World's Greatest Swordsman
Ryuza resisted the burning urge to take his sword and swing at the first object or person he saw. His body was trembling with rage that he had never experienced before. He could feel his veins throbbing and heat building up in his chest.
While Ryuza tried to contain his rage, Yamato was in a similar, if not worse state of rage. Her orange eyes glowed with fury, a yellow brightness emanating from them. The wooden surface of the floor below her begin to shatter under the pressure of her deadly aura, as if being crushed under heavy weights.
"She stole our ship?!" yelled Zoro, clenching fists. "And you guys just sat there and watched?! What were you doing?!"
"No way bro! You got it all wrong!" Yosaku yelled back, trying to calm Zoro down. "She tricked us! We didn't know sister Nami would do such a thing! She pushed us overboard while our guards were lowered!"
Zoro crossed his arms angrily. "And how exactly were your guards lowered?"
Yosaku and Johnny both opened their mouths to give a reply, but said nothing. Their faces turned red and they gazed at the floor in shame. Both of recalled how Nami used her feminine qualities to get them to lower their guard and then betray them. They were both simply too ashamed to admit it.
"That still doesn't explain her taking our money!" Ryuza suddenly snapped, stomping his foot into the floor. "That money was not hers to take!"
"We're sorry! We didn't know that sack belonged to you!" Johnny bowed his head apologetically.
Yamato had to speak through her clenched teeth, her hand gripped tightly around her mace as she resisted the urge to bash something with it. "How did she even know where our loot was to begin with? I thought we hid it!"
The question finally made Ryuza realize what had happened. How could he have been so naive? During the two days they had spent with their new "friends," Nami had gathered information about the location of their loot. She had asked Ryuza several times if the loot was safely hidden, putting on an innocent face as if she cared about his and Yamato's well-being. But in reality, she was just trying to find the exact location to steal it.
"Hey, Ryuza," Nami asked sweetly, giving him a flirtatious look, "Are you sure your loot is safe and sound? What if someone outside saw it and just grabbed it?"
Oblivious to her intentions, Ryuza stared at her blankly and simply answered, "Yeah, it's hidden in a secure spot on our boat. We hid it perfectly underneath our seats where no one would think to look. Why is it that you ask?"
Nami blinked numerous times, surprised by Ryuza's blunt answer and seemingly not affected by her gaze. "Oh, I was just curious," she replied, feigning innocence with a smile. "I wanted to make sure you and Yamato are well taken care of, that's all. The trip to the grand line is dangerous and you'll need a lot of money for the journey."
Ryuza smiled, still unaware of her true motives. "Well, I appreciate the concern, Nami. Thanks for the heads up."
Nami's eyes sparkled as she mentally noted the information, all the while maintaining her innocent facade.
"She…she tricked me…" Ryuza hissed through his teeth. "That….dishonorable…lying….little…."
"How could she!" Yamato shouted, taking her mace and suddenly swinging it into the wall, causing it to shatter on impact, wood flying into the sea. "She took advantage of our trust! How could she do such a thing!"
Ryuza could feel his hand twitching. That loot was their only hope of finally leaving the restaurant and returning to their journey. Without it, they had no way to pay back the cooks, and even worse, they could not repair their boat or have money to feed themselves. To even start, they'd have to work at the restaurant for months to pay back the restaurant. Ryuza didn't know what he would do if Nami had been standing in front of him at that very moment.
"Wait a second, I think I can see our ship from here!" said Luffy, staring out into the distance. "Yeah! That's it! It's the Going Merry!"
In the far distance, a ship could be seen sailing further and further away from the restaurant. Ryuza rushed over to the railing to see the ship and clenched his teeth angrily. He could tell Nami was on that ship, most likely laughing at how gullible he was. Memories of the pirates that originally stole Ryuza and Yamato's loot filled his mind and caused him even more rage.
"She's getting away!" Ryuza shouted, leaping onto the railing.
Usopp jumped at Ryuza's sudden movement, "H-hey! What are you doing?"
"I'm getting our stuff back!" Ryuza yelled, preparing to dive into the sea.
