Hey everybody,

I'm very sorry about the missing update from last week. Unfortunately real life has kept me busy (as some of you know I was at this competition, still had to go to work meanwhile, my new semester started, and then I additionally received response from this grand exam I've been preparing for almost two years for and got the appointment for my oral exam, so yeah, busy is not quite the right word^^')

But, oh well, here we are again, and actually this dramatic pause actually fits the appearance of another character, who is finally giving us the honor after we're already a few chapters into the story.

So my esteemed readers, please give it up for our favorite drama queen:

Chapter 4 – Concern

-Mihawk-

"You could just as well use the time for something meaningful, you know? I will certainly need some more minutes and your piercing glare will not make me work faster, but possibly not as thoroughly."

"Then concentrate and work thoroughly," he grumbled, without averting his gaze, "I want to leave as soon as possible."

"Suit yourself," the old man sighed and continued with his work.

Displeased, Mihawk lowered his eyes back to the small piece of paper in his hand, which was constantly pressing against his palm and urging him to continue traveling. Not that he needed this demand.

If Mihawk could, he would leave immediately, but that was simply not possible. His coffin boat was certainly faster than most ships and things like the Calm Belt were no challenge for him, but even he had to cross the Red Line to reach the New World.

As a Shichibukai, Mihawk actually had the right to travel through the Marines' Red Port. His ship was also small and light enough to be carried across the Red Line by the reinforced bubbles of the Sabaody Archipelago. He would probably need three hours that way; four if he could not leave immediately on the other side.

The problem, however, was that since the Battle of Marine Ford and the relocation of the Marine Headquarters, the process for the transfer had become quite complicated.

In the past, Mihawk would simply have to travel to the Red Port on this side of the Red Line and demand the transfer, no soldier would have refused his demand, certainly no respective commanding Vice Admiral.

Now, however, he would first have to submit an application, a written application, at least 24 hours in advance and with justification. Mihawk lacked both the time and the patience for such nonsense; as if he were explaining to some random soldier, why he wanted to visit the other side of the Red Line.

In addition, Mihawk had received the request of the Five Elders last day to keep position on Kuraigana for the upcoming Reverie. This, of course, meant that any travel was forbidden. His current presence at the Sabaody Archipelago was already a violation against that order, not that Mihawk cared. It did not matter to him, all he wanted was to continue his way.

For this reason, he was at a remote groove waiting for Rayleigh to finish coating the coffin boat. Large ships could take several days, but a small one like his took merely a few hours.

Due to the shape of his boat, Mihawk would descend relatively quickly, and he did not intend to make a stopover at the Fishman Island, but to dive directly under the Red Line and rise up again on the other side.

A direct passing under the Red Line was very risky, hardly every fifth ship already survived a normal crossing with recoating down at the Fishman Island, and any reasonable coater would advise against not taking that stop.

But Mihawk was not someone who had to be discouraged from such a trip and he was not someone for whom such a trip was risky, and both he and Rayleigh knew that, so the old man did what he was told to do.

"No matter how mad you stare at the Vivre Card, it won't make you any faster."

"Stop talking, Rayleigh, and finish your work."

"You're even more rude than usual, Mihawk. Considering that your life depends on my work here, you'd think you'd be a little more respectful."

"Just keep working."

"As you wish."

Finally, the Dark King remained silent. Mihawk lacked the patience to deal with the old man. He knew Rayleigh had thousands of smart thoughts for him, well-intentioned advice, and perhaps rare honesty.

But Mihawk did not want to hear about it. He did not want to hear that his actions could cost him his title. He did not want to hear how unreasonable his actions had to look to the old man.

To an outsider, Mihawk had to appear like the crazy, obsessed man who rushed after the other within less than a day because he saw ghosts where only curtains were moving. It had to look pathetic and pitiful.

But that as well did not matter to him. He did not care what Rayleigh or Shakuyak thought. He did not care what punishment would await him if the Five Elders were to find out about his disobedience, and of course Mihawk knew it was just the wind. But that did not change the fact that a storm was coming, and apparently Roronoa was in the eye of that force of nature.

