196 Whitebeard vs Hawkeye

"Guurarara, you're right in front of me, feel free to make your own decision."

Confronted with Hawkeye's direct question, Whitebeard didn't provide a clear response. Instead, he left it to Hawkeye to decide for himself.

Seeing Hawkeye this time, Whitebeard felt a bit pleased. After all, Hawkeye wasn't an enemy; in fact, he held great admiration for the guy.

Even though Hawkeye is officially a Seven Warlords of the Sea, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Marine government, Whitebeard never sees him as just a WG lapdog.

Hawkeye hasn't answered yet. Whitebeard looked at Zoro and asked, "Why did you bring someone along this time?"

Everyone knows that Hawkeye has always had the habit of going out to sea alone, always on his own.

Whitebeard found it a bit unusual to see a guy with green hair and three swords standing next to Hawkeye.

"I just showed him some sword skills" 

Hawkeye replied calmly.

"It looks like you've been through some changes. You're a guest from afar. Now that you're here, just take a seat and let's drink."

Whitebeard thought about assigning someone to take care of them, but Hawkeye wasn't a fan of that kind of formality.

"No, I came here for a reason."

"Oh, what's the reason? Did you hear the rumors before setting sail?"

"I was genuinely surprised to hear that you're still alive. Checking the truth of the rumors is worth a visit in person."

Whitebeard raised a bowl of wine, taking a sip as he looked at Hawkeye.

"We've been talking for a while now; you should be able to figure it out. Even though it's a bit unbelievable, your eyes are always as keen as an eagle's, aren't they?"

"You can see the essence that others can't see. You should have your own answer in your heart."

"That's not always the case. Some things can't be seen just with your eyes; you might need other means to confirm." 

Hawkeye added

"What is needed?" Whitebeard asked further.

At that moment, Hawkeye's eyes underwent a sudden change. He swiftly drew the black knife from behind and sent a sword slash directly at Whitebeard.

"I need to use my sword to be sure!"

Witnessing the change in Hawkeye's actions, Jozu swiftly positioned himself in front of Whitebeard, instantly turning his entire body into diamond.

The incredibly tough body intercepted Hawkeye's slash, yet it still absorbed a slight impact.

"You can't even break my defenses. How do you expect to face the old man?"

Jozu sneered without reservation, though a twinge of envy lingered in his heart toward Hawkeye.

Even though he could deflect Hawkeye's attacks, as seen at the Summit War.

However, this is solely due to his advantage in fruit ability; the Diamond Fruit is naturally defensive.

Blocking Hawkeye's attack also required Jozu to expend a considerable amount of energy.

At least in a real fight, he believed he wasn't Hawkeye's match. Hawkeye's slashes seemed effortless, not utilizing his full strength.

But when facing the old man, Jozu naturally gave his best to protect him.

"Jozu, take a step back for now. If Hawkeye wants to confirm things firsthand, let's consider it a welcoming gesture to our guest."

Whitebeard didn't care, because there were so many people who questioned his identity during this period, and he didn't care about it anymore.

Moreover, he welcomed the chance to spar with Hawkeye, seeing it as an opportunity to hone his sword skills.

While everyone believes Whitebeard's becoming the top powerhouse relies on the Tremor-tremor Fruit, they tend to overlook his exceptional swordsmanship.

A naginata slices through the clouds, and Whitebeard's blade skills are equally impressive.

Therefore, in the fight with Hawkeye, Whitebeard intends to refrain from using the Tremor Fruit's ability.

Choosing only the naginata and Haki to confront Hawkeye, and engaging in a sword duel with the renowned number one sword master in the world, Hawkeye, left Whitebeard feeling excited.

"But since we are going to fight, the place here is a bit small. Let's move this to the shore"

Following Whitebeard's command, the ship altered course and swiftly docked at a pier.

Whitebeard and Hawkeye disembarked, finding an open and desolate spot for their confrontation.

Zoro, Jozu, and the others observed the impending battle. The two masters hadn't made a move yet, but the intensity of their auras sent a surge through Zoro's heart.

"I believe the one who can withstand my blade is the true Whitebeard" 

Hawkeye declared, lifting the black knife and addressing Whitebeard.

"Guurarara, go ahead and attack with all your might" 

Whitebeard laughed aloud, firmly gripping his naginata while standing on the ground.

As soon as Whitebeard spoke, Hawkeye quickly rushed forward, delivering a powerful slash imbued with intense Haki.

Even though it was the attack from number one swordsman, Whitebeard remained unaffected, his gaze focused on the movements of Hawkeye's hands.

While Whitebeard's strength far surpasses Hawkeye's, even if Hawkeye's slash makes contact, it has no effect on Whitebeard's monster body.

But now it's a showdown of swordsmanship. If he makes a move, wouldn't that signify conceding to Hawkeye's skill?

Even if this man holds the title of the number one swordsman, Whitebeard has no intention of losing to him.

Nevertheless, in response to his attack, Whitebeard had to handle it with caution.

Whitebeard leaned forward with his naginata at a diagonal angle, effectively blocking Hawkeye's attack.

A burst of sword energy emanated from Hawkeye black blade, causing the surrounding air to vibrate violently.

The clash between their weapons created a powerful impact, yet neither of them retreated

Hawkeye then took the initiative to step back, followed by another cross slash.

Confronted with the cross slash, Whitebeard refused to passively defend and instead took the initiative to raise his blade, delivering a powerful slash.

The Haki on the naginata surged both vertically and horizontally, instantly dismantling the Hawkeye cross slash while simultaneously launching a counterattack.

A potent surge of sword energy.

Hawkeye sensed a moment of danger, realizing that Whitebeard's proficiency with sword aura might actually surpass his own.

However, Hawkeye, being agile, swiftly dodged the strike. The sword aura cleanly sliced a long crack directly into the ground.

"I used to think Shanks' swordsmanship was the only one in the world comparable to mine. Now it seems your sword skills are truly enough to be worthy of your reputation"

Hawkeye's eyes grew more serious. Seeing Whitebeard's sword skill at this moment is undoubtedly powerful.

Skill in swordsmanship is not merely about technique; understanding a person's martial principles is important. Whitebeard, in this instance, refrains from using his fruit ability.

Those who can push Hawkeye to a swordsmanship confrontation are usually reluctant to do so; they opt to evade, and now Whitebeard always counter Hawkeye attack, a fact that never fails to astonish Hawkeye.

"Guurarara, reveal all your strength, don't finish it too soon" 

Whitebeard reminded once again that he didn't want Hawkeye to lose directly because of carelessness.

Hawkeye took a deep breath upon hearing the words. He closed his eyes for three seconds, adjusting his focus.

"I get it. No holding back, the real battle starts now" 

Hawkeye declared, fixing his gaze on Whitebeard, tightly gripping the black blade Yoru with burning eyes!.

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TO BE CONTINUE

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