Chapter 7: Kuro vs Hawkeye

Mihawk was determined to fight Kuro, and the merciless slash toward Lida completely infuriated Kuro.

Just as before, he indiscriminately said that if he released a slash, he would release a slash. 

If he and Lida hadn't blocked the attack themselves, the people on this warship would have suffered.

Pirates are a lawless and undisciplined bunch.

"One-Sword Style: Divine Cross!"

Kuro flipped the blade, parrying Mihawk's black sword and instantly slashing out a cross-shaped cut.

"Interesting sword technique."

Mihawk stepped back, blocking with the black blade, and after receiving Kuro's attack, he swung back.

Clang!

Kuro's sword blocked sparks flying as the blade scraped against the black sword, and a horizontal slash aimed at Mihawk's neck.

"Formidable Haki."

Mihawk dodged and asked, "A man like you, why are you in the East Blue?"

Without strong Haki, the ordinary sword would have shattered upon contact with the black blade.

"One-Sword Style: Rock Collapse!"

Kuro jumped high, gripping the sword with both hands and bringing it down heavily.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

On the deck, the two engaged in a fierce exchange.

That's the world's greatest swordsman, and yet their ensign is holding his own against him.

Maybe the world's greatest swordsman isn't all that strong.

Kuro dodged Mihawk's slash, sheathing his sword and then unsheathing it again.

"One-Sword Style: Crushing Pressure!"

Intense killing intent spread across the entire ship as Kuro swung his blade. 

Cloaked in the murderous aura, Clow, who was watching from the sidelines, felt his head spinning, almost causing him to collapse.

It was the kind of feeling that you could die at any moment.

Thud.

The Marines lost focus, one by one collapsing on the deck.

Mihawk was momentarily stunned, "Conqueror's Haki? No, is it killing intent? To apply it to this extent, he truly is a genius."

"Kuro is getting serious."

Lida, who had stepped aside to watch, casually munched on an apple and remarked, 

"Are you saying Mr. Kuro wasn't serious before?" Clow, enduring the pervasive killing intent, asked incredulously.

He wasn't one of those uninformed Marines. 

Every move and style they displayed in their fight had him on the edge, as any single strike could be fatal.

Lida replied, "That Hawkeye guy didn't have any killing intent. He just wanted to test Kuro. Originally, Kuro didn't want to engage, but it seems he got provoked."

"Oh? Is he going all out now?"

Mihawk also sensed it, with a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes.

"Divine Mirror Wind Sword: Dragon Serpent!"

Kuro, with two fingers wiping across the blade, emitted a golden glow and slashed toward Mihawk.

Moisture in the air stirred the sea, gathering on Kuro's blade to form a dragon-shaped figure composed of water.

Mihawk's expression turned serious; gripping the black blade 'Yoru' with both hands, he slashed.

The two clashed, diverting away from each other.

Crack!

Kuro's sword shattered inch by inch. He gripped the hilt and calmly said, "Did you hear it? The faint sound of the Divine Wind."

Chirp!

A splatter of blood sprayed from Mihawk's hand. He turned around, sporting a new wound on his cheek, blood flowing steadily.

Despite being injured, there was no trace of anger on Mihawk's face. Instead, he expressed regret, "Interesting swordsmanship, controlling the power of moisture and even blood... Unfortunately, the nature of the sword prevents you from unleashing your full potential. You need a renowned blade."

Injured! The World's Greatest Swordsman was injured!

While others might not understand, Lida certainly did. A regular sword injuring Hawkeye; Kuro had the qualifications to challenge the title of the World's Greatest Swordsman!

Kuro took a deep breath, picked up a marine sword, and coated it with Armament Haki again.

"The Dragon Serpent isn't useful against you, huh? Well, considering you're the World's Greatest Swordsman."

Wiping the blade again, he declared, "Lida, stay away from me. Illusory Divine Wind Style - Go-."

"Enough, I've had my fill."

Mihawk suddenly waved his hand, sheathing the black blade "Yoru." "If we continue, your ship will fall apart. I didn't come here to oppose the Marines."

Kuro grumbled, "Lida got injured blocking your slash, and my ship was almost destroyed. Now you say you won't fight anymore. Isn't being a Shichibukai impressive?!"

Since the Marines had all passed out and no one witnessed the fight, he wanted to test how big the gap was between him and the World's Greatest Swordsman.

"I'm injured too, aren't I? Let's call it even."

Mihawk said indifferently, then flashed away, landing on his small boat. "Sorry, being one of the Seven Warlords is indeed impressive; we have privileges."

He revealed a satisfied smile. He came to East Blue out of boredom and unexpectedly gained two interesting individuals: Roronoa Zoro and the man challenging his title.

"Young man, state your name."

"I'm Clow!"

Kuro spoke seriously, "Remember my name, Dracule Mihawk. I, Clow, will eventually replace you as the World's Greatest Swordsman!"

"???"

Clow, who had been on the sidelines marveling at the two powerhouses, was now filled with question marks.

