Despite holding back significantly, Mihawk still displayed considerable swordsmanship skills. With an unabashed look of admiration, he asked, "Young man, what's your name?"

"Noir."

Mihawk committed the name to memory and nodded. "I look forward to your future. You might turn out to be an interesting opponent."

Noir confidently replied, "Of course, it won't be long before I defeat you with my swordsmanship!"

Mihawk chuckled, "Such arrogance."

To defeat Mihawk, even with all Noir's current abilities, seemed unlikely. As the world's greatest swordsman who could duel with the Four Emperors, Mihawk couldn't be bested by mere devil fruit powers alone.

Mihawk took out two bottles of wine from his small boat, sat down, and invited Noir, "Let's have a drink."

Noir, momentarily stunned, laughed, "Alright."

This could be seen as a bond formed through their shared love of swords. They sat down, drinking and talking about swordsmanship. Robin, seeing the two men relax and converse, finally felt at ease.

However, she couldn't help but feel puzzled by this method of forming friendships among men...

As they drank and discussed swordsmanship, Noir learned a lot from Mihawk's casual remarks. Soon, a more thrilling system notification echoed in his mind.

"Meeting an important figure, reward issued: Universal Talent Copy Card 1, Host's Exclusive Sword 1, Swordsmanship +30."

Host's Exclusive Sword?

Noir's thoughts delved into the system space, where a newly appeared, ominously shaped sword awaited. The hilt was a dark red-black, and the scabbard was engraved with eerie symbols, as if sealing something terrible.

Noir, eager to wield the cool-looking sword, restrained himself since he couldn't just pull out a new weapon in front of Mihawk.

Seeing Noir lost in thought, Mihawk asked, "Where are you headed?"

Noir frowned and replied, "Sky Island, but we haven't found the way yet."

"Sky Island, huh..." Mihawk pondered for a moment before retrieving a pointer from his belongings.

A Eternal Log Pose? Noir recognized the object and looked at Mihawk in confusion.

Mihawk handed the permanent pointer to Noir. "I've heard there's an upward current near a town in this sea area. Some say it leads to Sky Island."

A town?

Noir glanced at the pointer and saw the location written on it, though he didn't recognize the name.

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Noir recalled that Luffy and his crew reached Sky Island through the perilous Knock Up Stream near Jaya Island, which was almost a death trap.

But there was an old man on Sky Island who mentioned another, slightly safer route. Could Mihawk's suggestion be that safer path?

Clutching the pointer, Noir resolved to check it out, no matter the danger.

He thanked Mihawk, who then prepared to leave. Though he hadn't been able to spar with his old rival, Mihawk felt it was worthwhile meeting a promising young swordsman like Noir.

Walking shoulder to shoulder like old friends, Mihawk almost considered slicing up the overly friendly Noir.

Why were his friends always such oddballs?

While Mihawk was pondering this, Noir stealthily used his two copy cards on Mihawk.

World's Greatest Swordsman and Supreme Sword Heart, two top-tier golden talents, were now his!

Watching Mihawk sail away, Noir quickly addressed the system about his overflowing talent slots.

"System, use World's Greatest Swordsman to replace Singular Focus."

First, he replaced the long-held white talent. Next, with some hesitation, he considered what to do with Supreme Sword Heart.

Initially, he thought of replacing either Bear Bear Fruit. But then, he decided to try the new talent fusion feature.

He hadn't used this feature since the system upgrade. Moreover, fusing two golden swordsmanship talents seemed the best combination.

"Fuse Supreme Sword Heart and World's Greatest Swordsman!"

After a moment of silence, the system completed the talent upgrade under Noir's expectant gaze.

"Talent fusion complete. New talent is now a fixed talent."

Noir eagerly checked the new talent. What was once a brilliant golden hue now had a mix of dark.

A string of new information appeared before him.

"Supreme Swordmaster: Black-Gold Quality, a mutation of golden quality, possessing the attributes of both 'World's Greatest Swordsman' and 'Supreme Sword Heart'. Unparalleled in swordsmanship talent.

When using sword techniques, all attributes such as speed, strength, and stamina are enhanced. Depending on the enemy's strength, there is a chance to trigger an instant kill. Defeated enemies may develop Inner Demons, hindering their growth."

The Black-Gold talent, shining with a unique radiance, left Noir astounded.

Fusing two golden talents had created an even stronger super talent!

With abilities from both golden talents, along with enhancements to all attributes, instant kills, and Inner Demons, Noir was thrilled.

"System, isn't golden quality the highest? How is there an Black-Gold quality?"

The system responded, "Golden quality is the highest, but fusing two golden talents can produce a mutation, which is Black-Gold quality. This mutated quality still falls under golden quality."

"However, this quality is exclusive to the host and does not exist in anyone else in this world."

Relieved that he alone possessed this Black-Gold talent, Noir began to see the system's fusion feature as a godsend.

With this mutated talent, as long as he diligently trained his swordsmanship, he could undoubtedly surpass Mihawk as the greatest swordsman.

Excitedly planning his future talent fusions, Noir remembered the system's reward: the exclusive sword.

He retrieved the fiercely styled sword from the system. The cold touch of the unsheathed blade exuded a chilling intent to kill.

Slowly drawing the sword from its scabbard, Noir found its black blade eerily similar to splattered Black, with red lines depicting hideous faces as if the spirits of the damned were wailing.

The sword's sinister aura was palpable, and despite being automatically recognized by the system, Noir could feel its rebellious and wild nature.

Satisfied with his new weapon, Noir quickly understood its nature.

This treasure was like a capable but rebellious child, not easily controlled and often trying to cause trouble.

A difficult-to-handle Devil sword, but one that wouldn't deter Noir.

What to do with a troublesome child? Discipline it firmly until it behaves…