Hello everyone,
it's Monday again^^
So because I'm a little bit busy, I swiftly answer the reviews and then head for the chapter ;-)
Thank you Anana16 for your lovely comment. Actually I never intended it to be the poneglyphs language. But you're not the only one who pointed that out (the german readers are a little but further in this storyline) so that I made some researches and realized that Zoro never actually saw a poneglyph before the timeskip, does he? (If he does please correct me^^) So maybe I will change that.
To the kind Guest who commented: You're totally right that Kuina is of great importance to Zoro. In chapter 2 or 3 he thinks dearly of her, because he is now in a similar position to her, but I doubt he would talk with Mihawk about her, I mean this guy is his enemy, well at least now he is (Things will change...) and she is his most emotional memory. Well maybe in the future he will mention her to Hawk Eyes ;-P
Okay, thank you all and have a lot of fun^^
Sharry
Chapter 9 – Assembly
-Zoro-
Breathing heavily he cowered on all fours.
"Get up!" He was ordered by the cold voice of his teacher.
His body was burning. The muscle aching from this morning was buried long ago under new pain. Trembling he got back on his feet. One strand of hair fell loosely in his face, but he had no energy left to wipe it away. His heart was beating blood merciless through his body. The world in front of his eyes became dark on and off, while he starred at the other one, who leaned with folded arms against the wall.
Black dots danced sneeringly in his vision.
"What are you looking at me?! Keep concentrating!" He was barked at.
But his legs were already giving in again. Forceless he kneeled on the ground. He could not stand it any longer! The steps of the older one boomed scornful in his ears. This time it he needed longer to get back up, standing unsteady. He knew that the other one was just behind his back.
"We are done for today." The Shichibukai stated plain.
"No!" He growled weakly. He would not give up!
The Shichibukai laughed softly, but in Zoro's ears it sounded like utter mockery.
"Roronoa, you can barely stand. It is alright. You were not too bad, after all."
Clumsily he fried himself from the other one's grip and stumbled forward.
"No!" He was not able to say more.
Trembling he went back into position and continued his exercise. The older one did not say anything else, but he could still feel his presence in his back. No, he would not give up! He would fight! He had to!
-Mihawk-
He had to admit that he was impressed.
Since the earliest hours of the day he had been pushing the young swordsman to his limits. But it had been the other one, who always decided to cross them. Mihawk knew exactly what the other one had to reach every day, to make progress and because of the last day he thought they would need the whole day. But his tomboy gave the lie to him, reaching the goal within a few hours and just going beyond.
He believed he was good in evaluating the physical limits of a woman and this girl's body was not used to fight, so he had no high hopes. But this boy surpassed his expectations by far. Time and time he wondered how strong the other one was in reality, when his will was enough to push this body to its best.
Of course his fighting skills were far away from that of a great swordsman but Mihawk could not deny the lust of fighting the other one awoke deep within him. He was mad at himself for allowing that.
He continued to watch the other one and continued to correct every wrong step he did. That was, what he liked best about that boy. Though he needed quite long to understand, what Mihawk explained to him- and he really used easy comparisons- once he did, Roronoa was able to realize the demand immediately and absorbed the movements into his body without any repetition. He learnt fast and he was eager enough to not pride himself with it.
But with every passing minute the other one confirmed Mihawk's words. The movement, the flow was getting harder and trembling. Roronoa had passed his limit long ago; from now on he could not improve anymore. In worst case he could even hurt himself.
But the green head refused to realize that.
Determined he stepped behind his disciple and grabbed his arm harshly.
"It's enough!"
The pirate shook his head and tried to break free, but effortless he held him, while his fingers dug deeper into the flesh to highlight his position.
"This was no suggestion, Roronoa. You're done! Any second longer would be a waste of time!"
"I can still…"
"You can take a shower, now! Do not argue with me. My house, my rules, understand?!"
He let go of the girl's arm and turned around. He disliked the other ones behavior. Of course any teacher loved an eager pupil, but it should not be his duty to worry about this boy's health. The other one had to realize on his own, when he reached his limits. He left the room without looking back. If that child wanted to continue this training and loose conscious over it, it was not his problem.
