For the past hour, four pairs of eyes had been carefully watching the selection unfold below. From this vantage point high above the arena, they could see every strike, every clash of profound energy, and every rise and fall of the Sky Profound Realm cultivators battling for their spot in history.
They had booked the entire VIP viewing chamber for themselves—not because they sought privilege, but because they sought anonymity. After enduring enough unwanted attention from overeager young masters earlier in the day, the women had decided it was safer to watch from behind the protection of the palace's energy veil.
No matter how they tried to suppress their beauty, it simply wasn't possible. Every glance, every passing cultivator turned their head.
So, to avoid further trouble, they disguised themselves as noble ladies from a distant province. A smart move—it kept the crowds away and, thankfully, prevented any blood from being spilled out of… irritation.
Here, behind the shimmering barrier, their faces were invisible to those below.
And within that secluded chamber sat none other than Cang Yue, Retsu, Mio, and their small, loudmouthed companion, Kon.
They had arrived in Gao Ling earlier than Yun Che, following his instructions to keep their distance so no one could connect them to his Mihawk persona.
Now, while the battles raged below, the trio had taken advantage of the quiet to test the new ability Yun Che had taught them.
"Damn it," Kon groaned, flopping dramatically onto one of the velvet chairs. "The moment I moved, my vision shut off! This thing's harder to control than Haki itself! Kon-sama is done for today."
He spread his paws wide and lay flat on his back, eyes spinning. Fortunately, the chamber's profound sound barrier kept his voice from leaking out to the arena below.
Cang Yue sighed softly, leaning back in her seat. Her eyes dimmed, the faint glow fading as she released the technique. Beads of sweat dotted her forehead.
"Muu… me too," she pouted, turning her head toward Retsu and Mio, who were still standing calmly with their eyes shining in soft, bluish light. "How do you two use these eyes so easily?"
Retsu moved gracefully across the room, each step deliberate, her luminous blue irises reflecting the faint glow of the chamber's candles. Even for her, it wasn't effortless—her movement was slower than usual, her breathing measured.
"These eyes require absolute focus," she explained softly. "Even I can only hold them for a short time. But with practice… they'll become natural."
She paused near the window, gazing down at the arena through the shimmering barrier. "Still… it's remarkable. With these eyes, I can see movement and energy patterns even under sunlight or darkness. Nothing escapes them."
Mio, seated elegantly with her chin resting on her hand, chuckled quietly. The faint light in her own eyes flickered before stabilizing again—hers were the steadiest of the group.
"Yue'er, it's like Retsu said—you're forcing your gaze too much. The trick is to feel the flow of energy instead of trying to look for it."
She smiled faintly. "When you learn to see the world's energy instead of its shapes, these eyes will obey you naturally."
Cang Yue huffed, folding her arms. "Easy for you to say. You mastered it in one day."
Retsu glanced over her shoulder, her usual serene smile touching her lips.Of course, she wouldn't mention that the System had helped them adapt to these new eyes faster than they would have on their own.
She continued pacing slowly across the room, her eyes glowing with a soft, bluish light — the manifestation of their newly awakened ability. Even with her refined control, each step was deliberate, careful.
"Well," she said gently, her tone calm as ever, "you two haven't fully mastered it yet. Even I'm still getting used to the strain. These eyes demand absolute focus."
She paused, gazing out through the faint energy barrier that separated them from the world beyond. Her glowing eyes shimmered faintly. "But once you do… you'll see clearer than ever. Daylight or darkness — it makes no difference."
Mio sat near the window, her own eyes glowing for a moment before dimming back to their natural black. She exhaled softly, the fatigue from maintaining her vision evident in her posture.
"Retsu-chan," she murmured, her tone gentle but edged with frustration, "can you see Danna-sama from here? My Haki isn't strong enough to hold these eyes for long."
Retsu closed her eyes briefly, centering herself before opening them again — the bluish light brightened. She swept her gaze across the arena below, her perception slicing through the distance like a sharp blade.
Within seconds, she found him.
"Hn…" she hummed softly, "he's there — sitting all alone in that empty space."
Her tone softened unconsciously when she said it, like his mere presence brought her calm.
Mio let out a low sigh, resting her chin in her hand. "No wonder I couldn't sense him. My Haki doesn't reach that far. Muuu… my Kenbunshoku and Busoshoku are still only at the intermediate stage."
Her eyes narrowed, a hint of irritation slipping into her tone. "Without better control, I can't maintain these eyes or extend my vision that far."
Retsu chuckled softly. "Can't you just bend space to see?"
Mio gave her a flat look. "I could," she said dryly, "if my spatial range weren't limited by my current Haki level. I'm still weakened, remember?"
She sighed again and slumped back against her chair, folding her arms.
Retsu turned and walked over to her, the faint blue glow of her eyes fading as she dismissed the technique. Sitting beside Mio, she reached out and gently patted her back.
"Don't worry, Mio-chan," she said softly. "You're improving. Just focus on your control and flow — learn to let your Haki move with your vision instead of forcing it."
Mio blinked, glancing sideways at her. "You make it sound so simple."
Retsu's lips curved slightly. "It's not. But it becomes easier the more you calm your heart. Even I haven't mastered it yet."
The room fell into a comfortable silence for a moment — the quiet hum of the barrier the only sound.
Cang Yue sat nearby, still catching her breath from her last attempt at the technique. Her posture was relaxed now, though faint traces of exhaustion lingered on her face.
As she watched Retsu and Mio calmly refine their glowing eyes, a small smile tugged at her lips.
"He really has a way of bringing out everyone's potential, doesn't he?" she murmured softly.
Mio, still seated cross-legged, nodded faintly. Her expression softened, though her voice carried a tired sigh.
"Yeah… you're right." She leaned back against the chair, closing her eyes for a brief moment before continuing. "Retsu-chan, Danna-sama said that to fully master this eye technique, we first need to completely master Kenbunshoku itself."
Her tone was half admiration, half frustration — the same kind of tone that comes from understanding just how far the mountain of mastery still rises.
Retsu turned toward her, her own eyes glowing faintly blue before dimming again. She didn't respond right away. Instead, she stood still for a moment, her hands folded before her as her thoughts wandered deeper.
To think… such an advanced ability exists within Kenbunshoku itself.
She closed her eyes, feeling the residual hum of energy in her mind — the lingering trace of Yun Che's teaching. The technique wasn't just about sight; it was awareness made visible. It allowed one to see everything — intent, movement, life — with absolute clarity.
How vast is his martial knowledge…? she thought quietly, awe flickering in her eyes. He's touched so many paths — Haki, swordsmanship, even the art of the soul — and yet, he fuses them so naturally…
Mio's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. "Truly… Danna-sama never ceases to amaze me."
The three women fell silent, the hum of the profound barrier around them faint but steady.
=======================
The Day Before the Grand Selection — Wasteland of Death, Outskirts
"BOOM!!!"
"Shing!!"
"BOOM!!!"
"Shing!!"
"BOOM!!!"
The barren plains of the Wasteland of Death shook violently under the relentless roar of explosions and slicing winds. Massive arcs of green sword energy carved through the earth, each one sharper and faster than the last.
The ground was littered with scars — long, jagged trenches carved clean by blade energy so precise they looked like mirrored glass.
Standing in the eye of the destruction was Yun Che, or rather, the man as Dracule Mihawk. His coat billowed in the wind as he swung his massive black sword, Yoru, with practiced control.
Each swing tore open the air itself, releasing blinding green sword waves that shot across the plains, detonating like artillery shells as they struck the ground.
He exhaled slowly, his expression calm, the brim of his hat shadowing his golden eyes.
Not bad. The edges are cleaner now… faster too.
Under the watchful guidance of Old Man Zangetsu's spiritual echo and his own memories from his past life, Yun Che had been honing Mihawk's signature sword waves — not just mimicking them, but evolving them.
His slashes were no longer simple extensions of force. Each cut carried both precision and density, refined to the point that the surrounding air whistled sharply before exploding outward.
However, even as his technique improved, Yoru trembled faintly after each Getsuga-like blast. Yun Che stopped, resting the flat of the blade against his shoulder, feeling the faint vibration.
"Hmm… still not sturdy enough." He frowned slightly. "Using Getsuga Tenshō puts too much strain on the blade. Even a masterpiece like Yoru wasn't built for Zanpakutō-style energy release."
He swung the sword once more, the sound sharp and heavy.
"Dual Getsuga? Completely out of the question — I'd destroy the blade before the enemy."
He paused, letting out a low sigh. "Still… if I can channel the energy more efficiently, and reinforce the material later, I can make this work."
He glanced down at the black sword, the reflected sunlight running along its flawless edge.
"Don't worry," he murmured softly, a faint smile touching his lips. "I'll make you stronger too."
===================
From a safe distance, a small group was watching him closely.
Retsu, Cang Yue, Mio, and Kon had set up camp on a rocky ledge overlooking the plains. A pot simmered over a campfire — inside, a freshly hunted profound beast (courtesy of one of Yun Che's stray sword waves) was being cooked.
Cang Yue stirred the pot with an amused sigh. "He calls this training? The ground looks like it's been through a war."
Mio chuckled softly. "That's just how he is."
Kon peeked over the rim of the pot, his fur singed slightly. "Yeah, and so does dinner. I almost got vaporized earlier!"
Retsu smiled faintly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "It means his control's improving. The sword waves are focused now — not a single one went astray this time."
Cang Yue blinked. "Except for the one that killed our dinner."
"…Right. That one doesn't count." Retsu smiled again, serene as always.
Yun Che landed lightly beside them a moment later, appearing out of nowhere with a flicker of movement. The girls tensed instinctively — even knowing it was him, his Mihawk presence was overwhelming.
"Mouu… this form of yours really scares me sometimes, Yun Che," Cang Yue huffed, puffing her cheeks slightly.
He gave a calm smile — Mihawk's signature half-grin. "Can't help it. This is how he carried himself."
He unslung Yoru from his back and gave it a few casual swings, the blade whistling through the air with frightening precision. "I need to adapt fully to this sword and form before the tournament tomorrow. So far… I'm getting the hang of it."
Kon raised his plushy paw and pointed accusingly at Yun Che, his little button eyes narrowing.
"Seeing you so calm makes my blood boil for some reason," he complained dramatically. "So tell me, how did he even live with that giant sword stuck to his back all the time?"
Yun Che chuckled softly — a deeper, steadier sound now that he spoke with Mihawk's calm voice. "I don't really have a problem with it. If I need to move through tight spaces, I just store it in my spatial ring."
He almost said inventory, but caught himself just in time — Cang Yue was watching him with curious eyes, and the word inventory would've raised far too many questions.
Retsu, who was tending to their lunch pot by the campfire, let out a soft giggle. "Well, that's one less problem to worry about," she said warmly, stirring the stew with graceful motions.
Yun Che lifted Yoru and carefully rested the massive sword against a nearby tree before sitting down on another fallen log. The wood creaked faintly under his weight as he leaned back, looking relaxed for the first time all day.
Mio walked over, her usual mischievous grin already forming. Without warning, she leaned in and started poking his cheek. "But calling an Oji-san 'Danna-sama' still feels weird," she teased. "It's like I'm talking to a completely different man."
He didn't even flinch. Instead, he smiled slightly, that composed Mihawk expression blending with Yun Che's familiar warmth. "Don't worry," he said calmly, "I'm still me — just a little older, calmer… and, obviously, much cooler."
Cang Yue, sitting beside Retsu, smiled as she looked up at him. "Still, you chose the strongest man among soul cultivators as your disguise. That's… really cool, Yun Che."
He turned his golden eyes toward her, his expression softening. "Not among soul cultivators," he corrected gently. "Among swordsmen. He's the Strongest Swordsman in the World."
Her eyes widened slightly. "Goodness… has his strength already reached the Monarch stage?"
Yun Che nodded faintly, his gaze distant, reflecting the campfire's glow. "Yeah. But he's long gone now. Using his image like this…" — he glanced down at his gloved hand — "it's like letting him live again, even if only for a little while."
Yun Che clapped his hands lightly, his calm voice cutting through the cozy chatter around the fire.
"All right, girls — enough about Mihawk for now. Aside from Retsu, how's your Haki training coming along?"
Mio immediately perked up, raising her hand like an eager student. "I managed to reach the threshold of the Intermediate Stage for both Kenbunshoku and Busoshoku already! Well… you did teach me this yesterday, Danna-sama."
Then, with a playful grin, she scooted closer to him. "Nee, nee, Danna-sama… pat my head!"
