Chapter 179: Plan Preparation Begins
Three Supernovas challenged legendary pirates, all ending in defeat.
Because only members of the Whitebeard Pirates were present when Crocodile challenged Whitebeard, this event only became known to the world long after Crocodile escaped the New World.
As for Alucard and Kuma’s battle, it took place on a deserted island, so the world and even the Marines remained completely unaware.
The only event that immediately captured the attention of the Marines and the entire world was the challenge of the rookie swordsman Hawkeye Mihawk against the World’s Strongest Swordsman, Golden Lion Shiki.
This took place in the bustling city of Spring Queen. After an initial defeat, Hawkeye Mihawk wasn’t satisfied. He challenged Shiki repeatedly, and though he was defeated each time, he grew stronger with every fight.
...
Cocoon Island, an island very close to Sabaody Archipelago.
The Golden Lion Pirates fleet was anchored here. A loyal pirate of Shiki’s quickly entered the main palace and approached Shiki. "Boss, that kid’s here again."
"Huh? Wild boar meat?" Shiki rambled, saying something completely unrelated to the question.
His subordinates below loudly complained, "It’s obviously Hawkeye!"
Another figure walked through the main gate; it was none other than the Supernova swordsman Hawkeye Mihawk, who had already challenged Shiki countless times, always ending in defeat.
His flamboyant shirt now had several small holes in various places, and his exposed skin bore numerous bruises, all from his previous battles with Shiki.
Shiki chewed on his cigar, his eyes half-closed, and spoke in a bored tone, "Are you convinced I won’t kill you, kid?"
"Other than you, I can’t find a swordsman stronger than me," Hawkeye replied as if it were obvious. "If I don’t constantly challenge stronger opponents, then what’s the meaning of being a swordsman?"
"Did the person who taught you swordsmanship not tell you that dying at any moment is also part of being a swordsman?" Shiki took the cigar out of his right hand and exhaled a puff of smoke.
"When I decided to take your position, I had already disregarded life and death," Hawkeye said, drawing the black blade from his back and gripping it with both hands, resting it on his right shoulder.
Poot! Poot! Poot! Poot!
However, in the midst of such a serious scene, a series of comical footsteps entered everyone’s ears, causing Shiki’s eyebrow to twitch incessantly. Hawkeye subconsciously halted his attack, though no one noticed the cold sweat trickling down his temple.
Dr. Indigo entered the main hall from the side, performing various strange bodily movements like a clown dancing. As the onlookers frowned in confusion, he spoke, "The research is almost complete."
Everyone in the room’s eyes nearly popped out as they shouted, "You can talk?!"
"Ji... hahahaha!" After his initial surprise, Shiki couldn’t help but twitch his shoulders, then burst into maniacal laughter. After putting his cigar back in his mouth, he looked at Hawkeye and said, "Hawkeye kid, I have very important matters to attend to now. I don’t have time to waste on you."
Suddenly, Shiki charged at Hawkeye. Their figures blurred as they exchanged blows. In just ten moves, Hawkeye’s opening was exploited, and Shiki seized the chance, using an Armament Haki-infused strike to force him out of the main hall.
"Lion’s Threat: Mane Wave!" After forcing Hawkeye out of the main hall, Shiki unleashed a terrifying swirling sword energy, knocking Hawkeye off the Golden Lion entirely and sending him plummeting onto Cocoon Island.
Hawkeye struggled to his feet. Shiki stood at the ship’s prow, arms crossed, his aura surging as he bellowed down, "I’m heading to the New World now! If you truly want to fight again, hone your skills further and then come! Don’t back down!"
"Jihahahahaha!" Amidst his roaring laughter, Shiki used his Devil Fruit power to lift the Golden Lion and several other large ships into the sky. Above the clouds, the hidden Miracles Island followed.
A long while later, Hawkeye gently stroked his black blade. "Am I still too green?"
...
Mary Geoise, the Holy Land.
"Report! Several hours ago, strong energy fluctuations were clearly observed on the Red Line via surveillance. According to previous monitoring of Shiki, the Golden Lion’s grand fleet likely used the Float-Float Fruit’s ability to pass through the Red Line and head to the New World. Previous intelligence also indicated the Golden Lion’s fleet had appeared on Cocoon Island."
In the office of the Five Elders, the highest authority in the world, a high-ranking CP member reported to the Five Elders.
"Hmph, so Shiki has finally entered the New World?" The curly-haired Elder moved his lips, then continued, "This means there are now five great powers dividing the New World. For now, have the Marines retreat and wait for them to eliminate each other."
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
"I have no objections either."
As soon as the curly-haired Elder spoke, the other four concurred.
Pirates are all arrogant, refusing to submit to anyone else. Rather than deploying a large number of Marines to capture them, it’s better to wait for them to tear each other apart.
The sword-wielding Elder adjusted his reading glasses. "Relay this to Kong. Withdraw the Marines from the New World as much as possible and adopt a policy of ignoring disputes between pirates."
"Yes." The CP member bowed and nodded, then quickly left.
The long white-haired Elder suddenly asked, "Any news on that remnant from Ohara, Nico Robin?"
"There were rumors she entered the Grand Line; it seems she infiltrated a pirate crew."
"Then hurry and dispatch troops to annihilate that pirate crew. Not a single survivor is to be left."
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