Chapter 127: If You Dare Challenge Me, Then Come On Up

The audience had almost completely gathered all the people in Dressrosa who were interested. The entire bullfighting arena was packed, with no empty seats to be found.

Zephyr sat in a corner of the arena, holding a cigar in his mouth, a mocking smile on his face.

The Seven Warlords of the Sea!

These pirates could actually become legal pirates.

To Zephyr, this was utterly ridiculous.

Apart from Uchiha Raijin , he harbored great malice towards the remaining five Warlords.

These pirates roamed the seas freely, and though he was no longer a marine, he couldn't shake the frustration in his heart.

This was the perfect opportunity to show the world that the Seven Warlords aren't as impressive as they seem.

However, it might also affect Raijin , but this guy didn’t seem to care at all.

"Now, let's focus on the field. Ohhhh! Dracule Mihawk has entered the arena!"

"As expected, those eyes like a hawk's—they leave almost no chance for anyone targeted by them to escape."

"Such sharp eyes! Even the strongest warrior would shiver under that gaze."

The commentator exclaimed into the microphone, watching Mihawk with awe.

They had seen Mihawk's bounty posters before, but seeing him in person was far more terrifying.

Just standing there, he made them feel as if a blade was pressing against their skin.

This guy had probably reached the pinnacle of swordsmanship in the world.

"Next up, we have Kozaburo Shimotsuki from Wano Country! Many of you might not know him well, but you may have heard of his father."

"One of the warriors from Wano who was aboard the Roger Pirates' ship carried two swords."

"One was named Enma, and the other Ame no Habakiri—both among the 21 Great Grade Swords!"

"And the one who forged Enma was Kozaburo’s father, Shimotsuki Kozaburo."

"So, as the son of a master swordsmith, his swordsmanship skills shouldn’t be underestimated."

"I'm confident that this gentleman won't fall to Mihawk in just one strike!"

The commentator was surprised by the information he received and read it out loud.

Who would have thought this guy had such a background, and such impressive lineage?

It makes one wonder if he has also inherited his father's sword-forging skills.

If he really had, he'd likely be highly sought after in Wano.

Wait a minute!

If he had mastered it, he wouldn't have been thrown into the arena by Lord Raijin .

"His father could forge Great Grade Swords? Damn, I think I made a bad bet."

"It seems anyone who can duel with Mihawk isn't ordinary, with such deep roots."

"What nonsense! Just because they make swords doesn’t mean they know swordsmanship. I bet Mihawk will take him down in one strike!"

"Heh heh! You never know, this family doesn’t seem to be ordinary folks."

The fighter hadn’t even stepped out yet, and the arena was buzzing with chatter.

They hadn't heard of this so-called Kozaburo Shimotsuki before.

But once something is connected to the Roger Pirates, and especially to the son of a Great Grade Swordsmith, things become mysterious. The crowd was eager, faces full of excitement.

Even before the battle started, they were already fully hyped.

This battle seemed as thrilling as a clash between two great pirates.

And the fact that they could watch it up close made them even more excited.

"Please welcome Mr. Kozaburo Shimotsuki!"

The commentator roared as a gate opened, and Kozaburo Shimotsuki slowly walked out, standing in the center of the arena.

This time, he wasn’t carrying his usual sword but the one that once belonged to Kuina—Wado Ichimonji.

The crowd erupted into cheers once again, recognizing the famous sword.

They might not have known who forged it before, but seeing Kozaburo Shimotsuki wield it, they immediately realized.

This sword must also have been forged by Shimotsuki Kozaburo.

Amazing!

"This scene is really lively."

Kozaburo Shimotsuki wiped the sweat from his forehead, feeling the intense atmosphere in the arena.

He didn’t expect such a large crowd, not even a single empty seat.

"Just a bunch of fools," Mihawk remarked, not particularly moved, as he scanned the audience.

He noticed a few swordsmen among them, people who were normally never seen.

Who would have thought they’d all gather here today?

How strange.

At this moment, the commentator suddenly shouted.

"Oh? It seems that King Raijin of Dressrosa is here to watch the battle too!"

"It looks like Lord Raijin has something to say. Let’s pass the microphone to him!"

The commentator hurriedly said.

He hadn’t expected that the conflict in the arena would attract Lord Raijin ’s attention.

