Hello everyone,

I'm sorry for keeping you waiting, but I had a lot of work to do.

Today we'll finally see the reunion of Zoro and his crew. So I hope you will enjoy it.

Thank you all for your comments, favors, and follows.

Sharry

Chapter 32 – Comeback

-Sanji-

With tense eyes he inspected the displayed goods. Being the ship's cook it was his responsibility to choose the highest quality he could find.

"Is this everything we need?"
Surprised he looked up as the orange-haired navigator showed up next to him, shopping bags in one hand and pointing towards his groceries.

"Almost, my lovely Nami. I still need some fresh vegetables. But you don't have to accompany me, even though that would make me truly happy." He smiled at her, his bad mood of the morning vanished the moment he saw her, but her face stayed cold.

"Are you alright?" He asked.

She nodded half-heartedly.

"This island gives me the chills. We should get everything we need and leave. It shouldn't be far anymore, after all I can already spot the Red Line at the horizon."
She put the money on the counter while Sanji took the lettuce.

"We should head back and get going." Nami repeated and folded her arms.

"What about the Log Pose?" Sanji asked as they walked over the market.

"It did relocate within half an hour. The magnetic field of the Red Line has to be remarkably strong."

The cook took a draft from his cigarette and regarded his friend from the side. Nami on the other side looked strictly ahead, while she avoided any of the busy people surrounding them.

"Did anybody else go abroad?"

This morning Sanji had had another discussion with Luffy. For once not about the lost crewmember, but about Luffy trying to break into the Fridge and breaking the lock during his night shift.

However Sanji was kind of thin-skinned when it came to his captain, so he had left the ship before they had even docked on.

"Robin and Chopper wanted to refill the medical supply, but I have told them that we will leave as soon as possible." Nami sighed. "This morning you just couldn't stop yourself, could you?"

Sanji looked at her.

"What do you mean? You saw how he behaved, what he did. He acted like a complete idiot!"
Nami rolled her eyes.

"But Sanji, that's the way Luffy is. The one acting out of line was you."

He stopped.
"What are you talking about? He made fun of me!"

Nami stopped as well and folded her arms headshaking.

"Luffy was just having fun. He didn't take it serious. But you overdid it."
"Did not!"

He had never before felt that insulted by Nami. Usually her words were soothing his soul, but right now he rushed away and left her behind. Why was she so mean to him? Why did she not even try to understand? Why was she siding up with Luffy instead of supporting him, his opinion? Why was she…?

"Sanji, wait for me."
Of course he waited. He hated himself for how he treated his beloved Nami right now. She was a lady and he should treat her that way. It was not her fault, it was not her fault Luffy behaved that way, but it hurt that she thought Sanji was the one at fault.

She placed a hand at his shoulder.

"What's wrong with you?"
He avoided her eyes.

"Your bad mood affects all of us. One wrong word and you blow up. We can't tiptoe around you all day long, Sanji." She smiled sadly. "It's been over a month and you still look horrible."

He looked away and started walking again.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Nami-honey. I look fabulous as always."
"I miss him, too."
He swallowed harshly.

"He was the only one beside Robin who was able to make Luffy behave. And I miss his calm ways, his snoring when I sun-bathe, or how bad he was in playing cards." She sighed.

"I miss his help by doing the dishes or that I could kick him around if something annoyed me. It was so easy to fight with him without ever worrying about our friendship."

They smiled in a moment of better memories but suddenly Nami became serious and fear crawled over her face.

"Sanji, look there!"

She nodded to the side, down a small alley.

"Dammit! Run!"

But Nami was already running. Behind them an ocean of Navy soldiers. The happy mood disappeared within half a second.

"What the hell are they doing here?" The navigator cursed silently.

"No clue, but we need to get back to the Sunny and leave right away"
"I know. But why are there so many of them?"
"Still no clue. But don't worry; I will protect you with my life."

They shared a glance.

"Would prefer if not." She mumbled seriously.

They had almost reached the harbor. He looked straight ahead, they could make it, they would probably make it without even fighting. He did not want to fight if possible. Because if they had to fight again, they could lose again. A cold shiver went down his spine.

"Sanji, look up! Behind…" Nami's scream was already too late, when Sanji felt the shadow hovering above him.

He spun around.

