Chapter 74: Let Me See What You Mean By The Sword.

As soon as these words were spoken, an uproar erupted among the crowd!

The tens of thousands of soldiers in the square couldn't help but gasp.

"You actually said that in front of the world's greatest swordsman!"

"Even if it's disrespectful, I must admit that Mr. Carlos is incredibly arrogant..."

"Ohhh! This has completely enraged him."

The soldiers, who had just begun to relax, tensed up again.

It seemed a conflict might be unavoidable. Although they were confident in their side, if these powerful individuals clashed, they could easily devastate the entire Marineford!

The Golden Lion was a prime example of the destruction that could occur.

Onigumo, Doberman, and the other Vice Admirals looked on in disbelief.

Hawkeye's strength was undeniable; he didn't earn the title of the world's greatest swordsman by accident. It was achieved through countless victories over challengers!

Carlos was indeed formidable, having once captured Kaido and Big Mom on his own. But according to their knowledge, these feats were due to careful planning.

In terms of raw power, Carlos was probably on par with Akainu, Aokiji, and the others. Although powerful, he might not be able to match Hawkeye.

Kizaru withdrew his fingers and assumed a nonchalant stance, seeming to have decided to ignore the situation.

Akainu, on the other hand, had his eyes darkened, fixated on Hawkeye, ready for battle.

Hawkeye's previous actions were clearly a declaration of war in his eyes. Akainu sneered at the idea of a duel, knowing that defeating pirates required more than just words. Only victory mattered!

On the high platform, Fujitora and Green Bull watched, appearing to have no intention of intervening, but their concern was evident.

Green Bull flicked the cigarette from his mouth and suddenly spoke up.

"I think Hawkeye has a point."

He paused, ignoring Fujitora beside him, and continued speaking to himself.

"I've heard many rumors about Carlos, but if he wants to be Marine Marshal and lead us, he needs to prove his worth."

Fujitora didn't care much about the position of Marine Marshal. He sought to achieve his own vision of justice. But Green Bull was different. He wasn't willing to follow orders from someone he considered a mere boy.

It wasn't just about age. Recently, he and Fujitora had passed the military entrance exams, standing out among many and earning the favor of the Five Elders. What set him apart was his superior strength.

If Carlos didn't even have the courage to accept a challenge, what qualifications did he have to be their superior?

Carlos's words caused an immediate stir among those present. Everyone had different expressions and thoughts, but they all waited in silence for Hawkeye's reaction.

"I see..."

"Do you think you've surpassed me in swordsmanship?"

Hawkeye gripped his black sword, Yoru, firmly with both hands, his expression serious. He understood Carlos's courage and didn't think the other party was joking. There was even a hint of expectation in his heart.

"As for whether it's self-humiliation or not, we won't know until we fight."

"Draw your sword!"

Carlos shook his head and sighed. The reaction was as he had expected. No matter how much was said, it was better to let Hawkeye experience it firsthand. Defeating him by other means would not convince him.

In the next moment, Carlos's casual gaze became sharp.

"So, do you want to feel it?"

Their eyes locked in the air.

"Well!"

Hawkeye suddenly grunted, covering his face and stepping back a few paces. His vision blurred, and tears mixed with blood streamed down his face!

The mental impact of Carlos's Conqueror's Haki, combined with the aura of his Killing Sword Intent, made Carlos's gaze feel like it was slicing through him.

After just a moment of staring at each other, Hawkeye's eyes were severely and irreversibly damaged.

"What is this?!"

"This is the will of the sword—the path of swordsmanship you've sought all your life."

Carlos slowly drew the hidden thunder from his waist.

Clang!

With a sound like a dragon's roar, the sword was unsheathed.

A breathtaking and terrifying pressure swept across the entire square!

The wind and clouds changed color; the sky, once bright and sunny, became dark and foreboding.

At this moment, it wasn't just Onigumo and Momousagi who felt the threat. Even Akainu and Kizaru sensed a deadly danger!

Without hesitation, they leaped hundreds of meters away, assuming defensive postures as if facing a formidable enemy.

Countless invisible swords seemed to surround Carlos.

Though they were intangible, their sharpness and lethality were undeniable!

The thousands of soldiers around turned pale and retreated frantically, creating a large open space within moments.

Now, only Carlos and Hawkeye remained on the field.

At the Marine Base, on top of the office building, the highest point on the entire island, Stussy held the video transponder snail, constantly adjusting its settings.

In the Holy Land Mariejois, at the Pangu City, the Five Elders lounged on their sofas, fixated on the big screen in front of them.

"Look at this—the battle has begun."

The Elder holding the sword shook his head slightly.

"Capturing two sea emperors was enough to elevate Marine's reputation. Is it really necessary to risk everything for the title of the world's number one?"

Saint Satan glanced over casually.

"Since Carlos has agreed to the duel, he must be confident of winning. Lending him the First Generation Kitetsu would certainly increase his chances."

The Elder holding the sword snorted.

"You don't understand the significance of a famed sword to a swordsman. It cannot be borrowed so casually."

"We've done enough to help him. How far he goes depends on his own abilities."

As he spoke, he glanced at the big screen. When he saw the hidden thunder in Carlos's hand, he stood up abruptly.

"That sword..."

Hawkeye, despite his injured eyes, remained focused on the two-meter-long samurai sword in Carlos's hand. Its slender blade was a striking purple-red.

His expression was one of extreme caution. Although it wasn't a black blade, he could sense an aura of chilling danger.

This sword was supremely sharp and rivaled Yoru in its own way!

Hawkeye quickly made his assessment, but what truly unsettled him was the unknown aura emanating from Carlos. It felt as if a knife was being held to his throat!

This sensation was profoundly unsettling.

Fortunately, Hawkeye was a seasoned warrior who had faced numerous battles and swiftly regained his composure.

He had forgotten how long it had been since he had felt such a dire sense of crisis, as if walking on the edge of a blade.

Hawkeye exhaled slowly, his Armament Haki and Observation Haki fully activated.

"Come on, Carlos."

"Show me what you mean by the sword!"

The two stood facing each other from a distance, their respective auras intensifying.

With tens of thousands of spectators present, including the Five Elders from the Holy Land Mariejois, everyone held their breath, waiting for the next development.

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