Bab 199: 198 The New World Number One Swordman
The dazzling silver light traced a long streak across the sky, resembling a comet, and it was truly breathtaking.
This rare scene left Zoro amazed, and even Jozu was taken aback by the intensity of the battle.
Both Hawkeye and Whitebeard are under immense pressure at the center, but the pressure on Whitebeard pales in comparison to that on Hawkeye.
Hawkeye is at a clear disadvantage due to his own strength, especially when compared to Whitebeard's power.
Despite both sides releasing their sword skill to the maximum, Hawkeye is slightly at a disadvantage.
As the surrounding fluctuations intensified, so did Hawkeye's hand holding the black knife—his hand began to tremble.
As they clashed, Hawkeye realized his defeat was certain, so he began to slowly ease back his strength.
In that moment, Whitebeard also retracted his naginata, and both sides tacitly conceded.
However, retreating easily under such conditions was challenging, leaving Hawkeye still shaken by Whitebeard's power.
Once Hawkeye withdrew his power, the sword aura immediately sliced through his body, puncturing his black jacket.
At the same time, a bloodstain marked his body, but this was just a small injury to Hawkeye.
On the contrary, had he continued the fight just now, Whitebeard power would have become uncontrollable for him to handle
In the end
The likely outcome would have been severe injury or even death.
"How are you feeling? Are you okay?"
Whitebeard asked with concern upon seeing Hawkeye's injury.
"I lost. My sword acknowledges you. You deserve to be the Pirate King"
Hawkeye said calmly, ignoring his wounds.
"Guuurarara."
Whitebeard burst into laughter instantly.
"In that case, let's head back to the ship and take a break"
Whitebeard suggested, considering Hawkeye's injuries and urging him to get some rest.
"Oyaji is mighty, Oyaji is invincible in the world!"
When they returned, Whitebeard's crew cheered in celebration.
They all witnessed this battle, and they all saw the wonderful battle between Whitebeard and Hawkeye.
Despite the previous victories over Kizaru and Garp, defeating Hawkeye had a much greater impact.
But this time, they witnessed an exceptional swordsmanship duel, with 'Hawkeye' Dracule Mihawk, renowned as the world's number one swordsman.
And at this duel, Whitebeard didn't rely on his tremor-tremor fruit abilities; he simply used his swordsmanship to defeat Hawkeye.
This fills Whitebeard's crew with pride and admiration. They see Whitebeard as the god in their hearts.
"Alright, everyone, quiet down and get back to your tasks"
Whitebeard gestured, signaling that he wanted to have a conversation with Hawkeye, and the rest should do their own thing.
"I believe if Red-Hair knew your current strength, he'd be eager to face you in a battle"
Hawkeye said, looking at Whitebeard.
Even though he lost to Whitebeard, Red-Hair's overall strength surpasses his own strength, and he might be capable of engaging in a one-on-one battle with Whitebeard.
Whitebeard smiled continuously, but he didn't consider Red-Hair Shanks as his opponent.
With his current strength, he is no longer concerned about any of the Four Emperors or Admirals.
In the time that followed, Whitebeard and Hawkeye exchanged a few more words.
However, Hawkeye is not much of a talker, especially considering he just lost a battle, so he's not in the mood for conversation.
Hawkeye bid farewell to Whitebeard shortly after, and despite Whitebeard's offer, he declined an escort.
Shortly after, Hawkeye, along with Zoro, vanished from their view in a small boat.
.
"After so many years, I've finally encountered a real opponent to defeat. It looks like I need more practice"
As he sailed on the sea, Hawkeye couldn't stop thinking about the recent battle, and he couldn't help but clench his fists.
In the past, he always considered Red-Hair Shanks as his opponent, but that was limited to swordsmanship. In this aspect, he and Red-Hair Shanks could be considered evenly matched.
Every battle with Red-Hair Shanks is a form of enjoyment for him.
But in the recent battle with Whitebeard, he found himself completely outmatched in terms of swordsmanship.
This left Hawkeye with a deep sense of frustration. While he could accept that his strength might not be the best in the world
But he couldn't accept that other people overpowered himself so much in swordsmanship.
This is truly difficult for him to accept, especially considering the considerable effort he has invested in mastering swordsmanship.
"Yeah, I didn't expect Whitebeard to be so powerfull. Was Roger just as powerful back then?"
After this encounter, Zoro also harbored a deep admiration for Whitebeard.
"Roger? The legendary Pirate Kings, I think in terms of strength, Whitebeard has surpassed Roger."
"Roger was eventually captured by Garp, but considering Whitebeard's current strength, I can't think of anyone in the Marines who could achieve that"
Hawkeye analyzed it very seriously, even though he hadn't witnessed Roger's true strength.
However, Hawkeye was present during Roger's execution. At that time, the seventeen-year-old Hawkeye had a vivid memory of the scene.
Nevertheless, Roger's brilliance was eventually cut short by the World government, while Whitebeard remained a formidable force to contend with.
"There are countless dangers in the New World, and strong people are everywhere. I'm still too inexperienced. When I return this time, I need to put in more effort"
"Otherwise, I won't be of much help to Luffy in the future!"
Zoro declared, as if making a solemn vow. He expressed his readiness to endure any hardship in order to become stronger.
"A true swordsman never backs down. Even in failure, giving up easily is not an option. Someday, he will reclaim his honor"
Hawkeye had already made up his mind. After he returned, he would immediately use his influence to send a message.
He wanted to give up his title as the world's number one swordsman. Even though Whitebeard didn't aim to seize his title like Zoro did.
But he felt he had already been defeated. In light of this, he felt he could no longer uphold the title.
Nevertheless, he resolved to practice diligently, aiming to elevate his swordsmanship to the next level and reclaim the title in the future.
.
After Hawkeye and Zoro departed from Whitebeard's side, the crew gathered to discuss the battle once again, showering Whitebeard with praise.
"As expected of Oyaji, his strength is already so powerful. Now, overpowering someone like Hawkeye in swordsmanship duel, that's a first for the world"
"Yeah, I think we need to come up with a title for the old man. Since Hawkeye is the world's number one swordsman and our Oyajidefeated him, there's a name that can't be overstated"
"That's right, I think he's the only great Swordsman in the world."
"Idiot, there's no need for such a title"
For a while, everyone engaged in discussions, as if they were fighting for their own honor.
Whitebeard on the side paid little attention, simply letting them discuss it amongst themselves.
"By the way, Jozu, you need to leave in a few days. We need to recruit more people"
Whitebeard had already started formulating his own plan, recognizing that a large pirate group couldn't solely rely on him for support. They needed to build their own strength.
.
.
TO BE CONTINUE
________________________
I put an advanced chapter at P@treon, you can read 65+ chapters ahead of everyone.
Link : patreon.com/MoonEater18
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone