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Endless Dream Hall. Mihawk sat cross-legged on the sofa, with a cup of high-end tea brewed by Aqua in front of him.
The distinctive black blade Yoru was already sheathed, quietly hanging on his back.
Putting aside his relationship with Red-Haired Shanks, to be honest, he originally had no malice towards Zyhark and his crew at the sea restaurant.
After the previous test at sea, he was even more convinced of Zyhark's strength and courage as a newcomer to the sea.
Their fight ended on a high note, and at Zyhark's invitation, Mihawk boarded the Endless Dream as a guest.
"It seems that after being given a high bounty by the World Government, your days are not so easy."
After taking a sip of the bland "tea," Mihawk silently put down the cup and sighed in a low voice.
They couldn't even produce decent tea leaves anymore.
However, to be fair, compared to pure water, this tea did have a certain calming effect, making it a decent post-battle refreshment.
Opposite him were Zyhark and all the crew members.
"What are you talking about? Our quality of life is super good!"
Aqua was the first to stand up and refute, casually waving to Zyhark beside her, "Zyhark, bring out all the fine wine from the ship, let this so-called world's greatest swordsman see our endless resources!"
"…You just want to drink yourself, don't you?" Zyhark hit the nail on the head.
"No, no! It's only right to entertain guests with the best wine, isn't it?" Aqua quickly defended herself.
But the chaotic turning of her blue eyes had already fully exposed her guilt.
The sneaky operation of offering tea to guests but secretly purifying it into pure water was obviously for the purpose of drinking wine!
Though the dumb goddess's head was full of water, one had to admit that when it came to things beneficial to herself, she did have some small schemes.
Despite the rather clumsy acting she presented.
"That does make sense, then King, could you go to the wine cellar and bring some fine wine for our guest?"
Saying this, Zyhark took out the key to the wine cellar and, under Aqua's eager gaze, tossed it to King not far away.
If he let the drunkard goddess fetch the wine, she would definitely stash a few bottles away for herself!
Just like before when they were rewarded with four bottles of fine wine for overturning a Navy warship and thrashing Zephyr and Akainu, yet the next day, Zyhark found ten empty wine bottles and a roomful of rainbow vomit by Aqua's bedside! "No problem." King raised his hand and caught the key.
"King, you don't seem to know where the wine cellar is, let this goddess show you the way!"
The dumb goddess had just stood up when a strong hand preemptively pressed down on her shoulder.
Turning her stiff neck, Aqua saw Zyhark's kindly smiling face.
"Cough, cough, yes, you wouldn't get lost."
She laughed, scratched her head to cover the embarrassment, and sat back down obediently.
Seeing this, a trace of surprise flashed in Mihawk's eyes.
Could this seemingly abnormal blue-haired girl really have the terrifying ability to summon tsunamis and other large-scale disasters as rumored? Seeing her in person was different from hearing the stories. Neither Water Witch nor Water Goddess seemed to describe her accurately.
And…
He looked at King walking away with his back to him. Even in loose casual clothes, the muscles of his back were still evident.
Mihawk had a rather deep impression of this "strongest combat force of the sea restaurant."
Back in East Blue, this man had calmly observed Mihawk's slash, all while his heartbeat thundered far beyond normal.
Even now, in face-to-face contact, Mihawk still couldn't quite see through this supposedly strong blonde man, wondering how he managed to disguise himself with such natural flaws! After personally experiencing Zyhark's strength, this unresolved doubt continued to trouble him.
Unfortunately, having just fought their captain, making another move now would indeed seem provocative.
With this regret, Mihawk began to observe the other members of the sea restaurant crew.
A pet cat called the Sinister Scientist, a cute girl gulping down fish from a tank, a skeleton playing a guitar in the corner...
This didn't look like a proper organization at all.
Yet it was this very crew that dared to attack the World Nobles, the Celestial Dragons.
And twice escaped unscathed from the encirclement of several high-ranking Marine forces! It seemed like fate's guidance, as Mihawk saw some infinite possibilities in them.
