"...!!!"
Before the transcendence of Ron's swordsmanship, even Dracule Mihawk — the world's greatest swordsman — began to feel the limits of his strength.
His coat was torn, his blade slightly trembling, and his body marked with shallow cuts.
Yet his eyes, sharp and golden like a hawk's, shone brighter than ever.
He, who had long stood at the peak of swordsmanship, now faced a challenger who made him see further.
And deep within, something began to awaken — a spark of enlightenment he had not felt in years.
"Perfection... so that's what it truly means…" he whispered under his breath, realization dawning.
This battle, he knew, would be the cornerstone for his next great leap.
He looked up at Ron, still standing calmly amidst the fading mist of battle.
"You're not even fighting at your limit, are you?" Mihawk said with a faint, curious smile.
Ron paused, then smiled back.
"Oh? You noticed."
Of course Mihawk had noticed. His instincts as a swordsman told him Ron's strength still had layers unseen — his composure, his breathing, the calm rhythm of his strikes.
"Then show me," Mihawk said, eyes gleaming with challenge. "Show me the true edge of your blade."
Ron nodded once.
The air itself grew still — silent, expectant. Even the waves seemed to hold their breath.
Then, with a single, almost effortless motion, Ron raised his sword and swung.
At first, it seemed slow.
But in the blink of an eye, light tore through the sky.
A blinding arc of power burst forth — a force so immense it felt like the heavens themselves had been split apart.
Everyone watching — Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, even the chefs of the Baratie — felt the air crash against their chests like a tidal wave.
Then came the sound.
A thunderous roar shook the entire sea.
When they looked up again, the clouds above were divided.
A massive rift stretched across the sky, cutting through the horizon — as if the heavens had been slashed open by a god's hand.
"This… this can't be real…" someone whispered, their voice trembling.
It was a sight none of them would ever forget.
It was the same miracle the world once saw — when Whitebeard and Red-Haired Shanks crossed their weapons and split the sky.
But this time, it wasn't two emperors.
It was one man — standing alone in the East Blue.
Ron.
As the light faded, his blade began to crack.
The sword, unable to bear the force of his "Heaven-Splitting Sword Intent," shattered into a thousand glittering fragments.
The shards fell like snow, scattering across the sea.
Everyone was silent.
Even Mihawk.
He stood motionless, watching the pieces fall, his expression unreadable.
If Ron's strike had been aimed at him, he would have been forced to use his full Haki — or risk being crushed by that single blow.
He exhaled slowly.
"So this is the realm of Perfection…" he murmured. "A sword that can part the heavens. Incredible."
He lowered Yoru, his voice calm but sincere.
"Ron. This duel — you've won."
Ron looked up, surprised.
"I've… won?"
Mihawk nodded. "Your sword broke, yes. But your technique has already surpassed mine. As a swordsman, I acknowledge your victory."
He sheathed Yoru and continued, "Once you find a new blade — one worthy of your strength — I will face you again. On equal ground."
Ron chuckled softly, shaking his head.
"Then let's call it a draw. If this had been a fight to the death, I doubt I'd leave unscathed."
Mihawk smiled faintly — a rare expression from the stoic swordsman.
"Very well," he said. "We'll call it even."
He turned to leave, stepping lightly toward his small coffin-shaped boat.
But before he departed, he looked back over his shoulder.
"Remember this, Ron. You have already set foot on the true path of the sword. Treasure it."
Then, with the soft sound of water parting, his boat drifted away into the mist.
The duel between two masters — one born of pride, the other of potential — had ended.
And with it, the East Blue had witnessed a miracle.
The sea was quiet once more.
For a long moment, no one spoke.
Then, cheers erupted across the Baratie.
"The world's strongest swordsman… admitted defeat?!"
"Did you see that? He split the sky!"
The noise grew louder, filled with awe and disbelief.
In the midst of it all, Ron stood quietly, staring up at the vast rift in the heavens.
Nami ran up to him, eyes sparkling.
"Wow, Ron, you're amazing!"
Ron gently touched his nose, pretending to be calm and waved his hand.
"Hehe, it's a small matter, nothing worth mentioning."
However, the surface calm couldn't conceal the inner turmoil. Nami's body fragrance lingered at the tip of his nose, causing a inexplicable surge of heat in his heart.