Originally, he thought such a minor event wouldn't require Lord Raijin 's involvement.

As the microphone was handed over, the crowd's attention focused on the figure that emerged, standing by a window.

Crimson eyes opened, calmly gazing down at everyone.

Under that gaze, countless people felt immense pressure.

It was as if they were being watched by a demon, not a human.

The King of Dressrosa was clearly not as simple as he appeared.

"Welcome, everyone, to Dressrosa!"

"This time, in the bullfighting arena, we have Dracule Mihawk, one of the Seven Warlords, facing our swordsmanship teacher from Dressrosa. I’m here to maintain order."

"But the main event isn't just here. Mihawk has always dreamed of defeating all the swordsmen in the world to become the greatest swordsman."

"And now, we have just the stage for him in Dressrosa. I’ve set up a prize pool. After this battle..."

"The top three who defeat Mihawk will share a 1.5 billion Beri reward from Dressrosa."

"Of course, if someone takes it all, I won’t object. But first, you have to beat Mihawk!"

"This battle will go on for a long time, and it’s a chance for swordsmen from all over the world to make a name for themselves."

"If you miss it, there won’t be another chance to make your name known, or to fill your pockets with money."

"So, what are you waiting for? The title of the world’s greatest swordsman is right in front of you. Don’t you want to feel the emptiness that comes with sitting on that throne?"

Raijin smiled eerily as he looked at the audience.

Immediately, countless reporters, their eyes gleaming, began snapping pictures of Raijin and Mihawk.

They knew it—this was news that would shake the world.

This time!

This time, the main characters were different!

It was a group of crazed swordsmen competing for the title of the world’s greatest swordsman.

In the coming days, Dressrosa would be anything but calm.

Countless swordsmen would flock to Dressrosa.

All for the chance to claim the title of the world’s greatest swordsman.

And, of course, the 1.5 billion Beri reward offered by Raijin .

It was simply too tempting!

Who could resist such an offer?

Even the reporters themselves felt like rushing up to grab that 1.5 billion Beri.

"Boss! Big news! Big news!"

"Big news, boss! Forget the Navy stories—let the Navy go to hell! The throne of the world's greatest swordsman is about to be taken!"

"This will shake the world—what will become of the sea?"

"Why did the King of Dressrosa actively incite the swordsmen? What's his real goal?"

"The world is going crazier. After the world's strongest man, now we’ll have the world’s greatest swordsman."

The reporters in the audience frantically called their news agencies.

They could already see the chaos this would cause across the seas.

The title of the world's greatest swordsman was no less significant than that of Whitebeard.

The seas had been too calm lately.

They needed some big news to stir things up.

To make this world even crazier.

Sitting in the audience, Zephyr’s expression turned sour. No wonder that guy didn’t interfere with his actions.

It turns out he planned to use this event to elevate Mihawk, even pushing him to the throne of the world's greatest swordsman.

Dressrosa wouldn’t lose out either, as it would draw in vast amounts of wealth and talent.

That guy had probably been planning this all along.

"Zephyr, it looks like that kid has seen through your plan," Garp said, picking his nose as he sat beside Zephyr, holding two children—Luffy and Ace—on his lap.

He couldn’t let them run around in such a crowded place, especially since they were too reckless and could easily cause trouble.

"Lachiru! Lachiru is here! Let me go!" Luffy struggled constantly, but those big hands were like shackles.

No matter how much he pulled at his face, Garp didn't let go.

"Hmph, it’s just fame. All this will do is make Mihawk a target!"

"In the future, there will be nothing but trouble for him, no real benefits," Zephyr said impatiently, clearly in a foul mood.

Even if that were the case, this was still a victory for the pirates.

What exactly is that kid Raijin up to, constantly shaking up the seas?

"The world's greatest swordsman! This guy must be really strong!"

In a place where no one was watching, Sasuke's eyes were fixated on Mihawk with a fierce, red glare.

He wanted to possess such power, even surpass it.

He wondered if this guy could defeat Uchiha Reijin.

No!

He didn’t need that!

In the future, he would personally kill Uchiha Reijin.

The future of the Uchiha clan would be his to bear.

Once he awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan.

As long as he awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, he would surely surpass them.

"I need to become even stronger."

Ambition burned in Uchiha Sasuke's eyes.

