The Blade That Faces a Hundred

Three days had passed since the declaration of the trial—a legendary clash between a single swordswoman and a hundred elite Void Knights. The air across Voidreign Kingdom buzzed with anticipation. This wasn't just a test of strength—it was a message to the world.

From the bustling port towns to the quiet mountain villages, Den Den Mushi screens lit up in every corner. Every citizen, every traveler, every outsider lucky enough to be within the kingdom's borders had their eyes fixed on one event: the Trial of Voidknights.

The grand arena at the center of Voidreign Island brimmed with life. It stood like a colosseum of old, a fusion of modern architecture and ancient stone, humming with void energy. Seagulls circled above, some carrying live-broadcasting Den Den Mushi for aerial views, while others perched on the crystal pylons installed around the arena for a perfect, uninterrupted stream.

One hour before the event, the stands were nearly full—nobles, commoners, scholars, warriors, children, even retired pirates and adventurer filled the tiered seats. It was a festival of tension. The Trial was more than spectacle—it was legend in the making.

Suddenly, a change in the air.

Descending from the towering Celestial Garden Castle came Jessie, Void King of the Voidreign Pirates, cloaked in silence and power. His presence alone turned heads. As he entered the arena, the crowd rose in unison like a wave.

"Welcome, Your Majesty!"

"Long live the Void King!"

Jessie offered only a small nod, but his aura rippled like a tidal force. He moved toward the royal box with calculated grace, his eyes scanning the arena—where she stood.

Kuina.

In the center of the arena, surrounded by a disciplined formation of one hundred Void Knights clad in obsidian armor that shimmered like living death, Kuina stood still—her eyes like steel, her blade at her side. Her figure was striking: long dark hair pulled into a ponytail, a sculpted build, reminiscent of Tashigi, but more formidable. No glasses. No fear. Only precision.

Her stance alone told everyone: this wasn't a girl. This was a warrior.

Floating high above the arena, spinning and soaring with playful grace, was Uta—today's official host. Dressed in a vibrant outfit that contrasted the grim aesthetic below, she grinned at the roaring crowd.

"Voidreign Kingdom!" she sang joyfully into the Den Den Mushi mic, "Welcome to today's grand event: The Trial of the Hundred Void Knights!"

The crowd erupted.

"In one corner, we have the rising star—Kuina of the SWORD SAINT! And in the other... well... one hundred of the finest knights this island has ever trained!" she spun midair. 

Down in the VIP stands, familiar figures gathered.

A small panda wearing shades and a Voidreign cloak hopped onto the hip-height stone ledge beside his assigned seat—Blackeye Panda, ever silent, ever cool.

Across the stands, Vash half-leaning on the railing, flashing grins at noblewomen and warriors alike, his usual devil-may-care charm in full display.

Beside Jessie, a powerful presence emanated like still thunder—Meruem,, sat with arms crossed, silently observing the crowd and the center of the arena like a dragon on watch.

Suddenly, the screech of wings.

Dozens of trained seagulls descended gently, carrying high-resolution Den Den Mushi connected to a private network. One of them landed near a tall, feathered figure.

Morgan, president of the World Economic News, stepped forward, dressed in a black feathered coat with his signature cigar tucked in his beak.

"Captain Jessie," he greeted with a respectful nod, his voice scratchy and theatrical, "It's been 2 weeks… and now the Voidreign Pirates are back in the spotlight. Thank you for the invite."

Jessie didn't turn. His gaze remained locked on Kuina in the distance.

"I don't care what the world thinks," he said coolly. "As long as they don't cause trouble, I won't cause trouble."

Morgan smirked. "And yet, trouble seems to follow your name like a shadow."

Jessie shrugged. "Let them watch."

And the world was indeed watching.

In Marine Headquarters, a Den Den Mushi projector played the event on the central screen. Marines of every rank had gathered in silence.

former Admiral fleet Sengoku sipped from a cup of tea.

Vice Admiral Tsuru leaned forward with a curious glint in her eyes. "I haven't seen a swordswoman with this much promise since... well, not even Big Mom fought with such precision. This one is different."

Further down in the Grand Line, at the stronghold of Cross Guild, Dracule Mihawk sat quietly, eyes locked on Kuina's every movement. The world's greatest swordsman was watching—not just as a warrior, but as a judge.

In East Blue, in a humble dojo nestled in Frost Moon Village, Koshiro—once thought to be Kuina's father—stood motionless. Behind him, pinned to the dojo wall, were clippings and bounties from the last few days. The one on top bore her face, her name—Kuina—with a newly revealed identity.

He placed a hand on the wooden post beside him, heart heavy.

In another corner of the seas, aboard a crimson ship, Shanks leaned against a mast, watching the event via a personal Den Den Mushi. "So Jessie's created a event," he mused. "Things are getting interesting."

Meanwhile, on a small marine vessel, Smoker lit a cigar, eyes narrowed.

He turned to the woman beside him. "Tashigi… are you sure that's not your twin sister?"

Tashigi's face was pale with confusion. "I—I don't know… I don't remember anything about her. But... she does look like me. Too much."

—

Back in the arena, the sun shone high, casting long shadows across the marble floor.

Uta's voice rang like a bell.

"Ladies and gentlemen, swordsmen and scholars, pirates and marines across the seas—"

She raised her hand.

"Let the Trial… BEGIN!"

The hundred Void Knights drew their weapons. Auras ignited—blazing blue, burning red, crackling black. Their suits looked like death incarnate—armor forged from voidsteel, helmets carved with runes of power. They formed a circle around Kuina, surrounding her like a storm cloud before lightning strikes.

But Kuina stood still.

She opened her eyes.

The first knight charged.

The sky darkened.