*CLANK* *CLANK* *CLANK*
Shodai Kitetsu and Yoru clashed with incredible speed, and only the sparks like fireworks were clearly visible as Eiji and Mihawk collided.
The sound of clashing metal rang loudly, accompanied by strong winds generated by their confrontation.
Mihawk appeared relaxed, fending off the relentless attacks, while Eiji continued swinging his sword without stopping.
At a glance, they seemed evenly matched. However, Eiji knew that Mihawk had yet to take the fight seriously. At most, the other side simply wanted to gauge the limits of his swordsmanship.
'The number of powerhouses in the One Piece world is greater than in my original world. It's great, it's rare to find an opponent of this caliber; I must not waste this valuable opportunity.'
Eiji had the idea of honing his combat experience in real battles.
In his opinion, a crucial reason for his cousin's defeat against Sukuna was the lack of battle experience.
After becoming The Strongest, Gojo Satoru no longer found enemies that posed a threat to him. In other words, he only fought people weaker than himself. As a result, when facing a stronger and more experienced individual, he died due to carelessness.
Not wanting to suffer the same tragic fate, Eiji had long sought opponents in other worlds who could rival or even defeat him!
"Interesting. You're learning in battle."
Mihawk realized that, as time passed, the other's swordsmanship was improving. Being used as a whetstone, he wasn't angry at all. In the past, he had done the same to his enemies.
"It's all thanks to you. I must thank you, Dracule Mihawk."
*WHOOSH*
With unexpected speed, Eiji attacked from below, aiming for his opponent's shoulder. But Mihawk, with extraordinary reflexes, managed to block the strike. Even so, he seemed impressed.
"Your swordsmanship is improving rapidly. But it's still not enough to defeat me."
"Try to dodge this, or you'll die."
*WHOOSH*
Mihawk swung Yoru vertically. In the next second, a crescent-shaped green sword aura shot towards Eiji.
*CLANK*
Instead of dodging, Eiji parried the incoming sword aura with Shodai Kitetsu. Unfortunately, he underestimated the power behind the sword aura.
His feet were dragged backward, creating a long line on the ground as he struggled to hold back the incoming sword aura from the front.
"AHHH!!!"
With a loud scream, Eiji managed to deflect the sword aura skyward.
*WHOOSH*
The thick clouds in the sky were split in two by the sword aura.
"Impressive. You withstood that attack. Most swordsmen would rather dodge it than block it." Mihawk complimented.
Although Eiji wasn't the most exceptional swordsman he'd ever encountered, his raw strength and adaptability were frightening.
"That's normal. After all, I'm a genius." Eiji said calmly as if stating an undeniable fact.
"Then, genius, let us continue."
Aside from Shanks, Mihawk had forgotten when was the last time he had taken on a challenge from another swordsman. So, he was a bit excited after not meeting an opponent who could last long under his sword.
"With pleasure." Eiji replied with a faint smile.
*CLANK* *CLANK* *CLANK*
Their battle continued, growing more intense with each passing moment.
Mihawk's attacks became deadlier, but Eiji began to understand Mihawk's attack rhythm. Every slash that had once been impossible to block was now parried or dodged.
However, though he was beginning to defend better, Eiji still couldn't keep up with Mihawk's pure swordsmanship.
The attacks continued relentlessly, and although the wounds on his body increased, Eiji's spirit did not wane. By constantly using Reverse Cursed Technique, he didn't have to worry about the injuries he sustained.
Of course, he had to be careful not to overheat his brain from overusing the Reverse Cursed Technique.
Back to the main point. Although he was losing in terms of swordsmanship, Eiji began to realize that every move, every slash, was an opportunity to learn.
'This young man... His determination is no less than Roronoa's. Just because he can heal his wounds doesn't mean he doesn't feel pain when injured. However, his performance doesn't falter at all; instead, his swordsmanship continues to improve.'
And amid the fierce battle, Mihawk began to realize the great potential within Eiji.
'Let's see this young man's limits.'
Even after all this time fighting, Mihawk had only suffered a few light scratches that weren't worth mentioning.
Since he had time, he decided to entertain Eiji a bit longer.
❀❀❀
*CLANK* *CLANK* *CLANK*
*WHOOSH* *WHOOSH* *WHOOSH*
*SWOOSH* *SWOOSH* *SWOOSH*
The noise of their battle continued to echo throughout Kuraigana Island.
Every sword slash they exchanged seemed capable of tearing the very fabric of nature.
Huge stones crumbled, the ground split apart, and the forest seemed to be sucked into a vortex of power.
This was no longer just an exchange of strikes between two swordsmen but a clash of power that could destroy the island.
"Are those two planning to destroy the island? Mihawk, hurry up and defeat that man!"
Inside the castle, Perona didn't dare step outside, afraid of getting caught by a stray sword aura, and only dared to watch from behind the window.
Although the two men were engrossed in their battle, they avoided damaging the castle. Especially Mihawk, who didn't want his residence destroyed.
*SWOOSH*
Eiji gripped Shodai Kitetsu more tightly, his hands steady. Every time their swords clashed, the vibrations from Mihawk's strikes seemed to reverberate through his entire body.
Thanks to the Six Eyes, his Haki output was minimal. So he wouldn't run out of Spiritual Energy.
*SWOOSH*
On the other side, Mihawk though still appearing calm, began to increase the intensity of his attacks. Every slash of Yoru not only sliced through the air but also cut through the ground beneath them. One strike shot forward with incredible speed, hitting the ground in front of Eiji and creating a large chasm that separated them.
*WHOOSH*
Eiji leaped back, almost losing his balance as the ground beneath him crumbled. He looked at the newly formed chasm.
'The swordsmanship in the One Piece world is amazing. I want it!'
Not only was he unafraid, but he was also even more excited.
"Don't turn your back on the enemy."
Mihawk's voice echoed, pulling Eiji's attention.
He leaped with lightning speed, suddenly appearing in front of Eiji. Yoru was lifted high, ready to be swung down.
Eiji reacted as quickly as he could, using Kenbunshoku Haki to read Mihawk's attack. He raised Shodai Kitetsu upward, blocking Mihawk's vertical slash.
*CLANK*
A loud clanging sound echoed, but this time, the ground beneath his feet couldn't withstand the force of their collision. It shattered, and Eiji's body fell into the chasm that had just been formed.
For a split second, he felt his body suspended in the air. But with incredible reflexes, he used Shodai Kitetsu to stab into the wall of the chasm, stopping his fall. Looking up at where Mihawk stood on the edge of the chasm, his eyes were as sharp as ever.
'Without the Limitless Technique, I'm not that strong.'
If anyone heard Eiji's inner thoughts, they would surely curse and scold him.
To be able to last more than an hour against the World's Strongest Swordsman—if that person isn't strong, then what is the majority of the world?
Capybaras?