Chapter 193: Mihawk Duel Appointment

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Before leaving Skypiea, Byakuya visited Caesar's laboratory to collect a batch of recently manufactured artificial Devil Fruits. 

Despite limited funding, producing thirty artificial fruits was a decent achievement. 

However, the extensive use of resources had drained much of the gold reserves stored on Skypiea, leaving less than half remaining. 

At this rate, it was only a matter of time before they ran out completely, prompting Byakuya to plan a solution upon returning to the G-5 Branch.

Byakuya exchanged the artificial Devil Fruits for 3,000 World Source Energy points. Without hesitation, he spent an additional 7,500 points to max out his Armament Haki.

[Special Skill: Armament Haki (Max, Added Attribute: Hardening)]

Byakuya could feel the power of Armament Haki coursing through his entire body. With a mere thought, it felt ready to erupt like a surging wave. 

However, the added attribute puzzled him—wasn't hardening already a basic property of Armament Haki? Setting aside his doubts, he resolved to test it in combat later.

He then opened the system panel to check his remaining World Source Energy:

[World Source Energy: 61,500]

Seeing that his remaining energy wasn't enough to increase his fusion level by ten points, Byakuya decided to let it rest for now. 

Donning his Marine uniform, he began his journey back to the G-5 Branch.

....

Meanwhile, the battle between Issho and Mihawk was nearing its conclusion. Though their clash had been brief, it was incredibly intense. 

Even pirates with bounties in the hundreds of millions who dared to interfere would have been obliterated by the stray sword energy unleashed in the fight. 

This was no ordinary duel—a battle between individuals at the very pinnacle of the Grand Line's power hierarchy.

Their swords crossed again, their figures intertwining as they clashed midair above the ocean before finally reaching a standstill with their blades poised in opposition.

"Haha! What an exhilarating fight," Mihawk said with a rare smile. 

"While I didn't encounter Byakuya as I'd hoped, crossing swords with a great swordsman like you has made this trip worthwhile."

"You truly live up to your title as the world's greatest swordsman," Issho responded, nodding respectfully. "From my perspective, in terms of pure swordsmanship, only Vice Admiral Byakuya might be able to rival you."

Hearing Issho's words, Mihawk's curiosity about Byakuya deepened. His thoughts churned like a restless cat scratching at his mind.

Sheathing his black blade, Yoru, Mihawk turned to Issho and asked, "When will Byakuya return?"

"I don't know," Issho replied, shaking his head. "Vice Admiral Byakuya did not inform me of his return schedule before leaving."

Mihawk sighed in disappointment. "In that case, I'll wait for him on one of the nearby islands."

Issho's expression shifted slightly. With a calm but serious tone, he advised, "You should leave sooner rather than later." 

"If you truly clash with Vice Admiral Byakuya, there's a high chance you might lose your life." Issho's warning wasn't baseless. 

Though he had only seen Byakuya fight once, his Observation Haki had consistently picked up an overwhelming, almost terrifying aura from the vice admiral. 

If his senses were correct, Byakuya's strength was far greater than he typically displayed.

Mihawk, as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, wasn't like the scheming Doflamingo or the ambitious Crocodile. 

He was a lone wolf, solely dedicated to mastering the art of swordsmanship. 

Issho harboured no ill will toward Mihawk, so he felt compelled to offer a sincere warning.

Mihawk, however, frowned. From what he had seen in the recordings, Byakuya was indeed powerful. But the notion that he could kill Mihawk seemed exaggerated. 

Still, Issho, who had just fought Mihawk and understood his strength, had made such a claim. This could only mean Byakuya's power was far from ordinary.

Even so, as the world's greatest swordsman, Mihawk had his pride. No amount of persuasion could deter him from his original intent. 

Moreover, after witnessing the swordsmanship of Ain and Tashigi, Mihawk's desire to duel Byakuya grew stronger.

"There's no need to say more," Mihawk declared. "Three days from now, I'll return to the G-5 Branch. I hope Byakuya will be there by then."

With that, Mihawk boarded his coffin boat and sailed toward a nearby island. Watching him leave, Issho sighed and shook his head. 

"The folly of ignoring advice from the wise cost you in the end."

By late afternoon, Byakuya returned to the G-5 Branch and learned of Mihawk's visit. Intrigued by Mihawk, Byakuya couldn't help but feel some excitement.