Before he could, Yamato grabbed him and held him tightly so that he could not jump. "Ryuza! Calm down! There's no way you'd be able to catch that ship by swimming!"
Her reasoning was ignored by Ryuza as he swung his legs, angrily trying to break free from Yamato's hold. Of course, due to Yamato's strength, it only made him appear like a child throwing a tantrum while being dangled in the air by an adult.
"Yosaku! Johnny! Do you guys still have your ship?" Luffy suddenly asked, glancing over at them.
"Yes! We still have ours!" They both replied in unison.
Luffy then looked at his crew members. "Zoro! Usopp! You guys can take their ship and follow her!"
"Just let her go. No good will come chasing after a thief." sighed Zoro, shaking her head.
Luffy's expression hardened. "I want her to be our navigator. No matter what."
Ryuza's eyes snapped over to Luffy, his gaze even more furious. With as much strength as he could muster he freed himself from Yamato grip and rushed over to Luffy, turning him around so that he could face him and grabbing by his collar.
"You want her to be your navigator?! I thought she was already part of your crew!" Ryuza yelled in his face, his eyes wide and shaking. His anger was boiling over as he shook Luffy by his shirt collar.
"Hey! She is! I mean...sort of," Luffy replied, his expression turning thoughtful and then returning to a determined gaze. "No, she definitely is! She helped us out of tough situations before we came to this restaurant!"
Ryuza's grip tightened as he exclaimed, "Then... why on earth is she stealing your ship and our loot?!" His voice rose with agitation. "Your navigator just ran off with our hard-earned treasure!"
Luffy nodded, his jaw clenched in frustration. "I know!"
"Our shit!" Ryuza repeated, giving Luffy another vigorous shake.
"I know! But we're going to find out why, I promise! Just calm down!" Luffy urged, attempting to soothe Ryuza's anger.
Grinding his teeth, Ryuza eventually relented. Zoro stepped in to separate the two, letting out a heavy sigh and rubbing his temples.
"Listen, Usopp and I are going to chase down our ship. Once we catch it, we'll recover your loot and return it to you," Zoro explained, shaking his head. "That is, if she doesn't manage to sell it off before we can catch up to her."
"You guys would do that for us?" Yamato asked, her eyes widening in surprise.
Ryuza's furious gaze softened slightly. Though still angry, Zoro's reassurance seemed to placate him for the moment but he remained skeptical. For a moment he believed that maybe they were just tricking him so they could all escape with the loot, leaving him and Yamato stranded. There was no way he'd let that happen.
"Wait, if we go after Nami, what are you doing Luffy?" asked Usopp, looking over at him.
"I still haven't paid the restaurant back for the cannonball accident." answered Luffy, shrugging his shoulders. "So I'll be sticking around here."
Luffy's answer eased Ryuza's worries greatly. He expected Luffy to go along with his crew members and escape during all of the commotion, especially when it's their ship that was in jeopardy of being stolen. But his decision to stay and help the workers of the restaurant made Ryuza pause. If he didn't know any better, this Luffy character was making an honorable decision.
"Fine…if your captain is sticking around then I'll trust you on this." sighed Ryuza, looking back out into the distance as the Going Merry and he and Yamato's loot slowly drifted away further and further.
"Good. Anyways, you guys should be careful." warned Zoro. "The situation here is getting a little crazy-"
"Captain! It's him!"
A voice suddenly echoed through the seas, coming from the remaining structure of Don Krieg's ship that had sank into the sea just yet. The remaining crew members hung on to what they could as the remaining parts of the ship threatened to be submerged into the salt water below.
"Don Krieg it's him! The one who destroyed our fleet!" yelled Spike, Don Krieg's lieutenant showing fear in his eyes. "He's followed us all the way out here! The bastard actually followed us!"
Don Krieg clenched his teeth as cold sweat poured down his face. "That bastard…."
Yamato heard the fear in their voices and then noticed Zoro pausing, with sweat pouring down his face. "Zoro-San? Are you alright?" She asked with concern in her voice.
Ryuza followed the gazes of Don Krieg's crew members and was shocked at what and who he saw drifting closer to the restaurant, floating by themselves in the sea.
