124. Hawkeye’s Sword Skills

Grand Line, uninhabited island.

The island isn't particularly large. In the pirate world, the most noteworthy locations are some uninhabited desert islands. These islands lack birds or animals, making them truly desolate.

Hawkeye was highly intrigued by Atlas's identity as a swordsman, and Atlas, in turn, harbored some curiosity about Hawkeye. Naturally, these were ordinary musings, and the two found common ground.

However, engaging in a battle on the ship is out of the question. The level of damage resulting from their clash is enough to trigger a substantial tsunami. The warship would undoubtedly be left in ruins, potentially ruining Atlas's vacation prematurely.

Clang!

Hawkeye remained silent but swiftly drew the Yoru from his back, pointing the blade's tip at Atlas. The implication was evident.

Atlas naturally employed his swordsmanship to counter it. Even though he didn't perceive himself as a pure swordsman, encountering the future world's greatest swordsman inevitably stirred a bit of excitement within him.

Armament haki enveloped him, and the Sandai Kitetsu, originally a cursed blade, took on an even more profound aura. While the quality of the Sandai Kitetsu was comparable to that of a fine sword, the Yoru in Hawkeye's hand was one of the four renowned Supreme Grade swords. It held the title of the strongest black sword in the world.

The quality of the two swords is worlds apart. As the sole sword currently wielded by Atlas, the Sandai Kitetsu would undeniably cause distress if it were to suffer any damage.

Ittoryu Jūjika no hana (Cross Flowers)

Atlas initiated the first strike, and the rapid cross-cut slashes were so densely packed that they nearly obscured the sky.

"What an incisive slash."

The Yoru in Hawkeye's hand was held diagonally in front of him, the blade pointing towards Atlas.

A green slash surged forth from the blade!

The slash was colossal, large enough to overshadow all the cross slashes.

Despite Atlas asserting that he wasn't a pure swordsman, Hawkeye's expertise told him that the man before him was exceptionally formidable. In terms of sheer strength, he might not be Hawkeye's equal.

"No, this kind of slash is too exaggerated, isn't it?"

"No, this kind of slash is too much, isn't it?"

The immense slashing duel was clearly visible to everyone on the warship, even from a considerable distance.

Although mentally prepared for the fact that the two were highly formidable, witnessing such extravagant displays with his own eyes undeniably had a profound visual impact on Smoker.

Atlas had consistently outclassed him back in Logue town. Unexpectedly, after departing from the recruitment training camp, the disparity between the two didn't diminish; instead, it widened.

'The current Brother Atlas should be counted among the most formidable individuals in the world...'

Vergo, also positioned on the warship, had his eyes flickering as he continually assessed the strengths of Doflamingo and the two individuals before him. He immediately felt a bit disheartened. The gap was quite substantial.

Clang! Clang!

The slashes intersected, and Hawkeye's slash peculiarly divided into two halves. One part continued to split, precisely countering Atlas's cross slash, while the other half arced towards Atlas himself, seemingly backing him into a corner!

'Shit, Why are you so serious.'

Atlas was astonished. In terms of swordsmanship alone, Hawkeye could be considered the most powerful person he had ever encountered. How could he execute a splitting technique with his slashes?

With a measured breath, Atlas raised the Sandai Kitetsu in his hand and lunged towards the dark green slash.

This level of slashing attack couldn't pose a threat to him!

Clang!

The dark green slash, towering over a man's height, was directly split in the middle by Atlas, soaring backward without losing momentum and ultimately plunging into the sea!

Two long and narrow gaps suddenly emerged on the tranquil surface of the sea, and they only gradually healed once the force of the slashing power subsided.

"That's the sensation..."

Hawkeye felt the blood in his veins begin to stir. The continuous thrill of challenging formidable opponents was truly intoxicating for him.

"The real enjoyment is still ahead!"

Atlas maintained his momentum and grinned.

His swordsmanship skills are indeed not on par with Hawkeye's. His style has never been refined or delicate. It lacks the meticulous finesse of Hawkeye and the flashy techniques of Vista.

There's only one word to describe it—reckless!

As long as I'm strong enough, I can hack you to death!

Ittoryu Taki (Waterfall)

In an instant, Atlas swiftly moved past Hawkeye and delivered a strike devoid of finesse or elegance, relying solely on sheer power!

"This style of swordsmanship..."

It can be said that in all these years, Hawkeye has never encountered swordsmanship quite like Atlas's. This kind of power can be considered entirely divorced from the sword itself. He might be able to unleash a comparable force with a mace. If Hawkeye is pursuing the ultimate in skill, then Atlas represents the ultimate in power!

"But... there's no inherently good or bad way in swordsmanship!"

Hawkeye raised the blade overhead!

Clang!

The voice resonated clearly, and though his arms trembled slightly, he still held the sword firmly, successfully blocking the strike!

Hawkeye observed the sunken legs and promptly positioned the blade across his chest. Simultaneously, he exerted force on his legs and executed a swift retreat!

Atlas secretly bared his teeth.

Indeed, it's the strongest black sword in the world. Its hardness surpasses that of the Sandai Kitetsu. Thankfully, his Haki is of excellent quality. If it were Vergo instead, the sword might have been lost.

"Your blade doesn't seem to suit you!"

Hawkeye said calmly. For a swordsman deemed a great master, claiming not to have a sword suitable for him was a statement that few would believe.

"I'm not a true swordsman. To me, swords are merely tools." 

Atlas turned his blade and spoke with narrowed eyes.

Without delving further into the discussion, the Yoru in Hawkeye's hand had already executed a slash!

A swiftly extending dark green flying slash, with the black Haki leaping joyfully, cut through the air. A powerful gust ensued, and every detail of the slash emitted a terrifying howl.

It was as if this slash consisted of myriad small slashes, with the highly proficient Armament Haki tightly enveloping the entire attack.

"Secret of Ittoryu: Behead the enemies without stopping, without resting with the sword..."

Atlas remained composed. The Sandai Kitetsu in his hand grew increasingly intense, and the muscles in his arms swelled rapidly.

Chi no Sora (Blood Sky)

A blood-red slash, tinged with a deep black hue, soared into the sky!

If 'Senkiri Issen'(Thousand cuts in one flash) is the secret to Atlas's ultimate speed, then 'Chi no Sora' is the secret to ultimate power!

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