Of course, Don's thoughts weren't just about pulling Mihawk into the Hunter Association
he was also thinking about Mihawk's swordsmanship.
After all, one's overall strength depended on more than a single skill.
In their brief clash, Don had only used swordsmanship—no Haki, no Devil Fruit powers.
And yet, the gap was still there.
A gap he couldn't ignore.
He remembered when he first came to this world, full of ambition
to master Haki, swordsmanship, and his fruit together.
But now, relying on swordsmanship alone, he could only win against ordinary swordsmen.
Before Mihawk, though… he was outclassed.
That wouldn't do.
"Let's move somewhere else," Don said, eyes narrowing. "Someplace where we can go all out."
"Fine," Mihawk agreed immediately.
The image of Don's sword blazing with flame and Haki lingered in his mind
it had been a long time since he'd felt excitement for a fight.
And facing another true swordsman only stirred that old hunger again.
What Mihawk didn't realize was that Issho's mastery of combining swordsmanship and Devil Fruit powers
was even greater than Don's.
Don's understanding of both was still young,
but Issho—Fujitora—had walked that path for decades.
Leaving Mihawk and Issho at the docks, Don took Robin back into town.
"What are you doing?" Robin asked, puzzled.
"Buying you a sword," Don replied.
"Huh?"
"With the world's greatest swordsman right in front of you,
it wouldn't hurt to learn a few things."
Robin squinted. "And what are you planning?"
"Nothing," Don said casually. "Just planning to train my swordsmanship properly for once."
"Your swordsmanship isn't already strong?"
Don pointed to the tear across his chest. "I took two hits."
Yeah—pure swordsmanship-wise, he was still too green.
So he'd make the most of this.
Besides, he was already scheming to rope Mihawk onto his ship
and maybe drag him up to Sky Island as a strike partner.
With Issho and Mihawk on board?
Heh. Three men, cornering Enel and beating him senseless.
Robin noticed the mischievous grin spreading across Don's face
and instinctively took two steps away from him.
He was definitely up to no good.
They didn't waste time.
While the docks were a wreck, the city hadn't taken much damage.
Don quickly bought several finely crafted swords and returned.
When Mihawk saw Robin carrying an armful of blades,
a strange sense of dread welled up inside him.
The small boat set sail again—this time with four people aboard.
Already cramped before, the cabin now felt suffocating.
"Any nearby islands?" Don asked Robin.
Robin caught on immediately. "None that I know of.
If there are inhabited ones, maybe—but I'm not sure about uninhabited islands."
Mihawk's gaze flicked toward them.
"Our destination is Jaya," Don said.
"But if we spot an uninhabited island along the way,
we'll stop for a proper match.
Of course, if you're busy, you're free to leave anytime."
"I'm not busy," Mihawk said flatly—and turned away again.
Still, something didn't feel right.
Issho sensed it too, but kept silent.
Soon after their departure, Marines appeared at the docks.
"Report this immediately! Mihawk and that man Don just left together!"
The two officers exchanged a baffled look before rushing off.
They had clearly fought…
So why were they leaving together now?
From a distance, Mr. 3—Galdino—watched their ship vanish over the waves,
his expression twisted with confusion as he pulled out a Den Den Mushi.
"Boss, you're not gonna believe this—but Mihawk just left with the new boss."
…?!
On the other end, Crocodile fell silent.
Galdino went on to explain everything he saw in earnest.
"So… they fought—and then left together?"
Crocodile's voice was cold and sharp. He sounded thoroughly annoyed.
"The fight didn't last long, but the commotion was huge," Galdino said nervously.
"I see. Stay put and await further orders."
Click.
Crocodile hung up, irritation bubbling beneath the surface.
"…Since when does Don have that kind of pull?"
He already knew everything that had gone down at Rain Dinners.
Issho—Fujitora—had fought Don, lost, and joined him.
Then even punched Crocodile into the ground afterward.
And now Mihawk? The world's greatest swordsman? The Marine Hunter himself?
Crocodile rubbed his temple, feeling an oncoming headache.
Don's influence was starting to look like something supernatural.
"Just what the hell kind of spell did that bastard cast…?"
Beside him, Daz Bonez looked at Crocodile, expression deadpan.
Boss… you do realize you're one of his men too, right?
…
"We need a bigger ship—fast."
Don said it with grave seriousness.
Robin nodded in agreement.
Mihawk and Issho just stared at them in silence.
Don met their blank stares with a sigh.
Before, he thought handling a big ship alone would be troublesome.
Then Robin joined him, and a small boat was plenty.
Now? With four people aboard? The thing was practically bursting.
Not that it couldn't hold them—just that it barely could.
They needed a proper vessel, and soon.
"Hang in there," Robin said softly. "We should be near Jaya."
"You guys stay aboard. I'm taking off!"
Don shot up from the deck, bursting into flame and soaring into the sky,
vanishing into the clouds in a streak of crimson light.
The three left on the boat craned their necks to watch him disappear.
All of them—Mihawk included—were speechless.
This Don… was definitely not normal.
Mihawk turned toward Issho.
"Is he always like this?"
Issho hesitated, then looked toward Robin.
Robin met both their gazes, sighed, and nodded.
"Yes. Always."
END OF CHAPTER
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