Red-Haired Shanks, seriously doubted whether his old friend was overthinking things.
Dracule Mihawk ignored the questioning looks and continued speaking coldly.
" Shanks, it's not surprising that you didn't know about this. The Marine Headquarters had already blocked information about his appearance because they were worried that Kaido of the Beasts would go berserk again and hunt him down."
"These are the Five Elders, informing us Shichibukai. Ostensibly, they're worried we might encounter Bai Yu's ambush."
"However, the real purpose is probably not that simple."
"So, you don't need to worry about the veracity of this information; that brat is indeed not dead."
Red-Haired Shanks and the others' expressions changed slightly, and they all fell silent.
If these words had come from someone else, they would never have believed them.
However, the person saying these words is Red-Haired ' close friend, and that alone is enough to convince people.
Looking at his old friend who had made a rare personal trip, Red-Haired Shanks paused for a moment, then let out a deep breath.
" Mihawk, tell me, what's the purpose of your visit?"
" Shanks, send me a message: I want to challenge the Marine Fourth Admiral, War Demon Bai Yu!"
Challenging the Marine Fourth Admiral?
The soft sound, at this moment, seemed to be infused with a demonic chant, echoing between heaven and earth, lingering for a long time.
A collective gasp filled the deck, and everyone wore expressions of utter disbelief.
Even Shanks, the Red-Haired Shanks, is no exception.
He had indeed been mentally prepared for this for some time.
However, Red-Haired Shanks actually heard it with his own ears, his heart couldn't help but pound.
After all, this close friend before him was a World's Greatest Swordsman.
It has always been a legend on this vast sea.
Despite possessing such a prestigious aura, he turned around and challenged a rising star.
Isn't this a bit too shocking?
" Mihawk, are you kidding me?"
Red-Haired Shanks quickly pressed for an answer.
Just a moment ago, he was still calculating that Bai Yu was still no match for the era he admired.
But now, out of the blue, a crazy proposal to take on this challenge has suddenly emerged.
The difference between then and now is a bit too great.
If he hadn't heard it with his own ears, Red-Haired Shanks really wouldn't have believed it was true.
" Mihawk, didn't you say that kid wasn't worthy of your attention? Why are you suddenly making this choice?"
Red-Haired paused for a moment, then asked another question.
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone's eyes were fixed on Dracule Mihawk.
Faced with this sudden and explosive news.
They also wanted to hear a joke from Hawk-Eye.
However, looking at Dracule Mihawk face remained cold and expression unchanged.
At that moment, they finally understood that the so-called challenge they had just faced was no joke.
The World's Greatest Swordsman challenges the Marine Fourth Admiral, War Demon Bai Yu.
If this news gets out, it might tarnish Dracule Mihawk's identity and reputation.
However, it will absolutely shock this ocean.
After all, Bai Yu had only recently earned the title of Shichibukai Killer.
Dracule Mihawk suddenly issued a challenge.
This will likely be seen as Shichibukai seeking revenge against the Marine Fourth Admiral.
It was also a battle that upheld the dignity of the Shichibukai.
At least compared to the other Shichibukai, Dracule Mihawk holds the title of the World's Greatest Swordsman.
This is enough to show that this battle will definitely not be simple.
" Mihawk, are you really sure you want to do this?"
Seeing that Dracule Mihawk remained silent, Red-Haired Shanks let out a deep breath and sighed softly.
"It's been a long time since I've seen you look this serious."
"It's been ten years since you last used your full strength."
"I never expected that the person who would reignite your interest in taking this seriously would be a newbie who hasn't been in the game for long."
"However, I'd like to know why you think he's worth your challenge."
"Given that brat's bloodthirsty and warlike nature, I believe he'll challenge you to a fight sooner or later. As a senior, why don't you wait a little longer?"
"No need!" Dracule Mihawk replied calmly.
"If you won't help me, I'll find someone else."
"I believe in my connections; quite a few people still want it."
"If you insist on asking why I challenged him, it was instinct!"
As the strongest being on this vast sea.
To outsiders, such a proactive challenge would definitely be detrimental to one's status.
However, as a powerful figure standing at the pinnacle of swordsmanship, he understands one principle very well.
Masters are lonely!
Especially someone like Hawk-Eye, the number one swordsman.
The older generation is no longer here.
The middle-aged generation, however, is completely uninteresting.
The younger generation, however, simply cannot rise to the occasion.
It's safe to say that Bai Yu's appearance definitely caught Dracule Mihawk's eye.
He also has the feat of challenging Kaido of the Beasts to survive.
According to Bai Yu's catchphrase
This opponent definitely deserves to be defeated.
"Intuition?"
Red-Haired for a moment, and seeing that Dracule Mihawk was really about to turn and leave, he quickly stepped forward to persuade him.
"Alright, don't leave now. I'll spread the word about this challenge for you."
"However, remember this: you owe me a favor."
"Furthermore, while you're fighting that brat, I'll keep an eye on the Marine Headquarters and the World Government for you. Otherwise, if someone with ulterior motives takes advantage of the situation and ambushes you, it wouldn't be a good thing,"
Dracule Mihawk didn't take the sudden additional conditions to heart. A sharp glint flashed in the depths of his hawk-like eyes before he spoke in a deep voice.
" Shanks, thanks. But don't worry, if anyone gets involved in this fight, I'm sure that kid will react much more strongly than I will."
"By the way, this challenge also conveniently fulfills my Shichibukai agreement mission this year, allowing me to kill two birds with one stone."
After saying this, Dracule Mihawk walked towards the center of the deck, glanced coldly at the others, and then said...
"Why aren't we leaving? Aren't we having a banquet next?"
"A banquet?" the Red-Haired, startled.
" Mihawk, I never expected you to bring up something like this."
"However, I enjoy the atmosphere of the banquet, and my intuition tells me you will definitely win."
"That brat is no match for you!"
"My lords, let's have a feast to celebrate our victory ahead of time!"
As soon as the words were spoken, the previously tense atmosphere on the pirate ship instantly became boiling over.
The habit of throwing a party at the Red-Haired Shanks was perfectly inherited by Shanks from the pirate ship of Pirate King Roger.
As the banquet began, the Red Hair Pirates quickly got to work on the challenge from the World's Greatest Swordsman.
However, it was five days later that all of this shocked the sea.