Hello everyone,
today we'll see who surprised our beloved Mihawk^^
Mizuki hikari: Well at least for the moment, yes. Zoro is capable of using three swords due to his enormous strength (I mean look only at his teeth and jar, amazing!), but as a woman he is much weaker. Blocking with one sword will be already hard enough but only with one hand he misses the force as well in attacking. So as you see, this transformation is more than a simple joke on his body to annoy him;-P
Anana16: Yeah, it will take some time before we will see the others again, let me check... oh no, I'm wrong, we'll see them again soon, but I'm not sure Zoro will though :-P I can promise you it isn't his sister, nor his mum, they're dead, but you're not that off...
Thank you and Candyqueen-sama (I'm very grateful for your praise) so much for your comments and all those others favoring and following.
Enjoy!
Sharry
Chapter 17 – Invitation
-Mihawk-
"What are you doing here?"
Unbelieving he stared at the unwelcomed guest, almost unable to breathe.
The navy man took of his heavy boots, the white coat still gracing his proud shoulders.
"Mihawk." The other man greeted him in a friendly manner and stood up, throwing his long, dark blue pony tail ober his shoulder with a small grin. "This is no way to greet your brother."
He hated this voice, he hated this man.
With folded arms he looked down at this part of his memories, gratefully that time had made him grown up and a little bit taller than the other one was. Only few silver strands were witnesses of the newcomer's age.
"Nataku, we are not related." He replied cold. "You are neither part of my family nor son of this house. So tell me what do you want here?"
"Oh my, what a rude salutation. And I always believed we were brothers nevertheless."
He did not fall for that trap.
"I have nothing to discuss with you, so please leave my house and stop stealing my time."
Nataku grinned on, folding his arms as well, caressing his sword with his left hand almost unnoticed, but surely not for one like him.
"Jiroushin would never greet me like that. Has he told you that we train sometimes together? He has become quite good, but I wish he would not favor the rapier. A waste of his talent, don't you agree?"
His unwelcomed guest talked with him like they were old friends.
"Nataku. I have no time for small-talk with you. Please you either tell me the reason of your visit or you may go the way back you just came."
"I understand." The other one answered and raised both hand to calm him down, it did not work. "Now that you finally have a sweet girlfriend you want to spend your precious time with her. Understood."
"So this is your true motive: my guest. My father ordered you, am I right? I have not talked with any of you for the last twenty years and now, just because of some brainless articles, you show up? Turn around and leave." He turned around himself. "I have nothing to talk with you about. Have a nice day!"
"Mihawk, please wait." The other one followed him. They stopped at the stairs. "It's not only because of that girl."
With a sigh he turned around.
"Your last chance, what do you want?"
"I am here, because you did not attend to your appointment at Suzuno yesterday?"
The black haired one snorted.
"I did not attend to my appointment? I was there the day before yesterday, at the right time. It is not my problem that the all so high and mighty marines missed the original one."
"Well, it is as it is, therefore I was sent here."
"Why you and not Jiroushin? He works there, unlike you."
"It was Gat's advice. He asked me to confirm, that this Lady Loreen is not after you because of your name."
A scary laughter filled the old mansion.
"My father out of all people? But to put this clear. Even though it's none of yours or father's business, I can assure you that my guest is neither after my name nor the family's fortune, understood? And now I would like to hear of the official reason for your presence."
For seconds they were just starring at each other.
"Maybe we should leave the…"
"Talk now or I will throw you out with my bare hands."
Silver eyes widened with surprise.
"I am amazed. I never thought of you as someone short-tempered, Mihawk."
The younger one was already opening his mouth but the marine continued talking. "Okay okay. We talk here. As you know…"
"Homura?"
Mihawk rushed around, his heart missing a beat. In the shadow of the stairs his tomboy stood. The green eyes wide in shock, one hand holding the sword of his late sister, the other one suddenly clinching the shirt at his side, the mouth open in awe and pure panic written all over that face, which still looked innocently pure, despite the flawing cut at the cheek.
Nataku seemed surprised as well.
"Josei." The marine whispered unbelieving, fixing his view upon the sword in the girl's hand.
So much for it.
To his left, his detested almost brother-in-law, who blamed him for his sister's death.
To his right, the cursed pirate he took in and whom he gave his sister's sword.
Only one of those unlike swordsmen knew that they had fought some uneven fight already, ending for the weaker one in dying. He could see exactly those thoughts running behind those eyes of the stubborn child.
"You gave her Sharak's sword?" It was an obvious question, emotionless, needless of an answer. "So I assume you are one of the promising talents in the art of the sword, Lady Loreen?" The marine turned directly to the youngest one.
