Settsetse! The Pirate Nemesis

It wasn't just Sett and his group observing each other; on the other side, Ivankov had also noticed Sett and the others' gazes. He lowered his head slightly—a gesture that would go unnoticed by anyone else. But Ivankov was different; at four and a half meters tall, his head took up at least two meters.

Sett guessed that Ivankov's pillow was probably the size of a normal person's two-meter-long bed...

With such a great deal of influence, no matter what action they take, it won't be related to secrecy.

“Dragon, that person over there looks familiar… and he might have already noticed us.”

"Oh?"

The man referred to as the Dragon turned his head slightly after hearing Ivankov's words, a hint of inquiry in his eyes. Upon seeing Sett and Hawkeye—or rather, upon seeing Sett—his eyes narrowed slightly.

"They are indeed a group worth noting... Sett, what's he doing here?"

Others may not be very clear about Sett, but they have their own intelligence channels, and often, Dragons know things faster than the Navy.

"He's Sett?!" Ivankov's face showed surprise upon hearing the dragon's words.

As the most unique and eye-catching presence on the sea during this period, Sett has become a prime target for newspaper attacks—the reason being nothing more than the somewhat absurd title of the Kingdom of Shen.

Others might not be certain whether Sett's actions were true. However, after some investigation, the Revolutionary Army was certain of one thing: the Kingdom of Germal had indeed sunk four of its flagships!

Those were four national warships, each capable of functioning as an aircraft carrier in a national-level war. Initially, Dragon and the others didn't believe Sett could accomplish such a feat. However, according to their informants, Sett did indeed destroy those four warships. Given their weight, the Revolutionary Army speculated that Sett likely used the power of a special Devil Fruit. But all of this remains speculation and cannot be confirmed.

As for Sett, the dragon had heard of him long ago. Regardless of his original background, one thing was certain: Sett's talent was absolutely extraordinary, reaching a level that even Zephyr couldn't help but admire.

And more importantly, Sett did not join the Navy, but instead worked as a bounty hunter on the high seas—perhaps Sett had long harbored resentment towards the World Government?

Thinking this, the dragon looked at Sett beside him and then walked straight over.

"Hello, I'm Monkey D. Dragon. It's a pleasure to meet you, Sett."

"...Dragon? You're the missing son of Vice Admiral Garp?"

He stroked his chin, glanced at the dragon's outstretched hand, which reeked of blood, grinned, and then grasped it.

"I've heard of you... the son of the naval hero Garp, a highly anticipated vice admiral, the next admiral everyone expects, strong, wealthy, and well-connected. But you chose to resign and leave the navy. Do you believe me, if I captured you now, the reward would probably be higher than some of the biggest pirates?"

Upon hearing Sett's words, Ivankov's expression immediately turned serious—although Sett frequently appeared in Revolutionary Army meetings, this was indeed the first time they had met face-to-face like this.

The intelligence indicates that Sett's relationship with the Navy has always been unusual... If what Sett said is true, given the current state of the Revolutionary Army...

Compared to Ivankov's solemnity, the dragon beside him appeared much more composed.

"...Indeed."

Long nodded and then said, "I had a fight with the old man before I came here. If he catches me, I'll probably be hung up and taught a lesson."

There was a hint of regret in his voice. Sett, standing beside him, finally understood where the bloody smell on the dragon's body came from... Bandages couldn't completely cover the wounds. Especially for the Vastayan, a half-orc, the presence of such a bloody smell allowed them to clearly pinpoint the location of their opponent even without opening their eyes.

Upon hearing the dragon's words, Sett raised an eyebrow with some curiosity.

"You got into a fight? With your old man?"

“It’s only him.” Long said with a sigh, “I thought that after so many years, I could at least compete with the old man. But I didn’t expect that I’m still no match for him… I don’t know where he got the intelligence. Luckily we were prepared, otherwise we would have been taken to the Navy Headquarters by now.”

As he spoke, he said with some emotion, "I still don't want to see Lieutenant General Tsuru."

Although he felt hopeless about his father, Ryu still had a good impression of Vice Admiral Tsuru... After all, Vice Admiral Tsuru was the only person who would stop and protect him when his father was training him.

A person's prime begins at thirty, and at forty-two, Garp is at his absolute peak in both energy and stamina. He could easily hold his own against even Whitebeard, let alone Dragon. It will take at least another ten years before Garp's strength declines.

He thought that since his father was a purely physical powerhouse, and he had the advantage of the fruit, he could at least put up a fight, but he never expected...

Sett wasn't surprised by this. Both were at their physical and mental peak, and Sett had experienced Zephyr's strength firsthand… Before joining the elite naval training program, Sett had sparred with Zephyr. And according to Zephyr at the time, he had suppressed Sett using only 40% of his power.

