You Are The Young Swordsman Who Defeated Mihawk Back Then (5/5)

Shanks was stunned.

He never imagined that Finn, who seemed like an ordinary young man at first, also possessed the Conqueror's Haki!

And not just any kind — Finn could transform it into a tangible, devastating attack!

How is this possible?!

Shanks himself only managed to master the art of turning Conqueror's Haki into a physical force after years of training, all thanks to a rare stroke of luck. Yet here was Finn, at just eighteen years old, wielding that same power effortlessly.

A monstrous talent...

Shanks' eyes narrowed as he realized: this boy was not just a rival; he was already an enemy. If someone like Finn couldn't be eliminated, the consequences would be catastrophic.

The pirates around them had overheard Shanks' exclamation.

"Did the captain just say that Finn also has Conqueror's Haki?" one pirate gasped.

"Not just that!" another replied. "The boss said Finn can use it to attack physically!"

"Impossible!" someone shouted in disbelief. "Conqueror's Haki isn't something you just find lying around like a wildflower!"

"But the captain wouldn't be wrong about something like that!"

Fear and awe spread through the crew as they stared at Finn, their faces pale.

"You can't deny it, can you?" Shanks asked, his voice a mix of curiosity and concern.

Finn smirked, his eyes flashing with defiance. "Why, Shanks? Are you the only one allowed to wield it?"

Gasps erupted among the crew as Finn confirmed their worst fears.

How?!

This kid had already awakened his Conqueror's Haki and even mastered a way to weaponize it at such a young age! This was beyond talent — it was unheard of.

Shanks whispered to himself, "The son of the dragon… truly remarkable."

"Hey! Don't you dare assign me a title without my permission!" Finn shot back, his voice filled with anger. "I'm Garp's grandson, not some dragon's son!"

It was true — Finn had no memories of his father, Dragon. The man was nothing more than a name to him, a ghost. But his grandfather, Garp, was the real family he cherished.

Shanks noted Finn's disgust at the mention of his lineage but couldn't resist poking further. "What's wrong? Can't accept the truth, can you?"

Finn's eyes turned icy cold as he drew his sword, Yan Mo, instantly coating it in Armament Haki. The blade glowed with a dark, rolling aura, like waves crashing in a storm.

Without warning, Finn lunged forward.

"Secret Sword Art: Yan Strike!"

Slash!

A cut that defied reality!

Slash!

A cut that transcended time!

Slash!

A cut that shattered space!

Three strikes, all at once, weaving through dimensions like threads in a cosmic tapestry.

Shanks' eyes widened in shock. "No... it can't be!"

He recognized that technique. It was eerily similar to a move Hawkeye had used on him about a year ago. After a mysterious duel, Hawkeye had retreated into seclusion for two months, only to return and challenge Shanks to demonstrate a new level of swordsmanship. In that battle, Shanks was overwhelmed by Hawkeye's technique — three simultaneous cuts that left him defeated.

But Finn's version... it was even more refined, more powerful than Hawkeye's!

"Could it be... that young swordsman Hawkeye spoke of back then was you?!" Shanks muttered, piecing the puzzle together.

Before he could react further, Finn's blade was already upon him.

Yan Strike!

Theoretically, it was undodgeable. Only someone like Hawkeye, with his unmatched swordsmanship, could potentially evade it — and even then, only barely.

Shanks tried to parry, but it was too late.

Slash!

A deep gash tore through his chest, spraying blood as he stumbled back, covering the wound. He had never felt a sword strike like this — not even from Hawkeye.

"Boss!"

"Captain!"

The Red-Haired Pirates rushed forward, surrounding Shanks protectively, their eyes burning with hatred toward Finn. If Shanks gave the word, they would all attack at once.

But Shanks, holding his wound, raised a hand to stop them. "You were that young swordsman who bested Mihawk... weren't you?"

The revelation sent shockwaves through the pirates. They had witnessed Hawkeye's return after that mysterious defeat, yet never knew the identity of his opponent — until now.

"What of it?" Finn replied coldly, his gaze unwavering as he walked forward, Makino by his side.

"Stop!"

Benn Beckman aimed his rifle at Finn, his finger ready to pull the trigger.

"Care to wager, Beckman?" Finn taunted, a smirk playing on his lips. "Let's see if your bullet is faster than my blade."

"Don't get cocky, boy!" Yasopp growled, raising his sniper rifle to join Beckman.

But Finn only sneered, "You think you can take me on? Pathetic."

Yasopp's face turned red with fury. Just one word from Shanks, and he'd gladly shoot.

But before he could act, Shanks roared, "Stand down! All of you!"

"Boss?" Benn Beckman turned to Shanks, confused.

"This battle was between me and Finn," Shanks declared, gritting his teeth. "I lost. We're leaving!"

"Boss!" Yasopp protested, but Shanks cut him off with a fierce glare.

"You heard me! I've got no time for petty grudges. Finn is beyond us now — and if Garp gets involved, we're all doomed. We can't afford that risk."

Reluctantly, the crew began to withdraw, but Finn wasn't done yet.

"I'll let the rest of you go," Finn said, his voice as cold as ice. "But Shanks and Yasopp… you're not leaving here."

A tense silence fell over the battlefield as everyone realized — this fight was far from over.