After some explanation, Kureha declined Noyer's invitation to team up and set sail.
She couldn't rest easy about Chopper, and besides, she had no desire to venture out to sea.
Noyer was reluctant to invite the little reindeer along. He was too young. Despite his impressive medical talents, Noyer would've felt like an unscrupulous boss hiring child labor.
According to his plan, he couldn't develop his crew like Luffy's group. If he was going to recruit anyone, he'd go straight for people who were already strong.
Next, he'd find a few underlings to handle odd jobs. Otherwise, Noyer would continue struggling as captain, navigator, cook, and combatant all at once.
After curing Robin's internal affliction, he purchased provisions and supplies in the village.
Kureha also led Robin on a shopping spree for fashionable clothes.
After less than a year at sea, Noyer had nearly exhausted the bounty money he'd saved over several years. Good thing he'd stolen all of Nami's hidden savings before setting sail…
Fortunately, he had the generous sponsorship of his good buddy Crocodile. Otherwise, he would've been dirt poor long ago, let alone spending money so lavishly now.
After loading all the supplies onto the ship, quite a few villagers came to see them off at the shore.
The mad king's death hadn't brought even a hint of panic or sorrow. In fact, everyone wanted to set off firecrackers, slaughter a pig, and go door to door celebrating.
Chopper also came to see them off. When no one was looking, Noyer gently patted his head, "I'm leaving, little Chopper. You should go out to sea someday too, okay?"
Chopper nodded vigorously, "I'll find companions too and become the kind of pirate Hiriluk talked about."
Noyer smiled wryly. The pirates Hiriluk spoke of weren't the pirates this world recognized.
People like Luffy — who cherished freedom and feared no authority — were the pirates Hiriluk and his adopted son admired.
But in the conventional sense, someone like Blackbeard was a true pirate, an outstanding representative at that. Greedy, ruthless, patient yet tenacious, with tremendous ambition — plus the gambler's heart common to most vicious criminals.
Other great pirates didn't really fit the mold. Even Whitebeard, who "wanted sons", and Big Mom, who "wanted a family", didn't match the world's image of what a pirate's personality should be.
Perhaps the pinnacle of pirate representation in this world was Rocks D. Xebec — Blackbeard's father and the captain of three of the current Four Emperors. He truly was a real pirate in the most literal sense of the word.
Noyer didn't explain all this to young Chopper. It wasn't something that could be explained clearly — he'd have to comprehend it himself in the future.
Bidding farewell to Drum Island, Noyer and Robin set off once again, continuing their sweet duo journey.
Being a lone man and woman together made daily life slightly awkward. But Noyer was quite happy about it~
Following the magnetic field indicated by the Log Pose, his next destination was Skypiea.
But how to get to that island in the sky — that was another problem.
As for the Knock Up Stream that Luffy's crew took, Noyer figured his ship probably wasn't tough enough to survive it. Even the Going Merry suffered heavy damage from it, let alone his old ship without a ship spirit.
Plus the Knock Up Stream was irregular. It only happens five times a month, and the strength of each occurrence varies dramatically. He could bet on luck, only to have it go to hell, turn back halfway, and die in the fall back down — what a happy life.
Aside from that method, Noyer had no other solutions. He'd have to look for other entrances first.
After all, Conis jumped from Skypiea, Urouge recuperated on a Sky Island, and Bellamy later explored up there — they couldn't all have taken the Knock Up Stream.
How many ships would that waste?
Speaking of which, Noyer's ship really did need replacing. He stepped a few times in the cabin, and the planks immediately creaked.
The ship that had accompanied his bounty hunter journey for many years had originally been converted from Arlong's vessel. In future battles and voyages, it definitely wouldn't keep up with his combat needs.
Robin looked at the damaged planks, "You should change ships. This one hasn't been maintained in ages."
Noyer stroked his chin, "No rush. I'll look for a ship on the next island. I'll find some materials first and patch it up for now."
On Skypiea, besides a certain guy who called himself God, there was also his precious treasure.
The Ark Maxim!
Noyer had been eyeing that ship for a long time. Flying ships weren't common in the pirate world.
The weather gradually warmed up, and the snow on the ship was completely swept away. Robin had scored many beautiful outfits from the fashionable old lady Kureha and was currently wearing a short-sleeved top.
She had an excellent figure. The elastic white garment fit snugly on her upper body, swelling at the top like puffy dough. Though constrained when still, the movement created waves like a terrifying tsunami.
The garment cinched at the bottom, forming a slender waist that could be grasped in one hand. Combined with form-fitting denim shorts that accentuated her curves, they outlined an astonishing silhouette.
Noyer could confidently say that just watching Robin change outfits, he could stare for a whole year!
