As a man who had already reached the very pinnacle of the world in pure swordsmanship, Mihawk's hawk-sharp eyes were enough to see through the traces of any sword technique.
Yet within Zoro's seemingly disorderly slashes, he saw the shadows of many old acquaintances.
They were instinctive reactions born from Austin's teachings, rooted in the foundations of Austin's swordsmanship.
Though immature, they genuinely piqued Mihawk's interest.
Splat—
Once again deflecting a seemingly fierce slash, Mihawk's merciless eyes watched Zoro's chest continue to bleed.
Drip—
Standing ramrod straight where he was, Zoro did not take a single step back.
"You want me to pierce straight through your heart? Why didn't you dodge?"
Zoro's entire body trembled.
"Well, I don't know either. I just feel like if I take even one step back here, I'll never be able to return."
"Yes. That is defeat."
"Then I have even less reason to retreat."
"Even if it means death?"
"Dying would be easier."
Only then did Mihawk finally begin to truly regard the man before him seriously.
What powerful will. He would rather die than lose...
He was no longer merely the junior of Mihawk's friend Austin. Mihawk now truly regarded him as a powerful swordsman.
"Kid, state your name!!!"
"Roronoa Zoro!!!"
Staggering back several steps, blood spilling from the corner of his mouth, Zoro's gaze was like that of a vengeful ghost.
Mihawk finally faced the man before him head-on and drew his true blade with a backhand motion.
The Famous Sword that symbolized the World's Strongest Swordsman—Yoru!
"I will remember you, a swordsman of strength I have not seen in a long time..."
"I will end your life with a swordsman's courtesy, using this black blade of the World's Strongest!!!"
Raising the blade behind him, Mihawk's broad hat brim instantly shadowed his