Chapter 60: Hawkeye — Was That Sword Slash Yours?2 days ago
"SHIT!"
Luo Qi cursed loudly.
He immediately tightened his grip on his sword with both hands and swung it forward with all his strength!
WHOOSH!
A brilliant silver sword slash erupted from his blade!
The enormous slash tore through the air and collided directly with the eerie, dark-green sword slash approaching from the opposite direction!
BOOOOM!
A deafening explosion erupted!
Violent winds swept across the surrounding sea!
The powerful shockwave sent enormous waves surging outward in every direction!
Even the Explorer was pushed backward by the tremendous force, causing the ship to veer off course!
"An enemy?!"
Law frowned deeply and immediately looked toward the source of the attack.
There, approaching the Explorer aboard a small raft, was a man wearing a black coat and a black wide-brimmed hat.
"One of the Seven Warlords of the Sea..."
"The World's Greatest Swordsman..."
"Dracule Mihawk, Hawkeye!"
Reiju's expression immediately turned serious.
"Why would a man like him be in East Blue?!"
The sudden appearance of Hawkeye Mihawk filled her with an extremely ominous feeling.
"Luo Qi! What should we do?!"
Baby 5 immediately stepped in front of Luo Qi.
Activating the power of her Arms-Arms Fruit, she transformed both hands into weapons and prepared for battle!
Naturally, she recognized Hawkeye Mihawk as well.
During her time with the Donquixote Family, she had heard Doflamingo mention Hawkeye on numerous occasions.
Even someone as arrogant and prideful as Doflamingo openly acknowledged Mihawk's extraordinary strength!
Because of that, Baby 5 understood just how dangerous the approaching man was.
In fact, she was far more nervous than the other companions aboard the Explorer.
Nevertheless, she still chose to stand firmly beside Luo Qi!
...
[HOLY CRAP! The World's Greatest Swordsman?! That's one hell of a title! Don't tell me that guy is ridiculously powerful?!]
[Was that enormous green sword slash actually unleashed by him?! That's insane!]
[This is bad! Is Brother Qi going to be in danger?!]
[Everyone, calm down! Brother Qi hasn't even used his full strength yet! Besides, he still has all his companions with him! That Hawkeye guy is alone! There's no way he can defeat all of them!]
[Hahaha! Are you people seriously underestimating the World's Greatest Swordsman?! How could your Luo Qi possibly defeat someone like that?!]
[Didn't you see what happened just now?! Luo Qi practically had to use every ounce of strength in his body just to block that one sword slash!]
[Exactly! I think your challenger should be the one running away this time! Who knows? Maybe he'll even abandon his companions just to save his own life!]
[Heh! Do you think our Brother Qi is like the challengers from your countries?! I believe in him! He'll definitely be fine!]
The foreign viewers were just about to continue mocking Dragon Kingdom's challenger.
However, what happened next forced them to swallow their words.
...
"Everyone, stay here."
Luo Qi gently patted Baby 5 on the shoulder, signaling for her to step aside.
"I'm going over to have a word with him."
"Luo Qi!"
Baby 5 immediately looked at him anxiously.
"That's too dangerous!"
"How could I possibly let you go over there all by yourself?!"
"Baby 5 is right."
Law stepped forward and drew his famous sword, Kikoku.
His expression was filled with determination.
"Since I've already joined your fleet, there's no way I'm going to let my captain face danger alone!"
"Another member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, just like Doflamingo, huh?"
Law tightened his grip on his sword.
"Perfect."
"I'd like to see just how far I still have to go before I can stand on the same level as a Warlord!"
"One of the Seven Warlords of the Sea..."
Reiju narrowed her eyes.
"Looks like I'll need to use my Raid Suit."
As she spoke, a transformation canister marked with the number "0" appeared in her hand.
Bepo didn't say anything.
However, he gave Luo Qi a firm nod, silently expressing his determination to stand beside him.
Even Nami and Nojiko, who had only recently joined the fleet, refused to retreat!
Although both women were visibly nervous, neither took a single step backward.
Seeing the unwavering determination on his companions' faces, Luo Qi couldn't help feeling deeply moved.
