The time a Celestial Spirit could manifest was limited.
There were three ways for a Celestial Spirit to disappear: the owner of the Celestial Key could send them back, their time could run out, or they could be beaten until they dissipated...
Currently, Taurus had returned to his Celestial Spirit realm. However, it would take at least ten days to half a month before he could get out of bed.
Tushan's previous punch had been merciless.
If he had the habit of naming his attacks, that strike would have been at least ten times the power of "Thunderous Eight Trigrams"!
If a human had taken that blow, they would have exploded into a mist of blood on the spot.
As a Celestial Spirit, Taurus had endured the maximum damage he could withstand in this world, instantly being struck into nothingness and forcibly sent back home...
Tushan casually withdrew his hand, watching the rapidly dissipating light before him. The dissatisfaction in his heart finally eased a bit.
"Hmm. Next time that stupid bull shows up, he won't dare refuse if I ask him to plow ten miles of land for me..."
Tushan smiled slightly, then turned to return the Celestial Key to Nami.
Nami, still in shock, accepted the key and quickly snapped out of her daze, checking the key with some concern.
"Phew... It's okay, I can still sense it."
"If Tushan had killed him with one punch, that would have been a huge loss!"
"Taurus may be a bit lecherous, but he's a good fighter..."
Nami muttered, looking up at Tushan with a hint of helplessness.
Getting so serious with a Celestial Spirit seemed a bit childish!
However, Nami wasn't angry with Tushan at all.
Now that she had come to her senses, she realized her man had acted for her sake, and his display of strength far exceeded her expectations!
Her heart filled with even more joy!
Makino also came to her senses, offering a gentle smile.
Compared to the others, she had a better understanding of Tushan's strength.
After all, on the day they first met, Tushan had gone out for a stroll and returned with five Sea Kings...
"It seems Tushan truly has the ability to protect me... But now, I have the right to stand by your side."
...
With Taurus gone, Buggy's crew had been completely dealt with.
It seemed time for Tushan and his companions to continue their journey.
Although Luffy and Zoro were still on the scene, Tushan felt they were on completely different wavelengths and had no interest in greeting them.
However, just as Tushan was about to leave with Makino and Nami, Luffy and Zoro stepped forward in unison to block his path.
"What do you want?"
Tushan asked calmly.
Luffy and Zoro exchanged a glance and spoke in turn.
"You're strong! But I'm the man who will become the Pirate King!"
"If I can defeat someone as strong as you, I'll be one step closer to the Pirate King!"
Tushan glanced at Luffy, who had spoken first, without responding.
Luffy's talk of becoming the Pirate King seemed far-fetched!
But saying that defeating him would bring Luffy closer to the Pirate King? That was underestimating him!
If someone capable of defeating him appeared, forget the Pirate King, they'd be able to ride a Celestial Dragon of their choice every day!
Tushan had no desire to entertain Luffy's challenge.
After all, he had already assessed the situation.
Taurus had easily dealt with Mochi, Richie, and a group of pirates.
That level of strength was likely on par with Luffy's current abilities.
Taurus had been sent flying with one punch, so Luffy would likely be defeated in seconds.
Boring, boring...
Before Tushan could respond, Zoro spoke up with enthusiasm.
"Although I'm more interested in strong swordsmen, your display of strength is impossible to ignore."
"So, I want to challenge you!"
"Even if it means losing my life, I won't regret it!"
Zoro spoke with excitement, then paused, adding cautiously, "Or... I wonder if someone like you knows swordsmanship?"
"Hmm?"
Hearing this, Tushan tilted his head, unable to hold back a response.
To be asked such a question... it couldn't be ignored!
His SS-level top-tier swordsmanship!!
And someone dared to ask if he knew swordsmanship?!
But it was likely because he wasn't carrying a sword...
After all, what swordsman didn't carry a sword?
After some thought, Tushan looked at Zoro and replied calmly, "Swordsmanship? I know a bit. Hmm..."
"Handling Dracule Mihawk is quite easy."
Feeling he might have been too modest, Tushan quickly added.
Zoro, who had been excited to hear Tushan knew swordsmanship, froze upon hearing the latter part.
Someone with Tushan's strength wouldn't make such jokes.
Claiming to handle Dracule Mihawk easily, even if exaggerated, showed Tushan's absolute confidence in his swordsmanship!
If someone as powerful as Tushan had equally terrifying swordsmanship...
Zoro couldn't fathom it.
Such a person was beyond his current reach!
He couldn't believe his luck in encountering such a person today!
Zoro's breathing grew heavier.
Though he hadn't yet met Mihawk, today he seemed to have found someone even more worthy of surpassing!
He hoped he wouldn't be disappointed!
Zoro finally wore an expectant smile.
Looking at the unarmed Tushan, he patted the three swords at his waist and said, "Come, show me the gap between us! Let me see if you have the right to speak so arrogantly!"
"If you don't have a sword, perhaps you can borrow one of mine."
Zoro spoke, leaving Tushan no room to refuse.
Seeing the enthusiasm of the two, Tushan's previously extinguished fighting spirit reluctantly reignited.
"You're a three-sword style swordsman, right? You need three swords to unleash your full strength, so keep them for yourself."
"As for the battle you proposed..."
"Out of respect for Makino, let's consider it a lesson for you, Luffy."
"Finally, both of you come at me together, I'm in a hurry."
Tushan agreed to the battle!
But those words only elicited a cold laugh from Luffy and Zoro.
"Heh heh..."
"What an arrogant guy!!"
"Then... let's begin!"
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