I am the Bandit King of the East Sea.

As history changes, there probably won't be many more opportunities to farm the "Witness to History" card achievement in the future.

Standing at the bow of the ship, he couldn't help but recall his previous battle with Hawkeye.

This is a sword that attacks the mind.

It was less a sword duel and more a psychological battle.

Using the same tactics to remind Hawkeye of the past traumas is part of psychological warfare, while using telekinesis to steal Hawkeye's Black Blade Yoru is the next step.

From Eagle Eye's perspective... as a swordsman, in the midst of a duel, a moment of distraction allows the enemy to seize the opportunity, snatch the sword he cherishes as his life, and hold it to his neck; in this case, the outcome is undoubtedly decided.

And it was a crushing defeat.

But from Sieg's perspective, it's different.

As a top swordsman who forged the world's number one black sword, Hawkeye undoubtedly possesses top-tier Armament Haki as well.

After being forced to kneel and catch the blade with his bare hands, Hawkeye's first reaction was to stand up straight... This move cost him the initiative.

Therefore, he was unable to avoid the attack from the telekinetic user, the Black Blade Yoru, and his hasty reaction was to cover his neck with Armament Haki.

Hawkeye's inability to dodge is one thing, but whether Sig can break through Hawkeye's Armament Haki protection with the blade of his black sword, Yoru, is another.

But Sieg didn't strike; he stopped short of killing.

This is a duel between swordsmen, not a life-or-death battle on the battlefield.

Therefore, the outcome is already decided.

"Now, it's time to enter the Grand Line."

Looking ahead, Sieg could vaguely see the outline of the Red Line continent. The tall, dark red mountain walls stretched out like a giant reddish-brown serpent across the sea, separating the Grand Line from the other seas and dividing the world in two.

"I don't know how many times this has happened... but no matter how many times I see the Red Line, it's still spectacular."

Sig turned around and glanced at Aron and the others who were eager to try.

Arlong's identity as a fishman is something that cannot be revealed in the light.

Once exposed, the Navy will immediately discover the "scapegoat Hody Jones" affair.

In addition, the fish-men's appearance is too conspicuous... Sig needs to think of a place to settle Arlong and the others.

"It's about time we went to visit the Island of All Things," Sigurd thought to himself.

...........

“Colonel Kuina,” Smoker asked immediately after returning to the square.

"What exactly happened in the duel in Loguetown Square just now? Did Hawkeye lose?"

"Also, what was that strange engine-like sound we heard earlier?"

Smoker glanced at the pirates and marines lying on the ground in the square.

By this time, Hawkeye, Sieg, and the others had already left.

When the duel took place, Smoker had already left. Of the many Marines present, only Kuina witnessed the entire duel.

"Did you hear that too?" Kuina looked at Smoker, pondered for a moment, and then began to explain...

"I see."

After hearing the story, Smoker was also deeply shocked.

Similar moves, similar results, the same duel location and the same people...

This duel involuntarily reminded Smoker of a person who had long since disappeared.

"Is it him? If it is, defeating Hawkeye in a duel and taking the crown of the world's greatest swordsman... doesn't seem impossible."

Smoker stood there, puffing on his cigarette, when suddenly he seemed lost in thought.

“In short, we need to inform headquarters about this immediately…” Smoker turned to look at Kuina:

"Colonel Kuina, I remember your vacation is about to end, and you're about to board a warship to return to headquarters, right?"

“Let me hitch a ride too,” Smoker suggested.

"Loguetown is the last stop for East Blue pirates entering the Grand Line. You want to abandon your post..." Kuina sensed something and reminded her.

“These scum from the East China Sea… we could hold them off no matter who we send over,” Smoker shook his head.

Chapter 1028 Resonance of Heaven and Earth, Supreme Conqueror's Haki 2-3

Ten years later, in the Loguetown square duel, there were very few witnesses because Sigmund had stunned the onlookers with Conqueror's Haki beforehand.

Therefore, although many people knew about this duel, the process and result of the duel remained unknown.

A duel has broken out in Loguetown Square! Who is the mysterious swordsman Wang Rixiong, who was challenged by Hawkeye Mihawk?

Although the name Wang Rixiong appeared in the newspapers, the outcome of the entire battle remains questionable due to a lack of eyewitnesses, making it even more mysterious than the duel ten years ago.

Therefore, Wang Rixiong's name first gained fame due to his duel with Hawkeye, but it was not exactly earth-shattering news.

Of course... for the few forces that know the truth, this news is an absolute earthquake.

The only eyewitness on the Navy's side, Captain Kuina, embarked on her return journey, while Smoker led his men to desert their posts and venture into the Grand Line.

At the same time, they also reported this incident to the Navy Headquarters.

A storm is coming.

..................

Marineford, Naval Headquarters.

Warships lined the harbor, and more warships arrived from afar and stopped at the harbor.

As the naval personnel in the port watched the returning warships and the high-ranking officers draped in cloaks of justice aboard, they unconsciously lowered their voices and whispered amongst themselves.

"It's General Sakazuki!"

