Chapter 301: Chapter 301 : Wano 11
Kirito, after securely imprisoning Queen in the special underwater jail he created in Punk Hazard, leaned against the edge of the pool, deep in thought. The battle against Kaido was far from over, and there were many more challenges ahead. He knew he needed to regroup with Law and some of the Straw Hats who had accompanied him to Wano, but another concern tugged at his mind.
"Zoro?" he muttered to himself with a little irritation.
He had placed a Hiraishin mark on Zoro's sword, Shisui in Dressrosa, to keep track of him. That is how he knew that Zoro was lost. It's not even a question.
Deciding to prioritize finding Zoro, Kirito performed the teleport to him first, instantly transporting himself to Shisui's location.
Upon arrival, Kirito found himself in a deserted part of Wano, surrounded by tall grass and a few scattered trees. Shisui lay on the ground, but Zoro was nowhere to be seen.
"Seriously, Zoro," Kirito sighed, picking up the sword. "How do you keep losing this thing?"
Kirito honestly wanted to know this.
He scanned the area, looking for any signs of a struggle or a trail that might lead him to Zoro. The surrounding area was eerily quiet, with no immediate clues as to where Zoro had gone.
Kirito held Shisui, feeling the powerful aura emanating from the blade. "Seems like the blade is frustrated with that moss head as well?" he spoke to the sword as if it could understand him.
But then suddenly he said
"I see you've found Shisui," Kirito said as he felt a presence behind him, his voice calm but firm. "May I ask where you found it, it's just that I rather know his owner personally."
The samurai narrowed his eyes. "I am Gyukimaru, the guardian of these weapons. And Shisui is a national treasure of Wano, I can't let you take it."
Kirito sighed, knowing this wouldn't be resolved without a fight. "Alright then. Let's do this. I just kick a disaster's ass, wouldn't mind a little desert after that."
Without warning, Gyukimaru charged at Kirito, swinging a massive blade with incredible force. Kirito dodged nimbly, drawing his own swords to counter. The clash of metal echoed through the misty forest as the two warriors exchanged blows. Gyukimaru was strong and skilled, but Kirito's speed and agility gave him the upper hand.
Gyukimaru swung a heavy axe, aiming for Kirito's head. Kirito ducked and countered with a swift slash, aiming for Gyukimaru's leg. The samurai blocked with a quick movement, then retaliated with a series of powerful strikes. Kirito parried each blow with precision, pretty much playing with the samurai as he wanted to know how even Zoro got his sword to him.
"You're good," Gyukimaru admitted, panting slightly. "But I can't let you take Shisui."
Kirito smirked, just had a knowing smile on his face. "Well if so then you just have to stop me, can you do it though ?."
With a burst of speed, Kirito closed the distance between them, delivering a rapid series of strikes that left Gyukimaru struggling to keep up. Finally, with a well-timed manoeuvre, Kirito disarmed Gyukimaru, sending his weapon flying across the clearing.
Gyukimaru fell to one knee, breathing heavily. "You… you are indeed strong."
Kirito sheathed his swords and approached Gyukimaru, extending a hand. "I don't want to hurt you. I just need information. Where's the green-haired man you stole this sword from or do I have to kill you?"
Gyukimaru looked up, contemplating something before finally opening his mouth. After a moment, he sighed and took Kirito's hand, accepting his help to stand. "Zoro… the swordsman you seek was here. I challenge him to a fight and get the sword. He went further into the mountains, pursuing a group of bandits."
'Zoro lost, I doubt that. Must be something do to with the plot messing with him'
Kirito nodded. "Kay, I will let you go then, though remember that next time I will not."
Gyukimaru looked at Shisui, then back at Kirito. "I will come back, even if it kills me. That is the national treasure of Wano. There is no way that I will let an outsider have that."
Kirito picked up Shisui, feeling its weight and power. He secured it at his side, nodding to Gyukimaru. "Fine, not like my headache anyway. Will just leave it to Zoro"
With that, Kirito turned and headed deeper into the mountains, his mind set on finding Zoro.
"Honestly if you were not Zoro's sword then I would have taken you for myself."