A brilliant, massive slash tore through the air toward them.
Where it passed, the ground split into a deep gully, as if a blade had cut through soft clay.
Zoro, still engaged with the baboons, froze for a moment, sensing the immense attack. In a single stride, he leaped in front of Rolan, raising his sword to intercept.
"Clang!"
The deafening clash sent a tremendous shock through Zoro's arms, sliding him backward across the cracked earth.
"Bang!"
He slammed his right foot into the ground, stopping his backward momentum just in time.
"Haaah!"
He lifted Ryugu with all his strength, sending the massive slash soaring into the night sky, where it exploded like a bolt of lightning, illuminating the ruins around them.
"Tap, tap, tap…"
The crisp sound of footsteps echoed across the battlefield, harsh and deliberate. All the baboons scattered at once, as though instinctively aware of a predator.
Zoro's pupils narrowed. He squinted, spotting a figure walking toward them, a massive sword slung across his back.
Black hair, sharp yellow eyes, a black top hat, a burgundy patterned shirt beneath a long black coat, white trousers, and black ankle boots — he was unmistakable.
Hawkeye Mihawk, the World's Greatest Swordsman.
A grin spread across Zoro's face, his eyes glinting with anticipation.
"You finally appeared, Hawkeye Mihawk!"
Mihawk's yellow eyes flicked toward him, one eyebrow arched. "Roronoa Zoro, chief swordsman of the Rolan Pirates."
"Oh? I didn't expect you to know me."
"Of course. The swordsman of the World's Strongest Pirate crew is not unknown to me."
He shifted his gaze to Rolan, seated atop a large rock, exuding calm dominance. "And you must be Rolan, the Godslayer."
Rolan waved lazily. "I'm not here to fight you; I'm merely accompanying Zoro. If he weren't so bad with directions, I wouldn't have shown up."
"Huh? Who's bad with directions? Explain yourself!"
Rolan lifted his hands casually. "I misspoke. You're not the one with direction issues."
Mihawk turned back to Zoro. "And what brings you here?"
Zoro's grin widened. "I'm here to take your title — to become the World's Greatest Swordsman."
Hawkeye chuckled, a deep, resonant sound. "Hahaha. Many swordsmen seek this title, none have even withstood a single blow. You may be the first to try."
"You won't have to worry anymore. That title will be mine," Zoro declared, his confidence unwavering. It was not arrogance, but certainty.
Hawkeye's initial surprise gave way to laughter. "Hahaha, bold words. I hope your skill matches your mouth."
Zoro made no response. With a 'Soru', he vanished, appearing directly in front of Mihawk with a powerful strike.
Mihawk's pupils constricted slightly. He raised Yoru, meeting Zoro's attack. Sword energy exploded, carving marks into the ruins around them.
The immense force sent waves through Mihawk's body, stirring a rare spark of fighting spirit. What shocked him most was the presence of Rokushiki, techniques usually reserved for Marines, in Zoro's movements. A pirate wielding such discipline was extraordinary.
But Mihawk's expression remained composed. It was swordsmanship, not technique mastery, that he respected.
Both combatants leapt backward simultaneously, assessing one another.
Zoro laughed, heartily, a thrill in his chest. "Hahaha, impressive!"
The strength emanating from Mihawk was beyond anything he had faced. Inside, he marveled silently: As expected of the World's Greatest Swordsman.
He re-sheathed both swords, drawing Shusui with precision. "Black Blade Style: Death: Lion Song!"
Armament Haki coursed through the blade, black as ink, radiating an eerie glow.
Zoro stepped lightly, moving as if untouchable. Thunderbolt-like energy surrounded his blade, propelling it toward Mihawk faster than the eye could follow.
Mihawk raised Yoru, bracing for the strike.
"Clang!"
The collision rang across the ruins. Sparks flew, sword qi tearing through the surrounding trees, and cracks formed across the battlefield.
Rolan, perched safely atop his rock, faded from the immediate action, observing. The shockwave even forced him to step aside briefly.
The force pushed Mihawk back, his boots gouging deep lines into the ground.
Zoro's smile widened. If even the World's Greatest Swordsman had to block this move, the challenge would be worth it.
Mihawk stomped his foot to regain footing, eyes narrowing as he studied Shusui.
From its aura, he immediately recognized the sword's grade — Supreme Grade. His yellow-black eyes widened.
"Supreme Grade Sword…" Mihawk muttered.
Zoro laughed in reply. "As expected of a Great Swordsman, you recognized it!"
Hawkeye then glanced at the other sword at Zoro's waist. His pupils contracted again — another Supreme Grade Blade.
Two Supreme Grade Swords in one swordsman? He thought, incredulous. Even Whitebeard, Shanks, and Roger wielded only one. This was beyond expectation.
Without pause, Zoro vaulted from a ruined wall, drawing Wado Ichimonji in his mouth, Ryugu and Shusui in hand, all imbued with Armament Haki. Green light pulsed from each blade.
He crouched, launched forward, all three blades cutting a single path.
"Three Sword Style: Extreme: Tiger Hunt!"
The trio of blades, wrapped in Haki, shot toward Mihawk.
"Hahaha, let me show you the vastness of this world!" Mihawk shouted, focusing his Haki into Yoru. Red and black lightning enveloped the blade.
He met Zoro's strike with a tremendous swing. A shockwave radiated outward, leveling the surrounding stones. A massive crater opened where Mihawk stood.
The swords locked in stalemate. Red and black lightning intertwined with Zoro's green Haki glow.
Rolan, observing from a distance, allowed a faint smirk. Mihawk and Zoro clashed, but his eyes measured every movement, every opening, silently calculating when to intervene.
Even from afar, the raw energy of the duel made him pulse with anticipation. The clash was more than swords — it was strategy, will, and raw dominance, a test of hearts and skills.