The familiar clash of metal was drowned by hollow moans of multiple soldiers, who were ripped away by an unseen force.

A completely veiled, black shadow stood in front of Sanji. In one hand the figure hold a simple sword, like the late member of his crew used to carry three of.

Although the man in front of him did not move an inch, none of the marines surrounding them seemed to be able to come closer than a few steps towards them, like that unseen force was keeping them away like a magic wall.

In the very first moment Sanji had hoped for a miracle, but whoever the stranger was, his skills was far beyond that what Sanji was capable of imagine.

Then the tall man in front of him turned around, a hood hiding his face in the dark, but the eyes seemed to reflect the golden light of the day.

"Sanji! Are you alright?" Nami ran to his side, but her eyes stared at the tall man, who had helped him.

"Sure, my lovely Nami." Why was Sanji so sure that this person was a man?

"We have to go." Their savior stated cold. Sanji had the bad feeling that he knew that voice, but he could not quite grasp it. His hackles rose. This man was dangerous.

"Right." Nami agreed. "The Sunny is down there."
Accompanied by the stranger they kept running.

The newcomer seemed to adjust to their pace and the cook noticed, although many soldiers followed them, none of them came close enough. The houses they passed groaned and started crumbling.

Then he noticed it, tiny shockwaves originating from their little group and growing stronger and stronger the further they rushed away.

After another second he realized that they came from the sword, which the stranger was still holding in his hand while running.

Was he really that powerful? Why did he help them? Who was he?

In front of them the ocean and the Thousand Sunny showed up.

"Oi, Sanji, Nami!"

Chopper and Robin came from their right, both running. The woman paused for a moment and regarded their unfamiliar companion, but had no time to brood over their situation.

"Marines! Everywhere!" The young doctor yelled in panic.
"Who is your friend?" Robin asked instead almost too calm as they reached each other and continued their way together.

"No idea." Nami answered breathless. "He helped us."

The man stayed quiet.

They had reached the ship, a rope ladder fell down. Usopp showed up over the rail.

"Hurry up! We gotta go!" The cannoneer yelled in a rush.

"Where's Luffy?"
Now Brook's Afro joined the sniper king, helping the archaeologist aboard.

"He's not with you?"

Sanji could hear a silent "Slobs" from the stranger at his side, he seemed calm but annoyed.

Chopper and Nami followed onboard. The cook should be next, but a sudden riot caught his attention.

"Luffy." He whispered.

Luffy was in danger!

He had to go back! He had to protect him! He had taken that duty over from Zoro.

Dammit!

"Here!" He pushed his shopping bags towards the stranger and ran off.

"Luffy!" He yelled.

But he knew he would be too late the moment he saw his captain.

Apparently he and the others had been chased only by the infantry, while the dangerous ones had stuck together to fight the strawhat.

"Gum-gum whip!" Multiple soldiers crashed against the houses at his right.

"Don't let him get away"

"Gum-gum pistol!"

"Luffy!" He was almost there, kicked everything aside, ran as fast as he could. Maybe he could make it in time. He could make it!

It was loud, yelling soldiers, shootings and crying blades. It was hectic, like always in a fight.

Only few meters parted him from his captain. But suddenly one of Luffy's knees gave in.

The rubberboy held himself up with both arms, he seemed exhausted. Who knew how long he had already been fighting.

"This is it!"
The apparent leader showed up behind the kneeling black-haired one, a drawn sword in his hand, and a murderous expression on his face.

"Luffy!"

Suddenly the world around them disappeared and everything became quiet.

For a moment Sanji saw only his friend. His eyes were clear and serious, neither doubt nor fear within and then Luffy grinned, unbelievable happy, like he was about to meet a friend after years of absence.

Sanji desperately reached a hand for his friend as the sword rushed through the air.

"No!"
Blood pattered over the ground like the sound of rain. The blade shimmered light bronze in the light of the day before it was pulled back out of bloody flesh.

"Arg…"

The marine fell down on his knees. A gaping wound in his chest.

Almost surprised the soldier let go of his weapon and reached for the bloody hole.

"Wh..at…?" He collapsed, obviously death.

Behind the dead soldier someone stood, the sword still pointing at the fallen one.

Through the glittering midday-sun behind the newcomers back Sanji could online see his vague outlines.

Zoro!

