The night air over the Baratie was tense. Inside, the crew of Leo's ship and the restaurant patrons were enjoying the meal, laughing, and talking quietly, unaware of the approaching storm. But the sea itself seemed to sense it. Waves rippled unnaturally, and the horizon glimmered with a ghostly light.
Outside, Krieg and his men were still recovering from their sudden defeat. Even now, Krieg coughed up seawater, his pride shattered by Nami's thunderous assault. Beside him, Alkin—the loyal subordinate—froze every time he looked at his captain.
Captain… what just happened?!" Alkin's hand trembled as he touched Krieg's shoulder, and an electric shock ran through him. His eyes widened.
"Don't ask me, just… get out of here!" Krieg croaked, his voice raw. He struggled to rise, but his body refused to obey. The lightning from Nami's attack still seemed to linger in the air. His mind raced, unable to comprehend how one woman could defeat him in an instant.
Alkin's anger flared. "Who did this? I'll avenge you!"
Krieg shook him violently. "No! Leave! NOW! This place… it's cursed!"
They fled, leaving the ruined waves behind them, but neither noticed the small, eerie ship that had silently approached. Its hull glowed with ghostly green lights, resembling a floating coffin. Standing on the deck was a figure as sharp and precise as a hawk—a man whose presence alone made the sea grow quiet.
Drifting closer, his black coat fluttered in the wind. His hands rested on the hilt of a black swordthat gleamed in the moonlight. The world's first swordsman had arrived.
The air around the Baratie thickened. Patrons clutched their tables as the waves rose and fell violently. Outside, the small ghostly ship drew nearer, cutting through the sea with terrifying precision. The energy emanating from it was palpable even from inside the restaurant.
Leo's crew immediately noticed the change in the atmosphere. He had been observing quietly, sensing danger long before it fully arrived.
"What's happening…?" Kaya whispered, peering at the windows.
"Focus," Leo said calmly, his eyes narrowing. "Someone very strong is coming."
Before anyone could react further, the ghostly ship's figurehead sliced through the waves, sending a massive surge of water that rocked the Baratie. Tables rattled, dishes slid, and Carmen, carrying a tray of desserts, almost fell. Leo reacted instantly, grabbing her by the arm and steadying her before she could stumble.
"Th-thank you," Carmen stammered, cheeks slightly pink.
"It's alright. Stay close," Leo said, placing her safely behind him.
Inside the restaurant, chaos erupted. Patrons scrambled to avoid falling, and waiters struggled to keep the meals intact. Even the loudest voices could not compete with the roar of the waves.
From the sea outside, a single figure disembarked from the ghostly ship, stepping onto the waves as if walking on solid ground. His eyes, sharp as a hawk, scanned the scene. His sword, known as Yoru, reflected the moonlight in a menacing shimmer.
"Who… who is that?!" Nami exclaimed, clutching her napkin tightly.
Leo's eyes glimmered. "He's the one we were waiting for. That's Dracule Mihawk—the world's greatest swordsman. And he's here for someone."
The crew collectively held their breath. Mihawk's presence was legendary, and the weight of his reputation was enough to silence even the most fearless pirates.
"World's greatest…?" Kaya whispered again, amazed.
"Yes," Leo confirmed. "He's one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, and no one—not even Arlong—can match him in combat."
The windows rattled as Mihawk lifted his sword. With a single, fluid motion, he swung it across the waves. A green slash of energy cut through the night sky, perfectly straight, powerful enough to split a ship in two. The water exploded outward, crashing against the Baratie with violent force.
Patrons screamed. Dishes flew, drinks spilled, and chaos enveloped the restaurant. Leo's crew immediately moved to protect themselves and the other diners.
"Everyone, get down!" Leo shouted, pulling Nami and the others close.
The force of Mihawk's attack was overwhelming. The waves tossed the Baratie violently, and theship's structure groaned under the pressure. Carmen froze for a moment, clutching a tray of desserts, and Leo instinctively stepped between her and the rolling plate.
"Easy… just stay calm," Leo whispered, scanning Mihawk's movements.
Outside, Mihawk's eyes focused on a distant point—on the small pirate ship that had dared to sail so close to him. His calm, cold gaze was terrifying in its precision. One step, one swing, and everything in his path would be obliterated.
Nami's fingers twitched. She could feel the tension in the air, the sheer power emanating from Mihawk's body. Her hands crackled faintly with electricity. Even she, used to battle, was cautious.
"Leo… what do we do?!" Nojiko whispered.
"We stay alive," Leo said calmly. "And we wait for the right moment."
Inside the Baratie, the storm of crashing waves finally subsided slightly, though the restaurant still swayed. Patrons cautiously peeked out, some realizing they were witnessing a battle between legends.
Leo's crew kept low, eyes on the windows. Carmen, now protected by Leo, had stopped moving, her hands clutching the tray tightly. Sanji, from the kitchen, peeked out and muttered under his breath.
"Damn… Mihawk's here. Even I can't underestimate him…"
The tension was thick. The restaurant, usually a place of laughter and food, had turned into a frontline for a battle that could shake the seas.
From a distance, Mihawk's ship moved with unrelenting speed, cutting through the waves with deadly accuracy. His target was clear: the small pirate ship that had dared to enter the East Blue without respect.
Leo observed quietly, analyzing Mihawk's moves. He knew the arrival of the world's greatest swordsman could be catastrophic if mishandled. But he also knew that hiding or fleeing would not save them.
"Stay ready," Leo said to his crew. "This is going to get serious, and everyone needs to keep their wits."
Meanwhile, Mihawk's blade sliced the air again, sending a shockwave that rattled windows and doors. The sound was like metal striking the sky, and the entire restaurant trembled under its force. Patrons ducked, some falling to the floor in panic.
Leo, feeling the energy of the attack, knew this was only a warning—a demonstration of Mihawk'ssheer power. If he wanted, he could obliterate the Baratie and everything around it.
But Mihawk did not attack the restaurant. His eyes were focused elsewhere, and his aura radiated a deadly calm. He was hunting someone, and he would not be distracted.
Leo's crew exchanged glances. Each member knew that surviving this encounter required both strategy and courage. And while the immediate danger was overwhelming, they had to remain calm.
Inside, Carmen finally relaxed slightly, trusting Leo's protective presence. She muttered under her breath, "That man… he's terrifying. I've never felt anything like this before."
Leo nodded subtly. "Stay alert. And no matter what happens, we stick together."
The waves outside continued to crash, the sea alive with tension. Mihawk's ship hovered on the horizon, a dark silhouette against the moonlight. His black sword gleamed ominously, and every motion he made radiated danger.
The stage was set. The world's strongest swordsman had arrived, and the Baratie, along with Leo's crew, was caught in the middle of a moment that could become legendary.
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T/N :
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