Sparring Match: Whis vs. Roronoa Zoro The serene atmosphere of the secluded training ground sparkled under the light of two gleaming suns in Universe 7. Whis, the angelic being and guardian of time, sat cross-legged, a playful smirk resting on his face. He seemed relaxed, a stark contrast to the intensity radiating from his opponent, Roronoa Zoro, the swordsman renowned as the King of Hell. The verdant landscape displayed a blend of vibrant flowers and towering trees, entirely unfazed by the formidable clash that was about to unfold. “Are you ready, Zoro?” Whis asked, tilting his head slightly. His tone held an air of amusement, as if he were anticipating a fascinating show rather than a serious battle. Zoro stood tall, gripping the hilts of his legendary blades, Enma and Kitetsu, determination etched on his face. “Don’t underestimate me, Whis! I’ll show you my true strength,” he declared, his voice steady and resolute. Whis chuckled softly. “Oh, I’m not underestimating you. In fact, I will go easy on you.” He winked, rising to his feet and preparing for the sparring match. Zoro's eyes narrowed, every muscle in his body coiling like a tightly wound spring, ready to unleash his phenomenal swordsmanship. As Zoro rushed forward, he drew Enma with blinding speed, his newfound title weighing heavily on his heart. “Three Sword Style—Onigiri!” he shouted, executing a stance that would have sliced through time and space itself if Whis had deemed it necessary. His blade cut through the air, sending forth a kaleidoscope of energy, resembling millions of blades ready to tear through reality. Whis, still wearing a playful expression, simply sidestepped the lethal onslaught with elegance. “That was impressive! But you’ll have to do better than that.” He remained evasive, deftly dodging Zoro’s relentless flurry of attacks, his fluid movements resembling a dance rather than a battle. Zoro growled in frustration, determination burning brighter in his emerald-green eyes. “I won’t let you evade me! I can adapt to any situation!” With a fierce hilt and a firm grip, he switched to his Kitetsu sword, channeling the spirit of the sword into his attack. He dashed forward again, a whirlwind of ferocity and audacity. “I’ll carve my way through you, Whis!” With a quick flick of his wrist, Zoro unleashed a rapid barrage of slashes, each one resonating with an unstoppable force. Whis—still relaxed—raised his hand, a soft wave deflecting the powerful strike gracefully. “Even that wasn’t sufficient. You’ve grown stronger, I see, yet...” As Zoro adjusted his stance, he felt the adrenaline coursing through his veins, his battle prowess shining through. “Even if you’re toying with me, I will push myself beyond my limits!” He sheathed Kitetsu, pulling Enma once more, and instead released a powerful, almost chaotic, Haki surge as he initiated the next phase of their duel. “Conqueror's Haki!” Zoro roared while raising Enma to its full potential. The aura of his spirit surged forward, aiming to overwhelm his opponent. Whis merely tilted his head, mildly interested. “Ah, you are learning to harness the power of your will. Quite commendable!” Zoro launched himself forward with incredible speed, executing a powerful slash, his sword aiming straight for Whis. "Onigiri!" But, in a moment that defies reality, Whis simply vanished, appearing behind Zoro while still maintaining that playful smirk. “I told you, Zoro, I’m not even trying to keep up with you,” he quipped, his voice light and teasing. Zoro clenched his fists tightly, his veins throbbing with impatience, unwilling to show any sign of defeat. “This is just a warm-up!” he panted, spinning around quickly to deliver another strike with Enma. The velocity was such that the very air trembled in anticipation. “Ah!” Whis exclaimed, almost humorously, his skills displayed through the grace with which he avoided every beam and blade Zoro swirled. “You’re getting better. How about we escalate this?” With a wave of his hand, Whis summoned a ripple of energy, and Zoro felt the pressure around him intensifying, as if the entire universe held its breath. Zoro, unyielding, charged once more, his willpower unshakeable. “I won’t back down! I’m Roronoa Zoro, King of Hell! I’ll show you my strength, even if you are a higher being!” With fury and focus, Zoro unleashed an immense blow—laced with the spirit of millions of battles past—the culmination of his training and experiences. “I’ll cut you down!” he roared, surging forth with both Enma and Kitetsu in a stunning display. But even as Zoro swung with flawless precision, Whis merely smiled. The energy surrounding the battlefield shifted, and for a fleeting moment, time seemed to slow. With the ease of a master dodging raindrops, Whis moved, intervening with little more than a finger. “Higher powers can be… a little unfair,” he commented, amusement lacing his voice as Zoro’s attack effortlessly landed nowhere. The swordsman stumbled slightly, huffing as the realization of the gap in their abilities became all too apparent. “I won’t stop!” Zoro panted, sheer resolve dominating his features. “If I’m destined to be the King of Hell, I need to push my limits!” “You truly are relentless,” Whis acknowledged, the playful demeanor now tinged with respect. “But you must understand, even the strongest will meet their match eventually.” Zoro took a deep breath, determination shimmering in his eyes. “If you’re going easy, then I’ll just have to push harder!” he declared, focusing intensely. Amidst the haze of the spar, Zoro managed to tap into the depths of his capability. “I’ll cut through fate itself!” For what felt like an eternity, they clashed, Zoro pouring everything into each stroke of his blades. But amid the clash of steel and the imaginative spirit of his swords, Whis continued to effortlessly evade his strikes, perhaps while encouraging Zoro’s growth. “You wield power beyond comprehension, Zoro,” Whis remarked as they paused for a brief moment. “But you need to understand that knowledge, training, and absolute focus surpass mere strength.” With a deep exhalation of frustration, Zoro shouted, “Then teach me! Don’t just sidestep me!” Whis smiled softly, his gaze serious for just a moment. “Very well. You are capable of so much more. To truly harness your strength, you must accept that even the strongest beings can learn.” The tone shifted, Zoro readied himself again, aware this wouldn't be a mere sparring match after all. With his will renewed, he prepared to re-engage, feeling the pressure of the moment. Ultimately, however, the battle remains endless, and Zoro faced Whis's overwhelming mastery once again. Though defiance and tenacity coursed through him, the evidence of Whis’s unmatched prowess lingered in the air. Whis, with a slight nod, reaffirmed, “Remember, Zoro, no matter how hard you try, sometimes the gap is simply too wide.” And as the skies shimmered in the aftermath, it became painfully clear to Zoro: “Whis was just stronger.”