Since Mihawk couldn't be allowed to regain his freedom, Takumi knew that using a shadow clone to defeat him was the best solution.
All Takumi had to do was stand still, controlling Mihawk with his Shadow Imitation Technique while his shadow clone did the fighting. Technically, it still counted as his own effort.
"What are your orders, boss?" The shadow clone smirked as soon as it appeared, its lips curling into a mischievous grin.
Takumi glanced at the clone. "What skill did you inherit?"
"Pegasus Meteor Fist," the clone responded respectfully.
Takumi nodded slightly. "Good. I'll keep Mihawk immobilized, and you knock him out."
The clone flexed its fists, its gaze locking onto Mihawk, half of whose face was shrouded in shadow. Without hesitation, it rushed forward and launched a barrage of punches and kicks.
Takumi remained motionless, knowing that as long as the Shadow Imitation Technique held, Mihawk couldn't move either.
Thus, Mihawk had no chance to fight back against the clone's assault.
"Takumi!" Mihawk growled, his anger barely restrained. "Is this your idea of a challenge?"
Takumi smiled calmly. "As long as I win, the method doesn't matter."
"This kid has no respect for tradition!" one of the Red-Haired Pirates exclaimed.
"Mihawk's really having a tough time, huh."
"Captain, aren't you going to do something? Mihawk is your friend, right?"
"This fight is completely meaningless. Even if Takumi wins, no one will acknowledge this victory."
Most of the Red-Haired Pirates began to speak up in defense of Mihawk.
Though Mihawk was getting beaten without a chance to retaliate, Shanks wasn't concerned in the slightest. Instead, he burst into hearty laughter. "Hahaha! Mihawk, you're really getting outdone by a 15-year-old! If word of this gets out, your reputation as the world's greatest swordsman will be in tatters! This is hilarious!"
"Captain, how can you be laughing at a time like this? Aren't you even a little worried about Mihawk?" one of the crew members asked in disbelief.
Beckman, puffing on a cigarette, gave a half-smile. "Takumi isn't exuding any killing intent. Mihawk won't be in any real danger."
"Hey, Takumi, go easy on him," Shanks called out. "I still need to spar with Mihawk later, so don't forget to use that special healing technique of yours to patch him up afterward."
"Healing technique?" Lucky Roux asked curiously. "Captain, what are you talking about?"
Shanks grinned as he continued, "Back in Alabasta, I fought Akainu and took a nasty hit to my left shoulder. Takumi used some technique called 'Mystical Palm' and healed a deep wound in just a few minutes."
Lucky Roux: "…"
Yasopp, exasperated, said, "Captain, you never told us that! You're so unreliable sometimes…"
Beckman glanced at Shanks's left shoulder and asked, "Are you sure you're completely fine? No lingering effects?"
Shanks laughed. "Not a scratch left. Takumi's Mystical Palm is miraculous! You guys should see it for yourselves. Who knows, maybe you'll get a demonstration soon."
Meanwhile, Takumi quietly observed as his shadow clone continued to pummel Mihawk. Despite Mihawk's face growing darker with frustration, Takumi knew the man well enough to realize that once Mihawk regained his freedom, he wouldn't let this go easily.
The sunlight illuminating them was gradually disappearing, and with it, the Shadow Imitation Technique's effectiveness.
Takumi's clone noticed that, even after the beating, Mihawk remained standing, showing no signs of collapsing or passing out.
"Heh, as expected from a master swordsman," the clone smirked. "It seems normal attacks won't do much to you."
Mihawk's cold voice cut through the air. "Nothing but flashy techniques."
Without missing a beat, the clone unleashed a **Pegasus Meteor Fist**, sending Mihawk flying into the ruins behind him.
At that exact moment, the sunlight was completely obscured by thick clouds.
Now free, Mihawk rose from the rubble. While the clone's earlier attacks only caused superficial injuries, the latest blow, which felt like multiple strikes in one, had broken a few of his bones.
Anyone else would have been unconscious, if not dead.
But Mihawk stood tall, despite the pain.
The shadow clone's eyes gleamed with excitement, picking up Mihawk's black blade, Yoru, from the ground.
"Let's finish this duel with your own blade," the clone grinned, charging at Mihawk. But before it could cover much distance, it vanished in a puff of smoke…
Takumi had recalled his overly eager clone.
Yoru fell to the ground once more.
Takumi calmly walked over, picked up the black blade, and approached Mihawk.
