Another Wave Rises! (24)

"Is it over? That man's heavy life..."

While nearly everyone in the fortress covered their ears and dared not look up, Mihawk sat calmly in the reception hall, hugging his knees as he thought silently.

Whether Kuma was still alive or not, after being defeated by the Azure Dragon, his fate would not change... From the moment he agreed to infiltrate the government on behalf of the Revolutionary Army and undergo Pacifista modification, everything had been destined.

"A new era!!!"

Mihawk let out a wistful sigh and opened those eyes as sharp as a hawk's.

"Pirate King Roger, if you knew that someone had given up everything for his dream, even his dignity as a human being, you would surely be happy, wouldn't you?"

In his mind, Mihawk returned to that sunny afternoon twenty years ago... That man who, even as he headed for the execution platform to meet death, still carried himself with high spirits, like a triumphant general, radiating a brilliance that made others feel ashamed of themselves.

Mihawk was a pure swordsman.

That was why he understood even better why people fought.

What difference was there between a person without dreams and a salted fish?

Kuma's life, both regrettable and worthy of respect, was enough to move any hot-blooded man.

Except for one guy!

"Azure Dragon!"

His fighting spirit blazed fiercely as dazzling Sword Intent burst from Mihawk's body, scorching and brilliant like the sun.

He was not fighting for Kuma, not for Shanks, and even less for himself.

He was fighting for those fools who still lived on dreams, for those idiots brave enough to chase their dreams!

Just like that Moss Head outside, walking along the edge of death—he fought for swordsmen who dared draw their blades against him!

"This is my way of the