When Fujitora received the message and hurried over, many sword marks had already appeared on the giant trees forming the main body of the island. Even several main trunks had been severed by slashes.
"This is really…"
Even Fujitora, always with a kind temperament, felt a vein throbbing on his forehead at this moment.
"Evacuate the crowd. Clear the area."
"Yes, sir!"
The Marines under Fujitora responded loudly, then began firmly persuading the surrounding spectators to leave.
Saying 'persuading', they actually didn't hesitate to take action and subdue troublemakers when encountering them. These Marines were elite from Headquarters.
After experiencing that great war, they had also been stained with the marks of blood and fire, no longer as inexperienced as the former 'pampered soldiers'. Those who had recently suffered at the Marine's hands naturally retreated obediently. But some who had just arrived here recently, whose impression of the Marine still remained in the past 'cleanup crew', immediately refused.
Kidding? Witnessing the fight of the World's Strongest Swordsman… even if they weren't swordsmen themselves, this would make great conversation material after drinking.
These people took action. And then they were down. Facts proved that young strong individuals like Luffy and other members of the [Worst Generation] were rare.
At least, there weren't any among this group. This also saved Fujitora from having to intervene.
Holding his blind man's cane, he moved swiftly, no longer needing to tap the ground to discern the path as usual. Understandable… as a strong individual whose Observation Haki even reached the level of 'seeing people's hearts', how could he be hindered by mere visual obstruction?
"You two, please cease your actions immediately."
Whoosh-
A blade was drawn. The blade of [Yakuza Kasen], one of the Supreme Grade Swords, gleamed coldly, directly pointing at the two figures amidst the flashing sword lights ahead.
"Huh… seems we did cause quite a commotion."
Mihawk heard Fujitora's words, but the long blade in his hand still moved with extremely high speed in small amplitudes.
Yet, these movements not exceeding ten centimeters in amplitude could precisely block the Kusanagi Sword that appeared as if teleporting.
At this moment, Sasuke had transformed into countless afterimages… it was almost impossible to tell which was the real body with the naked eye. However, in reality, this wasn't a Clone Technique but afterimages produced due to excessive speed.
Clang, clang, clang, clang…
Fortunately, the Kusanagi Sword's tip had been reforged. Otherwise, directly pressing against a Supreme Grade Black Blade like this would probably cause it to break first.
Sasuke, thrusting his sword from various angles at Mihawk like a storm, had already clenched his teeth. His mouth corners curled downward stubbornly.
This guy in front truly deserved the title [World's Strongest Swordsman]. Even though he used Chakra to enhance his physical abilities and the Sharingan's dynamic vision, his thrusting sword still couldn't break through the other's defense.
And every counterattack the other made, seizing the gaps in his moves, was astonishingly powerful… this was clear just from the devastation in the distance.
How strong Mihawk was, Sasuke felt he had roughly gauged. It could be said that if only sword techniques were allowed, he would be completely outmatched by the other in a single exchange. Facing that heavy sword momentum, seemingly simple but exquisite, Sasuke couldn't block at all… he could only interrupt his own movements to evade. To defeat the person before him, Sasuke would have to enter his awakened state or use his Mangekyo Sharingan's Dojutsu.
-But that would deviate from his original intention.
Like Naruto, Sasuke also preferred fist against fist, sword against sword. He actively sought out the other to hone his skills, so how could he reverse the order? Fujitora's appearance didn't disrupt Mihawk's rhythm… or rather, the entire battle had been within his control.
It seemed Mihawk was always passively defending, but he hadn't even broken a sweat, using minimal movements for parrying. Even his attacks were casual, seemingly just to force Sasuke's positioning.
The more they fought, the more startled Sasuke became, and the more satisfied Mihawk felt. Their perspectives differed, so their conclusions differed.
Clang!
The black blade [Yoru] suddenly moved at a speed inconsistent with its size, parrying the Kusanagi Sword. Then, the blade rotated and lifted, breaking Sasuke's offensive from an angle that was very uncomfortable for him. His hand gripping the Kusanagi Sword was also shaken by this sudden immense force, the hilt instantly slipping from his grasp.
Thud-
The Kusanagi fell to the ground. Its sharpness caused it to sink into the ground up to the hilt instantly. The outcome of this battle, or rather, spar was decided.
Fujitora could also clearly 'see' the situation on the field. However, precisely because of this, he still didn't sheathe his sword. He understood clearly that if Sasuke refused to accept defeat and prepared to use all his strength for another fight, then this island, no, the entire Sabaody Archipelago would be in danger.
Fortunately, Sasuke seemed more composed than they imagined. Perhaps he had indeed been 'young and impetuous' before, like a powder keg, easily ignited and unable to accept defeat. But after the experiences along his journey, Sasuke's temperament was no longer so sharp-edged.
