Intercontinental Missile

"Let's have a sword fight, Ryan!" As soon as Enel, Kid, and Killer had bandaged their wounds, Hawkeye could no longer wait. His eyes were slightly red from drinking, and he looked almost feverishly excited.

Uh...

Ryan knew Hawkeye meant an actual sword fight, but the fire in his eyes still sent a chill down Ryan's spine.

"Not so fast. My injuries haven't healed yet." Ryan wanted to rest, and he wasn't making excuses. His physique had reached Ultimate level and his recovery was formidable, but even he couldn't heal completely in a day.

"You're injured?" Hawkeye asked, curious. "Who hurt you? A swordsman even stronger than you?"

That was Hawkeye's first thought. Powerful swordsmen were what interested him most.

"Marine Admirals Akainu and Aokiji!"

"What?"

Even someone as aloof as Hawkeye couldn't hide his surprise. He knew how strong Marine Admirals were. Could Ryan already hold his own against two of them?

Hawkeye didn't know how the fight had ended, but Ryan and his crew were standing here. That told him enough: the Marines' operation had failed.

The thought made Hawkeye even more eager to fight.

But Ryan was still injured, so Hawkeye forced down his fighting spirit. He would rather face Ryan at full strength.

Ryan noticed the change in Hawkeye's expression. No wonder Hawkeye would become the acknowledged World's Greatest Swordsman. A man who didn't fear powerful opponents, who grew excited because they were strong, was terrifying.

Perhaps Hawkeye saw everyone as a whetstone for his blade, Ryan included. Even after becoming the World's Greatest Swordsman, he would go out of his way to cultivate rivals.

"Come on, Mihawk. Let's get some rest!" Ryan said, throwing an arm around Hawkeye's shoulders.

Hawkeye said nothing. He simply followed Ryan.

Ryan's a good friend, but he's far too touchy-feely.