Clifford sheathed his swords at the same time as Mihawk. "I have a lot that I have to learn but fighting against you does sound exciting since it will only help me to improve myself further."
Mihawk rolled his eyes in response. '...and to think that he was holding his true strength back a little to keep us both fighting on even grounds all this time. If he had used his Electro too then perhaps he would have had an easier time against me.
Not that I can fault him for it though... I can respect someone like him who is on the path of the sword.'
He calmly nodded in response. "We can fight occasionally. I just so happen to need a sparring partner."
He had yet to give up on honing his swordsmanship and Clifford seemed to be the right person to help him achieve that goal.
It was true that Mihawk had found himself at a difficult place where his improvements were a lot slower and he was having some difficulty making any more progress.
Even after fighting against Alyssia, he did not improve a great deal and he still refused to go in search of a Devil Fruit to improve his fighting capabilities.
He continued to seek out ways to improve himself without the need of a Devil Fruit but he was lacking in opponents who could help him be pushed further.
Having someone like Zoro appear gave him some hope toward being able to create someone who could one day give him the type of opponent he was seeking.
What he never expected was that someone like Clifford was hiding somewhere in the world and suddenly appeared before him.
Something like that was a great thing for him since it was an opportunity for him to improve.
The atmosphere became a lot more friendly as the both of them lowered their guards and began to share some drinks.
That was the beginning of their fierce rivalry that would only help to push both of them further beyond what they thought was the peak each time they would fight.
Meanwhile, back on Egghead Island, the reports came back and Ein was seated opposite a man dressed in a hazmat suit.
The overall atmosphere was quite grim as the man let out a sigh. "Is that true?"
Ein looked a little sad while explaining. "I am sorry. I tried asking for a more thorough search but it seems that the area has already been searched several times by the drones and it has already been cleared out.
It seems that we can only assume the worst like we feared. I am sorry again... I wish I was able to help you."
Quinn sighed in response before putting on a more reassuring voice. "I expected it. Your words of comfort and your efforts so far are more than enough for me. You have already done more than anything I could have ever asked for."
Ein did not seem to be so relieved by such words since she was aware of the pain that Quinn was hiding.
Quinn had long known what kind of answers he would receive but he still wanted to know for sure what had happened after he left the island.
He could not bring his wife with him when he was leaving and she was already very far gone during that time.
It was only logical to assume that she had already died yet there remained a flicker of hope to hold onto.
The surrounding islands around his birthplace had gotten involved with the world's politics due to the influence of the White Storm who made them public enemy number one.
They were forced to cooperate with the demands of those around them and to allow entry from the drones of the White Storm while assisting in various ways.
It was soon been uncovered that the dead victims of the tragedy that happened were all incinerated while those who survived and were hanging on were used as test subjects to search for a way to reverse the effects done to them.
Despite some investigating done in the background, it was uncovered that such acts were being done to those people only for their suffering to be prolonged and made worse by a bunch of scientists who were no closer to finding a solution.
The joint pressure from their surroundings when such information was exposed only made it worse for them so they had to give up those people to the White Storm.
Unfortunately, none among them was the wife of Quinn which could only suggest that she was among those who died and were incinerated.
Even after the island would have been returned to normal, it was very likely that the island itself would never be the same again.
Those in power would surely be put in a tough position after everything they had been involved in.
Quinn had gained something from the help of Ein and that was that he no longer needed to worry about how his wife would still be suffering in agony.
It did hurt that he was unable to confirm it with his own eyes but what Ein had given him was better than anything he could have asked for.
His emotions were pushed aside for a moment before saying. "I am closer to finding a solution now. The insights that Alyssia and Tristan provided have been helpful. I think that it should be safe to go through the trial runs very soon.
Amazingly, you, Nica and Alyssia have been able to work together to create those drones. Now I do not even need to worry about coming up with a way to deploy what I make."
Ein blushed a little upon hearing his praise and her mood lightened. "It was nothing... really. I am always happy to make new advancements in science especially if it ends up being for a purpose like this."
A light smile appeared on the face of Quinn. "You all have helped so much that I cannot ever forget this kindness. Even your smallest efforts during this time have helped me to hold onto my sanity and give me hope again. I will never forget this."