Behind Marineford Square, in the military town where the streets were packed with people.
Lina and the others were hiding in a four-story residential building.
The town stood on relatively high ground, so they could watch the events in the square from afar through the windows.
After Aokiji froze the sea and Marco the Phoenix intercepted Kizaru's opening Yasakani no Magatama probe.
Hawk Eyes stepped forward as well, drew the Supreme Grade Sword Black Blade Night from his back, and slashed downward.
A streak of blue light that cut across the entire battlefield dimmed the heavens and earth.
Diamond Jozu, commander of the Whitebeard Pirates' Third Division, stood firm with his blade at the ready. Using his body as a shield, he caught the world-splitting slash barehanded and sent it soaring into the sky.
The brief, unadorned exchange had nonetheless displayed both sides' astonishing strength to the fullest.
"So I'm still that far behind him," Zoro mused, his gaze thoughtful.
Unlike when he'd first set out in East Blue, back then he'd only known that the other man's strength was unfathomable.
Now, after all the ground he'd covered, he'd become a powerful swordsman renowned across the Grand Line. Only now could he truly see just how great the gap between them was.
"What, are you regretting it now?"
Lina grinned. "I remember you were pretty cocky back then. A frog in a well, croaking away."
"Pfft!" Remembering the scene, Nami and Usopp covered their mouths, struggling not to laugh.
Sanji even grabbed a fruit knife and imitated Hawk Eyes, pointing it at Zoro with a contemptuous look. "I don't have a smaller knife than this."
"Pfft-hahahaha!"
Thump! Thump! Thump!
That little performance had Lina and the others slapping the table and clutching their bellies with laughter.
Zoro's courage was admirable,