Disclaimer: Godzilla and One Piece are owned by Toho Co. LTD and Eiichiro Oda respectively. KP360 claims no ownership of anything save for any OCs, abilities, and locations.

So last chapter was pretty boring. I'll try to make it up with this one. Enjoy:

"How did I get myself into this again?" Gian moaned as he finished scrubbing another plate. He's never worked in the restaurant business, and he honestly hoped he never will. Now, thanks to a certain idiot captain, he had to help out.

"You talked back to the head chef." Luffy responded.

"THAT'S NOT THE POINT!" Gian wept. It was really hard work; why does this restaurant have so many people eating at once?!

"Well, if it helps Luffy pay off his damages, then I guess it's worth it."

"Damn, this is hard! Now I know how Coby feels…" Luffy sighed.

"I'm still mad at you."

"Waaah, Gian is so mean!"

"Hey you two hurry it up!" a chef named Carne shouted at them. The two sighed and continued their work.

"We're still getting our chef right?" Gian reminded him

"Don't worry Gian, I haven't forgotten. I'll get him to join us in no time!" Luffy promised him.

Much later:

"Gian's log: Luffy still hasn't made any progress in convincing that cook. How stubborn can culinary people be?! The crew is getting impatient, tension is growing. I don't think mutiny might occur but nobody wants to stay here any longer. Must leave… Must leave…" Gian muttered while rocking back and forth.

"He's losing it." Zoro commented.

"Hey Luffy! Can you hurry it up?" Usopp called.

"I'm almost there! I'm sure he'll open up soon!" Luffy answered back.

It's been 4 days since they arrived at the restaurant, and in this time Luffy had made countless attempts to approach the sous-chef of the Baratie to come with them. However, Sanji was having none of it and shot him down everytime. Even Gian pitched in at times and still no dice.

"I don't see why we have to leave so soon, we get good service!" Nami said; Sanji had taken quite a liking to her and she had been using it to her full advantage.

"That's only you!" Zoro snapped "Beside Gian's going to go crazy helping Luffy pay off the roof."

"Hehehe! Noooo! I am more aware than all of youuu! They call me the crazy one, when they're just the same! All of us, cogs in a system! Whatever shall we dooo?" said youth called out from the sides.

"…yeah… I guess…"

The atmosphere was suddenly punctured by gasps of fear, followed by screams. Even the chefs were beginning to feel uneasy. The source of their terror was a large purple ship sailing towards the restaurant. It had a figurehead of what appears to be a tiger. Shrouded by the mist, it was truly a terrifying sight.

"I-I-It's here! Don Krieg's Ship!"

"MORE CUSTOMERS I WILL- oh, this is something new." Gian's demeanor returned to normal as he too saw what's coming.

"HE'S CURED JUST LIKE THAT?!" Usopp facefaulted.

"Wow that ship is huge! Do you think Gin is coming to pay you back?" Luffy asked Sanji.

"I doubt it… but I have a bad feeling about this."

"Did they run the thing through a mountain or something? It's totaled!" Gian remarked. Sure enough, the massive ship had sustained heavy damage, with much of its hull seemingly torn to pieces.

"What's weird is that it doesn't look like it's been attacked by guns or cannon fire, parts of the ship look like it had been cut apart, by maybe a sword or a large blade." Sanji added.

"What kind of sword can do that much damage to a ship? Better question is what kind of person is wielding that sword? There's only one person that could do something like this, but he shouldn't have any reason to be around here! Wait… didn't Johnny and Yosaku say something about this? It can't possibly be true, can it?" Gian thought.

His thoughts were interrupted when the door barged open. In walked Gin looking not much different than before. The purple haired man with him however, stood at least a foot higher. He was wearing what looks like a fur coat. Gin was supporting him with his shoulders.

"Please… Give me something to eat! If its money you want then I have plenty of that!" the large man called out weakly "I haven't eaten in a long time!"

"What's with him?" Carne whispered.

"Is this really Don Kreig…?" Patty muttered

"Please! My captain hasn't eaten for days!" Gin gasped as Krieg dropped to the floor "If he doesn't eat anything else he could die! We have money this time!"

"This is too perfect! Don Krieg, left at the mercy of hunger! Someone call the marines! They'd never pass up this chance!" Patty chortled. Other customers in the restaurant voiced similar concerns, calling that he should not be fed.

"Please… I promise… I won't do anything! Even if you offer me garbage I would eat it!" the pirate begged again. His forehead slammed to the floor.

"Don Krieg! You should not bow your head like this!" Turning back to the chefs Gin shouted "We have money this time! Are we not customers?!"

