Naturally, there wasn't much to say afterward.
Upon seeing the young Mihawk, Caesar felt a strange stir in his heart. Without hesitation, he used his mind force to summon a Den Den Mushi into his hand.
"Purupurupuru…"
The call connected quickly.
"Hello! Your Majesty, the Heavenly King! What are your orders?"
A respectful voice came from the other end. The person in charge of the underground fighting tournament was careful, knowing that Caesar was the ultimate authority—someone he couldn't afford to displease.
"Is there a man named Mihawk competing in your arena?"
Caesar got straight to the point.
Hearing this, the tournament official was momentarily stunned. He couldn't help but wonder about Mihawk's background if someone as powerful as the Heavenly King himself was taking an interest. However, he quickly pushed his curiosity aside.
"Your Majesty, please hold on. I'll check the records immediately!"
The official had no particular memory of Mihawk. After all, countless fighters came through the tournament, each with their own unique traits. Without delay, he signaled his assistant, who rifled through stacks of documents before retrieving the relevant file.
Skimming through it, the official found nothing particularly unusual—except for one detail: the boy's eyes were strikingly sharp, giving off an intense aura.
But personal opinions didn't matter. His job was to report.
"I apologize for the delay, Your Majesty!" he said hurriedly. "This Mihawk is currently fourteen years old. He has already fought multiple rounds and remains undefeated!"
"But he's not much of a talker. His eyes… they're as sharp as a falcon's, which has made him quite popular among the audience. They've even given him a nickname—'Hawkeye Mihawk.'"
As soon as he heard this title, Caesar's eyes flashed with interest. So, even at this age, he's already being called that.
"He's got three more matches left," the official continued. "And he's one of the tournament's biggest attractions. Many spectators are betting on him!"
Finishing his report, the official exhaled in relief and placed the documents down, awaiting further orders.
Caesar, after listening, had already made up his mind.
"Alright. Continue with your work."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The moment the Den Den Mushi disconnected, the official let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.
Still, he couldn't shake his curiosity. Picking up Mihawk's file once more, he studied it carefully.
Why would the Heavenly King himself take such an interest in this boy?
No matter how he looked at it, Mihawk was just a fourteen-year-old kid.
For Caesar, though, this was something extraordinary.
Back in his previous life, Mihawk had been one of his favorite characters.
But now, seeing him in the flesh, so young yet already showing such promise, how could he let such talent slip away?
With his knowledge and understanding of swordsmanship, there was no doubt—he had to take this boy under his wing.
A few days later, after another grueling match against a formidable swordsman, Mihawk returned to his rented room.
Despite his exhaustion, his golden eyes gleamed with satisfaction.
Another step forward.
However, the moment he stepped inside, his expression hardened.
There was an intruder in his room.
His gaze snapped toward the figure. But when he got a clear look at who it was, his pupils contracted.
His intense, hawk-like eyes locked onto the man before him.
"Mihawk, it seems you know who I am," Caesar said with a slight smile. His tone was calm, but there was an undeniable weight behind his words—an invisible pressure that filled the room.
Mihawk remained on guard, but his unwavering spirit as a swordsman burned within him. He simply asked,
"Heavenly King Caesar."
His voice was steady. "What brings Your Majesty into my room uninvited?"
Despite facing one of the most feared men on the seas, Mihawk showed no fear. Instead, excitement flickered in his gaze—an excitement he could barely suppress.
Caesar chuckled lightly before getting to the point.
"I saw you in a tournament broadcast. Watched your matches." His eyes gleamed with interest. "Your skill is impressive. Your swordsmanship is still raw, but the potential is undeniable. I can already see the shadow of a true master within you."
Most people would take offense at such remarks, especially from someone who had intruded into their personal space.
But Mihawk didn't.
Because his goal was clear—to become the strongest swordsman.
If someone stronger than him had advice, he would listen.
The true path of the sword required one to seek strength, not pride.
And the man before him was not just anyone.
He was Heavenly King Caesar, a legendary swordsman said to be unmatched.
"A child with your talent is rare," Caesar continued. "So, I have an offer for you."
He paused for a moment, observing Mihawk's reaction.
"I want to take you as my apprentice and teach you my swordsmanship."
Mihawk's sharp eyes narrowed. He scrutinized Caesar, measuring the weight of his words.
Then, in the next second—
"I accept."
There was no hesitation.
For someone who had dedicated his entire existence to the way of the sword, how could he reject this opportunity?
Born for the Blade—Destined to be the Strongest
For Mihawk, becoming Caesar's disciple was an opportunity beyond measure.
He had seen glimpses of Caesar's battles. Even brief clips of his swordsmanship were enough to prove that his skill was beyond anything Mihawk had encountered before.
And then there was that sword.
The supreme black blade that always floated by Caesar's side.
Even without touching it, Mihawk could feel its presence. A weapon that exuded a force unlike any other—a force beyond ordinary swords.
The aura of a true master swordsman surrounded Caesar, making it impossible for Mihawk not to take notice.
Long before he had gone out to sea, Mihawk's master had once spoken about Caesar.
"The most terrifying genius the world has ever seen."
Though Caesar's talents spanned multiple fields—Haki, physical combat, strategy—his swordsmanship stood at the pinnacle.
Even Mihawk's master, a powerful swordsman in his own right, admitted,
"I cannot compare to Caesar."
Those words had left an impression on Mihawk as a child.
Since then, he had always wanted to see this so-called "terrifying genius" for himself.
And now, the chance had come far sooner than expected.
Throughout the world, rumors circulated. Some said Caesar was the strongest man alive. Others claimed he was the world's greatest swordsman.
But the latter title was more controversial.
After all, legendary figures like Gol D. Roger and the Golden Lion Shiki were still around. Many powerful swordsmen refused to acknowledge Caesar as the best.
Yet, none could deny his strength.
Even his battles against Marine powerhouses like Garp and Sengoku proved his overwhelming might.
As for Mihawk, he had made up his mind.
Caesar wasn't just another swordsman—he was a force of nature.
And under his guidance, Mihawk would rise to become the greatest swordsman the world had ever seen.
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