Before Yun Che could respond, she had already grabbed his hand and placed it firmly on her head.
The moment she did, two distinct gazes — sharp and very much jealous — came from his sides.
Retsu's serene smile twitched ever so slightly, while Cang Yue's soft eyes narrowed just a little too much.
Unbothered, Yun Che chuckled quietly and gently ruffled Mio's hair. "Impressive. You advanced quicker than I expected."
But before he could move his hand away, Cang Yue reached forward, her movements graceful but firm, and pulled his other hand toward her.
"I'm still advancing toward the Advanced Stage for both Haki," she said sweetly — though her tone carried that faint you'd-better-not-forget-me undertone.
Yun Che sighed, both hands now occupied, patting the heads of two pouting beauties sitting on either side of him.
"You two are really something else…" he muttered with a helpless smile. Then he turned his gaze toward their sulking plushy companion. "What about you, Kon?"
Kon, sitting cross-legged on a nearby rock, turned his face away dramatically, trying to hide the faint blush under his fur. "Hmph! I reached Advanced Kenbunshoku a while ago. Still having trouble predicting the future though."
Yun Che's eyes softened. "Not bad, Kon. I'll have Retsu help you refine that part. Her control and perception are more stable — it should help you smooth your awareness."
He finally pulled his hands free, resting his elbows on his knees. "Anyway, that brings me to something important. Today, I'm going to teach you — and the girls — another Haki-based ability."
The group instantly turned their attention to him. Even Retsu, who rarely showed surprise, paused mid-stir at the campfire and looked over.
"Another Haki ability?" she asked curiously, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I thought Haki only had three main branches."
Yun Che nodded, his voice steady — the calm tone of Mihawk perfectly blending with his own confidence.
"Yes. Haki has three fundamental forms — Observation, Armament, and Conqueror's Haki. But this… this ability is different. It's an extension meant for eye use only."
The flames flickered, reflecting in his sharp golden eyes as he continued.
"I can't teach you my personal Eye Art — that's tied to my bloodline and can't be passed to others. But I can teach you something similar — a technique built upon your Observation Haki. It requires that your perception has already surpassed the Basic Stage."
The group fell silent, hanging on every word. His tone carried a certain authority — distant, commanding — and even though it was Yun Che speaking, his Mihawk persona gave his words a gravity that made them listen as though hearing a master swordsman pass down divine wisdom.
Then came the inevitable burst of energy.
"Yosh!" Kon pumped his tiny plushy fist into the air. "Another technique from you means another power-up for Kon-sama!"
Cang Yue smiled softly, her eyes shining with admiration. "Then please, Yun Che… teach it to us. If you believe we can handle it, then we'll master it."
Retsu's soft laugh carried through the quiet night. "Giggle. Then, if you don't mind us learning it… Yuu-kun, please show us."
Mio's eyes gleamed with interest as she sat up straighter. "If Retsu-chan's learning something new, then I'm in too."
She'd been practicing her Haki since before they left the cave, and though she hadn't mastered it fully, her nature as a Godly Beast—and her link to the System—gave her the rare ability to learn at astonishing speed.
Yun Che nodded once, his expression calm, the shadow of Mihawk's composure blending perfectly with his usual warmth.
"Right…" he said quietly, bringing both hands to his chest, his fingers interlocking in a motion of perfect control. His voice grew lower, steady as steel. "Brace yourselves, ladies. What I'm about to teach you… is something I call—Eagle Vision."
The four of them—Retsu, Mio, Cang Yue, and even Kon—echoed the name in unison.
"Eagle Vision?"
Yun Che's lips curved into a faint smile. "Yes. Eagle Vision is the art of awakening all your senses—of expanding your awareness beyond what you can see, hear, or feel—and then focusing it all into your sight."
He looked around the group, his golden eyes reflecting the flickering light of the fire.
"It's an extension of Observation Haki, but far more refined. To cultivate it, your Observation Haki must have already passed the basic stage. Only then can your body handle the sensory overload."
The girls listened intently, the crackling of the campfire the only sound breaking the silence between his words.
"Haki," Yun Che continued, "is a complex, living force within us. It can amplify instinct and perception when channeled through the mind—that's Observation Haki. When channeled through the body, it hardens and strengthens your form—that's Armament Haki. The stronger the flow, the sturdier your defense, the faster your strike."
He paused, letting the firelight dance across his calm expression.
"But… have any of you ever considered channeling it into your eyes?"
The question lingered like a spark in the air.
The three women exchanged glances, thoughtful. They had used Haki to bolster strength, speed, and reflex—but never once had they imagined directing it toward their vision.
Retsu's eyes softened as realization dawned. Mio leaned forward, curious, while Cang Yue tilted her head slightly in wonder.
"That's right," Yun Che said, his tone almost a whisper now, yet carrying immense weight. "If you channel your Haki into your eyes properly, it will heighten your perception beyond measure—you'll see energy flow, movement, and even intent itself."
He grew serious then, his tone shifting from mentor to master. "But listen carefully—use too much, and your eyes will burn out. Overloading the optic nerves with Haki can cause blindness. Eagle Vision is powerful, but it's dangerous if you're careless."
He slowly rose to his feet, the firelight outlining his silhouette like an ancient swordsman about to begin a ritual.
"That's why I'll guide your energy for the first time. I'll help you open the channel safely."
The camp grew quiet again. The only sounds were the whisper of the wind and the soft crackle of the fire.
"Since the three of you have surpassed the first stage of Observation Haki," he said, lowering Yoru and sliding it carefully into his spatial ring, "sit down. Close your eyes."
They obeyed immediately—Retsu folding gracefully into lotus position, Mio crossing her legs beside her, and Cang Yue sitting straight-backed with her hands on her knees. Even Kon sat down, puffing out his little chest, trying to look serious.
Yun Che's voice became soft but commanding.
"No matter what happens," he said, "don't open your eyes until I tell you. If you do, the flow will break—and we'll have to start all over again."
He took a slow breath, the calm of Mihawk merging with the confidence of Yun Che.
"Now… let's begin."
Yun Che's calm, steady voice carried through the still air.
"Retsu, I'll start with you."
He rose to his feet, his long coat whispering against the wind as he extended a finger toward her. In his Mihawk persona, his movements were precise and deliberate — every gesture held weight and control.
