Chapter 164.5 – Infiltrate Arton’s crew

In the distance, Zoro's eyes widened to their limit as he watched the overwhelming scene unfold, his gaze locked on Mihawk and Arton's battle.

Nearby, Sanji, Luffy, Usopp, and the others were similarly stunned, unable to tear their eyes away from the clash.

"This… this is what it means to face the world's strongest swordsman," Zoro murmured, his fists clenched tightly.

"Hey, is this really a fight between humans?"

"I must be dreaming, right?"

Sanji's cigarette slipped from his lips as he stared blankly at the spectacle before him.

"Hmph, the world is vast," Zeff scoffed, his words laced with a hint of his recurring intent to push Sanji out of the East Blue.

"If you keep hiding here in the East Blue, you'll never reach their level."

Sanji frowned but chose not to respond.

Meanwhile, Luffy observed the battle with a solemn expression, muttering to himself:

"To become the Pirate King, I need to wield power like that."

Hearing this, Uta placed a reassuring hand on Luffy's shoulder, encouraging him:

"Keep at it, Luffy. I believe you can become incredibly strong."

With Arton's diary as proof, Uta had no doubt about Luffy's potential.

"You're right—I will," Luffy replied firmly, determination taking root in his heart, a strong desire to grow stronger born in that moment.

*

Elsewhere.

Female Marines Group Chat

[Sadi]: "I mean, with Arton at this level, can you East Blue Marines really take him down? He's going toe-to-toe with Mihawk! And didn't you plan to use Mihawk against him? But now Arton's already fighting Mihawk, and you're still nowhere to be found!"

[Domino]: "Sadi, mind your words!"

[Sadi]: "What's there to mind? Look at what's happening, Domino. Even Mihawk's blade slashes can barely keep up with Arton's assault. I'm starting to think that even Vice Admiral Garp wouldn't be a match for him. My goodness, and this isn't even Arton using the final version of Emiya Shirou's power. Imagine how dangerous he'll be when he gets it!"

[Gion]: "Arton and Mihawk's encounter was too sudden. Vice Admiral Garp and I couldn't get there in time. Besides, Mihawk doesn't seem to be taking this fight too seriously. He's clearly more curious about the extent of Arton's abilities."

[Gion]: Therefore, Mihawk often took a relatively relaxed attitude during his sparring with Arton. Considering that Arton had already drained some of Mihawk's stamina before upgrading the Emiya Shirou template, the current stalemate was understandable.

[Gion]: "If Vice Admiral Garp were to encounter Arton and attack him with full force right from the start, it's not impossible that he could take Arton down immediately. Hence, continuing to pursue Arton is necessary."

[Doll]: "Vice Admiral Gion is right. Besides, since we've already made our move, we must see it through to the end. Otherwise, I wouldn't feel satisfied either."

[Kujaku]: "Now that we're here in the East Blue, we have to meet Arton at least once. Who knows? Maybe I can even score some points by staying near him."

[Sadi]: "Hmph, I think you all should try infiltrating Arton's crew instead. That way, you can earn points like Nami. As for recruiting Arton into the Navy, that seems impossible to me."

[Doll]: "Infiltrating Arton's side as a spy? That might be the only way. But Arton saw through Vice Admiral Gion's disguise last time, so getting close to him undercover would be incredibly difficult."

[Gion]: "Perhaps not! I've thought about why Arton was able to see through me last time. I believe it's because my features are too recognizable. Arton mentioned that the animated and manga versions of us differ from our real-world counterparts. If someone with less distinctive traits were to go undercover near Arton, it might work."

[Sadi]: "Features, huh? Well, Vice Admiral Gion, as a tall woman, you do stand out quite a bit compared to the average person."

[Kujaku]: "Height, huh? In that case, maybe I can try going undercover near Arton."

[Ain]: "If I use my Devil Fruit ability, it might increase the chances of successfully infiltrating Arton's side."

[Doll]: "Your ability is good, but if you turn into a little girl, I doubt Arton would be interested. Unless, of course, you used it on some older women."

[Sadi]: "Aren't you the perfect candidate for that, Vice Admiral Doll?"

[Doll]: "Ahem, I think it's better if we don't discuss age. Besides, using Ain's ability to infiltrate Arton's side isn't a long-term strategy… Wait, is Mihawk gaining the upper hand!?"

With Doll's reminder, all the Navy personnel immediately refocused on the live broadcast of the battle.

Mihawk, seeing that his continuous flying slashes could not penetrate the myriad of swords, leapt directly toward Arton's position.

Facing the countless swords growing ever closer, Mihawk took a deep breath, his black blade swinging out streaks of black light too swift for the naked eye to follow.

Each sword that collided with the black light was deflected, one after another.

Gradually, Mihawk closed the distance between himself and Arton.

"Mihawk… as expected of the world's greatest swordsman," Arton muttered, both resigned and exhilarated.

He clenched his right hand, summoning a longsword with a fiery red glow, faintly surrounded by flickering flames.

However, just as Arton prepared to strike Mihawk with a slash, a streak of green light flashed past, sweeping over Arton's sword-wielding hand.

Arton's brow furrowed as he looked down to find his arm had been severed from his body.

"Uh… Is this where I'm supposed to say something like 'Behold, my kingly power'? How does that sound, Mihawk?"

Arton raised his head to look at Mihawk, who had drawn even closer.

"I don't understand what you're talking about, Arton," Mihawk replied calmly.

"Moreover, it seems I'm still the stronger one."

Though Mihawk's upper clothing had been entirely shredded, revealing his muscular torso, and his body bore numerous cuts and wounds, Arton could sense that Mihawk's energy and spirit remained as vigorous as ever.

"Ugh, I really wish you'd let me have that last line," Arton quipped, shaking his head as he glanced down at his repeatedly impaled chest, Mihawk's black blade still lodged in it.

He let out a long sigh, his gaze falling on the deep crimson blade still clutched in his severed arm.

"As expected, I'm still not proficient enough right now," Arton muttered.

"If I had progressed further, I could've swung this 'Aestus Estus' faster just now."

"Not to mention, I would've been able to fully display its capabilities."

Hearing this, Mihawk glanced at the unusual-looking longsword, its deep red blade dripping onto the ground.

"So, can you advance further now?" Mihawk asked, his tone calm but sharp.

"Or will you simply succumb to death as you are?"

He cast his gaze around, noting the [Unlimited Blade Works] world slowly dissipating into nothingness.

"I think I can hold on a little longer," Arton replied, a confident smile curling his lips.

As his words echoed out, the dissipating Unlimited Blade Works world seemed to freeze, as though someone had pressed a pause button, halting its disintegration mid-way.