Cursed Seas and Slashing Tides

Clash of Determination: The Swordsdman's Vow

The two swordsmen stood in silence, eyes locked. Mihawk slowly drew out a small knife, its blade gleaming in the sunlight.

"This is all I need for someone from the East Blue." Mihawk declared with a calm, dismissive tone, angering Zoro.

Zoro charged without hesitation. "Onigiri!!" He shouted, but to his shock, Mihawk effortlessly blocked the attack with his small knife.

Zoro's eyes widened in disbelief, then quickly narrowed in rage. He unleashed a flurry of strikes, each faster and more desperate than the last, yet every one was parried.

"I've trained to win! I can't lose now!" Zoro yelled, his determination burning bright, his mind flashing back to the promises he made.

"What do you still seek at the limit of your strength, weakling?" Mihawk asked with chilling indifference.

Johnny and Yosaku, filled with anger, tried to rush to Zoro's side but were quickly pinned to the ground by Luffy, who watched with gritted teeth, holding himself back.

"Tora Gari!!" Zoro launched another attack, only to feel Mihawk's knife plunge into his chest, leaving his friends horrified.

"Bro!!" Johnny and Yosaku shouted in desperation.

Ryomen, who had remained quiet, now clenched his fists so hard blood began to drip from his palms. Luffy's jaw tightened in frustration, while Nami and Usopp stood frozen, unable to find words.

"Why do you refuse to step back?" Mihawk questioned, his voice calm and measured.

"I can't... If I step back, I'll lose something important to me." Zoro replied, blood dripping from his mouth.

"Such is the nature of defeat." Mihawk mused.

"That's why I can't step back."

"Even if it costs you your life?"

"I'd rather die." Zoro responded, his eyes filled with unwavering resolve.

Mihawk's gaze softened slightly with respect. "What is your name, swordsman?"

"Roronoa Zoro." Zoro answered, preparing for his final stand.

"I shall remember it. Strength like yours is rare in this world." Mihawk then sheathed the small knife and drew his massive black sword, Kokuto Yoru. The blade glistened as it cut through the air, meeting Zoro's swords in a final clash. In one devastating blow, two of Zoro's swords shattered.

Zoro then turned toward Mihawk, presenting his unprotected form. "What?" Mihawk asked, puzzled.

"A wound on the back... is the shame of a swordsman." Zoro said while grinning.

Mihawk's lips curled into a grin. "Splendid." With a swift motion, Mihawk slashed across Zoro's chest, knocking him into the water.

"Zoro!!" The crew screamed in despair, their voices full of anguish.

Ryomen's anger reached its breaking point. "Dismantle!" He shouted, flicking his fingers. Invisible slashes raced toward Mihawk, who dodged them with swift ease.

Mihawk glanced briefly at Ryomen. "Impressive... but not enough."

"Does he have Haki?" Ryomen muttered, his eyes narrowing. Luffy, unable to hold back any longer, launched himself at Mihawk.

"Gomu Gomu no... Pistol!!" Luffy shouted, but Mihawk easily evaded the punch.

Usopp, his legs trembling, managed to fire a lead ball. "How dare you kill one of Captain Usopp's crewmates!!" He yelled, his voice cracking with fear.