His body was covered in dust, with blood clinging to his hair, making it stiff.

This disheveled appearance was a result of being bullied at school.

Even though he had awakened the Sharingan, most of those who bullied him were Uchiha.

So, even with the Sharingan, he had no real advantage.

They bullied him because of Itachi and his father.

One day, he would repay the debts of the Uchiha clan.

Mihawk, standing in the center of the arena, clearly felt countless malicious gazes directed at him.

Most of these stares came from swordsmen, emanating sharp auras.

But Mihawk wasn’t the least bit afraid, calmly looking at the swordsmen in the audience.

Although Reijin hadn't discussed it with him, this was exactly what he had wanted.

He wanted to duel with the swordsmen of the sea, and this guy had used his name to challenge them all.

In the future, he wouldn’t have to worry about finding opponents; he could continue to grow stronger!

To make his swordsmanship even more refined!

However,

Mihawk would not thank Reijin.

After all, that bastard was using his name to stir up trouble.

Mihawk didn’t believe this guy had any good intentions.

"I won’t fear a swordsman’s challenge. To me, you’re nothing but whetstones."

"If you have ambitions to become the world’s greatest swordsman, then step up!"

"Let me see if you’re worthy."

After Reijin finished speaking, Mihawk loudly shouted towards the audience.

When he finished speaking, the entire audience fell silent.

The next moment, countless roars of anger were directed at Hawkeye.

Arrogant!

He was simply too arrogant.

He didn’t even see them, these swordsmen, as worthy opponents.

He completely looked down on them.

Could it be that this guy had always been this conceited?

Even Vista from the Whitebeard Pirates reached for his sword hilt at this moment.

This guy was just too arrogant. In Vista's eyes, only the old man deserved to say such things in this sea.

Even with some reputation, he was being too brazen.

He didn’t see anyone else in his eyes.

"Hahahahaha, it seems Mihawk can’t wait any longer! Let’s leave it to the host now."

"By the way, if you’re not strong enough, I suggest you leave the arena!"

"This battle isn’t something just anyone can watch."

Reijin laughed. It was great that Mihawk could play along.

This guy was also planning to use this stage to propel himself to the top.

But the title of the world’s greatest swordsman...

How boring.

"Now... begin!"

The host regained the microphone, wiping the cold sweat from his face.

As soon as he got the mic back, he immediately announced the start of the match.

"."

But on the stage, both men remained motionless, staring intently at each other.

After staring at each other for several seconds, just as someone was about to shout in anger,

the two figures moved in an instant!

"Boom!"

Mihawk and Koshiro’s figures crossed in an instant.

Their sword strikes clashed, sending shockwaves flying.

A massive crack appeared on the wall at the edge of the arena.

That terrifying crack almost split the arena in half.

Thankfully, the arena wasn’t shoddily built; the stands were made of solid materials.

"Slash!!"

Shimotsuki Koshiro tightly gripped his Wado Ichimonji.

Sweat began to bead in his palms.

His clothes were torn open with a huge gash.

Just in the first exchange, the gap between the two was already evident.

Koshiro, despite having some skill in swordsmanship, was far behind Mihawk, who had battled constantly on the seas.

"Not bad."

Mihawk gave Koshiro a fair evaluation.

He raised his sword, Yoru, and swung it down.

In an instant, a green slash tore through the ground.

"Swish!"

A flying slash shot out.

The two slashes collided, but the force wasn’t canceled out.

Gradually, Koshiro’s slash faded, and the energy dissipated.

Take the initiative!

Koshiro knew that being passive wouldn’t yield good results.

He had to take the initiative, gain some control, and only then would he have a chance to win this fight.

Boom!

His figure flashed rapidly, and Mihawk’s strike was sent flying.

The figure in wooden clogs charged forward, the blade in his hand gleaming with cold light.

His eyes turned red, and he exuded a sharp aura.

All of this pressure was concentrated on Mihawk.

Until he was right in front of Mihawk, he suddenly raised his sword.

"One Sword Style! Great Shockwave..."

Buzz!

One sword strike fell.

But there was no blood as expected.

Let’s borrow Zoro’s sword technique here! After all, to make it impressive, it has to be done right.

Ahem!

Next up is Mihawk’s rise to power.

(End of chapter)