But Roronoa did not answer. Shocked he stared at the other one, unable to react. The Shichibukai needed to act quickly. If Nataku found out, who that girl was in reality, it would end within a fight for certain. A fight the pirate had already lost before. A fight he could not interfere in, without giving up his title as Shichibukai. A fight he was not allowed to interfere in. A fight he had to prevent by any means.
"You should know the answer." He answered harshly walking in front of the cursed pirate. With both hands he grabbed those delicate shoulders, hoping to grab the youngster's attention as well.
"We agreed on you repeating yesterday's exercises. Go back training, I will follow soon."
Slowly those green eyes met him and finally his disciple nodded. He breathed a sigh of relief.
"One moment please. I am here for both of you."
He choked on his own breath.
Hiding his student behind his back he turned towards the intruder.
"Why? What would someone like you want from my guest?"
Those words sounded more like a thread, than he wanted them to, but the other could not know about the real reasons, and it was not like he cared.
"Very well. Making it short." Nataku raised his hands for another time, but his gaze was stuck at the known sword in the girl's hand.
"Your father's health is still unstable, as you might know. For that reason he cannot travel the far distance from G-2 to the Sabaody Archipelago. Therefore I shall give you this invitation." Out of his white coat the marine pulled a white envelope with blue writing. "Of course you already know how important it is for you family's name and this island's safety that a Dracule attends this event without me telling you. Actually it would not harm your title as a Shichibukai as well."
Mihawk's eyes widened, gazing at the envelope and noting the hidden warning in those words. But Nataku continued talking, ignoring the anger and slight panic rising unseen within the landlord.
"Additional I have an invitation for the honorable Lady Loreen."
"Excuse me?" The Shichibukai had a hard time hiding his anger any longer, as the intruder pulled out another envelope. "For what reason?"
"Well as far as I know some high positions in my institution are highly interested in our lovely Lady Loreen after Mr. Eizen met her and of course those high positions want to show off their power over a certain Shichibukai."
"Show off their power?" To Mihawk's surprise it was the girl behind his back, who decided to interrupt. The eyes cold and rational, but one shivering hand still entangled with the shirt, the voice nothing more than a whisper.
"What does that mean?"
Nataku shrugged his shoulders.
"I can only assume that my superiors were not amused about Mihawk missing their meeting. Additional you did not follow their order to visit Mary Joa as soon as possible. The high positions, in fact the five elders, are worried that their role model of a Shichibukai is about to break lose. And they wondered if it is only coincidental that your rebellious actions started around the same time this young Lady showed."
"This event is not meant for my guest!"
"Mihawk, please understand." The elder's voice was surprisingly serious. "The navy loses its trust in you. Everything you've built up, all those good words your father put in for you and Jiroushin, everything will lose its value because of that girl."
Mihawk felt the threat behind those worlds. Justice was claiming him now, not because of some imminent danger, but simply to demonstrate its power.
"My guest will not accept this invitation." The woman behind him breathed sharply, but the intruder sighed louder.
"I already expected you to say this, but not only me. In case of this answer the Gorosei gave me the following message for you: If you or Lady Loreen should not attend the upcoming event, your title as a Shichibukai will be disallowed and the protective effect of you name will be denied."
Now the implied thread was vocalized.
Mihawk could almost feel how those chains tore him apart.
There was no option left for him, he had to accept, so why was he hesitating? Why was he seriously thinking about giving up his title? He did not want to be controlled, he did not want to give anybody this power. At that time he had had no choice, he had had to protect them, his crew, Jirou, Kanan. But right now it felt like he had met freedom again. What if he would give up his title? What if he would be free? Would it really be…?
"Thank you very much for those invitations, Mr. Homura. Please send your superior my regards and tell them that I feel honored to be invited."
A small shadow had passed him and bowed deeply in front of the intruder.
-Zoro-
His heart was racing. His head was empty, his hands were shaking.
Everything he saw were his own naked feet. All he heard was his own harsh breath. A lonely blood drop fell down from his cheek and clashed against the cold ground.
A voice from the back of his mind screamed at him, how he could dare to bow in front of such a man, how he could dare to trespass his pride and honor.
But this voice was almost whispering compared to the fear raging within him. He knew exactly how strong the other one was and how few it would need to be killed by him. But it was not the man in front of him frightening him like this, but the man in his back. Zoro was afraid Hawk Eyes would lose his temper, he was afraid Hawk Eyes was about to do something more stupid than even Luffy would do and he was afraid it would be because of him.
He had to survive. He had to do anything he could to return to his crew. A dispute with the five Gorosei themselves was something he could not afford! He needed to calm this situation quickly, he needed to act.
