Zoro Appears

When Hawk Eyes was about to "test" him a few more times.

Clang!

An elegant longsword blocked the black blade Yoru as it was about to swing again.

"Hawk Eyes, your opponent... is me." Flower Sword Vista stepped in front of him.

Hawk Eyes looked at Vista, then glanced at the Straw Hat boy, who was already roaring as he charged off again, seemingly losing interest in continuing his test.

He gave a faint "Mm" in response, then began "fighting" Vista with a series of clanging blows.

It was called a fight, but anyone with eyes could tell that Hawk Eyes was simply playing around.

Vista was also happy to keep this terrifying opponent occupied and ease the pressure on his companions.

At this point, the Shichibukai had fully entered their "creative slacking" mode.

Brook looked at Zoro and brought up the interrupted topic again.

"Zoro, are you going?"

This time, Zoro did not hesitate in the slightest.

His eyes remained fixed on Mihawk. "Captain. I want to fight that 'world's greatest swordsman.'"

It was not a question or a request. It was a statement—a declaration of resolve.

"Go, Zoro!" Chopper called softly.

"As you wish." The corner of Brook's mouth lifted.

That was more like it.

If he hesitated whenever something happened, constantly weighing the pros and cons...

Would he still be Zoro, the man willing to stake his life on becoming the world's greatest swordsman?

Brook's finger moved almost imperceptibly.

A silver Space Gate flashed beneath Zoro's feet, then vanished.

The next second.

Tap.

A neither light nor heavy footstep landed near the area where Mihawk and Vista were fighting, ringing out abruptly.

The sound should have been insignificant, yet it instantly disrupted the nearly synchronized rhythm of their offense and defense.

Hawk Eyes's sword momentum paused slightly,