I originally recruited them because of the benefits they could bring me.
But they genuinely regard me as one of their companions.
The realization only strengthened Luo Qi's determination to treat his teammates well.
"Don't worry, everyone."
Luo Qi smiled reassuringly.
"I'm only going over to meet Hawkeye."
"I have no intention of fighting him to the death."
"Besides, I don't have any personal grudges against him."
"There's no reason for anything terrible to happen."
He looked toward Baby 5 and the others.
"Baby 5, everyone..."
"Please trust me this time."
Luo Qi understood the situation perfectly well.
If they genuinely ended up fighting Hawkeye Mihawk, there was practically no chance of victory.
Even if every member of the Explorer joined forces, they wouldn't be able to defeat the World's Greatest Swordsman!
Under those circumstances, attempting to communicate with Mihawk was clearly the better option.
Maybe that slash just now was only meant to test us.
If that was the case, there might be no need for a battle at all.
"Alright."
Law reluctantly shook his head.
"But if a fight really breaks out, I'll come over immediately."
"Thanks."
Luo Qi nodded gratefully toward his companions.
Then, he turned around and stepped into the air.
Moonwalk!
Using one of the Six Powers, Luo Qi rapidly propelled himself through the air toward the wreckage of the Krieg Pirates' ship!
...
"Don't be so nervous, Baby 5."
Reiju gently patted Baby 5 on the shoulder.
"Captain Luo Qi is right."
"Perhaps Hawkeye doesn't actually have any hostile intentions toward us."
"He'll come back."
Reiju understood just how deeply Baby 5 cared about Luo Qi.
Seeing the young woman gripping the ship's railing so tightly that she looked ready to rush after him at any moment, Reiju hurriedly tried to reassure her.
"Mhm!"
Baby 5 nodded firmly.
"Luo Qi will definitely come back!"
...
Meanwhile, Luo Qi landed on the wreckage of the Krieg Pirates' ship.
He paid absolutely no attention to the surviving pirates who were crying and shouting around him.
Instead, he calmly fixed his gaze on Hawkeye Mihawk.
Then, he stood there and quietly waited for the approaching swordsman.
Naturally, the surviving members of the Krieg Pirates had no intention of approaching Luo Qi!
They had personally witnessed this man split their enormous pirate ship in half with a single sword slash!
And that same attack had killed their captain, Don Krieg, along with Gin!
As far as the surviving pirates were concerned, Luo Qi was an absolute monster!
They immediately scrambled away from him, keeping as much distance between themselves and the young swordsman as possible.
Not a single one dared to approach!
...
Nearly a minute passed.
Finally, Hawkeye Mihawk's small raft arrived beside the wrecked pirate ship.
Only then did Mihawk seem to notice the shattered vessel before him.
He slowly opened his eyes.
Then, rising from his seat, the World's Greatest Swordsman stepped onto the remains of the pirate ship.
His sharp gaze settled directly on Luo Qi.
After examining him for a moment, Mihawk finally spoke in a cold, indifferent voice.
"That sword slash just now..."
"Was it you who unleashed it?"
Chapter 61: Come On, I'm Just a Beginner at Swordsmanship!2 days ago
"The World's Greatest Swordsman, Hawkeye Mihawk..."
Luo Qi tightened his grip on the sword in his hand, staring quietly at the man standing before him.
This was someone who stood at the very pinnacle of power in the One Piece world!
To say Luo Qi wasn't nervous would be a complete lie.
Although he didn't believe Hawkeye was someone who enjoyed killing indiscriminately, there was one particular incident that made him extremely wary of the man.
Simply because the Krieg Pirates had disturbed his sleep, Mihawk had pursued them all the way from the Grand Line to East Blue!
Along the way, he had destroyed more than thirty of their warships, leaving only a single vessel intact!
Faced with someone capable of such outrageous behavior, Luo Qi would much rather avoid provoking him.
At least until he possessed enough strength to stand against the World's Greatest Swordsman on equal footing!
In fact, rather than confronting Hawkeye directly, Luo Qi would have preferred to watch from the sidelines as Mihawk taught Zoro a lesson.
Unfortunately, things hadn't gone according to plan.