He gently pressed his fingertip to the center of Retsu's forehead, his spiritual energy flowing in harmony with hers. Slowly, he began guiding her Haki energy toward her eyes, shaping the flow with practiced care.
"Since you've already perfected the basic stage of Observation Haki," he said softly, "you can skip the first awakening stage — the part that deals with sensing intent and reading the air around you."
Once her energy was stable, he repeated the process for Kon, Cang Yue, and Mio, carefully guiding each of their internal flows. Their breathing deepened as the energy spiraled upward, gathering behind their closed eyelids like rippling waves.
When the last of the channeling was complete, Yun Che withdrew his hand and stepped back.
"Now," he said, his voice calm but commanding, "don't move. Keep your Observation active… and slowly open your eyes."
They obeyed.
And the world changed.
The moment their eyes opened, a soft hum filled the air — faint, like the echo of a heartbeat. A light shimmered across their vision, and one by one, their eyes began to glow with a radiant bluish light.
The Eagle Vision had awakened.
Each of them gasped at the sight.
"Goodness…"
"What… what is this?"
"Incredible…"
Retsu, Cang Yue, Mio, and even Kon exclaimed as their senses expanded beyond what they thought possible.
The world was no longer the same.
The plain around them glowed faintly in shifting tones of blue and gray. The trees and grass pulsed gently, alive with subtle energy. The horizon seemed sharper — more defined — yet the light itself dimmed, as though the ordinary world had taken a step back to make way for something deeper.
Retsu blinked in awe, her voice soft but full of wonder. "Everything's glowing… the trees, the grass — but the light feels darker at the edges. My eyes are brighter, and everyone around me has a faint blue aura."
Cang Yue nodded quickly, equally astonished. "Mine too! Everything alive seems to shine in blue."
Yun Che smiled faintly — the quiet pride of a master seeing his disciples awaken.
"This," he said, "is the first stage of Eagle Vision. Your Haki and your mind are now synchronized with your eyes. You're perceiving not just the world's light, but the energy flowing through it. That's why everything glows."
He folded his arms behind his back, his tone becoming deeper — the way Mihawk would speak when revealing hidden truth.
"Right now, your Haki is converting emotional and spiritual intent into visible color. That's why everything alive shines differently."
He raised a finger and pointed toward himself.
"You see my glow as blue, right?"
They all nodded.
"Good. Blue represents calm — the tranquil aura of an ally. When your Haki detects no hostility, it paints them blue. It's your subconscious trust made visible."
His gaze sharpened. "But when someone bears hatred or killing intent toward you… your Observation Haki will transform their presence into red. It's an instinctive warning — a vision of malice."
Retsu's eyes flickered. "So… anyone who wishes to harm us will appear in red?"
"Exactly," Yun Che said. "And there's more."
He stepped forward slightly, his voice low and focused.
"If you seek someone specific — if you focus on their face, their energy, their name — your intent will guide your Haki. It will mark that person with gold. That means your heart recognizes them as your goal — someone you're meant to find."
Cang Yue leaned forward, fascinated. "And when we no longer focus on them?"
"The color fades," he replied. "The gold turns blue once your intent releases them. Ordinary people you have no bond with appear white."
"White?" Mio echoed curiously.
Yun Che nodded. "Yes. White marks innocence — neutral intent. Civilians, animals, ordinary beings. But their glow will always be dimmer than your allies. And once you refine your control, you can filter them out entirely."
He smiled faintly, watching as they began experimenting with their newfound sight. "You wouldn't want to walk through a city seeing everyone glowing at once. With focus, you can teach your mind to ignore the irrelevant."
Retsu nodded, already adjusting her perception. Her vision subtly changed — the trees and grass faded back into natural color, while only living beings retained their soft glows.
Cang Yue's brow furrowed as she tried the same, slowly classifying plants as "unimportant." The overwhelming light dimmed instantly, replaced by crisp clarity.
Mio gasped softly. "It worked…! The animals are still visible, but the rest faded away."
Yun Che's smile deepened, his voice filled with quiet pride. "Good. You're learning faster than I expected. The stronger your Haki, the sharper and more selective your Eagle Vision becomes."
He looked at each of them — Retsu's serene glow, Cang Yue's bright curiosity, Mio's raw intensity, and Kon's faint, flickering blue light that shimmered like a candle.
Mio's eyes widened as realization struck her.
"Incredible… we're utilizing intent itself. That means we can sense someone's thoughts before they even act."
Her tone was full of awe — and a faint thrill. The idea of walking through a city, instantly recognizing friend from foe, made her heart race.
Yun Che nodded calmly, arms crossed, his voice carrying the calm authority of Mihawk.
"Exactly. Eagle Vision doesn't just amplify your senses — it filters the world. It removes excess light, allowing you to see through glare, smoke, or fog. It even increases contrast at night."
He tilted his head slightly toward them. "However, your range and clarity depend entirely on your mastery of Observation Haki. The stronger your control, the farther you see."
He turned to Retsu and Kon. "You two have the highest range among four of you right now."
Both of them nodded in quiet acknowledgment, their glowing eyes scanning the distant horizon.
Retsu spoke softly. "I can see several miles ahead — even through the heat haze."
Kon puffed out his chest. "And I can see that mountain range over there! Take that, short-range peasants!"
Cang Yue sighed with a faint pout. "I can't see past that mountain. So this is my limit for now, huh?"
Mio shrugged helplessly. "You and I are in the same boat, Yue'er."
For the moment, they could only continue training, strengthening their Haki until they reached the next stage.
Yun Che smiled faintly and continued his explanation, his tone taking on that instructive weight again.
"Remember — Eagle Vision doesn't just enhance your sight. It refines all five senses. You'll hear clearer, smell sharper, feel more precisely, even taste the subtle changes in energy."
He raised a finger, the glow of the fire outlining his calm face.
"You'll be able to see what others cannot. Illusions, concealed formations, hidden traps — all of them carry the faint residue of intent. Your Haki reads that intent and translates it into visible signs. With training, you'll even be able to detect lies — the color of someone's aura will flicker or pulse when they deceive you."
Kon blinked, his button eyes wide. "So cool…" he whispered in genuine awe.
The group fell silent for a moment, absorbing the sheer scope of what they'd just gained.
Cang Yue broke the silence first, her tone filled with quiet wonder. "This skill… it's incredible, Yun Che. Think of what we could do with it."
