"Could you stop this 'probing'?"
The man in the black haori wore simple white casual clothes, and the long sword at his waist swayed gently with the ship.
He sighed helplessly.
To anyone else, the two merely stood side by side at the bow, facing the wind. In reality, the invisible pressure pouring constantly from Mihawk's direction was like a blade, continuously slicing through the surrounding air.
Rossi had to concentrate. A dark red aura emerged around him, becoming invisible blades that met those assaults of pure will again and again.
The stretch of deck between them was already covered in traces of their invisible clashes.
It was no exaggeration to say that anyone who rashly stepped into it would be torn apart instantly.
"Before a proper duel, the body needs to remember the rhythm of battle."
Mihawk's answer was brief and serious.
But I don't need a warm-up right now, Rossi thought.
He had only fought his way out through the levels of Impel Down a few days ago, and had just endured that Pirate King's Haki assault. Right now, he only wanted to let his nerves relax a little.
So he said:
"I'll fight you once we reach Beast Fighting Island.
Let me have some peace for now."
Hum-
In an instant, Rossi's presence vanished completely from Mihawk's perception.
Hawk-Eyes abruptly turned his head. The other man was clearly still standing in the same spot, yet his Observation Haki could not detect the slightest trace of his presence, as though he were merely a phantom.
"What's this?"
"The effect of my Devil Fruit ability.
Let me rest a while."
"A swordsman should always remain ready for battle."
"I knooow-"
Rossi drew out his reply.
That said, he was not merely a swordsman. He was also one of the