Chapter 11: Kanh vs Hawkeye
High above the sky, Kan's fiery form swiftly changed, reverting to its original state.
The colossal dragon head fixed its gaze upon the figure gripping a fearsome black knife on the vast sea below. This figure held a massive black long knife with jagged edges and intricate T-shaped patterns, and a dramatic cross-shaped hilt that caught the eye. The sharp, eagle-like eyes radiated an aura of intimidation.
"Behold, the world's mightiest swordsman, Hawkeye-Mihawk!"
Kahn's experience with the earlier slash had alerted him to the danger.
"Before we continue, I demand an explanation," Kahn asserted.
"The East Blue Sea harbors a warrior like you now? As for explanations, there's no grand tale.
When I encounter strong man, I'm compelled to fight. A force as formidable as yours warrants my attention."
"I'm flattered," Kahn replied wryly.
Pausing briefly, Kahn added, "However, your reason doesn't sit right with me, Hawkeye."
Hawkeye's steely gaze held steady.
Hawkeye's identity being recognized wasn't particularly surprising to him.
"Indeed? Then, what course of action do you propose?"
"What do you think? Naturally, I'll tear you apart."
"If you can."
Hawkeye's response remained undaunted.
Kahn's retort irked him.
While it was true that he hadn't been Hawkeye's equal before, his recent transformation had changed that. But how about now? There was only one way to find out.
With powerful wing flaps, Kan plummeted at breakneck speed, creating a howling hurricane that even rocked nearby pirate ships. Hawkeye's sharp eyes widened as Kahn's descent proved unbelievably swift. Kahn's colossal form, combined with his incredible speed, made for a mesmerizing sight. Yet, Hawkeye's slash was even swifter.
Hawkeye leapt high, dual blades in hand, launching a tremendous slash toward Kan.
In response, Kahn showed no intention of evading.
As the colossal dragon claw met Hawkeye's slash, a resounding metallic clash filled the air. Raising his claw, Kahn generated a powerful shockwave that propelled Hawkeye's slash skyward. Hawkeye remained unperturbed.
Kahn's spirit was ignited; this confrontation had invigorated him.
Meanwhile, the witnesses aboard the nearby ship watched in awe as an intense and raw display of power played out before them.
Zoro, nursing his injuries with the aid of two pirate hunters, gazed upon the scene with disbelief. Though he was acutely aware of the vast gap between him and Hawkeye's level, seeing it firsthand left him utterly astonished.
"Is that really the world's strongest swordsman, Luffy?"
"Yep, that's who I'm aiming to surpass!"
"But he's vanished now."
"He won't be defeated," Zoro declared, his voice unshaken.
"Let's depart; this spectacle is not one we're equipped to witness," Sanji urgently commanded.
Kahn soared upwards again, knowing well that someone of Hawkeye's stature wouldn't be vanquished so easily. As expected, the next instant brought forth an immense slash slicing through the sea, homing in on Kan's aerial position.
Sensing the imminent threat, Kan promptly evaded.
"Running away, are we? Not so fast!" Hawkeye's tone shifted into a determined one.
Kahn's inhalation was palpable, creating a small vortex of air in front of him. Simultaneously, his abdomen expanded visibly. Hawkeye's demeanor shifted; he sensed the looming danger.
Hawkeye's surroundings crackled with energy, radiating an overwhelming intensity that enshrouded the entire area.
Taken aback by this development, Kahn questioned whether this was Conqueror's Haki.
The imminent danger, however, was but fleeting.
A surge of Hawkeye's dominating Haki enveloped his blade, infusing it with a reddish-brown lightning. The entire Heidao·Ye sword seemed to pulse with Hawkeye's commanding presence.
"The Roar of the Fire Dragon!" Kahn bellowed, unleashing his power.
"God Strike!" Hawkeye's retort was swift.
The ensuing collision gave rise to an enormous explosion, triggering a seismic shockwave that generated a massive tsunami. The shockwave emanated from the point where their powers converged.
The Going Merry, having distanced itself, narrowly avoided capsizing from the ensuing waves. Survivors were left awestruck by the sheer might of the clash.
As the waters subsided, the battleground came into view. Kahn, in his dragon form, still hovered amidst the sky, wings spread.
Hawkeye, meanwhile, stood atop a fragment of wreckage. The debris had vanished, and Hawkeye bore visible burns, his skin reddened from the confrontation. His iconic hat was conspicuously absent.
Yet, Hawkeye appeared exhilarated.
A streak of blood marred Kahn's dragon claw, evidence of his injury from Hawkeye's overpowering attack.
Despite his transformation into flames, Hawkeye's Conqueror's Haki-infused strike had wounded him. Nonetheless, Kahn remained undeterred; his determination was unwavering.
Conversely, Hawkeye remained steadfast at his pinnacle.
"This battle comes to its conclusion! Your strength is undeniable; a warrior of your mettle will surely leave a mark. Tell me, what is your name?" Hawkeye inquired.
Only the mightiest adversaries warranted Hawkeye's recognition.
"Do I need your recognition to validate my power? And you ask for my name? A mere Shichibukai!" Kan dismissed with a hint of disdain.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone