At the same time…

Grand Line, waters near Alabasta.

Jaya.

The tavern, normally filled with the boisterous chatter of pirates, was now unnervingly silent. Everyone stood frozen in place, their eyes locked on the two figures in the corner, expressions a mixture of disbelief and unease. No one dared make a sound. Even the image of the defiant, golden-haired youth on the Den Den Mushi screen went unnoticed.

"Those two..."

"H-how did they end up here?"

"This isn't the New World!"

"How could monsters like them show up in a place like this?"

A sleek, shiny pompadour, a mafia-style waistcoat, a black fur coat, and the unmistakable severed arm with a golden hook… A black top hat, a lone arm, a long black trench coat, and that exaggeratedly large broken black sword strapped to his back…

"Shichibukai!"

"Crocodile!"

"And 'Hawk Eyes' Dracule Mihawk!"

Watching the two sit face-to-face, occasionally lifting their glasses to drink, the pirates felt their legs go weak. But none of them dared to move, terrified of disturbing the two Shichibukai as they calmly drank. They had all heard the terrifying stories of Crocodile and Mihawk!

The former had challenged the legendary pirate of the New World, Whitebeard, just a month ago. The entire event had caused a massive stir, even alarming Marine Headquarters, who had mobilized forces in preparation for a potential war with the Whitebeard Pirates. However, in the end, both sides showed restraint, and the details of that confrontation were shrouded in mystery. What was known, though, was that Crocodile left the New World afterward with a new, gruesome scar across his face.

And compared to Crocodile, who dared to challenge Whitebeard one-on-one, "Hawk Eyes" Mihawk was even more terrifying in the eyes of pirates.

It was said that in the New World, Mihawk had relentlessly hunted down a pirate crew for several days and nights, simply because their captain had insulted him. In the end, Mihawk single-handedly sliced through the crew's entire fleet of pirate ships, cutting them in half.

Now, the two Shichibukai—both infamous for their power and terrifying personalities—appeared on a small island like Jaya. It was enough to send a wave of fear through anyone nearby.

"Those two... they wouldn't be here to challenge someone on Jaya, would they?"

"Impossible. Didn't Crocodile just finish challenging Whitebeard?"

"Maybe he wants to get revenge on Mihawk?"

"Shh! Keep your voice down! Are you trying to get us all killed?!"

"No… I need to get off this island immediately..."

"I feel like this place is way too dangerous."

Pirates exchanged anxious glances. Many, their legs trembling, subtly began to step backward, trying to hide behind others. They were ready to bolt from the tavern at any moment.

"Damn it, we've been played. Who would've thought that brat Doflamingo was a Celestial Dragon?"

Ignoring the nervous chatter around him, Crocodile took a long drag from his cigar, slowly exhaling a cloud of smoke. His gaze flickered to the screen, where the smirking Celestial Dragon youth was laughing maniacally. A cold smile tugged at Crocodile's lips. He shook his head and then turned his attention back to Mihawk, who was quietly drinking his wine.

"But seriously," Crocodile said with a sigh, "why exactly did you come back from the New World to find me?"

Mihawk lifted his eyes. His piercing gaze locked onto Crocodile's, and for a brief moment, Crocodile felt a sudden rush of disorientation.

"Have you heard anything about Daren-san?" Mihawk asked calmly.

"..."

Crocodile snorted in disbelief. "Is that all you came here for?"

Mihawk nodded. "My recent sword training has hit a plateau. I was hoping Daren-san could offer some guidance."

"Cough! Cough! Cough! Cough!!" Crocodile began coughing violently, nearly choking himself. He stared at Mihawk with an expression reserved for madmen, incredulity thick in his voice. "You actually believe he knows swordsmanship?"

Mihawk frowned. "You seem to doubt Daren-san's abilities."

Crocodile retorted irritably, "That guy doesn't know a damn thing about swordsmanship! He just relies on…"

"—Can you block a single strike from Daren-san?" Mihawk suddenly cut him off.

Crocodile's mouth twitched. He opened his mouth, his face flushing slightly before the color quickly faded. He was confident in himself. So much time had passed since his last "encounter" with Daren, and he had grown considerably stronger.

But the newspaper reports of Daren "tearing apart" the Five Elders and "single-handedly overwhelming" the Marine Headquarters instantly drained his confidence. Most crucially, his recent clash with Whitebeard had driven home the terrifying might of the ocean's ultimate combatant. Even a full month later, even with the scars on his face healed, Crocodile still felt a lingering ache. That overwhelming, unstoppable, despair-inducing power.

And without a doubt, that Daren fellow... had undoubtedly ascended to that level of existence. The only question was how far he still stood from Whitebeard.

"...Anyway, that guy's moves definitely aren't swordsmanship!" Crocodile declared stubbornly.

But at that moment, Mihawk suddenly narrowed his eyes. "I don't want to hear such words again. If you do, I won't let you off."

Crocodile froze. He glanced at Mihawk's expression, his own eye twitching. That guy's face... terrifying.

"Wait..." Suddenly remembering something, he widened his eyes and demanded, "Don't tell me... you wiped out that pirate crew because their captain said…"

Mihawk didn't deny it, merely lifting his glass for a sip.

Crocodile: "..."

The Holy Land, Mary Geoise.

Thunderous applause still echoed faintly from beyond the windows, originating from the plaza below the Celestial Stairway. As if fulfilling the rulers' desires, Pangaea Castle, perched atop the Celestial Stairway, soared into the clouds like a natural sanctuary. Looking up from below the stairway, one could only see a pristine staircase gradually disappearing into the Sea Clouds. The city of Pangu remained utterly indistinguishable to the naked eye.

Instead, from the Hall of Power within Pangaea Castle, one could look down upon the entire Holy Land of Mary Geoise, taking in all its splendid scenery and vistas.

Yet Daren, standing within the Hall of Power at that moment, had little mind to appreciate the magnificent view before him. Cigar smoke curled around his cheeks as his gaze fell upon the passageway at the deepest recess of the Hall of Power.

From that direction, a faint, refreshing floral fragrance wafted through the air, evoking an irresistible sense of serenity. Without a doubt, it led to the Flower Chamber.

Yet Daren did not step forward, remaining still where he stood. A hint of an amused smile gradually lifted the corners of his mouth.

"It's been a while, Fleet Admiral Kong."

...

NEW NARUTO FIC: Parallel Ninja World: Which Naruto Will Leap Through Time Today?

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