You Ask Why I Don't Draw My Sword? Because You're Not Worthy!

You ask me why I don't draw my sword? Because you're not worthy! Zoro braced all three swords against the ground, barely holding up his swaying body, his chest heaving violently.

Sweat and blood mixed together, smearing across his cheeks. Though his body was exhausted, he remained standing firm.

He had won.

Clap, clap, clap!

Just then, a slow, unhurried round of applause came from behind him.

The rhythm was even and the force was gentle, yet Zoro's whole body tensed. He instantly turned his head to look.

At some point, Hawk Eyes Mihawk had already entered the restaurant.

He was sitting in the chair beside Kuina, that enormous Black Cross Sword casually leaning against the chair back. Outside on the sea, that Coffin Boat still floated quietly.

Mihawk rested one hand on his knee and clapped at an unhurried pace, his expression calm.

"Hawk Eyes."

Zoro panted heavily, and on his exhausted face, a fervent smile slowly rose.

Pain and fatigue intertwined, but the excitement in his eyes only grew more intense.

He raised his eyes toward Kuina, his gaze direct and firm.

I won.

The promise you made me should be fulfilled now.

Kuina gave a slight nod and slowly stood.

She raised a hand to straighten her cuff, then turned to look at Mihawk beside her, her courtesy impeccable.

"Senior Mihawk."

"I am Kuina, Gion's disciple. There is something I would like to ask you to grant."

Mihawk stopped clapping. His golden eyes slowly settled on Kuina's face, and his tone was flat.

"Gion's disciple."

Those few words sent a ripple through the depths of his long-still heart.

Many years ago, near these waters, at the entrance beneath Reverse Mountain that led to the Grand Line, he had met Gion.

Back then, he had not yet become