Chapter 25: A Swordsman’s Choice

As I walked away from the gathering crowd, my heart still pounding from the intensity of the duel, I reflected on what had just happened. The memory of my clash with Mihawk was fresh in my mind. I had stood against the World's Strongest Swordsman and matched him blow for blow. Yet I knew—deep down, I knew—that it wasn't a true death match.

If Mihawk had been fighting to kill, the outcome would have been very different. He held back. I could tell from the way his strikes, while powerful, weren't intended to land lethal blows. This was a test, not a war. And in a real battle for survival, Mihawk's experience, precision, and overwhelming power would have likely ended me. But still, that didn't take away from the progress I had made. I had reached a point where I could stand against him, even if only for a moment.

The System's Offer

After shaking Mihawk's hand, the Copy System had shown me a list of his abilities. Each skill was detailed and displayed clearly in my mind, almost as if the system itself was guiding me to understand their significance. The list was nothing short of incredible.

One skill in particular caught my eye: Supreme Swordsmanship Mastery. The description was brief yet powerful—"The pinnacle of refined technique, the embodiment of absolute precision, efficiency, and control."

I felt a strong pull toward it. As a samurai and a swordsman, this was what I had always sought: the purest, most perfect form of swordsmanship. But another skill tempted me just as much: Black Blade Haki.

A Difficult Decision

Black Blade Haki was the skill that allowed Mihawk to maintain his blade's permanent blackened state, enhancing both its offensive and defensive capabilities. With it, my strikes would carry a level of force and resilience that would place me among the greatest swordsmen in history. My blade would be unbreakable, my attacks nearly unstoppable. It was tempting—extremely tempting.

Yet, despite the allure of a Black Blade, I couldn't shake the feeling that it wasn't time for that just yet. My foundation as a swordsman wasn't complete. While I had advanced far, I was still on the path of growth. The Black Blade would come naturally when the time was right.

What I needed now was to refine my skill, to perfect every movement, every strike, every breath. I needed to reach a level where every swing of my sword carried purpose, where every strike was a lesson in mastery.

Choosing Supreme Swordsmanship Mastery

The decision came to me as naturally as drawing my blade. I chose Supreme Swordsmanship Mastery.

The moment I made the selection, the world seemed to slow down. I felt a sudden rush of information, a flood of knowledge flowing into my mind. It was as if Mihawk himself was teaching me everything he had learned over a lifetime of battles. Techniques, stances, angles, timing—all of it unfolded within me like a hidden map.

It wasn't just about power or strength. This was about control. I could see the logic behind each movement, understand the purpose behind every feint, every parry, every cut. My mind opened to the intricacies of combat that I had only glimpsed before.

A New Understanding

As the surge of knowledge subsided, I felt… different. The sword at my side seemed lighter, not because it had changed, but because I now understood it in a way I never had before. My grip adjusted automatically, my stance shifted without thought. It was as if my body had caught up to my will.

I practiced a simple swing, and even that single motion carried a new level of precision. It wasn't just about power anymore—it was about efficiency, about doing only what was necessary and nothing more. Every movement now felt deliberate, every strike meaningful.

I understood now why Mihawk had become the World's Strongest Swordsman. It wasn't just because of his Haki or his blade. It was because he had mastered the art of the sword to its very core. And now, I had taken my first steps on that same path.

Looking Ahead

Though the fight with Mihawk was over, I knew my journey was just beginning. I was far from reaching his full level, but the foundation was now firmly in place. I had chosen the skill that would guide my growth as a swordsman, a samurai, and a leader.

One day, I would unlock the Black Blade. One day, I would surpass my own limits. But for now, I had taken the step that mattered most.

With Supreme Swordsmanship Mastery in my grasp, I turned toward the horizon, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. I was stronger now—not just in body or Haki, but in mind. And that strength would carry me forward to fulfill my promise: to free Wano, to protect my family, and to honor the legacy of my father.