Therefore, Mihawk was now waiting for Rayleigh to finish coating his ship so that he could follow Roronoa. The youngster had only left for the Fishman Island with his crew last day and the Vivre Card in Mihawk's hand told him that the Straw Hats had at least not yet resurfaced.

Since the coffin boat was faster than most ships, Mihawk would soon catch up with the chaotic pirate crew, perhaps as early as the next day, depending on how many surprises the other side of the Red Line would have in store for him or the Straw Hats.

Of course, Mihawk knew that he was breaking his agreement with Roronoa, but that too did not matter to him anymore. No, rather, he no longer saw himself bound by it, not after what he had learned the previous day.

Barely 24 hours ago, Roronoa had called him and told him enthusiastically about his reunion with his friends. After Mihawk had not heard from him for days but had only been informed of Roronoa's whereabouts by his best friend and Vice Admiral of the Marines, Cho Jiroushin, he had already begun to worry, but then Roronoa had finally called.

For a few minutes, Mihawk had listened to the youngster's stories about his reunion with his crew and the journey to Fishman Island. Roronoa had sounded happy, really happy and pleased, and Mihawk had known that he could have expected the next call in just seven short days.

But he had barely finished the conversation with his little frog when he had also received mail. The letter of the Five Elders, who had demanded him in his function as Shichibukai, had not interested him any further. Quite different, however, was the letter from Eizen.

Mihawk did not like the old politician, had never liked him, found his slimy and deceitful manner embarrassing and pathetic. At the same time, of course, he was well aware that Eizen was one of the most dangerous people within the world politics, since he pursued his hunger for power and his thirst for control with intelligence and aspiration, and if even Cipherpol did nothing against him - whether voluntarily or involuntarily - then even Mihawk had to accept his existence for better or worse, at least for now.

Actually, Mihawk had no deeper interest in that man, in the past they never had much contact with each other, had met every few years more or less by chance, ignoring each other likewise, while Mihawk had exchanged a telling look with his secretary Rihaku. But that had changed with Roronoa – or rather Lady Loreen. Contrary to all attempts, Mihawk had not been able to prevent the politician from entering into a contract with Roronoa – or rather Lady Loreen.

It had been impossible for Mihawk to understand the motives of the politician. He simply could not see why a professional cooperation with Lady Loreen could be interesting for the politician. There was nothing Roronoa could offer the old man, he couldn't get anywhere else easier and probably in better quality; Roronoa was simply not made to be a politician and he lacked honest will to change that.

Much more, however, Mihawk had been confused why Roronoa had entered this contract in the first place, had been willing to be contractually bound to someone. Especially considering that Roronoa was not really interested in things like politics, power, money, and fame. Roronoa's excuse that it would not have suited Lady Loreen to ignore the possibilities a contract with Eizen could have offered, had hardly convinced him. On the other hand, such a naïve train of thought suited Roronoa only too well, at least the Roronoa of two years ago. So Mihawk had ignored his doubts and pretended to believe Roronoa's excuse.

The letter from the previous day had now provided Mihawk with the missing pieces of the puzzle, had now revealed to him the error of his subsumption and now he had to act, quickly.

In that letter, written mere hours before Mihawk had received and read it, Eizen had thanked him for accepting patiently – they both knew this was a polite lie – that Lady Loreen was spending so much time in the service of Eizen.

The politician had assured Mihawk that he would take good care of Lady Loreen's well-being and that he would still be in need of her aid for the coming days due to the upcoming World Conference. Eizen had told Mihawk that Lady Loreen would help with the preparations for the coming days, just minutes after Roronoa had called him from the bottom of the sea.

This allowed only one possible conclusion.

Eizen knew who Lady Loreen really was. Eizen knew that Lady Loreen and Roronoa Zoro were one and the same person. He had written this letter either to let Mihawk know that he had found out the truth, or – and this was much more likely – to give Roronoa an alibi as to why he would not return to Kuraigana for the coming days.

As the letter could be read, Mihawk assumed that Eizen did not know that Mihawk also knew the true identity of the well-born Lady Loreen. It would suit Eizen to misjudge Mihawk in this regard, after all, Eizen had never considered him an equal and considered Mihawk anything but dangerous. Eizen probably thought that Mihawk, like many others, had succumbed to Lady Loreen's lovely charm, after all, his behavior was indeed extremely unusual regarding the young woman.

