Who am I? Where am I? What am I even doing here?
I am none other than the world's greatest swordsman!
And yet… someone in this world actually managed to catch my sword with their bare hands?
Of course, as they say, there is always someone stronger. That's not the problem.
The question is… why am I kneeling before this person?
Am I afraid of them?
No!
I, Dracule Mihawk, fear no one!
Did I slip?
No!
The ground beneath me is unshakable!
Then what in the world is happening?
At this moment, it's not just Mihawk—everyone present is utterly shocked.
Krieg, self-proclaimed Admiral of the East Sea, and his dozen or so burly henchmen are trembling with fear.
What the hell?
Someone just caught the sword of the world's greatest swordsman… with their bare hands!
Are they even human?
And the most ridiculous part? Just moments ago, this god-like existence was being pointed at, threatened, and even considered as a hostage by these fools!
How absurd!
Looking back now, Krieg and his men can't help but feel waves of regret.
Red-Leg Zeff, owner of the Baratie, once a strong figure in the Grand Line, understands the hierarchy of strength. Compared to Mihawk, he is far beneath—yet even the world's greatest swordsman has a moment that shakes his very perception of reality.
What astonishes Zeff even more is… that in his restaurant stands a guest so formidable that even Mihawk himself ignores them entirely, yet the guest remains completely unaware.
True strength… is always hidden too deep.
Even Tsuneo's entourage of Akatsuki veterans cannot see exactly how their captain was propelled into action. They don't know the precise extent of Mihawk's strength as the newly crowned world's greatest swordsman.
But judging by the reactions of everyone around, it's clear: this is a top-tier powerhouse. Possibly rivaling Admiral Kizaru himself.
Indeed, their captain is truly unfathomable. The time has yet to come for them to witness the full scope of his power.
Meanwhile, three other major figures watch from nearby—Admiral Kizaru and his subordinates, Momotaro and Chabo.
Seeing this scene, one can imagine their shock.
"Oh, how terrifying! Even the world's greatest swordsman, Mihawk, is this flustered against Tsuneo. Lucky I didn't challenge him directly!"
Admiral Kizaru's sly grin hides a trace of amusement. Finally, another top-tier swordsman, Mihawk, has been humbled in front of the rookie pirate Tsuneo!
Most importantly… the world's greatest swordsman has been forced to kneel, while Kizaru merely raises his hand in surrender.
From this perspective, Kizaru made the right call—he can breathe easy.
After a brief moment, Mihawk rises, still showing disbelief across his face.
"Ha! Conqueror's Haki!"
With Mihawk still dazed, Tsuneo seizes the perfect opportunity to gain experience points! Without hesitation, he unleashes his supreme Conqueror's Haki. Instantly, Mihawk senses it, even he is forced to stagger back several steps.
"Incredible… to wield Conqueror's Haki at the same level as Shanks! No wonder you caught my strike bare-handed. Shall we see if you can take another?"
"Not necessary!"
"This time, I won't hold back!"
At the peak of his youth, the newly crowned world's greatest swordsman refuses to let this pass. Mihawk raises his Black Sword, Yoru, and swings without hesitation toward Tsuneo!
Again?
Tsuneo had planned to grab some experience points and leave quickly, but now… Mihawk attacks once more.
No doubt, his passive skill, [100% Bare-Handed Blade Catch], activates again. His body instantly shifts, and in the next second, he effortlessly blocks the sword with his bare hand.
Mihawk collapses to his knees once more.
Oh, Mihawk… didn't you say this wouldn't happen again? Now it's even more awkward. What are you going to do? Even Tsuneo feels embarrassed for him.
Though Tsuneo has only caught his strike without causing actual harm, the blow to Mihawk's pride is lethal.
Another second passes, and Mihawk rises again:
"Damn it! You've truly angered me! Then so be it—I shall unleash my ultimate strike as the world's greatest swordsman: Yoru, the Black Sword… My strongest, supreme attack!"
What?!
Mihawk still refuses to yield. This time, he abandons standard swings and unleashes his ultimate move!
END OF CHAPTER
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