Chapter. 8: The best swordsman in the world! Pyrrha and Ruby vs. Mihawk!

Inside the Gaia temple, in one of the corridors, the six catch up with each other.

Pyrrha: So you have fought Dr. Eggman and that Blackbeard.

Luffy: Yes, it has been difficult. But we could against them, at least for now. Although Ruby...

Ruby was exhausted, so Sonic and Luffy take turns carrying her.

Zoro: With a broken arm and she has lost enough blood ... I am surprised that she still breathes.

Sonic: Haha. She is a fighter.

Chip: That cannot be discussed.

Ruby wakes up, surprising everyone.

Sonic: Ruby, are you okay?

Ruby: Y-Yes ... Ow!

Ruby looks at her broken arm and then at Sonic and Luffy.

Ruby: T-Thank you, Sonic, Luffy...

Sonic: Heh, this time, thank Luffy only; He supported you against Teach.

Luffy: Actually, she saved me.

Ruby blushes at the compliments, unaware of any of the three heroes that Zoro and Pyrrha smile at.

Zoro: Now I see why they are such good friends.

Pyrrha: You are right.

Chip flies to the pedestal, perching on top.

In the center of the temple, there is a mural with the emeralds and underneath a pedestal.

Chip: Hey guys! There's something weird here, right in the meddle.

Chip: Hey, what's this hole?

Ruby: Wait, Chip! There could be some kind of-

Suddenly, the temple trembles and Chip is scared; and runs hiding behind Sonic. The hole comes out of the pedestal, however a protective barrier appears.

Zoro: Great, now what?

?: The temples asked several warriors to come to help protect this world.

Both Zoro and Luffy are startled to recognize the voice. The rest turn around and see a man who has a short beard and sideburns, he is 198 cm tall. He wears clothes adorned in black and red, with a crucifix pendant that hides a small dagger, giving him the appearance of a Spanish swordsman. Her clothing consists of a wide-brimmed hat adorned with a large feather, and a long, open black coat with red sleeves with flower patterns and a necklace. His great sword has a curved black blade, and is also in the shape of a crucifix, with a gold hand guard decorated with blue and green balls, and a cuff-wrapped bandage, with a particularly large bead on its limb. Also, she wears purple pants held by a decorated belt and tucked inside big boots compared to her leg size.

?: What I never expected would be that we wouldn't meet again so soon, Ronoroa and Straw Hat.

Zoro: Y-You ...

Luffy: What are you doing here?!

?: Be your test.

Dracule Mihawk, "Hawk-Eye", one of the Seven Warriors of the Sea.

Milhawk: For those who have not heard of my exploits, my name is Dracule Mihawk, the best swordsman in the world. And in these uncertain times, protector of this temple.

Zoro: Hawk-Eye! So, you are also in this world.

Mihawk: That's right.

Then Pyrrha stands guard in front of him and transforms Miló into a rifle, shooting at him. However, Mihawk draws his massive sword in a fraction of a second and deflects both bullets with masterful skill.

Pyrrha: Unbelievable... Not even the most experienced Beacon Hunters would be able to deflect two bullets with that precision and elegance.

Mihawk: Interesting, you seem to be a woman who knows how to use sword art. What is your wish?

Pyrrha was surprised by this question, never wondering what her dream was.

Then remember the reason you were at Beacon.

Pyrrha: To be a Hunter that saves the world!

Mihawk smiles.

Mihawk: Hah, which more altruistic wish. However, if you are only the strongest of a single academy, then you are no better than a mere beginner.

This angered Pyrrha greatly.

Pyrrha: How do you say?

Mihawk then draws a knife from the cross around his neck, which further irritates Pyrrha.

Pyrrha: Hey, what does this mean?

Mihawk: I am not a beast hunting a rabbit. I'm sorry to say that I didn't bring something smaller. But I think it will be enough for you.

Pyrrha grits her teeth, furious. Despite wanting to be recognized for her own abilities, this man was insulting her. I was treating her to a girl! Angry, she charges at Hawk-Eye, without thinking.

Ruby: Py ... rrha ... Wait ...

Sonic: Zoro, go help her!

Luffy: It can't.

Sonic: Huh?

Zoro: "He is testing her."

Mihawk: Girl trapped in unspeakable greatness, know the world you are in.

When Pyrrha tries to attack him, he blocks his lunge with that same knife.

Pyrrha: "How? It is impossible to stop a thrust and less with such a knife. It is impossible."

Sonic: Incredible.

Chip: Wow ... I guess that's why he's the best swordsman in the world.

Ruby: I'm not ... surprised that he's ... one of the guardians.

Luffy looks at Ruby worriedly.

Luffy: You rest.

One Piece Unlimited World Red (OST) - Destory 'Em!

Then Pyrrha begins to exchange swords with Hawk-Eye, but blocks them all with astonishing ease.

Pyrrha: "It is not possible ... Beacon's teachers said that I have no rival. And even if I did, I would fight with everything I have, not with a damn knife!"

Mihawk: What powerful fencing, though so indecisive...

Mihawk runs towards her, surprising her and giving her a cut, which she manages to block with Akoúo̱. Without praising himself in the slightest, Pyrrha switches to Miló Rifle and starts shooting at him.

Mihawk: Hmm, naive soul. Knife Single Thrust!

Mihawk launches a lunge with his knife, turning into a sharp projectile. It pierces Pyrrha's left shoulder, causing him to scream in pain.

Zoro: Damn, she is no match for him.

Pyrrha gasps, but refuses to give up. She returns, this time, transforming Miló into Miló Javelin, throwing Mihawk at her.

Mihawk sees it and dodges it smoothly.