"So, Mihawk, what brings a man like you to this part of the Grand Line?"
Noticing Mihawk's subtle change in expression, Zyhark asked.
The sudden question snapped Mihawk out of his thoughts. After glancing at Zyhark's calm face, he didn't hide his movements: "Temporarily summoned by the World Government, I'm heading to Mary Geoise for a meeting."
Accepting necessary summonses from the World Government was an obligation for the Shichibukai.
Of course, unless it was a mandatory summons, they could choose to ignore it.
"Oh? Even you have to attend?" Zyhark asked curiously.
"I just happen to be interested in the meeting's content."
Mihawk picked up the teacup in front of him, thought for a moment, then put it down again, gazing into Zyhark's eyes, and slowly added, "A meeting centered around the Red-Haired Pirates causing chaos in the New World, and your sea restaurant."
The elegant and lyrical piano music abruptly stopped as Brook, immersed in his music, ceased his playing.
"A meeting centered around us, meow?" Meowth's ears perked up instantly.
Having adapted to the pirate world's basic structure, he knew that a meeting causing the World Government to mobilize the Shichibukai must be extremely dangerous for them.
"That's right. That's the information I received. For more details, I'll need to go to Mary Geoise."
Mihawk finally picked up the teacup again and took another sip of pure water.
"This is very important information for us, thank you." Zyhark expressed his sincere gratitude.
Given Mihawk's solitary and indifferent personality, it was quite something for him to bring this up proactively.
At this moment, King returned from the wine cellar, carrying what looked like very high-end red wine.
The quality was evident from the dumb goddess's instantly brightened blue eyes.
"Consider this my return for the fine wine you've brought out for this uninvited guest." Mihawk elegantly put down the teacup.
Often seen drinking with Red-Haired Shanks, he was looking forward to tasting the wine on the world-renowned sea restaurant's ship.
"Wine without meat is a bit lacking. Hold on a moment."
Zyhark slowly stood up, rolled up his sleeves, and headed towards the kitchen.
"Let me help, meow!" "Kanna wants to help too!"
Meowth mostly couldn't handle Mihawk's sharp eyes, while Kanna, well, she genuinely wanted to help.
Yes, help eat.
Soon, delicious and fragrant meat dishes were served on the table.
Amidst Brook's performance of Binks' Sake, everyone, along with Mihawk, began a relaxing and harmonious wine feast.
At the end, seeing that it was about time, Mihawk got up to leave, preparing to continue his journey to Mary Geoise.
Zyhark and his crew stood at the bow of the Endless Dream, watching Mihawk sail away on his dilapidated little boat.
Maybe it was because of the watching eyes, but this time, Mihawk didn't use Yoru to paddle as Aqua had coincidentally seen earlier.
In the end, Zyhark didn't invite Mihawk to join their ship, because that was impossible.
Beyond his supreme swordsmanship and combat power, Mihawk became a Shichibukai to avoid trouble.
In the future, when the Shichibukai system was abolished, he chose to become a subordinate under Buggy, also to avoid trouble.
He valued freedom more than fame and prestige.
And the Endless Dream, since attacking the Celestial Dragons, was destined to stand at the eye of the storm, becoming the most troublesome vortex of this era! However, Mihawk's visit brought considerable benefits to Zyhark.
Firstly, his swordsmanship and Haki were honed in the intense battle, showing signs of significant improvement.
Secondly, the Shichibukai meeting organized by the World Government.
Based on Mihawk's provided time and the current route, when they arrive in Alabasta, it's highly likely that Crocodile, another Shichibukai, would be summoned to Mary Geoise!
This was a highly valuable piece of information, crucial for planning their upcoming actions in Alabasta!
As the Endless Dream sped towards Alabasta, in the Calm Belt on either side of the Grand Line.
The flag of the World Government fluttered slightly, and the massive Navy warship, powered by paddle wheels, swiftly sailed through this windless special zone.
On the deck of the warship, cigar smoke rose in rings.