Yun Che nodded slightly. "Indeed. But for now, I want you to try something."
He gestured toward them. "Move."
The four of them obeyed instinctively — taking a step forward.
And instantly—
The world snapped back to normal. The glow vanished. The colors dimmed.
"Ehh?! It's gone!!" Kon yelped, hopping in place.
The girls blinked rapidly, disoriented as their vision returned to its usual state.
Retsu turned to Yun Che, her expression calm but questioning. "Did we fail, Yuu-kun?"
Yun Che shook his head, his golden eyes soft but amused.
"No. Maintaining the Haki flow for Eagle Vision is like pouring a stream of water into a cup," he explained. "If you move, even slightly, you break the flow — and the water spills. Right now, all four of you can only use Eagle Vision while standing still."
He crossed his arms, smirking faintly. "Your next task is to train your focus until you can move without breaking the flow. Baby steps — literally."
The four of them groaned in unison.
"But that could take forever!" Mio protested, pouting.
Cang Yue crossed her arms as well, puffing her cheeks slightly. "Muu, that's mean!"
Mio chimed in right after, tugging on his sleeve. "Danna-sama, won't you at least help us a little?"
Yun Che chuckled, clearly enjoying their reactions. "Nope. You're on your own. I don't see Retsu having any problem."
The three of them turned just in time to see Retsu moving slowly — almost gliding — her eyes glowing faintly as she adjusted her steps one at a time.
She looked serene, her movements graceful and patient, like a swordswoman tracing the rhythm of the wind.
Seeing her quiet determination, the others immediately stood up.
"Fine! If she can do it, so can we!" Mio declared, rolling up her sleeves.
"Right," Cang Yue said, determination flashing in her eyes.
Kon muttered something about "plush discrimination" and waddled determinedly after them.
Yun Che smiled, leaning back against a fallen tree as he watched them begin their slow, wobbly practice.
"A word of advice," he called out. "Maintaining Eagle Vision and Haki drains your mental energy fast. Rest every so often, or you'll burn out your focus."
Then, with that same Mihawk calm, he turned back to the campfire, picked up his bowl, and began enjoying his lunch.
Behind him, the sound of frustrated groans and determined footsteps filled the air — the quiet symphony of a master's students learning to see the world in a new light.
================
Mio sighed softly, her glowing eyes fading back to normal as she powered down her Eagle Vision. "Sigh… My Haki's still below the Intermediate Stage. My range isn't that far yet."
She rubbed her eyes lightly, then focused on the projection before her — the vast arena where the Selection Tournament was unfolding.
Her gaze naturally drifted toward Yun Che, sitting calmly on his own in that isolated seat. Even from this distance, his composure, the shadowed hat, and the aura of quiet dominance made him stand out like a blade among sticks.
But then… something caught her eye.
Just beyond his position, seated in another corner of the participants' area, was a figure cloaked entirely in black. A woman — her posture upright, her aura faintly restrained, and unlike anyone else present.
Mio blinked, leaning forward slightly. "A woman… in this selection?" she murmured, curiosity lacing her tone. "The only one at that."
Her brow furrowed. "Who is she?"
Retsu followed her line of sight, activating her Eagle Vision again. Her pupils glowed faintly blue as she scanned the arena. After a moment, she shook her head slowly. "I don't know. But it looks like he's not the only one here walking this path alone."
Their glowing eyes collectively turned toward the black-clad woman, her energy calm yet unreadable — a deep pool with no ripples.
Even Kon stopped munching on his snack, his little button eyes narrowing. "Who's that woman supposed to be? She doesn't look like part of any clan."
Cang Yue nodded softly, her tone measured but thoughtful. "That's right. She's the only female cultivator participating. Whoever she is, she must've gone through great trouble just to reach this point."
She paused, her expression tightening slightly. "And if she wins even a single match… she'll draw the wrong kind of attention."
They all knew the risks — a woman entering a contest dominated by Sky Profound Realm elders wasn't just rare, it was dangerous. The arrogance of certain sects and clans was notorious; strength alone wouldn't always shield her from unwanted intent.
Retsu crossed her arms, her glowing eyes focused on the scene below. "Let's trust Yuu-kun to handle this," she said quietly. "If he crosses paths with that woman, we'll find out who she is soon enough."
The others nodded in agreement, though the faint unease in the air lingered.
Below them, amid the thunderous cheers of Gao Ling City, the lone swordsman with the Hawk Eyes and the mysterious woman in black sat worlds apart — yet fate was already drawing their paths toward one another.
=================
The air of Gao Ling City grew heavier as the announcer's voice thundered through the arena, amplified by profound energy.
"The selection will now officially begin. All cultivators, please prepare for your respective matches. As agreed, the seat you've chosen marks your assigned number. The pairings will be determined through a random draw. Each faction's representative will oversee the raffle to ensure no cheating occurs."
A murmur spread across the crowd as everyone's eyes drifted—inevitably—toward the two who sat alone.
Two outliers.
Two solo cultivators who bore no clan crest, no entourage, no allies watching from the stands.
Dracule Mihawk and Li Yue.
The murmurs grew into whispers as the announcer called out again.
"Contestant Dracule Mihawk and contestant Li Yue, as you have no faction representatives, we trust you have no objections to the process?"
All eyes turned toward them — the lone swordsman with the massive black blade resting behind him, and the woman in black whose aura was as still as an untouched lake.
Mihawk — or rather, Yun Che — lifted his head slightly. He didn't speak. He simply gave a short, calm nod.
Across the arena, the woman mirrored his gesture in silence.
The crowd's curiosity spiked immediately. Two people so composed under the gaze of thousands — no clan, no backers, no fear.
From beneath the wide brim of his hat, Yun Che's golden eyes gleamed faintly.
So her name is Li Yue, huh? Short… but fitting. I wonder what she looks like under that mask.
His expression never changed — stoic, unreadable — but inwardly, a flicker of interest stirred.
"Since both contestants have no objections," the announcer declared, "let the Tomb Selection Tournament begin!"
A thunderous roar erupted from the stands. Tens of thousands of cultivators shouted as the gong rang, shaking the air.
The sixty-four battles began at once.
Sky Profound Realm cultivators from across the Blue Wind Empire — and beyond — stepped onto the vast stone platform, releasing their auras like crashing waves. The stage shimmered with protective formations, containing their power while amplifying the spectacle.
