**Chapter 104: Mihawk's Shock!
Outside the Court, Stussy's curious gaze went back and forth between Gion and Mihawk.
Because there are few Sword Masters in CP9. After all, they are teams specifically responsible for Assassination, and carrying a Long Saber with them would be too troublesome. Thus, they are all Martial Arts Experts skilled in the Six Powers.
"This is one of the joys of crossing over."
Im sat on the Lounge Chair, casually picking up the Wine Glass of decanted Red Wine the Maid had prepared. Swirling it, he waited for both sides to make a move. As a One Piece Fan, being able to see many scenes that don't exist in the Original Plot was truly joyful.
When the standoff atmosphere In the Court reached its peak, Gion's expression suddenly turned sharp, bursting forth with an invisible but truly existing sharp Aura.
Suddenly, the Famous Sword Konpira in her hand trembled. She darted forward, transforming into a straight, dazzling white Blade Light, stabbing towards Mihawk with a speed that seemed incredible to the Maids.
Facing such chilling pressure, Mihawk remained Expressionless. The Blade edge of Black Blade: Yoru, like a black cross, slashed diagonally. With a crisp clang, he easily blocked Konpira's attack, then relied entirely on his own Strength to shake off the latter. Without any fancy moves, he swept horizontally, seemingly intent on cutting the long-legged Beauty before him in two with one strike.
"Shave!"
Gion shifted her feet, instantly turning into an Afterimage and disappearing from her original spot. The next second, she appeared behind Mihawk. But just as she swung her Blade, it was blocked by the hilt of Black Blade: Yoru, which he had already predicted.
"Warm-up is over, be careful."
Following Mihawk's reminder, Gion felt the hairs on her body stand on end. She felt that the Aura on the former's body had changed, becoming extremely oppressive.
Becoming serious, Mihawk held the huge Black Blade: Yoru. He turned around and swung it out, instantly tearing through the air and unleashing sharp Energy/Force like a storm.
"So fast!"
Gion's Pupil constricted. She could see that while these Energy/Force looked like blade wind, each one was a tangible Blade. On the contrary, the Black Blade: Yoru that could be seen relatively clearly was actually an Afterimage.
Because both sides were just Sparring, they tacitly agreed not to use Flying Slash Attack. This meant Mihawk was displaying the ultimate Swordsmanship as a Sword Master.
"Since that's the case..."
Facing such fierce offense, Gion did not show the slightest fear. Instead, she became even more Excited. This was the opponent she had longed for.
The next moment, Konpira in her hand instantly transformed into countless Blade Lights, directly meeting the Blade Storm that glowed with a faint green light. This Woman with the strongest Ambition in her Heart chose to meet speed with speed, showing no weakness whatsoever because of her gender. Instead, she was far tougher, more resolute, and fearless than most men.
Countless Blade Lights swirled like fallen leaves, condensing into streaks of Killing Intent, like a surging great river of snow-white light raging horizontally. The two continuously intersected, clashing relentlessly. Blade Light collided with Blade Light and then shattered.
One man and one woman, two young Sword Masters, stepped on the Court symbolizing the Grand Line. Their figures had disappeared within layer after layer of Blade Light storm. But the continuous clanging sound echoed throughout the entire Pangaea Castle, even attracting the vigilance and attention of the distant Holy Land Garrison.
"..."
Stussy watched in surprise at the Court completely enveloped by Blade Light. She hadn't expected that Gion, who always Played Tennis with her, would be so Strong when she picked up a Blade and became serious.
"Not bad, not bad, both of their Blades are very steady."
Beside him, Im praised in his Heart. The Combat of these two seemed full of Killing Intent and the scene was intense, but the Combat range was tightly controlled within the Court. It was purely a competition of Strength, Speed, Reaction, and Swordsmanship within a small space. This is what is called Sparring and Communication.
However, from his perspective, he could also see that with such high-intensity confrontation, Gion, this Marine Rear Admiral, wouldn't be able to last much longer.
Because her Blade lacked Spirit, and compared to Mihawk, she clearly lacked Combat Experience. Her Basic Abilities like Strength, Speed, and Reaction also had a significant gap.
Especially in terms of Strength, Gion's Konpira could only temporarily keep up with Mihawk in terms of 'Speed'. But every time the Blade edges collided, her hand would show a tremor so faint it was almost invisible.
"A bit interesting, huh, this future Momousagi."
Im's Ripple Eyes, hidden beneath black cosmetic contact lenses, easily passed through the layer after layer of dazzling white Blade Light, observing Gion who was inside, gritting her teeth and struggling to persevere.
However, he had no interest in Gion, because she didn't meet his requirements for Harem candidates. With his current Identity, Status, and Strength, he definitely couldn't pick just anyone.
Although he had crossed over into this Body only a little over two years ago, after inheriting all the memories, emotions, and Strength, he had a different kind of feeling than ordinary people towards Mihawk, this Child he had watched grow up.
Simply put, the original Im treated Mihawk as a Son to raise. It was similar for the current him, but more so, he regarded him as a candidate for the next generation of Five Elders.
About an hour later, with a clang, all the Blade Light storm gradually subsided. One could see a Long Saber fly out of the Court, embedding itself in the lush green turf. It was precisely Konpira.
Her Master, Gion, was panting heavily, covered in sweat, and with her beautiful hair disheveled, kneeling on one knee on the Half-court representing the 'First Half of the Grand Line'. She glared at Mihawk with a face full of unwillingness.
"Your Blade is too rigid, lacking flexibility and showing rigidity everywhere. The most important point is, although you have stepped into the threshold of Sword Dao, it's obvious you are very lost about the direction afterwards. So, your sword Heart is not firm enough, and your Haki naturally won't be Strong either."
But Mihawk sternly pointed out the opponent's flaws one by one. His Attitude was very serious, but he showed no politeness whatsoever. In these years, he had visited famous Swordsmanship masters in various Sea Areas. Although he himself hadn't stepped into the ranks of Great Swordsman, providing Guidance to Gion was still no problem.
"That's all for now, Mihawk, come with me."
Im stood up and placed the half-drunk Red Wine onto the tray in the Maid's hand, then slowly walked into the interior of Pangaea Castle.
Following behind, Mihawk put Black Blade: Yoru back on his back and followed. He completely ignored Gion's stubborn Gaze as she bit her lip, which also made Stussy, who walked over to help the latter up, secretly mutter to herself, "He's truly a stubborn block."
"Clear the area for one hour." Returning to the Room of Authority, which was full of silver-gray ground and Dents, Im instructed the Maid guarding there.
"Yes!"
The Maid bowed respectfully and quickly led the other Maids away. Clearing the area meant that during this period of Time, no matter what Matter occurred, no one was allowed to approach the Room of Authority.
Following behind, Mihawk silently walked over. His Sixth Sense was faintly telling him what major Matter would happen next.
"Here is fine."
The two arrived near that piano. Im looked up and saw the vast Starry Sky and the Moon. This place would simulate night even if it was daytime outside.
Mihawk remained silent. He just stopped his steps and waited. His personality was just like this, and Im also happened to like this kind of personality of his.
The next moment, he directly opened the Star Chart, then placed the first Random Small Star Gate that was activated before at a spot five meters in front of him.
"This is what I want to show you, a Teleportation Gate leading to other Worlds."
As soon as these words came out, Mihawk's golden-yellow Ripple Eyes, called 'Hawk-Eyes' by the world, immediately trembled.
(End of this chapter)