With that, the matter of the cursed Holy Sword was resolved—utterly and completely.
After the brief exchange, Bai Yu led his subordinates back to the warship, while Maya returned to the village, heading straight to consult the former priestess.
That night.
On the deck under a quiet sky, Bai Yu sat alone.
His Dragon Flame Tachi lay across the wooden planks before him, gleaming softly.
"System," Bai Yu said. "Begin forging!"
[Ding! Consuming one forging attempt... Upgrading designated weapon]
As soon as the command left his lips, the system activated.
A serene white light radiated from Bai Yu's chest, wrapping around the Dragon Flame Tachi like silk.
Under the holy glow, the blade began to change—morphing, evolving, reforging its very soul.
Minutes passed.
[Ding! Forging successful! Dragon Flame Tachi upgraded to: Peerless Blade (Great Grade Sword - "Ryūkō Tachi")]
The transformation was complete.
The white glow dispersed, revealing the new blade—Peerless Tachi, Ryūkō.
For the first time, it now came with a scabbard—ashen-brown, etched with a serpentine dragon winding along its surface.
Bai Yu picked up the newly reforged sword.
It felt heavier—more powerful.
The red-cloth wrappings on the hilt flickered like burning embers. Gripping it, Bai Yu could feel warmth pulsing through his palm.
He drew the blade slowly—
Shing!
A searing flash of light split the air.
Curiously, the scabbard remained cold. But the exposed hilt radiated heat—like it was alive.
Examining the blade closely, Bai Yu saw the flame patterns had vanished. In their place were intricate engravings resembling dragon scales. The entire blade now gleamed with a dark crimson hue, exuding a mysterious power.
More astonishing still—several jagged serrations jutted from the spine of the blade, like fangs on a dragon's back.
"Ryūkō Tachi," Bai Yu murmured.
This was no longer just a forged sword—it was a true warrior's partner.
Testing it, Bai Yu swung the blade through the air—
Fwoooosh!
The very wind screamed, sharp and deafening. It felt as if the slash tore the sky itself.
"Azure Dragon Sword Intent—activate!"
Bai Yu channeled his will. Instantly, his Azure Dragon Sword Intent surged out, wrapping itself around the Ryūkō Tachi like a burning cloak.
Whoosh!
The sword flared with a fierce red glow—its former turquoise hue now replaced with a deep crimson fire.
"The flames have changed color... and the temperature is definitely higher!" Bai Yu exclaimed.
The sword and his will were in complete harmony.
The connection between Ryūkō Tachi and Sword Intent was far beyond what the Dragon Flame Tachi ever achieved.
Even with the same techniques, the power output was magnified. Every slash was sharper, every flame hotter.
Bai Yu's combat power had skyrocketed again.
"Next step... move testing."
Without resting, Bai Yu pushed himself through form after form—swordsmanship drills, energy channelling, slash patterns.
By the end of the night, it was clear—
Every technique was enhanced.
With the Peerless Blade in hand, even if the Holy Sword had resurrected, Bai Yu was confident he could defeat it with sword intent alone.
The next morning.
Bai Yu stood at the bow of the warship, dark circles under his eyes from a sleepless night of training.
He gazed toward Aska Island's village.
According to their agreement—
If Maya didn't appear before they set sail, the ship would depart for Navy Branch 188 without her.
No delays. No regrets.
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