"I remember."

Mihawk nodded solemnly, "Find a good sword as soon as possible. A swordsman without a good sword will affect their strength. Come find me when you're truly confident. I'll be waiting for you on that throne."

He boarded his small boat, gradually moving away as the boat sailed.

Kuro put down the sword in his hand, squinting slightly.

"There's still a bit of a gap."

A strong swordsman can instantly perceive the difference in strength. 

Kuro is well aware that he still has some way to go before reaching the level of Hawkeye. 

In a life-or-death battle, he might lose, but the opponent wouldn't win so easily.

Reflecting on his strength through the comparison with Hawkeye, Kuro could make a rough estimate.

Indeed, safety should be the priority.

(T/N: Just so you know, MC was not injured one a bit, only his sword broken. While Mihawk other being injured by MC)

"Mr. Kuro, just now..."

Clow quietly approached from behind, questioning with a hint of resentment.

"What?"

"When you introduced me to Hawkeye just now, you used my name, Clow."

"Clow?"

"Yes, Clow."

"Clow what?"

"Clow... Forget it, it's nothing. I'll go rest on the side."

"All right."

Having sent Clow away, Kuro released a depressed sigh at Mihawk's departing figure, "The future is long; I'll give you a beating sooner or later."

However, Mihawk was right; he didn't have a good sword. Moreover, if they fought, it wouldn't end quickly. Kuro didn't want the headquarters to notice him so soon; it was too dangerous.

The injury to Lida could be considered retribution, and Mihawk was also injured. 

Kuro wasn't afraid; even if Mihawk reported to the higher-ups, the name wasn't real. 

If Mihawk had the guts, he could go after Clow. What does it have to do with me, Kuro?

The Marines' fainting prevented the ship from moving. Kuro could only hold a telescope and watch the ongoing battle.

Lida, also holding a telescope, commented, "Isn't that Creek, the Pirate Admiral with a bounty of 17 million? I heard he went to the Grand Line; why did he come back so soon?"

"Unlucky, I guess. A fleet of five thousand people entering the Grand Line would give the Marines a headache. 

Unfortunately, they ran into a storm and Hawkeye. Who's unlucky if not them?"

Observing the muscular man dressed like a Saint Seiya and the one with a straw hat engaging in a fierce battle, Kuro smirked.

"We'll arrest him later."

"Have you changed your mind?" Lida looked at Kuro in surprise.

"Why do you think I want to arrest him? Can't you figure it out?"

Kuro glanced at the absent-minded, unselfconscious white-haired glutton still munching on something and sighed.

With not much left in the coffers, he needed to find a way to make some money.

Bang!

"My... my Great War Armor!"

On Baraty's combat platform, Creek looked in horror at the shattered Great War Armor. "What did you do?!"

"I punched you five times," Luffy said with a cheerful smile.

"Hey, Kuro, that guy with the straw hat..."

Lida, who was watching the battle with a telescope not far away, exclaimed.

"Yeah, Haki. However, it should be unconsciously released." Kuro nodded.

After all, having been trained by Garp from a young age, his physical abilities were already up to standard; he just didn't know how to guide it.

"Haki?"

Curious, the just-recovered Clow asked, "Kuro, was the black color on your sword just now also Haki? What kind of power is that?"

"Yeah, Armament Haki, Observation Haki, and the Conqueror's Haki that only those with the potential possess. I'll teach you how to guide them. Your qualities should be enough."

Kuro glanced at Clow and said so.

"He's flying, Creek is flying!"

Suddenly, Lida shouted

In the air, Luffy stretched both palms backward and forcefully struck Clik in the chest.

"Gum Gum no: Rocket!"

Bang!

Creek's golden battle armor shattered, and he flew backward, landing neatly on the patrol ship's deck.

"Cough, hahaha, I'm fine, I'm fine!"

Creek spit out a bit of blood, stood up, and laughed heartily.

Then he realized where he was.

"Marines? Hahaha, perfect, they've all passed out. Hey, you guys, fire at Baraty, kill that Straw Hat kid!"

Creek, who was initially a bit surprised, but upon seeing the Marines all unconscious, immediately eased his nerves and shouted at the three individuals.

A lazy and weak Marine, a child, and a spectacled guy who looked like a butler.

He could easily crush them with just one hand!

"As long as I seize this warship, I can infiltrate the Marine base, get more warships, hahaha, and the big fleet will rise again!"

Lida threw the apple core into the sea and looked at Creek with eyes that seemed to say he was foolish.

"Fool."

"Stay away from him; it's contagious."

Kuro patted Lida's little head.

"Hey, can't you hear me? Or did you get scared stiff!"

Creek, seeing that everyone was not moving, laughed loudly.

"That is..."

Not far away, Zeff, seeing Creek board the warship, immediately said to Luffy, "Hey kid, get out of here. Sanji, don't hesitate either, get out quickly."

"Why, old man? I'm not leaving!"

"If you don't leave now, you won't be able to leave later."

