CH 45

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"Nothing? For a while, my hands itched, and I got into a fight with someone," Chen Fan replied simply. He then sat down with his usual care, picked up something, and began to eat.

In an instant, a mildly warm sensation emanated from his body, steadily nurturing his injuries. The external wounds started scabbing over in a short span of time.

Observing this, Monet pondered to herself. Was she being too useless? Why wasn't she helpful in every battle? She clenched her small fists, determined to train harder and be of assistance next time.

After several months aboard the ship, Monet had unconsciously developed a sense of belonging and even some reliance on Chen Fan.

On the other side, Marko, the immortal bird soaring in the sky, had blood trickling from the corners of his mouth, and he couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy as he thought about the destruction thunder.

The reason for his hasty retreat wasn't solely due to his father's instructions; it was also because the battle had taken a downward turn. Marko knew, despite initial appearances, that the paralysis effect of that thunder had a significant role in deciding life and death.

"Thunder God Chen Fan, this guy's strength is truly terrifying. I'll have to be more cautious in the future," Marko murmured enviously. With that, his body transformed into a blue streak, disappearing into the sky.

Two months later, a pirate ship bearing a thunder flag appeared in the New World.

At this moment, Chen Fan was still training on the deck as he had been for the past two months. His Conqueror's Haki had reached the third level, officially elevating his strength to the level of an elite lieutenant general.

Monet had also intensified her training during this period, going from eight to ten hours a day, aided by Chen Fan's guidance. She had learned half of the Navy Six Styles.

Likewise, Lafitte trained whenever he could. They all understood the importance of increasing their strength quickly to avoid becoming a burden to Chen Fan.

"What's our next move, Captain?" asked Lafitte.

The primary reason Lafitte had followed Chen Fan was to turn the world upside down.

"We're going to eliminate a vice admiral, surprise the Navy, and find an island first. Then, we'll head to the underground black market to retrieve that message from Lieutenant General David."

Chen Fan's expression turned serious. "Received, Captain," Lafitte responded.

As Chen Fan was about to resume training on the deck, he suddenly halted. There, he saw a man seated on a raft in front of him. Underneath the man was a single canvas, and it was truly remarkable that anyone dared to navigate the sea in this manner.

This man wore a burgundy hat and carried a famed knife behind his back. A smile graced Chen Fan's face.

"It seems I have a true destiny with Hawkeye Mihawk. To meet him here is indeed fortunate."

With a grin, Chen Fan's body vanished in a flash of lightning and appeared directly on Hawkeye Mihawk's raft.

Monet and Lafitte, who were originally on the Thor, had also spotted Hawkeye Mihawk.

"You see, big brother, what's happening?" Monet asked Lafitte.

"Clearly, our captain wants to recruit this swordsman," Lafitte replied.

"Is there a catch?" Monet inquired.

Hawkeye Mihawk recognized Chen Fan. "Be my crew," Chen Fan solicited again.

"Prove your worth with a sword, or give me a reason to persuade me."

Hawkeye Mihawk stared at Chen Fan, challenging him.

"I'll reach the ultimate destination, and there you'll join my pirate crew. You'll meet many formidable Great Swordsmen and have the opportunity to spar with them until you become the world's number one Great Swordsman," Chen Fan proposed.

"Why should I trust you? Or more to the point, your condition is not really a condition," Hawkeye Mihawk replied.

"Indeed, it's not a conventional condition, but I know of someone who has surpassed the Great Swordsman level. If you agree to join my pirate crew, I'll share the identity of this extraordinary swordsman with you."

Chen Fan knew that someone like Hawkeye Mihawk, the world's greatest swordsman, couldn't be swayed by common incentives. Hawkeye Mihawk lived for the sword and aimed for the supreme realm.

Hearing the mention of the realm beyond that of the Great Swordsman, Hawkeye Mihawk's gaze shifted slightly.

After a few moments of contemplation, he laid down a condition. "Tell me the identity of the swordsman who has surpassed the Great Swordsman level, and I'll consider joining your crew. But I have one more condition – you must defeat me. I can't accept someone weaker than me as my captain."

With an intense look, Hawkeye Mihawk gazed directly at Chen Fan.

"That's only natural. As for the swordsman beyond the Great Swordsman, it is..."

Chen Fan agreed to the terms and disclosed the identity of the sword master among the five elders. However, he couldn't be certain whether this individual had truly achieved the realm beyond that of the Great Swordsman.

But he was confident that the old man's swordsmanship was of a very high level, making his claim to Hawkeye Mihawk partly true.

Upon hearing the name and the identity, Hawkeye Mihawk's doubts faded, and he appeared lost in thought. Nonetheless, he wasn't foolish to challenge one of the five elders right away; he knew he had just attained the Great Swordsman level, and there was still a considerable gap to reach the realm beyond.

"Come, let's have a duel. If you can defeat me, I'll let you onboard."

Hawkeye Mihawk unsheathed his legendary Supreme Quick Knife, one of the Twelve Supreme Grade Swords – the Black Blade Yoru.

As Chen Fan gazed at the renowned dark blade, he said slowly, "Is this one of the Supreme Grade Swords?"

With these words, the power of the Destruction Thunder emanated from Chen Fan, and two formidable auras clashed above the sea: terrifying thunder and sky-piercing sword intent!

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