Chapter 89: Should Ten Rounds Be Enough?

Grand Line, Kuraigana Island!

When a huge thunderous roar echoed across the island, Princess Perona and Roronoa Zoro, who had been roughly bandaged, couldn't help but react.

Though the island wasn't known for being particularly well-lit, with minimal sunlight, today's weather was clear—there weren't even any dark clouds in sight, making it impossible for thunder to strike out of nowhere!

Moreover, the sound they heard wasn't that of natural thunder. Ordinary thunderstorms aren't usually that loud.

Zoro's expression became even more perplexed. The sound of the thunder felt strangely familiar. Could it be...?

No, that's impossible, right?

Hadn't that guy been defeated by Luffy and gone to the moon?

Impossible. Absolutely impossible!

"You two, if you're interested, you can come and have a look with me," said Hawk Eyes Mihawk, the world's greatest swordsman, without elaborating much to Zoro.

He knew exactly who had just landed on the island—Shiro!

It was surprising to him that this young man, who wielded such immense strength, would take his commitments so seriously.

Reflecting on Shiro's performance during the war at Marineford, Mihawk acknowledged that he was dealing with a remarkably reliable man.

After dressing, Mihawk sheathed his black sword Yoru, one of the twelve Supreme Grade Swords, and stepped outside.

"Are you excited too?" Mihawk muttered, noting the subtle hum of Yoru, and couldn't help but sigh.

During the war at Marineford, he had sensed an unparalleled momentum and will from Shiro's swordsmanship. Even without other abilities, Shiro's mastery of the sword alone was enough to earn Mihawk's respect.

"An opponent who can excite Hawk Eyes? Let's go and see!" Zoro, noticing Mihawk's unusually excited demeanor, felt a surge of anticipation. What kind of opponent could make Hawk Eyes react this way?

"Hey, it's so boring. You men only think about these superficial things," Perona grumbled.

Meanwhile, in the forest on the outskirts of Kuraigana Island...

The vast forest had been decimated by a thunderous dragon, leaving a tenth of it in ruins, with baboons lying around, stunned by the electricity.

Standing amidst this destruction was Shiro, calmly observing the aggressive leader of the baboons as he awaited Mihawk's arrival.

After landing on the island, Shiro had intended to greet Mihawk formally. But there was no avoiding it—as soon as he stepped foot on the island, he was immediately targeted by this group of baboons.

Perhaps they mistook him for an intruder.

Annoyed by their persistence, Shiro had struck most of them down with a single bolt of thunder, sending a clear signal to Mihawk.

Yet, before Mihawk could arrive, another group of baboons emerged, led by a particularly tall one wielding a replica of Yoru on its back. It must be the leader of the baboons who had imitated Mihawk's swordsmanship.

Shiro wasn't in any hurry to make a move, as he could already sense Mihawk approaching.

The baboon leader, recognizing that Shiro was no easy opponent, hesitated. After all, many of its subordinates lay defeated around them.

Aside from Mihawk, this was the first time the baboon leader had been so cautious on Kuraigana Island.

Finally, after a brief standoff, the world's greatest swordsman, Hawk Eyes Mihawk, arrived.

"Shiro, you're here!" Mihawk's eyes narrowed as he sized up the more formidable young man before him, feeling a rush of excitement.

Since the Red-Haired Shanks had lost his arm, Mihawk hadn't had a truly exhilarating duel in a long time. And there was no doubt that the young man before him could provide just that.

"Ah, Mihawk, it's been a while... I came to fulfill our promise. But before that, I'll deal with the baboons across from me using only swordsmanship. It should give you time to prepare yourself mentally," Shiro nodded at Mihawk as he spoke.

Although Shiro intended to face Mihawk using only swordsmanship this time, he knew that his current skill set was not limited to just wielding a sword.

To avoid any accusations of unfair play later, Shiro felt it was necessary to remind the world's greatest swordsman of his intentions.

"Mental preparation? In that case, Shiro, you should also be prepared. That baboon leader has been imitating my swordsmanship for many years. I'm afraid that using only swordsmanship, you won't be able to take it down quickly!" Mihawk warned.

Although Mihawk wasn't sure what Shiro was planning, this was still his territory, and he couldn't let Shiro be too arrogant.

"Is that... Shiro!?" Perona and Zoro, who had arrived in a hurry, gasped in recognition.

Almost simultaneously, they identified Shiro's true identity.

After all, his name had been spreading like wildfire across the seas.

This was the notorious criminal with a bounty of 3.58 billion Belly—Shiro, the man who single-handedly destroyed Marineford!

"So you're the Shiro who helped Luffy rescue Fire Fist Ace? No wonder you're so powerful!" Zoro muttered in awe as he observed Shiro standing confidently.

According to the news, Shiro was a man who could fight against an Admiral of the Navy and hold his own!

And he, Zoro, known as one of the twelve Supernovas, had once been at the mercy of Admiral Kizaru!

"Thank you for the warning, Mihawk, but how much swordsmanship can this baboon leader really learn from you? With my skills, it shouldn't take long to win," Shiro responded with a smile.

Although he planned to recruit Mihawk as an ally, there was no need for excessive politeness. True strength would naturally earn respect, and like-minded individuals could always find common ground.

"Then try it. I'll wait for you!" Mihawk nodded, saying no more.

With Shiro's strength, it wouldn't be difficult to defeat the baboon leader quickly. However, using only swordsmanship might waste a little time, but it wouldn't drain too much energy, ensuring their upcoming duel wouldn't be compromised.

"Ow—!" The baboon leader roared, expressing its dissatisfaction at being underestimated.

At the same time, a three-sword baboon emerged from behind it, clearly intending to assist the leader in facing Shiro.

Seeing this, Zoro couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance—the three-sword baboon was obviously imitating him.

He wouldn't have dared to act so recklessly in such a battle; this baboon was certainly bold.

However, if Shiro only used swordsmanship and physical skills, a baboon leader imitating Mihawk and another imitating him might be able to hold out for a while.

"Hey, green-haired idiot, how long do you think those two baboons can last against Shiro?" Perona asked.

"I don't know... Ten rounds should be enough, right?" Zoro replied.

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