《One Piece: Rising》Chapter 61: Daring to Draw Blades Against Mihawk — A Den of Cubs Ready to Fight

Hearing that the entire Marine Headquarters was eager to earn military honors, Dracule Mihawk's facial muscles twitched slightly.

Never in his wildest dreams could he have imagined that the young boy he had once helped by chance six years ago would, in such a short span of time, rise to prominence within the Marines, orchestrate a coup to take full control of the organization, and become an icon and source of faith for countless Marine soldiers.

Thinking back to six years ago, when he first met Xayuki, the boy was just a frail teenager, around fifteen or sixteen years old, stranded on a deserted island and looking utterly pitiful. Mihawk had happened to pass by the island and, in an uncharacteristic moment of compassion, decided to take him off the island and drop him off in a nearby town.

After that, they had no further contact. Mihawk had long since forgotten about the incident.

It wasn't that he was forgetful; it was simply that such trivial acts of kindness were insignificant to him.

Even though Xayuki had expressed his gratitude and vowed to remember the favor, Mihawk hadn't taken it seriously.

After all, he was the world's greatest swordsman—what was a small act of kindness in the grand scheme of things?

Later, when he visited Marine Headquarters due to a summons and heard several officers mention the name "Xayuki," he hadn't connected it to the boy he had once helped. He merely thought that the Marines had produced a talented young swordsman, someone whose skills in swordsmanship might even surpass those of Gion (Momousagi), a candidate for admiral.

It wasn't until he saw a Marine-published newspaper featuring a group photo of Marine Headquarters that he realized the truth. Sitting in the central position of the photo was the young Fleet Admiral, Xayuki. Only then did Mihawk have his epiphany—the two Xayukis were one and the same.

This realization was why, upon arriving at Marineford's port, Mihawk had declared that he had come "to keep an appointment."

Of course, there had been no actual appointment. When he had dropped Xayuki off in that town six years ago, he had left without leaving so much as a shadow behind.

Now, as Mihawk followed the Marine captain across Marineford Square, the scene before him suddenly changed.

Ahead of him stretched a long, narrow road lined with dining tables, much like the lively scene in the square. Officers and soldiers of all ranks mingled freely, their laughter and boisterous toasts filling the air.

However, as Mihawk and the captain stepped onto this road, the lively chatter abruptly ceased.

All heads turned toward him.

"Hawk-Eyes?"

"Dracule Mihawk!"

After a brief silence, several middle-aged officers at the nearest table stood up. Among them were individuals wearing the cloaks of rear admirals and the epaulets of vice admirals. Some were even bare-chested, their muscular physiques radiating strength.

As these officers rose, a wave of noise swept through the narrow road. Almost all the officers and soldiers present stood up, their eyes locking onto Mihawk with a sharp, unyielding gaze.

In an instant, the air was thick with murderous intent.

The Marines, clad in their uniforms of Justice, suddenly resembled a gang of underworld thugs. Far from being intimidated by Mihawk's legendary status as the world's greatest swordsman, their eyes burned with ferocity.

For a fleeting moment, Mihawk felt as if he wasn't in Marine Headquarters but had instead wandered into the headquarters of some criminal syndicate.

"Hey, hey, what's going on here?"

Sensing the shift in atmosphere, the Marine captain quickly stepped forward. "Didn't you recognize him? He's a member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, the world's greatest swordsman, Dracule Mihawk!"

"Of course we know he's one of the Seven Warlords!"

A vice admiral stepped forward, his voice steady and cold. "Not only do we know he's one of the Seven Warlords, but we also know that he used to be a Marine Hunter."

Pausing briefly, the vice admiral suddenly drew his sword, his voice rising. "Hawk-Eyes, do you still remember the Marine captain you killed back then? He was the man I respected most—second only to Fleet Admiral Xayuki! I've been waiting all these years to avenge him, and now I find you've become one of the Seven Warlords!"

"But it doesn't matter. After Fleet Admiral Xayuki signed The Marijoa Treaty, the Seven Warlords system is about to be abolished!"

