Dracule Mihawk, washed ashore, looked at Shin atop the emerald-green leaf. He took a deep breath and slowly knelt. "Thank you, Teacher!"
"Though you never said you would take me as your disciple, in my heart, I, Dracule Mihawk, have always considered you my teacher. I will cultivate my swordsmanship diligently and never bring shame upon you. The next time I see Shanks, I won't lose again!"
Looking at Dracule Mihawk kneeling before him, Shin did not know what to feel. He casually waved a hand. "Then work hard. The next time we meet, I hope I won't be fishing you out of the sea again."
"Farewell, kid!"
The waves rose, carrying the emerald-green leaf away from the island. Shin's figure rapidly shrank in Dracule Mihawk's eyes, soon becoming a tiny black dot before finally vanishing beyond the sea.
Turning around, Dracule Mihawk surveyed the island. It was an ordinary uninhabited island in the vast sea. He slowly walked inland. He had decided to cultivate here in peace for a while, turning what he had gained over the past few months into true strength. As for afterward, he would naturally continue searching for the Twelve Supreme Grade Blades.
"Whew, I finally shook off that little burden." Out at sea, Shin wore the expression of someone freed from a heavy load.
Although his guidance of Dracule Mihawk during this time had basically been hands-off, that did not mean he had been relaxed. On the contrary, because of that kid's presence, he had been unable to focus on anything for extended periods.
It was not just Dracule Mihawk who complained about Shin internally. Sometimes, Shin had considered simply throwing the guy into the sea so he would stop being an eyesore aboard his "ship." But in the end, Shin had not