Walking down the corridor he could hear the loud singing voice of the housekeeper, who cleaned the dining room. She seemed to be working all the time and he casually wondered if she really was busied so much time with cooking and cleaning. Could two people produce such an amount of work?
He was not sure what to do now. Actually he had no more paper work left to catch up on, something that had never happened before since he was occupied with this nonsense. He felt neither hunger nor exhaustion, but reading seemed too circumlocution. Suddenly his life seemed so boring. He never cared about that, but now when he was occupied with babysitting the childish pirate around the clock he could not find anything to do with his free time anymore. Pretty pathetic for a grown man…
His bored thoughts told him to head for his bureau to just do anything - whatever it was- when someone knocked at the front door, almost unheard thanks to the housekeeper's loud voice.
Could it be Jirou? Why would he visit again? Maybe it was a child Kanan's, who showed up sometimes.
He straightened his shirt and collar, walked down the corridor and brushed back his hair. Nobody needed to notice that he had just left the training room.
To his surprise it was Houran, secretary of the mayor. The light of the dying day put a something like a divine shimmer around her.
Her purple hair was pinned up skillfully; big moons dangled from her ears and caressed her collar of a figure-hugging wintercoat.
As always she met his view in a graceful manner and lifted her hand, not for shaking hands as he knew, but rather demanding a royal-like kiss on it. He took her hand, but did not bow or anything. She was no one he was awed by.
"To what do I owe the honor of your visit?" He asked instead without offering her to come in.
She put her head aside slightly, her earrings jangling, her eyes almost dismissive.
"I was sent by Mr. Koumyou." With those cold words she pulled out a mintgreen envelope out of the depths of her coat and held it up.
"It was of such an important matter to him that you receive it today, I had to come myself." Her icy voice said clearly that this job was beneath her dignity. He thanked her and took the envelope.
"And may I ask what it contains?"
"You may," She said shortly, "But I was not informed about its contents." She was obviously mad about that part as well.
"Very well, after I fulfilled my duty I will leave now for my actual work."
She did not wait for his reply, but turned on her heels and walked off. Her high heels had already suffered on her way through the woods and one of them was crocked, adding something ducklike to her snotty walk. Smirking slightly he closed the door. But he waited to open the letter until he was in his office. If it was of such great importance to the mayor in could contain secret information, not meant for that overcurious housekeeper. One single palegreen card fell down and the smell of mint filled the room. Well, this did not look like something top secret. For ages he starred at the folded paper, feeling nauseas and hoping it was just because of the strange scent. Then he got up and headed for the door.
"Kanan!"
-Zoro-
He observed his wet, maltreated body in front of the mirror. He had to become so much stronger! The Shichibukai made him furious.
Why did he end the unit? Already?!
He knew his body was tired and all his muscles were running into the ground, but that was exactly the reason, why he had to continue. He had to force this body to perform worthy enough for himself!
He hated to be limited by the other one. If he was not training hard, how should he become good enough within four weeks? Was this a punishment from the elder?
With shaking hands he dried himself. He was really tired and exhausted, but he would never give in to that, even though he had to move more carefully than he wanted to. Many parts of his body were touch-sensitive, especially the skin under his boobs and under his arms. Kanan had given him a good sports-bra, but it still burned the skin completely. Sighing he put on his pullover and casually wondered where the housekeeper got all those clothes from. He had worn nothing twice. But actually he did not care.
Once again he looked at his reflection; this body was still so unfamiliar to him. The last three years he had not stared at himself as much as in the last three days.
He reached for the long green hair. It was so useless!He did not even bother to try braiding it, he was a man after all, he would never need to do that.
By now he was even more annoyed by this body than before. Not only during combat he had to fight unbearable barriers, but also during his everyday life he was unable to cope. Every movement was different, used different muscles, felt different. Not even talking about the genital area, by every step, every time he changend clothes and of course every time he had to go to the restroom. He doubted highly that he could ever get used to this body.
Headshaking he dismissed his circling thoughts and tamed his annoying mane with a ribbon.
He put his shoulders back and left the room. While walking down the hallway he could already hear the annoyed voice of the Shichibukai as well as the exited one of the housekeeper. This situation resembled a lot the one of the day before. He turned around the corner next to the stairs and saw both standing there. Kanan came to him and took his hands in hers with a huge smile.
