(50 Power Stone Bonus)
Chapter 68: An Equal Opponent
Yumesaki couldn't help but admire Robin's line of thinking. She was a true pro.
In any great conflict, victory comes from gathering every possible bit of strength into one unstoppable force. That was a lesson from a great teacher, and Nico Robin seemed to understand the essence of it perfectly. Yumesaki didn't stop her; he had no reason to. What was wrong with someone trying to save their own world?
So, Robin stepped forward boldly and stated she wanted to speak with Mihawk.
"Who are you?" Mihawk asked. He didn't recognize her at all, as Robin was currently using her Transformation Jutsu to look like Tsunade.
"I am someone who needs your help, and someone who can help you in return," Robin replied.
Mihawk found this mildly intriguing. "You want to help me? I don't feel like there's anything I need help with."
"There is," Robin countered. "Mr. Mihawk, as the Greatest Swordsman in the World, your progress has stagnated since you reached the top, hasn't it?"
Mihawk's eyes flashed, but he remained silent.
Robin continued, "The title of Greatest Swordsman is a supreme honor, but it's also a shackle. Because there is no one ahead of you, you can no longer see the path forward. You can't even find an opponent worth fighting. Can you truly say you're still growing at the pace you once were? You must be starving for an equal opponent—or perhaps even a swordsman who can defeat you."
Mihawk's gaze instantly sharpened, becoming as piercing as a blade.
"Do you know someone like that?" The question was a silent admission that she was right.
"Please, follow me, Mr. Mihawk."
Yumesaki watched as Robin led Mihawk right over to him.
"You're the one who can defeat me in swordsmanship?"
Mihawk stared intensely at Yumesaki, then frowned, casting an annoyed glance back at Robin.
"He isn't even a swordsman."
As the Greatest Swordsman in the World, Mihawk could tell if someone lived by the blade with a single glance. He wasn't the type to make mistakes like that.
Meanwhile, Yumesaki looked at Robin, completely bewildered. What did she tell him?! Why does Mihawk think I'm some master duelist?
He didn't know the first thing about swordsmanship.
"Calm down for a moment, Mr. Mihawk," Robin said smoothly. "This is Yumesaki, my superior. While he himself isn't a swordsman, he knows many masters of the craft. Among them are several who could certainly best you in a duel."
Technically, she wasn't lying. Yumesaki did know of several powerful swordsmen. It just happened that those swordsmen didn't necessarily know Yumesaki.
"Are you sure about that?"
Mihawk looked at the two of them suspiciously, wondering if he was being set up.
Robin remained composed. "Why would we lie about something like this, Mr. Mihawk?"
"If you truly can find such a master," Mihawk said, "I wouldn't mind owing you a favor."
Robin glanced around at the crowded restaurant. "This isn't the place for a private conversation. Can we move somewhere else?"
Mihawk nodded.
With a casual flick of his wrist, Yumesaki opened a Warp Gate, leading Nico Robin, Nami, Hashirama, Minato, Karin, and Kanae away from the Baratie. As for Cosette, she stayed behind to continue her studies.
The scene shifted as the group reappeared inside the cabin of a large ship. Now that they were away from prying eyes, Robin cut straight to the chase.
"This world is going to be destroyed, Mr. Mihawk."
Mihawk froze for a second, clearly thinking she was exaggerating for dramatic effect. He almost found it boring.
But then, Robin released her Transformation Technique, revealing her true face. Compared to a mysterious blonde beauty, the last survivor of Ohara carried significantly more weight.
"I am Nico Robin, the sole survivor of Ohara. I assume you've heard of me."
Mihawk's eyes widened slightly. He was impressed by the transformation technique, but he nodded. He certainly knew of her. Since she was a child, the World Government had dubbed her the "Demon Child" and put a massive bounty on her head. In a world full of outlaws, her status was unique. The Tree of Knowledge at Ohara had a global reputation; its destruction had shocked the world. As the only one left, Nico Robin was a legendary figure in her own right.
"In a few years, the sea levels will rise, drowning most of the world's islands. Almost everything will sink to the bottom of the ocean. Only a few places will be spared."
"For example, the Holy Land of Mariejois."
"Many among the Celestial Dragons know this. The Five Elders have known for centuries, yet they've kept it a secret. They are content to watch the world perish while they stay high and dry. That's why I need your help. We must unite to dismantle the World Government if we want to save this world."
Robin spoke with deep passion, but Mihawk didn't seem particularly moved. He was a swordsman, not a Revolutionary or a savior. Saving the world didn't rank very high on his list of priorities.
What he cared about was an equal opponent.
Robin realized this quickly. She pivoted, offering a small smile. "If I can find a powerful opponent for you, I wonder if you would be willing to contribute your strength to saving the world?"
"Of course."
Mihawk agreed without hesitation. Finding a worthy challenge and making life difficult for the World Government at the same time? That was a win-win. But there was a catch: Nico Robin actually had to deliver on her promise.
Robin turned to look at Yumesaki. Now, all eyes were on him.
Yumesaki put on his best "innocent" face. After all that talking, it still came back to him.
He thought for a moment. He was currently connected to three worlds: Naruto, One Piece, and Frieren.
In the Naruto world, there definitely weren't any swordsmen on Mihawk's level—it was a world of Ninjas, after all. In the One Piece world, Mihawk was already at the top.
That left the world of Frieren. It was a standard world of swords and sorcery. While magic was highly advanced, there were plenty of people who mastered the blade.
The Hero, Himmel, was one of them.
Despite having no magical talent, he had defeated the Demon King using nothing but his swordsmanship. In the original story, he could cleave through an entire forest with a single swing. He likely wouldn't lose to Mihawk.
The only question was... was the Hero still alive in this timeline?
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
50 Power Stone = 1 Bonus Chapter (Up to 5 bonus chapters per week).
Join my Patreon to get access to more chapters from Webnovel here:
patreon.com/FaaanzKun