Sky Arena.
The Swordsmanship Tournament had reached the climax of its second half.
After one fierce battle after another,
the round of sixteen brought two formidable swordsmen face to face:
"Red Hair" Shanks and "Hawkeye" Mihawk.
The clash between these two young monsters had drawn countless eyes.
One was twenty-seven, the other thirty-one—just four years apart.
Both had fought their way into the final sixteen through sheer strength.
Judging by their age and potential, this was nowhere near their limit.
Who would claim victory?
Their battle had already lasted three days and three nights.
Neither looked blessed with an extraordinary physique, yet both had shown tremendous willpower and endurance.
No one could reach the pinnacle without the stamina to keep going.
"Divine Departure!"
"Endless Night!"
The Black Blade Yoru and the Famous Sword Griffin.
The two Supreme Grade Swords collided at the center of the battlefield, sending black-and-red lightning tearing across the sky.
The two figures crossed paths.
They pulled apart, then clashed again.
Again and again, each fought to defeat the other and advance to the quarterfinals.
They were rivals, but they were also friends.
With so many watching, of course they had to settle who was stronger.
That way, the winner would have something to lord over the other when they drank together in the future.
"They're both monsters, aren't they? How scary."
In the stands, Borsalino spoke in his usual teasing tone. Wrapped in bandages, he watched the fight at his leisure while sipping tea.
The round of sixteen was divided into two halves.
Four matches came first, followed by another four.
The four matches in each half took place simultaneously.
They were now in the second half. The other three matches had ended, leaving only Shanks and Mihawk still fighting.
Borsalino had fought in the second