Although Mihawk was a member of the Seven Warlords, his strength was at the very pinnacle of the group. 

Mihawk's presence alone significantly elevated the overall strength of the Seven Warlords.

As the world's greatest swordsman, Mihawk's mastery of swordsmanship was unparalleled, reaching near perfection. 

Every swing of his blade was executed with absolute precision and intent.

A man whose basic attacks are as devastating as ultimate moves—this was the reputation Byakuya carried. 

Unlike his apprentice Zoro, a Swordsman with the Naming-Naming Fruit ability (metaphorically speaking), Byakuya didn't bother naming every single strike. 

On the other hand, Zoro seemed unable to execute even a basic attack without first giving it some grand, intimidating name, as if lacking a name rendered the move unusable.

As for Mihawk's desire to challenge him, Byakuya began to ponder how best to maximize the benefits of this situation. 

Turning to Issho, he asked, "Issho, old friend, you've crossed swords with Mihawk. What's your impression of his strength?"

In the original story, Mihawk rarely fought, and even when he faced comparable opponents, his attacks were typically nothing more than basic strikes. 

It was hard to gauge his true ability. However, Issho had firsthand experience of Mihawk's strength, having duelled him personally.

Issho's expression turned serious. "There's no denying Mihawk's title as the world's greatest swordsman. 

I fought him for nearly half an hour, and he maintained a balanced stance. 

I'm not boasting when I say this—of all the people in the seas today, fewer than ten could surpass the power Mihawk displayed in that battle."

Byakuya nodded thoughtfully. Issho's evaluation was fair. 

After all, Mihawk's friendship with one of the Four Emperors, Shanks, and their frequent sparring sessions spoke volumes about Mihawk's incredible strength.

But Byakuya furrowed his brow, lost in thought. What tangible benefit could come from defeating Mihawk? 

Even if he killed Mihawk, it would yield only a few hundred World Source Energy points. The reward would be minimal since this wouldn't alter the storyline significantly. 

Wouldn't it be a waste to fight just for the sake of it?

Seeing Byakuya deep in thought, Issho couldn't help but wonder, Could it be that Byakuya feels uncertain about his chances against Mihawk? Is that why he's so concerned?

However, Issho chose not to voice this suspicion and instead offered words of reassurance. 

"Byakuya, my friend, if you'd rather not accept Mohawk's challenge three days from now, I can take your place."

Byakuya, sensing Issho's concern, found himself both amused and exasperated.

Would he roll his eyes if Issho knew that Byakuya wasn't worrying about the fight itself but rather calculating the potential benefits of defeating Mihawk? 

Oh wait—Issho couldn't roll his eyes.

Smiling, Byakuya replied, "I'll handle Mihawk's challenge myself. Otherwise, people across the seas might start thinking I'm afraid of him."

"That's true," Issho agreed. "We can't let the G-5 Branch's prestige take a hit."

Byakuya continued, "Since I've decided to accept his challenge, this fight can't be for nothing."

"What do you mean?" Issho asked, intrigued.

With a meaningful tone, Byakuya replied, "Didn't the motion to abolish the Seven Warlords system already pass?"

Issho sighed. "The motion indeed passed, but the World Government has been dragging its feet on issuing the official orders." 

"As a result, Mihawk and the others are still considered Seven Warlords. Some pirates are even vying for the two vacant spots in the system."

"Then what if I make a wager with Mihawk during our duel? He'll publicly announce his resignation from the Seven Warlords if he loses." 

"That should force the World Government to act, don't you think?"

Issho's eyes lit up. "That's an excellent idea. If the strongest of the Seven Warlords, Mihawk declares his departure, it would be a significant blow to the World Government."

Byakuya chuckled. "Exactly. If the Seven Warlords start resigning one after another, even if the World Government tries to turn a blind eye, the system will crumble once no one is willing to take the position." 

"At that point, whether or not the World Government officially abolishes the system, it'll already be as good as gone."

It was clear from Byakuya's words that he had never been concerned about the possibility of losing to Mihawk. 

But his ambitions didn't stop there. Since he couldn't gain a substantial amount of World Source Energy from Mihawk, he had to find other ways to exploit this situation.

<End Chapter>

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