It had to be Zoro. But that was impossible! Zoro was dead!

The next moment the remaining soldiers attacked again, obviously angered, but scared as well, after all their leader had been taken down too easily.

Sanji was certain that the newcomer looked at him, at least for a second, but then the dark figure bathed in light spun around and waited for the attackers, in wide stance in front of the kneeling Luffy.

Just now the cook realized that this person was much smaller than most of the soldiers, and actually quite thin. The figure was just dressed the same way like the tall stranger who had helped him and Nami, but not half as mighty, although the soldiers still stood no chance.

"Luffy! We need to leave!" He yelled at his captain, who got back up.

"Okay!" The black-haired one nodded, breathing heavily but grinning like he had the time of his life. Suddenly Luffy grabbed the hip of the person behind him and screamed: "Hold on tight!" Then he threw his arm forward, passing Sanji.

The rubberarm stretched longer and longer and Sanji followed it with his eyes, watched the arm stretch around the main mast of the Thousand Sunny.

"Sanji!"

He turned around, but it was already too late.

Faster than light Luffy flew towards him, in his left arm the small figure.

"Oh no! No! Luffy!"
The very next moment the shoulder of his captain dug into his stomach. The head with the strawhat streaked his side and suddenly they were flying through the air.

Just right on time Sanji was able to free himself from the grip of his captain and fell down.

Some elegant somersaults later he landed on the grass of the pirate ship.

Almost at the same time the other stowaway fell down as well. In the last moment the small stranger was caught by the tall stranger.

Only Luffy himself crashed against the main mast and slipped down at the ground.

For a moment all of them were quiet.

"Usopp! Brook! Strike the sails!" Nami commanded. "Franky! Get us away!"

"Sure do, sis!"

"They are shooting with cannons!" The reindeer screamed desperate.

"Luffy!" The navigator ordered, but the captain was still stuck in the ground.

"Don't worry." Robin entered. "I got that."

She ran past Sanji and folded her arms.

"Cien Fleur, Spidernet!" Thousand arms grew out of nothing, blocking the cannonballs and throwing them back with the same speed.

"Great, Robin-sweetie." Sanji yelled and jumped in the air to help her.

"Franky!" Nami grew impatient.

"I'm ready!" The cyborg answered. "And Coup de Burst!"

The next moment the Thousand Sunny flew through the air, away from that hostile island with all its marines.

"Nami!" Chopper yelled from the navigator's left, where he had thrown himself halfway over the rail to catch the falling Usopp. "There's a ship behind us."

Confused all turned towards the reindeer, while the Sunny soft-landed back in the water.

"What do you mean? Who's following us?"
Sanji pulled out a cigarette and lit it up. How could the Navy keep up with them? Franky's technique was unique.

"No!" The doctor answered. "Nobody follows us. I looks like it's attached to the Sunny and it's really small."

The cannoneer in the reindeer's arms came back to his senses and looked into the direction Chopper pointed. Immediately he became pale as death.

"But… but … that… that's…"
"What's wrong, Longnose?" Franky murmured and pulled his captain's head out of the ground. "Did you see a ghost?"

"That… that… boat."

"Yeah, we got it, there's a boat. Relax Usopp." Sanji replied and enjoyed his nicotine.

"That's the coffin boat!"

Sanji froze.
"Yes, that would be mine."

All spun around towards the two figures, who had helped him and whom they had ignored up until now.

The man, who had spoken, was tall with wide shoulders. The unimpressive sword was in an even more unimpressive sheath.

The person next to the man mountain was small and thin, not even as tall as Nami, a sword at the hip as well, although in red and blue.

Both of them wore hoods and coats.

And now he recognized that voice. Shocked he made a step backwards, in front of his crew, in front of his captain. Luckily he was the closest one to the strangers.

"What's going on?" The Skeleton said confused, probably unaware of the danger in front of them.

Robin, Franky and Chopper as well looked uncertain about that threat.

Recognition crawled over Nami's face, her eyes widened in fear. She had not been there that day, but Usopp had told her more than she wanted in detail.

The cannoneer himself tried to hide between Chopper and Franky, unable to hide his shaking knees or how he broke into a sweat.

Luffy next to him slowly got up and put his strawhat back on his head, its shadow hid his eyes.

"You're…?" Nami whispered without continuing her question.

For a moment none of the two figures reacted, before the taller one sighed and made a step towards the pirates.

"Who would have thought we would meet again like that." The not so unfamiliar stranger said cold, placing both of his hands at his hood and pulled it back. "Monkey D. Luffy, future king of the pirates, if I recall correctly."

In front of them stood Hawk Eyes!

Yellow eyes gleamed dangerously and an undefined grin spread over those thin lips.

"Hawk Eyes." Robin mumbled a little bit too relaxed for Sanji's taste, like she had suspected him from the beginning. "What does a Shichibukai want from us?"
"She's right!" Sanji gnarled and pointed his finger towards the unexpected enemy. "What do you want, Hawk Eyes?!"

Suddenly this intimidating gaze was placed upon him and Sanji felt how it became harder to breathe. This was the man who had beat Zoro back in the East Blue with one single blow. If he wanted to fight, they were already doomed.

"Good Lord! What a rude salutation after we even helped you."

He grinned on but the person next to the tall man stayed quiet.

"If you're here because of Zoro, you're too late." Sanji almost screamed and made a step towards the Shichibukai. "He's death!"

His voice sounded much stronger than he actually felt.

His opponent folded his arms, for half a moment he looked at the person next to him, before he stared Sanji down again. His eyes looked like they could burn his soul right here and now.

"I know it must be difficult to imagine, Blackleg Sanji, but I am actually capable of reading the newspaper, you know?"

Somehow these words were threatening, although the other one continued grinning.

"So what do you want?" Franky interrupted, obviously not aware how dangerous this man with those unusual eyes was.

The mighty pirate was quiet for a moment, observing each of them like he was predicting their strength.

Then he turned towards their captain and raised his voice.

"Monkey D. Luffy." He said, and the young captain slightly lifted his head, but his face was still hidden in shadows. The Shichibukai wanted to continue talking, but Usopp was faster. "I knew it!" He yelled panicky, still hiding behind Chopper.

"First they send this Bartholomew guy and after he failed, you come to get him!"
Sanji froze.

Of course! Back then Zoro had been able to stop the other Shichibukai by sacrificing himself for Luffy. Naturally the Navy was still after their captain's head.

Especially now after they had not only taken down Gekko Moriah, but the G-6 as well.

That was why Hawk Eyes was here! To get Luffy.

"Only over my dead body!" Sanji gnarled.

In the same moment he rushed passed his captain and towards the Shichibukai.

He would protect Luffy, just like Zoro had done back then.

Now this was his responsibility!
The Shichibukai did not move an inch, but simply looked at him unimpressed, but suddenly the petite figure stood between them, dodged Sanji's kick easily and jumped at him.

The hood slid back, green hair flowing in the air.

Harshly Sanji hit the ground. One hand of his opponent strangled his throat, the other hand only half an inch over his chest, ready to kill him any second.

But all he could see were those deep, green eyes, starring at him.

A young woman cowered above him. Her pony tail fell over her shoulder and touched his chest. She was breathing just as heavy as he was.

Her gaze had something wild, like too many emotions were trapped within. It was like she was an open book but in a foreign language.

She was gorgeous!
She seemed young, almost like a girl, but her eyes seemed mature, serious, somewhat like Robin could look at him. Mysterious and inexplicable.

Nobody said anything.

But then she stood up elegantly and threw her hair back.

"Don't throw away your life that easily." She stated cold and made a step back.

Her voice was the one of an angel but deadly enough for an assassin. The tight-fitting black clothes under the lifted coat showed a trained, slim body with feminine curves. He could not look away.

This creature was certainly a goddess, mighty and graceful at the same time.

And then he realized that it had been this woman who had saved his captain only minutes ago. If Usopp had been right, the Shichibukai would not have helped him. It had been unnecessary for the Marine already had caught them.

"But isn't that Lady Loreen?" Nami whispered behind him, while he got back on his feet.

"Who?" Usopp asked kind of rude.

"Don't tell me you have never read about her? She's famous. She's in the newspaper every single day. She's a former world noble, but gave up her title because of love." She sighed longing.

"What?"

To all surprise it was the celebrity who took a step backwards in shock.

Her face seemed different now. Fear, insecurity, desperation, confusion.

But Nami waved it away with a smile.