Mihawk: Knife Dual Flash!

Mihawk does the same but this time, he adds two X-shaped cuts, cutting the "Invincible Girl" chest.

None of those present can say anything, just watch a match in which Pyrrha has everything to lose. Mihawk sees no reason to prolong this confrontation and decides to skewer his heart. Pyrrha, seeing Hawk-Eye's intentions, tries to use his Semblance but, inexplicably, it does not work with said knife ... and then it happened: Ruby used her Semblance and intercepted the knife for Pyrrha. Luffy and Sonic are in shock, Zoro closes his eyes, Chip opens his jaw in shock and Pyrrha covers her mouth with her hands.

Sonic and Luffy: RUBY!

Zoro: You are silly! What the hell were you thinking of, planting yourself between your friend and Hawk-Eye?! This is not a game!

Mihawk: Certainly Roronoa is right. Why have you been so reckless, vainly betting your life?

Pyrrha: R-Ruby ... I ... no ..

Ruby started pouring a trickle of blood from her mouth.

Ruby: Heh ... It's my job...

Mihawk: Hmm?

Ruby: As a Huntress it is my duty to protect everyone in danger.

Mihawk: Even if that cost you your very life?

Ruby, her eyes full of determination, smiles.

Ruby: If I am afraid of death, why am I in this world? Not better; why do I want to be a Huntress if I am afraid?

Pyrrha: Ruby...

Sonic: Wow.

Luffy: Shishishi.

Mihawk: "The young Amazon has a very noble heart ready to fight for what is just. And the young woman who has protected her ... What a strong heart and will ... She prefers to die for her own that defeats her! It is the same as Straw Hat. Could it be ...?" Women, tell me your names.

Mihawk pulls out the knife from the Ruby, who, wounded by the combat from before, continues to stand with Crescent Rose on her left arm. Pyrrha smiles at her and stands beside her.

One Piece Soundtrack - The Very, Very, Very Strongest (OST)

Ruby: Ruby Rose!

Pyrrha: Pyrrha Nikos!

Mihawk: I will remember them. I have only seen such spirits in the two men who accompany you. Therefore, you will be rewarded with the strongest sword in the world.

Mihawk finally pulls out his sword: a very long ornate blade with a total length of at least seven feet, as seen, brings at least one more head to Mihawk when he places the blade on his back. The hilt of this sword is a crucifix, although the bars between the blade and the hilt of the sword are much longer than average.

The blade is pitch black with a very strong shine, a long single edged sword with a slight curve at the end of the blade. It looks like a large black cross. It was the Black Sword: Yoru.

Ruby: Wow...

Mihawk: Fall!

Mihawk propels at high speed with the Yoru, ready to attack, while Ruby wields her scythe with great skill and Pyrrha has her shield and sword ready. All three attack...

...only for the Yoru to break Miló and Akoúo̱, also cutting the meats of the two hunters.

Pyrrha: "I lost ... Now I understand why Zoro is willing to defeat this man. What kind of power exists in the Grand Line?"

Pyrrha gets up, to see Ruby protecting her.

Pyrrha: Ruby, go away!

Ruby smiles at her, and kicks her away from the corsair.

Mihawk: How...?

Ruby: I've already told you: I'm going to protect my friend.

Mihawk smiles at such determination.

Mihawk: Admirably magnificent!

Mihawk cuts Ruby up sending her through the sky.

Mihawk: "Don't lose that great will, young warrior."

Sonic and Luffy: RUBY!

The two rush to Mihawk, only to have him step aside.

Mihawk: Don't worry, she's still alive.

Pyrrha: Ruby! Please, tell me something!

Pyrrha is crying, blaming herself for putting the life of one of her friends in danger.

Milhawk: Your time to die has not yet come. I'm Dracule Mihawk! Find your true spirit, challenge your limit, to the world itself and become the two strongest! No matter how late, I will wait for you both with all my power! Overcome my sword and Roronoa's, Pyrrha Nikos! And beats The Seven Warriors of the Sea and The Four Emperors, Ruby Rose!

At that moment, Crescent Rose stands up to see Ruby cry.

Ruby: COUNT ON IT!

Pyrrha wipes her tears, relieved, and nods at Mihawk who smiles, as she turns to Sonic and Luffy.

Mihawk: You three make a good team. You will achieve great things. I hope our paths cross.

And with that said, a portal appears and Mihawk walks through it, disabling the barrier.

Zoro: For Hawk-Eye to say the same thing... I know he did the same thing to me, but...

Chip: Hey, what are the Seven Sea Warriors and the Four Emperors?

Zoro: I'll tell you, now...

Everyone gathers on the pedestal.

Chip: What´s that?

Sonic takes a Chaos Emerald and inserts it into the pedestal. As it does so, the jewel rises and begins to spin, regaining its color and power. It was green, with the power of nature.

Chip: Whaoo! The Emerald has revived!

Sonic: This was Gaia's temple! That´s got to be why Eggman and Teach was so keen on taking the place over.

Suddenly, the tremors return.

Luffy: Wow! I got this! Gum-Gum no ... Protector!

Luffy stretches out, recovering in Haki protecting everyone.

Chip: Here we go again!

Planet Pieces - Sonic Unleashed [OST]

A light comes out of the temple, attracting the piece of the planet.

In the temple...

Tails: Sonic, good news! Hm? Ruby?!

Pyrrha catches the badly wounded Ruby.

Tails: Oh my God! What happened to it?

Zoro: We'll tell you later. Let's see if Chooper can do something.

Tails: C-Sure!

Sonic: "Hang in there, Ruby."

Luffy: "Please don't die. I can't lose anyone ... anymore".

To be continue...