Cullom felt her heart race as the tension between Satoru and Mihawk grew palpable. She couldn't help but glance at Sofilar, who seemed equally invested despite his calm demeanor.
Mihawk, unflinching, met Satoru's gaze. "Speak your mind, Admiral. What does the Navy want with me?"
Satoru crossed his arms, maintaining his relaxed composure. "You should already know. The Seven Warlords of the Sea. The Navy wants you to join."
Mihawk's piercing yellow eyes narrowed slightly, a glint of intrigue flickering in their depths. "The Seven Warlords, huh? A convenient arrangement for the Navy to leash pirates while pretending to uphold justice."
"Call it what you want," Satoru replied, his tone sharp yet casual. "You'll gain the freedom to roam without the Navy breathing down your neck. In return, we expect your cooperation when necessary. It's a fair deal."
Sophilar chuckled from the sidelines, his laughter carrying a note of mischief. "Hawkeye, it seems your reputation has earned you quite the honor."
Mihawk glanced at his former master before shifting his attention back to Satoru. "And if I refuse?"
Satoru smirked, stepping forward until he was a mere few feet from the swordsman. "Then I suppose I'll have to convince you… my way."
The air grew colder as Mihawk reached for the hilt of his black blade, Yoru. "You've piqued my interest, Admiral. Show me the strength that makes you believe you can convince the world's greatest swordsman."
---
Cullom leaned in closer to Sofilar. "Do you think Chief can win?"
Sofilar chuckled lightly, stroking his chin. "Your commander has an aura of confidence I've rarely seen, but facing Mihawk? Let's just say this will be a lesson in persistence."
Cullom clenched her fists. "Even if it's a hard fight, I believe in him."
Sofilar gave her a sideways glance, a faint smile on his lips. "Good. Belief is the first step toward surpassing your limits."
---
Mihawk unsheathed Yoru, the polished blade gleaming ominously under the sunlight. "I will not hold back, Admiral."
Satoru stretched his arms, his grin unfazed. "I wouldn't expect you to."
The battle began with an explosive clash of wills. Mihawk's first swing sent a wave of dark green sword energy roaring toward Satoru, cutting through the terrain effortlessly. Yet, Satoru stood firm, raising a single hand.
"Scatter," he muttered.
The sword energy disintegrated mid-air, leaving Mihawk momentarily taken aback. "Interesting. It seems the rumors of your unique abilities are true."
Satoru shrugged, a playful glint in his eyes. "And you haven't disappointed, either. Let's turn this up a notch."
The battlefield erupted as the two unleashed their full power. Mihawk's precise strikes were relentless, each one carrying the weight of a swordsman who had never tasted defeat. Yet, Satoru's mastery of his mysterious techniques allowed him to deflect and neutralize each attack with calculated ease.
---
As the battle continued, Cullom and Sofilar watched in awe. The sheer skill and dominance displayed by both combatants were unlike anything they'd ever witnessed.
"He's testing Mihawk," Sofilar observed, his tone serious. "Not just in strength, but in character. Admirals don't take such risks unless they see value in their opponent."
Cullom's eyes widened. "Does that mean Mihawk might accept the offer?"
Sofilar chuckled. "That depends on whether your commander can earn Mihawk's respect."
---
After an intense exchange of blows, Satoru stepped back, brushing imaginary dust off his uniform. "So, Mihawk, have I made my case?"
Mihawk sheathed Yoru, his expression unreadable. "You have. Not with words, but with action."
Satoru smiled. "Then I take it you're in?"
"For now," Mihawk replied, his tone measured. "But remember, Admiral—this arrangement benefits me just as much as it does the Navy."
"Fair enough," Satoru replied, extending a hand. "Welcome aboard."
Mihawk didn't take the hand but gave a curt nod instead. "Don't expect me to follow orders blindly."
"Wouldn't dream of it," Satoru replied with a grin.
As the battle ended and the dust settled, Cullom felt a renewed sense of determination. Watching such a clash of titans inspired her, and she knew her path to becoming a great swordsman was clearer than ever.
Sofilar patted her on the shoulder. "Let's get to work, junior. You've got a lot to learn."
Cullom smiled brightly. "Yes, Master!"