"I already have an idea, honey. Dusky pink, absolutely your color, you will see!"
"What?"
But she was already heading through the front door, not listening to him at all and shut it behind her.
"I really hope she wasn't talking about sportswear. Ain't gonna wear pink."
The Shichibukai seemed everything else than happy, pursing his lips and folding his arms.
"It appears a change of plan is required. There will be no training tomorrow."
Angered he starred at the other one.
"What? Why? I have done what you told me and stopped! I can level it up, if that's the problem. I'm not giving in that easily!"
Hawk Eyes shook his head.
"Those measures are not bound by your achievements. You might want to show Jirou your gratitude, for he seems to be responsible."
"The rear admiral? What's he got to do with it?" He asked confused. The elderly ruffled through his hair annoyed, destroying his perfect hairstyle.
"I assume he told the mayor of this island about you."
"So?"
The older one offered him a green, strange smelling, card. With slow motions he took it.
"The mayor heard about me staying longer than usually and of course he invited me to the annual general meeting of the four island association as a representative of Sasaki."
He shrugged his shoulders, browsing over the written words.
"So what? This has nothing to do with Jiroushin or my train…"
He stopped.
"Exactly." The Shichibukai answered cold. "Lady Loreen may accompany me."
Zoro laughed slightly scared and waved the little card around. "Well, it's just an invitation, isn't it? I don't have to go, if I don't want to."
The other one simply stared back at him.
"What's with that look? Don't tell me I have to go?"
Hawk Eyes nodded.
"Because we live so close to the Sabaody Archipelago and Mary Joa we are expected to attend at least as listeners, if we are invited. For most guests it is an honor to be asked by the leaders of the world, not just an annoying duty."
For a moment he thought about just laughing it of, but if even Dracule Hawk Eyes Mihawk was obliged to accept this invitation, it did not seem like he had much of a choice.
"So what does that mean?"
"It means, we will leave tomorrow morning for Sadao, a neighboring island, and return probably past midnight." It was more than obvious that the Shichibukai was not interested in that meeting.
"But would anything happen, if we wouldn't show up? I mean, will they take away your title or something?"
The black haired one laughed low, but cold.
"No, but certainly Koumyou would be disappointed."
His voice sounded way too determined for any further discussion.
"But chin up, one day without training won't kill you and if we return before midnight I would not object to burn the midnight oil."
Surprised he looked at the older one. He sounded almost like he was looking forward to train him again, even though his stuck-up language was killing Zoro. He could not hide the evil smile darkening his features, but then he realized something else.
"Wait a sec. What was Kanan babbling about pink?"
The Shichibukai shrugged his shoulders.
"I assume she was deliberating the color of your gown. You know, how she likes to dress you up."
He started to feel nauseous, was it because of the card's scent?
"You boasted about how your mother educated you well? I hope you will be able to behave appropriate to the respectable company you will face." The best swordsman in the world said cold. "Especially because you are a lady now."
His knees gave in. He felt sick. His thoughts were still caught by the word pink. Hawk Eyes laughed softly.
"Oh please, remain calm. One day outside of this old mansion could offer you some relief."
Zoro got back up and turned on his heels.
"And what do you intend to do now?" He was asked by the other one, who seemed slightly surprised.
But he did not look back.
"Back to work!"
Harsh Hawk Eyes grabbed his arm.
"I am quite sure we settled this already. It would be useless now. Go to read something or just take a rest. You can trust me, even though you might not fight tomorrow, it will be an exhausting day."
-Mihawk-
"Hasten up, Rorona. It cannot take so much time to put on a dress."
They were still on time, but he was growing impatient. His tomboy certainly took his time. This day promised to become plain torture. Not wanting to wait any longer he opened the door to the guest room, but it was blocked.
"Can you get Kanan?" The pirate asked strangely quiet, hiding behind the door.
"What is the matter, Rorona?"
"Nothing, just get Kanan!" His voice was annoyed but fainthearted. A disturbing mixture.
Confused he called for the housekeeper. Maybe it was just because of some female problems, but that was nothing he wanted to be bothered with. His former Nanny followed his call immediately and disappeared into the room he was not allowed to enter. A small scream was followed by hushed words. Seconds later the housekeeper came back, glaring at him furiously, holding the dusky pink dress.
