"That is...!!!"
"Could it be...!!!"
Everyone's attention was instantly drawn to the sudden appearance. The Black Emperor's underlings looked excited, mouths opening wide in shock, their eyes fixed tightly on that figure.
As the silhouette standing at the bow of the ship slowly drew out a black blade, he sprinted forward, leaping into the air, then came crashing straight down from the sky.
(Close-up of the face + golden-text introduction)
[Seven Warlords of the Sea]
[Hawk Eyes] Dracule Mihawk!
"Even that Hawk Eyes has shown up?!!"
"Well… it makes sense, doesn't it? After all, he's the King's right hand!!!"
"He's the ultimate dream of every swordsman, the World's Strongest Swordsman!!!"
Mihawk's cold, sudden entrance instantly pushed the atmosphere to a climax.
After all, in these past two years, this man alone, with a single black sword, had suppressed half the seas.
Some supernova pirates who had only just set out, and were still ignorant of the world, had even assumed at first that Mihawk was the Black Emperor.
But once they saw Mihawk in action, and realized he was only the King's subordinate, their entire worldview was shaken again and again!
A monster so overwhelmingly strong...
Was just that man's right hand???
When Mihawk landed, his sharp eyes searching, countless lackeys grinned and waved as they called out:
"Mihawk-sama, you're here to see Orin-sama, right? I'll show you the way!!!"
"No, me, me!!!"
"... "
Heaven knew just how desperate Bentham felt when he saw the crowd eagerly leading Mihawk over to him.
It's over... I'm done for…
Even though outwardly he still kept himself steady like a seasoned veteran, deep inside, Bentham's tongue and eyes were bulging, his nose dripping with fear.
Facing a man like Mihawk, he knew—he absolutely couldn't keep this up much longer.
But…
Bentham had sworn to be like Orin, to be a real man with guts!!!
If death was unavoidable, then so be it. All he hoped was to stall a little longer, long enough for the Black Emperor's name to spread far and wide.
With that reckless determination, Bentham, after a brief daze, forced himself to act calm, even raising a faint smile.
"Long time no see, Mihawk..."
He had just greeted him, planning to keep up the act—
But Mihawk, upon hearing this, immediately raised his black blade. His already piercing eyes locked straight onto "Orin."
"So it really is just a poor imitation..."
Honestly, he felt a little disappointed. Because the appearance was identical, he had held onto a sliver of hope.
But when he thought about it more—sailing straight to Fishman Island with an army wasn't Orin's style at all.
Half doubtful, Mihawk had immediately followed a coated pirate ship here, wanting to confirm it himself.
He hadn't expected the very first words from this "Orin" to expose the truth.
"Orin would never address me so politely..."
The moment Mihawk drew his sword and pierced through his disguise, Bentham's face betrayed panic.
His brain spun wildly for an excuse, but nothing came. Finally, by sheer instinct and personality, he blurted out:
"...Little Hawk-chan???"
Indeed, even in his youth, Bentham had already shown the potential to be a drag queen.
And surprisingly, when Mihawk heard that, he really did falter for a moment. Because yes, that did sound like the kind of ridiculous nickname Orin might come up with.
But something still felt off.
"Then..."
"Face my challenge—for the title of World's Strongest Swordsman!!!"
For no reason at all, Mihawk suddenly issued a challenge to "Orin."
The lackeys froze, eyes wide as they stared at the cool, imposing Mihawk, raising his cross-shaped black sword and swinging it at Orin.
"Ohhhhhh!!!"
"There have long been rumors that Orin-sama's swordsmanship is no weaker than Mihawk-sama's! Could that rumor be..."
"Today we'll witness the greatest duel of the century?! Wh–what an honor!!!"
Clutching their fists to their chests, the underlings' faces flushed with excitement and anticipation.
Faced with the challenge, "Orin" was utterly stunned. He could never have imagined that Mihawk, his supposed comrade, would challenge Orin himself.
If he accepted, wouldn't he be cut clean in half with one strike...?
Inside, Bentham despaired. But he couldn't back down.
Because his idol, the Black Emperor, was a real man who feared no challenge!!!
"...Fine then. I accept your challenge!!!"
"Orin" declared solemnly, as if making some great decision.
From sheer courage alone, he did look the part of a true powerhouse.
Unfortunately...
Bentham might understand what it means to be strong—
But he definitely did not understand Orin.
Hearing this reply, Mihawk's cold eyes narrowed, and he let out a disappointed sigh.
"As I thought..."
"You're not Orin at all..."
Mihawk's expression was deadly serious, with not the slightest hint of a joke.
The moment his words landed, the lackeys froze, shocked and confused.
Some refused to believe it. He looked exactly like the man on the wanted poster, and his steady, unshakable aura was just like what they'd imagined a true powerhouse to be.
"That's right. He's a fake~"
"Who's talking!!!?"
A voice suddenly rang out from somewhere unseen. Everyone whipped their heads around, searching for the source.
"There!!!"
They looked and saw several mysterious figures standing atop a rooftop. They were draped in white robes, their faces hidden behind masks.
"That outfit..."
"CP0 of the World Government!!!"
"Even the Celestial Dragons dare to say such a thing?"
"Could it really be..."
Not just them—every major faction had sent people to investigate. All of them suspected this Orin was a fake, and their reasons for coming were the same.
If the real Orin was gone, then killing the fake would make their names soar.
If the real Orin was still alive, then destroying an impostor was something no one could blame them for.
Among the watchers were even Katakuri and King. Especially Katakuri—with his top-tier Observation Haki, he could instinctively tell that this Black Emperor wasn't quite right.
Now, even the most faithful lackeys couldn't help but sweat nervously, staring at the calm and silent "Orin" seated there.
"Orin-sama, please, say something!!!"
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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