"I'm not interested in fighting someone who isn't a swordsman."
Mihawk noticed that Eiji wasn't carrying a sword, so he was reluctant to accept the challenge.
"Is this enough?"
With a flick of his hand, a katana with a black scabbard suddenly appeared.
"A Meito."
"As expected from the World's Strongest Swordsman. You recognized it with just one glance. Yes, this is Meito, one of the twelve Saijō Ōwazamono (Supreme Grade Blades), Shodai Kitetsu."
Eiji drew the Shodai Kitetsu from its sheath, and an evil, terrifying aura that brought misfortune began to emanate.
Shodai Kitetsu is one of the strongest and highest-quality swords ever made, comparable to Mihawk's Yoru, Gol D. Roger's Ace, and Shirohige Murakumogiri. However, Shodai Kitetsu is cursed and brings a terrible death to anyone who wields it.
If someone else were to hold the Shodai Kitetsu, the user would be consumed by evil thoughts and begin an indiscriminate slaughter. Only swordsmen with strong mental fortitude can resist the evil corrosion of Shodai Kitetsu.
Eiji was different; the curse of Shodai Kitetsu didn't affect him at all.
As a Special Grade Jujutsu Sorcerer, he was used to playing with curses and negative emotions. By Jujutsu world standards, Shodai Kitetsu was equivalent to a Special Grade Cursed Object.
It took a great deal of effort for Eiji to find the Shodai Kitetsu, with the help of Shakky's intelligence.
"You have a good sword. I didn't expect to see another Saijō Ōwazamono."
Ignoring the heavy malevolent aura emanating from Shodai Kitetsu, Mihawk nodded in appreciation.
"Young man, let me warn you. A duel between swordsmen is a matter of life and death—have you reconsidered?" His voice was calm but full of authority.
He was 43 years old, while the youth before him looked to be around 16 or 17. There was no harm in calling him 'young man.'
It was true that Mihawk used to enjoy challenging other swordsmen in his youth, but after no one could defeat him and he was recognized as the World's Strongest Swordsman by everyone, very few people dared to challenge him to a duel anymore.
Except for one of the Yonko, Akagami no Shanks, who could match him in swordsmanship, and Straw Hat Pirates member Roronoa Zoro, who remained undeterred despite seeing his strength, Mihawk had been undefeated in his swordsmanship.
"Mhm." Eiji nodded in response.
No more pointless words were needed.
"I see."
Seeing his demeanor, Mihawk decided to accept the duel.
He drew his black sword, Yoru, from his back. The large sword gleamed in the fading sunlight, casting a long shadow over the ground.
"Then, let's begin."
*BOOM*
The battle started with an explosion.
Without hesitation, Eiji leaped forward, drawing the Shodai Kitetsu covered in Busoshoku Haki. His swift slash targeted Mihawk's shoulder, but with one smooth movement, Mihawk deflected it with ease.
*CLANK*
A loud clang echoed as metal clashed with metal.
Eiji stepped back for a moment, his eyes sharp as he assessed his opponent. He knew from the beginning that facing Mihawk wouldn't be easy, but he didn't expect the gap in their strength to be this wide. Mihawk hadn't even used Busoshoku Haki to block his attack.
'His swordsmanship is profound. Good, I've found a worthy opponent,' He thought, feeling excitement rising from fighting such a strong opponent.
Mihawk moved forward with light steps, but every motion was filled with precision and threat.
"Your sword skills… are still rough. You're wasting a good sword."
He swiftly swung Yoru toward Eiji. A sharp wind followed the slash, cutting through the air with incredible force.
*WHOOSH*
Eiji used Kenbunshoku Haki to sense the attack and jumped back just in time, but the wind slash from Mihawk's sword still managed to graze his skin, leaving a shallow mark on his arm.
"I don't usually fight using a sword in a direct confrontation. No one has forced me to fight seriously until now." Eiji admitted aloud that his swordsmanship was inferior to Mihawk's.
Even so, he wasn't about to give up. His Busoshoku Haki flowed more intensely into Shodai Kitetsu as he attacked again, this time with a flurry of fast and deadly strikes.
*SWOOSH* *SWOOSH* *SWOOSH*
His slashes came one after another, trying to find an opening in Mihawk's defense. However, each attack was easily blocked by Yoru, the large, powerful sword.
*CLANK* *CLANK* *CLANK*
*SWOOSH*
In an instant, Mihawk launched a counterattack. His slash was so fast it was almost invisible, making it difficult for Eiji to react, even with Kenbunshoku Haki.
*WHOOSH*
*Pu-chi*
A slash hit Eiji's chest, sending him flying several meters back, blood dripping from a fresh wound.
But as he stood back up, the wound on his chest had disappeared, leaving only his tattered clothing. He gripped Shodai Kitetsu even tighter.
Of course, he used Reverse Cursed Technique to heal his wound. While he wouldn't use his Limitless Technique, that didn't mean he wouldn't rely on Reverse Cursed Technique.
Facing the World's Strongest Swordsman, Eiji wanted to remain in peak condition.
Mihawk looked at the young man with mild interest. It was rare for someone to remain standing after taking a direct hit from him. He also noticed that the wound he inflicted had disappeared.
"Interesting. I thought this would end quickly due to your average swordsmanship." He commented calmly.
"It's only just begun."
*WHOOSH*
Eiji attacked again, this time with more composed movements. He started to memorize each of Mihawk's strikes, observing his opponent's attack and defense patterns.
*CLANK* *CLANK* *CLANK*
Though still far from Mihawk's level, he began to adjust to the rhythm of the fight. Each time their swords clashed, Eiji's grip grew more stable, and his swings became more precise.
"Hoh."
Initially underestimating the youth, Mihawk now started to take things a little more seriously. He sped up his attacks, with each swing of Yoru carrying more force and deadlier sharpness.
*CLANK* *CLANK* *CLANK*
The continuous sound of metal clashing filled the air as their swords met at a speed nearly impossible for ordinary eyes to follow.
Eiji tried to keep up with Mihawk's strikes, but it was clear that he was still far from matching the speed and strength of the World's Strongest Swordsman.
*SWOOSH*
*Pu-chi*
A horizontal slash from Mihawk hit his stomach, sending him crashing to the ground.
"Cough cough... Ha Ha Ha... This is the first time I've been wounded this badly by an opponent."
Blood flowed from the wound, but Eiji laughed joyfully as the Reverse Cursed Technique healed him.
*WHOOSH*
In an instant, Mihawk suddenly appeared before him, Yoru right at Eiji's neck.
"This is the end." Mihawk said in a low voice.
But before the sword could make a fatal cut, Eiji channeled all his Busoshoku Haki, the black substance coating his body.
*CLANK*
Mihawk's slash only managed to slightly cut his skin.
"Just defending won't let you win." He said calmly.
In his view, aside from Eiji's strange healing method, this duel was entirely in his control.