"So what is this about?" He asked.
But she just rushed passed him.
"This may take a while, Sire. Your impatience will not fasten anything." She sounded more than mad. But for once he was certain that he was not the reason. With a small grin he went back to his private room, taking his sword, before he walked down to his favorite chair in the living room. He would use this unwelcomed free time to browse through the newspapers. Reading it was the closest thing he had to a hobby.
The morning was still fresh, but they had a good distance to cover.
Finally he heard the door opening. Kanan came in, followed by the green haired one. Surprised he put the newspaper down. The girl wore a high-necked darkblue dress with long sleeves. A silver necklace with a single bright green stone decorated the simple dress. The same-colored hair fell freely over the shoulders, only a few strands were restrained by a silver brooch. Apparently Kanan put some decent make-up on her guest as well. The pirate looked less like an innocent girl and more like a young lady.
"You look lovely", escaped his mouth after some urging looks of his former nanny. The pirate did not meet his view, but blushed obviously feeling uncomfortable.
"See! Even the lord likes it." The housekeeper agreed with him.
"We should be leaving now."
He got up and followed the two ladies into the hallway. The older woman put a silver-gray coat around the girl's shoulders.
"Where did you get this coat from?" He murmured, putting on his own coat and hat before securing his beloved black sword at his back.
The black haired woman grinned widely.
"Of course I ordered some items after I heard our dear guest might stay longer. A fair lady needs a decent selection."
The green haired one still looked down, ignoring the conversation.
"So this is how you spend my money?"
"So this is how I spend your family's money, Sire. But what else should I do the whole day?"
"Shouldn't we go?" The young pirate broke his silence.
"Indeed, being late is a crime for good manners."
The housekeeper accompanied them up to the front door.
"Very well, have a good trip and enjoy your free time."
He laughed roughly after the door fell close.
"She acts like we are on our way to the hot springs."
The other one did not respond.
"Hasten up, Roronoa." He repeated his words from earlier this morning.
The pirate followed him quite slowly through the woods.
"Did you ever run on heels? It's damn difficult."
With a sigh he waited for the girl to catch up before continuing his way in a more moderate pace.
"You seem to become soft in your dotage." The pirate commented evil.
Mihawk ignored the little side blow concerning his age and walked on. But his eyes were still fixed on the woman at his side, although he would never admit it. The young man in the body of a woman looked around observing. Those big, green eyes regarded the world like the boy was out in nature for the very first time in his life. Well, that thought was not totally wrong.
They passed the small clearing, where he had found the other one just a few days ago. After some more silent minutes they reached the village. The greenhorn was still quiet, but his mouth was slightly opened, while his hair was carried by the cold wind.
"You've grown up here?" He asked finally.
"Yes, this is the village of my childhood."
"It seems so calm."
Slowly they crossed the marketplace.
"It is still early, during noon this place is more alive."
His company stopped unexpected. He followed the frozen gaze. In front of them was the ocean, peaceful in the first sunrays.
"How do we get to Sadao?" The girl asked after some time, but he could see the true thoughts the pirate was trying to hide.
"By ship of course." He explained and pointed down the rack where his property fought the soft waves.
"The Coffin Boat." The pirate whispered. After some steps they reached it.
"Take a seat. I will take care of the rest."
-Zoro-
"You may sit." The Shichibukai behind him said again.
This boat brought back even more memories, than he wanted it to. It all had begun that day. It felt weird to sit down on this thrown, but it was the only seat he could take. Shortly afterwards the other swordsman joined him, folding his arms and standing next to him. The small ship started moving. Zoro wanted to get up, but Hawk Eyes placed a hand on his shoulders. The trip went on without any of them saying a single word. After some more time Zoro felt hunted by his own thoughts, so he decided to break the silence.
"Say, what exactly happens at this meeting?" He asked without looking up. His eyes followed the rising sun. The black haired one next to him sighed deeply.
"Nothing of great importance. Only some high and mighty politicasters. Listen, smile and try not to fall asleep."
"Are you advising me or yourself?" He asked sneering.