But he only saw this dark floor and only heard his own blood rushing through his body.
Then somebody grabbed him from behind, but it was Homura who raised his voice.
"It appears Mihawk, your young friend is more aware what this is all about, than you are. Thank you, Lady Loreen, and I look forward to meet you again."
"Nataku, wait!" The Shichibukai gnarled behind Zoro's back. "Do not simply run away."
"Few minutes ago you wanted me to leave and now you want me to stay? Decide what you want. Do you want to be a Shichibukai or not?" At first the marine sounded light-heartedly but the last question was suddenly cold and serious.
Hawk Eyes pushed him aside, but Zoro grabbed his forearm, while Homura walked to the front door, holding the invitations up.
"Mihawk and I will accept those invitations, please tell this your superiors."
Suddenly yellow eyes starred at him wildly, but he did not let the other one go.
"Roron…"
"What a wise decision, Lady Loreen. I will take my leave now." The two envelopes fell down to the ground as the marine reached the front door.
"Nataku!" The Shichibukai murmured and followed the older one, ignoring Zoro's hand, which showed him again how weak he was. "This is my decision, neither yours nor the one of my guest."
Silver eyes met the Shichibukai's view in a serious way for a second, but then the stranger bent down to put his boots back on.
"Mihawk. With all good faith. Lady Loreen is right. To deny such invitation is not an option for you and neither it is for your guest. Accept it, you committed yourself to the navy to receive some advantages, so now bear with the consequences." For a moment Zoro could feel this silver gaze upon him. He could feel those eyes regarding every part of his body, from his scratched hand to his hurt cheek, before looking back at the Shichibukai. "Furthermore let me give you another advice. Such a beautiful girl has to be treated with respect, she should never be signed with injuries like that. If you are not carefully enough, this rose might bloom in another one's garden." He grinned evil. "See ya." And left.
The next moment Zoro was grabbed almost hurting by two large hands and unexpectedly close was the Shichibukai's face, while he tried to understand what the stranger had just said.
"What do you think, you arrogant no-good?! Do you have the slightest idea of what you just did?!"
Hawk Eyes yelled at him, shaking him harshly, making him almost lose the ground under his feet. He hated this weakness of him. But he met those angered eyes calm.
"Who isn't thinking now? You heard what he said. Risking your title just because of some stupid invitation. Sounds like the most dishonorable and ridiculous way to lose it in my ears. We've already been on that assembly, what's about another wasted evening. Can't be worse than the dinner with the major."
But the Shichibukai seemed truly angered.
"And what made you feel entitled to decide something like this for me, you good-for-nothing disciple?"
"For a pirate you're not really good in cursing, you know?"
"Roronoa, this here is serious!"
The older one's hands clutched his shoulders so fierce he could almost feel the blood squeezed away, making it difficult to hold on to his new sword.
"Don't make such a fuss. It's nothing more than some marine assembly, been there done that. Do you really want to risk your title because of that? If you like it or not, Homura is damn right. You got a contract with the navy. And why do you…" He paused while his mind ran on. "Was Homura right? Because of me?"
He tried to understand those words, he barely heard. Why should the Shichibukai neglect his duties because of him?
For half an eternity the other one starred at him, his grip still strong enough to easily break his bones. Finally the older one started to breathe again and let him go.
"Stop being ridiculous, Roronoa. This is barely about you. You are simply less of boredom than all those fossil public servants. I am a Dracule, I will not dance to someone else's tune and the Gorosei should never dare to think that way."
Zoro was almost unable to hear him. The blood rushed loudly through his arms, shivering his hands. His heart beat loudly in his ears.
"But that's not what it's about." The older one gnarled and grabbed him just as harsh as he did before at his shoulders, which hurt even more than before. Rattling the sword fell down.
"Do you have any idea, what you did?"
"Of course not!" Zoro answered louder now. "How should I? You're only yelling at me, without saying a damn thing. And now let go of me before you rip my arms off!"
Just now the other one seemed to realize what he was doing. Hastily he let go of him.
"I'm… I apologize." Mihawk stammered in an unusual way for his usual eloquent behavior, but Zoro did not care at all.
"Yeah yeah, leave it at that." He mumbled and picked up his sword, his fingers still shivering. How should he survive a serious fight in this fragile body?
"Just tell me why you're overreacting like this. Kanan wasn't wrong when she told me you're not found of this guy."
He could feel the other one's view, while the other one was caught in thoughts. Obviously the Shichibukai was stuck in his own world. Zoro sighed silently and pushed his way past the tall man to reach the white envelopes.
