"Celestial Dragons?"
Luffy looked at Hancock with a faint, amused smile. His tone was casual, yet carried a decisive finality:
"I don't care about history."
"Those who can be changed will have to make up for what they've done…"
"For those who can't… well, living is just wasting air anyway."
"Are you satisfied with that answer?"
Who says things so casually, yet so final…?
Swish!
Hancock didn't reply, but suddenly lifted her robe and knelt, her pale knees striking the floor with authority.
"Boa Hancock, willing to lead the Kuja Tribe, and pledge allegiance to the Starry Sky Pirates, to serve Luffy-sama!"
"Ahahahahaha…"
For once, Luffy let out a hearty laugh.
Seeing a woman so adored by the world surrender to him—it was strangely satisfying!
At that moment, all eyes shifted to the last person remaining.
The world's greatest swordsman: Dracule "Hawk Eyes" Mihawk.
All attention fixed on him, yet Hawk Eyes remained calm, unshaken.
The same nonchalant expression, the same stillness like a deep well.
Yet…
An invisible, Soru-sharp aura quietly radiated from him, unnoticed by most.
This was the presence of a master swordsman.
Controlled perfectly, it slowly coalesced into a sword-like pressure, silently aimed at Zoro, standing behind Luffy.
Finally, Hawk Eyes spoke, his voice calm and steady:
"As the world's greatest swordsman, I will bow to no one."
Clang!
A clear metallic strike rang out from behind Luffy.
Zoro, his sword rested on his shoulder, stepped forward, his expression bold and defiant.
A proud aura surged upward—not delicate like Hawk Eyes, nor agile—but a weighty pressure, rooted in his very soul, pressing on Hawk Eyes.
From his core, Zoro's pride and spirit surged, rivaling anyone in existence.
A silent conversation of swords began, one of challenge and understanding, unfolding before everyone's eyes.
From Zoro's eyes, a fiery spark of provocation shot out:
"Then let's take off that title of World's Greatest Swordsman, shall we?"
"Oh?"
Hawk Eyes smiled faintly, replying:
"If you can, then try!"
Clang!
A sharp metallic ring erupted as their auras collided.
It was the sound of their wills clashing, swords meeting not just steel but spirit.
Luffy smiled faintly, remaining silent, observing as the two prepared for battle.
…
Inside the training room of the Merry's cabin,
Zoro slowly drew his sword.
A bloody, ferocious light shimmered across the empty floor, casting a fleeting, ghostly shadow.
Hawk Eyes' golden-black eyes narrowed, his brows furrowing.
Last time, Zoro had fought with this cursed blade briefly and had stolen all of Hawk Eyes' sword intent.
Now…
The moment the fight began, Zoro revealed the blade that had left such a strong impression.
Already, Hawk Eyes felt a subtle unease.
But a master swordsman, the world's greatest no less, could control such feelings with ease.
Heh…
Zoro grinned.
He had no intention of holding back from Hawk Eyes.
If stealing the technique was possible, that was his skill.
At this moment, their swords were no longer mere steel.
They were their will, their aura…
Their understanding of swordsmanship.
Swish! Swish!
Without warning, both swung a sword-strike at the other simultaneously.
The coordination was uncanny, as if prearranged, perfectly aligned.
A blue and a red sword beam raced toward each other, igniting the air with burning, jagged light, sending gusts of wind surging.
The white-washed training room instantly split into two distinct realms of light.
Doflamingo, who had once fought Zoro, watched the fierce strikes, unable to hide his admiration.
World-class swordsmen—terrifying indeed.
Clang!
The sword beams collided, a crisp metallic ring echoing.
The red and blue merged, yet shattered simultaneously, scattering shards of light like stars, forming a fleeting rainbow—a mark that they had been here.
At that moment, the air filled with the energy of their clash.
Zoro and Hawk Eyes tore through space like twin lightning bolts.
Clang!
Ashura met Black Blade.
Zoro's grin turned slightly wicked.
He could feel it—the fresh, potent sword intent.
"You've grown stronger, Roronoa Zoro!"
"And you as well!"
Zoro pushed harder, his blood-red blade flashing. The Black Blade uncontrollably flew sideways, leaving a shadow in the air.
"What!?"
Hawk Eyes' eyes widened as pain shot through his wrist.
For the first time, he couldn't fully match an opponent's sword power.
Zoro pressed his advantage, spinning instantly.
Shing!
A blood-red crescent blazed around Zoro.
Hawk Eyes crossed his swords above his head, bracing against the descending crescent.
But Hawk Eyes would not remain passive.
In a flash, the Black Blade rose, its sharp edge aimed at Zoro's neck.
"Slash!"
The black steel gleamed with a sudden streak of white.
Without further movement, the crescent of the rift struck like lightning at Zoro.
BOOM!
The force struck Zoro like a meteor, hurling him backward.
The dazzling light blocked everyone's view, obscuring the outcome.