On a small seaworthy craft , no bigger than Ryuza's and Yamato's boat was a single man dressed in an open black coat with white pants and a chain of a cross on his chest that hung from his neck. The man wore a large hat with a plume that kept a part of his face hidden from view. He sat with his legs crossed in a throne-like chair that was placed in the middle of his boat, just beneath his black sails as it slowly drifted closer and closer toward the restaurant.
"Huh? Who is that guy?" asked Ryuza, raising a brow at the single man who drew closer. His eyes then widened when he recalled what one of Don Krieg's crew members had just yelled. "Wait…he's the one that….sunk a fleet of 50 ships?"
The chefs that stood on the upper deck watched the man approach, their attention taken off of Don Krieg.
"He's the guy that sank 50 ships?!" questioned Patty, his hands shaking slightly around his pitchfork. "I…I thought that bastard was lying earlier….!"
Another cook nodded his head and swallowed nervously. "He looks like any other normal guy! And it doesn't look like he's carrying any special weapons. How would he sink 50 ships?"
"It has to be him!" Carne said, watching the man sail closer. "Look at how Don Krieg and his men are reacting. They're practically shaking!"
Owner Zeff narrowed his eyes in realization. "If you're looking for his weapon then it's on his back."
On the back of the man who had sank a fleet of ships single-handedly, was a large sword. Ryuza looked closely and could make out the shine of the blade. It was a sword, no doubt. The sword's elegant design featured a curved, single-edged blade with a unique wave pattern on its surface. Its guard was shaped like a cross, with a black hilt and a small, gleaming red gem embedded in the center.
"Yes, that's him alright. The hawk eyed man who is a renowned swordsman." Owner Zeff explained, crossing his arms. "He's more renowned than any other swordsman in the world."
"In the world?" repeated Patty, swallowing nervously. "So..he's…"
Owner Zeff nodded his head. "He's known as Dracule Hawk-Eyes Mihawk. The world's greatest swordsman."
The waves of the ocean rose and crashed into the side of the restaurant upon hearing the sound of Mihawk's title. Ryuza's eyes had widened at Owner Zeff's words and even he had begun sweating. Until today, he had never heard of Dracule Mihawk, or at least, he had never paid close enough attention to remember his name.
Ryuza's heart raced in his chest, his breaths coming in shallow, rapid gasps. He had trained relentlessly, dedicating his life to the pursuit of becoming the Sword God, just like his idol Ryuma. And now, standing before him, was the world's greatest swordsman, a living testament to the pinnacle of swordsmanship. He felt an overwhelming mixture of awe, fear, and curiosity.
His hands trembled slightly as he considered the implications of Mihawk's presence. Could this legendary swordsman hold the key to unlocking the secrets of becoming the Sword God? Was this encounter fate, guiding him toward his destiny? Ryuza's mind raced with these thoughts, struggling to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions engulfing him.
The world's greatest swordsman, Mihawk, lifted his head, revealing the hawk-like eyes that were hidden beneath his hat. His small and peculiar boat sailed to the right of the wreckage of Don Krieg's ship. Many of Don Krieg's crew trembled with terror at the sight of him being so close in proximity. To make matters worse, his eyes shifted over to the wreckage, his expression sharp and deadly as he simply stared.
"D-damn it…" a crew member muttered, unable to take the pressure. "Damn it! What the hell did we ever do to you! Why did you follow us!" He shouted. "Why the hell did you follow us even all the way out here!?"
Mihawk's expression remained sharp and he returned his gaze to the seas ahead. "Just to kill some time." He replied coldly.
His answer made the crew member tremble. The pressure on his shoulders was even more heavy due to the answer. He reached down and grabbed two pistols from the belt at his waist. His fellow crew members were too late in stopping him from doing something foolish.
"That's bullshit!" The crew member screamed to the heavens, pulling the two triggers.
The two projectiles went flying, aimed for Mihawk's face. Mihawk's hand quickly reached back for his sword and with a quick stroke, as if painting the air, he swung his sword. The projectiles smoothed past Mihawk's blade, as if the air alone had changed the direction they were going.
