In the subspace——
Hum—
Lock canceled the mirror image, then sat cross-legged on the ground, quietly casting healing magic on himself.
After his wounds were fully restored, he stood and walked toward Mihawk, who was still regulating his breathing.
When Mihawk saw Lock approaching, he thought the swordsman intended to fight again after recovering. Gritting his teeth through the pain, Mihawk pulled the black blade from the ground.
Lock immediately understood the misunderstanding and raised a hand.
"Don't get me wrong. I only came to heal you. After all… this is just a game to me."
"It's just a game to you… huh?" Mihawk muttered, his golden eyes narrowing. He didn't think Lock was boasting, though. With the same swordsmanship as him and terrifying healing abilities, Mihawk knew he wouldn't be able to win.
Originally, Mihawk wanted to keep the wound as a memento of their duel. But Lock ignored his resistance, healing the deep scar anyway.
"This sort of thing isn't worth remembering." Lock smiled faintly, then added, "Wouldn't you rather let Zoro be the one to give you that scar? Isn't that what you're waiting for?"
Mihawk was silent for a moment, then chuckled. "That's right."
He then drew his blade and cut a small line across an inconspicuous part of his torso, right where Lock's strike had landed earlier.
"It's enough to commemorate it like this." He sheathed his sword again.
Lock chuckled. "Suit yourself."
He sat down beside Mihawk casually.
"Does your partner, Roronoa Zoro, know you wield such swordsmanship?" Mihawk asked.
"He doesn't."
Mihawk wanted to probe further but held back, finding it impolite to pry too much.
Lock noticed and answered anyway. "There's no special reason. Swordsmanship isn't even my strongest skill—it's magic. And honestly… I don't have any goals in this world. I don't want the title of the strongest. So…"
Hearing this, Mihawk gave a low laugh. "In some ways, we're the same."
To Mihawk, the words resonated. He, too, had no real goal, no care for titles. He spent his days idly—playing at being a pirate, reading newspapers, and occasionally dueling worthy swordsmen.
Mihawk thought perhaps Lock had set out to sea for the same reason: boredom. Though he wasn't sure whether Lock sought strong opponents as he did.
Mihawk stood, his black sword gleaming. "Let me see your full strength, Lock."
Lock rose, dusting off his pants. "Forget it. I'll use part of my strength to fight you."
"Am I not worthy of your full strength?" Mihawk asked calmly, without anger.
Lock smiled, then met his gaze. "It's not that you're unworthy. It's just…"
Mihawk narrowed his eyes. "Just?"
"You'd die." Lock's voice dropped, serious now. "And when I say die, I mean without even leaving a trace behind."
He relaxed back into a grin. "I wouldn't want to kill you, Mihawk. That's why… I'll only use some of my strength."
"Once you see it, you'll understand why I'm unwilling to go all out."
Mihawk pointed his blade. "Then show me. Lock!"
The corners of Lock's mouth lifted. "Then… let's begin."
...…
"Zoro! Usopp! You two go after Nami first!" Luffy shouted from the deck of the Baratie. "I'll stay here and wait for Lock—and this cook is coming with us!"
Usopp stood at the stern of the small boat and shouted back, "Don't worry! We'll get Nami back. Just make sure to win over the cook and get him aboard!"
"Oi, Usopp! What do you mean by 'win him over'? You make it sound like Luffy's gonna flirt with the guy!" Zoro complained, annoyed.
"Well, maybe I worded it wrong. Anyway, Luffy won't misunderstand, so don't worry." Usopp scratched the back of his head with a sheepish grin.
Meanwhile, Luffy leaned over the railing, calling down to Zeff.
"Hey, old man! If I drive these guys away, will you let Sanji come cook on my ship?"
"Hmph. If you can drive them off, then fine!" Zeff growled, glaring.
"Hey, old man! Are you trying to sell me out like that?!" Sanji snapped.
Zeff grunted. "What's the problem? Isn't it perfect? Join this kid's crew and become a pirate already!"
"Now, men—attack! Take the Baratie!"
Don Krieg bellowed, raising his hand.
"Yes, Admiral Krieg!"
The pirates roared and charged.
"Brothers! Defend the restaurant with your lives!"
Paddy and Carne shouted, rallying the chefs.
Boom—!
Krieg's crew used the remains of a broken ship's mast as a bridge, rushing across toward the floating restaurant.
Da-da-da-da—!
Pirates swarmed forward in droves.
"Gomu Gomu no… Rocket!"
Bang—bang—bang—!
"Uwaaaah!"
One by one, Luffy slammed into the invaders, knocking them back into the sea.
"Chief Krieg! That guy's a Devil Fruit user!" a trembling pirate stammered.
Boom—!
"Ugh—!"
The pirate was struck down by Krieg himself.
"Shut your mouth, fool! Devil Fruit users are everywhere in the Grand Line. There's nothing to fear!"
He raised his fist threateningly. "Anyone else whining will die where they stand!"
"Yes, Chief!" the crew shouted, terrified but obedient.
Then, with renewed cries, they charged the Baratie once more…
---
A/N: Advanced Chapters Have Been Uploaded On My Patreon
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