To the crowd, it was a festival of power.
To the clans, it was war disguised as ceremony.
And to Yun Che — it was a waste of time.
He leaned back in his chair, resting one arm on the hilt of Yoru, watching the early matches unfold with detached calm.
Techniques flared — flame dragons, lightning spheres, sonic blades — but none of it stirred even the faintest ripple of interest in him. The attacks were flashy, wasteful, and lacked killing precision.
So much noise, he thought, his gaze narrowing. But no edge. Their swords don't carry intent — only pride.
Every few minutes, a battle ended in surrender, injury, or "giving face."
It was a phrase Yun Che had heard a dozen times already.
"Give face to our sect, Elder!"
"Spare him, for the sake of the clan alliance!"
Polite words masking cowardice. Empty gestures in a world that worshipped strength.
He could already predict the outcome — the strongest clans would dominate, weaker ones would fold, and the so-called balance would crumble once the tomb opened.
And once they're inside… he mused, watching two contestants nearly kill each other. The real tournament will begin. Betrayal, greed, desperation — everything hidden will surface.
He rested his chin on his hand, his tone quiet and cold.
"But that's fine. The stronger you are, the more foolish you become. It just makes my job easier."
From above, the crowd's cheers rose and fell like ocean tides. Each victory drew thunderous applause; each defeat, a wave of sighs.
Yet through it all, two figures remained unmoved — one man dressed in black and gold, his massive sword gleaming beneath the sunlight… and one mysterious woman cloaked in darkness, watching in silence.
The storm of the tournament had begun — and they were its still eye.
"The next bout will draw everyone's attention," the announcer boomed, his voice cutting across the arena. "In the red corner: the mysterious newcomer, Dracule Mihawk. In the blue corner: Qin Wu of the Qin Clan."
A ripple of disbelief spread through the crowd like wind over dry grass.
"Dracule Mihawk? Who's that?" someone muttered.
"Is that the 'Hawk Eyes' the guards talked about?" another answered. "Never heard of him. He's fighting the Qin Clan? That can't end well."
"Hawk Eyes? What a self-styled name," a sceptic scoffed. "If I were him I'd concede now."
A burly spectator slammed a stack of profound coins onto the betting table. "I'm going all in on Qin Wu," he grinned. "There's no way that nobody takes him down."
"Oi—are you sure?" the attendant warned. "If that Hawk-Eyes wins, you'll be wiped out."
"Doesn't matter. The Qin Clan elder is a legend in the south. This should be an easy match," the man said. Others followed, confident and loud, their money answering for their arrogance.
One of the nearby contestants scowled, "Lucky him — why wasn't I paired with Qin Wu? The heavens are unfair."
The Qin Clan disciples remembered the early-morning altercation and spat quietly. "That guy insulted our elder this morning. If he breaks a bone, he should count himself fortunate. That sword won't save him."
Inside his hat's shadow, Yun Che felt a spark of pleasure at their arrogance. He kept his expression unreadable, but his heart brimmed with the one joy he relished most: the chance to prove them wrong.
Underestimating the 'Great Swordsman Mihawk'? he thought. They'll know what an actual swordsman looks like by sunset.
Qin Wu strolled down to the arena with the slow ease of a man who always expects victory. He paused at the edge of the field, eyes fixed on the lone swordsman. His grin was a blade.
"Hmph," he said loud enough for the nearest ranks to hear. "So you're the one who offended me earlier. Fine. I'll be merciful — I'll let you swing that ridiculous sword of yours a couple of times. Come then… let's duel."
The Qin Clan's sect master, standing behind him, took the opportunity to sneer at the crowd. "He provoked our elder — now the fool will lose everything. Our elder needs no sword; one strike will settle him. He should be grateful we even allow blades."
With a theatrical sweep of his hand, Qin Wu's voice dropped to a public, measured challenge. "Dracule Mihawk. I, Qin Wu, hereby challenge you to a Duel of Life and Death. Do you have the courage to accept?"
The arena hushed instantly. A challenge like that left no room for polite refusal. In front of thousands, to decline would be humiliation. To accept was to risk everything.
Yun Che's silent smile tightened under the hat. This was the exact moment he'd hoped for.
Gasps rippled through the crowd as the words Life and Death Duel echoed across the arena.
"The elder challenged him to a duel of life and death?!" someone shouted.
"What did that guy do to provoke him?!" another cried out.
Everyone knew what that meant — a fight where only one would leave the arena alive. For a clan elder to demand such a duel, whatever offense the swordsman had given must have been unforgivable.
A chorus of voices followed, half amused, half pitying.
"Looks like that Hawk Eyes won't live long enough to make his legend."
"At least the city will remember his name before he dies."
Murmurs and laughter filled the stands, a sea of disdain echoing from every direction.
But the man they mocked — the lone swordsman with the black hat — didn't move.
He sat perfectly still, one leg crossed over the other, his hands resting on Yoru's hilt. Then, with deliberate calm, he lifted his head.
The shadow of his hat fell away — revealing those piercing yellow eyes.
The same eyes that made the guards tremble at the gates.
The same eyes that silenced men without a word.
And when he spoke, his voice carried through the entire arena, amplified by his Spirit Force — cold, resonant, and laced with quiet contempt.
"Hmph… Duel? What a pitiful weakling."
A stunned silence followed.
Qin Wu froze mid-step, disbelief written across his face. "What… you dare call me a weakling?"
Yun Che's lips curved slightly — just enough to show his disdain. "More like… a fool."
"You—!" Qin Wu snarled, his profound energy flaring around him. "If you dare, come down here and face me like a man! Or are you too frightened to stand before this old man?"
The swordsman tilted his head slightly. The brim of his hat glinted under the sunlight.
"Like I said… a pitiful weakling."
He moved.
No, to most eyes, he vanished.
One instant, he was seated among the participants. The next, a faint boom echoed through the air as a shockwave rippled across the arena floor.
And then —
He was standing on the dueling stage.
Graceful. Effortless.
His long coat fluttered once as he straightened, Yoru's massive black blade gleaming over his back like a crescent of night itself.
He hadn't even unsheathed it.
The spectators erupted.
"Did you see that?! He—he just appeared there!"
"So fast! Even Sky Profound Realm masters can't move like that!"
