Mihawk lifted the black blade from his back and gently wiped it clean, murmuring to himself.
"This is your first battle with him. This opponent will excite you. If I am to become the World's Greatest Swordsman, I must defeat him."
The black blade seemed almost alive, letting out faint, resonant hums as if it understood its wielder. A small smile curved Mihawk's lips.
"You will enjoy this. I swear it."
Three days passed in a flash. By then, countless swordsmen had already gathered near Kurakana Island, though none dared to set foot on it. They understood that the two combatants' power could easily obliterate the island. Any reckless landing would be a death sentence.
As noon approached, the main participants were still absent.
"What's going on? It's already this late!"
"Yeah! Maybe they're not coming?"
"Impossible! A swordsman's word is his bond!"
"Everyone! Look!"
A voice shouted, drawing the attention of the crowd. On the horizon, a figure appeared, riding a small vessel called the Coffin Boat.
He had short black hair and piercing eyes, sharp as an eagle's. A short beard framed his face, and he wore a black hat lined with dark fur. A wine-red patterned shirt peeked from beneath a black coat, a small cross knife hanging from his chest. On his back rested the supreme blade, the Black Sword, one of the Twelve Supreme Blades Yoru.
"It's him! Hawkeye Mihawk!"
"Exactly! That's Yoru, known as the second strongest sword in the world!"
"Finally, he's here!"
"But where's the other one?"
"Yeah! Where's the admiral?"
Ignoring the commotion, Mihawk steered the Coffin Boat to the shore, leapt gracefully onto the island, crossed his arms, closed his eyes, and waited silently.
The onlookers had no choice but to wait as well the main event was about to begin.
Soon, the sound of a ship's horn echoed from afar. Eyes turned, and a warship engraved with sword motifs slowly approached.
On its deck stood a figure in a black suit. Short, dark hair blew in the wind, and blood-red eyes scanned the crowd. Dark red gloves covered his hands, and at his side hung a blade known to all: the legendary sword, Rengoku.
"He's here! That's one of the Navy's three Admirals!"
"The Navy's strongest warrior!"
"Admiral Ezra D. Vale!"
"Who will win? Who will claim the title of World's Greatest Swordsman?"
The crowd's anticipation swelled as Ezra instantaneously teleported onto the island. Facing Mihawk's stern expression, a small smile appeared on his lips.
"Mihawk, I thought you'd forgotten that promise."
Mihawk slowly lowered his arms, placing them naturally by his sides.
"Admiral Vale, as a swordsman, I could never forget the inspiration and humiliation you once gave me!"
A shadow of memory crossed Mihawk's eyes. The day he had been defeated by Ezra with nothing but a branch was still vivid in his mind.
"Today… are you going to use a branch again?"
The onlookers were stunned.
That Hawkeye Mihawk, undefeated legend of swordsmen… had been beaten once? And with a branch?
"No way! That Navy officer is that strong?!"
On the Moby Dick, 4th Division captain Sachie turned to Vista.
"Could he really defeat Mihawk with a branch?"
Vista shook his head, equally puzzled.
"According to Mihawk, that was years ago. He's not the same now!"
Everyone nodded in agreement. Time and revenge are patient allies, and Mihawk back then had not even left the East Blue he wasn't the swordsman he would become. Now, in many hearts, Mihawk was the World's Greatest Swordsman.
Whitebeard, seated on his throne, laughed heartily.
"Kurakana! Stop overthinking and focus on the duel before you!"
On the island, Mihawk silently gripped Yoru, his gaze fixed on Ezra, waiting for his response.
Ezra's lips curved in a small smile.
"Mihawk, today is a fair duel. I won't be using a branch."
He drew Rengoku from his side. Mihawk's eyes glimmered with excitement. After years, he would finally face the blade that had once haunted his dreams.
Ezra spun Rengoku casually, pointing its edge at Mihawk.
"Come, Mihawk."
The crowd held their breath. Morgan had dispatched countless messenger seagulls to activate video communication devices across the world.
From Windmill Village, Machino clasped her hands, praying for Ezra. In Shimotsuki Village, Koushirou, Kuina, and Zoro watched with anticipation.
At Navy Headquarters in Marineford, thousands of 517 Navy soldiers, along with Garp, Zephyr, Vice Admiral Tsuru, and Sengoku, all focused on the island.
Even Nico Robin, recently joining Baroque Works, looked at the red-eyed Admiral with a hint of fear. In the room of Imu, a video device displayed Ezra as well, and Imu smiled confidently.
The entire world's attention was on this small island. The sea breeze fell silent as the waves lapped the shore.
Mihawk exhaled, centering his spirit and energy. His hawk-like eyes locked onto Ezra.
Boom!
An overwhelming aura burst from Mihawk.
Ezra's eyes narrowed.
"So… this is sword intent!"
Mihawk planted his right foot with force, shattering the ground beneath him.
The next second, he was already in front of Ezra, Yoru raised high.
"Black Blade Flash!"