Of course, part of this stemmed from the fact that Zoro was still in the "newborn calf unafraid of the tiger" stage. Had it been any other swordsman who had already made a name for themselves, they might not have even found the courage to stand before Dracule Mihawk, let alone challenge him.
"Why is this guy in the East Blue at this time?"
Rowan chewed slowly on a piece of bread, wondering to himself. In truth, he didn't have much of a personal impression of Dracule Mihawk, the World's Greatest Swordsman. His only knowledge came from the original One Piece plot, and those memories were already starting to get a bit fuzzy.
Rowan remembered that in the original story, this man was a law unto himself, often striking out on a whim. In the future plot, he would chase the Krieg Pirates all the way back to the East Blue from the Grand Line simply because he was "bored" and they had interrupted his nap.
But right now, his great-grandson Luffy hadn't even set sail yet. The events of the original story shouldn't have started. Why was this guy here early?
As the customers in the tavern stared at him, Mihawk's sharp gaze was busy surveying the room. He knew this was the largest tavern in Loguetown—a bustling hub where people from all walks of life gathered. If the owner of that monumental Sword Intent lived in Loguetown, there was a high probability they would appear here.
That sleeping little guy?Hm... absolutely impossible. Sleeping while eating? How does one even do that? It's a bit ridiculous...
The girl eating while clutching a sword is a swordsman too?Her appearance is decent, but she's too young. Her Sword Intent is unrefined and loose. It can't be her.
Not him...Not him either...
That green-haired youth... his Sword Intent is solid, but he's still too green.
However, the moment Mihawk's eyes landed on Rowan, his pupils shrank.
This old man...
From Rowan's body, he felt nothing special. He looked exactly like a retired neighbor who spent his days smoking, sunbathing, and worrying about his health. Utterly unremarkable.
But that was exactly what was strange. He looked too ordinary.
Mihawk, who frequently dealt with the world's most powerful beings, knew deep down: the more a person carried such an unremarkable aura, the more terrifying they usually were. The best examples near him were Red-Haired Shanks and Gold Roger, whom he saw executed twenty years ago.
Back then, as he watched Roger walk toward the execution platform, he couldn't detect anything special about the Pirate King. But the moment Roger spoke those words and flashed that legendary smile, Mihawk's scalp had tingled and a chill had run down his spine. He had never forgotten that feeling.
Now, in this tavern, the old man looking at him with squinted eyes and a faint smile gave him that same sensation—as if he were Roger sitting on the execution platform, looking down at the masses. If the owner of that Sword Intent was in this tavern, this old man was the prime suspect.
But unfortunately... it likely wasn't him.
Although a famous blade hung at the old man's waist, Mihawk could tell at a glance that it was only a Ryo Wazamono (Skillful Grade) weapon. Furthermore, looking at the slightly worn scabbard, it was clear the blade hadn't been properly maintained for a long time. A Grandmaster whose Sword Intent rivaled his own would never treat their primary weapon with such neglect.
Disappointed, but acknowledging the old man as a hidden expert of some sort, Mihawk retracted his sharp aura slightly and stepped further into the tavern.
"He's coming in..." "What does he want? Is he really just here to eat?"
The customers held their breath as Mihawk moved. It felt as if every step he took was landing directly on their hearts. Those sitting near the aisle felt a momentary sensation of being pierced by a thousand blades just from his passing presence. The World's Greatest Swordsman was truly terrifying.
However, upon reaching Rowan's vicinity, Mihawk suddenly stopped. Under the confused gazes of the crowd, he offered Rowan a polite, respectful nod. Only then did he sit down at a vacant table near the old man.
Before Mihawk could even order, Zoro—at the bar—suddenly grabbed his three swords. He stood up abruptly and marched straight toward Mihawk, his expression deathly serious.
"The World's Greatest Swordsman, Dracule Mihawk!"
"Today, I, Roronoa Zoro, challenge you to a duel!"
Zoro's face was grim. Even before the world's strongest, he remained sharp and defiant. At seventeen, he had not yet learned how to hide his edge.
"A challenge?"
Mihawk, who hadn't even looked at a menu yet, was momentarily stunned. But he wasn't angry.
"Interesting. A challenge from an East Blue swordsman? Little guy, you have courage. I accept."
But then, Mihawk pointed to the tavern owner, who was visibly shaking. "However, let me finish my meal first."
"Also, since you have challenged me, you must have the resolve to lose your life."
As he spoke, Mihawk cast a seemingly casual glance at Rowan. "This place isn't suitable for a duel. We'll find an open space later. It's never good to wreck someone's shop."
Sensing Mihawk's subtle gesture, Rowan shrugged. He hadn't said a word!
As for the tavern owner, he was nearly moved to tears. The World's Greatest Swordsman actually cared about his little shop? He was truly... he could cry.
Zoro had no objections to the proposal. He suppressed his inner turmoil, his right hand resting on the hilt of the Wado Ichimonji, his body vibrating slightly. Though he could sense the vast ocean of difference between them, he had to do this. He had already made his resolve.
.........BONUS CHAPTER IS COMING.............
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