"I lost."
Although still resistant to defeat internally, Sasuke could still face the facts. Undoubtedly, solely in terms of sword technique, he couldn't catch up to the guy before him even if he tried.
He even felt that even without using Observation Haki, the other party could predict his next move just based on familiarity with swordsmanship.
"What's your name?"
Mihawk sheathed his sword, then pulled the Kusanagi Sword from the ground, throwing it back to Sasuke.
"Uchiha Sasuke. A Ninja."
After catching the Kusanagi Sword, Sasuke showed no intention to continue fighting, which relieved the Marines responsible for order. Of course… the spectators felt it wasn't satisfying enough. In terms of their perspective, Sasuke's attacks were very spectacular, and Mihawk's casual swings were equally terrifying. Just look at those slashes capable of cutting an island. Seeing it live felt different from watching it through Den Den Mushi's broadcasts.
Among the crowd, some overconfident individuals silently hid their swords, no longer daring to openly show their desire to challenge. And this was also part of Mihawk's plan.
"A Ninja? That makes sense… Your swordsmanship, no, that can't even be called swordsmanship yet. It's just swinging a sword relying on speed and strength."
Regarding Mihawk's comment, Sasuke didn't take offense. He clearly understood the other was stating facts.
From starting to learn swordsmanship until now, at most it hadn't been a month. Even with Sasuke's extraordinary talent, he could only imitate the appearance of Redfield's Fast Sword Technique.
"Indeed, this young man doesn't seem to understand the [Breath of All Things]."
From his Observation Haki perspective, the 'human shapes' of Mihawk and Sasuke both turned into colors indicating no hostility. Only then did Fujitora put away his weapon, disguising it as a white cane again.
He seemed to hold great goodwill towards Sasuke, who was connected to Naruto, even actively explaining for him.
"The Breath… of All Things?"
Sasuke pondered Fujitora's words, finding them somewhat abstract.
"Young man, your strength and speed are impressive, but the way you use a sword is still somewhat 'barbaric'. A sword is not used like this."
Saying this, Fujitora simply walked aside to demonstrate personally. He drew Yakuza Kasen, then gave Mihawk an apologetic smile.
"Excuse my presumption."
Mihawk didn't mind. His gaze focused on the blade of Yakuza Kasen. His swordsman instincts instantly told him this was a treasure sword not inferior to Yoru. By now, the surrounding crowd had been mostly dispersed. Fujitora casually picked up a weapon left behind by some unlucky fellow, then lightly sliced with his blade.
Under Sasuke's slightly widened eyes, the long blade cut through the weapon also forged from steel as easily as cutting butter.
"Although this somewhat relies on the weapon's sharpness, even if I use an ordinary long blade, I can still easily achieve the effect of 'cutting steel'. This relies on the [Breath of All Things]."
Sasuke seemed to half-understand, while Mihawk's eyes gleamed with interest. Laymen watch the spectacle, while experts discern the essence.
"Interesting guy. Your name is Fujitora? I'd like to spar with you too…"
From Fujitora's casual move, Mihawk quickly judged his swordsmanship. At least a Great Swordsman… very likely a Master Swordsman.
"No, no, haha. I have official duties, so I cannot indulge in fighting. Please forgive me, Sir Mihawk."
Fujitora waved his hand, not accepting Mihawk's invitation.
"Tsk, how are you like that guy Naruto…"
Meanwhile, Sasuke lightly swung the Kusanagi Sword in his hand, as if imitating Fujitora's earlier blade movement. In just a few seconds, his movements went from stiff to fluid.
Mihawk and Fujitora suddenly fell silent.
"Truly… remarkable, this young Sasuke."
"Heh, very good."
After the silence, both laughed. Sasuke, still there imitating the essence of Fujitora's sword move, suddenly looked up, catching a piece of white paper tossed to him from mid-air, then looked at Mihawk somewhat puzzled.
"Keep this Vivre Card. When you feel you are qualified, come find me on Kuraigana Island."
After saying this, he turned and left with an air of expectation, as if having sown a seed. Sasuke stared blankly at the white paper, then looked in the direction the other left, momentarily speechless.
At that moment, Fujitora suddenly stepped forward, speaking in a tone of admiration.
"Truly rare. For someone like Dracule Mihawk to willingly give his Vivre Card to another. It seems he holds great expectations for you."
Saying this, Fujitora suddenly chuckled lightly.
"Come to think of it, with your swordsmanship talent, even I feel my skills itching."
But his meaningful glance was wasted.
"This thing… what is it?"
Sasuke looked at Fujitora with an utterly speechless expression, then at the paper in his hand.
'What's going on? Can't these people speak clearly? Why suddenly throw me a piece of paper? Also, where is that Kuraigana Island? How do I find it without an Eternal Pose?'