"But, Hawkeye is the world's greatest swordsman. Akira Brother, it's too dangerous for you to fight him."
Hancock's face was full of anxiety. Although she didn't know how strong Hawkeye was, he was hailed as the world's greatest swordsman after all.
Just from this title, she knew that his strength was definitely very terrifying.
Akira smiled slightly, and said, "What's wrong? Don't have confidence in me?"
Hancock said, "No, of course I have confidence in you, Akira Brother, but, but."
Akira interrupted, and said, Alright, I know that you're worried about me. However, this battle is really unavoidable.
As a swordsman, the other party has already come to my door. If I avoid the battle, then I'll really be finished.
What a swordsman needs is the spirit of not fearing difficulties, and moving forward bravely, not the cowardice of deserting before the battle. So, Hancock, don't try to persuade me anymore.
Although Hancock was domineering and arrogant, and didn't know how to deal with people, she understood the meaning in Akira's words at this moment.
If Akira retreated, he wouldn't just be admitting defeat. He would also be losing his dignity.
She was a proud person, and knew what dignity was better than anyone else. So she knew that she couldn't stop Akira.
Hancock said, "Alright. However, Akira Brother, you must promise me that you must win."
Akira laughed, and said, "Don't worry. Although Hawkeye is recognized as the world's greatest swordsman, that's only because I haven't appeared yet. Now that I've appeared, his position should move over a bit as well."
Although Akira was saying this, he actually didn't have much confidence in his heart. Even if he knew that he was in his best state now, Hawkeye was also at his peak.
He really didn't have even 10% certainty that he could win against Hawkeye.
However, even if he didn't have even 10% certainty, he still had to do it. This was a duel that he couldn't retreat from.
What's more, he had grown up until now, and had experienced countless difficult battles.
Back then, when he was facing the Navy Admirals' pursuit, he also didn't have even 10% certainty. However, he had still succeeded in the end, right?
A swordsman's duel was a very dangerous battle, especially when the strengths of both sides weren't too far apart. It was even more dangerous, because they could lose their lives if they weren't careful.
It wasn't like back then now. Akira had never thought that Hawkeye would show mercy to him.
He also wouldn't show mercy to Hawkeye. This was respect for each other, and represented the dignity of a swordsman.
They quickly found an island that met the requirements. Although there were people on this island, they found the most remote place as their dueling ground.
Hawkeye was already standing there early. Akira was standing with Hancock. He said to her, "Hancock, you guys stay further away later."
"Akira Brother." Hancock looked at Akira, whose face had become serious. Her heart couldn't help but worry.
Akira shook his head, and said, "Don't say anything. Listen to me, Hancock. Later, I mean just in case, just in case I lose, and die at Hawkeye's hands, remember, don't take revenge for me. Otherwise, I won't forgive you."
"Akira Brother, why are you saying these things?"
Hancock panicked the moment she heard Akira say that he might die. She was actually an extremely strong person. She would only reveal this little girl-like appearance when facing Akira.
Akira's face was very serious. He continued, "I'm saying just in case. Hawkeye is very strong. When fighting him, you have to be prepared for the worst. This has nothing to do with confidence."
"Then we won't... Hancock."
Akira interrupted Hancock's words roughly. He stared at her with bright eyes, put his hands on her shoulders, and said in a deep voice, Hancock, you're the emperor of Amazon Lily.
No matter what time it is, don't panic. I just want you to remember that just in case something really happens to me, take my sword, and hand it over to the Whitebeard Pirates, to my old man, Whitebeard's hands, understand?
Hancock's eyes became moist. It was the first time she had seen Akira looking so fierce. In the end, she gritted her teeth, and said, "Akira Brother, I will definitely do it."
"Good, thank you, Hancock."
His gaze became gentle. Akira suddenly smiled, and said to Hancock, "If nothing happens to me, I'll marry you in the future, okay?"
After saying that, Akira turned around resolutely, and walked to Hawkeye's front without waiting for Hancock to answer.
"Have you finished?" Hawkeye looked at Akira opposite him, and asked slowly.
Akira smiled slightly, and said, "I've finished. When facing you, Hawkeye, I naturally have to say my last words properly."
Hawkeye's lips curled up, and he said with a smile, "Very good. However, I'm just alone. So I'm not as lucky as you. I can't say my last words."
"Haha."
Akira suddenly laughed out loud when he heard Hawkeye's words, and said, Hawkeye, I don't know why, but I actually feel so happy when I hear you say this.
Haha, the world's greatest swordsman, I had never thought before that there would be a day in the future when I would make you say these words. I'm really looking forward to fighting you more and more.
There probably weren't many people in the world who could make Hawkeye say these words, especially swordsmen.
It was conceivable how much Hawkeye valued Akira, because even Hawkeye didn't dare to say that he could win when facing Akira at this time.
Hawkeye said, "I'm also looking forward to it. Then, let's begin."
"Alright."
Almost at the same time, Akira and Hawkeye both gripped their sword hilts. Then, they drew their swords at the same time.
"Divine Punishment!"
"Slash!"
After Hawkeye drew his black sword, he immediately used a slash that he was most skilled in. A blue blade of light attacked towards Akira.
At the same time, Akira also used the Shikai state of Divine Punishment at the first opportunity. A huge Divine Punishment Zanpakutō directly crashed towards the blade of light.
"Boom!"
Even if it was just the first move, its power was already extremely amazing. At the very least, the Amazon Lily Pirates, who were very far away from them, heard the movements of their battle. However, this was just the beginning.
"Slash!"
Hawkeye didn't move his body. Instead, he launched blade of light slashes one after another. Akira rushed towards Hawkeye.
Every time he received Hawkeye's blade of light slash, the Divine Punishment Zanpakutō would become gigantic.
Although he didn't slash out a blade of light, the gigantic Divine Punishment still blocked Hawkeye's slashes.
Looking at Akira, who was getting closer and closer, the light in Hawkeye's eyes became more and more intense.
Although his slashes were extremely powerful, only he understood that this was just his probing attack. Akira hadn't disappointed him either.
He had actually used an ability again, and it was completely different from the ability in his information.
"Clang!"
Finally, Akira rushed to Hawkeye's front. Divine Punishment and Black Sword Yoru collided, making a sound of metal clashing.
"What's the name of this sword?" Hawkeye asked.
Akira said, "Divine Punishment."
Hawkeye said, "Very good. Today, I want to see if your most interesting sword in the world can defeat the world's strongest black sword."
"That's something that we'll only know after we fight."
__________________
for more advance chapters visit patreon.com/bars45.
For 10$- All advance chapters.
"Schedule"
Monday - Friday - Update 3 Chapters a Day
Saturday - Sunday - Off