"What kind of exercise is this? Do swordsmen now fight so elegantly? Has he, the strongest swordsman in the world, already become outdated?" Mihawk grumbled but nonetheless revealed his black sword, the Black Sword knight.
"This sword is called knight, the blade length is five feet and eight inches, pure weight is eighteen pounds and four ounces, it can cut hair and slice through iron like it's mud," Mihawk said, mimicking Karl. Suddenly, he felt a strange sensation in his heart, as if his connection with knight had deepened. It was interesting!
A spark ignited in Mihawk's eyes, and in the next second, he lunged at Karl, slashing with his sword.
"Zzzzz!" Karl parried the blow, gripping his sword with both hands. Mihawk's strength was impressive: it was no wonder he became the strongest swordsman in the world—not only due to his skill with the sword but also because of his excellent physique.
Mihawk showed no sign of stopping, continuing to attack Karl with fierce determination. His sophisticated swordsmanship made Karl feel trapped.
Jing-jing-jiang-jiang!
The whistle of flying blades, sparks swirling around them, and the clashing of swords created an incredible spectacle. The Marines watching the fight retreated hundreds of meters to avoid accidental injuries.
"Is Colonel Karl's swordsmanship really that strong? He's fighting on equal terms with the world's strongest swordsman!"
"Yes!" Look at Colonel Karl, he seems completely at ease.
In reality, Karl was under immense pressure. He concentrated all his thoughts because any mistake could cost him his life, and Mihawk's strikes were deadly.
"Yes, your swordsmanship is indeed excellent, but why do you seem a bit awkward? Is it possible you haven't wielded a sword for too long?" Mihawk asked.
Karl couldn't be bothered to respond. What does "haven't wielded too long" mean? He had just started today!
He couldn't afford to be as relaxed as Mihawk, who could fence with ease while answering questions. Karl could only respond with his sword.
He held the Raven in one hand, parrying Mihawk's blade. Then, grabbing the hilt with both hands, he swung the sword upward.
"Interesting," Mihawk commented, leaning slightly back to avoid the deadly strike, then slashed at Karl's left shoulder.
"Jiang!!!" Karl couldn't dodge in time and positioned his sword to block the blow. The back of the sword faced behind him, and the blade forward, to avoid accidentally hurting himself.
This move successfully parried Mihawk's strike, but with the immense force, Karl's shoulders slumped, and he nearly collapsed to the ground.
Mihawk nodded, "Smart move."
Karl flushed with anger: "How smug he is! The strongest swordsman in the world—it's something incredible!
Hawk: Sorry, the strongest swordsman in the world—it's something incredible!
— Bang! — Karl's left hand clenched into a black fist, and he punched the blade of the black sword Night, deflecting it. His right hand, holding the sword, seized the moment, and the blade swiftly shot toward Mihawk's neck.
If Mihawk hadn't dodged, even he would have perished on the spot.
But how is that possible?
Using the momentum from Karl's punch, Mihawk made a sharp move with his sword, parrying the strike to his neck. A clear click sounded.
— Such pure armament, how can you just be a marine colonel? — Mihawk asked, a little surprised.
Karl smiled: — A few days ago, I was just a marine lieutenant!
Oh! Now Mihawk understood. It just needed to be said! This man's strength is enough for the rank of a general. Apparently, he just hadn't had the time to get promoted!
And then Mihawk decided to increase Karl's strength.
This decision resulted in Karl getting injured in just ten seconds.
— It seems you underestimate the situation... — said Mihawk, holding the sword in his hand. Blood slowly dripped from the blade to the ground. It was Karl's blood.
— Oh, really? In that case, I must up my game. — Karl plunged his sword into the ground, creating a sphere of Sacred Light. The wounds on his chest quickly healed right before his eyes. Within a few breaths, he had restored himself to his original state.
— A devil fruit user? — Mihawk frowned slightly, watching Karl, now enveloped in a golden glow. Karl's strength had noticeably increased. Could this be his ability?
— Shhh... — Karl, holding the sword in his right hand, lightly ran his left hand along the blade. The black blade he touched turned into a dazzling golden color, as if forged by light.
Mihawk's eyes remained calm. He held the Black Sword, Knight, with both hands, making an upward slash.
In the next second, Karl grabbed the sword with both hands, and a blinding light erupted from his body, making it impossible to look directly at him. Karl's figure flashed, and the blade traced a golden arc.
— Zing... The voices of the two men merged together, with Karl behind and Mihawk in front, both continuing to wield their swords.
A sharp click sounded as Mihawk blocked Karl's attack, but when the light vanished, blood spurted from Mihawk's waist.
A terrible wound stretched from Karl's abdomen to his chest, pouring out blood.
Despite being injured, Mihawk wasn't angry; rather, he was a bit surprised: "Moment of Brilliance, what a fitting name. A moment of brilliance is enough to dispel any darkness."
The observing marines were stunned!
What's happening? The world's strongest swordsman has been wounded!
Although Colonel Karl was also injured, the difference in their swordsmanship levels was clear, and Karl was just a marine colonel with a growing reputation!
Could Colonel Karl already be capable of contending for the title of the world's strongest swordsman?
Karl turned and smiled bitterly: "If you hadn't held back, I'm afraid I would have been dead a long time ago!"
It's true; in the previous move, Karl clearly felt that Mihawk had restrained himself. Otherwise, he wouldn't have just been injured.
"Young marine! You cannot die now!"
"Even though you are not yet worthy for me to go all out, no matter how many years pass, I will be waiting for you at this highest position." Mihawk's voice held a hint of excitement. After Shanks lost his arm, he finally found another swordsman with limitless potential.
Although Karl is still very young, and his swordsmanship is quite raw, this is also his advantage. If he can become stronger, someday they will meet again at sea.
Each will wield his sword to decide who is the stronger!
Upon hearing this, Karl felt a sense of familiarity for some inexplicable reason but still smiled: "I believe that day won't be too far off."
— Ka... — Mihawk placed the Black Sword Night on his back and approached Karl. As he passed by him, he whispered, "I hope you won't keep me waiting too long..."
Afterward, Mihawk walked past Karl and leaped onto the coffin on the shore. With the "rhythm" of the coffin, he gradually disappeared from Karl's view.
— Hsss... Hu... — Under the influence of the Sacred Light, the terrible wounds began to heal before their eyes. Nelson and the others gradually surrounded him.
— What do you want to do? — Nelson asked.
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