Ryuza stared in stunned silence. It wasn't hard for him to see the move Mihawk had implemented, but it was nonetheless shocking.
"W-what just happened?" Yamato asked, her eyes widening in shock at his lighting fast reflex. "Did he deflect it? From that close of proximity?!"
"Yeah, he deflected it alright." Zoro confirmed, his eyes locked on Mihawk. "It'll be the same no matter how many times you shoot at him. He changes the bullet's trajectory with the tip of his sword."
Zoro fits clenched tightly and he suddenly rushed back into the ship.
Ryuza noticed him running off suddenly and couldn't help but ask. "Zoro! Where are you going?!"
His question would be answered by itself. Zoro rushed to the restaurant's deck and leaped from the railings and onto a piece of wreckage where many of Don Krieg's men found stable ground. He slowly walked toward the edge to get within close proximity to Mihawk. The remaining crew members simply stared at Zoro as he drifted past them, daring not to make a move against him.
"Heh, so the stories really are true." Zoro chuckled, coming to a stop at the edge of the platform. "I've never seen such graceful movements."
"A sword without grace is no strong sword." Mihawk replied, sheathing the sword behind his back.
"Did you cut up this ship with your sword as well?" Zoro grinned, as if he had already knew the answer to his question.
Mihawk raised a brow but his expression remained stoic. "Indeed I did."
Mihawk's answer sent a shiver down Ryuza's spine. He felt his body quaking, unable to discern whether it was from excitement or adrenaline. The idea of cutting down an entire ship of enemies had only existed in his wildest dreams, and yet, the man standing mere feet away was capable of such a feat.
Wasting no time, the young samurai scrambled to the top of the deck and leaped onto the wreckage. He needed to be closer to this historic encounter. However, Ryuza couldn't quite understand Zoro's intentions.
"I set sail to meet you, y'know," said Zoro, yanking the bandana from around his arm.
"Is that so...?" Mihawk replied, his legs remaining crossed. "…What do you aim for?"
Zoro's grin grew even wider. "…To be the strongest!"
As he wrapped the bandana around his head, his eyes darkened once again. Ryuza paused, recognizing the significance of the gesture. Zoro had donned the bandana before dueling him. Ryuza realized that Zoro was gearing up to face the renowned swordsman.
Mihawk stared at Zoro in silence before uncrossing his legs. Don Krieg's crew took steps back as he stood up from his seat and leaped onto the wreckage to confront the green haired swordsman, his sword still sheathed on his back. He crossed his arms and stood a few feet in front of Zoro, the two eyeing each other.
Ryuza's heart raced as he observed the unfolding scene. He knew this was a rare opportunity to witness a clash between two extraordinary swordsmen. His gaze darted between Zoro and Mihawk, absorbing every detail of their stances, expressions, and movements. Ryuza was determined to learn as much as possible from their encounter.
"If you're a component swordsman, by any means, then I can demonstrate the clear difference in strength between you and I. Without need to cross blades" said Mihawk as if it were fact. "But still, you dare to challenge me. Does your bravery come from your conviction…or ignorance?"
Zoro's eyes narrowed. Ryuza watched as he unsheathed the three swords from their scabbards, and placed the hilt of one of them firmly in his mouth, holding the blade firmly between his teeth. Ryuza felt his heart race even faster at the sight. He recognized the three sword technique to be the move Zoro was prepared to use on him in their duel. And he was finally about to witness it first hand.
"My bravery? It comes from my ambition." answered Zoro, lowering into a stance. "And a promise to a friend."
Silence filled the air as the two swordsmen faced each other. There was not a sound that could be heard, save for the surrounding water slowly drifting in waves. Not even any of the surrounding seagulls had to dared to make a sound. Luffy, Usopp, Johnny, Yosaku and Yamato watched the scene with bated breath. The cooks, Don Krieg and his crew also waited to see how the duel would unfold.
Many of them made sure to gain as much distance away from the fight as they could. Ryuza on the other hand, got as close as he could without getting in the way. From the sight, he could tell the fuel was similar to the ones that are told in legends. He would not miss a single stroke of the blade.
