Hello everyone,
so today we continue the weekly update.
Thank you all for following, favoring this story and especially Anana16 for your comments :)
I hope you have a lot of fun with the next chapter.
See you next time
Sharry
Chapter 7 – Arrangement
-Zoro-
He enjoyed the warm water. His body was still stiff but his head stopped pounding. He would never ever again let alcohol take the better of him. He had been such a fool. He had to be more carefully in this body.
With slow motions he dried his new figure. Kanan had left the room minutes ago, to organize some proper clothing, as she put it. He really hoped, they were proper for fighting as well, because now he knew, where he had to go.
"Roronoa?" The dulled voice of the Shichibukai called from the adjoining room. Probably the rear admiral had left already.
"I'm here", he answered cold. He did like to tease the other one, but he was well aware of his position. Only due to the mercy of the older one he was still alive. For the second time now. What a disgrace. However he would not exhaust the other's hospitality, not wanting to owe the other one even more. Now, having a plan, he knew what to do.
"You are undressed!" The other one stated slightly shocked.
"Yeah, don't make such a fuss. Yesterday night you've already seen me naked."
What was his problem? Hawk Eyes good education was already annoying him. It would be good for him to leave already.
"You do remember?"
He grinned, putting the towel aside and turning around. The grown man blushed and looked away.
"Sure."
"You should cover your bareness." The lord of the mansion said without looking at him. Laughing he went past him, of course still buck naked.
"Gosh! If I were in my body, you wouldn't even care about my bareness." Back in the guest room he put on the clothes awaiting him. It was already easier to deal with the bra than the day before, which could also be because he was getting better in controlling those small fingers.
"So?" The black haired one raised his voice again, leaning against the door frame and folding his arms. "What is your next move?"
"Isn't that obvious?" Zoro asked back, cursing his long hair which got stuck in his collar. "I have to hurry back, so I can tell the others about the ambush at Sarue."
"My, what a lacking strategy." The other one commented snorting. "Like I have mentioned before, in this physical constitution you will not reach them alive. Furthermore I assume you are not schooled in navigating a ship. You seem to have no knowledge of reading maps, as well. It would be of a wiser move to first collect your energy before meeting your crew at Sarue. The navy would not expect an ambush against their own, which would lead to their confusion. This would be a much smarter tactic leading to success." The Shichibukai explained patronizing, not offering any kindness. It was not an invitation, but a strategy, as simple as that.
Fierce he clawed his hands into the shirt he wanted to put on. Of course he had been thinking about this too, but that would mean he would need to stay longer at this place. Here, just in front of this Shichibukai, engulfed in all of his pathetic weaknesses.
"You're right." He finally admitted between gritted teeth, still facing the other one only with his back, while he was caught by the worst truth he could imagine and realizing that he had no choice.
"You're right. I'm still too weak to protect my crew. I was damn lucky to get them out of prison and killed myself while trying. This body is another huge disadvantage, so I have only one possibility left."
Trembling he turned around, just in his underwear, clenching his fists. The despise he felt against himself right now was unbearable. In the next second he would give up everything. For one moment he bit his lip before finally looking at the other one.
Then he fell to his knees, slammed his hands onto the ground and bowed deeply.
"Dracule Hawk Eyes Mihawk. I'm begging you. Teach me the way of the sword!"
The room was quiet; both swordsmen stopped breathing, one tense the other surprised.
-Mihawk-
For a never passing moment he gazed at the other one, listening to those words, understanding what the other one asked of him, dared to demand of him.
In sheer mockery the Shichibukai laughed out loudly.
"I am disappointed in you, Roronoa. What happened to your pride and honor, you bragged about the last night?"The green haired one stayed in his pathetic position.
How he would love to tread those weak shoulders with all his force.
"I offered you accommodation and aliment, because you seemed to be worthy, because you awakened my curiosity. I was even willed to lend you my aid in the task of retrieving your original body. I believed you deserved my help. But now you prove me wrong. You mean to ask for teachings from your enemy? Know your shame you are not only placing upon you but also upon me."
With long steps the greatest swordsman in the world walked around the kneeling disappointment, heading for the exit.
"Must you continue? It pains me to watch."
"I have no other choice!" The pirate expelled harsh, the childish voice trembling.
"I neglected my pride to free my crew. I betrayed my honor in destroying the base with all its soldiers. And I gave up my dignity as I placed myself at your mercy. I'm willing to do anything to protect my friends, no matter how low I have to sink for that."