With that, the vice admiral stepped forward again, raising his voice further. "In the name of Marine Justice, I, Vice Admiral Noah, challenge you, Dracule Mihawk! Please, draw your blade!"

"And me! Hawk-Eyes, I almost died by your sword back in the day!"

"Hahaha, how could I miss out on this?"

"Calm down, everyone! He's the world's greatest swordsman—you'll get yourselves killed!"

Though some in the crowd tried to dissuade their comrades, their actions betrayed their words. One by one, they rose to stand behind Vice Admiral Noah, their expressions fierce, as if ready to gang up on Mihawk.

"Oh?"

Mihawk's eyes gleamed coldly as he surveyed the officers and soldiers before him. Far from being intimidated, they dared to challenge him openly.

A faint, chilling aura began to emanate from the Black Blade (Kokuto) strapped to his back, as if it shared its master's thoughts. The oppressive energy surged toward the Marines, suffocating them with its intensity.

"So this is the Marine Headquarters under Xayuki's leadership?"

After scanning the crowd, Mihawk took a step forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. His eagle-like eyes glinted with sharpness. "Your courage is commendable, but even in a hundred years, none of you would be my match."

"Still, I never refuse a swordsman's challenge."

"If you wish to fight, I shall oblige!"

Before his words had fully settled, the terrifying aura unique to the world's greatest swordsman erupted. The officers and soldiers before him instinctively took a step back, unable to withstand the pressure.

In the next instant, the Black Blade unleashed a faint, purple-hued flame as it was drawn from its sheath, its edge pointing directly at the Marines who had been forced to retreat.

"Mihawk!"

Feeling the overwhelming killing intent, the Marine captain's expression darkened. Braving the immense pressure, he stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Do you intend to start a massacre at Marine Headquarters?"

Before Mihawk could respond, the captain turned to the officers and soldiers, who, despite being enveloped in Mihawk's aura, had not fled. He shouted, "Stand down! Mihawk is not here as a member of the Seven Warlords—he is Fleet Admiral Xayuki's invited guest! If you dare draw your swords or fire your guns, prepare to face the Fleet Admiral's wrath!"

Hearing that Mihawk had been invited by their Fleet Admiral, the officers exchanged glances.

Though they were reluctant, they knew the captain wouldn't dare lie about such a matter. Gradually, they stepped aside, clearing the path for Mihawk.

"Please, this way, Mihawk."

The captain let out a quiet sigh of relief.

While he understood the Marines' eagerness to earn military honors, the man before them was the world's greatest swordsman and a member of the Seven Warlords. If his comrades acted recklessly, the consequences would be dire—not just in terms of casualties but also in the difficult position it would place Fleet Admiral Xayuki in.

Suddenly, a loud command echoed from the end of the narrow road.

"Attention!"

"Salute!"

At once, the officers and soldiers snapped to attention, standing straight and saluting as a group of figures emerged from the distance.

Leading them was none other than Xayuki himself.

"Mihawk, long time no see!"

Amidst the resounding salutes and cries of loyalty, Xayuki approached Mihawk with a warm smile. "I had planned to meet you after the celebration and the issuance of the next summons to the Seven Warlords. I didn't expect you to arrive early!"

Glancing at the Marines who had straightened up at Xayuki's arrival, Mihawk sheathed his Black Blade and said calmly, "Truly, Xayuki, you've changed things. In the past, these officers and soldiers would lower their heads in fear at my presence. Now, thanks to you, they dare to draw their swords against me. Impressive."

Xayuki shrugged lightly. "What can I say? A den of cubs becomes a den of lions."

Mihawk studied Xayuki from head to toe. The once-naive boy was now a mature, confident leader radiating a kingly aura.

"Are you planning to abolish the Seven Warlords system?" Mihawk asked, his brow furrowing slightly.

"I'm considering it," Xayuki replied, then grinned. "But now's not the time to talk business. Let's have a drink!"

(Author's Note):

(Extra chapters coming after some sleep! Mwah!)

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