Chapter 38 - Devils in disguise

Shanks send his men off a few days later. He was itching to lure out the marine captain. He had kept seven of his men at Makino's bar as well as Yasopp, his sharpshooter.

To ensure their low profile he had send Benn off at dawn as well had his unit stay upstairs in the vacant rooms during the daytime.

The difficult part was staying put himself while Sirja, Luffy and Ace had to pretend to return to their normal everyday life.

Luffy didn't understand why he couldn't join them. Ace however came up with an idea. He would take Luffy to see Dadan. After all, he also had to say his farewell.

So Sirja and Makino were left in Fusha with only the bar to take care of. It was quite boring, although more locals were showing up again now that the pirates had left.

One day however another pirate arrived. Well, former pirate really, since he had become a shichibukai a few years back. As such, he had an allegiance with the government. And an ongoing rivalry with Shanks.

He entered the pub as he had been told, his searing gaze flickered over the people that were there. He took another step forward into the utter silence, which had started to spread.

Makino was in front and knew her role. She walked up to the man and spoke.

'Go upstairs, second door on the left.'

She gave him a knowing look and he nodded his head slightly in understanding.

Once he had reached the top of the stairs, having knocked and been let in, the pub was back to its former business.

'It is ever so slightly creepy when I remember how you are able to find me. Scratch that, it is plenty creepy.'

'No one should have their own vivre card lying around. I was hoping to teach you a lesson.'

Most people would have gotten scared of that facial expression but Shanks knew Hawkeye well enough to see the glint of humor. So he laughed in response.

'Well that you did, ...creep.'

'I must admit Red Hair, she is cute.'

Shanks was puzzled, Sirja was out getting supplies from the market. He had seen her leave from the window.

'What are you talking about? Sirja is out.' His gears clicked. 'Ohhhh... You mean Makino.' A big grin appeared on his face.

Mihawk was quick to change the subject. 'Tell me what happened here, what kind of havoc did you cause?'

This hit hard. Shanks kept blaming him for leaving his girl without some people to protect her. His grin died and he sat back down again. Before he could start however, they were interrupted once more.

Makino was bringing them sake and wine, to Mihawk's liking it was red wine.

Before leaving again she turned to him. 'I apologize for not introducing me properly downstairs. I am Makino, a friend of both Sirja and Shanks.' She bowed a little and was about to leave when Hawkeye addresed her.

'Dracule Mihawk, my pleasure.' He extended his hand, Makino shook it and shyly smiled, then she returned downstairs.

Shanks had found great delight in watching this little scene. His grin was back and when the door closed behind the woman he turned to Mihawk.

'Wasn't that adorable!' If his grin could get any bigger, it would.

Mihawk decided to shut him up appropriately. 'Just spill it, what did you do?'