"There is one little detail I would like to point out." Hawk Eyes continued, ignoring Zoros reply. "Thanks to Jirou most present people will assume we are familiar with each other. If you refer to me as Hawk Eyes it would be very suspicious, especially because mainly pirates call me by that name."
With more than a little doubt he looked up to the other man.
"Don't you dare even thinking I'd call you my lord or something Kanan would say."
The yellow eyes lightened up in amusement.
"Not a bad idea, indeed, but it would appear just as suspicious. Just call me Mihawk from now on."
For a moment they were quiet, when Zoro folded his arms.
"That sounds almost like we're no enemies anymore." He murmured, unsure if the other one was just making fun of him.
"Indeed." The older one responded, without any sarcasm or mockery.
"But after I have seen you already drunk and naked, one could say we are something like acquaintances."
"One could say so, Mihawk."
He could spot the island at the far horizon.
It was so strange, this moment, this place. He was a pirate. Spent his life as an outcast. One of those, where people would cross the street just to not pass him. One of those, who filled others with panic and disgust. But now he was sitting here in this pretty, little dress, hair and make-up done, heading to an assembly he was invited to. This was no life, he wanted to be part of.
But he would put on an act, like he did in front of the rear admiral. This was his only option right now to survive. As he could make out the harbor he tried to imitate Nami's most lovely smile. He was deeply indebted to the Shichibukai and if he could pay it off - even if only a bit - by helping him to look good today, it was worth it. But the shoes were a true punishment.
"What are you doing?" Hawk Eyes asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I'm getting ready to behave like a stupid, little princess." He growled back.
To his surprise the Shichibukai roared with laughter, letting go of his shoulder and holding his stomach. "You look more like a snarling beast than a fair lady."
"Just shut up!" Angry he looked up to the foolishly grinning man.
"This look suits you much better."
By now Zoro could spot some small figures at the harbor, probably waiting for them. Hawk Eyes placed his hand back on Zoro's shoulder, this time however with more force than before, and he tried not to flinch back. How he would love to be in the training room right now and not here. This act was really not his favorite thing to do.
A small voice in his head told him to steal the Coffin Boat and head for his friends. But he dismissed this stupid idea immediately. He had no clue about how to steer it and he knew that the plan he made with Hawk Eyes was the most reasonable.
"Tell me, Roronoa, how did you do that with Jirou?"
"What are you talking about?"
The Shichibukai grinned.
"In his presence you changed completely and made him fall for you as if you were a femme fatale. I almost could not recognize you."
Zoro paused before answering. The other one was right, it had been surprisingly easy.
"I just did it. I thought: What would Nami do? And then I talked."
The older one did not reply but watched the shore, where a tall man and a smaller woman were awaiting them.
The man in his drakblue suit waved at them in big motions, but was stopped by the woman next to him, who hit her elbow against his side and scolded him with a raised finger. Meanwhile the Coffin Boat reached the rack and Hawk Eyes jumped gracefully over the short distance, before securing the little ship. Zoro stayed seated like he was told. The couple, who waited for them, came down the short distance to greet them. The Shichibukai got up and offered Zoro a hand to cover the distance between the boat and the rack. For a heartbeat Zoro starred at the hand, not really sure what to do with it, but then he sighed deeply, accepting his pitiful fate. He had to play along and if he was honest, with those shoes, he could really need some help.
"Dracule! How nice to meet you again. Thank you for attending, even though it was on short notice."
The tall man with the viking's braiding reached them smiling widely.
"May I introduce; my better half, Koumyou Seira."
The woman at his side bowed slightly, before Hawk Eyes shook swiftly her hand.
"I am glad to meet you again after such a long time."
She nodded approving.
"Indeed Mr. Dracule."
Her strict bun out of silver-gray hair, the heavy black coat, and her cool voice gave Zoro goosebumps. This woman was the one holding the reigns. Suddenly he was pulled into a tight hug by the man with a voice like a bear.
"And you have to be Loreen. I was so excited to finally meet you. Cho told me so…"
"Tenkai!" The woman next to him snapped mad and rapped his knuckles. "Stop that! You cannot talk to a lady like that. This is not appropriate."
Energetic she pulled her husband back and bowed again.
"I apologize, young lady. My husband may be the major of Sasaki, but he has to be reminded of it sometimes."