A man in a coat stood expressionless, staring at the incredibly calm sea ahead.
A shocking scar ran across his face, marking him as Crocodile, one of the Shichibukai!
Alongside him was Daz Bonez, the user of the Dice-Dice Fruit.
Unlike Mihawk, Crocodile chose to be escorted by a Vice Admiral from the headquarters, taking a shortcut to Mary Geoise.
As for why he accepted the summon and temporarily left Alabasta, the reason was simple.
He wanted to use the World Government's intelligence to learn more about Zyhark and his crew's movements, to recruit them into his soon-to-be-formed Baroque Works, making them his strongest subordinates!
This would make it easier to seize Alabasta and obtain the ancient weapon Pluton to dominate the world! Although it was somewhat arrogant, one had to admit that Crocodile had a talent for selecting people.
Whether it was the future Newcomer King Mr. 2, the dual MVP of Impel Down and the Summit War Mr. 3, or Nico Robin of the Straw Hat crew, they were all impressive characters.
Together, they were a force to be reckoned with!
However, still immersed in his ambition to dominate the world, Crocodile was unaware that his home base was soon to be stolen by the very newbie he had his eyes on!
…
The remodeled Endless Dream was incredibly efficient, breaking through the harsh weather of the Grand Line in just a day and a night, and successfully reaching the Kingdom of Alabasta! Looking around, the entire land was gray-yellow, with nothing but endless sandstorms.
It wasn't as prosperous as other islands, not even a decent green plant could be seen! The Endless Dream slowly docked on the rocky coast.
As the curious crew disembarked, the ship, under Meowth's remote control, activated its submarine mode and gradually sank into the hidden seabed.
This avoided the embarrassment of an unattended ship being looted and better concealed their whereabouts, reducing unnecessary trouble from pirates or the Navy.
Just as they stepped onto the scorching land, they encountered unexpected roadblockers.
A group of Kung-Fu Dugongs, with muscular arms and shells on their backs!
"Oh, where did these dumb dugongs come from? Looking at their aggressive stance, they won't let us pass unless we defeat them?"
Aqua looked at the "cute" creatures blocking their way and burst into mocking laughter.
Woof woof woof! The Kung-Fu Dugongs, seemingly understanding her, clenched their fists, ready for a fight.
"These are Kung-Fu Dugongs that frequently appear near Alabasta's coast, with their biggest interest being fighting with passing creatures."
Having visited Alabasta before, Brook was familiar with these unique sea creatures and explained, "If you defeat them, they will become your loyal followers."
As he spoke, he stepped forward with his cane sword, ready to deal with these persistent road-blocking dugongs.
"Brook, leave these dumb dugongs to this goddess!"
Unexpectedly, the usually lazy Aqua rushed forward, holding her goddess staff with rare enthusiasm.
As a water-sensitive goddess, she had no resistance to Brook's phrase "loyal followers."
Even if they were just a group of Kung-Fu Dugongs.
"Come on, you dumb dugongs, become the loyal followers of this goddess!"
Aqua's body glowed with blue light, her staff waving as clear water emerged.
"Hey Aqua, it's better to use your signature God's Punch." Zyhark reminded from behind.
"Don't look down on me, Zyhark. Dealing with these dumb dugongs doesn't require my ultimate move!"
Proud Aqua completely ignored Zyhark's reminder, manipulating the water, and boldly charging at the Kung-Fu Dugongs.
My point is, dugongs naturally live in the water…
Watching the dumb goddess's arrogant attitude, Zyhark silently withdrew his unfinished words and, along with his dumbfounded companions, entered spectator mode.
Even without future-sight Observation Haki, he could clearly see the dumb goddess's fate.
Sure enough, immune to her water attacks, Aqua was soon swarmed by the enraged Kung-Fu Dugongs, beaten to the point of fleeing, with tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Ahhh! Help me, Zyhark-sama, they get even stronger in water!"
The companions all twitched their mouths and shouted in unison: "Isn't that obvious, meow!"
(End of Chapter)