One Piece: Ulquiorra Template

Chapter 25: The World Reacts

"What was that just now?"

"What kind of monster is he?!"

"Hawkeye Mihawk? One of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, on par with Gecko Moria and Crocodile, known as the world's greatest swordsman?!"

The pirates finally snapped out of their daze, their attention forcibly drawn by the awe-inspiring attack to the figure standing on the distant ghost ship – Dracule Mihawk.

It wasn't just the sheer power of the attack; even his piercing gaze, sharp and perceptive like a hawk's, sent shivers down their spines. Those eyes were a testament to his immense strength and unparalleled mastery of swordsmanship.

"This is insane! Three Warlords, the strongest Vice Admiral candidate, Gion, and that freakishly strong rookie, all converging on this place in just a few days!"

The Florian Triangle was one of the final stretches of islands in the first half of the Grand Line. The next stop was Sabaody Archipelago, located near Marine Headquarters and the gateway to the New World.

Above lay Mary Geoise, the Holy Land of the World Nobles, and below, the deep-sea paradise of Fish-Man Island. It was the starting point for both the old and new worlds.

Unlike those in the Four Blues, the pirates here were well aware of the power dynamics among the Yonko and the Warlords.

"Mihawk, have you come to rescue Captain?" Several pirates rushed towards Mihawk, careful not to provoke him. His casual, single-handed strike was a clear sign of restraint. If they lingered any longer, who knew what fate awaited them?

All hardships paled in comparison to the preciousness of life. On the sea, Mihawk was known for his selective engagement – sparing those he deemed worthy and swiftly eliminating those he didn't.

A single, casual swing of his sword had cleaved the island in half. A few days ago, it had taken a full-blown battle between that terrifying rookie and Moria to destroy a portion of the island.

This was the power of the world's greatest swordsman, Dracule Mihawk. Truly terrifying. All they felt was an insurmountable chasm between them, a chasm that included the massive black abyss he had carved into the earth.

Perhaps, even if they dedicated their entire lives to training, they could never reach his level.

"No, I'm simply here to confirm his death." Mihawk's amber eyes flickered towards Perona, momentarily freezing her in place.

She felt like prey caught in the gaze of a hawk, about to be devoured or dissected by his blade. His words were devoid of emotion, as sharp and precise as his swordsmanship.

"Bastard... You and Moria-sama are both Warlords. Don't you have any sense of camaraderie?" Perona cried out. Mihawk offered no explanation, simply tossing a newspaper at her.

Camaraderie? In this world of pirates, such sentiments were a liability. Even blood relatives would betray each other for survival or personal gain. What loyalty could be expected between pirates who had joined the Warlords for their own selfish reasons?

Solitude was Mihawk's creed. While companionship might increase one's chances of survival, choosing the wrong companions could lead to betrayal. He had no grand ambitions of world domination, and unnecessary emotional attachments would only hinder him... slow down his draw.

*Shocking! Two Warlords and the strongest Vice Admiral candidate, Gion, converge on the Florian Triangle! Gecko Moria defeated by a demonic rookie! His fate remains unknown!*

*The Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit user's identity revealed – Marine or pirate? What implications will this have for the world?*

The article was penned by Morgans, the president of the World Economy News Paper, a bird-human who had eaten the Tori Tori no Mi, Model: Albatross (Bird-Bird Fruit, Model: Albatross). It was filled with sensationalized headlines, designed to attract attention.