"Who is he? Three swords?"
"I remember now—he's that famous bounty hunter from the East Blue, Roronoa Zoro!"
"So that's him, huh? Who do you guys think will win?"
Zoro ignored the whispers around him. Drawing his three swords, he pointed one at Hawkeye. "I've never seen such a soft sword."
Hawkeye replied calmly, "Not all hard blades have strength."
Zoro asked, "Did you cut that ship with that tiny sword?"
"That's right," Hawkeye said casually.
Hearing that, everyone couldn't help but swallow hard.
"I see… truly the strongest," Zoro muttered. "I set sail to find you."
Hawkeye tilted his head slightly. "And what is your goal?"
Zoro grinned. "To become the strongest."
Hawkeye gave a small, cold laugh. "Foolish man."
"You've got time to spare, don't you? Let's have a match," Zoro said.
Hawkeye leapt lightly, landing right beside Zoro. "Hmph. Pathetic weakling. If you were truly a first-rate swordsman, you'd have sensed the gap between us long before drawing your blade. To challenge me like this—should I call you ignorant, or just courageous?"
"Tsk, tsk, tsk…"
That sound came from none other than Sandy.
Everyone turned to see him holding an elegant sword, his grin far too smug.
Sandy drew it with a flourish, letting the blade gleam in the sunlight. "I heard you're the World's Greatest Swordsman. I know you're powerful, but if I don't have the courage to challenge you, how could I ever become one myself?"
Hawkeye turned, eyebrow raised. "And who are you? Another challenger?"
"No," Sandy said, shaking his head. "My name's Storm D. Sandy. I know I can't beat you—but I've got a few things to say first."
Seeing all eyes on him, Sandy's grin widened. He raised his sword dramatically.
"This blade is named High Wind. It's one meter thirty-three centimeters long and weighs eight jin, three liang. Forged from otherworldly cold steel—it can slice through hair and fur, kill chickens, and butcher sheep! Bah—anyway, it's the strongest sword in my heart!"
[ Ding! Congratulations, host, for receiving the dazzling reward: Space Slash. ]
[ Note: This technique requires a one-month cooldown after use. The host will experience minor side effects. Please use responsibly. ]
"What the hell?!" Sandy's eyes widened. He didn't even have time to check what that meant!
Feeling Hawkeye's gaze on him, a bead of sweat rolled down his temple. Why did I open my damn mouth?!
If any swordsmen heard him brag about using his sword to butcher sheep, he'd probably be declared an enemy of every swordsman alive.
Hawkeye's sharp eyes narrowed. "Are you mocking me? Do you know the consequences?"
Sandy shook his head rapidly. "N-no way! I just wanted to… justify my sword! Sorry, please—carry on!"
Fortunately, Hawkeye seemed tolerant enough. He turned back to Zoro.
The moment Hawkeye's attention shifted, Sandy darted aside and pulled up his system panel to check the new technique.
Space Slash—unlike his previous Space Field slash—required a new form of sword draw. To activate it, the user had to clench a fist and hold the middle and index fingers straight before the chest, like casting a spell, then focus the mind. A small, bowl-sized vortex of space would open at the side—then High Wind would slowly emerge from it.
Oh my god, that's so damn cool!
Once unleashed, the Space Slash ignored an opponent's Haki entirely. If it hit—it hit. Unlike slashes inside a Space Field, which couldn't pierce stronger Armament Haki, this one broke through.
The downside? It could still be dodged.
Before Sandy could test it, an enraged Luffy suddenly lunged toward Hawkeye.
Zoro had already been struck down—his swords shattered, his body thrown into the sea.
Hawkeye glanced at Luffy, unfazed. "Don't worry. He's not dead—just unconscious."
He looked down at Zoro's body, then said calmly, "Know yourself. Know the world. Then grow stronger, and surpass me, Roronoa Zoro. No matter how many years it takes—I'll be waiting for your challenge at the world's summit."
Zoro drew his last remaining sword, raising it toward the sky. "Luffy! I'll never lose again! Until I defeat him… you have no objections, right, Pirate King?"
Luffy laughed loudly. "Shishishishi! None at all!"
Hawkeye's eyes flicked toward Luffy. That straw hat—he recognized it. Shanks's hat.
"Becoming Pirate King…" Hawkeye murmured, "is far harder than surpassing me."
Luffy grinned wide. "I don't care! I'm definitely going to be the Pirate King!"
Hawkeye's mouth curved into a faint smile.
Just as he turned to leave, Krieg stepped forward, his face dark. After all, Hawkeye had single-handedly destroyed his entire fleet.
"Hawkeye! We're not done! You think you can just leave now?"
Hawkeye's tone was flat. "I've had enough fun. I'm going home to sleep."
Krieg sneered and raised his weapon. "Before that, you can die once for me!"
He fired a barrage of bullets from his armor. Smoke billowed, engulfing Hawkeye—
But when it cleared, he was gone.
"Tch." Krieg spat on the deck, furious but helpless. "Forget him! You bastards, remember our goal—take the Sea Restaurant, the Baratie!"
"Woooh! Leave it to us, Captain Krieg!"
"Captain Krieg's the strongest! Even Hawkeye didn't dare fight him, hahaha!"
"Once we take the Baratie, we'll have all the food we need! Then Captain Krieg will become the Pirate King!"
Luffy leapt onto the Baratie's railing and yelled to Zeff, "Old man! If I drive them away, will you stop making me work here?"
Zeff chuckled. "If you can do it, kid!"
Before Luffy could move, Sandy had already stepped forward.
After all, he wanted to become strong too—to charge across the seas like a wild horse!
The memory of that night's tenderness still lingered in his mind, and in this safe moment, he knew it was his time to shine.
No way he was going to miss a chance to look cool.
And so, Sandy reappeared—dressed in an entirely new, bizarre outfit.
Everyone froze, staring.
Once again, all eyes were drawn to the strange and flamboyant Sandy.