The Strongest? I Never Acknowledged That

"Since that's the case, there's even less reason to back down!"

After hearing Hawk-Eye's explanation, Zoro smiled faintly. The look on his face grew even more resolute as he declared that he would never accept defeat again.

"Even if it means death?"

Hawk-Eye questioned him, using death to test the limits of his resolve. Zoro's answer was—

"Then dying would be a relief!"

What an incredibly powerful will!

Would he rather die than admit defeat?

After hearing the young swordsman's answer and seeing that he truly refused to retreat even a single step, Hawk-Eye finally acknowledged him from the bottom of his heart. He took out his small blade.

"Kid, tell me your name!"

A swordsman with such determination was worthy of being remembered. With his blade drawn, Hawk-Eye asked the swordsman before him for his name.

"Roronoa Zoro!"

Enduring the pain, Zoro stated his name word by word. He then assumed the stance of Three Sword Style, preparing for one final strike. As long as he still lived, he would never abandon any battle.

"I'll remember you, a powerful man I haven't seen in a long time!"

Seeing his resolute stance, Hawk-Eye nodded.

"As a swordsman, I shall end your life with proper respect, using this world's strongest Black Blade!"

To show respect for a powerful opponent, Hawk-Eye drew his Black Blade Yoru for the final strike.

"This is the final blow, then. Will it be becoming the world's greatest, or death?"

Zoro stared at the Black Blade and spun the two swords in his hands.

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh~"

The two swords in his hands spun like windmills.

"Three Sword Style Secret Technique!"

Hawk-Eye also raised his blade and charged toward him.

"Three Thousand Worlds!"

Zoro met Hawk-Eye with his strongest attack. The two passed each other, and after