Now that he was standing directly before the man, Luo Qi had no choice but to face the situation head-on.
"That's right. I was the one who unleashed that sword slash."
Luo Qi nodded, making no attempt to deny it.
Mihawk's sharp, hawklike eyes slowly examined him from head to toe.
"To think a swordsman of your caliber would appear in East Blue, the weakest of the four seas."
"How unexpected."
Mihawk glanced toward the shattered pirate ship beneath their feet.
"That ship you just cut apart..."
"I was originally planning to destroy it myself."
"Uh..."
The corners of Luo Qi's mouth twitched.
For a moment, he genuinely didn't know how to respond.
"Since you've destroyed the toy I was using to pass the time, you'll have to entertain me instead."
Mihawk reached behind his back.
Then, he slowly drew his enormous black blade.
"Come."
"Let me see what kind of master swordsman has emerged from East Blue."
Earlier, Mihawk had only unleashed a casual sword slash toward Luo Qi.
It hadn't been anything close to a serious attack.
Yet Luo Qi had managed to block it!
That alone had been enough to attract Mihawk's attention.
As far as he was concerned, someone capable of intercepting such a slash had already reached the level of a master swordsman.
That was precisely why Mihawk had drawn his enormous black blade rather than challenging Luo Qi with the tiny knife he sometimes used against weaker opponents.
In his eyes, Luo Qi deserved to be treated with the respect due to a master swordsman.
However, there was something even Hawkeye Mihawk could never have imagined.
The young man standing before him was actually a complete beginner when it came to practical swordsmanship!
Luo Qi possessed the realm of swordsmanship mastery, but he had practically no experience using a sword!
...
"Hold on a second."
Luo Qi looked at Mihawk cautiously.
"You're only talking about a friendly duel, right?"
"Not a fight to the death?"
"Are you afraid of dying?"
Mihawk narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Of course I am!"
Luo Qi answered without hesitation.
"You're the World's Greatest Swordsman!"
"I know perfectly well that I'm no match for you."
However, as he continued speaking, his expression gradually became serious.
"Besides..."
"My life doesn't belong to me alone."
Behind Luo Qi stood Baby 5 and his other companions.
And beyond them...
There was an entire country whose fate was tied to his survival!
He couldn't afford to throw his life away recklessly.
"Is it because of your companions?"
Mihawk glanced toward the Explorer floating in the distance.
"If you manage to satisfy me, I won't lay a hand on them."
After saying that, Mihawk raised his black blade and pointed it directly at Luo Qi.
"Now, make your move."
"Or would you prefer to wait until I attack first?"
Hearing those words, Luo Qi took a deep breath.
He turned toward the Explorer and waved reassuringly at his companions, signaling that they didn't need to worry.
Then, he turned his attention back to Mihawk.
Armament Haki surged through his body!
The powerful energy rapidly flowed into the long sword in his hands!
At the same time, Luo Qi concentrated his Observation Haki, extending his awareness throughout the surrounding area.
"Oh?"
"Haki?"
The corners of Mihawk's mouth curved upward.
"It seems I underestimated you."
"No..."
"Perhaps I should say that a master swordsman ought to possess this level of power."
Seeing the growing interest in Mihawk's eyes, Luo Qi finally felt a little more reassured.
Good!
As long as he's interested, there's still hope!
Luo Qi wasn't particularly afraid of attracting Mihawk's curiosity.
What he truly feared was failing to interest him at all!
After all, Mihawk was much more likely to hold back against someone he considered interesting.
Zoro was the perfect example.
As for those who failed to capture his interest...
Well, the miserable fate of the Krieg Pirates was more than enough to demonstrate what could happen to them!
Shave!
Luo Qi silently activated one of the Six Powers.
WHOOSH!
His figure instantly disappeared from its original position!
In the blink of an eye, he crossed several meters and appeared directly in front of Mihawk!
Without hesitation, Luo Qi thrust his sword straight toward him!
The Six Powers?
This is becoming increasingly interesting.
A faint glimmer appeared in Mihawk's eyes.
He immediately raised his black blade.
CLANG!
With a smooth upward motion, Mihawk effortlessly deflected Luo Qi's sword!
