151 151. Victory and Defeat

The ship swayed violently amidst the raging sea. Mace and the crew held onto the rail for their dear lives. Shinobu stood steadily outside their living quarters with a calm look on her face. She wasn't the least bit worried.

Leo's sword intent was converged and condensed on his sword. His red sword turned increasingly blacker with a shade of deep red on it's edge.

Mihawk's black blade was raised up high, his intent was fully retracted and his haki was completely released.

Now!

Both of them moved.

Claaanngggg!

Their swords clashed against each other. The air trembled for a split second before a loud shockwave spread out in every direction.

The sea was split in half, a long trench was formed.

Crash!

The sea collapsed into it. Water gushed inside the trench creating a strong suction force.

"Brace for impact!!"

Shinobu yelled at the crew. All of them immediately held onto ship. They didn't want to be buried under water. The ship heaved up and down amidst the tumbling waves.

When the waters calmed down all of them heaved a sigh and cheered, they were still alive!

"Who won?"

Someone asked.

All of them turned their heads and saw Leo standing on the deck. Not a drop of water was on his body, however there was a small wound on his face.

They swallowed their saliva and looked in Mihawk's direction. That small shaft was still there, floating calmly. Mihawk stood on top of it like before.

"You win."

Leo said plainly and sheathed his sword.

Mihawk placed his black blade on his back and said, "Your technique couldn't contain your intent."

"A loss is a loss."

Leo shook his head and said before walking back to his cabin.

Mihawk's eyes had a deep look in them. He turned the raft and left.

Walking back to his crew Leo said, "What are you standing around for? Get to work."

The crew immediately rushed out. However everyone had an excited look on their face.

Vice admiral Leo fought against Mihawk!

Mihawk comment clearly implied vice admiral would have won if he had better techniques!

Big news! This was big news!

Walking inside his cabin Leo wiped the blood from his face, the wound had already stopped bleeding.

At this moment Shinobu walked in and said with a smile, "So, did you figure it out?

Leo sighed, "No. That technique is still flawed it held out for a split second before breaking down."

Leo's sword intent was too strong for his techniques. Whenever he used his full power, his intent would break free from his techniques and disperse.

As he got stronger his techniques could no longer hold his intent got shorter.

He knew his problem and already had developed a technique but it wasn't complete. He needed to practice it more to rough out the edges. Once it's complete his strength would rise by a tremendous margin.

Shinobu expected this and said, "But you did improve it from this battle, right?"

Leo nodded, "Yeah. A few more revisions and it will be complete."

Shinobu smiled when she heard him. She tiptoed and kissed him.

Leo grinned and wrapped his arms around her waist. Their lips were locked and passion overflowed.

...

Marineford.

Sengoku was having a rare break. He was seated on the balcony and was eating rice crackers.

Just as he was having some peace an officer rushed into the office and yelled.

"Fleet Admiral, something big happened!"

"What's the matter?"

The officer collected his breath and said excitedly, "Vice admiral Leo fought Hawkeye Mihawk!"

Sengoku choked on the rice crackers, he sat up straight. His face turned serious, "How the hell did that happen?! Did they have some kind of conflict?"

The officer shook his head, "No, sir. They fought as swordsmen. According to what was reported vice admiral Leo was no worse than Hawkeye. In fact Hawkeye commented about vice admiral Leo having weaker techniques!"

Sengoku stared when he heard him, a second later he burst out laughing. The officer was stunned when he saw Fleet Admiral laugh so happily. After all he was always so serious.

"Alright, I got it. You can go."

The officer saluted and ran out. Sengoku grabbed a handful of rice crackers and ate happily.

"It won't be late before another Admiral comes out. Buhaha!"

...

Leo returned to the island and took some time off. He needed to revise the technique he was working on.

On this day it rained suddenly. Wasn't surprising considering how unpredictable Grandline's weather is.

Leo was at the training field located behind his house. He stood silently without moving, the rain drenched him completely, he had his eyes closed as he sensed the flow of nature around him.

His domain was released.

Whistling sounds could be heard as the water drops moved at high speed. However if one looked closely they would see that these water drops were filled with sword rays.

Po!

Suddenly the rain drops popped and splashed on the muddy ground.

Still some ways to go.

Leo let out a breath and walked back to the house. He dried his hair with a towel hanging beside the door and quickly went to take a bath.

After cleaning himself he came to the kitchen and saw Shinobu making food while humming.

"What's for dinner?"

Shinobu replied, "Red lobster."

"I can't wait."

He sat down and watched her work. He really enjoyed seeing her like this, it filled his heart with warmth.

After a while Shinobu walked out and placed a large red lobster on the table. Hot air drifted from it's body, it looked very delicious. With each other as company they ate heartily.

"Your cooking is getting better by the day. If I continue to eat like this I might end up as a fatty."

Shinobu smiled sweetly, "Fatty Leo is also good."

Haha.

The next day.

Leo was inside his workshop when his den-den mushi rang.

Kachak!

He picked it up, and from it came Sengoku's stern voice.

"Immediately set out for Impel Down. Big Mom is headed there with her fleet!"