"Oh, don't worry about such philistines. I read every single article about you and your gift to buy beautiful clothes for small money inspires me. Your style is gorgeous."
"You are gorgeous." Sanji agreed silently.

The green eyes rushed towards him and the woman made another step backwards.

"I read that you're fighting slavery. I admire if people use their position to do something good."

The big eyes looked at Robin.

"She really looks friendly and she helped Luffy. I think we can trust her."

Down to Chopper.

"No…" The beauty whispered. "No."

"But what do you want from us?" Franky asked confused.

Brook next to him was surprisingly calm, an unreadable expression on his skull as he watched the woman.

Suddenly Luffy went passed Sanji and walked in front of the young lady who met his view insecure.

"Luffy what are you doing? You're scaring her." Franky murmured and lifted his sunglasses.

The captain faced his back towards his crew and stood for a moment in front of the woman, not moving at all.

Then he grabbed her and pulled her close, one hand at the back of her head, one around her waist, hugging her tightly.

Sanji could hear the black-haired one mumble something, but the wind carried Luffy's words away before they could reach any of them.

Lady Loreen's eyes grew wide in shock.

But then they became glassy.

"Luffy." She whispered. "Luffy!"

And then she cried, digging her fingers into the strawhat's west and burying her face in his shoulder.

Confused the other crewmembers shared a glace, while their captain embraced a stranger, who cried heartbreaking.

The Shichibukai in the background simply watched with cold gaze and folded arms.

How did Luffy knew this woman?

Why were they so close with each other?

Sanji felt Nami's asking view but he could only shrug his shoulders.

Why did the Shichibukai, who had fought Zoro long time ago, show up now with a former world noble?

What could they want?

For minutes they held each other, before the strawhat let go of the girl. She whipped her tears away.

"We should celebrate." Luffy said in his usual strong voice and a wide grin. "Sanji, take the…"
"Wait!" Lady Loreen interrupted him and looked at him stern.

"I need to talk with you." She requested the captain. "Alone."

"Wait, what?" Usopp entered the conversation. "Listen up, honey. Whatever you gotta say, you can say in front of all of us."
The Shichibukai in the background made one step forward, but Luffy answered laughing.

"Sure, no problem." He turned around, grinning widely.

"You guys go inside and wait for me."

"One moment." Sanji objected. "I don't leave you alone with him." He nodded towards Hawk Eyes, who met his view way too easily.

"Yeah, we all stay!" Chopper agreed.

"No!" Luffy's voice became unusual serious. "We're not in danger and that was no request." Harsh he looked at them, his eyes seemed reddened and he clenched his fists.

"You go inside and close the door. That's an order!" He said with an authority, only a captain could have.

His view fell on Sanji, determined, clear.

He inhaled deeply.

"Aye captain."

He turned around and headed for the kitchen.

-Mihawk-

Since he had arrived onboard, his mood had become dangerously bad.

It was one thing to attach the coffin boat at the Thousand Sunny.

It was one thing to help his tomboy's crewmembers and it was one thing to not interfere in his fight.

But this here was something completely different.

Roronoa next to him had been frozen since they were on the shipk.

They had agreed that the pirate would talk to his crew. He was nothing more than a guard.

But it hurt to be here and watch the other one leave him.

He should be happy for Roronoa, finally he was back with his family. He did not need him anymore, but all he wanted was to grab his tomboy and to run away.

At some point the chaos-crew had noticed that they were there as well, but Roronoa had not said anything, his aura a pure ocean of longing and desperation.

He had been the one talking. They had not agreed on that but he had been the one talking.

He did not know why – well, of course he knew why but it was ridiculous – but the blond cook of the crew had attacked him thoughtless.

He had expected such a behavior, just as he had expected his companion to take care of it.

In this moment Roronoa had come back to his senses. He had become the person he was again, good reactions, cold words, master of the situation.

Until his crew had started talking. Helpless Mihawk had watched how his tomboy had backed off from his own family.

It hurt to see the other one suffer.

And then the young captain hugged his long lost crew member.

"Thank you."

Calm, nothing more, but the cursed girl started crying.

But the strawhat had cried as well, silent tears running down his face, unseen for all but him, Mihawk.

Now it had been time for him to let go, his tomboy was at home.

But suddenly Roronoa had asked for talking in privacy and the strawhat had accepted.