The politician had wanted to prevent Mihawk from becoming suspicious if Lady Loreen would not return after her appointments at the Sabaody Archipelago, unaware that Mihawk knew of course where Roronoa currently was.

All of this was more than obvious to Mihawk now that he had read the letter. The real question was whether Roronoa knew that Eizen had found out his secret, which not even Roronoa's own crew was allowed to know. No, rather, had Roronoa only signed this contract because Eizen had blackmailed him with this knowledge?

All the signs, all the logic, and all the evidence spoke in favor of it. There was only one reason why Mihawk doubted his deduction.

Of course, why should I lie to you?

Roronoa had said otherwise back then.

Needless to say, Mihawk knew that a lie – evading or excusing it – was much more likely, but Roronoa had promised him long ago not to lie to him. In general, it would probably be very contrary to Roronoa's nature to have secrets and to conceal things.

Nothing really suggested that Roronoa had run completely naïvely into Eizen's trap, nothing but Roronoa's character and Mihawk's trust in him, this illogical trust, which he did not want to give up despite all reason.

But reason wanted to explain otherwise. He knew that even Roronoa had changed. Roronoa had long since ceased to be the dull simpleton he had liked to portray himself as two years ago. Roronoa also knew that the truth was not always the best way, even if he did not like it. In addition, he had even decided against Mihawk's advice to withhold the truth from his friends. So it was not as if Roronoa were not capable of lying.

Of course, Mihawk could understand in some way why Roronoa wanted to leave his crew out, but still he was very displeased that Roronoa did not even want to entrust his secret to his friends – for whom he had been willing to die after all - one more reason for Mihawk to distrust the Straw Hats.

No, the evidence spoke for itself. Evidence suggested that Roronoa was well aware that Eizen knew his secret. Evidence suggested that Roronoa had lied to Mihawk, for whatever reason. Evidence suggested that Eizen had deliberately provided an alibi for Lady Loreen to protect her true identity from Mihawk.

Mihawk wasn't stupid – oh no, he was probably anything but that – he was aware that this was probably true. But still...

Why should I lie to you?

The benefit of the doubt.

But no matter whether Mihawk's doubts or his hope were true, he had to hurry and reach Roronoa.

Roughly more than a year ago, Lady Loreen had officially declared to be moderator and host of the Reverie, but according to Mihawk's knowledge, Roronoa had never intended to actually fulfill this task. Roronoa had known that he would return to his crew beforehand and the plan had been for Lady Loreen to disappear until Roronoa would no longer be able to hide his secret from the world.

Eizen's letter, however, said something else. The politician had apologized for demanding Lady Loreen in this way, but that this would only last until the upcoming World Conference, which they should all look forward to. Those words may have sounded like a polite phrase, but Mihawk did not escape the threat of the last half-sentence. Whatever Eizen had planned for Roronoa, the cornerstone was the World Conference.

Mihawk had long seen the signs that this Reverie would be marked by a new age. After the Battle of Marine Ford, these assumptions had only intensified. But all this had produced nothing more than a tired smile from Mihawk. Neither the war nor the Reverie were really exciting enough to entertain him, even if he gladly expected to see his assumptions confirmed.

But things had changed now, Eizen had dragged Roronoa into it for inexplicable reasons and therefore Mihawk now had to deal with it, whether he wanted to or not.

"It's strange," the old man interrupted his thoughts without asking, "I would never have guessed that your cold eyes could burn so brightly. Who would have thought that some boy from the East Blue would move your unmovable heart."

He did not even appreciate Rayleigh with a glance.

"Are you tired of life, old man, or why are you risking it?"

Now the Dark King laughed.

"I have no ill will, Mihawk, really. I was just hoping that I would be one of the few people whose advice you would listen to."

"Do not overestimate yourself, Rayleigh. I do not value your opinion."

"Would you still listen to me for a moment before I complete my work?"

After a second, Mihawk looked up from the paper snippet in his hand and met the clear eyes of the elder.

