There are only Seven Warlords of the Sea in total.
Out of these seven, three have already joined El's ranks.
As for the rest: Bartholomew Kuma has been running with the Revolutionary Army.
Donquixote Doflamingo has fled to parts unknown.
Out of the original seven, only two remain independent!
Mihawk knows full well that he possesses no territory or underlings of his own.
After today, the Marines will surely abolish the Warlord system entirely.
And once that happens, they will come for him!
Although his skill is supreme and he fears no one... he simply finds the idea of being hunted a tedious nuisance.
To preserve his peaceful, undisturbed lifestyle, forming an alliance with a great power like El makes perfect sense!
El has always maintained a low profile — a trait that fits Mihawk's own philosophy perfectly.
Hearing his proposal...
El said nothing in reply.
But Crocodile spoke up coldly.
"An alliance? Do you even understand what you are suggesting?"
He stared straight at Mihawk.
"An alliance is something that exists only between those of equal strength."
"When the weak submit to the strong... that is called surrender."
"Mihawk, think carefully. Is it an alliance you want... or is it submission?"
Crocodile wasn't trying to pick a fight; he was defending El's dignity and status.
After all, the difference between an alliance and submission was worlds apart.
Mihawk's gaze shifted back to El.
Suddenly, he drew the Supreme Grade Blade he carried on his back — Yoru.
Crocodile and Jinbe instantly tensed up, ready to intervene.
El, however, remained perfectly calm.
He looked at Mihawk and asked, "Do you wish to challenge me?"
Mihawk shook his head slowly.
"I simply wish to verify... the true worth of the title 'The Strongest Man in the World'..."
"...and see if it is worthy of my submission."
His words made his intention crystal clear.
If El could defeat him, Mihawk would join El's crew from this day forth.
If not... Mihawk would simply turn and seek his own path elsewhere.
One thing was certain: to hold the title of the World's Greatest Swordsman, Mihawk's pride and self-respect were second to none!
Crocodile and Jinbe...
Having heard his declaration...
Both stepped back and cleared the space between them.
They knew this battle was inevitable.
El stood where he was, looking at Mihawk with a calm expression.
"Come then."
He spoke softly, almost casually.
But Mihawk's eyes were fixed intently on the Supreme Grade Sword at El's waist — Slayer of Gods.
"You... why do you not draw your blade?"
Mihawk questioned him.
El replied evenly, "I have no need for a sword to deal with you."
"If you wish to preserve your reputation as the World's Greatest Swordsman..."
"...you should hope that I never draw it."
To Mihawk's ears, El's words were nothing short of an insult.
He looks down on me!
For someone like Mihawk... this kind of treatment was extremely rare.
After all, his fame as the strongest swordsman in the world was known to every corner of the seas.
Hardly anyone dared to look down on him.
Mihawk stared at El, his expression turning dark and grim.
Nearby, Crocodile and Jinbe watched on, feeling a slight twinge of anxiety.
They knew, of course, that El's power was monstrous.
But for many warriors and pirates, fighting armed versus fighting unarmed were two completely different matters.
Wasn't El being far too reckless?
At this moment, Mihawk stopped moving as well.
He simply stood in place, staring at El...
Waiting for him to change his mind and draw his weapon properly.
El realized what was happening.
This man Mihawk... is incredibly stubborn.
Once he sets his mind on something, he refuses to budge. He simply refuses to be convinced.
Wasting time standing here arguing is pointless.
Having reached this thought...
El raised the Supreme Grade Sword — Slayer of Gods — into the air!
Instantly, Mihawk's eyes lit up with sharp focus.
Everyone else nearby also turned their full attention toward El.
However... El merely held the sword in his hand.
He showed no sign of actually drawing it from the sheath.
"Come, Mihawk."
He waited calmly for Mihawk to make his move.
He won't draw it?
Mihawk could not understand El's intention.
"What is the meaning of this? Draw your blade!"
Mihawk said, clearly annoyed.
This time, El spoke directly and clearly: "If I draw this blade... you will die."
Once unsheathed, Slayer of Gods was sharp beyond measure, devastating in power, and utterly lethal.
Kept inside its sheath, it was nothing more than a heavy, blunt object.
This was El holding back — giving him a handicap.
But Mihawk was not a man who failed to understand the difference.
He looked at El, and after a long moment of deep contemplation...
He gripped his own Supreme Grade Blade, Yoru, firmly in both hands!
"I am coming!"
He declared in a low, heavy voice.
Everyone present focused their full attention on the standoff between the two men.
Crocodile and Jinbe quickly moved further back, clearing the battlefield completely.
Suddenly, a terrifying, murderous atmosphere surged between El and Mihawk.
It swept over the area like a cold autumn wind stripping the last leaves from the trees...
Causing everyone else on the battlefield to feel a sudden chill run down their spines!
"What is happening?"
Both Marines and pirates alike...
Turned toward the source of that overwhelming killing intent.
There, in the center of the field, El and Mihawk stood locked in confrontation!
In an instant, this spot became the focal point of every eye present.
Countless people watched in breathless anticipation.
Even people all over the world, watching through the live broadcast, did the same.
The World's Greatest Swordsman vs. The Strongest Man in the World!
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