"I have no further interest in you." Hawk Eyes replied cold and opened the door. In his back the pirate hit his fist against the floor.
"Today I met two of the greatest swordsmen in the world and I know, I could not beat any of you, not even in my real body. When Homura faced me, I couldn't do anything. One stroke of his sword was enough to split the complete side of my body. I was barely able to overcome his Haki. If he'd wanted to, I would have died that very moment. The next time I meet him, I have to defeat him, otherwise I can never face you again. I have to regain my dignity and my pride. I want to become strong! If not I cannot protect my crew."
Mihawk stopped.
"Homura?" He asked abrupt. "You fought him? And survived?"
The other one did not answer. Slowly he turned around.
"You know the meaning of Haki and recognize someone using it?"
Once again the other one did not say a word, starring at the ground.
"You stayed conscience after you were attacked with Haki and despite of being injured you took that strongpoint down?"
He folded his arms, but the other ones stayed quiet.
"What are you, Roronoa Zoro? Is my friend correct after all of you being a tragic heroic figure or are you nothing more than a waste of time?"
The other one continued his silence, cowering at the ground like a beaten child.
"Open your mouth, Roronoa Zoro! Stand up! Answer me!"
In careful motions the boy got up, rubbing his wrist. The knuckles of his right hand were scraped. But then the pirates spoke up with a snotty voice.
"Tze. I'm no hero, that's for sure. But your friend's right about what he's saying." Just now the green eyes met his own piercing view. "I'm a monster!"
In front of him stood a girl wearing nothing but underwear. The wet, green curls hugging the fragile figure. The face tensed, the jaw gritted, the knuckles bleeding.
"A monster?" He echoed questioning.
"This is how you picture yourself?" For another time the other one was not answering.
"Do you truly believe this or are you simply begging for recognition?"
The green haired one laughed cold. "If I'd do that, I would never become the greatest swordsman in the world. I know who and what I am. Therefore no enemy can use it against me."
Thoughtful the greatest swordsman in the world observed the pirate. Then he laughed.
"You are indeed an odd man, Roronoa." The other stayed quiet. "But you do not actually believe that one month is enough for you to become strong enough to defeat me, do you?"
"I just have to become strong enough to defend myself. After that I'll become strong enough to protect my friends and someday I'll be strong enough to beat you."
Mihawk could not hide his silent grin. "You really seem to be a stubborn person."
For a moment they looked at each other before he sighed.
"Very well. My house, my rules. If you agree to this, Roronoa, I am willed to train you."
"I'll obey your decisions." The boy growled tense without the slightest hesitation.
"Fine." Hawk Eyes turned around. "Dress yourself. Kanan will arrange proper fighting clothes for you until tonight. Till then you have to bear those. I will supply you with an appropriate weapon. Unless I am very much mistaken, you left your swords with your crew?"
The other one simply nodded.
"I expect you to not only train physically, but in theory as well. Your previous tactical skills show countless deficits to cover. Of course we will continue to solve your minor body problem. But I do have one question left."
He looked back over his shoulder at the other.
"If you aware of Haki existing and are not even ignorant about its application, why do you not use it? Why do you not at least exercise it, if you feel insecure about using it in real combat? Unless of course you do not possess such ability."
The pirate reached out for the clothes he let go before. His childish voice was unexpectedly rough.
"I…I don't know…"
The Shichibukai was well aware about the other one not telling the truth, but he decided to not ask any further.
"Well, I await you downstairs within an hour. Kanan shall teach you how to daff away your hair."
"Can't I just cut it?"
Mihawk laughed softly.
"If you prefer to choose the easier way, you may do so. But just for your information I shall remind you, that the greatest woman in the art of the swords chose to keep her hair long. She was even capable of using it as a weapon. But certainly it is your decision, if you want to excuse your hair as a weakness. When it comes down to it, I do not feel the urge to pay interest for something like that."
"Who was this woman?" The other one asked impatient, ignoring his last words.
"My sister!" He closed the door behind his back.
Slowly he exhaled, leaning against the wall in the corridor.
Why? Why seemed this pirate so similar to his sister while being the complete opposite?
He had been willed to give up everything, which made him an honorable swordsman, just for his crew.
No, he admitted silently. Roronoa Zoro was not like Sharak at all. This youngster was almost like Miahwk himself. Like he would have wanted to be at that time. At that time he had not been strong enough to give up everything. To safe his friends, he had chosen the marine's chains, but he would never had dared to free them himself and to die in that process.
