Chapter 176: Please Don't Die!
"I'm going in!"
Mihawk gripped the Long Sword in his hand, his eyes narrowing, his gaze as sharp as Eagle Eye locking onto Nicholas. A chilling Aura erupted, transforming him into an Eagle poised to strike, his sharpness fully revealed.
Appearing to have mobilized all his energy and spirit to their peak, Mihawk held the Long Sword and Thrust directly at Nicholas.
The Sword Tip collided with the Air, as if piercing straight through it, even creating a Vacuum Zone at the Sword Tip.
Dorag, watching the battle from the side, couldn't help but narrow his eyes.
There was no doubt that his fundamentals in Swordsmanship were terrifyingly solid. Anyone could Thrust, but to use the basic Thrust in Swordsmanship to this degree was incredibly rare.
"If this guy could become a Swordsmanship instructor for the Revolutionary Army, he could definitely train a group of Swordsman with formidable Combat Power!"
Dorag couldn't help but think.
In Nicholas's eyes, the Sword Light from Eagle Eye's Sword grew increasingly brilliant. He could even be certain that in Eagle Eye's world at this moment, everything else had vanished, and his eyes were solely fixed on Nicholas before him.
Nicholas squinted, watching Mihawk who seemed to be one with his Sword. The chopsticks in his Right Hand tightened slightly, and then Armament Haki rapidly covered them.
Although he had progressed further than Mihawk in the Way of the Sword at this point, that didn't mean he could block a Sharp Blade with wooden chopsticks.
Clang!
In Dorag's view, Mihawk, who was one with his Sword and seemingly unstoppable, was easily blocked by Nicholas. The sharp Sword Tip and the Armament Haki-covered chopsticks clashed in mid-air, even generating Air Waves.
It was at that very moment that Mihawk suddenly heard the sound of wind.
Whoosh~ Whoosh~ Whoosh!
Wind. The once silent world was suddenly filled with wind, and the sound grew louder and louder.
In his eyes, Gale suddenly began to blow from the Place where Nicholas stood, growing stronger and stronger until the Gale's roar filled the space between heaven and earth.
Of course, this was merely an illusion vaguely perceived by his spiritual world.
Only Powerful Figures with extremely high Way of the Sword cultivation could perceive it during clashes.
Eagle Eye perceived it – that domineering, tyrannical Gale. It instantly swept over him, causing his Whole Body to tremble slightly.
"How did that guy do that? Blocking my Attack with those toy-like chopsticks... How is that possible!"
Though his mind was still reeling in shock, his Body had already subconsciously shifted from a Thrust to a Slash.
This was an instinctive reaction formed from over a decade of immersion in Way of the Sword cultivation.
In other words, his brain was telling him, 'You've already lost.'
But his Body directly used Action to tell his brain, 'You motherfucker, shut your Fart mouth and watch me show you how it's done.'
"The instinct of a Swordsman, huh? As expected of a Great Swordsman who could become the World's Greatest Swordsman and forge his own Black Sword."
As Mihawk changed his attack, Nicholas also held the chopsticks horizontally, blocking Mihawk's Slash.
Then, a chilling, Terror-inducing Sword Intent, like a relentless Gale, swept forth.
While slashing the Long Sword aside, the chopsticks in Nicholas's hand, coated in Armament Haki, were Thrust into Mihawk's chest.
Appearing to feel something strange in his chest, Mihawk lowered his head in disbelief at the chopsticks, coated in Armament Haki, embedded in his Body, and the Blood that continuously flowed out, soaking his clothes.
"Why didn't you retreat or dodge?"
Mihawk: Can I say it's because I didn't react in time?
"Such a strong competitive spirit? You're the first Swordsman I've met like you. I acknowledge you, Mihawk!"
Nicholas said seriously.
Mihawk: Is this guy really a Powerful Figure at the Top of the World? So dramatic.
"I will remember you as a rare [Powerful Figure]. I will treat you with a Swordsman's respect, and end your Life with my strongest partner!"
Following Nicholas's Words, he casually flicked the chopsticks away, embedding them in a Rock. At the same time, a Sword gradually materialized in his hand.
"Then let me see just how strong your Resolve truly is!!"
And with Nicholas's Action, Dorag, whose Fist was hidden beneath his dark green Cape, quietly clenched his hand. At the same time, his Whole Body tensed. He had already developed an appreciation for Mihawk's talent, and if it truly came to a critical moment, he would try to save him.
Following Nicholas's Drawing Sword, Mihawk's Aura, which had been somewhat dimmed, surged once more, even stronger than before. There was also a hint of tragic intensity within that Aura.
"Come, Nicholas!"
With a roar, the two charged at each other simultaneously.
Swish!
The two figures flashed past each other.
After Nicholas came to a stop, the Long Sword in his hand slowly vanished.
Mihawk stood rooted to the spot, a smile suddenly spreading across his face. In that moment, he saw a more brilliant world.
At the same time, Blood erupted from his chest, splattering across the ground. A Slash wound stretched from his left shoulder down to his right abdomen, and then his entire Body collapsed backward.
After a moment of silence, Nicholas immediately transformed into Lightning and appeared beside the fallen Mihawk, looking at him with a worried expression.
"Hey, hey! Please don't die!"
Watching Mihawk's Life Aura weaken rapidly, Nicholas began to panic. To be honest, he hadn't intended to kill Mihawk. But unfortunately, his 'good brother' had misunderstood Nicholas's intentions and added a little extra power to the Attack, making Mihawk, who should have only been seriously injured, look like he was on the verge of death.
"Hey, Dorag! What are you still watching for? Come over and help!?"
"You guys have a Base around here, right?"
Nicholas said to Dorag while using Lightning to stimulate Mihawk's Body, trying to prevent his Bodily Functions from shutting down completely.
"Yes."
As soon as he said that, a Gale swept through, and the Figures of the three vanished. Only a Puddle of Blood on the ground remained, proof that a Battle had taken Place there.
"Where is this?"
When Mihawk awoke again, he was in an unfamiliar Place, his Body wrapped in Bandages, and the Flavor of Disinfectant Alcohol hung in the Air.
"Ah, you're awake, cold-faced boy. This is our Secret Base. It took quite a bit of effort to save you, you know."
"Where's Nicholas?"
Mihawk ignored the chatter around him and asked about Nicholas.
"Nicholas left after your condition stabilized. He said if you ever make it to the New World, you can find him in White Dance in Wano Country. Oh, and he asked me to apologize to you."
Dorag entered from outside and said to Mihawk.
He glanced at Mihawk, seeing the future Great Swordsman seemingly lost in thought. He must have gained some insights from his Battle with Nicholas.
"Next time we meet, I won't lose to you again, Nicholas!"
Mihawk murmured.
Although Mihawk's voice was soft, Dorag still heard him.
So he said to Mihawk, "Next time you see him, you'll probably still have a hard time winning. After all, that guy was fighting Whitebeard not too long ago and was evenly matched with him."
Finally, Dorag seemed to remember something and added again.
"That guy is strong. Very strong!"
(End of Chapter)