Cosma Island.
The streets of the town were packed with people. As a mandatory stop on the route to Dressrosa, Cosma Island had always enjoyed a thriving trade.
"Ren Kuro, the supplies are basically ready. If you're in the mood, we could stop by a tavern for a drink," Yoruichi said casually.
"There's no need. Those three aren't exactly interested in the island's rum," Ren Kuro replied, glancing toward Byakuya and the others before shaking his head.
"Fine, then let's hurry up and get everything loaded onto the ship so we can leave Cosma Island," Yoruichi said with a pout.
In truth, ever since the Shinigami Pirates arrived, the entire town had fallen into a frenzy. Crowds gathered everywhere, driven by equal parts curiosity and admiration.
Every core member of the crew carried a bounty of at least 500 million Berries.
Across the New World, only a handful of pirate forces could rival that kind of lineup.
"That's Kenpachi, isn't it? He got a one-billion-berry bounty the very first time he was wanted. That's unbelievable!"
"I heard he once one-shotted Crocodile right after Crocodile became a Warlord. Just imagine how strong he really is. And not just him—Poison Blade, Cherry Blossom, and Ice Dragon are all monsters too!"
"Did you notice that little girl? Even she has this terrifying aura about her."
"They're strong enough to be called monsters. Honestly, even Whitebeard's crew might not be much more terrifying than this!"
The island's residents, merchants, traffickers, and pirates all stared with naked awe. In front of the Shinigami Pirates, they felt utterly insignificant.
But just as the crowd's whispers reached a fever pitch, another imposing figure entered town from the direction of the harbor.
The moment he took a single step forward, the razor-sharp pressure radiating from him drew countless eyes.
"Hawk-Eye Mihawk! A Warlord of the Sea is here!"
"What kind of day is this? Why are legendary figures showing up one after another?!"
Facing those hawk-like eyes, everyone instinctively felt a chill sink into their bones.
Their bodies reacted before their minds could—
they hurriedly moved aside.
"Shinigami Pirates. I've finally found you."
Ignoring the horrified stares around him, Mihawk fixed his gaze directly on the figures ahead.
His eyes burned with battle intent as he advanced at an unhurried pace.
With every step, his aura grew sharper.
Mihawk was like a blade walking in human form, his very presence seemingly capable of cutting through anything in his path.
The bustling noise of the town vanished with his arrival.
Every eye locked onto the massive black sword strapped to his back.
Yoru.
One of the Twelve Supreme Grade Blades.
The strongest black blade in the world.
About a year ago, after accepting the World Government's invitation to become one of the Seven Warlords, Mihawk had been challenged by countless ambitious swordsmen across the sea.
And so far—
he had won every single duel.
Against the slashes of Yoru, all those once-renowned swordsmen had met miserable ends. Some had been cut clean in half. Some had lost both arms. Some had even lost the right to call themselves swordsmen.
Time and time again, Mihawk proved with his blade that he had the right to contend for the title of World's Strongest Swordsman.
And now—
he had come here to prove it again.
To face Ren Kuro.
Step by step, Mihawk advanced while the crowd parted on both sides. From this close, everyone could clearly feel the terrifying sharpness emanating from Yoru.
"He hasn't even drawn his sword yet, and his presence is already this overwhelming… He really is one of the Seven Warlords!"
Under countless stunned gazes, Mihawk finally came to a stop before the Shinigami Pirates.
"Shinigami."
"I've come to challenge you to a duel of swords."
It was a simple sentence, yet it carried an unwavering determination unique to a true swordsman.
"Oh? Isn't this Hawk-Eye Mihawk? So the famous Warlord finally showed up. Quite an intimidating title," Gin said with his usual smiling face, though his tone was clearly insincere.
"Hah. If someone like Crocodile can get invited by the World Government, then the Seven Warlords don't seem like much after all," Kenpachi said with a disdainful grin.
"Ren Kuro, do you need me to kill him for you?" Hitsugaya asked, sounding thoroughly unconcerned, completely unmoved by Mihawk's pressure.
"No," Ren Kuro said as he stepped to the front. "I think he came here specifically for me."
He stood calmly before Mihawk and met his gaze without the slightest sign of strain, as though the razor-edged pressure bearing down on him simply did not exist.
"Shinigami. Since you know why I'm here, then draw your sword."
Those hawk-like eyes locked onto the Zanpakutō at Ren Kuro's waist, and a fiery spark of battle lit up within them.
Titles meant nothing to Mihawk.
As a swordsman, the only thing that truly stirred his blood—
was swordsmanship itself.
"Draw your blade, and let us settle this in a fair duel!" Mihawk's hand moved to the hilt of Yoru on his back, his posture making it clear that he would strike the moment the line was crossed.
In an instant, the atmosphere became unbearably tense.
Everyone's eyes fixed on the two men.
Whether Mihawk won or Ren Kuro won, the victor would stand one step closer to the throne of World's Strongest Swordsman.
And yet—
to Mihawk's disappointment—
Ren Kuro showed no intention of drawing his blade at all.
"What? You won't draw your sword? Do you think I'm not worthy of crossing blades with you?" Mihawk's gaze turned cold. Since becoming a Warlord, he had never been looked down on like this.
"No. Dracule Mihawk, I acknowledge your strength, and I acknowledge your skill with the blade," Ren Kuro said, the corner of his mouth rising slightly.
"As for drawing my sword?"
"There's no need."
He paused, then spoke the next words with absolute calm.
"Because…"
"I can shatter your swordsmanship with my bare hands."
The moment those words landed—
Mihawk's expression darkened completely.
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