"I interpret that as a yes," remarked the other with a smile before he lowered his tools and turned to Mihawk. "A few years ago, I had an interesting chat with Shanks, and it was about you. I was surprised to learn that you were no longer willing to compete with him after he lost his arm. I didn't think such a little thing would matter given your joy for fighting. Because no matter his injury, you are probably aware that his fighting skills were still outstanding. On the contrary, since that day Shanks has doubtless only become stronger and would offer you a worthy sparring partner."

"What do you want to say, Rayleigh? I lack the time for boring anecdotes."

Soothingly the other raised both hands.

"Back then Shanks complained about your cold shoulder, and I asked him why he even liked to match himself with you in the first place. It is common knowledge that you are reluctant to leave survivors behind and every fight against you must have been a real crucible for Shanks, not a friendly exchange of blows, and I must confess that I have never understood why Shanks has so willingly exposed himself to this danger you pose, even demanded it."

Mihawk raised only an eyebrow. He had no interest in old stories, especially not now.

"The interesting thing was that Shanks didn't understand at all what danger I was talking about. He said there was no reason to be afraid. He compared you to a beast on a chain, crammed into a castle courtyard, deadly if too close, but harmless at distance."

"Get to the point, Rayleigh, I do not have the patience to let you insult me."

"No, no, that's not my point. Shanks meant your fighting style, the way you're never impulsive, except for those rare enemies who can stir up your blood. There are only a few like you and you know that. You know the danger you pose to your enemies when you lose control." The old man looked at him clearly, perhaps even gently. "So it was even more incomprehensible to me that even you couldn't teach Shanks fear."

"If you fear your opponent, you have already lost."

He didn't like that conversation. He didn't want to talk about the Red Shanks or what others speculated about Mihawk and his abilities in dark taverns. He was not surprised that the Dark King knew about his powers and abilities. Shanks was certainly not someone who shared secrets, but with one or the other confidant he could act like a true fishwife. One of the reasons why Mihawk always visited him when he was looking for information that was otherwise difficult to get.

"Of course, of course," Rayleigh agreed, "Shanks said that too, of course. After all, I taught him this saying."

Now the old man winked mischievously at Mihawk, probably wanting to remind him that things had once been different.

"His comment was – and that's what I wanted to get at, Mihawk – as long as the beast is still chained, there is nothing to fear. Hawk Eyes' cool mind and cold heart keeps his beast in check. But Rayleigh, I tell you, if the chain breaks and the walls collapse, then even I don't know what to expect, then even I might face fear. "

This statement surprised Mihawk. Both that Rayleigh told him this so directly and that the Red could actually phrase his thoughts in a decent manner – he was not one of the brightest stars in the sky – but what surprised him most was that Shanks had probably meant these words seriously, that apparently even Shanks thought so of him. Even Shanks.

The old man hesitated for a moment, but then he went on: "I never really worried about his words. You were famous for your heart of stone, for your merciless mind, rational strategist, emotionless fighter. But now I'm worried, Mihawk. I saw how you looked at Zoro two years ago and I see your gaze now. I didn't think I would ever experience you so full of emotions, I even had my doubts that you were even capable of feelings apart from a fight."

"Is that what you are wasting my time with? Unfounded fear that having emotions will make me an uncontrollable beast? You have stepped on thin ice, Dark King."

"And once again," the old man grumbled not as softly as before, "I say this not for the sake of your disapproval, but because I appreciate you, Mihawk. I am well aware that you do not simply follow Zoro out of unfounded feelings. I know very well that you have good reason to follow him, and I hope you reach him before it's too late."

"What do you want then?"

"I want to warn you, I want to ask you for caution. It's wonderful how you feel about that boy – if I may dare to say so at my age – and I wish you all the happiness in the world. But please keep in mind that your feelings do not serve as rule for Zoro's decisions."

"You are quite presumptuous, old man. Do you dare to believe you know what I feel and think?"

He took one step forward, but of course Rayleigh did not back down.

"I want to warn you, Mihawk. Shanks is right. You know what kind of life Zoro lives, what dangers he will face every day. You are also aware of what is happening in the world, what abyss we are standing at. I request from you not to become another unpredictable danger, no matter your feelings."

