Rolan wasn't the least bit surprised that Hawkeye possessed Conqueror's Haki.
To become the World's Greatest Swordsman, relying solely on swordsmanship or Armament Haki would be impossible, especially without Devil Fruit abilities. Combine that with Hawkeye's arrogant composure and precise technique, and it made perfect sense that he wielded such a fearsome power.
At the same time, Rolan couldn't help but admire the aura radiating from Hawkeye. There was a presence here almost equal to that of a Four Emperor. If he commanded a crew at an Emperor-level scale, he would undoubtedly be one of the dominant forces of the New World.
It was worth noting that in the original records, Hawkeye's bounty reached an astonishing 3.59 billion berries — the equivalent of a Four Emperor.
Rolan also assessed the battle unfolding between Zoro and Hawkeye.
Suddenly, Hawkeye increased the force behind his strike, and Zoro was blasted backward like a streak of Ryugu.
"Bang!"
The impact sent Zoro flying toward a massive cross-shaped tombstone. In mid-air, he twisted his body, landing squarely on the tombstone with both feet, stopping his backward momentum.
Zoro grinned fiercely, shouting, "Satisfying! Again!"
He moved several steps through the air, his body enveloped in the green demonic aura of Armament Haki.
Hawkeye abandoned his defensive stance, bending his knees slightly before stomping into the ground. The sheer force ripped an enormous pit in the earth, the terrifying impact echoing across the ruins.
With a swift, fluid motion, he surged toward Zoro like an arrow released from a taut bowstring. The Black Blade Yoru gleamed as he gripped it with both hands, wrapping it in a terrifying combination of Armament Haki and Conqueror's Haki.
"Come on, Roronoa Zoro! Show me your strength!"
Zoro adjusted his posture mid-air, eyes blazing. "Nine mountains and eight seas, one world formed, a thousand realms gathered — Small Thousand Worlds multiplied by three! Nothing can withstand my blade! Three-Sword Style Secret Art…"
As he chanted, all three swords were bathed in the pink glow of Armament Haki Ryuo. Streaks of red and black lightning erupted along the blades as a massive aura pulsed outward from Zoro.
"Great One, Three Thousand, Great Thousand World!"
Their blades collided with the force of a storm. Red and black lightning surged across the battlefield, centering on the two of them.
Even the baboons nearby were affected, rolling to the ground, foaming at the mouth from the overwhelming Haki. Rubble scattered in all directions, and the earth beneath their feet leveled into a wide expanse.
The transmitted power shook Zoro's body. He clenched his teeth, feeling his arms tremble, his entire skeleton seeming ready to snap under the force.
After dozens of seconds locked in stalemate, Zoro still could not overpower Hawkeye. He was forced to retreat dozens of meters backward.
For the first time, Hawkeye's composed expression faltered. His entire being was startled. "Roronoa Zoro… you possess Conqueror's Haki as well?"
Zoro blinked, bewildered. "What are you talking about?"
Meanwhile, Rolan, observing from hundreds of meters away, sensed the raw power radiating from the duel. He recognized it instantly. That was undeniably Conqueror's Haki. From its release, however, it was clear that Zoro's control was unrefined — a pure, raw awakening, not yet honed by training.
It made perfect sense. For a swordsman aspiring to claim the title of the World's Greatest, awakening Conqueror's Haki was entirely reasonable.
Hawkeye, realizing Zoro's hidden power, felt his own fighting spirit surge to new heights.
The clash resumed, each strike resonating across the ruins. Sword clashed against sword, Haki entwined with Haki, energy rippling outward until the very air seemed to hum with power.
After some time, a voice rang across the battlefield, strong and commanding:
"Then come, surpass me, Roronoa Zoro!"
The duel had reached its conclusion for now. Rolan descended toward the battlefield. The ruins had been carved and leveled into a massive basin, nearly five kilometers across.
In its center, Hawkeye Mihawk stood, Yoru in hand, slightly pale and disheveled from the battle. Dozens of meters away, Zoro lay in a pool of blood.
Clearly, this clash ended with Zoro's defeat.
Rolan immediately moved to his side.
Zoro was conscious, breathing heavily. Seeing Rolan approach, he muttered, "Captain… I'm sorry. I failed you."
Rolan patted his shoulder lightly. "There's nothing to be ashamed of. One day, you'll claim this title."
Zoro winced at the touch. "Hiss… can you be gentler? I'm seriously injured here."
Rolan smirked. "Oh, come on. You're going to become the World's Greatest Swordsman. A little pain won't kill you."
At the same time, Hawkeye walked over, his expression now one of respect.
Countless swordsmen had challenged him over the years, yet few had inspired this kind of pure dedication. Zoro was only seventeen, and even at that age, Mihawk had not achieved comparable strength.
"Roronoa Zoro… are you still breathing?"
Zoro chuckled, bloodied but defiant. "Are you trying to watch me make a fool of myself, Dracule Mihawk?"
Hawkeye blinked, then laughed heartily. "You haven't given up because of failure?"
"I haven't taken the title of the World's Greatest Swordsman, nor helped my captain fulfill his dream. How could I surrender?"
He turned to Rolan. "Captain, I might need to stay on this island for a while."
Rolan raised an eyebrow. Did Zoro truly wish to stay behind after such a battle? He hadn't used Observation Haki, respecting the fight, but Hawkeye's statement drew his attention.
"Oh? Explain," Rolan asked casually.
Zoro smiled faintly. "I want to train here. To become the World's Greatest Swordsman, I must learn from Hawkeye."
Rolan nodded slowly. "Very well. There's no swordsman in the world stronger than Mihawk. Becoming his disciple is the best way to surpass him."
Hawkeye's eyes widened slightly, mouth opening in disbelief. He hadn't even agreed yet, and already arrangements were being made.
"Hey! Can you two stop arranging things behind my back?"
Zoro gritted his teeth, pushed himself to his knees, and bowed. "Master above, please accept your disciple's bow."
Rolan watched with a faint, approving smile.
Hawkeye stared, then laughed uproariously. "Hahaha! Are you making me train my own challenger?"
Zoro's bloodied face smiled, teeth flashing in the dim light. "What? Don't tell me you lack the courage."
"I am Hawkeye. Who am I afraid of?"
____
Patreon = _Zeph