"That's enough, Mihawk. You know continuing this is pointless."
With a crisp metallic ring, Kaelen Tsukishiro caught Mihawk's blade mid-swing. His brows lifted slightly as he spoke.
They had been fighting for over an hour—longer than Kaelen had ever dueled before. He couldn't fathom how Akainu and Aokiji had clashed for ten days straight.
Hearing Kaelen's words, Mihawk nodded. "Very well. Let's end this with one final strike."
Boom!
Both men pushed off the ground with force, repelling each other back.
Now several meters apart, they locked eyes. An intense aura erupted from both of them as their wills clashed.
"Chop!"
"Chop!"
In near-perfect unison, Kaelen and Mihawk lunged forward, blades slashing through the air.
Rumble!
Thunderclap and Yoru collided fiercely, both infused with Armament Haki. Their strikes were more powerful than ever.
The shockwave cracked the very air around them. Silver-white fractures spread across the battlefield like spiderwebs, while the clouds above were blown apart, revealing clear sky.
The ground below tore open, etched with chaotic sword marks in every direction.
What seemed like a single exchange actually carried the full spirit and intent of both warriors. They had angled the force upward—had it struck the ground, the island might have been destroyed.
After a few heartbeats locked in midair, they landed and staggered back.
Kaelen took two steps.
Mihawk took six.
"I lost," Mihawk admitted quietly, his pupils shrinking as he calmly sheathed Yoru.
Kaelen shook his head. "You didn't lose. I didn't win. I just had more stamina left in me."
"A loss is a loss. No need to sugarcoat it." Mihawk gave him a long, thoughtful glance.
Kaelen offered a slight smile but didn't press the matter. In swordsmanship alone, they were evenly matched. But physical strength mattered in battle—and that was where Kaelen had the edge.
For Mihawk to have lost by stamina alone meant his technique was already honed to its limits. That was a good sign.
And with that, their fierce duel came to a close.
Kaelen knew he had surpassed Mihawk in overall ability. But when it came to pure swordsmanship, they stood on equal ground.
---
"It's over. Time for us to head back."
Fujitora turned and began walking away.
He hadn't come here for nothing. Witnessing the clash of these top-tier swordsmen had been worthwhile.
A man like Kaelen Tsukishiro might just be the spark that brings unexpected change to this chaotic sea.
Too many still believed they could control everything.
But time always proves otherwise.
Kaelen glanced after Fujitora with a small smile. He had a feeling they would cross paths again soon. The Grand Line was vast, but never quite large enough.
"Hey, did you really kill Moria-sama?"
A cold, crisp voice rang out. Kaelen turned to see a petite figure floating nearby.
"So it's you, Perona."
She hovered there, face tense with barely disguised emotion.
Kaelen met her gaze calmly. "He tried to kill me. He wasn't strong enough. So I killed him."
"You—" Perona's face flushed. Her wide eyes glared at him, but words failed her.
There was no room for fairness in piracy. Moria had attacked first—and lost. Even Perona couldn't deny that.
She clenched her fists, frustrated, knowing she wasn't strong enough to change anything.
Without another word, she spun around and flew off.
Kaelen watched her go, amused. Just a stubborn tsundere who hadn't grown up yet.
Behind him, Mihawk stepped forward. "If the chance comes again, let's cross swords once more."
"Gladly," Kaelen replied with a nod. Sparring with Mihawk had sharpened his control over his abilities. He wouldn't mind doing it again.
With that, Mihawk boarded his iconic coffin ship and sailed away.
Just then, Hancock approached Kaelen, her voice soft and shy, almost girlish.
"Kaelen, you've never visited Amazon Lily, have you? Would you... like to come as my guest?"
Her big eyes gleamed with anticipation.
Kaelen tilted his head thoughtfully, then smiled. "I've heard legends of Amazon Lily. I suppose it's time I saw it for myself. Lead the way, Hancock."
"You said yes? Then let's go now!" she beamed with delight, grabbing his arm as they set off.
Robin followed too, her expression a bit helpless, but there was something unreadable in her eyes—a flicker of amusement, perhaps, or curiosity.
---
Amazon Lily, also known as the Island of Women, was a place where any man who appeared could expect to be attacked on sight.
Except for the rare exceptions.
"Snake Princess has returned!"
"Look, she brought a man... an even more handsome one than the last!"
"Lady Hancock is so stunning. Who is that man with her?"
"He's strong too. The children they'd have would be monsters."
Kaelen's brow twitched as dozens of curious eyes devoured him.
He was half-tempted to release his Conqueror's Haki just to silence the crowd.
The women of Amazon Lily were dangerously curious—and borderline unhinged—when it came to men.
If not for Hancock, Kaelen had no doubt they'd tear him apart out of sheer curiosity.
Still, it was clear Hancock's authority here was absolute. As they passed, the warriors bowed or swooned in admiration.
Halfway to the palace, Elder Nyon tried to intervene, but Hancock impatiently waved her off.
Soon, they reached the lavish palace hall where Kaelen was seated as an honored guest.
Before long, platters of Amazon Lily delicacies and fine sake were brought out.
The welcome had begun.
---