Hello everybody,
We're slowly getting close to the end and it's time for our little Lady Zoro to move on, but don't worry, we have still some chapters to go ;-)
Thank you for all your comments, favors, and followers.
Have a great day and enjoy.
Sharry
Chapter 31 – Farewell
-Mihawk-
Considering how his day had started out, he was actually feeling quite good.
His head stopped pondering and his limbs worked smooth again.
He was a little bit annoyed by Jirou's behavior, who had thrown him out of his own training room. He disliked that he was not able to observe the training session. For one because it had been the arrangement between him and Roronoa that he would train him or at least supervise his training and for the other he enjoyed watching the other one suffer- uhm, grow.
Well, he should eat something because his already weakened stomach was complaining even more, but on his way back to the kitchen he met the housekeeper.
"Sire." She called him worriedly. "Good that you are coming." The anger of the morning had vanished. "You have a visitor."
Her voice was unusually weak, like she was afraid, which was impossible. This woman feared nothing, not even of him.
He nodded towards her and went down the hallway, but even then she stayed behind, this scared look in her dark eyes.
In the entry hall nobody else awaited him than Rishou Eizen, in a black suit and with his typical lightproof sunglasses.
"My dear Dracule, how good to see you in one piece after yesterday." He greeted him, openly hostile behind polite words.
Here at this place - without witnesses - was no need for the politician to wear a friendly mask.
Mihawk was not sure if he should be surprised or not.
He would never expect the politician, who was the only normal human being able to talk with the world nobles on eye level, to show up at his home, without announcement, without attendance.
On the other hand Eizen had already proven that he was willing to put in a lot to get what he wanted.
"You look like you survived last night as well." He answered without any politeness. After all he was a pirate and although he - unlike other Shichibukais - was capable of using good manners, he was also able of ignoring his education if it came to this man.
"I am quite certain you are not here to ask about my whereabouts." He continued cold and folded his arms.
The elder nodded smiling.
"Of course not. I would appreciate a private conversation with the honorable Lady Loreen."
"Yes, I thought as much. But this will not be possible. My guest is indisposed for any visitors today and the upcoming days. Even if the visitor is you."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, it is."
He made a step towards the mighty man, who was so much smaller than he was.
"Maybe I can help you so that your exhausting journey was not a waste of time and you can leave quickly."
The old man placed a hand at his chin, never losing his smile.
"Actually you can maybe. I assume that you are close enough to Lady Loreen to be informed about the important things she had discussed with me."
Once again Mihawk had to realize that there were many things his tomboy had not told him. He had not been given any information about what the politician had wanted from the cursed pirate, although he had some probably not totally false suggestions.
"By no means. My guest is not obligated to tell me anything. I appreciate the meaning of privacy."
The smile of the politician grew. It was more than obvious that Eizen appreciated that piece of information. He nodded slightly.
"I understand you quite well. I just wanted to congratulate you for your performance last night. Your acquaintance and you will not be forgotten. Although you will probably not be invited to such events anymore, despite your remarkable heritage."
"I understand that this reprimand is onlyagainst me and not against my guest."
"Indeed. The honorable Lady Loreen is always welcomed to join us."
The Shichibukai grinned as well. He could picture what the other one was planning.
"I hope you are aware that my guest is not interested in working with you or those you represent."
"Oh and I hope you are aware that you are entering a territory you are not welcomed in."
"Eizen." He said cold. "What do you want from my guest? Why are you here?"
Now the smile of the other one became grotesque.
"How hostile. Fine. Because I actually have more important things to do than to chitchat with some filthy pirate, please be so kind to tell your acquaintance the following message: Within the next two weeks an overly important event will shake the world. At that time I would love to see the honorable Lady Loreen on our side. For more detailed information and the first version of a contract I will send a messenger." He bowed shortly. "This would be it. I express my gratitude and take my leave."
The politician turned around.
"Eizen." He stopped him. "What do you hope to gain from the support of my guest and why do you think my guest would want to support you?"
The old man laughed softly.
"Oh my, I am almost disappointed that you actually have to ask me. I expected more of you. Dracule, if you still do not understand what we are talking about, you really should ask your acquaintance."
"But I ask you."
Now the elder slowly turned back towards him.