Then, without interrupting the movement, he redirected his blade and slashed toward Luo Qi's abdomen!
Paper Art!
Luo Qi immediately responded.
Combining Paper Art with his Observation Haki, he sensed the surrounding air currents and allowed his body to move with them.
SWISH!
Mihawk's blade narrowly missed him!
Taking advantage of the momentum, Luo Qi smoothly shifted his position and thrust his sword toward Mihawk once again!
This time, however, he made no attempt to use Finger Pistol, Tempest Kick, or any of the other offensive techniques from the Six Powers.
Instead, he focused entirely on attacking Mihawk with his sword.
One strike after another!
Luo Qi continued swinging his blade at astonishing speed!
From time to time, flying sword slashes erupted from the space between the two combatants!
SLASH! SLASH!
The powerful sword energy carved fresh marks across the already damaged pirate ship!
However...
As the exchange continued, something strange happened.
Rather than becoming increasingly impressed, Mihawk's expression gradually changed.
His eyebrows slowly drew together.
The longer he observed Luo Qi's movements, the deeper his frown became!
Then, without warning—
CLANG!
Mihawk suddenly unleashed a powerful slash!
The tremendous force sent Luo Qi flying backward several meters!
Only after struggling to regain his balance did Luo Qi finally manage to stop himself.
"Huff... Huff..."
He took several deep breaths, desperately trying to maintain a firm grip on his sword.
"Is... is it over?"
After personally exchanging blows with a truly powerful opponent, Luo Qi finally understood just how insignificant his current strength was compared to the monsters standing at the pinnacle of this world!
Although he hadn't suffered any actual injuries during their brief exchange, maintaining such intense use of Haki and the Six Powers had rapidly drained his stamina.
His clothes were already soaked with sweat!
His breathing had become noticeably heavier!
Meanwhile, Mihawk stood exactly where he had been before.
His breathing remained completely steady!
Not even the slightest trace of exhaustion could be seen on his face!
The difference between them was simply enormous!
However, instead of continuing his attack, Mihawk stared coldly at Luo Qi.
"Are you making fun of me?"
"Huh?"
Luo Qi frowned in confusion.
"What?"
Mihawk's expression grew increasingly displeased.
"The trajectories of your sword strikes..."
"There's absolutely nothing about them that resembles the movements of a swordsman at your level."
His sharp gaze remained fixed on Luo Qi.
"Your attacks look more like those of an apprentice who only recently picked up a sword."
"Or perhaps some brute who wields a sword as though it were an axe or a club!"
Mihawk frowned deeply.
"Do you seriously believe I'm not worthy of seeing your true strength?"
The moment those words left his mouth—
BOOM!
An overwhelming aura suddenly erupted from Mihawk's body!
The terrifying pressure surged directly toward Luo Qi!
SHIT!
But I really don't know how to use a sword!
The corners of Luo Qi's mouth twitched violently.
He wanted to cry, but he had no tears to shed!
It's not like I spent years practicing swordsmanship!
The Forbidden Zone simply handed me a reward and forcibly raised my swordsmanship mastery to its current level!
Luo Qi's current situation was remarkably similar to that of Xuzhu from the world of martial arts novels.
Xuzhu had suddenly inherited decades of internal energy from Wuyazi.
However, possessing enormous internal energy and knowing how to use it effectively were two entirely different things!
Without proper martial arts techniques, bringing out the true potential of that internal energy was incredibly difficult!
And Luo Qi was facing essentially the same problem!
He had acquired Intermediate Swordsmanship Mastery through a reward.
But he hadn't learned any actual sword techniques to complement it!
Even if he tried explaining that to Mihawk...
Would the World's Greatest Swordsman actually believe me?!
Of course not!
Mihawk was losing patience, and Luo Qi scrambled for an answer.
Then, suddenly—
A flash of inspiration struck him!
Wait a minute!
That's it!
Without hesitation, Luo Qi immediately opened his personal status interface provided by the Forbidden Zone!
His eyes rapidly scanned the information displayed before him.
Then, he switched directly to the Swordsmanship section!
This is it!