"And Admiral Dortmund, he's back too? I remember he just went out. Did something happen that forced him to return urgently?"

The port naval personnel were puzzled as they watched one by one the high-ranking naval officers arrive and head towards the main fortress.

"What day is it today? Why are so many lieutenant generals and generals who were out traveling rushing back?"

"The World Conference isn't scheduled yet... Could it be that some big event is about to happen?"

Amid the discussion, a large warship flying the NEO Naval Legion flag also approached.

At the bow of the ship, two tall men wearing cloaks of justice stood side by side.

On the left is an elderly man with purple hair, his forehead lined with wrinkles, showing signs of old age, but he still stands straight and has a robust and sturdy build.

The blond young man standing next to him had long, blond hair that cascaded down his shoulders. He had three narrow scars above his left eye, and his face was cold and stern, exuding a dangerous aura that made people instinctively avoid his gaze. His imposing presence was intimidating.

As he passed by, the surrounding whispers immediately fell silent, and everyone instinctively stopped talking.

Only after Higuma's figure disappeared into the distance did the surrounding chatter gradually rise again.

"General Higuma has also appeared, and his aura is becoming increasingly terrifying... It seems that something major has happened."

"He is currently the youngest of the generals in the headquarters, and is known for his tough style and outstanding military achievements."

"Everyone says he's like a young and strong Admiral Zephyr... Even on the battlefield where life and death are at stake, he always leaves room for maneuver and doesn't kill. He's the only Marine who has inherited Admiral Zephyr's principle of not killing... He's both admirable and terrifying."

Amid the discussions, the naval personnel also developed a deep respect for the two men.

Admiral Zephyr's principle of not killing is not understood by most of the navy, but they certainly respect him.

In this chaotic era, maintaining the principle of "no killing" is an extremely difficult thing.

In an era teeming with pirates, mercy will only become a weakness that pirates exploit.

At the same time, on a battlefield where blood is thick with killing, who would dare to disregard the principle of "not killing"?

Why would someone hold back during a battle? It's quite normal to be killed by a ruthless enemy.

Therefore, Zephyr's so-called "no killing" principle not only represents a firm belief and principle, but is also a sign of his extremely strong strength.

Of course, the movie version of Zephyr is a different story. He has accumulated a bunch of debuffs from aging, illness, losing an arm, and being corrupted by multiple blows, making him comparable to Whitebeard in the Marineford War. His strength is no longer what it was at his peak.

Zephyr's disciples are all over the Navy. He can be said to be the mentor of all the new generation of Navy personnel, and there are many people who admire Zephyr.

But perhaps only Higuma is able to put this principle into practice.

but....

"I didn't deliberately follow the principle of not killing; it's just that capturing pirates alive earns more military merits than killing them."

Higuma glanced out of the corner of his eye at the whispering naval personnel in the harbor behind him.

Ten years ago, the navy was too weak to cope with the increasingly complex maritime situation, which is why there was a global conscription. Even a newcomer like Fujitora, who had no experience, was able to rise to the rank of admiral based on his formidable strength.

But the Japanese bear missed this direct route to advancement.

In recent years, the navy has become stronger than ever before, and its military might is abundant.

Furthermore, the NEO Corps already has two admirals, which is already being deliberately hampered by the World Government, making it difficult for a third admiral to emerge.

Therefore, Higuma has been very active in recent years. He has achieved his expected goal and become a newly promoted general by capturing many great pirates and sending them to Impel Down.

One by one, naval officers entered the headquarters building and went straight to the conference room.

The chief of staff was naturally Marshal Sengoku, with the generals and lieutenant generals taking their seats in turn, arranged on both sides.

Zephyr and Higuma took their seats, while on the other side, directly opposite Higuma, sat a one-armed old man with his eyes closed.

He was Dol, the user of the Door-Door Fruit. Ten years had passed, and he had aged considerably. His left arm was severed at the elbow, and his sleeve was empty. He was still quite spry, but he closed his eyes to rest, unaware of Higuma's gaze.

Akainu and Aokiji were also present. Akainu looked solemn and remained silent. Aokiji, on the other hand, stared at the table in front of him somewhat casually, seemingly suddenly becoming interested in the wood grain of the wooden conference table.

Although not all the generals were present, almost all of them were, indicating that the meeting was of a very high level.

The green-haired man with a high forehead and a slightly receding hairline, Major Brannew, was reporting to the seated high-ranking naval officers about the events of the duel in Loguetown.

Because Sigurd unleashed a powerful display of Conqueror's Haki, stunning everyone around him, only Colonel Kuina witnessed the entire event. Colonel Smoker, stationed in Loguetown, also heard some noises, including the "strange engine sound" mentioned in the report.

"The topic of our meeting today is to discuss Wang Rixiong's identity and corresponding countermeasures," Brannew said, then stepped aside to await the discussion of the high-ranking officials.

A young lieutenant general spoke first, looking somewhat puzzled:

"I don't quite understand. At most, he's just a powerful swordsman who can rival Hawkeye... No matter how powerful he is, he's still just one person. Is it really necessary to hold an emergency meeting?"