Zoro vs Mihawk

The events began to unfold quickly when Don Krieg declared his intention to seize the Baratie for his own plans. After his crew finished eating, they armed themselves to the teeth, ready for battle. The cooks of the Baratie also prepared to defend the restaurant, as Zeff ordered the ship's wings to be deployed, readying it for the impending clash. The panicked customers began to evacuate.

– Saga, get our ship out and move it a bit farther to avoid getting caught in the crossfire – Ethel commanded sternly – Kaya, stay close to us. We're about to face pirates, and I wouldn't be surprised if they try something against you.

Kaya nodded silently, a mixture of nervousness and determination on her face. Meanwhile, the Straw Hat crew, except for Nami, whom Ethel noticed sneaking away, took their positions on the deck, ready for combat.

From his imposing galleon, Don Krieg shouted once again:

– Zeff, out of respect for your legacy as a pirate, if you give me the ship and your logbook, I'll spare everyone here!

Zeff stood firm, silently observing Krieg before responding:

– If you want the ship, come down and fight for it.

With an arrogant grin, Don Krieg ordered his subordinates to attack. The battle began immediately, with Krieg's pirates launching themselves at the Baratie and its defenders. However, just as the confrontation was about to escalate, something unexpected happened. Krieg's massive galleon, which had been the cornerstone of his power and security, split in half.

Shock rippled through the scene. The cooks, pirates, and Krieg's crew froze, bewildered by what had just occurred. But while most stared in disbelief, only two people at the Baratie understood what had happened: Ethel and Zoro. Both recognized the unmistakable presence of one of the most feared pirates of the Grand Line.

– Is it him? – Ethel murmured, her gaze fixed on the water.

Zoro, a mix of excitement and tension surging within him, leapt onto the wrecked remains of Don Krieg's galleon, landing firmly beside Mihawk. His eyes locked onto the man before him: the world's strongest swordsman, Dracule Mihawk. Krieg's crew, still trembling from their recent encounter with Mihawk's devastating power, stood paralyzed as they watched Zoro challenge the very force that had destroyed their ship.

Don Krieg, furious and terrified, screamed:

– You damn demon! You've followed us here! Can't you stop toying with us?

Mihawk, as calm as ever, barely moved as he replied:

– I was bored, so I decided to chase you. – His voice was calm, devoid of emotion.

With a nearly invisible movement, Mihawk stepped onto the remaining part of the floating galleon as if he were walking on air. His presence was overwhelming, like a shadow that seemed to swallow all the sunlight. Zoro stared at him intently, knowing there was no turning back. This was the moment he had waited for his entire life: the confrontation against the man who represented his dream and greatest challenge.

– Boy... – Mihawk said, acknowledging the swordsman with a slight nod – Do you wish to test yourself against me?

Zoro, wearing a determined smile, drew his three swords.

– I have no choice. If I want to be the world's greatest swordsman, I must defeat you – Zoro replied, his voice filled with resolution.

For a moment, the wind ceased.

Mihawk calmly observed the fury in Zoro's eyes, noticing the glimmer of contempt in the young swordsman as he saw the small blade Mihawk had drawn. However, the elite swordsman showed no emotion, as though the duel was nothing more than a game to him.

– Are you mocking me? – Zoro shouted, his muscles tensing, ready to strike.

– Unfortunately, I don't have a smaller blade – Mihawk replied, his tone almost indifferent – I'll have to settle for this one.

Furious at what he perceived as mockery, Zoro didn't wait any longer. With a battle cry, he unleashed his most famous technique, Oni Giri. His three swords moved with incredible speed and precision, slicing through the air as he launched himself at Mihawk with all his strength.

What followed was a resounding clash that echoed throughout the galleon. Mihawk, barely moving, raised his small blade and effortlessly blocked Zoro's attack, leaving everyone present in stunned silence. Zoro's swords struck Mihawk's tiny dagger, and for a moment that seemed to stretch forever, the world stood still.

Zoro was left frozen, disbelief filling his eyes as he realized that one of his most powerful techniques hadn't been enough to make Mihawk even flinch.

– Is this all? – Mihawk asked coldly, his eyes fixed on Zoro's, assessing the young swordsman's true strength and determination.

Zoro, who had never experienced such a humiliating defeat, now understood the immense gap between him and Mihawk. But rather than despair, something inside him ignited even more fiercely. Gathering every ounce of strength, he prepared to continue, determined not to give up until his very last breath, no matter how hopeless the situation seemed.

Luffy was visibly nervous, gripping Jonny and Yosaku's heads so tightly that he almost knocked them unconscious, unable to contain his anxiety as he watched the duel.

Sanji, on the other hand, couldn't take his eyes off the fight. A mix of disbelief and admiration flooded him. He couldn't understand how someone could sacrifice so much in a fight that, to him, seemed impossible to win. In Zoro, he saw a reflection of what he had abandoned long ago: a dream he wasn't yet ready to give up on.

Ethel, Saga, and Kaya also watched in silence. Both Ethel and Saga, as swordsmen themselves, felt particularly intrigued by the duel against the man who held the title of the world's greatest swordsman. Every movement, every technique, every clash of steel held their full attention, in a reverent silence.

Zoro continued his assault with reckless fury, launching attack after attack despite the severe wounds covering his body. He was bleeding profusely, but his will remained unshaken. With his final technique, Tora Gari, he attempted a decisive blow, but Mihawk, with almost insulting ease, stopped him, driving the small blade near Zoro's heart, inflicting devastating damage.

– I can't die here... – Zoro shouted, his voice heavy with desperation and pride. Preparing for his final technique, he gathered all his remaining strength – Sanzen Sekai... Three Thousand Worlds.

Sensing the unwavering determination of the young swordsman, Mihawk felt compelled to respond with honor. He sheathed his small dagger and drew his imposing black sword, the legendary Kokutō Yoru, in a gesture of respect.

Zoro charged with everything he had left. Both swordsmen attacked simultaneously. The clash was inevitable, and in an instant, Zoro's two swords shattered under the overwhelming power of Mihawk.

Defeated, Zoro did not retreat. Instead, he sheathed the last sword he had left and turned to face the strike that would seal his fate.

– Boy... – Mihawk said in a deep, calm voice as his sword descended – You know defeat, but you rise to face it. The courage and ambition you've shown are worthy of respect. Keep improving, fight, live. And when you're strong enough, come face me again. Until that day, you will remain the weakest.