"Where is Kanan by the way?" He asked himself loudly.
He turned around and almost run against the other one's chest, who had followed him soundless.
"You might be right." The older one admitted, looking down at him.
"Oh, come again? I'm not sure I understood you." Zoro could not hinder his grin, while the black haired one rolled his eyes.
"As you said, things are the way they are. The Five Elders did not really give us any choice."
"Finally you got it."
"For once it would be kind of you to remain silent and listen to me."
It would be too easy to reply but Zoro bit his lip for a small grin.
"We have to stay rational and make the best out of this situation. I assume you can dance."
Surprised he choked on his grin.
"What?"
Now Hawk Eyes looked at him dismissive. It was a little bit shocking how the older one could return to be the almighty, heartless Shichibukai, while almost breaking his shoulders only seconds ago.
"Well, it was you who accepted this invitation and because you bragged so much about your good education I assumed you were capable to apply to the strict Etiquette rules of a ball, involving all standard dances."
It felt like he needed more than an hour to understand what the other man said.
"A ball?" He asked struck in horror. The older one nodded.
"Exactly the Annual Navy Ball. The greatest spectacle the world stage has to offer. Everybody of great distinction, or imagines to be, tries to be invited. World aristocrats, politicians, important royal or noble families, just as well as delegates or representatives of the navy, are making a fool of themselves. Celebrities and those who want to be believe this one night could change their lives. Of course only the most expensive and exclusive gowns are good enough and who cares about one or two shady deals with some little flaws made that night? After all it is a festive for nobleman."
Zoro swallowed, this idea was enough to make him feel ill. "Maybe we can throw a sickie?"
The Shichibukai bent down to him so close, Zoro would be able to bite in his beardy chin, if he dared to.
"You should have thought about your doubts before, Roronoa. As soon as accepted, the only appropriate excuse to deny would be death. The world nobles would let you be executed, if you miss the ball."
Zoro tried to laugh. "You're joking, right? Just because of some stupid ball? They don't even know our names."
Mihawk sighed.
"Well mine they know for sure, but you do not understand. This event is more important for the world nobles than any war council, and their word is law in this world. Not everyone can ignore authority like a pirate."
He had no idea what to reply.
"Okay, so I can't dance." He said finally.
"I expected that much." The other one nodded and leaned back again.
"But that's all what this is about? So what? Some annoying ball, don't get your knickers in a twist. We survived that assembly without too much trouble so no worries, okay?"
Hawk Eyes turned away.
"Oh, yes sure. No problem at all. Attending the navy's ball with hundreds of soldiers and admirals, with the probably most hated but cursed pirate, who would get killed if they found out who you are. Not even talking about all the people, who already know you. Hakkai, Garp, Aokiji. All of them would rip you apart if they noticed that you are Roronoa Zoro."
The other one got a point there, Zoro had to admit it, but he wondered how the other one knew all of this.
"And even if we leave aside the small issue that nobody should question the character Lady Loreen, who does not even have a family name, we still have a long evening with strict Etiquette to survive. After all it does not only offer entertainment for world nobles. One wrong dancing partner could lead to grave consequences."
Those consequences seemed to be the real problems here.
"What do you mean by that?" He followed the older one into the kitchen, where the older one sat down, sighing loudly.
"Sit down, Roronoa. We have a lot to talk about, but first let me read that invitation. Maybe you go and get Kanan, she might be of help and she will be mad if we won't tell her."
Shortly afterwards all three residents of the mansion sat in the kitchen and Kanan prepared some tea. She seemed to be the only one who was happily excited over this ball. With sharp fingers she stole Zoro's invitation and read it, before putting the blue card back into its envelope and hiding it in her skirt.
The cursed girl was sitting on a chair, holding onto a hot cup of tea.
"So what's the thing with this ball?"
The Shichibukai sat at the other side of the table, reading his own invitation.
"The origin of this ball goes back longer than history can tell. All we know is that at those times, the world nobles were endangered by diseases and plagues, to secure their existence they searched for appropriate breeding material. The world aristocrats invited all worthy women they could find and took those they wanted as brides."
The green eyes grew large. "No?"
"Calm down. Like I said, this origin lays back hundreds of years. Of course everything developed a lot."
The girl exhaled relieved.
"Well, there is still a high possibility to be engaged at the end of the evening." Kanan replied, taking a sip of her tea. "I have to go now. There is so much to organize and I have to call my sister immediately. You should already start with the dance lessons, Sire. There is so much to learn."
Both swordsmen looked at each other.
"She's joking, isn't she?"
"No, not at all. But you were so desperate to accept those invitations."