"Gildarts?"
Mihawk's gaze toward Shanks became tinged with curiosity.
Was this man named Gildarts really just Shanks's crewmate?
If they were merely crewmates…
Then why did their auras and appearances seem astonishingly similar?
They looked like brothers.
If not brothers by blood, then at least cousins or relatives of some sort.
Fortunately, Mihawk knew a bit about Shanks's background and his notorious father's "illustrious" deeds. Therefore, Mihawk refrained from inquiring further about Gildarts, respecting potential family sensitivities.
However, Mihawk's discretion didn't mean Gildarts intended to let him off easily.
"You're Mihawk, aren't you?"
Just as Mihawk comfortably sat down beside Shanks and Gildarts, reaching for a drink, Gildarts—who had been cheerful until now—suddenly stiffened. His pupils contracted sharply as he sternly addressed Mihawk, "I have a question for you."
"A question?" Mihawk tensed imperceptibly, eyes narrowing, his muscles subtly tightening, readying for combat. No one who sensed such intense killing intent would remain unprepared.
"You encountered some youngsters before arriving here, didn't you?" Gildarts pressed.
"Indeed," Mihawk nodded truthfully.
"What did you do to them?" Gildarts demanded.
"No comment," Mihawk replied with a slight smirk.
Mihawk would show leniency and perhaps talk more with weaker opponents or promising youngsters he took an interest in. However, against an equal—or someone capable of genuinely threatening him—he saw no reason to be accommodating. To maintain his title as the world's greatest swordsman, Mihawk always confronted stronger adversaries without hesitation.
"No comment? Your body reeks of powerful magic—not something a mere four words can explain," Gildarts stated coldly. "If you don't give me a proper explanation today, you won't leave this island unscathed."
With these words, Gildarts unleashed his immense magical energy, enveloping the area like a towering pillar.
Gildarts's rage stemmed from sensing potent magic around Mihawk, magic belonging to Erza, Eden, Natsu, and Gajeel, all of whom had seemingly exerted their full strength.
Though Gildarts trusted his guildmates' strength, the thought of relaxing here while his comrades endured life-and-death battles filled him with guilt.
"This magic… Ah, I see. You're a companion of Erza and Eden?" Mihawk realized upon sensing Gildarts's magic.
"It's too late now," Gildarts declared, his magical energy reaching its peak. The entire island quaked under his overwhelming power.
"What's happening?"
"An earthquake?!"
The Red Hair Pirates panicked at the sudden tremors.
"Wait a second! Isn't this some misunderstanding?" Shanks anxiously attempted to mediate. He knew the devastating consequences of two powerhouses fighting unrestrained. This could be catastrophic for his crew currently vacationing on the island.
Ignoring Shanks's concerns, Gildarts struck first, unleashing his Crush Magic toward Mihawk.
"BOOM!"
In an instant, Mihawk was engulfed by the destructive force. Despite Gildarts's attempts to minimize collateral damage, his magic instantly pulverized forests and flattened a nearby mountain.
"Isn't this a bit too extreme?"
"Is he Whitebeard or something?" Yasopp exclaimed, bewildered by the devastation.
Meanwhile, Mihawk—blasted into the sky by Gildarts's strike—readied his counterattack, raising his black blade, Yoru, and channeling his strength into a massive slash.
Even though Mihawk knew their fight stemmed from misunderstanding, warriors of their caliber needed little reason to battle. Moreover, Mihawk was curious to test his strength against Gildarts.
"WHOOSH!"
An earth-shattering slash cleaved through the sky, aiming to split the entire island.
"Is the world ending?" the pirates stared helplessly, unable to react.
But Gildarts casually shattered Mihawk's devastating slash with a mere punch.
"Crush."
Gildarts's calm demeanor remained intact.
In this world, there was nothing he couldn't destroy. Such was the absolute power of Crush Magic.
Indeed, attacks equivalent to Saint Wizard-tier magic were just ordinary punches for Gildarts.
~# Every 30 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter