Before long, Dracule Mihawk, having finished a simple meal, was the first to walk out of the tavern under the watchful eyes of the crowd. Zoro followed closely behind.
Most of the tavern's patrons were thrill-seekers. Although Mihawk's reputation was terrifying and Zoro was notorious in his own right, a challenge like this was simply too much to miss! Consequently, every customer followed them out. Even the tavern owner abandoned his business and ran out with the crowd.
"Mr. Rowan, aren't you going to watch this legendary challenge?"
Seeing the tavern become empty in the blink of an eye, Tashigi, who could barely sit still, looked at Rowan, who was still leisurely finishing his food.
"If we go too late, we won't find a good spot."
As a swordsman, her interest in this duel was far deeper than anyone else's. On one side was the rising star of the East Blue, the "Three-Sword Style" Roronoa Zoro; on the other was the long-established World's Greatest Swordsman, Dracule Mihawk. If it weren't for the fact that Rowan now held a peerless status in her heart, she would have ditched the old man long ago to find a front-row seat.
With a light chuckle, Rowan finished the last sip of his hot soup and stood up slowly. "What's the hurry? Their duel won't end in a few seconds. Going early just means blowing in the sea breeze for longer."
"Besides, the Old Man may not have eaten a 'Face-Face Fruit,' but most of the time, people still give me a bit of respect."
The words barely left his mouth before Rowan tapped the snoring Luffy with his tobacco pipe. "Luffy, wake up! There's a good show to watch!"
"Huh? Is it time to eat something good?!"
Pop! The snot bubble on Luffy's nose burst. He stood up groggily, drool hanging from the corner of his mouth.
"You just ate your fill and you're already thinking about food!" Rowan shook his head and stopped worrying about the glutton, stepping out of the tavern.
Tashigi, following closely behind, asked curiously, "Mr. Rowan, do you know that Roronoa Zoro?"
Smoking his pipe, Rowan walked toward the growing crowd at a moderate pace. He stroked his beard and mused, "I wouldn't say I know him. If I had to stretch it, I'd say I had some dealings with his ancestors."
Remembering Kozaburo and his group whom he met at sea over fifty years ago, a look of nostalgia appeared in Rowan's eyes. He recalled those days of sailing; it was his long-lost youth.
Shortly after, Rowan and Tashigi reached the small plaza where Mihawk and Zoro were about to face off. Luffy, now fully awake, followed behind them. Thanks to the "loudmouths" spreading the news, the area was already packed with a mountain of people, making it impossible to see the center.
Tashigi looked disappointed, scanning the surrounding buildings to see if she could find a vantage point from a rooftop. However, facing the dense wall of people, Rowan didn't stop.
As he neared the crowd, a very faint trace of Conqueror's Haki leaked from his body. Everyone who came into contact with this subtle pressure felt a sudden chill down their spine and instinctively moved aside to make room.
Quickly, a path opened up for Rowan.
Rowan turned back to the stunned Tashigi and smiled. "See? I told you people would give me a bit of respect."
Having maxed out the first entry of the Conqueror's Haki branch, Rowan could use its pressure with absolute precision. Under his lead, the three of them walked through the gap that everyone felt "uncomfortable" standing in.
This wasn't the famous Execution Plaza, but it was a major intersection with many passersby. Once Rowan retracted his Haki, the space behind them was immediately filled by other onlookers.
In the center of this clearing—barely a tenth the size of the Execution Plaza—Zoro and Mihawk stood facing each other. Sensing Rowan's arrival, Mihawk cast a subtle glance toward him before refocusing on Zoro.
"You seem a bit nervous..." Mihawk spoke calmly.
"Just excited," Zoro replied with a smirk. At seventeen, his face still carried a hint of youth. Taking a deep breath, he slowly drew the simple blade with the white hilt and bit down on it.
"Oh?" Mihawk raised an eyebrow.
Under his gaze, Zoro drew his other two swords and settled into a starting stance. The three blades reflected a piercing, cold light under the sun.
"That sword..." "It looks high-quality. It can't compare to the Black Blade on Mihawk's back, but it's definitely no ordinary weapon." "That must be the legendary Wado Ichimonji, one of the 21 Great Grade Swords. As expected of the East Blue's most famous pirate hunter. This might actually be a spectacular fight." "Hey, who are you betting on?" "Who else? Mihawk, obviously! He's the World's Greatest Swordsman! I bet it ends in an instant without any suspense." "Hey, don't look down on our East Blue swordsmen so much!"
The whispers of the crowd didn't affect either man in the center.
Mihawk offered a word of praise. "A fine blade. And your eyes are good too."
"You remind me of my younger self."
"However... Three-Sword Style. An interesting idea, but such a complex style ensures your path ahead will be difficult. You are a brave young swordsman."
Casting another casual glance toward Rowan, Mihawk reached back and gripped the hilt of his massive blade.
Zing!
The Supreme Grade Sword, "Yoru," was unsheathed. In that instant, it felt as if the sun itself lost its brilliance for a heartbeat. The temperature of the plaza seemed to drop several degrees.
"Based on your eyes and your courage alone, it is worth me using this Black Blade to fight you."
"I will restrict my power as a reward for your bravery."
"I don't need that!" Zoro barked, his voice slightly muffled by the sword in his mouth.
Mihawk remained calm. "I am only restricting my power. I will not yield a single inch to you in the Way of the Sword."
Zoro fell silent.
Whoosh—
A light breeze blew by, kicking up dust at their feet. Zoro, his eyes locked onto Mihawk, finally made his move. The crowd surged with anticipation.
The legendary duel had finally begun.
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