Chapter 24: A Duel Between Equals

The heat of battle surrounded us like a living force. Blades clashed, Haki flared, and the ground beneath our feet quaked with every exchange. Mihawk's eyes burned with focus, and I met his every strike with one of my own. The crowd around us was silent, as if even they feared to break the rhythm of our duel.

The longer we fought, the more it became clear that this was no ordinary encounter. We were equals here—two swordsmen pushing each other to the limit. My arms burned with exertion, my heart thundered in my chest, but my resolve never wavered. For every calculated cut Mihawk made, I countered with one of my own. For every surge of Haki he unleashed, I met it with my own will.

Our duel went on, blow after blow, until even the air seemed heavy with our effort. Each strike sent shockwaves through the ground, creating fissures in the earth and sending gusts of wind rushing through the gathered onlookers.

Then, Mihawk paused.

He held Yoru steady, the blade's dark edge glinting in the sunlight. "We must stop," he said, his voice calm but firm. "Prolonging this fight will do more than push us—it will destroy this land."

I stopped as well, lowering Oden just enough to show I understood. It wasn't a surrender, nor was it a sign of weakness. It was a mutual recognition of what we were capable of. If we continued, the very ground beneath us would give way, and those watching would be caught in the destruction.

A Mutual Respect

Mihawk stood straight, his gaze still locked on me. For the first time since our duel began, a flicker of something else passed through his eyes. Respect.

"I haven't faced a challenge like that in years," he said. "You've pushed me, forced me to see what lies beyond what I already know. Few have managed that."

He stepped closer, his imposing presence still as steady and unwavering as ever. "What is your name, swordsman?"

I hesitated. My instincts told me to keep my identity hidden. No one could know that I was Momonosuke, the son of Oden, not yet. Not while Wano remained under Kaido's control. "A name doesn't matter," I replied, keeping my voice calm. "A swordsman's skill should speak for itself."

Mihawk raised an eyebrow at my response. "A man with no name yet wields a Supreme Grade blade," he murmured. "Interesting. Very well, I won't press you for details."

Acknowledgement

He extended his hand, a rare gesture from someone as aloof and untouchable as Mihawk. "Regardless of who you are, you have earned my respect. Few could fight me as an equal, and even fewer could stand against me for as long as you did."

I glanced at his hand, still holding my blade in my other. This was more than just a handshake. It was a symbol of acknowledgment. Mihawk, the World's Strongest Swordsman, recognized me as someone worthy of his respect.

I took his hand and clasped it firmly.

A Glimpse of Power

The moment our hands met, something unexpected happened.

A familiar sensation coursed through me—a faint vibration in the back of my mind. The Copy System activated.

In that instant, I saw them: Mihawk's skills. It wasn't just his strength; it was the depth of his mastery.

His Supreme Swordsmanship Mastery:

Every motion, every strike Mihawk performed had been honed to perfection.His blade, Yoru, wasn't just a weapon—it was an extension of his will, permanently blackened by the most refined Armament Haki I had ever seen.I saw how his precise technique allowed him to strike with both overwhelming power and absolute control, minimizing any wasted movement.

His Advanced Armament Haki (Black Blade):

The level of Haki Mihawk infused into his blade was staggering.With each swing, he could cleave through steel, stone, or even another Haki-coated blade.His defense was equally remarkable, as his blade acted not just as a weapon, but as an unyielding shield, capable of withstanding the strongest of attacks.

His Advanced Observation Haki (Exceptional Awareness):

Mihawk's observation went beyond simply reacting to attacks—he predicted them, sensing even the faintest shifts in an opponent's stance.The system highlighted his ability to anticipate movements and respond with the perfect counter.This wasn't just seeing the future—it was complete spatial awareness, a level of foresight that made him untouchable in battle.

His Supreme Combat Efficiency and Speed:

Every motion Mihawk made was calculated, swift, and deadly.The system revealed how he balanced power and speed, adapting mid-battle to exploit even the smallest opening.He moved with such fluidity and purpose that his opponents rarely realized they were defeated until it was already over.

His Battle-Tested Instincts and Strategy:

Beyond his incredible skill, Mihawk's instincts and tactical mind stood out.Years of dueling the world's best had given him unparalleled clarity in combat, allowing him to analyze, counter, and dominate.Even against unpredictable foes, Mihawk maintained absolute composure, always three steps ahead.

As the knowledge flowed through my mind, I felt the enormity of Mihawk's expertise. This wasn't just swordsmanship—it was a lifetime of perfecting a craft to its absolute peak.

Maintaining Secrecy

I released his hand and stepped back, the weight of what I had just witnessed still sinking in. Mihawk tilted his head slightly, perhaps noticing the brief flicker of thought in my eyes. "You are a curious one," he said. "Keep that blade sharp, nameless swordsman. We may meet again one day."

I nodded once, keeping my words brief. "The same to you."

With that, Mihawk turned and began walking away, his black cloak billowing behind him. Yoru rested on his back once more, as if it had never left its place. The crowd around us slowly began to stir, whispers growing louder as they tried to make sense of what they had just witnessed.

After the Fight

I sheathed Oden and took a deep breath, my chest still rising and falling from the intensity of the duel. The realization of what had just happened washed over me. I had fought Mihawk to a standstill. Me. A swordsman still finding his way, still learning what it meant to be truly strong.

And yet, I had matched him, even for a brief moment.

As the crowd began to disperse, I turned and walked away, keeping my hood low. The journey ahead would still be long and difficult, but this fight had proven something important. I was no longer just a swordsman in training. I was someone who could stand among the best.

And one day, I would not just stand among them—I would surpass them.