Mihawk made the first move, but not too attack. He reached down and took out a small knife and unsheathed it from its miniature scabbed. Ryuza looked closely in confusion. The knife was not even big enough to cut into a roll of cheese.
Zoro raised one of his brows. "And just what are you planning to do with that?"
"I'm different from all those mere brutes who'd go all out on a rabbit hunt." replied Mihawk, holding the knife in front of him. "Though you yourself may be a swordsman of some renown, this area is the east blue. The weakest of the four seas, that are separated by the red and grand line."
Ryuza narrowed his eyes at Mihawk's words. He had not considered the possibility of the East Blue being the weakest of the four seas. That part of the world was his home. Where he was raised and trained. And yet, if the world's greatest swordsman could say that the east blue was the weakest, how could Ryuza argue?
"Unfortunately, I do not have a blade smaller than this one at the moment." Mihawk said coldly, taunting Zoro without the slightest change of his stoic expression.
An angry vein grew on Zoro's head due to Mihawk's words. Ryuza could feel Zoro's anger. The comment was not directed at him, but the young samurai was offended. To many swordsmen and samurai, to use such a small blade during a duel was nothing but an insult.
"There's a limit…to just how much you can underestimate me!" growled Zoro, dashing toward his opponent. "You better not regret it when you die!"
Ryuza's eyes were glued to the duel, his heart pounding in anticipation as he watched Zoro close in on his target. This was the moment he'd finally be able to witness his true skill with the blade first hand.
As Zoro gathered his strength, he charged towards Mihawk, shouting, "Oni Giri!"
In a mesmerizing display of skill, Zoro executed the move, his three swords slicing through the air in a coordinated, ferocious assault. The move seemed to blend raw power with an uncanny finesse, and Ryuza was instantly captivated. The young samurai's admiration for Zoro's dedication to his craft swelled within him.
However, Ryuza's excitement was short-lived, as Mihawk's reaction to the attack left him astounded. With the small knife he had in his hand , Mihawk effortlessly blocked Zoro's powerful onslaught with the tip of the small blade. Ryuza audibly gasped, struggling to comprehend the unparalleled skill Mihawk had just displayed.
"No way! He blocked Brother Zoro's Oni Giri with that small knife?!" Yosaku shouted, his voice carrying his shock.
Yamato gripped the railing and watched the fight with astounded eyes. She wondered just how deep Mihawk's power went if he was able to gain the title of world's strongest swordsman. But she also wanted Zoro to gain victory over him.
"You can do it Zoro-San!" She shouted over the railing, wanting him to continue to press forward.
Zoro was frozen in shock after Mihawk had effortlessly blocked his attack, but his eyes narrowed and he began delivering another onslaught of blade swings, a battle cry rising from his chest. Mihawk remained unfettered by the continuous attack, his stance unbreakable as he blocked and deflected each sword swing with the small knife he had.
In the final swing, Mihawk deflected again, and swung his knife in return. The blade cut part of Zoro's shoulder and was forceful enough to send him flying onto his back.
Ryuza clenched his teeth at the sight. "Come on Zoro-san! Get up!"
Zoro leapt back to his feet and panted heavily. Ryuza wanted to see more of Mihawk's abilities, but he also wanted Zoro to put up a much better fight than he had been doing. The thought of losing against such a small blade was degrading to Ryuza. He could not imagine what Zoro had been feeling at that moment.
Zoro rushed back at Mihawk with another lightning fast sword swings with extreme precision. Mihawk's blocks and parries however, were even faster and more precise. Not a single one of Zoro's attacks broke through his defense. Mihawk's expression remained cold, his black coat flapping in the wind as he remained unbothered.
"Such ferocity…." said Mihawk, continuing his deflections. "What burdens you so? What what do you still desire at the extent of your strength, weakling?"
Yosaku and Johnny had enough. Both of them unsheathed their blades and leapt onto the railing, preparing to join the fight. "How dare you call our bro a weakling!?" They screamed in unison.
Before they could move however, Luffy had grabbed them both, keeping them still before they could jump into the water and engage in the fight.
"Stop! Both of you don't interfere!" shouted Luffy, his eyes remaining locked onto the fight with clenched teeth. "Stay put right here…!"
