Mihawk!

"Oh, just starting out and already wielding the strength of a swordsman, and it seems you've already found your own path in swordsmanship. The newcomers on the sea are becoming more and more remarkable."

Watching Mihawk, Nicholas couldn't help but remark, and this also made Dragon glance at Mihawk a couple of times. After all, achieving the level of a swordsman at such a young age meant that with a little more training and honing over the years, he would undoubtedly become a great swordsman.

Upon hearing Nicholas's words, Mihawk instinctively tightened his grip on the long Sword beside him, and his eyes suddenly became sharper.

Throughout his journey, he had encountered quite a few people with decent strength, but rarely did he meet someone who could confidently state his level.

"Calm down, don't be so nervous. If we had any hostility towards you, with your current level of skill, you'd probably be fish food at the harbor of Loguetown."

Nicholas waved his hand dismissively. This wasn't just boasting; with him and Dragon teaming up, even someone like Hawk-Eye, who would be considered the greatest swordsman, would end up fish food, let alone someone who had just started out.

"Who exactly are you?"

Although Nicholas said this, Mihawk remained vigilant, especially since it concerned his swordsmanship. If his conviction wavered, it would be like a cultivator's dao heart being shattered. Unless he could recover, it would be over.

"I'm just a passing masked knight."

Nicholas said with feigned solemnity.

Mihawk: ???

"Since you've chosen to set sail, you must have done your homework."

Dragon took out a stack of wanted posters from his pocket and, after rummaging through them for a while, handed Mihawk Nicholas's wanted poster.

Holding the bounty poster in his hand, Mihawk first looked down and then looked up again, not understanding how the handsome young man in the poster had become so disfigured in just a few years.

"Don't be surprised. That's him, but he just changed his facial muscles using techniques from the Marines."

Apparently, Dragon was willing to explain patiently because he had taken a liking to Mihawk. After all, having a future great swordsman on their side would undoubtedly greatly enhance their strength.

At present, Dragon could be said to have few subordinates who could fight. If they couldn't put out enough level of fighters in terms of martial strength, they would just be playing around.

"Hey, Dragon, what are you trying to do?"

Seeing Dragon calmly putting away the wanted posters, Nicholas couldn't help but ask in amazement. This guy's actions didn't seem like those of a good person.

However, Dragon remained quite candid, without any intention of concealing his motives.

"Oh, this? You know, we've just started, so we don't have much money, people, or weapons. Our expenses are huge, so this is just a way to earn some extra cash."

Hearing Dragon's explanation, Nicholas fell silent.

"I hope to challenge you. I want to know how far I am from the pinnacle of the world!"

With firmness in his voice and an unwavering determination, Hawk-Eye exuded an aura as sharp as an unsheathed blade.

Looking at Hawk-Eye's serious demeanor, Nicholas couldn't help but feel surprised. Even someone as calm as him felt a surge of excitement and anticipation.

"What exactly do you want to achieve?"

Nicholas shook his head in resignation and smiled, while slowly standing up.

Seeing Nicholas's movements, Hawk-Eye's eyes brightened, evidently interpreting it as an agreement.

Just as Hawk-Eye was about to get up, he was stopped by Nicholas's outstretched hand.

"Don't waste food. I'll be waiting outside for you."

After saying that, Nicholas walked towards the exit.

At this moment, Hawk-Eye's eyes widened, his pupils dilated. He couldn't even notice Nicholas's movements clearly.

Nevertheless, he silently picked up his chopsticks and finished his food, even helping Dragon and Nicholas settle the bill before leaving.

"If that's the case, tell me your name, young swordsman."

Nicholas said in a deep voice by the seaside of Loguetown.

Standing not far away, Hawk-Eye's eyes suddenly lit up, his face showing a hint of excitement and anticipation.

"I am Dracule, Mihawk!"

Then, with determination in his eyes, he drew his sword from his waist.

"Hey, where's your sword?"

Hawk-Eye, eager for a peak showdown, urged Nicholas as he looked at him standing there.

Nicholas smiled faintly and slowly drew out... a toothpick from his mouth.

"What's the meaning of this!?"

Seeing Nicholas holding a toothpick, even the usually calm Mihawk felt a surge of anger about to burst forth.

This kind of childish action was simply an insult to the solemnity of a swordsman's duel.

"I am no beast that goes all out when hunting rabbits; unfortunately, I don't carry anything smaller than this."

Nicholas said to Mihawk with a tone that implied, "It's not that I don't want to draw my sword, but you're not worthy of it."

"Then, let's begin!"

Mihawk fell silent, then gripped the hilt of his sword with both hands and spoke in a deep voice.

His expression became somewhat serious. When facing the world's top experts, even if their swordsmanship wasn't their most proficient attack method, one had to give their all in response because death was a real possibility.

As Nicholas looked at Mihawk, he was taken aback. What the heck, this guy isn't playing by the rules. Shouldn't he be shouting something like, "Damn you, how dare you underestimate me! I'll make sure you die a miserable death"?

And then charge forward with his sword?