Zoro smiled slightly forced and bowed his head as well. This woman reminded him of Kanan.
"It's okay. I'm happy to be here and thanks for your invitation."
Unexpected he felt the strong arm Hawk Eye's around his shoulders, but he withstand the urge of flinching away. For a moment the tall man looked down to him and his mouth formed the word language, but then he smiled.
"May I introduce to you now: this is Lady Loreen, my guest as you probably heard from rear admiral Cho." He said with his usual calm voice. This situation was more than strange.
With casual steps the little group walked down the rack. The mayor used this moment to brief Hawk Eyes with the most important topics of the meeting. In between those words he thanked the other one more than one time for attending, because he himself had apparently only little influence as mayor.
"But you are aware that Loreen and I are nothing more than observers today?"
"Of course." The older man answered immediately and patted the Shichibukai's forearm. "But the mere fact that you - a Shichibukai - are here is a huge support for Sasaki's position."
"That is, you did not plan to attend the ladies brunch?" Zoro was suddenly asked by the wife of the mayor. He had no idea what she was talking about.
"Uh…" All eyes were placed upon him, making it not much better to think straight. "So… well, ah…if possible I would prefer to go the convention, just as an observer, of course. Is it overlapping with the.. uhm ladies brunch?"
The woman took his hand.
"Such a dedicated and inquisitive girl."
"Ah, yes, thank you?" It seemed like he said something right.
"Tenkai, I think this is a formidable idea. I will as well attend the assembly."
"Oh, really, my dear?" The tall man replied with false enthusiasm. "Marvelous."
Short time later Zoro was surrounded by talking people.
He lost eyesight of Hawk Eyes the very moment they arrived, when Mrs. Koumyou had pulled him along. She introduced him to countless people. Politicians, businessmen and other managers, as well as some minor navy employees. He could not remember one single name. All of them asked few and talked a lot, mainly about money, economic features, and other important matters of the day. Almost only men were present, something the woman next to Zoro seemed to appreciate, when she put her and his coat away.
"All eyes are on us, honey." She said more than happy. Her mintgreen dress with blue applications shimmered with every movement. "And we just look fabulous." She was even more excited now and took his hand. "All my girls are at the brunch, but you were right, Loreen. This is so much fun."
He simply nodded, because he actually hated the situation. His feet were hurting already and he felt like a prizewinning milkcow, by the looks he was getting from the men surrounding him. A little bit desperate he was looking for the Shichibukai, but he could not find him. This day promised to be torture.
"Loreen!" To his right a tall blond in a brown suit showed up.
"Jiroushin."
At least someone he knew. Who would have thought, he would ever be so happy to meet a marine.
The rear admiral joined their little group and bowed deeply to the mayor's wife before greeting Zoro.
"I'm so happy to see you." He said, shaking Zoro's hand enthusiastically.
"Me too. But I didn't expect you here. Are you representing the navy?"
The blonde shook his head.
"No, no. I'm a representative of Sadao, together with my mayor."
He pointed to a baldheaded person in a fire-red suit. For a second Zoro was confused as the person turned around and turned out to be a woman. With fierce steps she approached them. She seemed to be quite young, but her eyes were odd. One of dark blue, the other one shining red.
"Mr. Cho. If I may. We are already late." She looked serious and unnerved, but then she realized who was standing next to the marine and bowed swiftly.
"Mrs. Koumyou, an honor to meet you."
The sudden sound of a gong brought silence to the crowd.
"Dear ladies and gentlemen. Please take your seats."
"Come on, Loreen." In the next moment his wrist was grabbed again by the older woman and she pulled him along. Stumbling over his own feet he followed her.
"Where are we going?"
She did not stop.
"As far away from that stupid brat Mifa as possible!"
They reached the assembly room, a big hall with a huge, round table for more than thirty men. Behind it were several rows of chairs in the background.
"You're talking about the mayor from Sadao?" He asked, while Mrs. Koumyou put him on a chair in the second row and sitting down next to him.
"Exactly, my child. She is such a horrible, rude person. But I never said that!" She hissed seriously and leaned so close to him, that he could smell a scent of mint. Her dark eyes were dead-serious.
"What I will tell you, will never leave this room, darling."