"I respect your courage and you loyalty towards the young lady. This is why I am willing to give you a little hint to keep the game want to use Lady Loreen's ability, to obtain everybody's trust by fraud, to calm the commoners during times of worries. Already right now her presence is only for our use and the last night developed to our complete satisfaction. And I am more than convinced that the honorable Lady Loreen will be more than willing to help us when she realizes that there are more important things than will and strength. You yourself have already met this power if I recall correctly."
He opened the door.
"But to be clear. You overstepped your competence, Dracule. Should you ever again trouble my patience I will make sure that you will regret it. Your protection over those islands and your protection over Lady Loreen only go so far. Never forget that."
-Zoro-
Breathing heavily he was laying on the ground, the head of the rear admiral next to him, who had spread his legs into the opposite direction.
Both of them had spread the arms far away and tried not to drown in their own sweat.
"That was really good, Loreen." The blond mumbled between inhaling and exhaling, this one curl stuck to his forehead.
Zoro simply nodded, unable to speak.
He had no idea how long they had been training, but it had been great. Not like his training with Hawk Eyes, but at least effective.
"I'm really surprised, for such a delicate beauty you fight like a beast."
He grinned and answered between heavy breathings. "You shouldn't underestimate me, Jiroushin. I'm not half as kind as I may look."
The older one laughed loudly.
"But for sure your teaching style is different from Mihawk's."
The other one laughed again.
"Yeah, I know. Hawky can be really scary if he wants to and likes to irritate his disciples. But I believe that you can only ask your students to perform on top, if you do it yourself as well."
Both of them craved for oxygen.
"But why only five days, Loreen?" The rear admiral asked and tilted his head to the side to look at him, but Zoro only looked back.
"Wait a second, isn't that the day the strawhats will arrive at Sarue. You still wanna meet them?"
Grinning Zoro closed his eyes and enjoyed the cool stone under his body.
"What are you scheming, Loreen? I thought you only wanted to meet them? What's your real goal?"
Zoro sighed. Something within him wanted to tell the rear admiral the truth. However that would not be much of a smart idea considering how much stronger the blond was. And after all he had promised his new unrelated family to keep his identity a secret to protect each other.
"I have to meet them, Jiroushin and afterwards I have to continue my journey."
He looked at the other one.
"This time here has been good, but I cannot stay. I have to grow and to become stronger."
"But here are the greatest teachers you could have."
"I'm actually not only talking about the art of the sword. Besides... "He sighed again. "There are people I need to protect and I cannot do that while I'm here."
The other one rolled on his belly. Brooding he placed his head on his arms.
"I understand." He mumbled plain.
Zoro copied the other one's movement and looked at him.
"Tell me, Jiroushin, how come that you - the fencing shadow - are in such a high Navy position?"
The other one's eyes grew big.
"How do you know? Did Hawky tell you?"
"Oh no." Zoro grinned. "It's actually really easy to see. You and Mihawk are childhood friends, both great swordsmen with a similar body frame and I can imagine that you followed your friend when he left the Navy."
"Geez, you're sure you're not related to Hawky."
"Hopefully not."
It was true; Zoro simply had put two and two together.
Many many years ago a mythos had been spread concerning the young Dracule Mihawk. Long before Zoro had travelled the sea, long before the other one had become a Shichibukai. Rumors told about a dark figure, which looked like the shadow of the young pirate and had the same abilities, and was killing the pirate's enemies before he was even lifting a finger.
Because of that figure's rapidness and because nobody actually had been able to get a clear sight of it, many believed that the young pirate had some devil power, which brought his shadow to life.
As time had passed by and no better explanation had been found people started to name that strange creature the fencing shadow. Even after the pirate crew had been dissolved by its captain nobody found out what was the reason of that phenomenon.
But Zoro had seen both men, the way they treated each other, the way they moved, the way they fought. It was obviously, at least in his eyes, in the eyes of another swordsman.
"You never wanted to become pirate, right?"
The rear admiral laughed again.
"You're really smart, Loreen."
"Oh, I know many who would disagree."
Cho became serious.
"Truth been told, I was actually really happy as a marine. On the contrary to Hawky, who had entered the Navy just in his sister's memories and to please his father."
Zoro listened attentively. He had never heard about that part.
"However his picture of the Navy and its way of justice darkened more and more with every day. He claimed that his mother's and sister's death was not only because of those pirates, but because the Navy failed to protect them. This is why he left."
"And you followed him."
The blonde sighed and turned back on his back.
