One Piece: Conquering Wanokuni at Start

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Sea Circle Calendar, Late 1511.

Wanokuni welcomed another swordsman who had arrived with admiration and ambition.

The renowned Marine Hunter and celebrated swordsman Dracule Mihawk, known far and wide across the seas, passed all obstacles in the open sea and landed on the coast of Wanokuni.

Alex, was no stranger to this individual.

In the plot, Mihawk would become known as the world's greatest swordsman, a figure who had ascended to the pinnacle of swordsmanship. It was only natural that Alex took notice of his arrival.

Rather than expelling the outsider, Alex allowed Mihawk to roam freely and challenge Wanokuni's famous warriors. Over the course of a single month, Mihawk achieved victory after victory without suffering a single defeat.

Even the likes of Shimotsuki Ushimaru and Yasuie, who stood among the nation's most skilled swordsmen, and Derek, a newly-promoted warrior and candidate for the Imperial Court's battle force, were unable to withstand Mihawk's relentless onslaught.

Soon, Mihawk's reputation as a fearsome and undefeated swordsman spread across Wanokuni. However, his undefeated streak was eventually broken by Gion who had recently reached the level of a great swordsman.

Not long after, Koshiro also fought and defeated him.

At this stage of his journey, Mihawk had yet to reach his peak. Against the likes of Gion and Koshiro, both already at the great swordsman level, he was overpowered and defeated multiple times.

Finally, after observing Mihawk's progress, Alex decided to meet him in person.

Alex understood Mihawk's nature. He was a man who sought to refine his swordsmanship by testing himself against the strongest opponents. Not long ago, Mihawk had even fought Red-Haired Shanks, stirring much discussion among pirates and warriors across the seas.

And now, Mihawk stood ready to face Wanokuni's strongest.

"This time, is it my turn to face the world's strongest swordsman?" Mihawk murmured, his sharp eyes narrowing as Alex approached the dueling platform.

He knew that his freedom to roam Wanokuni—a nation that typically excluded outsiders—had only been granted because of Alex's approval.

"What's the matter? Are you afraid?" Alex's voice rang out, calm yet commanding.

Mihawk immediately unsheathed Yoru from his back, the black blade gleaming in the sunlight. His expression was both tense and thrilled. "Afraid? Of course not. It's an honor to face the strongest swordsman today."

The sword he held was Yoru, one of the twelve Supreme Grade Blades. Mihawk was keenly aware that this duel would likely end in his defeat, but the experience of clashing swords with such a legend would only sharpen his skills further.

In his battles against Gion and Koshiro, even in defeat, Mihawk had found growth. He was certain that this confrontation would push him even further.

"You're fortunate, as a swordsman, to wield such a fine weapon," Alex said, his gaze falling on Yoru. "A blade's strength often reflects its wielder's potential. The stronger the blade, the greater the swordsman."

With a subtle motion, Alex extended his hand, and his own sword flew from its sheath to meet his grasp.

Mihawk's eyes narrowed in curiosity as he studied the blade. Before arriving in Wanokuni, he had thoroughly researched Alex's weapons. He knew of Akazakura, a 21 Great Grade Blade. Yet the sword in Alex's hand, though bearing a faint resemblance to Akazakura, was unmistakably different.

"One of the Twelve Supreme Grade Blades, Black Sword Akizakura."

Alex's voice rang out calmly as he presented his blade.

"This is my new sword. You're the first outsider, aside from my subordinates, to lay eyes on it."

He twirled the blade with practiced ease, letting it settle naturally in his grip. With a subtle swing, he released no visible sword force—yet the ground in front of him erupted, leaving several deep, clean sword marks carved into the earth.

Mihawk frowned slightly, puzzled. "One of the Twelve Supreme Grade Blades? I've never heard of this name among them."

Alex smirked faintly. "You could call it one of the Thirteen Supreme Grade Blades. My Akazakura has transcended its original form in many ways."

With the aid of the successfully developed Munch-Munch Fruit and the refinement of Akazakura into a black blade, he retrieved the stolen national treasure Shusui from Moria's territory and also stole the Transparent-Transparent Fruit into the process. By fusing the unparalleled strength of Shusui with the offensive potential of Akazakura, he created Akizakura.

It now stands as a blade of the highest caliber—among the most formidable of the Supreme Grade swords in both hardness and strength.

Mihawk's expression grew thoughtful. He recalled the masterful craftsmanship of Wanokuni, the birthplace of many of the world's finest swords.

He had known Wanokuni's artisans to produce unparalleled weaponry, but the idea of elevating a blade to this degree seemed almost terrifying.

What truly caught his interest, however, was one detail.

'This blade… it has already become a black blade?'

Mihawk's gaze returned to Akizakura, observing it with an intensity that reflected his reverence for such a masterpiece.

A blade could only become a black blade through continuous infusion of Armament Haki, tempered in unison with the swordsman's spirit. This process elevated the sword to a level of unmatched unity with its wielder.

Few in history had achieved this feat. The legendary swordsman Ryuma had forged Shusui, the strongest black blade, centuries ago. Even renowned blades like Koshiro's Wado Ichimonji or Gion's Konpira had yet to reach such heights.

But Akizakura… Mihawk could feel its oppressive aura even as Alex stood still, holding it without flair or force. The sheer presence of the blade conveyed a pressure that only the strongest swordsmen could produce.

Alex returned his nod, a subtle smile playing across his lips. "Please," he said, inviting Mihawk to begin.

The moment Alex's words fell, the battlefield shifted.

A sharp hum resonated as Mihawk burst forward with blinding speed, unleashing a tremendous wave of sword energy from Yoru. The slash roared through the air, its power undeniable as it tore through the space between them, hurtling toward Alex with devastating force.

Alex didn't flinch. His grip on Akizakura tightened, and with a swift, clean motion, he countered.

There was no flash, no ostentation to the swing—just pure, refined swordsmanship. The blade sliced through the air, unadorned by special techniques or overt displays of power. But the strike radiated terrifying precision, combining mastery of swordsmanship and the ultimate use of Haki.

As Alex swung his blade, waves of compressed air surged outward in concentric ripples. The very atmosphere seemed to twist and buckle under the force of his attack, creating a tempestuous shockwave that expanded like a storm.

The clash was immediate. Mihawk's sword energy shattered on impact, its destructive force obliterated without resistance. But Alex's slash didn't stop—it tore through the remnants of Mihawk's strike, surging forward with relentless momentum.

Mihawk's eyes widened. Yet, instead of fear, his expression was alight with excitement. His instincts drove him forward, Yoru rising to meet the incoming force head-on. As the collision of blades sent shockwaves rippling through the battlefield, Mihawk felt the raw power of the attack feed back through Yoru's hilt. The force rattled his body, pushing him back over ten meters despite his resolve.