He did not expect that. Why would Roronoa want to talk only with his captain? He was more the type of person to simply tell the truth and dropping the topic afterwards without explaining anything.

Mihawk had stayed in the background, being nothing more than the observer.

"So?" The boy grinned down at his companion.

But the green-haired one stayed quiet and bit his lip.

He avoided his captain's eyes.

"What's going on?" The rubberboy asked with big eyes and scratched his chin.

Roronoa inhaled deeply.

"Your swordsman's alive!" He said a little bit too loud. "I… Zoro lives! But he can't return, not yet at least."

The captain's facial expression became serious again.

"Your swordsman is still too weak. He's not who he's supposed to be. But if you can wait, if you're willing to wait, he will return, he will come home. You have to believe me. This is a promise!"

Shocked Mihawk stared at the other one.

What was that about? What was he doing?

Why? Why would he do that?

The boy with the strawhat did not say anything. He turned around and left.
"Wait here." He said again in this strangely calm voice and followed the rest of the crew inside.

-Sanji-

He leaned against the door and watched through the porthole, smoking his cigarette. From his point of view he could barely see the remaining three people outside, not much more.

Behind his back the other ones were talking excited about what just had happened.

Not only once the name of their late swordsman came around.

"Haven't you seen her hair? They must be related somehow:"

"But the haircolor is only some small part of the genetics. Zoro and she don't have anything else in common."
"She's a swordfighter."
Sanji ignored their words. This did not matter right now. Later was enough time to find out why that unfamiliar woman with her dangerous companion was here for or if there actually was a connection to the Marimo. All that mattered right now was that nothing worse would happen.

Suddenly he could hear Robin inhale sharply. She had not been part of the discussion so far and was sitting in the corner of the room with folded arms.

Out of the corner of his eyes Sanji noted how she started shivering.

Immediately he wanted to rush towards her, but there something else he needed to pay attention to. He had to protect his captain. Besides Brook was sitting next to her and could comfort her, however he looked not too good himself. Something was obviously off and he did not know what it was yet.

But then the door in front of him was thrown open and Luffy came in.

The conversation behind him faded.

"So?"
"What has happened?"
"What did she want?"
"Are you okay?"
All of them were talking at the same time, but their captain only went through the room.

Without losing one word he took the three swords between transponder snail and sofa and turned back towards the door.

"What do you want with them?"
"Oi, those are Zoro's swords?"
"What are you doing?"
Not knowing what he was doing Sanji went in front of the door, blocking the way.

"Luffy." He said cold. "What are you doing with Zoro's swords?"

The rubberboy looked up, grinning from one ear to another.

"They need their master, don't they?"
"What?!"

"Yes, Zoro cannot come back yet, but when he's ready he will need his swords."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Sanji yelled. "I know that you don't want to get it, but Zoro is death! He won't return! It's over! And I'm sure those two thieves down there only want his swords!"

"Sanji." Luffy sounded soft, warm.

"I know that you believe that Zoro's dead." It was the first time he actually said it out lout. "You have seen it with your own eyes, so I understand that you think that way."
He was still grinning.

"But Zoro's alive. He had been alive all this time and he will return."
Sanji shook his head.

"How can you still believe that, Luffy?"
Smiling the other one placed at hand at Sanji's shoulder.

"I know it, Sanji. Zoro promised that he will never be defeated until he becomes the greatest swordsman in the world. Even death cannot kill him. It's our promise."

And then he just went past the astonished Sanji, outside to the Shichibukai and his pretty companion.

"Impossible." Sanji whispered helpless.

"Robin?"

The cook looked up when he heard the young doctor asking the archaeologist.

She was still sitting in the corner, but hugging herself desperately now, tears streaming down her face.

"He's right." She whispered hoarse and looked at her friends. "He's… Zoro is alive."
She cried and slumped down on her knees.

Headshaking Sanji took another draft of his long forgotten cigarette. They had discussed this topic days ago, right? They had decided on what to do, right?

"What about you Brook?" He turned to the last one he could. "This is insane, right?"
But the skeleton did not look at him, he seemed far too serious for his usual self.

"What does your heart tell you, Sanji?" He replied, his voice sounded like he knew something, like he had already solved the biggest secret. The musician was brewing tea right now.