"Hawky has always been by my side. He was my first and only friend. Yes, he had been arrogant and snobbish, but he was there for me whenever I needed him, from the very beginning, without expecting me to return those many favors. And although you may not believe it, but as a boy Hawky was full of mischief and actually quite the comical type."
"Yeah, that's really hard to imagine."
The other one nodded agreeing.
"He changed a lot after Sharak died. That's why I decided to guard him, because he has always protected me. I believe in justice and I believe that the Navy - despite all its mistakes - follows the right goals. But more important to me was that Mihawk would never lose sight of his own goal."
He laughed softly.
"Actually that time at the sea was great. Mihawk developed so fast, he became so fast the man everybody feared. He protected us all, every single one of our crew, but he was rude and cold.
"And you were the shadow, protecting him."
Jiroushin nodded slowly.
"Being the captain it's his duty to protect the crew and it was my duty to guard his back."
Zoro nodded silently. He understood just too well.
"But how did you end up back as a marine?"
The other one did not answer but stood up. His usually happy face seemed grim and the fire of the training had vanished.
"I'm not sure if I have the right to tell you."
Zoro sat up and met the blond's view.
"It's alright, you don't need to."
"Dammit!"
With a muffled pouf the rear admiral fell back down on his butt and folded his legs.
"You don't have to tell me Jiroushin. It wouldn't change a thing."
But the other one looked at him seriously.
"Mihawk wasn't always the man the world knows today. He has actually less in common with the mythos Hawk Eyes then most would think."
For a moment they were both silent.
"At that time, when we had been young and stupid, there were many in the Navy who wanted to prevent that Mihawk would become a famous pirate. Last but not least because of his father, who was an admiral at that time, before he retired."
Surprised Zoro looked up.
"Among other things this was the reason why our captain was offered the title of a Shichibukai quite early in his life, as damage limitation. But we had many crewmembers, for example Mihawk himself, who full-heartedly hated the Navy and that was why he would have never accepted that offer."
"And yet he became a Shichibukai."
The older one nodded.
"Long time ago we did a mistake. I don't remember who did it or whose fault it was, but Mihawk took the responsibility. Following to this fault our ship's doctor and I were captured and imprisoned in Impel Down."
Jiroushin closed his eyes.
"Mihawk was strong, but even he would not have been able to free us on his own. Nobody is able to break somebody out of Impel Down. And then he was offered a new deal. Redemption and reprieval for all of his crewmembers if he became a Shichibukai."
"He accepted."
"Of course he did. It would have been against all of his principles to deny. His honor, his pride. He always said that somebody who took the responsibility had to bear it and he lived up to those words. The rest of our crews had not been told about any of this. Because of some other things they did not even know that we had been captured. Mihawk did not want them to be urged into this slavery-contract so he dissolved the crew."
"He and his father made sure that I could return to the crew and my folder got cleaned out. Of course it had been useful that my picture was not on any wanted poster."
They were silent. Jiroushin caught in old memories and Zoro a little bit overwhelmed by such private thoughts. The other one had given up his freedom for his friends. He had become a Shichibukai to protect others, although he hated the Navy.
"You're similar."
Surprised Zoro looked at the other one. Did he just read his thoughts?
"At least that's what Lirin says. I'm not so sure about that. You're such a sweet-natured, happy girl."
Zoro sighed.
"Your wife is right, Jiroushin, you should listen to her."
The blond raised an eyebrow but did not reply anything.
Late that day Zoro and his new master left the training room and met his other master, who was calm but grim as often, in the living room.
The mutual dinner with Kanan was surprisingly loud and funny, due to the rear admiral who turned out to be a great comedian. The sad thoughts of the day long forgotten.
He left late at night to return home, promising to be back early for another hard training session.
The housekeeper took care of the dining room and so it ended up that both pirated were together in the living room, enjoying the silence between them.
The Shichibukai was reading his newspaper, while Zoro continued to translate those old books.
Quickly they emptied the first bottle of wine, but memories of the early morning told them to not open the second one.
"So what did you to do the whole day?" Zoro mumbled at some point after the silence had started to burden him. The other one was quieter than usual and he could feel an underlying tension.
"Nothing of importance. Finally some hours without watching out for you."
"Could say the same about you. I really had better things to do this morning than rocking you to sleep."
The other one did not answer, although Zoro had hoped for a teasing counter.
"So nothing worth mentioning has happened?" He continued the fair conversation.
