Devil Fruits, miracles of the sea, but in themselves, a demon dwells within the fruit.

For Devil Fruit users, besides becoming unable to swim, there is another side effect of eating a Devil Fruit: it will affect their personality.

The deeper the development, the greater the impact of the fruit's abilities.

Enel, who went to the moon, had an arrogant personality that was quite similar to his Devil Fruit. Perhaps his personality was like that in general, which suited his Devil Fruit perfectly.

Kuro knew this before, but he thought it was just an effect, and things would remain the same.

But Shanks knew that the owner of a Devil Fruit wouldn't be able to consciously notice changes in their personality.

Three years ago at Marineford, Kuro still had a tendency to slack off, but he had already begun to show the side effects of the Float-Float Fruit.

Now, it's clearly much more intense than before.

"never mind..."

Shanks smiled and put Griffin away. "I didn't come here specifically to fight you. I just came to invite Farettal. He didn't agree, so I naturally had no reason to stay here. Besides, your opponent isn't me, Golden Lion. There's someone who's always wanted to fight you, but hasn't found an opportunity. Now, there should be one."

He wasn't there to fight Kuro, and there was no way a fight could break out here. Not only would Kuro instinctively hold back, but he would also instinctively hold back, because there were many residents here, and the city was so well-maintained that he didn't want to destroy it.

He's not that kind of person to begin with.

On the high seas, among the Four Emperors, if the definition of the Pirate King is 'freedom', then he is the one closest to becoming the Pirate King.

Unlike the other four emperors.

Kuro didn't have any ill feelings towards Shanks, nor was he particularly obsessed with him.

Besides, why would one of the Four Emperors fight? He's not that stupid.

Winning or losing is not a good thing, and we can't just wipe him out.

Kuro only brought Lida and Kuro this time; the rest were headquarters soldiers, none of whom were particularly strong. Although the opposing side didn't bring all their executives either, they outnumbered Kuro. He and Shanks were facing off, but Lida and Kuro couldn't handle the other executives, especially with Ben Beckman present.

but...

"What do you mean by 'there's someone who's always wanted to fight me'?" Kuro asked.

Redhead laughed, "You'll find out soon enough... oh... it seems it's coming."

Whew!!

A gust of wind seemed to whistle past, and Kuro subconsciously looked in one direction, his eyes widening. "This aura... Hey, no way."

In the distance, a figure rapidly approached. The figure wore a white fur hat that obscured his eyes, a burgundy patterned shirt, a black trench coat, and white trousers, with black boots on his feet. As he drew closer, a huge black sword resembling a cross swayed behind him.

"Mihawk!"

Kuro shouted angrily, "What are you doing here?!"

"Visiting".

Mihawk approached and said, "There's no rule that says the Seven Warlords of the Sea can't be friends with pirates. I was just invited to his banquet, but I sensed his domineering aura, and... your killing intent."

"Hahaha, that's it."

Shanks laughed and said, "He told me a lot, and who he most wants to fight. Now is the opportunity."

He patted Mihawk on the shoulder and said, "That's quite a coincidence; this opportunity just happened to come."

Mihawk ignored him and looked at Kuro instead, saying, "Come on, let's fight, Kuro. Let's fight for the title of the world's greatest swordsman."

"Are you giving up your Shichibukai duties?" Kuro gritted his teeth.

"It doesn't seem to matter."

Mihawk shook his head and said, "I'm just here to fight you. I'll still be a Shichibukai, but as you know, that title isn't very useful to me. Let's make a trade, Kuro..."

"Fight me, and I promise I won't let Shanks cause you any trouble. You can do whatever you want in Astraea. After the battle, I will still be a Shichibukai, and maybe even..."

He glanced at Shanks. "Fighting him is also an option if necessary."

"What the hell are you doing?!" Kuro's face was contorted with rage.

Shanks is here based on intelligence, but it didn't say that Mihawk is here too. Given his penchant for fencing, he'll definitely take the opportunity to join in!

“I’ve been holding back for a long time, Kuro.”

Mihawk reached behind him and grasped the massive hilt of his sword. He said in a deep voice, “I waited patiently for you when you were injured last time, but it’s been half a year now. It’s about time. This one match will test the limits of my swordsmanship and the limits of yours. We’ll wager the title of the world’s greatest swordsman. If you win, I’ll have a goal to surpass. If you lose, I will still wait for you, as long as you fight me!”

...

Mary Geoise.

Pangu Palace.

Between power.

...

“What do you want to say, Sakazuki?”

The ruddy-skinned old man sat there, his hands clasped together, and asked in a deep voice.

Before them, Sakazuki stood with his arms crossed, a cigar dangling from his lips, his head slightly bowed, and said calmly, "There is something about Astia. The Principality of Faya has sent a message wanting to become a member state. Lucilfer Kuro has already set off after hearing this news. He should be going to fight Shanks, and perhaps he can even take the title of the world's greatest swordsman."

"Faya?"

The five old men exchanged glances, and the curly-haired elder said, "Why wasn't this kind of thing reported beforehand?"

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