'As expected of the world's greatest swordsman, Hawk-Eye Mihawk. What incredible swordsmanship.'
Although he didn't yet possess the meteor-shattering power of the Mangekyō Sharingan, he was definitely far from weak.
As Genrou swung both blades, he couldn't help but marvel inwardly.
But if someone wanted to casually slice a meteor like Mihawk had in the original story, they were clearly dreaming.
Still, the truth was that Mihawk remained utterly at ease even now.
Genrou sighed inwardly. His attacks likely hadn't even forced Mihawk to go all out.
Mihawk smiled at Genrou. It was clear he had understood the template Genrou chose.
"Even though you still want to keep fighting, the conditions no longer allow it," Mihawk said calmly.
"Genrou, you're quite impressive. I look forward to seeing you return to the New World."
"When that day comes, I'll seek you out to finish our unfinished battle."
He smiled again, having figured out the origin of Genrou's power.
"This ability of yours to create footholds in the air is intriguing. But even if you didn't offer me a platform, that wouldn't prevent me from fighting you."
Mihawk then leapt down from the spiritual pressure platform Genrou had created, heading toward the sea below.
'If I hadn't given you that platform, your attack might've landed on the Baratie instead,' Genrou thought, silently grumbling.
As Mihawk departed, Genrou prepared to release the Zanpakutō template of Zaraki Kenpachi.
Just then, Mihawk suddenly stopped and turned to look at him again.
Genrou narrowed his eyes, sensing something was off.
"So that's why Mihawk decided to leave," he muttered.
"We meet again, Vice Admiral Gion."
Genrou shook his head. He had already guessed why Gion had shown up here.
At the same time, the Supreme Conqueror's Haki he had focused for the fight with Mihawk suddenly dispersed, sweeping down toward the Going Merry.
Confirming that Luffy, Nami, and the others were safe, he let out a sigh of relief, even as his gaze returned to Gion and Tsuru, searching for a gap he could use to escape.
After a fight like that with Mihawk, this was definitely not the time to face off against both of them.
"Yes, we meet again, Vice Admiral Tsuru," he greeted flatly.
Tsuru smiled, and with a step in midair, she used Geppō (Moonwalk) to launch herself at Genrou.
As the strange light on her hands gathered, Genrou immediately recognized it as the power of the Awa Awa no Mi (Wash-Wash Fruit).
Without hesitation, he turned and used his Zanpakutō to block her strike.
Although the Wash-Wash Fruit could soften even iron weapons, Genrou didn't believe it could affect a Zanpakutō that had undergone shikai (Initial Release).
And he was right. While the fruit's power affected Genrou's body, Tsuru was shocked to find that his weapon completely resisted her ability.
She couldn't even soften the blade, let alone affect Genrou himself.
Almost simultaneously, Gion had already drawn her blade and slashed toward Genrou's shoulder.
But he didn't flinch. Instead, he raised his right hand and blocked the strike with his bare flesh.
"Genrou, you bastard, you can actually block a sword strike with your body?!" Gion growled.
"No matter what, we're taking you in. And your crew won't be getting away either!"
Her expression was stern and resolute.
"Genrou, surrender now," Tsuru advised, her tone unchanging.
"I don't know why you were fighting Mihawk, but you've clearly used up a lot of energy."
"If you keep fighting, the result won't change."
"In fact, we could even request Mihawk to turn back and help subdue you."
She looked from Genrou's face to his blade, clearly trying to talk him into giving up.
"Forget it, Vice Admiral Tsuru," Genrou replied, shaking his head.
"I don't think Mihawk would listen to your orders."
"Unless you're planning to invoke the Warlord Summoning Mandate or something?"
"Sure, I've burned a lot of energy, but that doesn't mean I can't keep fighting."
"And as for capturing my crew? That's not going to be easy."
A grin tugged at his lips, and a powerful wave of spiritual pressure erupted from his body.
Just as Gion and Tsuru thought he was about to strike, Genrou suddenly turned and shouted down toward the ship:
"Luffy! Take everyone and leave! I'll catch up!"
His voice, carried by spiritual pressure, reached the ears of Luffy, Nami, and the others almost immediately.
Gion and Tsuru both frowned. Their expressions tightened, and they simultaneously intensified their attacks.
"You're not escaping! Neither you nor your friends!" Gion shouted, slashing down with a massive blade of energy.
Tsuru twisted midair, aiming to bypass Genrou's weapon and hit him directly with her Wash-Wash Fruit power.
But Genrou glanced at her calmly and sidestepped her blow.
Instead, he took Gion's strike head-on—with his chest cloaked in dense Reiatsu (Spiritual Pressure).
The impact of the strike blasted Genrou through the air.
However, before he could soar too far, Tsuru used Geppō to circle ahead of him, trying to cut off his retreat.
She frowned, noticing Genrou's sudden wardrobe change—but her eyes quickly locked onto the fact that his strange Zanpakutō had disappeared.
Her gaze sharpened, and she lunged toward him without hesitation.
Gion charged in from the opposite side, the air vibrating with her killing intent.
Genrou looked at Tsuru. Then at Gion.
And finally, he reached out—toward Gion.
...
(End of Chapter)
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