"I didn't even see him jump!"
"Hawk Eyes… maybe that name suits him after all."
"Yeah… did you see his eyes when he lifted his head? They were like a hawk piercing through your soul."
"Now I see why the guards called him that…"
Qin Wu's face had gone pale for a split second before he masked it with a scowl. His aura flared, shaking the air around him, but deep inside, a sliver of unease crept into his chest.
He hadn't even seen the man move.
For the first time, the elder of the Qin Clan — known for his calm arrogance — found himself instinctively raising his guard.
And yet, curiosity prickled at him too.
"Y-You…" he managed to say, voice tight as his spiritual energy roared to life.
Across from him, Mihawk simply stood with his hands at his sides — motionless, serene, eyes sharp as blades.
No killing intent. No tension. Just quiet, suffocating confidence.
The kind of silence that only true predators carried before they struck.
As the lone swordsman landed on the arena floor, the world fell silent.
The cheers, the mockery, the laughter — all died in an instant.
No one dared to speak. Not after seeing that kind of movement.
Even the cultivators who had mocked him earlier felt their throats tighten. They had laughed at a shadow — and now that shadow stood before them, towering, unshakable.
But Yun Che — or rather, Dracule Mihawk — didn't bask in their silence.
He simply turned his gaze toward Qin Wu, his eyes cold beneath the brim of his hat.
His tone was calm, but his words cut like a blade.
"If you were truly a fine swordsman," he said, "you'd have already judged the difference in strength without needing to draw your sword."
He paused, letting the words sink in, then added with quiet contempt:
"Challenging me to a life-and-death duel… are you really that reckless, or just that dumb? Has your title as an elder clouded your judgment of what it means to face someone above your realm?"
Inside, Yun Che couldn't help smirking.
Damn, I've always wanted to say that line.
Qin Wu's face twisted in rage. "You… Don't get cocky just because you can move faster than me!"
He drew his sword in a flare of profound light, the air around the blade humming with energy. The crowd gasped — the weapon's aura was unmistakable.
"An Earth Profound Realm sword?!"
"As expected of the Qin Clan — only they would arm their elder with a weapon of that level!"
"Yes! That blade alone can slice through mid-level profound defenses! With that sword, he'll crush this so-called Hawk Eyes easily!"
The elder raised his gleaming sword proudly, energy pulsing through it like a storm. "Let's see you mock this, boy!"
But Yun Che only glanced at the blade once — and sighed.
"An Earth Profound Sword." He tilted his head slightly, voice cold as ice.
"Pretty decent piece."
"Decent?!" Qin Wu snarled, pointing the blade toward him. "Draw your weapon! Let's see if that oversized scrap of metal on your back can withstand my sword! Bigger doesn't mean stronger!"
The swordsman's golden eyes flicked upward, meeting his glare.
"Spoken like someone who's only ever seen the world from the bottom of a well."
A ripple of shock moved through the spectators — the way he said it, calm and almost bored, carried far more weight than any shout could.
Yun Che shifted his stance slightly — but he didn't draw.
His other hand slipped behind his back as he spoke softly:
"Very well. Come at me when you're ready."
The audience blinked in disbelief. He was just standing there.
No defensive stance. No energy flaring. Not even a spark of tension.
Just calm, still confidence.
Qin Wu's aura flared, his anger reaching its peak. "You… what's the meaning of this? Are you mocking me by refusing to draw your sword?"
Mihawk's voice dropped to a low, cutting murmur.
"You can say that."
And that was it. No taunting smile, no motion — just two words that hit harder than any insult could.
The crowd erupted in whispers again — not laughter this time, but shock.
"He's serious?!"
"He's mocking the elder to his face!"
"Is he insane, or just that confident?!"
Qin Wu grit his teeth so hard it echoed like stone cracking. His profound energy surged in waves, shaking the platform beneath his feet.
"You'll regret those words, boy!"
He vanished in a blur of speed, sword flashing in a deadly arc—
And Mihawk didn't even move.
The air was thick with tension, the kind that pressed against the skin like invisible chains. Every eye in the arena was locked on the man in black — the swordsman who hadn't even drawn his blade.
Then, Mihawk — or rather, Yun Che — let out a quiet sigh and spoke.
"I am not like you idiots who use a cannon to shoot a duck."
The words echoed, cold and heavy.
He raised his gaze, the faint reflection of light flashing across his golden eyes.
"You call yourself a swordsman, but remember this—""This is the Blue Wind Empire, the weakest of the Profound Sky Continent."
The audience froze; not even the wind dared to move.
"I originally intended to use a smaller weapon," Mihawk continued, his tone laced with disdain, "but… I think my finger will be enough to deal with you."
For a heartbeat, the entire arena went silent. Then —
"You—!" Qin Wu's face twisted in fury, veins bulging in his neck. "A nobody like you dares to mock me?!"
His profound energy exploded outward, shaking the arena as he charged forward, his sword gleaming in a burst of crimson light.
But Yun Che didn't even flinch.
As Qin Wu lunged, Mihawk merely shifted his weight — a graceful, almost lazy movement. One step, a turn, and a flick of his wrist.
Clang!
The elder's sword was slapped aside, the sound crisp and clean — followed by the thud of a body hitting stone.
Qin Wu's momentum carried him face-first into the ground.
The crowd gasped — some even covered their mouths.
He had fallen.
The mighty elder of the Qin Clan — felled by a slap.
Mihawk stood a few paces away, perfectly still, hands clasped behind his back. His coat fluttered lightly in the wind.
The silence that followed was deafening.
Now they understood.
This was the difference between a man who held a sword… and one who was a sword.
Qin Wu's disciples trembled in disbelief, their faces pale. Even the other participants — the proud cultivators of the great clans — found themselves unable to breathe.
The elder scrambled up, humiliated, rage twisting his features. His profound energy flared again as he roared, swinging his sword in a furious arc.
"You bastard! Don't get cocky just because you dodged once!"
The blade whistled through the air—
Cling!
It stopped.
The sound that followed wasn't of blood or steel cutting flesh — it was the metallic chime of a sword meeting something harder.
Qin Wu's eyes widened in disbelief.
His sword had struck Mihawk's finger — and stopped dead.
The blade trembled in place, unable to move forward even a fraction.
"W–What… in the world…"
The elder's voice cracked.
