Next came the battle between Genryūsai Shigekuni and John.
The outcome surprised no one.
Even Ochoku had lost, so Captain John, whose strength was on par with his, could hardly escape defeat.
But after Roger's and Redfield's performances, John was not about to surrender easily. At the very least, he could not let the fight end too soon. What would become of his pride?
The battle raged for four days before Genryūsai Shigekuni emerged victorious.
After round upon round of competition, the Swordsmanship Tournament had finally reached its last contest.
"What an interesting journey."
Despite his defeat, Bilaire felt no disappointment.
Making the top eight had met his expectations.
More important than his placing was everything he had gained along the way.
With the burden of fighting behind him, Bilaire sat in the stands feeling remarkably at ease.
"Mihawk, you should come test yourself at the next one. The third Swordsmanship Tournament will be your true stage."
He looked at his spirited apprentice and the earnestness in his eyes. Finding it rather endearing, Bilaire reached out and ruffled his short black hair.
The tournament had gone on for some time now, and the Pluton Pirates had recently announced that they would hold a second Swordsmanship Tournament in Sea Era 1499, twelve years from now.
An official announcement was far more exciting than the rumors that had preceded it.
But what mattered most was the final duel about to begin.
The World's Greatest Swordsman would be crowned after this battle.
The entire world was watching the live broadcast. After so long, news of the fight had reached even the remotest regions.
Marine Headquarters, the Holy Land of Mary Geoise, powers across the seas, lone wanderers—and swordsmen most of all.
This battle would give rise to a legend among swordsmen: the World's