However, what depressed him was this — his strength wasn't weak, plus he had the charisma bonus of being from another world. So why wasn't she showing any interest?
What happened to the protagonist's aura attracting heroines throwing themselves at him?
Old straight-man Noyer shook his head in disappointment. Turns out Disney lied — there's no "happily ever after", just a subscription fee.
Robin sunbathed and read on the deck while Noyer took a couple more good looks, then carried materials off to repair the planks.
Sensing that the gaze constantly fixed on her had disappeared, she finally let out an imperceptible sigh of relief. Her deliberately puffed-out chest relaxed, and her clenched hands loosened, revealing palms full of sweat.
Robin absentmindedly turned a page, her gaze drifting toward Noyer in the distance. Her usually serene expression rippled with emotion. Her lips parted slightly, unable to speak for a long while.
After quite some time, a barely audible sound drifted through the air.
"Idiot…"
Noyer, busy with his handiwork, looked up puzzled.
Did he hear something? That tone seemed somewhat exasperated?
True to form, Noyer worked away obliviously while Robin quietly read her book. The scene was rather harmonious.
But on the vast sea, a solitary little boat came drifting along, about to encounter his ship.
Though small, the boat's design was exquisite, decorated primarily in black. The main body was a black-and-white checkered cross-shaped seat with a sail attached.
Sitting on that seat was a man wearing a black top hat, dressed in a wine-red patterned shirt and black coat. Most striking were his hawk-like, sharp golden eyes.
Mihawk looked up and saw a large ship sailing toward him.
No pirate flag — an ordinary merchant vessel?
He shook his head and closed his eyes in boredom. He'd hoped for some action.
The two ships passed each other on the waves. At that moment, Noyer, patching up his ship, caught sight of that strange man on the sea.
He froze, then shouted in delighted surprise, "Hawk-bro!"
Mihawk looked up in confusion at the young man shouting excitedly from the ship.
Dude… do we know each other?
But when he saw the sword at Noyer's waist, Mihawk understood. A swordsman — another fool dreaming of challenging him for glory.
Seeing how young his opponent was, he immediately lost interest.
He'd just returned from the New World after visiting an old rival's home, seeking a match.
But his old rival — Shanks — had lost an arm and claimed it was "a bet on the new era". Unwilling to take advantage of an old friend, Mihawk hadn't fought him. Now he was itching for a fight.
"Wait! I want to challenge you!"
Noyer stood on the ship, looking at Mihawk as the system instantly detected all his information.
﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃
" Dracule Mihawk "
" Talents:〔 Strongest Swordsman in the World [Gold] 〕|〔 Supreme Sword Heart [Gold] 〕|〔 Cold Outside, Warm Inside [Blue] 〕 "
﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃
〔 Strongest Swordsman in the World 〕
〔 Rank: Gold 〕
〔 Description: Swordsmanship talent crushes all contemporaries, aura when executing sword techniques increases, lethality and destructive power increase, gains 20% penetration when fighting any swordsman, time required to execute sword techniques is halved. 〕
﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃
〔 Supreme Sword Heart 〕
〔 Rank: Gold 〕
〔 Description: Possesses a pure sword heart that pursues the ultimate way of the sword, can copy any level warrior's sword techniques through simple observation, Sword Aura contains special power, the more wounds an enemy receives from Sword Aura, the higher the damage. 〕
﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃﹃
〔 Cold Outside, Warm Inside 〕
〔 Rank: Blue 〕
〔 Description: Peculiar personality, the longer time spent together, the faster the other party's favorability increases. 〕
﹄﹄﹄﹄﹄﹄﹄﹄﹄﹄﹄﹄﹄﹄﹄
{T/N: Just to explain the term Aura, I'll be using the explanation from the Superpower Wiki: A form of life-force that exists as an invisible etheric phenomenon/emanation produced by and surrounding a person or object. It is the energy formed from one's achievement of spiritual power through extreme mental focus and strong emotions.
And that, my friends, is Haki with another name, used especially for Swords.}
The Strongest Swordsman in the World, Dracule "Hawk Eyes" Mihawk!
When Noyer saw the two Gold Talents, he was nearly driven mad with desire.
He practiced swordsmanship, and one of his greatest goals in setting out to sea was to copy the talents of the strongest swordsman, Mihawk. To encounter him today by sheer luck — these talents truly lived up to their reputation.
I want both of these Gold Talents!
As for that Blue Talent, what the heck was that? Is Mihawk actually warm-hearted?
Noyer examined him, puzzled. Doesn't seem like it.
However, looking at the enthusiastic Noyer, Mihawk seemed rather uninterested.
He frowned, his hawk-like eyes fixed on him, "A young punk also wants to use me as a stepping stone to fame?"
Noyer stood on the railing, looking at him like a priceless treasure, "Fame isn't interesting. I just want to learn your swordsmanship."