Both Yamato and Usopp looked at Luffy with surprised expressions. Yamato questioned why Luffy had stopped them, and also questioned why Luffy had not jumped into the fight himself. If Zoro was one of his nakama, then why did he not interfere. She figured it had something to do with Zoro's goal. Maybe it was because he knew Zoro would not want anyone to interfere in the fight.
With another parry, Mihawk sent Zoro flying a few feet away. Zoro flipped and landed on his feet, his stance shifting and his blades lifted over his shoulder. His eyes were bloodshot as he prepared his move. The look in his eyes was a testament to how determined he was to defeat the world's greatest swordsman.
"Tora…." Zoro's muscles tightened and he flew at Mihawk with quick agility. "Gari!!!"
Ryuza saw the technique clearly as if it were moving in slow motion. Zoro had planned on bringing both of his blades down on Mihawk's head in a powerful and heavy attack. Mihawk's reaction however, left Ryuza stunned.
Before Zoro could even shift his weight to bring his two blades down, Mihawk had lunged forward with his knife, his movement faster than lightning. The tip of his weapon found its target and pierced Zoro through his chest, blood splattering onto Zoro's white shirt and staining the deck in a crimson paint. Zoro's eyes had widened, and his gaze slowly drifted to the knife firmly pierced in his skin.
"B-bro!!!" Yosaku and Johnny shouted in unison.
Luffy clenched his teeth and shook violently, as if he was desperately trying to keep himself from jumping in to save Zoro from any further damage. Yamato felt her hands tremble at the sight of Zoro's body nearly going limp, blood still pouring from his wound.
Ryuza clenched his teeth and had to resist the urge to grab the hilt of his blade still in its scabbard at his waist. He wanted to interfere in the fight as well. He didn't fully trust Zoro, or his captain, any of his other crew members after what Nami had did. And yet, he could not help the feeling to interfere so that Zoro would not end up being killed in the duel. He still desired to finish their interrupted confrontation.
But Ryuza was bounded as a swordman and as a samurai to not interfere in the fight. Ryuza had tried to place himself in Zoro's position. If he had engaged in an honorable duel and someone had interfered to help him, he would not be able to forgive himself. Perhaps it was a foolish pride thing that many swordsman and samurai carried, but many of them believed that a duel such as the one Mihawk and Zoro were in, should not be touched by outside forces.
Though the blade was stuck firmly in Zoro's chest, he did not move an inch. He simply stared ahead at Mihawk, blood still pouring from the wound.
Mihawk raised one of his brows. "Do you wish for me to pierce your heart thus? Why do you refuse to step back?"
"Beats…me…I'm not really sure myself…" answered Zoro weakly, his voice carrying through the blade still in his mouth. "But I get the feeling, if I were to step back now, I'd lose something very important to me. A promise or oath or whatever…it would be irreversibly broken. And I'd never be able to return back to where I'm standing right now."
"Yes, such is the way of defeat." replied Mihawk, his eyes remaining cold. "Tell me, even if it means your death, you'd still dare not to take a step back?"
Zoro answered with a steely gaze. "I'd much rather die."
Ryuza narrowed his eyes as he continued to watch the scene unfold. He understood Zoro's reasoning completely. Zoro would much rather die than to see his goal unfulfilled. Ryuza could relate to the idea. To put so many years into trying to achieve a certain goal and to be right there to grasp it. The ideal was understandable.
As Ryuza watched Zoro stand unwavering in the face of imminent death, he saw a reflection of his own determination. Both of them had embarked on their respective journeys with a single-minded pursuit of greatness. They had poured their blood, sweat, and tears into their training, never allowing setbacks to deter them from their ultimate goals.
Ryuza felt a sense of camaraderie with Zoro as he witnessed his unyielding spirit. He knew that, much like Zoro, he would never allow himself to back down when faced with adversity. The young samurai admired Zoro's fierce resolve and realized that, in order to become the Sword God, he too must be willing to risk everything.