But this pirate went even further. It must have taken quite some effort to dash away his pride. But the Shichibukai had not been able to see that at all. He had become furious. Mad over the other one not seeing his own talent. Mad over the pirate for tossing not only away his dream but also his life to protect his friends. Up until this moment he had not realized that this, what he had dismissed as a weakness, was in truth a strength, he did not possess when he had been the same age.
Slowly he understood. Maybe that was it. Maybe this comprehension was the reason why he wanted to help the other one. Because secretly he admired this strength.
And maybe this was the reason as well why the other one could irritate him so easily. Because the younger one possessed a power, he himself did not at that age but would have loved to embody. For this he despised and saluted the other one at the same.
Unwillingly he also had to admit that Kanan and Jirou might have been right. Roronoa Zoro was on a par with him and when the other one would have been part of his generation, maybe Mihawk would have never gained his title.
"Sire, what are you doing here?" The housekeeper came down the hallway.
"Kanan." He just murmured exhausted.
"Are you alright, my lord?" She seemed worried, but he nodded simply.
"It is nothing to considerate."
"You seem tired and tempered. Is Loreen at fault?"
He looked at her.
"My guest is not afraid." With those words he put his shoulders back and went to his bureau.
"I wish no disturbance." He needed silence. He needed a leveled mind. But he was not alone in this struggle.
-Zoro-
With a silent click the door closed and all tension broke apart. He could not help it, as his legs buckled under his weight. He cowered beside the bed, while the cursed tears took their course.
I am disappointed in you, Roronoa.
What else did he have to do? How much more could he endure?
Know your shame you are not only placing upon you but also upon me.
He had humiliated and abased himself. But he knew that he could not give up just yet, not as long as there was a way to protect his friends.
Hawk Eyes was right. He was still too weak, he was inexperienced and his false pride would cost his head. Only if he gave up everything and was prepared to learn from the best of the best, only then he could still be worth something for his crew.
He did hear the anger in the Shichibukai's voice, did see the rage in his eyes.
He probably had lost all recognition, the other could have had for him, at that moment. Slowly he shook his head. Once again he was up to some other's mercy. Once again he betrayed himself.
What are you, Roronoa Zoro?
And even so… even so he did not doubt any second what he was. As long as he had a dream and friends, who were worthy of being protected, he knew who he was. He did not care what the other one thought of him. As long as the training would make him stronger, he would endure everything. For his friends.
You are indeed an odd man.
Those words had been different. Not hostile or disdainful. If he was honest, he thought this had been the first time, where the other one had actually seen him. Behind his mask of false pride and a bloody bandana, behind his mask of arrogant immunity and green curls. He had seen him!
Slowly he pulled himself up and wiped away those tears. Self-pity would not lead him anywhere. The fatigue of the morning was long forgotten.
Determent he put on the black, slick shirt, which was a little bit too long for him, before he grabbed the blue trousers. It was not perfect but it would be enough to fight.
Quietly someone knocked against the door.
"Yes?" He murmured, not looking forward to another confrontation with the older swordsman, but luckily it was only the housekeeper, who entered.
"Oh my dear Loreen, are you alright? Did you cry?"
"It's fine." How could he ever tell her the truth? This woman treated him like he was her own son. No, he corrected bitter, like he was her own daughter. She was good. She deserved the truth, but he did not want to hurt her, because she did not deserve that.
"Was he impolite again? I am sorry; I thought I raised him better."
He shook his head and dismissed his thoughts.
"It's not because of that, believe me. He and I are… well whatever."
"You are alike." Zoro laughed harshly.
"As if!" He brushed his hair aside. How could he cut it now, without looking like a wimp for Hawk Eyes? He could hear the soft steps of the housekeeper.
"Well, I met him in the hallway and he looked at least as down as you are."
Zoro decided to keep that uncommented.
"Kanan?"
"Yes, honey, what is it?" Once again he ignored her nickname for him.
"Could you teach me, what you taught Sharak? I need to fight! Show me how to dress myself and what to do with my hair!"
The housekeeper looked surprised, than serious.
"My dear, are you sure, you…"
He took her hand. He had no choice. He needed help, to survive the Shichibukai's training in this body.
"I beg you. Hawk Eyes will never accept me, but as a man he has no clue what I'm facing. You are my last chance. I need you!"
After a second she nodded.
"Well, okay. So we will turn you into a warrior, Loreen."
