In the New World, on a small island newly added to a sailing route.
The Sunshine Squad had stopped there for two days.
Nami took a few people to set the Log Pose and replenish their fresh water. Sanji plunged into town to find fresh ingredients, and Luffy had long since run off somewhere to mooch a meal.
Zoro claimed a patch of open ground outside the port to practice his swordsmanship.
Ever since he had set sail with Luffy, with no pirates left on the seas, he had challenged every strong fighter they passed.
His Haki had grown steadily more refined, too. And in Moria's territory, following some mysterious guidance, he had defeated Ryuma, who bore Brook's shadow, and acquired the famous sword Shusui.
His Three-Sword Style was far beyond what it had once been.
Bang!
He lifted a boulder twice a man's height with one arm and settled it on his shoulder. The paving stones beneath his feet instantly cracked into a spiderweb.
Usopp passed by in the distance, his eyelid twitching at the sight. "Why does this guy have to torture himself even when we're taking a break...?"
He had barely finished speaking.
A small boat suddenly drifted in from the sea.
It was absurdly small, with a black sail and a figure like a cross standing at its bow.
Usopp stopped in his tracks. After staring for two seconds, his face went deathly pale. "Wait... isn't that...?"
Bang!
The boulder in Zoro's hand crashed to the ground, leaving a shallow crater.
Without even turning his head, he already had his right hand on a sword hilt. His grin slowly widened.
"You finally came."
The coffin boat eased up to shore.
Mihawk stepped off, followed by S-Hawk with a long sword on his back.
He glanced at