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[U.G] Ch 256: Koshiro vs. Mihawk
🕑 Added 2025-02-24 16:33:06 +0000 UTC— — — — — — —
In the past, in order to avoid unnecessary attention, Kaito had rarely assigned members of the Hyuga clan to permanent missions in the Pirate world. In fact, he had intentionally given them as few missions as possible.
But now, that privilege was gone. The Hyuga should be tasked with a lot of missions.
"I understand! The Hyuga clan is always ready to take on missions from you, Lord Hokage!"
Surprisingly, instead of feeling disappointed that this special treatment was revoked, Hyuga Hizashi seemed even more excited.
Of course, being able to go to the Pirate world more often and assist Kaito was something he and the Hyuga clan were actually eager for.
Currently, there were no major wars in the ninja world, so if they wanted to earn more merits and benefits, taking on missions in the pirate world was the best option.
— — —
Pirate World – New World
Shrrrk!!!
Shimotsuki Koshiro was in an intense duel with Dracule Mihawk.
Kaito suddenly appeared nearby in a flash, watching the fierce battle unfold. He raised an eyebrow slightly before turning to ask the First Hokage beside him, "When did Mihawk get here?"
"Uh… just yesterday!"
Hashirama scratched the back of his head and sighed helplessly.
"As soon as he arrived, he went straight to Koshiro and challenged him to a sword fight."
"I originally wanted to spar with him too, but as soon as he learned that swordsmanship wasn't my forte, he outright refused!"
"This guy is a total sword fanatic! No wonder he was able to earn the title of the 'Strongest Swordsman in the World'."
"Judging by his current level of swordsmanship, he definitely lives up to his reputation," Hashirama admitted.
"However, he clearly hasn't reached his future peak yet!"
It was obvious that Koshiro wasn't even going all out—many of the techniques he had learned from Kaito remained unused.
Otherwise, Mihawk wouldn't have been able to keep up with him for this long.
"That much is clear," Kaito said with a slight shake of his head.
"He only recently obtained the title of the World's Strongest Swordsman, so of course, he hasn't reached his prime yet."
"But he's definitely a genius!"
"Oh?"
Hearing that, Hashirama raised an eyebrow, then waved his hand to set up a barrier around them before asking Kaito, "Kaito, don't tell me you've taken a liking to him and want to recruit him?"
"Of course!" Kaito nodded without hesitation.
"This guy has already reached this level purely through his own efforts. If he became one of my contract holders and received my support, his potential would be limitless."
"He's exactly the kind of high-level combat power and reliable worker we can't afford to pass up!"
"And not just him—I'm also planning to recruit the future Fujitora, Issho."
Talented individuals are never too many.
Sure, in another three to five years, maybe eight at most, Kaito was confident he'd be invincible in both worlds.
But who's to say he wouldn't find a way to explore even more worlds by then?
Over the years, aside from training and strategizing, he had also been researching and developing his two innate abilities.
He believed that, eventually, he'd find a way to push both abilities to an even higher level so he could be prepared if he found new worlds with his Space Gate.
"That makes sense," Hashirama nodded with a smile.
"But have you already found Fujitora? His Observation Haki is insanely strong, and he's highly sensitive—he won't be easy to persuade."
He blinded himself because he couldn't stand witnessing the corruption of the world.
Hashirama didn't entirely agree with that decision. To him, it was just a form of escape.
If someone truly despised the filth of the world, they should try to change it, not simply refuse to see it.
Even if one person couldn't change the entire world, making small changes in the areas they could influence was still a step in the right direction.
"That's true!" Kaito nodded in agreement. "But not really."
"Normally, a person like Issho would be incredibly difficult to convince, but if approached the right way, he's actually easier to recruit than most people."
"Because he's an idealist. He has his own beliefs."
"He despises the corruption of this world, right?"
"Well, I can offer him a real opportunity to do something about it."
"I can give him a way to achieve his ideals—to cleanse the filth of this world."
"Because that's exactly what we're already working toward and what we plan to accomplish in the future."
"I have no doubt that once he truly understands our goals and reads the Book I wrote, he'll be willing to join us."
"As long as he realizes that we're serious and actively working toward our vision, it won't be hard to win him over."
"Huh"
Hashirama was stunned for a moment, then nodded in agreement. "…Maybe you're right!"
"You're thinking way ahead, Kaito. Our plan and goals are indeed a perfect match for someone like Issho!"
"Haha! I'm looking forward to having him on our side," Hashirama chuckled.
"Besides, I heard he likes to gamble—I bet we'll have a lot to talk about!"
"I can already imagine us winning if we work together, and I can let Tsunade, Nawaki, and Madara join us. It'll be a beautiful future and finally, I can teach them the right way to gamble."
"...?" Kaito was speechless.
"I'm talking about serious matters, and you're thinking about gambling?"
He felt like Hashirama still hadn't been disciplined enough by Lady Mito.
He already corrupted one Tsunade, and now he's still obsessed with this nonsense? He was even targeting others?
This won't do!
Kaito had already decided to tell Mito as soon as he returned.
— — —
Meanwhile…
Ah-choo!
"Hmm? Who's talking about me? I feel something bad is gonna happen."
Hashirama suddenly sneezed and shivered, glancing around in confusion.
Kaito's eye twitched slightly. 'Now you're getting all sensitive? How weird… I need to be careful until I return to Konoha.'
BOOM!!
"Alright! That's enough!"
"I lost."
Mihawk was sent skidding backward dozens of meters before stopping himself.
He raised his head and spoke, his tone steady.
"I can tell… you weren't even using your full strength."
"Looks like I overestimated myself, huh?"
"But… can you show me your true power?"
His golden eyes burned with excitement as he gazed at Koshiro.
There was no disappointment or frustration from losing—only exhilaration and anticipation.
Ever since he had defeated countless swordsmen and became the undisputed World's Strongest Swordsman, Mihawk hadn't encountered anyone who could surpass him in pure swordsmanship for a long time.
And because of that, his progress in swordsmanship had slowed down significantly.
But now, standing before someone whose skill surpassed his own, Mihawk felt that long-lost rush of improvement again.
"That's not impossible," Koshiro replied after a brief pause.
"But if I go all out, you'll die."
He spoke with absolute seriousness.
.
.
.