-Mihawk-
His eyes followed the lines of the newspaper. Today it was filled with useless nonsense, nothing of any interest, except for one page in the front, listing all soldiers killed in action at the G-6. It seemed like the investigations were already over. But there were no meaningful news in the article. Not to his surprise of course. The newspaper had decided, or was told to decide, to print a fabrication about the strawhat's escape, making the death of the swordsman look anything else than praiseworthy, but rather disdained and hatred. But it was obviously that even the Marine had not found out yet what exactly happened.
You probably read that he and blackleg Sanji were in uniform. Nobody knows how they were able to do so and then there is this mystery about his earrings...
The voice of the rear admiral whispered through his head. What kind of mystery could be caused by some worthless earrings? After a second thought he took his transponder snail and dialed one well-known number. He was still uncertain about his behavior. What was going on within him? The confrontation with the green head pushed him to the edge of sanity. Something he thought of being impossible.
"Cho" He was greeted.
"Hello again, Mr. Cho." He said with an informal voice.
"Gee, Hawky. Don't tell me, you're already missing me?"
The voice of the marine was tired. He was probably already waiting for this day to be over.
"What did you mean by that?" Mihawk asked directly.
"By what? I don't get it?"
Mad he shook his head. What was wrong with him?
"You told me, that the Marine was still uncertain about Roronoa Zoro's detailed acting and then you referred to some earrings. What was that about?"
"You're really insane, Hawky." The other one murmured. "Or do you know something?"
"What do you mean? I just read about the fallen ones and thought about our conversation."
His friend sighed.
"Nothing's confirmed yet, but it could be that Roronoa Zoro is still alive."
He stopped breathing. How could they know?
"Where did you get that idea from? Did not Hakkai in person state that he fell with the burning tower?"
The marine officer answered only after some seconds. "Well, they found remains of each person, who died that night. Thanks to the highly developed technology of the navy and the blood samples, we take of each soldier and prisoner, the corpses could be identified. Even every single one of the smugglers."
The other one paused, but for once Mihawk was actually surprised about that administrative organization. It did almost frighten him, how much the modern medicine was actually capable to do. On the other side he wondered if they had a sample of his blood as well. This possibility was anything but pleasing.
"So why are you explaining me those details? Where is the connection to Roronoa?"
"Just wait!" The other one answered tense. "Even though the pirate hunter was the only one close to the tower, there were no human remains to be found."
"Is it not possible to be burnt completely?" He assumed willingly false.
"No, there should always be a left-over. They even found some traces of gold, which were probably his earrings, but there was nothing left of him, except for some minor blood traces."
"But, if his blood and his melted earrings were there, he had to be there as well. I suppose no human can survive a heat, which melts gold so easily."
"Why do you intent that he is death? Should you not be the one to believe he might have survived?"
Mihawk was quiet for a moment. After all, he knew that the other one indeed was alive even though he burned in those flames.
"I am not in the mood for needless hope. The probability of him surviving is less than small. Almost non-existing in my opinion. If he would have survived, he would be already back by his crew, would he not? But he is not there, so I assume he is death. The Navy should not hunt dead vagabonds but those who are still alive."
None of them said anything for a long time.
"Maybe you are right, Hawky."
"Of course I am."
Cho laughed softly. "But tell me Hawky. While we're already talking about mysteries: What's about this mystic Loreen, showing up so suddenly. Who is she?"
"As it seems, we are talking about my new disciple."
"Wait a second, for real?"
"Speaking of, I do have my first lesson now."
The other one paused startled his breathing, probably knowing that further questioning was not welcomed.
"Okay. So I guess I've cured your curiosity, so both of us can head back to work."
After a short farewell they ended their call. He was actually already late for his first session. In speedy steps he went downstairs. But the other one was not in the dining or in the living room. Scratching his head he went into the kitchen, where only the housekeeper was to be found.
"Kanan, have you seen our guest?" He asked without any greeting. Her head did not turn to him.
"Yes, she is already in the training room. She was quite determined about becoming a warrior."
"Hmm…" Was all he answered.
"Sire." He paused and looked at her working in a steady pace. "She is a good girl. Please tread her faire, even in combat."
"A real combat is never fair." So he left. To the right of the stairs, passing the heavy iron door. It had been so long. The big changing room with its showers seemed unused, but the other door was not fully closed.
Ghostlike he went through it into the next room. The place of his childhood, his daily training, hours of hard work, hours of pain and tears. His new disciple stood almost in the middle of this huge room. The eyes closed in concentration Roronoa followed the basic fighting positions in slow motion. Then he breathed harshly and hit hard. The following movement was fluent again, before the next attack was carried out.
