Chaos Island, inside a tavern in the town.
A jet-black sword gleam flashed past, instantly splitting the tavern floor. Wood chips flew everywhere, and the fat owner's face changed drastically.
The moment Mihawk raised his hand, Shanks had already grabbed Benn Beckman and run outside.
With a thunderous crash, sword energy spread out, cleaving the entire tavern in two as dust and smoke rose into the air.
The pirates still inside scattered and fled. The pirates from before had not gone far either, and they stared in stunned disbelief at the tavern's booming collapse.
"Quite fast at running, aren't you?" Mihawk said, raising his sword.
Shanks wore a grave expression beside him. He sensed something different about Mihawk. When they had met last time, he had been able to see through Mihawk's strength easily and defeat him without much effort. Yet this time, he actually felt a sense of pressure.
Mihawk might not have caught up to him, but their strength was at least very close this time. That surprised Shanks greatly. Though he appeared carefree on the surface, he was actually a very proud man.
Most strangely, he sensed something familiar from Mihawk.
It was the steadiness of a sword as calm as still water despite the rage boiling in one's heart. He had only seen this unique state of mind and swordsmanship in one person before.
The wind swept dust between them. Shanks narrowed his eyes, already beginning to take this seriously.
Behind him, Benn Beckman stepped forward and raised his rifle. "Since you helped me deal with the government's pursuit, I'll help you once as well. As the first mate, I have no reason to stand by when someone comes seeking revenge on my captain."
"Touching as that is, you'd better stay out of this. This is