As the newly crowned world's greatest swordsman, Dracule Mihawk's fighting style is all about speed, precision, stability, and ruthlessness. If a normal swing suffices, he never unleashes his true techniques.
In fact, even against opponents he respected most—like Red-Haired Shanks—he rarely used his ultimate moves. After all, ordinary strikes were more than enough.
But today… here… Mihawk had no choice. Tsuneo was a god-like existence. Mihawk had to give everything he had and unleash his ultimate attack.
In an instant…
Mihawk's eyes widened, his gaze focusing to a single, piercing point. His right hand rose, holding the unparalleled great sword, Yoru.
He drew a deep breath, muttered incantations under his breath, and concentrated… charging his power for more than ten full seconds.
Consider this: the world's greatest swordsman could normally deliver dozens of slashes in a single second. Yet now… he was taking over ten seconds to charge a single attack.
The sheer destructive potential was unimaginable.
"I swear, when this strike lands, not a living being in the East Sea within several miles will survive. My apologies, everyone—you'll all be collateral damage!"
With that, Mihawk closed his eyes, bowing his head in solemn respect, as if even he could not bear to watch what was about to unfold.
BOOM!
His charge complete, Mihawk raised Yoru high. The colossal black blade descended like a giant dragon from the heavens, cutting with unrelenting force.
For a moment… the entire world seemed to hold its breath.
Everyone present trembled with awe and fear, even Tsuneo's entourage of superiors furrowed their brows in deep concern.
The attack's power was absolutely overwhelming—worthy of admiration from all who witnessed it.
Yet…
Tsuneo, sensing the threat, activated his passive skill: [100% Bare-Handed Blade Catch].
CLANG!
As the massive strike threatened to obliterate everything in its path, Tsuneo appeared like lightning, raising his right hand to effortlessly catch the blade again.
Meanwhile… Mihawk, as if fated, once again collapsed to his knees.
Their eyes met, and this time… the scene was beyond mere awkwardness.
Even the world's greatest swordsman began to doubt his own existence.
At this moment, Tsuneo finally realized just how godlike the ability he gained from his fourth check-in truly was:
[100% Bare-Handed Blade Catch]—a divine skill.
If an opponent uses any sword or blade to threaten him, no matter their strength, no matter the technique, he can:
Catch the strike bare-handed with 100% certainty.
Force the opponent to kneel for at least one second.
Have zero chance of failure.
This was truly the ultimate bane of all swordsmen.
"Oh, Mihawk… didn't you say you wouldn't strike again? And yet, here you are… using your ultimate move!"
Now… the situation was irreversibly in Tsuneo's favor.
As the newly crowned world's greatest swordsman, Mihawk had barely begun his reign of dominance. Outside of Shanks, he considered no one worthy.
At this moment, his emotions must have been indescribably complex.
"Who… are you?" Mihawk finally asked.
"A rookie pirate. Tsuneo."
"Just a rookie pirate? Hmph… I never expected that in the East Sea, besides Red-Haired Shanks, there would exist someone like you—a god among mortals!"
Suddenly, Mihawk retracted Yoru, spreading his arms and locking eyes with Tsuneo.
"To catch any of my strikes with your bare hands, with an aura so overwhelming that even I must kneel… The gap between us is at least two levels of magnitude.
If you were to strike, your sword could easily cut me down.
To die at the hands of someone as powerful as you… would be my greatest honor.
Strike, if you will!"
What?!
Does everyone in the world's upper echelons like to exaggerate so much? Tsuneo only caught the strike! How did he suddenly become two magnitudes stronger than Mihawk?
Well… from Mihawk's perspective, he actually possessed that power.
Now it was Tsuneo's turn to feel awkward.
Not only would killing Mihawk serve no purpose, he couldn't even bring himself to do it. Could he really punch Mihawk in the chest with his tiny fists? Ridiculous!
Yet Tsuneo, tempered by countless trials, handled the situation with ease, flawless and composed.
"Sorry, Mihawk… but you are not worthy of dying by my sword."
"What? Not worthy?!"
In an instant, Mihawk's heart sank. Tsuneo's words were the final straw, driving him into a profound abyss.
"I see now! How weak I truly am! I will retreat for ten years, and not set foot on the seas during that time. I will train with all my might.
Ten years from now… Tsuneo, I will return to challenge you once more!"
With that, the world's greatest swordsman, Mihawk, turned resolutely and silently departed on a small boat, leaving behind an air of resignation and determination.
END OF CHAPTER
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