East Blue, Baratie.
Sephiroth and Hawkeye had fought fiercely on the side deck for dozens of minutes, yet neither of their blades had struck the other's body or caused even the slightest injury. Instead, the tables and chairs on Baratie's side deck had been hacked into pieces during their clash.
The fact that neither had drawn blood by this point did not mean they were holding back or putting on an act.
In truth, though they were purely competing in swordsmanship, every strike targeted a vital point. If either failed to parry, they would be seriously wounded.
However, both possessed Observation Haki powerful enough to foresee the future, allowing them to block and parry every lethal attack before it landed.
Sephiroth lightly leaped backward, deliberately widening the distance between himself and Hawkeye. He sighed softly.
"I have to admit, if we're purely comparing swordsmanship, it'll be difficult for either of us to determine a victor."
As if recalling something, Hawkeye was instantly left somewhat speechless.
"So... are you looking for another excuse to postpone our battle?"
"No! The title of world's strongest swordsman is mine today!"
As he spoke, Sephiroth directly underwent a Vampire Fruit Zoan Transformation and used Life Return, enhancing his speed. A savage aura abruptly rose from him, making him resemble a bloodthirsty beast breaking free of its restraints.
At the sight, Hawkeye's muscles tensed all over. His gaze sharpened as he warily watched the silver-haired young man whose appearance had drastically changed. The Black Blade Yoru in his hand had unconsciously become wrapped in dark-red lightning, ready to strike at any moment.
The next moment.
Sephiroth gripped his twin blades, both wreathed in dark-red lightning, before his chest. Like an arrow loosed from a bowstring, he shot toward Hawkeye.
Two-Blade Style: Demon Flash!
Faced with this