Ch. 21The Sky Split Open!
Chapter Summary: “The Sky Split Open!”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Ian and Hawk-Eye continue their intense duel, with both swordsmen sustaining injuries.
- Ian unleashes Nameless Divine Wind Style: White Tiger, creating a tiger-like aura and a devastating slash.
- Hawk-Eye counters with First Form: Night Slash, and their attacks collide with enough force to destroy the battlefield and injure spectators far from the center.
- The clash sends both sword techniques into the sky, where their explosion clears the clouds completely.
- Ian begins using Conqueror’s Haki Coating on his blade, forcing Hawk-Eye backward and increasing the weight and power of his attacks.
- Hawk-Eye reveals that he had not been fighting at full strength. Impressed by Ian’s abilities, he decides to stop holding back.
- Hawk-Eye coats his Black Blade, Night, with Conqueror’s Haki, resulting in a clash between the two blades’ invisible Haki forces rather than direct physical contact.
- The collision splits the clouds across the sky, creating a spectacular phenomenon that leaves onlookers questioning whether the two swordsmen are even human.
- The chapter ends with Ian and Hawk-Eye excitedly preparing for a battle without restraint.
Character Developments
- Ian demonstrates that he has reached a level capable of challenging the world’s greatest swordsman. His confidence and excitement grow as he tests his strength against Hawk-Eye.
- Ian reveals mastery of Conqueror’s Haki Coating, confirming that his swordsmanship is far beyond what Hawk-Eye initially expected.
- Hawk-Eye is shown to have been deliberately limiting himself, as part of his habit of adjusting his strength to prolong battles and enjoy worthy opponents.
- Hawk-Eye’s attitude shifts from measured observation to genuine excitement once he recognizes Ian as a true Great Swordsman.
- Both warriors become increasingly eager to fight at full strength, united by their love of swordsmanship and desire for a worthy rival.
Significant Themes
- The pursuit of strength: The battle serves as a test of Ian’s place among the world’s strongest fighters.
- Respect between rivals: Both swordsmen view going all out as the greatest form of respect toward a powerful opponent.
- Loneliness at the summit: Hawk-Eye’s restraint reflects the isolation of being the strongest and rarely finding anyone capable of challenging him.
- The supernatural scale of power: Their Haki-coated attacks affect the environment on a massive scale, symbolizing the extraordinary level of their abilities.
- Battle as fulfillment: For both Ian and Hawk-Eye, combat is not merely about victory but about experiencing the excitement of facing an equal.
Character Interactions
- Ian openly challenges Hawk-Eye, questioning whether the legendary swordsman possesses Conqueror’s Haki and implying that Hawk-Eye may be looking down on him.
- Hawk-Eye responds with surprise and respect, acknowledging that Ian is far stronger than expected for someone from the first half of the Grand Line.
- Their exchange evolves from competitive testing into mutual admiration. Each recognizes the other as a rare and worthy opponent.
- By the end, their battle is no longer restrained or exploratory; both are emotionally invested and eager to witness the full extent of the other’s swordsmanship.