After waiting on the island for over a month, Vir was finally summoned by Iron One, who informed him that the twin swords were ready.
Vir hurried to Iron One’s residence and, even before entering, could sense the swords’ presence. Once inside, he saw the two blades placed on the table.
The twin swords looked similar to his previous ones, as per his request. They retained the eight-sided design suitable for slashing, with the same shape as before. However, the blades had intricate red patterns along the spine, giving them an eerie beauty.
The most significant change was at the base of the hilt. Instead of the solid metal spheres, which proved useless in actual combat, there were now hollow metal spheres with many small holes. Inside each sphere was a small, light blue metal ball.
The swords exuded an unusual aura just sitting on the table.
Iron One then spoke up.
“These are cursed swords, the most sinister I’ve ever seen. They might become the strongest cursed swords ever,” Iron One said, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
“Oh? What’s so sinister about them? And what grade are they?” Vir asked, intrigued by his new weapons.
“They are of the grade of the Great Grade Swords. As for their sinister nature…” Iron One paused, taking off his jacket.
Vir noticed Iron One’s pallor for the first time, resembling someone who had just recovered from a severe illness.
“These swords drain blood. When I finished honing them, I tested their sharpness and accidentally cut myself. They forcefully absorbed a lot of my blood, which formed the red patterns on the blades.
The strange thing is, only one sword absorbed my blood, but the red patterns appeared on both. They seem to grow stronger after absorbing blood. I could feel it. After a lifetime of forging swords, I can tell when a blade improves,” Iron One explained, putting his jacket back on.
Vir was even more interested. These swords could potentially grow stronger, maybe even evolving into Supreme Grade Swords one day.
Vir picked up the twin swords, and the familiar feeling sent a shiver down his spine.
It wasn’t intimidation; it was the same feeling as holding his old swords.
“You’re still alive, old friends. This is wonderful,” Vir said, looking at the swords with a nostalgic expression.
In Iron One’s astonished gaze, Vir cut his forearm with one of the swords.
Blood flowed from the wound, and Vir carefully directed it onto the blade.
Iron One watched in surprise as Vir’s blood ran down the smooth blade, not absorbed at all.
Puzzled, Iron One picked up a small knife, cut his finger, and flicked the blood onto the sword. The blade absorbed his blood instantly like a sponge.
Iron One looked at Vir, confused.
“Heh, I told you. Even if they are cursed swords, they are my companions, forged through my battles. They wouldn’t drink my blood,” Vir said, sheathing the twin swords, which fit perfectly.
“Let’s call these swords ‘Blood Will.’ What do you think, Iron One?” Vir asked out of respect for the forger.
Iron One nodded and waved his hand, indicating that Vir should leave. The month-long forging and blood loss had clearly taken a toll on him.
As Vir reached the door, he spoke without turning around.
“I will kill Shiryu of the Rain for you. If your family ever faces a crisis, contact me. I’ll help.” Vir placed a Den Den Mushi on the table near the door and left without looking back.
A smile appeared on Iron One’s face.
“It’s been so long since I saw a great swordsman. To see one so young… I hope he can kill Shiryu of the Rain. Son, I’ve finally found a way to avenge you,” Iron One murmured.
Vir, with ‘Blood Will,’ bid farewell to Ferdinand. He had no plans to return to Tutu Island, so he didn’t see Ferdinand off.
Back on the ship, he found the rabbit absorbed in its medical books, sunbathing on the deck with a fruit platter beside it.
The rabbit had grown to enjoy life more since sailing with Vir.
Vir set the ship on course according to the Log Pose.
After setting the ship to autopilot, Vir approached the rabbit to show off his new swords like a child with a new toy.
“Congratulations, Ar. It’s a good day. Can we skip training today and take a break?” the rabbit asked, seizing the opportunity to slack off.
Vir smiled at the rabbit, whose head drooped lower and lower until it was buried in its chest.
Vir knew it was playing the pity card but couldn’t help feeling a bit soft-hearted.
“Alright, we’ll take a break today. Training resumes tomorrow,” Vir said.
The rabbit nodded quickly, making a peace sign behind Vir’s back.
At that moment, a News Coo flew in and landed in front of the rabbit.
The rabbit promptly went to the kitchen to fetch some small fish, feeding the News Coo. After eating, the bird dropped a newspaper and cawed at the rabbit before flying away.
The rabbit waved at the bird, picked up the newspaper, and lounged back in its chair, leisurely reading it.
Vir felt like he had seen this scene somewhere before. It was oddly familiar but also endearing.
Just as Vir was about to test the sharpness of ‘Blood Will,’ the rabbit tugged at him, pointing to a corner of the newspaper.
(Akainu defeats the Tleka Pirates, rescues island villagers.)
Vir read it and found nothing unusual.
“Ar, is this Akainu strong?” the rabbit asked, writing on a notepad.
“Very strong. I can’t beat him yet. Why do you ask, Rabbit?” Vir inquired, curious about the rabbit’s interest.
The rabbit wrote again.
“Then I’ll call myself ‘Rabbitski’ from now on. I’ll become very strong too.” The rabbit grinned, thrilled to finally have a name.
Vir nearly choked upon hearing the name ‘Rabbitski,’ but since the rabbit chose it, he couldn’t object.
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