Chapter 76 Black Knife Night, The Winner’S Trophy
Hawkeye gently let go of his sword, and the Black Blade fell to the ground with a sharp clang.
At this moment, his body was covered in numerous scars, resembling a bloody mess.
Hawkeye paid no mind to his injuries.
Instead, he was consumed with self-doubt.
He couldn't understand how he could reach such a level of "god-like" skill.
Hawkeye looked at Carlos with a mix of emotions and asked in a hoarse voice:
"Why? Why don't you kill me?"
Carlos sheathed his hidden thunder and spoke calmly.
"For now, the Seven Warlords of the Sea remain allies of the Marines."
"As the world's greatest swordsman, you still hold value and can offer considerable combat power."
In the past, Carlos might not have thought much of it.
But now, the title of the world's greatest swordsman felt oddly unsettling.
Hawkeye suddenly felt a burning shame. He lowered his head slightly and laughed bitterly:
"Compared to you, I'm like a beginner who's barely learned how to wield a sword."
After a moment of silence, he suddenly raised his head.
"I will resign from being a Shichibukai and join the Marines to learn swordsmanship from you."
Carlos was taken aback by the earnestness in Hawkeye's eyes and couldn't help but frown.
"I have a lot on my plate right now. I don't have the time or the inclination to teach you."
How could he teach?
He had also achieved understanding through the system's illusions.
The Sword Intent can only be grasped through experience, not words.
Carlos didn't feel arrogant about defeating Hawkeye.
On the contrary, he was well aware that
Understanding the Sword Intent doesn't mean swordsmanship has reached its pinnacle.
In the grand scheme of countless planes and billions of worlds, sword skills at this level are merely the beginning.
Since the Shichibukai are originally pirates, their transition to Marine status would invite skepticism.
The World Government would never allow this to happen.
Unexpectedly, Hawkeye seemed resolute, his attitude unwavering.
Before this duel, he had thought he'd reached the pinnacle.
To his surprise, a bright path lay ahead!
Now that he saw hope, he wasn't going to give up easily.
Even just being near Carlos could provide invaluable insights.
Carlos was about to refuse.
The dark thunder in his hand trembled slightly, a faint sense of desire emanating from it!
Looking at the Black Blade lying on the ground before him, his heart stirred.
"Could it be that you want to..."
As if sensing Carlos's thoughts, the dark thunder quivered even more intensely.
"Very well." Carlos nodded slightly, looking at Hawkeye. "I want your sword as a trophy."
"What? This!"
Hawkeye frowned, instinctively wanting to refuse.
For a swordsman, the importance of his weapon is paramount.
Moreover, this sword had been with him for many years.
They had shared countless battles, grown together, and ultimately reached the pinnacle of the world.
In the past, he would have preferred to die in battle rather than part with his blade.
But Carlos had shown him a broader future.
He struggled internally.
Hawkeye glanced at the sword on the ground, then at Carlos, and finally offered a self-deprecating smile.
If Carlos hadn't spared his life, he wouldn't have had the chance to stand here and speak with him.
Being allowed to continue his journey and explore the future was a fortune in itself.
What more could he wish for?
In that brief moment, Hawkeye came to terms with everything.
He stepped forward, bent down, picked up the Black Blade, and handed it over with both hands.
"Since you've defeated me, this is the trophy you deserve."
The next moment, Hawkeye's expression turned extremely serious.
"Carlos, compared to you, maybe I am not worth mentioning at all.
"However, one day in the future, I will challenge you again and reclaim what is rightfully mine.
"If you are afraid, kill me now."
The scene from Marineford was broadcast to the Holy Land of Mariejois via the image transponder.
The Five Elders sat tensely, staring intently at the screen.
Even through the screen, the overwhelming power of that strike was palpable.
Even the sword-wielding Five Elder, holding the legendary First Generation Kitetsu, seemed to sense something and trembled slightly.
He removed his round-rimmed glasses and rubbed his brow vigorously.
"Defeated Hawkeye with just one blow?"
"It seems we have all underestimated this person..."
There was no denying Hawkeye's strength.
The sword-wielding Five Elder had to admit it.
Even he wasn't sure he could win against Carlos.
In his youth, he might have had a chance to match him and contend for the title of the world's greatest swordsman.
The recent duel between Hawkeye and Shanks was still fresh in his memory.
He had anticipated a fierce battle and even prepared for Marineford to sink.
But to think this highly anticipated duel would end like this?
Moreover, this was the first time they had seen Carlos in action...
Although he had suspected Carlos was powerful, he hadn't expected him to be this strong!
The sword-wielding Five Elder couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions and was at a loss for words.
Whitebeard's Five Elder suddenly spoke:
"No, it's not so much that Carlos defeated Hawkeye, but that Hawkeye gave up resisting."
The sword-wielding Five Elder was slightly surprised and nodded slowly.
"Yes, that's true."
"If the two sides had fought to the end, Hawkeye, with his strength, shouldn't have been defeated so quickly."
"Perhaps the moment Carlos attacked, Hawkeye realized the gap in their swordsmanship and chose to surrender."
The old man holding the sword shook his head gently and sighed.
Carlos's slash that ripped through the sky was indeed breathtaking.
Given Hawkeye's character, such a response seemed quite reasonable.
"But then again, the sword in Carlos's hand..."
The sword-wielding Five Elder regained his composure and said slowly:
"It's an exceptionally unique sword. Not only can it store Haki, but I can also sense a unique aura associated with Energy."
"This is undoubtedly an extraordinary sword, not inferior to the First Generation Kitetsu!"
"If it is upgraded to a black sword in the future, its power will be unimaginable..."
Saint Satan's eyes lit up.
"So, Carlos's plan was successful?"
Seeing the puzzled looks from those around him, he explained.
Everyone's expressions quickly turned to excitement.
"What are you waiting for? Have Vegapunk create a batch of fusion fruits immediately!"
"No, he is currently focused on researching the Master Ball. According to him, the technology involved is extremely advanced and cannot be cracked quickly."
"That's right. After all, it's a mysterious creation capable of subduing Kaido instantly. The secret must be uncovered."
"Since this person joined CP0 in the past few months, he has continued to surprise us. He is becoming increasingly unpredictable."
"Exactly."
Everyone sighed with emotion.
The blond, short-haired Five Elder seemed to have a sudden realization, and his expression changed.
"Wait a minute, we seem to have overlooked a serious issue."
Facing the questioning looks of those around him, he took a deep breath.
"A meticulous mind, exceptional abilities, possessing mysterious items that even Vegapunk cannot create, and terrifying strength comparable to the Emperors of the Sea. Now, he controls the Marines...
"What if Carlos loses control and betrays us?"
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