Mihawk's lips curved upward, forming the faintest, most cutting smirk.
"Hmph. A sword without strength," he said, pressing his finger lightly against the blade, "is nothing more than an iron bar."
The audience erupted — gasps, shouts, disbelief flooding the stands.
"His finger stopped an Earth Profound sword?!""What kind of monster is this man?!""Is that even possible?!"
Qin Wu staggered back, his grip shaking, face drenched in sweat.
"You…" he stammered, unable to form words.
Mihawk sighed quietly, lowering his hand.
"Challenging you," he said coldly, "was a waste of my time."
He flicked his finger, and the elder's sword was knocked aside with a clang, skidding across the arena floor.
Then, with slow, measured steps, Mihawk walked toward the center of the stage, his coat rippling behind him.
Qin Wu's body trembled with rage. "I… I won't accept this!" he roared. "Me — a Qin elder — defeated by a nobody! I won't accept it!!"
He charged again, his movements erratic, his aura flaring wildly. He swung, thrust, slashed — losing all form and control.
But to the crowd, it was like watching a child lash out at the wind.
Mihawk didn't even seem to move. His body flowed effortlessly, sidestepping, parrying, flicking his fingers to redirect every blow.
Each time their blades met, it was his finger that rang louder than steel.
And with every failed strike, Qin Wu's desperation deepened — until even the most arrogant cultivators watching realized something terrifying:
This was not a duel.
It was a lesson.
The arena was dead silent.
The spectators stared, jaws slack, unable to process what they had just witnessed.
"Am I seeing things?" one finally whispered. "Did that Hawk Eyes just… toy with the Qin Clan's elder?"
"No," another replied, eyes wide. "You're not seeing things. He toyed with him like it was nothing. What kind of man is that? How come no one's ever heard of him before?"
Even the Qin Clan's sect master felt his chest tighten as cold realization crept in.
"W-We offended a man who can toy with our supreme elder…? What will become of our Qin Clan…?"
On the arena floor, Mihawk exhaled softly, his coat swaying with the faintest movement of air.
"Looks like this is the end," he murmured.
He lifted his hand, index finger extended, a subtle blue-green shimmer gathering at its tip — Haki.
No one else saw it, but for him, the energy coalesced into a thin, invisible blade.
Qin Wu charged, roaring in defiance — his sword gleaming as he poured everything into a final, desperate strike.
But Mihawk's movement was so clean, so smooth, that most didn't even see it happen.
There was only a soft whisper of sound — a flash of movement — and then…
Shiiing—CRACK!
The sword split cleanly in two.
The upper half spun through the air, glinting under the sunlight before crashing against the far wall of the arena.
Qin Wu froze, staring blankly at the broken hilt in his hand. His knees trembled.
"Wh… what in the world…?"
Mihawk's golden eyes narrowed beneath the brim of his hat, a faint smirk curling his lips.
"Hmph. A sword without strength…" he said, his tone dripping with disdain,
"is just an iron bar."
Then, without another word, he stepped forward.
Qin Wu barely registered the motion before Mihawk disappeared from sight.
BAM!
A single side-step, a flick of the wrist — and Mihawk struck the elder's neck with a precise, measured tap.
The blow was gentle by his standards, but the force behind it launched Qin Wu clear across the stage.
The man crashed into the arena wall, his body slumping unconscious as the stone cracked beneath him.
The entire audience gasped. Some of them hadn't even breathed since the fight began.
Up in the stands, Kon broke the stunned silence first, his little voice echoing smugly.
"Hmph. Looks like he just shoved the city's insults back up their own asses."
Retsu giggled softly, a hand to her lips.
"Seeing their faces after insulting Yuu-kun… was quite satisfying."
Mio crossed her arms, her tone colder.
"Danna-sama should have kicked that old dog even harder after those insults."
Cang Yue smiled faintly, her voice soft but thoughtful.
"But he wanted to stay in character. I suppose that's exactly how this Mihawk would've handled it."
Down below, whispers rippled through the crowd like wildfire.
"Impossible… the Qin Clan's elder was beaten?!"
"That Hawk Eyes — he didn't even use his sword!"
"He cut an Earth Profound weapon with his finger!"
"If that's true, then… that sword on his back — it must be stronger than Earth Profound Realm!"
Dozens of eyes turned toward the towering black blade on Mihawk's back — Yoru, gleaming ominously beneath the sunlight. A collective shiver ran through the arena.
Meanwhile, chaos broke out at the betting tables.
The fat man who had bet everything on the Qin Clan slammed his hands on the counter, screaming,
"No… no, my money! I shouldn't have bet on that old fool! Damn it!"
Before he could leave, the group of men who followed his wager blocked his path.
"You're the one who convinced us to bet everything! Get him, boys!"
The man's wails vanished beneath the sound of fists and curses. But none of the spectators paid attention — everyone's eyes remained locked on the man who had just rewritten the flow of the entire tournament.
"Dracule Mihawk…" murmured the Xiao Clan elder from his viewing box. "No allegiance, no backing… If we could rope him into our side, the Empire itself would have to bow to us."
Another elder leaned closer. "If that's what you're thinking, act quickly. We're not the only ones watching him."
Across the stands, sect masters and clan elders were whispering the same thing. The Qin Clan could only lower their heads in shame. They had thrown away their pride — and their chance to ally with a monster.
On the stage, Mihawk returned to his seat the same way he had arrived — silent, graceful, and terrifying. His movement skill flashed once, teleporting him back as though nothing had happened.
He sat down, crossed one leg over the other, and folded his hands again — as if the fight had been nothing more than a warm-up stretch.
Under the brim of his hat, a faint smile tugged at his lips.
Perfect.
Now they're watching.
And indeed, they were.
From that moment on, the atmosphere of the tournament shifted. The later fights felt dull in comparison. The spectators were no longer cheering for blood — they were waiting for one man to stand again.
Waiting for Hawk Eyes.
And then —
"The final fight before the top thirty-two!" the announcer declared, his voice barely containing the excitement.
"The only female cultivator in the selection — the mysterious lone Fairy, Li Yue, versus the Burning Heaven Clan's elder, Feng Zhong!"
Mihawk, who had been resting with his eyes closed, opened them slowly.
The faintest gleam of interest flickered within his golden irises.
Let's see what you can do, he thought quietly. The lone fairy of the selection… Li Yue.