Chapter 62: Thunderclap and Flash — Hawkeye's Recognition!New2 days ago
[Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful! Luo Qi is finally going to be cut down by the World's Greatest Swordsman! He actually managed to anger Hawkeye!]
[Congratulations from White Elephant Country! Dragon Kingdom will finally get the chance to select its third challenger!]
[Hahaha! Once Dragon Kingdom's challenger dies, our Lighthouse Country's challenger will reclaim first place!]
[SCREW YOU! Our Brother Qi isn't dead yet!]
[He might not be dead yet, but he will be soon! Hahaha!]
[You bastards! I dare you to say that one more time!]
[Fine, I'll say it again! What are you going to do about it? Crawl through the internet and beat me up?!]
After witnessing the brief exchange between Luo Qi and Hawkeye Mihawk, viewers around the world had gained a much clearer understanding of Luo Qi's strength.
The leaders of countries that maintained hostile relations with Dragon Kingdom understood something particularly important.
If Luo Qi continued surviving and growing stronger, the gap between Dragon Kingdom and the other nations would only become increasingly enormous!
Naturally, they desperately hoped that Hawkeye would kill Luo Qi right here!
And now that Mihawk was visibly growing impatient with Luo Qi, everyone from the leaders of those nations to their ordinary citizens couldn't help feeling delighted.
Unfortunately for them...
The situation was about to take an unexpected turn!
...
[Purchase Successful!]
[You have purchased Thunder Breathing — First Form: Thunderclap and Flash!]
[500 Points deducted!]
[Remaining Points: 300!]
As the mysterious announcement sounded inside Luo Qi's mind, a sudden realization washed over him.
Something had changed!
The sword in his hands no longer felt like an ordinary weapon.
Instead, it seemed to have become an extension of his own arms and legs!
For the first time, Luo Qi felt as though the blade had truly become a part of his body.
He slowly closed his eyes.
Then, he began breathing in a steady, rhythmic pattern.
Hmm?
Something about him has changed.
Mihawk, who had been preparing to attack, raised an eyebrow.
The atmosphere surrounding Luo Qi was completely different from before!
"What's this?"
"Have you finally decided to stop concealing your strength?"
Hearing Mihawk's question, Luo Qi slowly opened his mouth.
"There's something you've misunderstood, Hawkeye."
As he spoke, Luo Qi returned his sword to its sheath.
Then, he drew his left leg backward and lowered his stance, assuming the posture of a swordsman preparing to unleash a quick-draw attack.
"I may have reached a certain level of swordsmanship mastery..."
"But the truth is, I haven't actually accomplished much when it comes to sword techniques."
"During our exchange just now, I wasn't holding anything back."
"That really was the full extent of my swordsmanship."
Luo Qi paused briefly before continuing.
"Of course, I do have one trump card."
"But it's the only proper sword technique I know."
"If you'd like to see it, I'll show you right now."
As Luo Qi finished speaking, a faint rumbling sound seemed to emerge from the air around him.
It resembled distant thunder!
Even the surrounding atmosphere appeared to tremble slightly.
"Only one technique?"
The corners of Mihawk's mouth curved upward.
"Interesting."
"In that case..."
"Let me see just how powerful that single technique of yours really is."
Hearing those words, Luo Qi placed his left thumb against the guard of his sword.
With a slight push—
Click!
The blade slid a fraction of an inch out of its sheath.
Luo Qi's breathing suddenly changed.
Then, he moved!
"Thunder Breathing..."
"First Form..."
"THUNDERCLAP AND FLASH!"
BOOOOM!
A thunderous explosion erupted!
In an instant, Luo Qi's figure seemed to transform into a streak of golden lightning!
He shot toward Mihawk at an astonishing speed!
His movement was so fast that it actually surpassed the speed he could achieve using Shave!
Thunderclap and Flash was originally a technique used by Zenitsu Agatsuma.
Even with Zenitsu's physical abilities, the technique was powerful enough to instantly kill demons!
However, Luo Qi's physique had already surpassed Zenitsu's by an enormous margin!
Combined with the Intermediate Swordsmanship Mastery he had acquired from the Forbidden Zone, the technique displayed even greater power in Luo Qi's hands!