He could feel that those strong eyes were observing him, even without looking up.
"Why should it?"
"You're unusual silent, haven't asked me anything about training or whatever. Besides it's hard to believe that there won't be any consequences because of yesterday."
Slowly he looked up and met the other one's gaze.
The Shichibukai closed his newspaper and slid down to the ground next to Zoro.
The tall man leaned his back against his armchair and crossed his legs, his left knee only inches away from the small book Zoro was translating.
"Tell me, Roronoa." His voice was surprisingly cold. "Did you find a way to become a man again?"
The change of topic was unexpected and Zoro avoided the other one's gaze.
"Don't wanna talk about that."
"So you know what you need to do."
Zoro bit his lip. He did not want to talk about that, not with the other one. He could not.
A rangy hand ruffled through his hair and for the first time he did not fight it.
"Good." The other one mumbled calm. "It will be good for you to return to your crew."
His voice sounded awkwardly hollow, but Zoro was too occupied with his own raging feelings to pay closer attention to the other one.
"If I were in my other body, would you train me?"
He noted the surprise in Mihawk's face.
"Don't get me wrong. Jiroushin is really awesome and I see why you chose him to train me. But if I were Zoro, would you train me? Would you stop worrying that you might hurt me?"
The other one laughed.
"You words make no sense, Roronoa."
The older one bent towards him.
"You are Zoro, just as much as you are Loreen. And no matter your body, you are still weak. Weak enough for me to worry about you. So no, I would not train you the way I would love to."
Zoro bit his lip again. "However I do believe that you are almost ready to train using Haki and then you would be ready for my real training."
Zoro looked away.
"I can't use Haki."
"Yes, I remember how you said that before and I did not believe it back then. I rather believe you do not want to use it."
"Doesn't make a difference."
He tried to concentrate on the written lines in front of him. He did not want to talk about that as well, but the Shichibukai did not care.
"What you and your crew will await behind the Red Line is far more dangerous than anything you have seen so far. A swordsman not capable of using Haki will not survive in that world. Why would you not want to learn a technique that makes you stronger?"
He did not answer but kept on writing.
"I assume you are afraid. Afraid of the force within you. Afraid that you are not able to control it."
His hand paused.
"Each person knows fear. It is necessary and a competent teacher. You need to overcome it to become stronger, wiser, and grown-up. It saves your life and brings you closer to death at the same time. Only the fool does not fear. However I am certain that you are already aware of those things."
The Shichibukai sighed.
"Someday you will learn that the fear within you has to be overcome just as well and that day you will truly become the warrior you seek to be."
Suddenly the older one got up and laughed softly.
"I cannot wait for that day. I look forward to see how much more you can be."
He left.
Zoro stayed behind.
In front of him that little book.
He was done.
He had completed his translation.
For a long time he regarded the door frame, through which the older one had vanished.
Once again he wondered what the other one was thinking and why he was saying such things.
Determined he got up and followed the other one.
The following days passed surprisingly fast.
The training with rear admiral Cho Jiroushin was harsh. By now the Shichibukai insisted on observing every single session and watched him with his clear eyes.
One day Lirin visited them and they had stopped earlier to celebrate together. At this night she and Kanan were informed that Zoro would leave soon, which spoiled the mood a little bit.
To Zoro's surprise there seemed to be no aftereffects from the Navy Ball. Well, except for the new spate of articles about his alter ego Lady Loreen.
The morning afterwards he had visited the market with the Shichibukai to do some necessary shopping and it had been overwhelming how people had surrounded him, talking to him, even embracing him like they were all best friends.
No, he would not miss that part of this life.
Late at night, before they would leave, he was packing his stuff. Kanan stood behind him in the door frame, making sure that he would not forget anything. Although there was not much he had to remember, aside from the sword he had been given by the Shichibukai.
They would leave soon to make it in time to Sarue.
"Kanan, would you give me a moment with our guest?"
Mihawk showed up behind his back, but he did not turn around.
The housekeeper mumbled something approving in a high voice and left the room.
"Do you have everything you need, Roronoa?" The Shichibukai sounded strangely hollow.
Zoro simply nodded.
"Don't need a lot, do I?"
But then he turned around.
He could see how the cold hawk eyes observed him in detail. The other one nodded.
"You look good. Those clothes fit you better than any dress would."
A small grin crawled over Zoro's face.