Four years younger than Garp, Zephyr's body continues to strengthen... but it's hard to say for sure.

Because Zephyr's personality is far too indecisive, coupled with the immense psychological trauma caused by the tragic deaths of his family, it's possible that his true strength has already declined prematurely.

This is similar to what Hawkeye said—Kendo is a combination of mind, body, and technique; similarly, so is martial arts. However, the mind in martial arts is more violent and unrestrained than in kendo. Having suffered severe psychological trauma, no one can say for sure what state Zephyr is in now.

In contrast, Hawkeye was curiously observing the rather outrageous scene before him—a bounty hunter from the Navy and a former Vice Admiral who was suspected of defecting from the Navy.

They were both related to the navy, but the things they did had nothing to do with the navy... and they even got along very well.

The reason why it's said that what they did had nothing to do with the Navy is quite simple. Putting aside other matters, regarding the Germa Kingdom, no matter how much Judge provokes Sett, the Germa Kingdom is a member state of the World Government. Unless it's a Navy Admiral, whose word carries immense weight and can directly issue a Buster Call, they don't even have the authority to enforce the law.

But precisely because of this, Hawkeye increasingly appreciated how useful the aura of privilege was. Having connections was so advantageous; you could talk to anyone and extract information. Unlike himself, who, aside from the bounty hunter network, relied almost entirely on his own efforts to find information. Just like now, in front of Hawkeye, Sett directly asked Dragon, "What are you doing here? What happened in this small village that could attract someone like you, the son of a naval hero who defected from the Navy?"

Upon hearing this, he was first surprised by Sett's bluntness, and then Dragon shook his head with a slight chuckle.

"And what about you? What is your purpose in coming to this small village?"

"Let's beat someone up!" Sett pointed to Hawkeye beside him and said nonchalantly, "This guy heard there was a very strong swordsman here, so he rushed over without stopping."

Following Sett's pointing finger, Dragon looked at Hawkeye, who extended a friendly hand in return.

"Swordsman, Hawkeye Mihawk? It's a pleasure to meet you, I've heard so much about you."

"Hello."

Hawkeye remained remarkably calm in the face of Dragon's words. As a bounty hunter and a swordsman, Hawkeye was simply seeking a worthy opponent. Beyond that, pirates, the Navy, the World Government, and anything else were irrelevant to him.

Of course, as a free agent, Hawkeye does have some dislike for the World Government if you really want to be honest.

"Among the swordsmen here... the only one that Mr. Hawkeye would take seriously is Mr. Koushirou."

Sensing Hawkeye's thoughts, Ryu didn't say much, only nodded slightly, and continued, "Master Koushirou's swordsmanship is unparalleled in my life... I can't reveal any more information. This concerns the New World."

Upon hearing the dragon's words, Hawkeye and Sett exchanged a glance. Hawkeye, in particular, sharpened his gaze upon hearing the term "New World."

Previously, Hawkeye had ventured into the Grand Line. He originally intended to go directly to the New World, but found no suitable ship to cross Fish-Man Island. And, during this journey, he encountered Shanks.

Thus, in order to defeat Shanks, Hawkeye began the hunt. Then, Shanks, while being pursued, gathered allies across the seas, eventually ramming his ship into Sett…

It's fair to say that not being able to go to the New World has always been a regret for Hawkeye—though not a strong one, as he's confident he'll venture there eventually. He hasn't gone yet simply because his ultimate goal remains the Four Seas.

And now, a great swordsman with ties to the New World is living in seclusion here... How could Hawkeye, who has never been to the New World, not be excited?

Sensing Hawkeye's fighting spirit, Dragon merely chuckled twice. He didn't seem to care much—Koushirou's identity might be a secret in the Four Seas, but given Sett's background, anyone who saw that "family crest" could easily find out by asking the Navy. Rather than that, it was better to reveal it directly, as a way of making a good connection.

"Then let's go in together."

He spoke a few more words than usual, and then Hawkeye eagerly pushed open the door and went inside.

What came into view was a group of little kids, each about a meter tall. They held bamboo swords and, led by a young girl, were vigorously wielding them.

Drink up! Ha! Ha!

Although they were all just kids, it was clear they were putting in a lot of effort. The black-haired girl in the lead, in particular, was drenched in sweat as she swung her sword. Each tremor of the blade sent droplets of water flying onto the ground.

Upon seeing outsiders enter, the green-haired boy, who was closest to the gate, trained the hardest, and was also the strangest—holding a heavy bamboo knife that looked more like a bamboo stick than a bamboo sword—looked at Hawkeye and the others beside him.

"Huh? Kuina! Someone's coming!!"

"Shut up, Zoro! You're the loudest one!!"

