The entire desolate island cracked apart under the force of their clash.
The island, stretching several kilometers wide, could no longer endure the relentless exchange and split into multiple fragments that collapsed into the sea. The surrounding waters were torn apart by the overwhelming power, waves rising and folding over themselves as if the ocean itself had been cut into pieces.
The magnetic field twisted under the pressure, and gravity above the island became unstable and chaotic.
A violent shockwave spread outward from the center of the battlefield.
At the exact moment it was about to strike the small wooden boat offshore, Gion acted without hesitation. She grabbed Perona, drew the katana at her waist, and slashed forward to counter the incoming force.
Even so, the impact pushed them back like a fragile boat caught in a raging storm, sending them flying across the air at incredible speed.
Only after being thrown hundreds of meters away did Gion manage to steady herself using Geppo. The small wooden boat they had been riding in was completely obliterated, reduced to nothing under the pressure of the shockwave.
...
Back on the shattered island, the dust and smoke gradually cleared, revealing the aftermath of the battle.
The entire landmass had sunk, forming a massive basin below sea level.
At the very center stood two figures.
Zoro remained upright, gripping Wado Ichimonji tightly as he breathed heavily, his chest rising and falling with effort.
Across from him stood Dracule Mihawk.
Mihawk's hands trembled slightly. His face was pale, and a thin line of blood ran from the corner of his mouth.
"You won, Zoro."
Mihawk slowly sheathed Yoru onto his back.
"You have surpassed me. The title of World's Greatest Swordsman now belongs to you. Make sure you can hold onto it."
Zoro exhaled deeply, a rare smile forming on his face.
This victory was more than proof of his strength. It was the result of everything he had endured, everything he had pushed through without turning back.
"Thank you, Mihawk."
Mihawk let out a quiet laugh.
"What are you thanking me for? I didn't do anything."
He turned and began to walk away.
His steps were heavy, his body swaying slightly, but there was pride in his expression.
Zoro was the only one he had ever truly guided. Watching him reach this level and surpass him brought a sense of completion.
Being the World's Greatest Swordsman had never been easy.
Countless challengers had come, one after another, each seeking to take his title. At first, it had been interesting. Different swordsmen, different styles, new techniques.
But over time, it became repetitive.
Most opponents fell in a single strike. None could truly stand against him.
It grew tiresome.
Now that the title had passed on, Mihawk felt a rare sense of relief.
Zoro watched Mihawk's retreating figure before slowly lowering his sword.
Both of them had used their strongest techniques.
He had only won by a slight margin. If the fight had continued to the death, he might have come out on top, but the cost would have been severe. Permanent damage, possibly even losing his ability to fight.
The sea breeze swept across the broken land, carrying away the last traces of battle.
Zoro looked up at the drifting clouds.
"Kuina, I did it. You saw that, right?"
He raised Wado Ichimonji and pointed it toward the sky.
"I became the World's Greatest Swordsman. I kept our promise."
A soft voice interrupted him.
"Green Algae Head, who is Kuina?"
At the same time, Zoro felt his ear being pulled hard, stretched in an almost painful twist.
"Hiss..."
He turned sharply.
Perona stood there with a mischievous look, while Gion stood beside her, calm but clearly watching closely.
Zoro immediately raised both hands.
"Alright, alright, I messed up. Just listen to my explanation."
"You better explain it properly to me and Sister Gion, or you'll regret it," Perona said, tightening her grip.
"Ow, ow, let go already."
Zoro carefully pried her hand off his ear, rubbing the reddened skin as he shot her an annoyed look. Then he glanced at Gion, silently asking for help.
Gion said nothing, but her expression made it clear she expected answers.
Perona suddenly noticed the condition he was in. The faint tremor in his body, the paleness of his face, the strain he was trying to hide.
Her expression changed instantly.
"Green Algae Head, you're hurt. Let me see."
She moved closer, checking him carefully, her hands moving quickly as concern replaced her earlier teasing.
Gion stepped forward as well, her eyes narrowing slightly.
When they first arrived, she had wanted to ask if he was injured. But seeing him standing tall and hearing him speak that name had made her hold back.
Now, the truth was obvious.
Zoro gently stopped Perona's hands.
"I'm fine. Let's head back."
But as he spoke, a thin line of blood slipped from the corner of his mouth.
"Hey!"
"Zoro!"
Both Perona and Gion reacted instantly.
Without another word, Gion stepped in, lifted Zoro into her arms, and started moving toward Kuraigana Island at high speed.
"Put me down," Zoro said, his face heating up.
But his strength was already drained. He could barely resist.
After a brief struggle, he gave up and let her carry him.
In the distance, Mihawk sensed everything with the last trace of his Observation Haki.
"That brat..."
A faint twitch appeared at the corner of his mouth.
"He really does have luck with women."
He let out a quiet breath.
"He's surpassed me in strength, and even in that."
After a moment, he shook his head.
"It's time to step away."
His gaze drifted far into the distance.
"Mimeko... I can finally come find you. I wonder if you still remember what we promised."
As the four figures left the island behind, silence returned.
The broken land remained, scarred beyond recognition.
Massive ravines split the ground apart, and remnants of sword energy lingered in the air, slicing through space at random.
This island had once been empty.
Now, it had become a place no one could safely approach.
Anyone lacking the strength to withstand it would be torn apart before even setting foot on its shores.