"Mihawk should be a swordsman, right?"
Arashi showed no change in expression, his gaze resting on the massive black blade on Mihawk's back as he spoke calmly, "When I traveled to Shimotsuki Village, I met two interesting little kids there."
"One was eleven, a girl. The other was a nine-year-old with green hair! Though they were both still young, their ambitions were incredibly lofty. They both wanted to become the world's greatest swordsman, and they've been training tirelessly for it. Truly impressive!"
Mihawk said nothing, silently observing Arashi's every word, expression, and movement.
After failing to glean any useful information from Arashi's eyes or reactions, Mihawk stopped overthinking. He casually grabbed the cup Arashi had just filled and downed it in one gulp.
As the world's greatest swordsman, he had no concern that Arashi could pose any threat to him. His observation was merely to determine whether Arashi was truly a traveler.
"Good wine."
After finishing the drink, Mihawk couldn't help but praise it before asking, "May I know your name?"
Arashi smiled slightly. "Arashi. A traveler."
After speaking, Arashi calmly looked at Mihawk.
He had already noticed Mihawk's subtle scrutiny. Clearly, Mihawk was curious about his identity. The reason was simple—in this world, being a traveler was a high-risk profession.
Especially for someone like him, traveling alone. Without sufficient strength to back it up, he would have long since been attacked by pirates and thrown into the sea.
So Mihawk's curiosity was only natural.
Of course, ever since Arashi obtained the Traveler System and began his journey, he had lived by one principle: as long as others didn't provoke him, he wouldn't provoke them. Pirates, Marines, Revolutionaries, or even ordinary people—anyone could become his friend.
But if someone crossed him, he wouldn't hesitate to eliminate them completely.
Now that Mihawk had appeared, not only causing no trouble but even boarding his ship, that made him a friend.
And friends came in many types—those you could drink a thousand cups with, those who shared the same ideals, and those who simply helped pass the time.
Clearly, for Arashi at this moment, Mihawk fell into the category of a friend to pass the time.
After several rounds of drinks, the two gradually became more talkative.
"Arashi, traveling alone at sea like this is quite dangerous."
Slightly tipsy, Mihawk took the black blade off his back and placed it beside him before continuing, "However, since you made it all the way here from Foosha Village without incident, you must be quite strong."
"Let me guess…"
Mihawk poured Arashi another drink and analyzed, "When I entered your cabin earlier, I took a look around. I didn't see any swords or weapons. So… are you a Devil Fruit user? Or perhaps a master of physical combat?"
"I'm not interested in Devil Fruits."
Arashi waved his hand dismissively. "Come, come, let's drink!"
After clinking cups with Mihawk, Arashi suddenly leaned closer, his expression turning serious. "Whether it's Devil Fruit abilities or physical strength—it doesn't matter. What matters is that I don't like fighting and killing. I just enjoy traveling and experiencing different scenery."
"Haha, but that still requires strength."
Mihawk let out a small burp, narrowing his eyes at Arashi. "You haven't left the East Blue yet. Once you enter the Grand Line, you'll understand—even if you dislike conflict, others will come looking for you."
"If you encounter such people, how will you deal with them? In this world, many kill over trivial matters. Some will even wipe out an entire fleet—or even a nation—without hesitation."
"Then… is Mihawk that kind of person?"
Arashi smiled faintly. "Compared to me traveling alone, isn't it more dangerous for you to drift across the sea in that tiny, strange boat of yours?"
"Me?"
Mihawk paused slightly before answering seriously, "I belong to the type who can slaughter others without leaving a trace over something trivial."
"For example, last time—someone disturbed my sleep. In my anger, I split both the man and his ship in half."
"!!!!"
Arashi put on a shocked expression. "You split… both the person and the ship? I-Impressive!"
Mihawk didn't feel proud at Arashi's reaction. To him, such things were basic and not worth boasting about. He mentioned it only to remind Arashi how dangerous this world truly was.
Although it was their first meeting, he had developed a favorable impression of this traveler who dared to roam the seas alone.
"Actually…"
Suddenly, Arashi changed the topic, staring at Mihawk without blinking. "Although I'm not a Devil Fruit user, I've studied swordsmanship quite a bit! So, while we're in the mood—how about a spar?"
"Hm?"
Mihawk froze for a moment, looking at Arashi in surprise.
As the world's greatest swordsman, ever since he traveled from the Grand Line to the East Blue, anyone who saw him—whether Marine or pirate—would tremble in fear.
Yet this traveler before him not only showed no reaction to his title but even wanted to spar with him?
Seeing Arashi's serious expression, Mihawk was certain—this traveler who had only recently set out to sea had no idea who he was.
Well, perhaps that's for the best. I'll indulge him.
With that thought, Mihawk nodded. "Very well, but—"
"Let's go!"
Before Mihawk could finish, Arashi suddenly sprang to his feet, placing one foot on the chair as he rolled up his sleeves, grinning. "Best out of three!"
"B-Best out of three?"
Mihawk looked utterly confused, staring blankly at Arashi rolling up his sleeves. "What… three rounds?"
"Rock-paper-scissors, damn it!"
"?????"
Mihawk stiffened as if struck by lightning, his hawk-like eyes wide as he stared straight at Arashi—his expression utterly priceless!
Extra chapters are already prepared… waiting to be unleashed.
Get early access on Patreon:
patreon.com/c/DreamWriterStudios
Want more chapters? You decide the pace:
✨ 10 Reviews = 1 Bonus Chapter
🔥 200 Power Stones = Another Release
Your support fuels the journey.
The stronger your backing… the faster the story unfolds.