Mihawk never looked back. His little green boat cut through the waves, gradually disappearing beyond the horizon.
Lorne pushed off with his foot, turned into a streak of golden light, and landed steadily on the deck of the Pluton · Fearless.
"Captain!"
Carrot bounded over excitedly and circled Lorne twice.
"That punch was so cool! You sank the whole island, and even that terrifying Hawk-Eye admitted defeat on his own!"
Ryan stepped forward and handed him a clean black cloak.
"Captain, Mihawk has withdrawn. These waters are completely safe now."
Lorne took the cloak and draped it over his shoulders, turning his gaze toward Kuina, who had remained at the bow.
Kuina still had her hands on her sword. Although the sword intent around her was concentrated, her aura showed faint signs of disorder.
Lorne walked up to Kuina and lowered his head to look at her hands on the hilt.
"Kuina, after watching that battle, what's on your mind?"
Lorne asked in a low voice.
Kuina trembled slightly and raised her head to meet Lorne's gaze, a trace of confusion and inner struggle on her face.
"Captain, Lord Mihawk's sword intent has already reached the ultimate realm of cutting through all things, yet even so, he couldn't break through your defenses."
Kuina bit her lower lip, her voice slightly hoarse.
"If the pinnacle of swordsmanship is so powerless before the strongest physique, then what exactly is the ultimate goal a swordsman pursues?"
Hearing Kuina's confusion, Lorne chuckled and slowly raised his right fist.
"You've gone down the wrong path, Kuina."
Lorne looked at her and offered guidance in a low voice.
"My strength comes from my unique bloodline and unyielding will. You won't find a second me on these seas."
"But Mihawk's swordsmanship is a stairway every swordsman in