Qualified or Not

Dracule Mihawk took the Cross Dagger from around his neck and pointed it at his opponent. "I accept your challenge."

"Consider it a little entertainment on this dull journey."

Seeing that he had not drawn the Black Blade from his back, Kuina frowned.

Clearly, he was looking down on her.

But it did little to stir her emotions. As a female swordsman, she had been underestimated countless times since childhood.

Even her own father had held no hope for her.

Only one man had ever believed in her: her teacher!

He had once told her that scorn and mockery were nothing but a passing breeze. All she had to do was answer with strength, like a thunderclap.

Kuina leaned forward, bent her knees, and her gaze turned sharp.

A powerful aura burst from her. She became a streak of light and shot forward.

In the blink of an eye, she was in front of Mihawk.

So fast!

Mihawk's eyes narrowed in surprise.

He had underestimated the young swordswoman. His dagger darted out, stabbing precisely into the path of her attack.

Clang!

Metal rang against metal, and their weapons locked.

Neither Mihawk nor Kuina gave ground. In their contest of strength, they appeared evenly matched.

"You remind me of a young man I met in the East Blue!"

"But you're clearly stronger than he was."

Mihawk's voice was low.

The Cross Dagger in his hand thrust forward in a rapid flurry.

The blade was small, but it was fast—and all the more dangerous at close range.

Kuina met it with her Military Saber. Their blades collided again and again, throwing off sparks.

A fierce wind suddenly swept outward.

Flowers and grass thrashed, and dust rose into the sky.

The light in Mihawk's eyes grew brighter, as though he had discovered a