Chapter 421: Men’s True Communication
As a swordsman, it ismon to have an unwavering passion for great des. This holds true for Hawk Eye, who possesses the revered ck Sword Yoru, one of the twelve Supreme Grade des. However, this has not deterred his desire toy eyes on other famed swords.
During the Great War on Smis Ind, Hawk Eye was entranced by the sight of Ians Senbonzakura being transformed into a shower of petals. From that moment on, he has been obsessed with the weapon.
Never before had he encountered such a miraculous sword, and he longs to see it for himself. This desire was the driving force behind his immediate eptance of Ians invitation from Sengoku. In his mind, joining the organization would provide him the opportunity to meet Ian and behold the legendary de.
The simplicity of this reason caused some embarrassment for Sengoku at the time, but all members of the Shichibukai were in agreement that Ian should join their ranks.
However, after Ians induction into the organization, he did not report his arrival at the marine headquarters or make himself known to the other members. The marines also made no effort to gather the Seven Warlords for a meeting or celebration. As a result, Mihawk has yet to meet the newest member or fulfilled his desire to see the famed sword.
While he could have taken the initiative to seek out Ian, Mihawk was not one to actively pursue such endeavors. Thus, his chance to achieve his wish has been dyed.
Fortunately, the ways this world works are so wonderful. Ian killed Krieg more than two years ago, but now he has encountered Mihawk on this Grand Line. When Mihawk found that the g of the Hunter Dragon Pirate Group was hanging on the ship while he was on his boat, he immediately locked his target.
However, what Mihawk did not expect was that Ians Senbonzakura was not a famous sword in his impression. Although it was also a remarkable sword, it seemed that it was not in the category of famous swords in this world. And when he listened to Ians exnation, he realized that this de was probably made by Ian himself to suit his own ability!
Yes, what he understood by Ians words was that he made it himself
In this way, Mihawks disappointment naturally became logical.
Drinking the beer that Ian turned over to him, Mihawk had originally wanted to get up and leave, but just as he turned around, he suddenly said, I changed my mind!
Ian heard something inexplicable and said, What changed your mind?
It would be very boring if I left like this! Mihawk looked at Ian with his sharp eyes and said, I came to find you and pass some time. Since I wasnt amazed by that sword of yours, lets see what kind of power doese from it and its wielder!
As soon as this was said, Mihawks aura suddenly changed, and a daunting oppressive feeling came from him, directly rushing to Ian.
At this moment, Ian couldnt help but feel that Mihawk was a truly remarkable individual. Only a moment ago, he had imed to have no interest in fighting, yet now he seemed eager for a fight.
Ian watched as Mihawks entire being transformed into something akin to a drawn de, his aura sharp and deadly. Ians own expression grew serious as he asked, Are you serious?
Absolutely! Mihawk reached behind him, his hand closing around the hilt of his prized sword, the ck de Yoru. With slow, measured movements, he drew the massive weapon from its sheath, its curved de glinting in the light. Mihawk held the sword pointed downward, the de resting against the deck of the ship, as he dered, Ive had a change of heart. Your strength is worthy of facing my Yoru.
It was a rare urrence for Mihawk to feel that someone was worthy of crossing swords with him. He had traveled the Grand Line for many years, but Ian was the only one who had ever inspired him to draw his most prized weapon.
Luffy, Robin, Ace, and Doroni looked on with a mixture of shock and amazement at the sudden turn of events. Only moments ago, Ian and Mihawk had been chatting amiably and even sharing a drink, but now they were preparing for a duel.
Very well, Ian replied, his own sense of pride preventing him from backing down. As a member of the Shichibukai, he naturally would not back down.
Due to his attachment to the system level, Ian was destined to constantly challenge stronger foes in order to earn more experience points and improve himself. Previously, during his time in Dressrosa, Ian had emerged victorious against Drought Jack, an aplishment that earned him a level and a halfs worth of experience. Despite not killing Jack, the victory had still greatly boosted Ians overall experience.
It was clear that Mihawk, at the very least, was on par with Drought Jack, if not stronger. Defeating him would undoubtedly grant Ian a considerable amount of experience. Even in the event of a draw, Ian would still reap significant rewards.
Thus, Ian eagerly epted Mihawks proposal. However, upon surveying their surroundings, Ian realized that they wouldnt be able to engage inbat on the ship, as their battle might end up sinking it. There were too many people with Devil Fruit abilities on board, and Ian knew he couldnt save them all by himself.
Lets go to that uninhabited ind over there, Ian suggested, gesturing towards a location in the right front. We can have our showdown there.
The ind, which was more of arge reef, was visible to Mihawk as well, and he had no objections. And so, the two of them set off toward their designated battleground.
After arriving at the small ind, Ian and Mihawk disembarked and stood facing one another, a short distance apart. Meanwhile, Reiju and Robin watched from the ships railing, eager to see how the battle would unfold.
Just to be clear, Mihawk, Ian began, his hand resting on the hilt of his Senbonzakura. Im not just a swordsman. I have other abilities as well.
Suit yourself, Mihawk replied with a nod.
Without another word, Ian unsheathed his sword and held it aloft, reciting the incantation that would unleash its full power.
Scatter, Senbonzakura!
At the sound of the ancient words, the de of Ians sword transformed into a shower of petals, which scattered in the wind. Mihawk watched the disy with satisfaction, grateful that he had stayed to witness this impressive release. Although the Thousand Cherry Blossoms sword was not one of the most famous des, seeing it in action was more than enough to satisfy Mihawks curiosity.
As thousands of cherry blossoms turned into petals and flowed around him, forming a protective ring of petals, Ian extended his right hand and fierce bolts of electricity began to sh between his fingers. These electric sparks prated the ground and the iron sand contained in the rockyers of the small ind floated up from the ground and slowly rose, then converged in Ians right hand.
A low, muffled roar began to stir, and the iron sand sword began to vibrate at a high frequency, forming a sharp vibrating de around the edge of the de.
Throughout this scene, seeing Ian suddenly forge a new, ck sword from nothing, Mihawk no longer had any doubts about Ians previous words.
Isnt this just Ian forging a sword on the spot?
Just as Mihawk was thinking this, he heard Ian say, Here Ie!
After saying this, Ians figure instantly disappeared from its original position.
Mihawk crossed his ck sword casually and then swung it violently to his left!
ng! Ian, who appeared there, hit Mihawks ck sword with the iron sand sword in his hand.
Ian swung his sword with all of his might, but even with his formidable strength, he was no match for such monsters. However, when his de met Mihawks, he was shocked to find that Mihawks horizontal sh was able to dissipate his downward force through rapid shaking of his wrist at the moment of contact, neutralizing his strikepletely with just a few shakes.
To Reiju and Robin, it seemed as if Mihawk had effortlessly blocked Ians blow. Now! Its my turn now! Mihawk yelled, his excitement growing as he grabbed his ck sword with both hands and swung it down fiercely at Ian.