Shaking his head, Mihawk decided that it was time to continue his journey.

"I suppose you are done with your work. I will leave now."

"Mihawk!" The other called after him. "I know about your behavior after the G-6. What stupidity would you commit now that your feelings are so much more than a slight fascination about a special talent?"

"I see no reason why that would concern you."

The other grabbed his wrist.

"Let go."

Rayleigh took a deep breath.

"Hatred and grief will blind you, Mihawk. Please make sure you don't retaliate against those Zoro would want to protect."

He sighed.

"I will tell you this only once, Rayleigh, you crossed the line and next time I will not be so gracious and overlook it. Your worry may be well-intentioned, but it is unnecessary and undesirable. Roronoa is alive and I am well aware of my feelings, thank you very much."

Freeing his arm, he went on board.

"And as far as Shanks is concerned, shall he face fear or not, that is the same to me. I am neither a beast, tamed by chain and wall, nor a boy who needs your warning and request." The coffin boat started moving. "Just because you helped the boy Roronoa is loyal to it does not make us allies, Rayleigh, and do not dare to blur that line again."

The old man at the shore shook his head and looked at him wistfully, sympathy Mihawk neither needed nor wanted.

"I'm sorry you don't understand what I'm telling you, Mihawk. I hope that your stoic nature won't mean your downfall, for you, Zoro, and also for the Straw Hats."

"And even if it would, none of it would concern you."

The next moment, the sea swallowed him, and he sank into the depths of the ocean.

But the old man's words echoed in the silence of the sea, his warning, his advice.

Furious, Mihawk fell on his chair. He had just enough things to worry about, he did not need another sinister premonition from Rayleigh.

If Mihawk were not that angry, it would probably make him curious why the old man thought he could talk to him so improperly. It was true that Mihawk had always respected the Dark King, but they maintained no contact and their relationship was certainly not something that would justify such open communication.

But Mihawk was indeed angry right now, so he did not worry about that, but only wondered how Shanks could dare to say such things about him. Presumably, it had been the redhead's revenge for Mihawk refusing to fight him after he had decided to become a cripple.

Both his judgment and Rayleigh's advice were inappropriate and simply wrong. Of course, Mihawk knew that his emotions for Roronoa sometimes influenced him more than he would have liked, but he was not someone who acted thoughtlessly, who let himself be overcome by his own monster like a bloody novice. How dare Rayleigh doubted that Mihawk would be overwhelmed by his feelings and become the monster others saw in him?

It was true that Mihawk's control was not perfect. In a true fight, it was almost impossible for him to hold back. But he was very well able not to take on such a fight or to end it so quickly that his bloodlust would not overwhelm him. Moreover, even in that state, he was absolutely capable of distinguishing friend from foe and would never attack anyone who was not worthy of his attack.

So why did Shanks believe that something as ridiculous as some emotions would change that? So why did Rayleigh think Mihawk would become an unpredictable monster through his feelings for Roronoa?

He quietly snorted at this nonsense.

He had not trained Roronoa for two years so that he would now die in the New World without a sound. So why did the old man warn him of this very situation?

Yet he was well aware of what a dangerous life Roronoa lived and had chosen. Mihawk knew exactly what rank he himself occupied in the other's list of priorities.

No, both Shanks and Rayleigh were wrong. While it was true that Roronoa had softened his hard heart, it did not make him an emotionally charged fool. Mihawk was well aware of what he was doing and why he was doing it. He knew exactly why he...

Suddenly, the small scrap of paper literally jumped out of his hand and pushed in a different direction.

He looked up at the darkening sea above him. Only a few minutes ago, the Straw Hats must have resurfaced again, but that did not justify this sudden change of direction. It had to be a natural phenomenon of the New World, which could appear unexpectedly and dissent entire ships from course.

Sighing, he rubbed his temples. At least he hoped that it was only the unpredictable weather conditions and not something else.

If he was unlucky, it would take longer to catch up with Roronoa. But the much more important question was what would happen if Lady Loreen would not show up at the World Conference.