Just as the tension reached its peak and everyone prepared to retaliate against Bickley, the reaction of one of the Gorosei unsettled them all.
"This… this is… the Sword Saint… Sword Saint-sama?" The Elder stammered, mouth agape.
Sword Saint?
Those present turned their eyes to Bickley. The man before them no longer resembled any ordinary threat—they were filled with disbelief. His speed was unfathomable; he had arrived in moments, not by ship, but by flying directly through the sky. It was beyond comprehension.
"Foolish ant, how dare you embarrass Imu-sama! Just wait—Imu-sama will punish you severely!" Bickley continued, his voice sharp.
The Elder, despite his immense power, lowered his head in submission. He dared not show defiance. Only luck had spared him—th others had already perished on the battlefield.
No one could deny it: Ashveil was incomparably powerful. Without the Sword Saint and Imu, no one could have possibly confronted him.
The Whitebeard Pirates now fully understood who stood before them. Fear and caution spread through their ranks. While little was known about the Sword Saint, it was clear his strength far surpassed the Gorosei. The conversation between Bickley and one of the strongest Gorosei left no doubt: this man was leagues above the elder council.
Even Whitebeard, Edward Newgate himself, emerged from his quarters, observing Bickley with grave eyes. The aura surrounding him was unmistakable—Bickley had grown stronger by relentlessly defeating top-tier warriors, the kind that dominated this world. Only by doing so could one emit such a terrifying presence.
"This man is not ordinary. His aura is terrifying, yet he still conceals his full power," Whitebeard muttered solemnly.
Bickley, raising his eyes slightly, sized up Whitebeard. He had heard Imu mention this man—he was said to be a peer of Gol D. Roger. Observing that Whitebeard recognized his concealed strength confirmed the man's capability. He was far stronger than most in the room.
"Since you recognize my strength, surrender quickly. My mission is singular: to kill Ashveil. If you value your life, do not obstruct me," Bickley said, his tone dripping with disdain.
He drew the Holy Sword from his back, and a blinding light radiated from it.
Even Dracule Mihawk, the World's Greatest Swordsman, could not hide his astonishment.
"This sword… its quality surpasses even my Black Blade, Yoru. Incredible. This is the most powerful weapon I've ever seen. I suspect it may not even be a mortal weapon," Mihawk said, eyes wide with awe.
Bickley smirked faintly at Mihawk's reaction.
"You have some discernment, yet I will not explain this sword's full power. Mortals cannot comprehend it," Bickley said, his disdain lingering even as he advanced.
Through his Observation Haki, he had already located Ashveil inside his dormitory. Though seemingly idle, a mere slacker at leisure, Ashveil's hidden power radiated a force far greater than appearances suggested. Only a Celestial Dragon's unique Observation Haki could detect it.
Step by step, Bickley approached Ashveil's dormitory, his gaze unwavering.
Suddenly, a booming voice rang out.
"Hey, hey! You made that noise just now, didn't you?"
Urouge, wings spread wide, stormed toward Bickley, anger etched on his face. Mistakenly believing this swordsman to be a would-be recruit seeking favor in the New World, he did not yet realize he faced the Sword Saint.
As Ashveil's first subordinate, Urouge had seen countless others approach with gifts and exaggerated respect, only to be decisively humbled by his captain. Yet this stranger wielded a massive sword, and Urouge had never encountered him. How dare such a newcomer act boldly in the presence of Ashveil?
Bickley did not even glance at him. To the Sword Saint, Urouge's presence was negligible—less than an ant. His sole concern was Ashveil, his target.
Urouge's indignation grew. How could this stranger, with no manners or warning, simply ignore the presence of Ashveil?
"Hey! Are you deaf? Do you know who I am? I am Ashveil's first subordinate! To see him, you must pass me!" Urouge roared, advancing with righteous fury toward Bickley.