He nodded immediately, almost daunted by her look, while the surrounding chairs started to be occupied by other men. In the next moment she whispered in his ear without him asking for it: "She is only in that position due to family connections and she has such bad manners, especially if she is surrounded by people from Sasaki."
"I see…" He murmured uncomfortable, because everybody else around them was getting quiet.
"Yes, she is and only because Sasaki has the most influence. I mean, after all we are the connection to the Sabaody Archipelago and of course the new world!"
"But I thought Jiroushin was born at Sasaki?"
Why did he even ask? Damn it! And did the mayor not say how unimportant Sasaki was just a few minutes ago? This sounded completely different now.
"That is the true, sweetie, but he married Mifa's aunt, so they are almost family. How do you actually now Mr. Cho?"
Her piercing view was clearly too curious in his opinion.
"Well, he's a childhoodfriend of Haw… Mihawk, I mean."
"Silence please!" An imperious voice was heard.
Zoro, and luckily the woman next to him as well, looked up to the great table in front. At the other end sat an ancient, wizened man with sunglasses and goatbeard.
"This is Rishou Eizen. He is part of the World Government and links it to the Marine Head Quarters. He moderates this meeting. He is one of the most influential politicians in the world and just sitting at a table with him will shoot you up the job ladder." The mayor's wife whispered.
The mayor himself was sitting exactly next to this big boss. On his other side sat Hawk Eyes without his hat, but with a slightly interested facial expression. His sword was leaning against the wall behind him like an observer itself. It was strange for Zoro how important this pirate seemed to be in politics. Not only was he invited, no, his special seat told everyone that he was way more than just a simple pirate.
Also the comment of the mayor seemed to be just a little bit of an underestimation. The representatives of Sasaki looked like they were part of the high influential society. To the left of the old politicians was young man, maybe Zoro's age, wearing a fish bowl. He looked quite arrogant with his brown pompadour, build up in a crocket tower.
"And what about that guy to his right?" He asked silently the woman next tom him. She starred in him in shock.
"That guy?!"
She pulled his ear to her mouth and whispered so low that he could almost not hear a word.
"That's Sankt Hazel. A world noble! He always takes part at the annual meeting, even though he is deaf, but I have not told you this!"
Energetic she kept on pulling his ear. "Do not ever look him in the eye. He does not care about the contents of this assembly. This is not more than an act about his greatness. He participates just for the fun of finding a weak human and punishing them. So no matter what he does, stay seated and look down, if you do not wish to become his next slave."
Zoro nodded silently, a little bit surprised or shocked that such a weak wimp was able to put fear in that woman's face.
The old one in the middle raised his voice.
"We shall begin. I welcome you to the annual general meeting of the four island association. But first I would like you to give honor to whom honor is due."
Like on cue all present people got up and bowed deeply in front of the man with the strange diving suit. Zoro hurried up as well, while everybody else was starting to mumble something like a silent prayer. He could even see Hawk Eyes bow his head slightly, just like the mayor and the what-so important politician.
Some people were even kneeling on the ground, pressing their forehead against the cold stone. After some minutes the world noble nodded and gave them a dismissive wave. Finally all of them were getting up again and sitting down.
Sunglasses cleared his throat.
"Thank you for your presence, my lord!"
Fishbowl did not react at all.
"Additionally I would like to welcome another guest: Dracule Mihawk, son of Dracule Gat and one of the seven Shichibukais."
Polite applause was given as the welcomed one bowed his head shortly in gratitude.
"For the first time in 25 years a descendant of Dracule Yakumos honors our society with his presence. Dracule Yakumos, who populated our islands and founded our association."
The applause was getting a little bit warmer, before the moderator silenced it.
"Very well then, after the formality it is best for us to continue with the next point of the agenda. The topic fishing was already part of our last meeting, because the statistics show a drastically decrease. Mr. Ginkaku, please be so kind to offer us more information."
A bald man with a long beard got up and started talking, but Zoro's attention was long gone.
He did expect something important, something big, after the Shichibukai, the housekeeper and everybody else here behaved like it was a matter of death or life. He did expect world-shaking political decisions after he saw this all-so important politician and this guy with the fishbowl.
But what were they talking about? Fishing.
His thoughts dazed off.