She gave a somewhat disgruntled reprimand, then the girl with short black hair sheathed her bamboo sword and approached Sett and the others. "Sir, may I ask what brings you to the Isshin Dojo?"

Although still young, the girl's brows revealed a hint of heroic spirit that rivaled any man's. Seeing this, Hawkeye nodded and said, "I've come to challenge Mr. Koushirou to a duel."

"Looking for my father?" Hearing Hawkeye's words, Kuina wasn't surprised—Hawkeye's attire immediately revealed him to be a powerful swordsman. Especially his hawk-like eyes, which made Kuina feel immense pressure the moment their eyes met.

Remembering her father's words, Kuina wasn't angry. Instead, she took another deep breath and said, "Okay, I'll go tell my father right away!"

As she spoke, Kuina carefully put away her belongings and walked towards the interior of the dojo.

Meanwhile, Hawkeye and Kuina's conversation was overheard by the green-haired boy standing nearby.

"You want to challenge our master? Then you'll have to get past me first!!"

As he spoke, holding a heavy bamboo sword that resembled a stick, the boy's gaze was filled with fighting spirit as he looked at Hawkeye.

Hawkeye glanced at the boy, then closed his eyes and remained silent, waiting for Kuina to call his father.

The boy was furious when he realized he was being ignored. Then Sanji became unhappy.

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Finally finished writing...

152. The so-called "cutting iron"

To Sanji, what are Sett and Hawkeye's identities?

That was my benefactor who saved me from a sea of ​​suffering!

To Sanji, Sett and Mihawk are the light of justice! If it were someone like Dragon, who looks intimidating, that would be one thing. But this little green-haired brat, about his own age, dares to spout such nonsense at Mr. Sett and the others?!

While Sanji was still pondering, Zoro, seeing that Mihawk didn't even bother to look at him, angrily raised his bamboo sword; "Damn it! How dare he underestimate me! Then let's have a duel between swordsmen—I am the man who will definitely become the world's greatest swordsman!!"

Upon hearing Zoro's declaration, "I will become the world's greatest swordsman," Hawkeye glanced at him. But it was just a glance; after witnessing Zoro's impressive display of skill, he looked away and waited for Kuina to summon his father.

Seeing this, anger erupted. Unfortunately, before Zoro could say anything more, Sanji, without even thinking, stepped forward and said, "Hmph! Your skills are so pathetic! Even Mihawk wouldn't bother to look at you!"

It's a bit strange, really. Even though it was the first time Sanji had met this boy with the green hair, he inexplicably felt a sense of dislike for him.

"And who are you?" Zoro looked at Sanji. The moment the two, destined to meet, met eyes, just like Sanji, Zoro felt a strange sense of anger and irritation.

It was precisely because of this irritation that Zoro subconsciously ignored Hawkeye and Sett beside him.

"I can't let others lose face!" Sanji, hearing Zoro's question, puffed out his chest, rubbed his nose, and proudly declared with his hands on his hips, "I am Sanji! One day I will become the best chef on this sea!!"

Upon hearing this, he fell silent, then Zoro couldn't help but clutch his stomach and burst into laughter: "Hahaha! Someone actually wants to be a lousy cook!"

"He's the best chef! He's not some lousy cook!"

"You stinking cook, you stinking cook!!"

"Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow!"

In a fit of anger, the two kids immediately started fighting. Although Sanji struck first, it was obvious to anyone with eyes that he was already at a disadvantage—his chronic malnutrition was secondary; more importantly, Zoro trained every day. Aside from being unable to defeat Kuina, he was practically a little tyrant in the entire dojo.

In comparison, even now, Sanji is still just a weakling.

If Zoro had a little more strategy, he should be able to overpower Mihawk. But unfortunately, his sword was thrown aside, and he rolled on the ground, fighting each other. Despite having the upper hand in terms of stamina and everything else, Zoro was actually locked in a fierce battle with Sanji, a classic example of two weaklings fighting each other.

It wasn't until later that they finally realized the ultimate weapon between boys—David Tao!

The moment Xiao De was grabbed, Zoro's entire body involuntarily shrank inward. But soon, before Sanji could utter any more nonsense, Zoro also reached out and grabbed him.

As Kuina led her father out, before she could even introduce Sett and the others, she was confronted by Sanji and Zoro, who were locked in a tense standoff—she couldn't see Sanji's face clearly, but she did see Zoro. A crossroads immediately appeared on Kuina's forehead.

He grabbed a bamboo knife from the side and smacked the two men on the head: "What are you doing in front of our guests! What kind of behavior is this?!"

With a couple of taps, both little kids had big bumps on their foreheads. They squatted on the ground, clutching their heads, looking like they wanted to cry but didn't.