Initially, Zephyr refrained from killing, but this mercy led to the death of his entire family. Consequently, he developed a deep-seated hatred for pirates.
"Gu ra ra ra ra! You're not here just to enjoy the duel between top swordsmen, are you?"
Whitebeard's demeanour shifted as he laughed and addressed Zephyr.
Despite being from the same era, Zephyr was a Marine, and Whitebeard was a pirate. They were enemies.
"Of course, I came to cleanse the world of its filth, but I didn't expect to find you here, Whitebeard. What's your reason for being here? Are you worried about future threats?"
Zephyr descended onto the ship, and over half of Whitebeard's sons grew tense, though some remained confident in Whitebeard's strength.
"Gu ra ra ra ra..." Whitebeard laughed heartily. "How can a duel between top swordsmen lack an audience? Moreover, it shouldn't be interrupted. Zephyr, you wouldn't stoop to interfering with such a duel, would you?"
Zephyr clicked his tongue. He plans to take advantage of the fight between Shanks and Mihawk and kill them when exhausted. But with Whitebeard here, it seemed unlikely.
"Whitebeard, you certainly have a refined taste, coming all the way to the North Blue to watch a duel between juniors."
"Watching the growth of the next generation brings its own kind of joy. At least, we shouldn't let budding talent be cut down, right?"
After hearing about it, Whitebeard had come to watch the duel between Shanks and Mihawk. Seeing Zephyr here made him feel relieved. Zephyr would have killed Shanks and Mihawk after their duel if he hadn't come.
As he had said, they represented the new generation, the "New Era."
Before Roger died, they had met once. Roger's mention of the "New Era" had left an impression on Whitebeard.
"So, how can I let you cut down the New Era before it begins?" Whitebeard laughed again, his laughter irritating Zephyr. With Whitebeard here, his plan to kill Shanks and Mihawk was likely foiled.
The Marine headquarters, those incompetent fools!
If only there were another Admiral here, at least they could eliminate two future threats.
"Fine, if you care so much about the New Era, then watch it closely."
Zephyr snorted, leaping back to the Marine warship.
As he departed, he said, "The duel between Red-Haired Shanks and Mihawk will be big news. Their fight will attract more and more people."
Zephyr was right. The duel wouldn't be decided quickly. They had already drawn in Whitebeard, and more people would surely come.
Boom!
As he spoke, the clouds above split open, immense power erupting from the island, shaking the surroundings.
Zephyr frowned. These two were indeed significant threats. They are so young and influential that they might grow to Whitebeard's level.
That red-haired kid was from Roger's ship. If he inherited Roger's will and became the next Pirate King, it would be a huge problem.
As Zephyr predicted, the duel between Shanks and Mihawk lasted over five days.
For five days and nights, people from around the world gathered around the island to watch the fight.
Mihawk and Shanks continued their intense battle in the centre of the island.
Although Shanks' speed surpassed Mihawk's, Mihawk's Sword Card granted him automatic dodging and blocking. His dynamic vision was exceptional, living up to his moniker of "Hawk Eyes." Despite Shanks' incredible speed, Mihawk could still barely keep up.
Neither expected the battle to last this long, but they couldn't determine a victor.
Suddenly, Shanks stopped.
Mihawk raised an eyebrow, pausing his attack.
"Enough, Mihawk." Shanks sheathed his sword.
"Are you admitting defeat, Red-Hair?" Mihawk asked coldly.
"Well, think what you want, but there's no need to continue now." Shanks glanced around.
Mihawk understood his meaning, looking annoyed. "Indeed, our duel doesn't need to be watched by a bunch of monkeys."
"Let's have a rematch when the time comes." Shanks said regretfully. "Too many people know about this now."
Their identities had been revealed in the tavern, leading to widespread news of their duel.
Mihawk sheathed his sword, saying coldly, "Fine, next time we'll settle this."
He turned to leave.
"Wait!" Shanks called out, stopping Mihawk. "What? Changing your mind?" Mihawk frowned.
"No, no. Since we're done, let's have a party!" Shanks grinned. "Come on my ship, let's drink."
Shanks had gone to the tavern to drink and eat, but meeting Kenshin and then duelling Mihawk had delayed his plans.
Mihawk hesitated but agreed. After five days of fighting, he sensed Shanks' pure heart. There was no reason to refuse a drink with such a person.
Their sudden halt surprised and angered the crowd, especially those who had travelled far to watch.
But Shanks and Mihawk didn't care about others' opinions. Mihawk even sliced a ship in half with one swing.
"You're finally done."
Back on Shanks' ship, they were surprised to find an unexpected guest.
Saiji!
The Ice Demon!