And the moment he actually unleashed Thunderclap and Flash, Luo Qi suddenly realized something.
Wait...
I don't think I'm limited to just one flash!
His eyes narrowed.
The next instant—
WHOOSH!
Luo Qi and Mihawk's figures crossed paths!
A violent gust of wind erupted from the point where they passed each other, spreading outward in every direction!
The surviving members of the Krieg Pirates had long since lost consciousness under the overwhelming pressure of the confrontation.
However, Luo Qi had no intention of stopping after his first attack!
"Sixfold!"
The instant he passed Mihawk, Luo Qi planted both feet firmly against the deck!
BOOM!
With a powerful push, he launched himself forward once again!
First slash!
Second slash!
Third slash!
Luo Qi's figure repeatedly transformed into streaks of golden lightning as he attacked Mihawk from different directions!
His movements were faster and more explosive than anything he had displayed earlier!
Then came the fourth attack!
This time, Luo Qi activated Moonwalk in midair!
Using the Six Powers technique to propel himself forward, he charged directly toward Mihawk once again!
His sword collided with the World's Greatest Swordsman's black blade!
CLANG!
CRACK!
The next instant—
Luo Qi's sword broke!
The long blade he had taken from the Arlong Pirates simply couldn't withstand the collision!
As the black blade continued moving toward him, Luo Qi suddenly felt a terrifying chill against his skin!
His eyes snapped open!
DANGER!
Without the slightest hesitation, Luo Qi stomped against the deck and rapidly retreated!
WHOOSH!
His body shot backward, putting several meters of distance between himself and Mihawk!
"Huff..."
Seeing that Mihawk had maintained his previous sword-swinging posture and showed no intention of pursuing him, Luo Qi finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Then, he lowered his gaze toward the broken sword in his hand.
"..."
For a moment, he was completely speechless.
Seriously?!
I was planning to unleash six consecutive slashes!
And the damn sword broke on the fourth?!
Had Luo Qi not reacted quickly enough, and had Mihawk not been holding back his strength, that last strike could have ended disastrously!
Although the black blade might not necessarily have killed him outright, it would certainly have been enough to leave him seriously injured!
"LUO QI!"
"Are you alright?!"
Just then, Baby 5 suddenly descended from the sky and landed beside him.
Her beautiful face was filled with anxiety as she hurriedly examined him.
A moment later, Law and Reiju also arrived at Luo Qi's side.
...
"I see..."
Mihawk looked at Luo Qi.
Then, his gaze shifted toward the broken sword in the young man's hand.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"So that was the only technique you knew."
"Judging by your movements, it certainly seems that way."
"However..."
"To be able to use that single technique with such proficiency..."
"You clearly possess extraordinary talent."
Mihawk's tone had become considerably less cold than before.
"Still, there's something I find rather surprising."
"Despite being a master swordsman, you're wielding a blade of such poor quality."
"You're the first swordsman of your caliber I've ever encountered who carries a weapon like that."
Mihawk studied Luo Qi for another moment.
"Young man..."
"Do you rarely fight with swords?"
Hearing the question, Luo Qi nodded.
"You might find this difficult to believe..."
"But in the past, I've always been more accustomed to settling things with my fists."
"What a pity."
Mihawk slowly shook his head.
"You possess considerable talent for swordsmanship."
"If you devote yourself to practicing sword techniques, becoming a great swordsman may not be beyond your reach."
He paused briefly.
"Find yourself a sword worthy of your abilities."
"I hope that the next time we meet, you'll have reached an even higher level of swordsmanship."
After saying that, Mihawk calmly returned his black blade to its place on his back.
Then, he turned around and leaped toward his small raft.
"Ah, one more thing."
Mihawk glanced back.
"Young man, what's your name?"
Seeing that Hawkeye was finally preparing to leave, Luo Qi couldn't help feeling delighted!
Thank goodness!
Looks like this is finally over!
He immediately answered.
"You can call me Luo Qi, Hawkeye Mihawk."
"Luo Qi..."
Mihawk repeated the name.
Then, he spoke one final time.
"Go to the Grand Line."
"Someone like you would be wasted if you remained in East Blue."
