But suddenly, Kuina manipulated the fragments at the hilt of the Demon Blade Thousand Blades with her mind, and they flew out like arrows from a bow.
Even Mihawk was startled; he immediately used a special footwork to quickly move from his spot to the side.
But that wasn't the end of it. Mihawk's eyes lit up, and he swiftly unleashed a formidable dark green sword energy towards Kuina.
Defense! Kuina immediately controlled the fragments to form an energy shield, and she instantly used Armament Haki, strengthening her defense once again.
Mihawk's slash struck the shield, and after a brief standoff, Mihawk's sword energy was extinguished, clearly having been blocked.
However, at this moment, Kuina's mind stirred, and she manipulated the fragments at the hilt of the Demon Blade Thousand Blades, sending them forth like arrows from a bow.
Mihawk was startled; he instantly executed a unique footwork, his figure swiftly leaving his spot like a phantom, moving to one side.
But the matter was not over. A gleam flashed in Mihawk's eyes, and he powerfully swung his black blade, unleashing a majestic and chilling dark green sword energy that shot towards Kuina with astonishing speed.
Defense! Kuina immediately activated the fragments to form a sturdy energy shield and swiftly employed Armament Haki, further enhancing her defensive capabilities.
Mihawk's slash fiercely impacted the shield, and both sides entered a brief stalemate. A moment later, Mihawk's sword energy gradually dissipated, clearly having been successfully repelled.
"This blade of yours is truly extraordinary. What is its origin? I am genuinely curious," Mihawk asked, his hawk-like sharp gaze fixed on the Demon Blade Thousand Blades in Kuina's hand.
He was intensely interested in this blade, whose power even surpassed a supreme grade sword, yet was not formed from a Devil Fruit, just as he was intrigued by Kuina, this young female Great Swordsman.
"Luna once told me that the Demon Blade Thousand Blades is a demon blade whose forging method was lost centuries ago, and it is the only demon blade in the world today," Kuina said, holding the Demon Blade Thousand Blades, her gaze firm as she looked at Mihawk.
"The only demon blade, so that's it. Luna is truly an amazing person. You are very lucky. I hope you don't let this blade down," Mihawk's eyes showed a hint of disappointment. Clearly, even he coveted the Demon Blade Thousand Blades in Kuina's hand. However, he disdained to snatch it, and he also deeply loved his own Yoru. Moreover, the opponent was just a Young Lady, and he would never do something so undignified.
However, this did not affect the continuation of this battle, and coupled with the short spar before, Mihawk had already looked at Kuina with new eyes.
However, he was indeed very envious of Kuina, having such a good captain as Luna, and a group of like-minded good companions, unlike him, who always acted alone.
If he knew that he would later join Buggy's Cross Guild with other abolished Warlord of the Sea, becoming companions, he wondered what he would think.
"Then I'm going to make my move, Bloody Storm!" Kuina's lips curved slightly into a confident smile, and then she swiftly attacked. With a single swing of her blade, all the fragments on the Demon Blade Thousand Blades flew out instantly, like a disturbed swarm of bees.
Then all the fragments spun rapidly in the air, eventually forming a tornado that struck.
A hint of surprise flashed in Mihawk's eyes. He hadn't expected Kuina to be able to unleash such a powerful move. But he showed no fear; instead, the corners of his mouth curved slightly, revealing a confident smile.
He gripped his black blade Yoru tightly, and Ryou Haki wrapped around the blade, emitting a dazzling light.
He took a deep breath, then fiercely swung his sword, and a powerful sword energy roared out, colliding with the tornado.
With a loud crash, the tornado was instantly cut in half by the sword energy, transforming into countless fragments scattered across the ground.
Mihawk's sword energy did not weaken as a result; instead, it continued to fly forward, heading straight for his opponent.
Seeing this, Kuina's expression changed drastically. She hadn't expected Mihawk to neutralize her move so easily. She quickly executed a defensive move, all the fragments flew back, and the previous protective shield was used again.
Kuina gritted her teeth, her eyes firm and calm. She once again wrapped herself in Armament Haki, preparing to meet Mihawk's attack. Her movements were fluid and powerful, as if she had become one with the blade.
However, Mihawk did not give her much time. He rushed towards Kuina like lightning, his black blade gleaming with cold light, striking at Kuina with astonishing speed. His movements were swift and decisive, like a fierce leopard pouncing on its prey.
Kuina's pupils contracted. She reacted instantly, swinging her blade to block Mihawk's attack. Her movements were precise and powerful, countering Mihawk's assault.
Their blades clashed in the air, producing crisp metallic sounds. Their movements were as fast as lightning, each exchange dazzling to the eye. Kuina and Mihawk were equally matched in strength; both were Yonko-level powerhouses. Although there was a gap, it was not significant. Their swordsmanship was exquisite. Mihawk had his 40-plus years of experience, while Kuina combined what her father taught her with the memory inheritance from Shadow Assassin Qi. Neither could easily gain the upper hand.
In the fierce battle, Kuina displayed unyielding will and excellent combat skills. She continuously parried Mihawk's attacks while looking for opportunities to counterattack.
But in the end, in terms of pure swordsmanship, Mihawk still had the upper hand, even though both of them used Armament Haki.
With a clang, the sound of blades colliding rang out, and Kuina was forced back by a single strike.
"Not bad. Your talent is remarkable, even surpassing mine, and that of the young swordsman with green short hair I once encountered," Mihawk said, sheathing his blade and praising her.
"Still not as good as you. As expected of someone who has held the position of World's Strongest Swordsman for a long time. But is the person you mentioned named Zoro?" Kuina sighed. She had to admit that she was still inferior to Mihawk in pure swordsmanship, and also somewhat in other aspects.
But a young swordsman with green short hair, could it be Zoro? So Kuina immediately asked curiously.
But soon, she remembered that when she was a Bounty Hunter, she had heard that a pirate hunter from the East Blue had challenged the World's Strongest Swordsman, and the former had even gained the latter's recognition. Now that she thought about it, how could she have forgotten about this?
"Hmm, do you know him? Oh, right, I almost forgot. You both come from the East Blue, and you are both Bounty Hunters. No wonder Shanks once told me to go there and see the East Blue more. It truly is a magical place, called the weakest sea, but it often produces strong individuals."
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