It's lonely here at the top, Roronoa Zoro. Lonely... and above all, boring. It's been over a decade since I last had a proper duel with someone worthy, and it's starting to show. To be honest, your first impression of me could have been better. Surely someone of your ambition recognises the lack of dignity and glory in chasing down weaklings fleeing from the Grand Line? Surely you understand how far below our potential it is to feed my blade such weak-blooded fodder?

But I was bored that day, and my sword was hungry; I've long ago learned to stop thinking with pride on days like that. You too will learn as you ascend. You take one step higher every time you walk over a defeated foe, and with every step you will learn to know tedium as you slowly but surely run out of challengers. When you stand on top of everyone else, you'll find there will no longer be satisfaction in cutting or not cutting if there is no one left who can stand up to either.

I told you to surpass me. I expect you to be capable of that, nothing less than that. You've already shown me you can surpass your pride, and loyalty is certainly a more honourable motive than petty boredom. Climb to the top and give me the joy of knowing I can still be defeated! To know that there is still a higher place to go, that the world won't stagnate at his level, is the wish of every master.

I told you to surpass my sword. There are swordsmen in this world whose souls and blades become inseparable; any blade is a weapon in my hands, but this is my champion, and I its. Servants and masters to one another. Since we fight as one, taking down one means defeat for the other as well. What of you? What of that one blade of yours that won't break? Some day it will clash with my black sword for the last time and then we'll see if your weapon remains as unbroken as your spirit.

Today is at last an interesting day. Today is the day you'll learn your first lesson in taking my head. I'll just help you a little on your way, but there's no doubt in my mind that you'll take the last steps with your own strength. Come at me, Roronoa Zoro, and in return teach me defeat! Show me a world that I can't reach! But know this: you'll pave the way to that world with your blood and pain. I won't sell that victory cheap, and I know you don't want it any other way. We'll await you at the top, this sword and I, so come at us! At your first attack, I'll spill just a little more of your blood; this blade may know how to be gentle, but it still remembers the first time it cut you. It remembers the taste.

We begin now, Roronoa. Clear your eyes and watch in awe. For I am a zealot...

And this is my god.