"The Grand Line is where someone of your caliber truly belongs."
With those words, Mihawk turned away.
His small raft began moving across the ocean, gradually disappearing into the distance.
...
[Brother Qi really is amazing! Even when facing the World's Greatest Swordsman, he managed to come out of the encounter safely!]
[Thunderclap and Flash! Was that the sword technique Brother Qi purchased with his Points?! It looked incredible! He even managed to earn Hawkeye's recognition!]
[Hahaha! Where are those bastards who were saying Brother Qi was finished?! Come out and take your beating!]
[As if they'd dare show their faces now! They're probably so furious that they're pounding their desks! Hahaha!]
[ALL HAIL BROTHER QI!]
[BROTHER QI IS THE BEST!]
The livestream chat erupted into excitement!
Earlier, the foreign viewers had been eagerly anticipating Luo Qi's death.
But now...
Not only had Luo Qi survived his encounter with the World's Greatest Swordsman, but he had actually received Mihawk's recognition!
Naturally, the citizens of Dragon Kingdom couldn't have been happier!
...
"Thank goodness."
Luo Qi finally turned toward his companions.
A relieved smile appeared on his face.
"Looks like we managed to get through that safely."
"Luo Qi!"
Baby 5 immediately stepped closer.
"Are you really alright?!"
"Did you get hurt anywhere?!"
Her hands moved anxiously over Luo Qi's body as she checked him for injuries.
Her eyes were overflowing with concern.
"Alright, alright. Don't worry."
Luo Qi gently caught Baby 5's hands and smiled warmly at her.
"I'm fine."
"I'm just a little tired."
"Once I've rested for a while, I'll be back to normal."
"But... your clothes..."
Baby 5 looked worriedly at the cuts in Luo Qi's clothing.
"Well, that was Hawkeye Mihawk, after all."
Luo Qi smiled helplessly.
"Being able to exchange blows with him and come away with nothing worse than torn clothes is already incredibly fortunate."
"Come on, Baby 5."
"And everyone else too."
"Let's head back."
"We shouldn't make Nami and Nojiko worry about us."
After saying that, Luo Qi turned around and prepared to leave.
However...
He had barely taken a single step when his body suddenly pitched forward!
"LUO QI!"
Baby 5 and Reiju immediately reacted!
The two women hurriedly reached out and caught him before he could fall!
"Uh..."
Luo Qi gave an awkward smile.
"Looks like I've exhausted myself a little."
"Don't worry. I'll be fine after some rest."
Although he hadn't suffered any serious injuries, Luo Qi had genuinely exhausted almost all his physical strength and mental energy!
After all, he had just fought against Hawkeye Mihawk!
Facing someone of that caliber meant he couldn't afford even the slightest carelessness!
Throughout their exchange, Luo Qi had been forced to maintain his concentration at the highest possible level.
And the continuous use of Haki, the Six Powers, and Thunderclap and Flash had drained him almost completely.
Now that the danger had passed and he finally relaxed, the exhaustion immediately caught up with him.
"Alright."
Reiju nodded toward Baby 5.
"Let's take him back so he can rest."
"Mhm!"
Baby 5 immediately agreed.
Working together, the two women supported Luo Qi and brought him back aboard the Explorer.
They intended to help him into the ship's cabin.
Meanwhile, Law collected the corpses of Don Krieg and Gin and brought them back to the Explorer's storage room.
After exchanging a few words with his companions, Luo Qi finally returned to the captain's quarters to rest.
With their captain safely aboard, the Explorer resumed its voyage toward Loguetown!
...
As Luo Qi gradually fell asleep, the livestream broadcasting his activities back on Blue Star automatically shut down.
This was one of the Forbidden Zone's established rules.
Whenever a challenger fell asleep, the Forbidden Zone would temporarily suspend their livestream.
The broadcast would only resume when the challenger woke up.
There was one exception, however.
If a challenger was attacked while sleeping, the Forbidden Zone would immediately reactivate the livestream!
Naturally, Luo Qi had no idea what was happening outside his room after he fell asleep.
And there was something else he didn't know.
Shortly after he drifted off...
Reiju quietly helped him up and began supporting him toward the bathroom.