Challenging Dracule Mihawk

"Can you use this as a sample?"

The next moment, Eiji took Kurohige's right hand from the Storage Ring.

"Where did this hand come from? What's the principle behind it? Could it be some sort of portable storage?"

Vegapunk was more surprised by something appearing out of thin air rather than the sight of a human hand.

"You're right. This ring is called a Storage Ring; it can store items in the space within it." Eiji marveled at Vegapunk's intelligence.

"Can you give me this so-called Storage Ring? I want to study and develop it! It would be a great help to me." Vegapunk asked, his eyes shining.

"Hmmm... Alright, give me a necklace, ring, or any other accessory. I'll create storage space within it."

After pondering for a moment, Eiji didn't refuse. After all, Vegapunk was willing to help him, so there was no harm in fulfilling his request.

Consider it an equal exchange.

"Can this be used?"

Vegapunk was a smart person; he knew when to step forward and back. Looking around the room, he created a necklace made of steel-strong thread and sea stone as a pendant.

"It can."

Not too concerned about the appearance of the accessory, Eiji took it from Vegapunk's hand and used his Limitless Technique to inscribe a very small formation on the necklace.

"Amazing, this is the first time I've seen letters like this." Vegapunk exclaimed in amazement.

It's worth noting that Vegapunk possessed the most knowledge in the world. In fact, he had secretly studied the history hidden by the World Government. So, he knew many ancient scripts like the poneglyphs. Even so, he couldn't understand a single word of the script used by Eiji.

"Done. Take this."

With that, Eiji tossed the necklace back to Vegapunk.

"So fast? I thought it would take more time. Anyway, how do I use this?"

Examining the necklace carefully, Vegapunk found no changes except for the tiny letters inscribed on its surface.

"Use Spiritual Energy as you would when using Haki."

"Alright, I'll give it a try."

Following Eiji's instructions, Vegapunk channeled Spiritual Energy into the necklace in his hand.

His mastery of Haki was only at the basic level. Even that was thanks to his friend, Borsalino, who helped him learn Haki for research purposes.

"This is revolutionary! How can there be such a large space inside such a small necklace? With this, I can save a lot of time during transportation."

Before Eiji could explain how to use it, he saw Vegapunk already experimenting with storing and retrieving items around him using the Storage Necklace.

"Sorry to interrupt your fun, but how long until your research is complete?"

"That depends on how complicated Kurohige's DNA secrets are."

"Three months."

"What?! That's impossible! There's still so much we don't know about the human body. I'm afraid it won't be easy to discover the reason behind Kurohige's unique body in such a short time."

"That's your problem, not mine. Anyway, try to prioritize this research project. My time is running out."

Without waiting for Vegapunk's response, Charlie teleported away from Egghead.

His mission was complete, and he didn't want his presence to be detected by others. After all, Egghead belonged to the World Government. Who knows how many spies were stationed here?

"So selfish. Oh well, I'm also very curious about why Kurohige can consume two Devil Fruits. Maybe I can uncover the secret. If I succeed, the Seraphim will evolve even further. That way, I won't have to worry about the World Government pursuing me when they discover I've been studying hidden history."

Vegapunk's attitude was optimistic.

❀❀❀

The next day.

Kuraigana Island is a dark and gloomy place somewhere on the Grand Line. This island was once home to the now-ruined Shikkearu Kingdom.

Currently, only a man and a woman inhabit Kuraigana Island.

Aside from its inhospitable landscape, Kuraigana Island is the base of one of the Shichibukai, who holds the title of the World's Strongest Swordsman, Dracule Mihawk.

In the center of the island stands a castle, tall among the rows of towering pine trees, surrounded by a quiet and simultaneously eerie atmosphere.

The building features pointed blue spires with Gothic architectural details that give it a haunted yet elegant impression. Large arched windows adorn the castle's front, showcasing the appearance of an ancient palace full of history.

There are no other signs of life around this castle, aside from the wild trees, adding to the isolated feeling.

"Hm?"

In a room, Mihawk, who was polishing the blade of Yoru, suddenly stopped.

"Horo-horo-horo-horo-horo... It's unusual for you to stop while caring for your beloved sword."

Near Mihawk was a beautiful girl floating in the air.

She was a petite young woman with large, round black eyes and asymmetrical eyelashes. She had bright pink waist-length hair tied into two pigtails with black and white flower hair clips, wore a red crown with a black cross on her head, and red lipstick with a thick layer of black eyeliner.

Her name was Perona, a former subordinate of Shichibukai Gecko Moria. After Moria was defeated by Luffy, Perona now lived with Mihawk for various complicated reasons.

"There's a guest." Mihawk said briefly.

"A guest? Who dares to come to Kuraigana Island? Let me handle them."

"You're not his match."

"Impossible! So far, I've only met one person who wasn't affected by the powers of the Horo Horo no Mi. No matter how strong this intruder is, they won't stand a chance against my powers."

"This person is strong."

"Horo-horo-horo-horo-horo... I just remembered something I need to do. See you."

After saying that, Perona flew through the wall like a ghost.

She had changed her mind after hearing Mihawk's evaluation.

To be recognized as strong by the World's Strongest Swordsman, the other party must not be someone she could handle. Perona was self-aware.

"..."

Mihawk merely glanced at Perona as she fled without saying anything. Carrying Yoru, he walked out of the castle.

"So, it's you, Chaosbringer."

Seeing the young man standing in the distance, Mihawk immediately recognized him.

"Looking at your eyes, I understand why people call you Hawk Eyes." Eiji said casually.

Mihawk was a tall, slender, and muscular man with fair skin, short jet-black hair slicked back, and a short beard, mustache, and sideburns that pointed upwards in a "V" shape.

His nickname came from his yellow eyes, which resembled a hawk's, with concentric rings around each pupil.

"What do you want?" Mihawk asked directly.

Although the man before him was claimed to be very dangerous by the World Government, Mihawk was unfazed, confident in his own strength.

"Then I'll get straight to the point, I came here to challenge you in swordsmanship."

This was Eiji's true purpose.

To enhance his mastery of Haki, he needed to challenge powerful individuals without relying on his Limitless Technique.