Well… learn your talents!
Mihawk studied him for a moment. If this kid wasn't at least polite, he would've already split the ship in half.
With nothing better to do, he stood up. Without even drawing his blade, he asked indifferently, "Make your move. Let me see your spirit."
What? That arrogant?
Noyer was nearly dazzled by the sheer confidence.
Both being Warlords of the Sea, why was there such a huge difference in prestige between Mihawk and Crocodile?
Mihawk stood on his boat. Noyer steadied himself and placed his hand on the sword hilt.
Robin held her book and retreated several steps, watching her friend with concern.
After a brief charge, Noyer drew his blade and slashed with tremendous force. A blue-silver Sword Aura sliced horizontally through the waves, fiercely attacking Mihawk.
Mihawk's golden pupils contracted sharply. As if possessing foresight, he shifted his body slightly, and the attack flew past right beside him.
The powerful flying slash struck the sea, its impact raising a surge of waves and forming a whirlpool on the surface.
Mihawk looked at the traces left by that drawing slash, and finally, a ripple appeared in his usually calm heart.
Decent swordsmanship, and it even has Haki. This could be fun!
Now interested, he pointed to the side, "Just came from over there. There's a deserted island — let's go fight."
Noyer was drooling over those two talents. Hearing this, he smiled in agreement, "Sure."
The two sailed their ships to an isolated island, with Robin standing guard on the shore. She didn't understand why these men would suddenly start fighting without warning.
And after beating someone up or getting beaten, they're still excited?
Noyer and Mihawk took their positions. Noyer drew his Skillful Grade Blade while Mihawk lifted his Supreme Grade Blade from his back.
Looking at Yoru, then at his own poor Seikou, he sucked in a cold breath and fell silent…
However, Mihawk didn't hold back due to the weapon disparity. Holding Yoru in one hand, his figure moved like a ghost as dark green blade light enveloped everything.
Wrapping Armament Haki around his weapon, Noyer blocked the attack with a backhand.
Though Yoru was enormous, in Mihawk's hands it moved like a dancing butterfly. The massive blade was wielded with the precision of a close-combat dagger.
Noyer was instantly suppressed, his blade dancing in exhausted defense without even a chance to counterattack. Facing the Strongest Swordsman in the World going all out from the start, he immediately fell into trouble.
He didn't want to use his Devil Fruit ability — this was a golden opportunity to hone his swordsmanship.
This had always been Noyer's most obvious weakness.
In swordsmanship, he couldn't match Mihawk. In Devil Fruit development, he couldn't match Crocodile. But by combining both, he could go toe-to-toe with any Warlord-level powerhouse and achieve at least a fifty-fifty outcome — or better.
No matter how good one's talents, it depends on who uses and trains them. Noyer refused to let his excellent talents go to waste through poor training.
As the two battled intensely, Mihawk seemed to intentionally avoid using killing techniques, subtly giving Noyer pointers.
Amid the continuous ringing of swords, Noyer's consciousness seemed to sink into the two Meito (Famous Blades) clashing against each other. He could feel the pride and fighting spirit between them!
His mental state gradually became clear. His eyes began to brighten.
Noyer drew his blade at divine speed, roaring:
◆ Kuzuryūsen ⥤ Nine-Head Dragon Flash ◆
Sword light blurred with speed, cutting through the air and leaving afterimages in space!
Mihawk's expression darkened. Ink-colored sword light enveloped his entire body as he swung his blade at high speed in response.
The nine strikes unleashed at divine speed in different directions, Mihawk's series of counterattacks — the danger within was completely incomprehensible to outsiders.
Noyer panted slightly, having expended a massive amount of energy to launch the Kuzuryūsen.
Mihawk's golden hawk eyes seemed to pierce through everything. He counterattacked rapidly, using what was unmistakably Noyer's own move!
Intense sword and blade aura collided wildly, then ricocheted and scattered destructively. The small deserted island instantly became a complete mess.
The two combatants stopped. Noyer adjusted his chaotic breathing while staring at Mihawk with burning passion.
〔Strongest Swordsman in the World〕 gave Mihawk devastating striking power against swordsmen, while 〔Supreme Sword Heart〕 let him instantly see through techniques and replicate them.
These two talents were incredible — Noyer had to obtain them both.
Mihawk sheathed his black blade, regarding the young man with appreciation. With such powerful swordsmanship, he would be a worthy opponent in the future.
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T/N: Comment, give me Power Stones, like and favorite, it all supports me and makes me go foward with this. Appreciate my other stories as well, I guarantee the good work!
If you want more chapters of this novel or enjoy a large catalog of good novels with excellent translations: MrBlackWing (you know where to search)
That's it and happy reading! (-‿◦)