After all, Little Hawk's swordsmanship was his own swordsmanship, while his Conqueror's Haki was even stronger.
Rounding it off, that still counted as tied for first, right?
That was how Austin saw it. He also felt that once he declared himself a swordsman, probably no one in the world would deny him the title of World's Greatest Swordsman.
Little Hawk might even be the first to raise both hands in support.
Because that way, Austin would finally be acknowledging that he was a swordsman. And once the title of World's Greatest Swordsman belonged to Austin—
Wouldn't that give him another goal to pursue?
Just thinking about it was exciting!
But Austin was not excited. If anything, he felt bitter.
"Nani?!! Does that mean you, Master, are the World's Greatest Swordsman?!!"
Young Zoro's mouth fell open. Then he recalled Austin's earth-shattering slash and found it perfectly reasonable.
With swordsmanship like that, being the world's greatest would not be strange at all.
Kuina also stared blankly at Austin, little stars glittering endlessly in her eyes.
The goal of her life stood right before her, and her heart was filled with longing and admiration.
"Well... how should I put this? The title of World's Greatest Swordsman doesn't belong to me yet~"
Austin smiled.
He would never openly acknowledge that troublesome title of World's Greatest Swordsman.
"I'm not the World's Greatest Swordsman..."
"I said your dream was to replace me because my good friend, the current holder of the title of World's Greatest Swordsman—
Hawk Eyes Mihawk, has always wanted to settle our contest in swordsmanship.
And if one of you truly becomes the World's Greatest in the future, then his target for a challenge will change from me to you!"
Austin casually explained, denying their guesses. But the two little ones were still