He had short black hair, piercing yellow eyes like those of an eagle, and a neatly trimmed mustache. He wore a black hat with white fur trim, a dark red patterned coat over a black vest, and white shorts. He looked both sharp and cold, with an intimidating presence that sent chills down anyone's spine with just a glance.
"That's the man who stopped us! He chased us from the Grand Line all the way here. Why is he here?!" Gin's face turned pale with fear as if he had seen a ghost.
"It's him!" Krieg's forehead dripped with cold sweat. He stared at the man before him, feeling an overwhelming sense of dread.
"Who is he?" Luffy asked, confused.
"He looks really strong!" Usopp exclaimed, his mouth hanging open in shock. Just a single look at the man made him feel an overwhelming chill.
"Such sharp eyes, like an eagle's! Just one glance is enough to make you shiver!"
"It's incredible. I never imagined there could be someone like him!" The chefs around them were also stunned, staring at the man before them.
"One of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, the world's greatest swordsman—Dracule Mihawk!" Zoro and Zeff both stared at the man, pronouncing each word with weight. Mihawk was Zoro's goal, so he knew exactly who this man was. Zeff, being well-traveled, had heard of his reputation.
"The Seven Warlords of the Sea? The world's greatest swordsman? Dracule Mihawk?" Everyone was bewildered. It was clear that many had never heard of him before.
"The Seven Warlords of the Sea are seven pirates acknowledged by the World Government, each possessing enough power to rival a nation. They serve the World Government, acting as enemies to all pirates. Dracule Mihawk is one of them!" Zeff explained, taking a deep breath.
"What?! A great pirate? Recognized by the World Government? Power to rival a nation? An enemy to all pirates?" Everyone was stunned by Zeff's words. Such a figure sounded terrifying beyond belief.
"Vroom!" At that moment, Zoro made his move, his entire form becoming a green blur as he appeared before Mihawk. Looking at the man in front of him, Zoro's eyes burned with unyielding battle spirit. He had waited for this moment for so long, and today, no matter the outcome, he would fight, even if it meant dying.
"A frog in a well!" Mihawk immediately recognized Zoro's intent. Another challenger had appeared! As the world's greatest swordsman, he had faced countless challengers in his lifetime, but even in the small East Blue, someone dared to challenge him.
"Admirable courage," Mihawk nodded. He reached into his chest and pulled out a tiny knife, glancing apologetically at Zoro. "Sorry, but this is the only knife I have."
"An insult, huh?" Zoro's eyes flared with anger. As a renowned pirate hunter, he had never been so disrespected.
"Onigiri!" Zoro roared, drawing his swords and leaping forward.
"Oh? A three-sword style? Interesting, but far too weak." Mihawk's eyes narrowed slightly. With his profound mastery of swordsmanship, he could instantly see through Zoro's abilities. He was mildly intrigued.
Clang!
The sharp clash of metal rang out. Zoro's lightning-fast, full-strength Onigiri was effortlessly blocked by Mihawk's tiny knife.
"How can this be? Is the gap between us really this vast?" Zoro was stunned, unable to believe what he was seeing. He looked again at Mihawk, feeling as though there was an insurmountable gulf between them.
"A frog in a well… Open your eyes wide and see. The world is far bigger than you think," Mihawk said calmly, his small knife flashing in rapid succession.
"I don't believe it! I refuse to believe the world is so far away from me!" This strike shattered Zoro's worldview, all his previous beliefs and promises dissolving into an infinite cascade of slashes. He went berserk.
Thud!
Mihawk suddenly reached out, stabbing the tiny knife into Zoro's chest. Zoro's movements came to a halt as he stared blankly at Mihawk.
"This… this is the world?" Zoro murmured, as though seeing the world anew, a spark flickering in his eyes.
"Why do you still have the will to fight?" Mihawk was surprised, seeing the unrelenting battle spirit still burning in Zoro's gaze. As the world's greatest swordsman, he had faced countless opponents, but this nameless swordsman from the East Blue had the courage to attack him, and even after his spirit was crushed, he remained defiant. Mihawk was impressed by this unwavering dedication to the way of the sword.
This was the foundation of becoming strong, and it was rare. With such a spirit, this swordsman's future potential was limitless.
"Because… of a promise!" Zoro roared, his entire being—his essence, energy, spirit, blood, and will—surged into his blades. His eyes became razor-sharp. Wielding his three swords, he gathered them like a beast unleashed. The three swords spun fiercely, merging into one.
"Three Thousand Worlds!" He became one with his swords, spinning like a whirlwind, and launched a fierce slash.
"Interesting!" Mihawk's eyes glinted. With his level of skill, he could easily discern the intricacies and power of Zoro's attack. Though it was far from his level, it was already quite impressive. He grabbed his black sword, Yoru.
Slash!
The two clashed briefly before separating.
Thud!
Zoro spat out a mouthful of blood, a deep slash wound appearing on his chest.
"Is the gap really this wide?" Zoro muttered, then suddenly opened his arms, facing Mihawk.
"Hm?" Mihawk looked on in surprise.
"A wound on the back is a swordsman's greatest shame!" Zoro said with a grin.
"Incredible. I will remember you, Roronoa Zoro. Grow strong. You will become a great swordsman one day. I will be waiting for you to surpass me!" Even Mihawk was moved. This was the spirit of a swordsman! His skills might still be lacking, but his spirit was powerful beyond measure.
Mihawk struck once more, leaving a deep wound on Zoro's chest, sending him flying into the sea.
"Brother! Brother!" Johnny and Yosaku yelled, jumping into the water to rescue him.
"Zoro!" Luffy shouted, extending his arm toward the sea.
"He's not dead," Mihawk said calmly, effortlessly dodging Luffy's attack.
"Huh?" Luffy breathed a sigh of relief.
"So this is the power of the Warlord of the Sea, Mihawk. It's terrifying. Even the famous pirate hunter Zoro couldn't stand up to him!"
"Not even close to the same level."
"The difference between heaven and earth!"
The onlookers were stunned, drawing a collective gasp as they watched the once-renowned pirate hunter fall so easily before Mihawk.
"This bastard!" Gin and Krieg also stared at Mihawk with wariness. His strength was simply overwhelming.
Vroom!
At that moment, a crescent-shaped slash of sword energy burst forth, slashing through the air toward Mihawk. The sword energy rained down like a torrential downpour.
"Interesting. To think there's a swordsman of this caliber in the East Blue," Mihawk said, his eyes lighting up as he raised his black sword, Yoru, to meet the attack.