Zoro was displaying his warrior spirit by remaining defiant in the face of the world's greatest swordsman. Only true samurai and skilled swordsmen possessed the sort of warrior spirit that would allow them to stare death in the face and remain unfettered. Ryuza knew that he would need to embrace this mindset wholeheartedly if he were to achieve his dream of becoming the Sword God.
Mihawk narrowed his eyes and pulled the blade from Zoro's chest. "Kid. Tell me your name."
Zoro coughed up some of his blood but raised his swords once again. "Roronoa Zoro." He answered, getting into a stance with his swords held out in front of him as if they were blades of a fan.
Mihawk returned the small knife to it's small scabbard. The duel however was not over. Mihaw replaced the knife with his large cross shaped sword that he had used to cut Don Krieg's ship. He held it one hand, unbothered by his weight. Ryuza examined the steel blade from afar. It's metal darkened as if it had been burnt. He didn't understand completely, but he could feel a strange power resonating from the sword.
"I shall remember it. For your strength is not oft seen in this world." said Mihawk, raising his sword. "And to pay my respect to you as a fellow swordsman. I shall end this duel with my black sword, the world's strongest sword."
Zoro's stance deepened and he began twirling his blades in front of him in a circular motion. Ryuza could feel the wind picking up from the swings as if a cyclone was in front of him. Mihawk began taking steps toward Zoro, preparing to end the duel once and for all.
"Bro! That's enough! Stop!" Johnny tried to call out, wanting Zoro to end the fight before the death blow could be delivered.
Luffy, Usopp and Yamato watched on, clenching their teeth in dismay as Zoro did not lower his blades to surrender. There was absolute resolution within his eyes. If he were to die here, he would have no argument against it.
"Santouryuu…" Zoro's swords spun even faster in a clockwise motion. Ryuza had to cover his eyes from the force of the wind the swords were creating. "Ougi!"
Mihawk lunged toward Zoro, his sword preparing for the death blow. Zoro launched himself forward in return.
"Sanzen Sekai!" Zoro roared, his blades moving with inhuman speed.
In a flash of light from the steel clashing, Zoro and Mihawk had cut through each other's defense, bursting pass each other in the process. It took a moment for Ryuza to process, but he could see who was the clear victor at that very moment. Pieces of Zoro's two blades flew into the air. His two swords were shattered under the might of Mihawk's attack.
More of Zoro's blood bursted from his chest while Mihawk himself remained untouched and his black blade unscratched. A breathless sigh escaped Ryuza's lips as Zoro did not move. Zoro coughed as more blood escaped his body. He paused and then spat out the blade in his mouth, and caught it with his hand. A part of Ryuza hoped that Zoro still had enough strength to muster for another attack. His two blades were broken, but he still had one more to use.
But instead of attacking, Zoro sheathed his remaining blade into its scabbard. Ryuza's shoulder dropped. Sheathing a sword in such a way could only mean that Zoro had accepted his fate. He had been defeated, and now death was all that awaited him.
While Zoro had his back turned toward him, Mihawk turned around with his blade ready to deliver one final swing. Instead of waiting however, Zoro stood to his feet and turned to meet the incoming blade, his arms held outright so that he had no defense. Ryuza watched, astounded by the gesture.
Mihawk paused his incoming swing. For the first that Ryuza had seen him, his expression was actually one of complete surprise.
Mihawk stared at Zoro, his blade still gripped in his hand. "What are you…."
Zoro smiled, despite the blood dripping past his lips. "A wound on one's back…is the shame of a swordsman."
Ryuza recognized Zoro's words to be true. It was one of the things that his master had taught him. A wound on the back only meant that you were either caught off guard in an embarrassing way by your opponent, or that you were a coward and tried to run from a duel. Many samurai and swordsmen still resonated with the idea. Though not all swordsman had the same code of honor as samurai, they both could agree that a wound on the back brought shame.
Mihawk stared at Zoro for a moment, and then smiled. "Splendid."
The blade of Mihawk made its mark as it slashed through Zoro's chest, forcing even more blood to burst from his torso. Ryuza felt his mouth drop at the sight. Luffy, Usopp and Yamato had the same expressions, each one shocked at Zoro's body being pierced.
Luffy could no longer keep himself contained and screamed. "Zoro!!!!!"