"Surrender, and I'll return your sword," Takumi said with a smirk.
Mihawk's expression remained cold. "This duel isn't over. I haven't lost!"
"Hey, you two, that's enough." Suddenly, Shanks stepped between them. "Do me a favor—let's call this duel a draw."
"No way!" Takumi and Mihawk shouted in unison.
Shanks looked between them in surprise, his gaze settling on Mihawk, whose injuries were severe. "Look at yourself, Mihawk. You're in no shape to continue. Takumi's only 15—you should let him have this one."
"How does his age matter?" Mihawk responded icily. "That doesn't give him the right to disrespect the fight."
Takumi nonchalantly hefted Yoru in his hand. "Fine. If you won't surrender, then you're not getting this sword back."
Mihawk: "…"
Shanks: "?"
Takumi, ignoring their reactions, looked toward Enel and Kaku's direction and tossed Yoru to them.
Enel caught it with ease.
Takumi glanced at Kaku. "This sword is yours, Kaku."
"Here, take it," Enel said, handing the sword over to Kaku without hesitation.
Kaku, wide-eyed and stunned, hesitated to accept the blade.
"Takumi, this is going too far," Shanks said, half-amused, half-exasperated. "Yoru isn't something just anyone can handle. Besides, your duel with Mihawk isn't over yet. You can't just give his sword away like that."
Takumi shrugged. "If he can't hold onto his own sword, then it's his loss. Once it's in my hands, it's mine to do with as I please. I don't need anyone's permission to decide that."
"You…" Shanks shook his head, smiling wryly. "You really will do anything to win, won't you?"
Takumi smirked. "If you're going to fight, then winning is the only thing that matters."
To a master swordsman, their blade is their life. And for Mihawk, Yoru wasn't just a famed sword; it was a companion, a part of him after years of wielding it.
There was no way Mihawk would ever give up his sword.
Which is why Takumi had resorted to this tactic—to force Mihawk into surrendering.
"This is your last chance," Takumi said, watching Mihawk's expression shift. "Just say the words, and I'll give back your sword and heal your injuries."
Mihawk stayed silent.
Shanks, having observed enough, turned and began walking away, calling out to his crew. "Alright, guys, let's head back and continue the party!"
"Huh? Captain, what were you talking about just now?"
"Is the duel between Takumi and Mihawk over? Who won?"
"Takumi fought dirty, and even though he's unscathed, Mihawk's strength is undeniable. Even injured, he's still formidable."
"Don't be ridiculous. Mihawk's clearly in bad shape. Takumi may have used tricks, but if they kept fighting, he might not lose."
"Enough of that. The fight isn't over yet," Shanks laughed as he walked away. "We'll find out the result when they come back. And if you guys don't hurry up, I'll drink all the booze and eat all the food myself!"
Beckman glanced at Shanks, seemingly understanding his intentions, and followed him back to the castle, leading the rest of the Red-Haired Pirates along.
Kaku watched them walk away in confusion.
Enel, with his keen Observation Haki, had overheard Takumi's conversation and figured out his plan. With a hint of boredom, he muttered, "What's this guy up to…"
"Huh? What are you talking about?" Kaku asked, looking puzzled.
Enel waved him off. "It's nothing. Long nose, you should head back."
"Huh?" Kaku blinked in confusion.
In a flash, Enel transformed into lightning, appearing next to Takumi. He handed Yoru back to him. "I have no idea what you're planning, but whatever. You're the captain."
"Take Kaku and head back," Takumi instructed.
"Yeah, yeah, I got it, captain." Enel replied lazily before turning into lightning once more and whisking Kaku away from the battlefield.
Now, only Takumi and Mihawk remained amidst the ruins.
With a stern expression, Mihawk asked, "Why are you so insistent that I surrender
?"
"Why ask so many questions?" Takumi replied, casually flipping Yoru in his hand. "I only need you to say it, and the sword will be yours again. No one will know you surrendered."
Mihawk: "…"
After a moment of silence, Mihawk extended his hand toward Takumi.
With a smile, Takumi handed Yoru back to him.
"At least you keep your word," Mihawk said, slinging Yoru onto his back once more. "I admit defeat."
The moment Mihawk's words left his mouth, Takumi heard the system's notification ring in his mind:
[Ding! Defeated Dracule Mihawk. Sign-in progress +30%. Current total progress: 40%. Swordsmanship level +1. Current swordsmanship level: Lv9.]