https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-509-My-Mind-and-Body-Have-Already-Taken-the-Float-Float-Form/13538015/
Chapter 510: The World's Swordsmen, Only You and I Remain
Chapter 510: The World's Swordsmen, Only You and I Remain
It's not usually allowed for the Navy to invite pirates for drinks.
But if the other party is one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, that's a different story.
Especially when it's the Seven Warlords of the Sea's very own Hawk-Eye.
Each member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea has their own purpose.
Hawk-Eye Mihawk joined to challenge swordsmen across the Grand Line—after all, pirates naturally have far more swordsmen than the Navy.
Crocodile became a Seven Warlord of the Sea with the initial goal of obtaining "Pluton"—not the old man, but the ancient weapon "Pluton"—and gaining influence over a major nation.
Gecko Moria sought to rebuild his strength to challenge Kaido again.
Boa Hancock joined to enjoy the Seven Warlords' plundering privileges and improve her nation's prosperity.
Jinbei's reason for becoming a Seven Warlord of the Sea was to protect mermaid and fishman rights.
As for Bartolomeo Bear, according to Kuro's understanding, he joined to pass intelligence about the World Government and Grand Line to the Revolutionary Army.
Donquixote Doflamingo's motives were the purest of all—he wanted to become the Pirate King. But his goal for claiming the One Piece was to drag Mariejois' arrogant fools into the sea.
These were the old guard of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Among them, Bear had been retrieved after Kuro cut him down, Gecko Moria had vanished, Crocodile's whereabouts were unknown, and Jinbei had escaped.
The new generation included Marshall D. Teach.
His reason for joining the Seven Warlords of the Sea was entirely to infiltrate Impel Down, accumulate influence, and kill Whitebeard.
Even without the Top War, he would have eventually found an opportunity to eliminate Whitebeard—but that would have taken many more years.
Trafalgar Law's purpose for joining the Seven Warlords of the Sea was likely tied to a certain Flamingo.
As for Buggy...
No one could figure him out.
While enjoying their privileges, the Seven Warlords of the Sea naturally faced pressure.
Once the World Government deemed them too dangerous or useless, their positions would be revoked. In extreme cases, they'd be eliminated on the spot.
After all, this position wasn't something anyone could hold. Failure usually meant a grim fate.
The Seven Warlords of the Sea were not allowed to lose.
As Sengoku had once said: "Don't lose again. If you keep losing, I won't know if the Seven Warlords of the Sea even deserve to exist anymore."
Inside the dining hall of the Shabondy Navy base, Kuro and Hawk-Eye had found a secluded private room to share drinks.
"You really won't have a match with me?"
Hawk-Eye clinked glasses with Kuro, downing his drink. "Among famous swordsmen, only you've never tested your strength against me."
"Come on, I'm no famous swordsman. You're overestimating me."
Kuro emptied his glass. "There are too many renowned swordsmen in the Grand Line. Challenge someone else. How about Whitebeard Pirates' fifth division commander, 'Flower Sword' Bissta? He's one of the greatest swordsmen."
"I've fought him. While strong, he's no match for me", Hawk-Eye replied.
During the Top War, they'd sparred briefly. Hawk-Eye had enjoyed the exchange, but when he got serious, Bissta couldn't keep up.
Kuro thought for a moment. "What about Dressrosa's former 'Sword Gladiator'? He was quite famous. You should go find him."
Hawk-Eye frowned. "Is there such a person? I've heard the name but can't recall clearly. Strange. I should remember any powerful swordsman. You're not making this up to trick me, are you?"
This momentarily stunned Kuro. He suddenly remembered—the guy was probably still a toy now.
Sugar's ability wasn't just turning people into toys; it could erase their very existence from others' memories. The only reason he remembered was his lingering knowledge from the original story.
"Fine, let's pick someone else."
Kuro continued, "Cavendish, the Super Novas from two years ago, 'Rommel's Scythe Weasel.' He should satisfy your craving."
"I've heard of him, but he only shows his strength while sleeping. Otherwise, he's not interesting enough for me."
"Rainbow Shiryu!"
Kuro pressed on. "The former warden of Impel Down, a Greatest Swordsman, and on par with Magellan. You know Magellan, right? He's extremely strong."
"Shiryu? His strength is decent, but his character is despicable. If I challenged him, Blackbeard would intercept me."
"Pluton Silvers Rayleigh!"
Kuro furrowed his brow. "The former right-hand man of the Pirate King, a Greatest Swordsman. Isn't that man enough to entertain you?"
"He's old."
Hawk-Eye said seriously, "Defeating an elder holds no meaning for me. I have no interest in those no longer active on the Grand Line."
"What about the Four Emperors? 'Shanks'—Red-Haired Shanks forget it, pretend I didn't say that."
Kuro remembered this guy often dueled Red-Haired Shanks, and they were close friends.
Back during the Summit War, when he'd slashed Shanks, the latter had immediately taken a side.
"I have no interest in fighting someone missing an arm."
Hawk-Eye's gaze burned. "I only wish to face swordsmen who maintain their peak essence god state. Retired ones, disabled ones, or newcomers hold no appeal. I don't believe any of them could defeat me."
"Huh? You think defeating you is easy? You're the World's Greatest Swordsman, after all. So tell me, is there anyone left in this world who can challenge you?"
Kuro pulled out a cigar, placing it in his mouth to light.
Hawk-Eye pointed at Kuro. "Among the world's swordsmen, only you and I are worthy opponents."
Boom!!!
A thunderous explosion from somewhere startled Kuro, causing the cigar to drop from his lips.
He stared at the fallen cigar on the floor, his eyebrows furrowing. In an instant, he became a wispy afterimage, bursting through the private room's wall and soaring outside.
It wasn't Hawk-Eye's words that alarmed him—it was the sound.
This wasn't thunder. It wasn't raining.
It was cannon fire—and he could sense an extremely powerful aura.
Outside Shabondy, a massive black shadow hurtled forward at high speed.
Its velocity was so great that even while still above the sea, it split the ocean surface, creating a gash-like wave.
The enormous shadow rapidly approached Shabondy, covering one of its areas.
"Hey, what the hell is that thing?!"
Lida stared in shock as the shadow neared. Its speed was so blinding she couldn't even track it.
The black shadow plummeted, nearly colliding with the ground when a golden figure flashed through the air in several rapid bursts, intercepting it.
Whoosh!
A golden crescent slash swept across the shadow, halting its momentum.
Finally, people could see the shadow clearly.
It was a massive cannonball!
The golden slash pushed the cannonball backward, flying far from Shabondy's sea surface. Then the cannonball erupted in a fiery explosion.
Boom!!!
A powerful shockwave triggered a massive tsunami radiating outward, with gales like storms toppling coastal buildings and trees.
The wind blew Kuro's robes and hair wildly as he hovered midair.
"This kind of cannonball..."
Kuro's pupils flashed red as he glared at the distant sea. Grinding his teeth, he growled, "What the hell is this?! Why is he here?! Did Boa Hancock lose?!!"
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
