Chapter 365: The Moment of Ashes and Ambition

Besides, he knew a bit about the situation in East Blue. While he wasn’t clear on all the details about that plan, it had kept him drifting around these waters.

Staring at Zoro in front of him he thought, “Is it about to begin?”

After scheming for so long even Mihawk sometimes forgot why.

Every time he pictured that grand battle, Mihawk’s blood burned hot all over again.

Still, his movements didn’t falter. The dagger shot forward, stabbing Zoro in the left chest before Zoro’s blade could even swing down.

“Are you just going to let yourself get skewered? Why didn’t you dodge?”

“I don’t know. I really don’t. It just feels like if I turn back here, I’ll never find the courage to move forward again.”

“And every promise, every vow that ever mattered would vanish. I’d lose my chance to stand here ever again.”

“That’s right. This is what it means to be defeated.”

Mihawk had to admit, he admired Zoro’s determination to stake everything on the line.

That kind of resolve—giving it all, risking everything—is what a true swordsman needs.

Facing death to survive!

“Is that so? Then there’s no turning back for me either.”

For the first time, Zoro felt the true weight of defeat. Ever since he set out to sea all those years ago, he’d never really lost.

“You’re seriously willing to die instead of step down?” Mihawk asked, a hint of surprise in his voice.

“If I die here, so be it.” Zoro sounded almost casual, like even death wouldn’t leave him with any regrets.

“What unbreakable will. You’d rather die than admit defeat?”

With Zoro’s firm reply Mihawk drew his sword and stepped back.

He slid the dagger back into its sheath and hung it round his neck. “Name yourself, kid.”

“Roronoa Zoro!”

With that, Zoro gripped his blade in both hands forming the leaves-in-the-wind stance.

“I’ll remember that name. It’s been a while since I met such a strong opponent.”

“As a show of respect between swordsmen, I’ll use the strongest blade—the Black Sword, Yoru—to send you to the sea’s depths.”

“Honestly, I’m grateful for the honor.”

“There it is—that’s the blade that could split the main ship in half.”

“Is this the final clash? Is it the world’s strongest? Or is it death I’m facing?”

Mihawk raised the blade in both hands, slowly taking a ready stance.

“Three-Sword Style Secret Technique: Three Thousand Worlds!”

His twin swords spun like a windmill, driving up a fierce gust. The movements were nearly impossible to read.

Any ordinary swordsman would have been lost in the blur, but his opponent was the world’s greatest swordsman—Hawkeye Mihawk.

Clang!

The ring of metal echoed as the two of them stood back-to-back.

Crack!

Zoro’s dual blades shattered in his hands. A bloody line slashed across him from his right chest to his left side.

“I lost. I never even imagined I’d lose.”

“So this is the strength of the world’s greatest swordsman?”

He sheathed Wado Ichimonji, turned around, and spread his arms facing Mihawk.

“What are you doing?”

Mihawk stared, taken aback by Zoro’s gesture with the blade lowered.

Was it really over just like that?

“A wound on the back is a swordsman’s shame.”

“Well said!”

Honestly, Mihawk was deeply impressed. Zoro’s performance—his willpower and inner strength—had stoked Mihawk’s interest. If this man survived, he’d surely reach the summit. Mihawk found himself looking forward to their next match.

Without mercy Mihawk slashed from left chest to right, carving a deep wound clear to the bone. Blood spattered everywhere.

“Zoro!”

Even though Luffy knew Zoro might get seriously injured, actually seeing it made him yell out uncontrollably.

“Don’t be in such a hurry to die, youngster.”

“Zoro!”

“Big bro!” x2

After taking the hit Zoro’s body crashed back toward the sea. Seeing this, Johnny and Yosaku immediately dove into the water to pull him out.

“Usopp, go!”

Ye Fan pressed a healing pill into Usopp’s hand. This scene caught Mihawk’s eye in the distance, making his gaze flicker in surprise.

Such medicine was common enough in the New World—but in East Blue?

Looking at Ye Fan’s calm and steady eyes, Mihawk almost saw a golden giant standing there.

“Could it be…?”

“You jerk, what did you do to Zoro?”

Luffy stretched his arm, grabbed a corner of a broken ship, and catapulted himself at Mihawk like a cannonball.

But Mihawk dodged with barely a tilt of his head. Luffy crashed headfirst into the ship behind, and it took him ages to yank himself back out.

“Relax. He’s not dead yet.”

Meanwhile, Johnny and Yosaku hauled Zoro from the water. Usopp rushed to him with the pill. “Medicine’s here, Zoro! You’ll be fine soon!”

Mihawk quickly regained his cool, crossed his arms, and yelled at Zoro as he was pulled onto the ship. “It’s far too soon for you to die!”

“I am Dracule Mihawk!”

“See yourself for who you are, know your world, and become stronger!”

“No matter how many years pass, I’ll be waiting for you on the throne of the strongest.”

“Surpass this sword. Surpass me, Roronoa Zoro.”

Mihawk’s words rang clear in Zoro’s ears. But from blood loss, even with the pill, it would take more than a moment for him to fully regain consciousness.

“Big bro, wake up!”

“Come on, wake up, big bro!”

Hearing Johnny and Yosaku calling him, Zoro’s mind slowly sharpened. His right hand clenched tight.

“To think Mihawk would say something like that.”

Zeff knew exactly who Mihawk was—one of the mightiest men to ever rule the seas.

If Mihawk said such words, it meant Zoro was truly worthy of respect—a future powerhouse.

“Hey kid, what’s your dream?”

Mihawk glanced at Luffy, who was crouched to the side. With a partner like Zoro, Luffy must have big ambitions. Mihawk was genuinely curious.

Luffy answered coolly, “Pirate King!”

“Oh? That road’s even steeper than surpassing me.”

“I don’t care! I’m going for it anyway.” Luffy even stuck his tongue out after he spoke.

“He’s still breathing! Big bro’s still alive!”

“Thank goodness. He’s been treated already. He just blacked out.”

Usopp had actually learned a bit of basic medicine lately—just enough to tell the difference between dead and alive.

“Say something, big bro! Say something!”

“Luffy, did you hear that?”

Zoro felt his strength returning. He grasped Wado Ichimonji and slowly lifted it high.

“Ah!”

“Sorry to make you worry.”

“I…”

“If I don’t become the world’s strongest swordsman, you’ll never forgive me, will you?”

“I… I… I’ll never lose again!”

“Not until I defeat him and become the world’s greatest swordsman. I won’t lose again!”

Hearing Zoro’s oath, Mihawk instinctively smiled. As expected, this was the man he had his eye on—Zoro’s resolve was unmatched.

“Any objections, Pirate King?!” Zoro shouted the last bit, clutching his forehead as tears streamed down his face.

“Hehehehe! None at all!”