If the younger brother was already this powerful, then just how formidable would the elder brother’s strength be?
That was certainly something worth looking forward to.
Roger’s mouth remained wide open.
This vast sea was truly full of wonders…
you never knew when an incredibly powerful individual would suddenly emerge from nowhere.
“Dracule Mihawk.” “His name will resound throughout the entire world in the future,” Roger said with absolute certainty.
Every single person aboard the pirate ship, including the madman Bullet, grinned widely.
Discovery and exploration…
that was what adventure was all about.
Finding such an island, with such a pair of brothers, was nothing short of astonishing.
Shanks struggled to his feet from the pile of rubble, his face flushed red like a ripe apple.
Mihawk, meanwhile, regarded him seriously and said: “Your strikes have plenty of power, but they’re full of openings.” “Your form hasn’t been systematically trained.
All you know is how to charge straight ahead mindlessly.” “That kind of approach might work against ordinary opponents, but it will never make you a top-tier warrior.” Mihawk raised his chin with evident pride and said coolly: “My brother has taught me that a truly great swordsman ends a fight in an instant…
the difference is decided in the smallest margins.” His arrogant, condescending gaze made Shanks’s face grow even redder.
But then he remembered…
he had challenged Mihawk for the sake of Captain Roger’s honor.
And yet, he had been taken down in a single blow.
Shanks felt utterly mortified.
“Dammit…
I won’t lose next time.” “Hmph!” Shanks picked himself up and dusted off his clothes.
Having sailed with Roger’s crew for several years, he had grown considerably and witnessed battles between great pirates, as well as fought against lesser-known adversaries.
So he understood that the problem wasn’t that he was weak…
it was that this guy named Mihawk was genuinely strong.
This scene, witnessed by every member of the pirate crew, gradually transformed their initial surprise and shock into admiration.
How could they not admire such skill!?
The master of Black Rose Castle, Dracule Richard, had established a peaceful haven on this war-torn, ruin-strewn island, and had raised a swordsman capable of claiming the crown of the four seas.
“Richard, would you be interested in becoming my companion?” Roger asked with genuine sincerity, his slightly tipsy face full of earnestness.
“I need companions to help me complete my journey across the Grand Line.” Richard gave him a long, thoughtful look.
To be perfectly honest, he was almost tempted.
But the system’s achievement quests didn’t include anything like “Become a Member of Roger’s Crew,” so there was really no need.
“No, thank you,” Richard declined.
[You have declined the Pirate King’s invitation.
Completed hidden achievement “The Aloof and Proud Swordsman.” Reward obtained: Asura Path Oni Ki (Demonic Aura).] Richard: “!!!” This…
a hidden achievement?
“Turned down, huh?
Well, well…” Roger scratched his head.
Though he hadn’t yet fought Richard, he could sense that the man’s sharpness had already been fully sheathed.
A true swordsman wasn’t defined by his outward edge…
Rather, he always concealed that edge within his very demeanor, like a famed blade resting in its scabbard.
Once unleashed, it would be nothing but boundless killing intent.
“Is it because of…
the terminal illness…?” Richard said softly.
Rayleigh heard those words.
So did Gaban.
And Roger froze for a moment.
Then his expression dimmed briefly before he smiled and said: “Ah, I need to have a private word with you.” “Rayleigh, you all go on ahead to the banquet.” “Hey, Roger…
what he just said…” “It’s alright,” Roger cut him off, his smile unwavering.
“It’s nothing to worry about.
I’ll tell you later.” Rayleigh took a deep breath, his emotions churning for a long while.
Richard and Roger sat alone together on a raised platform within the castle’s great hall.
“How did you know I have a terminal illness?” Roger looked at Richard intently.
He had a feeling this young man was no ordinary person.
Though he kept to himself in this remote corner, once he set sail, he would undoubtedly become an extraordinary powerhouse.
“I could tell just by looking.
Your time is limited, but with proper medical care, you could extend it by a few more years.” Richard took a sip of his liquor.
The spicy brew went down his throat, leaving a lingering warmth.
A hint of emptiness seemed to flicker in his eyes.
“Unfortunately, true warriors don’t wish to drag out their final days in comfortable safety.
They’d rather burn with the brightest brilliance.” “You’re a decent fellow, Roger.
When your time comes, I’ll see you off with a jar of Monkey Brew.” Monkey Brew is a rich, aromatic fine liquor.
‘You’re a decent fellow.’ Those simple words conveyed Richard’s appreciation for Roger.
Hearing those words, Roger was visibly taken aback.
Being told that by someone so much younger felt somewhat strange.
But for some reason, it warmed his heart.
He nodded: “Just hearing the name, I can already smell the fragrance of the wine.
I like you too, you know.
If a guy like you were to come aboard, I feel like my chances of conquering the Grand Line would increase significantly.” Even after being rejected, Roger still felt regret.
“In that case, even if I die midway, you could lead everyone forward.
I have a feeling you’ve got that kind of leadership.” “Haha,” Richard glanced at Mihawk and said calmly: “No, I have my own bonds to protect.” To be born human, it’s not easy to have a family.
In his previous life, he had rarely felt the warmth of family.
In this life, he had only his younger brother left.
Richard couldn’t bear to let go.
“That’s a real shame, then.” Roger drained the wine from his bowl in one gulp.
“Aside from regretting that you won’t join my crew, I regret even more that I haven’t gotten to see you in action.” Richard narrowed his eyes slightly.
“Mm…
there’ll be a chance for that.”