Chapter 104: Chapter 104 The World's Greatest Swordsman
As one of the underground world's rulers, Doflamingo knew the name **Dracule Mihawk** all too well. The man wasn't just the world's greatest swordsman; he was also known as the **Navy Hunter**, infamous for claiming the lives of countless marines and even a few admirals.
The idea that the Navy was trying to recruit someone as dangerous as Mihawk for the Seven Warlords of the Sea shocked Doflamingo. He knew that Mihawk's strength far surpassed his own—after all, Mihawk's title wasn't self-proclaimed. He earned it through countless victories, defeating every swordsman who dared challenge him.
For Mihawk, battle wasn't just survival; it was art. To be challenged by Mihawk was an honor among swordsmen, a recognition of their skill. However, few survived these duels, and even fewer could hold their own. Over the years, Mihawk solidified his place as the pinnacle of swordsmanship, leaving other swordsmen in awe of the vast chasm between his abilities and theirs.
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"Give me a day," Doflamingo said, passing Satoru a smirk. "I'll find Mihawk's whereabouts and deliver them to you."
"Good," Satoru replied with a faint grin. "I'll return tomorrow."
With that, Satoru disappeared into thin air, leaving Doflamingo alone in his quarters, baffled once again by the Admiral's speed and abilities.
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Doflamingo leaned back in his chair, pondering the Seven Warlords system.
"If Mihawk joins us, the Seven Warlords will be far more formidable than I imagined. I wonder who the other five candidates will be."
The next day came quickly. Satoru returned to Dressrosa after a day of leisure, awaiting Doflamingo's report.
"I've found him," Doflamingo said confidently. "Mihawk is currently on La Ravisa Island. Rumor has it he's hunting down a powerful swordsman who's been living in seclusion there. You know how he is—no matter where the swordsman is, even in the farthest seas, Mihawk will find and challenge them."
Doflamingo handed Satoru a permanent pointer.
"Not bad," Satoru said, his gaze sharpening. With a slight motion, the permanent pointer flew into his hand, as if called by an invisible force.
Doflamingo's eyes narrowed. Though he said nothing, he silently made a note to investigate this mysterious ability of the Admiral further.
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Satoru wasted no time. Using his unparalleled speed and abilities, he crossed the vast ocean in mere minutes, arriving at La Ravisa Island. Few in the world could match this pace, not even the swiftest of admirals.
The moment he landed, two powerful surges of **sword intent** reached him.
"An ongoing duel? Perfect timing," Satoru muttered to himself, the faintest smile crossing his lips.
The energy radiating from the clashing swordsmen was overwhelming, far more intense than anything Satoru had seen in his recent travels.
"This is something Cullom needs to see," Satoru thought, referring to his talented swordswoman subordinate.
Without hesitation, Satoru teleported back to the G8 Base.
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At the G8 Base, Cullom was immersed in her training when Satoru appeared before her. Before she could react, he grabbed her by the collar and vanished.
The other marines at the base froze, wide-eyed and slack-jawed.
"Did... did the Admiral just kidnap Chief Cullom?" one stammered.
"Looked like it," another replied, equally stunned.
Cullom, meanwhile, blinked in confusion as the scenery shifted in an instant.
"Sir, what's going on?" she demanded.
Satoru didn't answer immediately. Instead, he deposited her on La Ravisa Island, where the sword intent hung thick in the air like a storm.
"Watch carefully," Satoru said, gesturing toward the forested area where Mihawk's duel was taking place. "This is your chance to witness greatness. Pay attention—you might learn something."
Cullom followed his gaze, her confusion fading into awe as she felt the overwhelming presence of the two swordsmen ahead.
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Ahead, Mihawk stood with his iconic black blade, **Yoru**, while his opponent—a rugged, silver-haired swordsman—matched him strike for strike. The ground around them was scarred with deep cuts, trees split cleanly in two by the ferocity of their battle.
Cullom's heart pounded as she witnessed the duel. She could barely breathe under the pressure of the two warriors' combined sword intent.
Satoru, however, stood calmly, hands in his pockets, observing.
"This," he said softly, "is the gap between good and great. Study it well, Cullom. It's not every day you get to witness such mastery."
Cullom nodded, her eyes fixed on the battle, determined to absorb every detail.