Zeff looked serious. "On that warship, there are Marines who can contend with Hawkeye."

Others didn't notice, but he did. There was a strong presence colliding on that warship, and then Hawkeye left the warship. 

It was evident that there was a strong individual on the warship.

.....

"Hey, spectacled guy, shoot them!"

Creek pointed at Clow and shouted.

"?"

Clow pointed at himself, full of questions.

It seemed like he was the only spectacled guy around.

"Do you want to die?!"

Creek picked up a rifle and walked towards Clow. "I told you to shoot!"

"Silent Step."

The sheath fell to the ground as Clow instantly flashed behind Creek.

Plup!!

Five deep, bone-visible wounds appeared on Creek's back, and he collapsed with rolled-back eyes.

Clow pushed his glasses and, without understanding why, kicked Creek a few more times.

"I am Clow, not the bespectacled one!"

It's fine if Kuro bullies me. I can't beat him.

Ignoring Hawkeye is okay; I still can't beat him.

Lida... I don't dare to fight her, and I can't beat her.

But why you?

The Marines gradually woke up. Kuro had restrained his killing intent, so by now, they were recovering.

"Ensign Kuro, that Hawkeye guy, did he leave?"

Kass woke up, noticed the absence of Mihawk, and couldn't help but ask.

"Oh, he was forced away by Clow. Clow, come and explain."

Kuro shouted at Clow and then ignored Creek.

This hot-blooded fool could cause accidents if he lingered too much.

If it weren't for him, I'd still be enjoying life at the branch.

"I'm not... I mean, yes, it was me."

Clow was still a bit confused at first, but under Kuro's gaze, he sobered up, saying, "Hawkeye was indeed forced away by me."

"When I fainted just now, it seems I heard Clow reporting his name."

"I heard. Hawkeye said that Clow has the qualifications to challenge his title as the world's greatest swordsman."

"The throne of the world's greatest swordsman, that must be amazing."

Kass teary-eyed, said, "Mr. Clow hasn't even joined the Marine yet, and he's already pressuring the world's greatest swordsman just for us. You and Ensign Kuro are both noble people!"

Watching the emotionally charged Marine, Clow swallowed hard.

He felt that his black suit was probably not going to hold its color.

As the ship approached Baratie, Lida cheered and couldn't wait to jump off the ship. "Baratie, food, Baratie!"

Suddenly, a group of people emerged from nearby.

Gin held a crutch in both hands, blood still on the corner of his mouth. "Hand over the leader to us, Marine!"

"Hmm? You guys haven't left yet."

Lida was a little curious. "I gave you time, why aren't you leaving?"

"Miss Lida, be careful. They're pirates!"

The Marine, seeing the pirates trying to surround Lida, shouted anxiously, and each of them quickly descended with a rope ladder.

"Little girl, sorry about this."

Arlong, seeing the situation, made up his mind and quickly rushed towards Lida.

This person should be an important figure; tie her up and bring out the leader!

Gin quickly rushed to Lida's side, grabbed her with one hand, and shouted to the Marine, "If you want her, release the capt..."

Before he could finish his sentence, his body suddenly went limp, and he collapsed.

"No... no strength left."

Gin struggled to reach out, "Captain, I'm sorry."

Lida looked down at him and said, "12 million, Gin the "Mad-Demon", another bounty. Hey, Clow, I caught this one, remember to split it with me."

Hearing this, Kuro's forehead revealed black lines, and he couldn't help but shout, "What do you think I need money for? Do you still want half? Where's your conscience!"

(T/N: You need to understand why MC is angry, almost all of his money is spent on Lida's food and here Lida has the nerve to say that she wants half of the money.)

Clow, who hadn't disembarked yet, couldn't help but feel alarmed. He thought Lida's ability to withstand Hawkeye's attacks was impressive, but this strange situation was absurd.

That was Gin the "Man-Demon", and he had heard about his notorious reputation a long time ago. Just by touching Lida, he unexpectedly lost his strength.

"Is he a Devil Fruit user? It's frightening," Clow muttered.

In addition to Gin, there was Krieg, the Foul-Play, a man covered in shields, with a bounty of 17 Million Berries.

Gin inexplicably lost strength, and Creek had fainted earlier. The rest were easy to handle. 

The Marine disembarked and immediately surrounded these pirates, escorting them onto the ship one by one.

"Sorry, guests, Baratie has just been attacked and needs repairs. How about coming back next time?"

The chef, who looked like Popeye, had a smiling face and inconveniently blocked Lida's path.

"Eh? But I'm hungry. I've heard about Baratie's reputation for a long time, and now I can't eat here?" Lida looked disappointed.

"You can eat, oh yes! Baratie never refuses someone hungry. Little girl, come on in."

Zeff opened the way, smiling at Lida. "In gratitude for the Marine catching pirates, Baratie will provide you with food for free."

"Old man, are you serious?"

Kuro, who had just walked over, was first stunned by these words and then ecstatic.

"Old man, you better stick to your words. If it's not free, I'll arrest you~"

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