If the youngster did notice him or not, had yet to be seen, but Mihawk used this moment to observe him. At least he seemed to possess the most needed fundaments.
After some more minutes he decided to interfere.
"Those sequences of yours are not completely useless."
Suddenly those green eyes opened and stared at him.
"For a man, at least."
Within the next heartbeat he was standing in front of him. His disciple flinched back one step. Not especially fast for his taste, but it could have been slower.
"But you have to include the factor that you are a woman now."
He stroke down. The pirate blocked his attack with both arms, but Roronoa seemed to have underestimated the summoned strength. Hard his knee crashed on the ground and he was barely able to keep his position. Surprised the girl sucked in air.
"Against a man a woman carries countless disadvantages in a fight." Now he took his other fist. Once again the other one blocked his hit.
"However she has one advantage." He growled, hitting again. This time the other one finally dodged.
"Her swiftness."
In two steps the youngster brought some distance in between them. His right forearm was reddened. Mihawk grinned evil, his eyes however were cold and bored.
"You defend like a man, who can expect to be superior just due to his strength in muscles. There lays your mistake."
Roronoa starred back angrily.
"Well until yesterday I was that man."
Disapproving he ignored that interruption.
"But this was already your mistake back then. You relay only upon the force of your upper body."
His disciple narrowed his eyes, obviously having a hard time following his explanations. He sighed. His new pupil might be talented if it comes down to the sowrd, but he did not seem to be the brightest spark. Another point to add to his long training list. Developing a strategy before attacking blindly.
"Fine then. Two words of theory. What are the advantages of a man? He is stronger, bigger, and heavier. All those things he can use in a combat to have a better stand. But those things can be a hindrance as well; he can become slow and clumsy. Let me give you an example. Take that blonde of your crew."
"The cook?"
"Exactly. I assume he is inferior to you in regards of strength and force." The girl grinned.
"But still you are unable to defeat him." The grin disappeared.
"Why?"
"To put it simple." He said cold. "You are too slow." Before finishing his sentenced he attacked again. The first hit the other one countered but the second one he was able to avoid.
"Your upper body posture is average but your legs…" He let himself fall and kicked the other one down. "Are far too heavy-handed." He rose again and looked down at the pirate.
"You are well versed in the basics of fighting. But it is purely false to relay only on your force. The moment you face a foe stronger than you, you are doomed. You have to become faster, quicker, agile, like a dancer, Roronoa. Even more as a woman. You will exhaust easier than any man. This implies every single one of your attacks has to be deadly and effective. Your defense should be hardly any blocking and mainly contain dodging, because one hit is enough to break your thin bones. You may only have seconds to determine the fight, if not you will lose."
For another time he attacked and the other one jumped up.
"Locate your cover higher. I am taller, I will charge from above." He offered no break to the youngster.
"Your tackles are too low as well. Where do you want to hit me? My vital points are up here!"
After two seconds the other was back on the ground. But he did not complain, just stood up again. The skinned knuckles started to bleed again. But the green head did not seem to care. He went back into fighting position, a determined look on that young face.
"Go! Attack! Impress me!"
The other one did not wait for a second demand. In a catlike jump he headed to him, turning to the left and attempting to jump over him. Almost bored he took the leg of the other, smashing him to the ground and placing his foot directly next to the other one's head.
"Stupid! I am almost two meters tall. To attack me from above is an attempted failure. You should counterattack from below, where your barycentric is and not mine. Take just one second to think for once before you actually do something."
The other one was breathing heavily.
"Do you need a break already?" He growled dismissive. But the boy just shook his head and wiped away the sweat from his forehead, while he was getting back up and back into position.
For a moment he observed his tomboy, before stepping towards him. Fluently his disciple followed his movements and slid back. Surprised Mihawk paused. That had not been too bad. At least way better than before. The body posture was good, not perfect but improvable. They had a long way to go.
He folded his arms.
"Fine. Now, that you are warmed up, we can begin. Are you ready?" The green head nodded.
"Good. We will start simple, so you can understand. None of your feet may touch the ground longer than a second and not two times after another at the same spot, do you understand?"
Once again the other one nodded.
"So, begin!"
In the next moment he ripped those legs away, making the other one fall immediately.
"What did I just say?" He could feel the anger of the other one, but he did not care.
"Do not dare to believe I might treat you gently, Roronoa. And now run!"
He would not admit it, but he liked to tease the other one. It was amusing to see how long the other one could go.