The tight-fitting, black clothes, the strict ponytail, completed with black boots, coat and gloves were a perfect outfit to ambush. Especially if nobody should recognize him.
Because of that reason Dracule wore similar clothes, had resigned his hat and was carrying next to the black sword at his back a surprisingly simple sword at his hip.
"I have something for you." The older one said and blushed slightly.
Zoro could see how the strong gaze looked at his neck, where a small pleat revealed that he was wearing a special necklace.
"Here"
The other one gave him a piece of paper and a little, white snail, which fit perfectly into Zoro's delicate hand.
"What's that?"
The Shichibukai smiled.
"I allowed myself to organize a Vivre Card."
He pulled another piece out of his pocket and placed it on his bare hand. Slowly it crawled towards Zoro.
"Just in case I think it would be helpful if we are able to find each other if necessary, if you want to."
Zoro starred at the piece of paper in his hand, which was slightly pulling forward.
He had no idea what to say.
"Further more I would like to give you one of these twin-transponder-snails."
Now he looked at the little snail in his hands.
"This is a rare type of transponder snail. As you can see I have its twin."
The Shichibukai lifted up an identical copy of the one in Zoro's hand.
"Twin-snails can only communicate with each other, but have the advantage that they cannot be wiretapped or traced. Furthermore distance is not much of a problem. Only water or thick stonewalls can be a hindrance."
Zoro lowered his view.
"Can you accept my presents?"
The other one was friendly, he was kind. It hurt so much.
"Why?"
"Excuse me?"
He looked back up.
"Why do you want to give those to me?"
Mihawk smiled.
"If everything goes well, you will never need to use them. But if, if you feel the need or the wish, I will be right there. No matter what will happen. I told you I will protect you and I am willing to play according to your rules."
Zoro turned away, feeling the tears piercing his eyes.
How could the other one become so important for him in such a short amount of time?
He did not know if he ever wanted to call the other one, but no he could, if he wanted. He could call the other one, talk to the other one, whenever he wanted. Listening to that calm, dark voice…
He bit his lip.
"I have something for you as well." He murmured, his voice luckily as strong as always, much stronger than he felt.
With calm movements he placed paper and snail in his pockets, before heading for the bed and taking a small, bound book.
Not looking up he gave it to the other one.
"It's done."
The other one took it and flipped some pages without saying a word, mouth wide open and eyes huge.
Few minutes later they went downstairs where Kanan already waited for him.
She was crying.
"Oh Kanan." The lord of the house mumbled, but she ignored him and embraced Zoro.
With a sigh he placed his arms around the tall woman, moved by her kindness.
"Take care of you sweetie, okay?" She looked down at him, without letting him go.
"And drop me a line sometime, will you?"
"Kanan." He replied.
"And no matter what will happen, you and your friends are always welcomed here."
Surprised he looked up.
"Kanan, you…"
"Of course I know." She answered strongly and hugged him tightly again. "Nothing happens in this house without me knowing, understood?"
She let him go and whipped her tears away.
"I will pray every day for your safety out there, my dear child and never forget: No matter your name you are a part of this family."
Again tears filled his eyes.
"Thank you so much."
The door closed behind him and he inhaled deeply.
Actually he was filled with anticipation, after one long month he would return to his crew, he would return home. But why was this farewell so heavy?
With steady steps he and the Shichibukai rushed through the darkness.
None of them said a word.
Both of them knew that there was so much to talk about, but both of them knew as well that it was for the best not to talk about it.
Finally Zoro sat down on the thrown of the coffin boat and Dracule stood beside him.
Soundless the small ship started moving.
"You remember the plan?" The older one said surprisingly cold.
Zoro simply nodded.
"What will happen to you?" He asked quiet.
Confused the other one looked down at him.
"What do you mean?" Mihawk asked and placed Yoru in its halter behind Zoro's back.
"What will you do now, now that you get rid of me?"
A dry laughter lightened the dark ocean and a strong hand grabbed his shoulders.
"I am not getting rid of you, I bring you to your crew, that is something different. But I do have an appointment at Mariejois in two days."
"What? Why didn't you tell me? How long do you know?"
"Oh, only for a few days but I did not want to bother your little head. More importantly do you still know what to do at Sarue?"
"Not that difficult to remember." He replied with a raised eyebrow. "Besides there's nothing to worry about."
He could feel the other one look at him.
"Not?"
"No." Zoro smiled grim. "I know what I need to do."