"In this world, I think, everything is possible."

Desperate Sanji turned away.

They had talked about this so often now, this hope, this desperation, this insanity. For a month they had been swaying between hope and grief. He could not go on anymore. He just wanted to know the truth.

"Zoro's alive." Brook whispered.

Was this the truth?

-Mihawk-

He said nothing as the strawhat left.

He said nothing as the other one tried to calm his breath.

He said nothing as the strawhat returned and pushed three swords into the arms of his tomboy.

"I'm sure they miss their master." The black-haired one laughed light-heartedly, while Roronoa embraced those swords like they were the greatest treasures in his life.

"Thank you." He whispered humble.

"Sure thing." Luffy grinned on.

"And don't worry. I can wait. We all can. No matter for how long or for what reason."
Roronoa nodded, unable to look at the other one.

Then he turned around and looked at Mihawk, not in his eyes, but at his chest.

"Let's go." He said quiet and went passed him.

The Shichibukai stayed for a moment and observed the boy in front of him, who grinned back like a happy monkey.

"Thanks, Hawk Eyes." It was so honest." Thanks for taking care of Zoro."
He shook his head and turned away as well.

"Do not misunderstand that, Strawhat. We are no allies. Next time we meet, we could be enemies."
The strawhat laughed.

"But you're Zoro's friend, right?"
Confused about this strange question he looked at the boy.

"Yes." He answered truthfully.

"So we're friends as well!" The strawhat grinned as well and gave him a thumps-up.

With a sigh Mihawk followed his tomboy and helped him over the rail, down to the coffin boat.

None of them said anything while the younger one sat down on the throne.

Mihawk released his boat from the pirate ship.

Almost immediately they lost speed and within few seconds the distance between them and the Thousand Sunny grew.

Several different voices sounded from the ship. Loud, confused, sad, happy, mad, glad.

At some point one single person showed up at the rear end of the ship and threw a fist in the air.

The Shichibukai could see how the child next to him looked up, an unreadable expression in those green eyes.

The ship got smaller and smaller and at some point it vanished, but Roronoa did not say one word, he stayed quiet.

He stood next to him and had no idea what to do. He had not expected that.

He had no strategy for this.

And suddenly, totally unexpected, the girl gasped loudly for air and tears streamed down the pale cheeks.
Mihawk looked down at that suffering, crying child. Not sure what he could do, if there was something he should do.

"We can still follow them." He said finally, although it tore him apart.
"No." The other one croaked. "I can't."

He looked down at the other one.

"Mihawk?" The boy whispered, his fragile body shivering in mental pain.

"Roronoa."

"Can I stay with you just a little while longer? Can you train me some more?"
The other one's voice broke.

The Shichibukai lost his breath.

"Of course if this is what you want."
He bent down and kissed the other one's forehead.

"As long as you want."

Their eyes met, saying so much what words could not express and Mihawk realized how grateful he was, how happy he was that the other one did not leave him behind.

He shook his head. This was not about him.

He clapped his hands.

"Fine, we should get moving now. After all I have a war meeting to attend to."

Quietly the coffin boat drifted through the water.

As time passed the younger one calmed down and simply looked ahead.

"Can you tell me why?" The older one asked after some time. "Why did you not return?"

Roronoa looked at him, his eyes showing everything the other one had seen in his life.

"I wanted to return. I thought I was ready to go back to them. But it would have been wrong." He answered hoarse. "I'm not ready. I'm not who I want to be and they're not ready to carry my burden."

Mihawk nodded, without replying. He understood the other one just too well.

"Very well. So do you want to accompany me to Mariejois?"
Green eyes looked at him.

"Is that even possible?"
He shrugged his shoulders.

"We will see, but then we have enough time to talk about one thing or another."

Roronoa tilted his head confused.

"What do you mean exactly?"

"Well." Mihawk scratched his neck. "It might be that I did not tell you everything that happened, because I thought the story about Lady Loreen would end soon."
The pirate sighed.

"Mihawk! What didn't you tell me?"

"I will explain everything later. First we need to contact Kanan."
"And why that?"
"Because the honorable Lady Loreen cannot show up at the Navy Headquarter dressed like an assassin. Besides Kanan would kill me if I would not tell her that you stay longer with us."
Both of them laughed.

"Fine, let's go!"