"Tch! I'm not that sympathetic, don't even- hey! Sanji what the hell are you doing?!"

"Here, give this to him." Said cook placed a plate of food and a bottle of wine in front of Gin, who immediately offered it to his captain.

"YOU IDIOT! DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'VE DONE?!"

"I actually have to agree with the others here, Gin I'm not sure about but Don Krieg is someone who would stop at nothing to make sure he wins." Gian warned him as well.

"So he's a snake then?" Luffy asked.

"A viper to be precise. Some of his known strategies include attacking cities while disguising his ship as a marine ship, as well as pretending to surrender only to have a trap set up. They're effective but cowardly." Many people in the restaurant agreed with this statement.

Indeed, what they feared the most seemed to be coming true, for the minute Don Krieg finished his meal he reared up and slammed his fist into Sanji, sending him into the wall of the restaurant and eliciting a cry of fear from everyone, including his own crewmate.

"D-Don Krieg… this isn't what you said you would do! You promised me you wouldn't hurt these people! That's why I brought you here!" Gin protested. Before he could say anything else he let out a cry of pain as the larger pirate grabbed his arm and began squeezing.

"I feel reenergized! This is a great restaurant… I think I'll take it!"

"Bastard… so that's his plan…" Sanji hissed.

"As I suspected… you can't expect a snake to show any gratitude…" Gian glowered.

"My ship is ruined, I want a new one. I also have 100 men on that ship who are starving. Prepare food and water for all of them and deliver it to us at once."

"Don! That's not what you-" Gin tried to intervene again but was shot down by a glare.

"Who do you think you are?! There's no way we'd do that!" the cooks of the Baratie announced unanimously.

"Is that so? Then I guess I didn't make it clear enough. I'm not ordering food: I'm demanding it. And NOBODY EVERY DISOBEYS ME!"

"Sanji-san… I'm so sorry, this wasn't supposed to happen…" Gin whispered with genuine regret.

Sanji said nothing, only began walking towards the kitchen.

"And where do you think you're going?" Patty warned.

"Where else? To the kitchen to prepare food for 100 people."

"What?! Are you out of your mind?!" Carne shouted. Immediately a group of cooks blocked the way to the kitchen.

"We'll never let you in the kitchen!" the cooks shouted as they brandished their weapons, which happened to be oversized kitchen utensils themselves.

"Do it then, I don't care. It doesn't matter that he's a bully, if there are people that are hungry then I cook for them, isn't that what we're supposed to do as cooks?" Sanji responded while spreading his arms.

Patty sighed; he knew this was bound to happen. Striding over he slammed his arm into his colleague and knocked him aside.

"Get him out of here, we'll handle it here. Sorry Sanji, but all I care about right now is protecting this restaurant."

Turning to the Don, Patty then pulled out a lobster shaped bazooka. "Did you enjoy your meal Krieg? Then have some dessert! Shokutari Meatball!"

The weapon then shot out a cannonball, it struck the large pirate and exploded, shrouding the impact zone in smoke.

"You did it Patty!" Everyone cheered.

"Heh, for the most feared pirate in East Blue he's really a pushover!"

"Is that so, stupid cook?" the dreadful voice shouted.

The smoke cleared to reveal Don Krieg completely unscathed. His previous fur coat has been discarded; underneath it had been a suit of golden armor.

"Given such awful dessert… IS THIS HOW YOU TREAT CUSTOMERS HERE?!" with a pop, multiple firearms revealed themselves to be hiding under the armor. Don Krieg then fired all of them simultaneously, but before any of them could hit Luffy managed to jump in front of the cooks and deflect the bullets with his Gomu-Gomu no Fusen,

"Know that my Wootz steel armor is completely indestructible! This is one of the reasons why I'm the strongest man in the world! With my diamond punch and my 5000 men, I've never lost a battle!"

"Luffy… we might have to do something here…" Gian muttered. But before anything could be done…

"Here! Take it and leave!" a voice brought everyone's attention. Zeff threw a bag full of food in front of the Don.

"Owner Zeff! What are you doing?! If they get their strength back who knows what they might do!" everyone shouted.

"I guess that's where Sanji got his philosophy from…" Gian mumbled.

"Zeff, is it?" Even Don Krieg was rather surprised.

"Well, they need to have the guts first, isn't that right, Mr. Couldn't-Get-Through-The-Grand-Line?" Zeff sneered

"Wh-what? Even Don Krieg with his 50 ships couldn't get through?" Carne gasped.

"Why are you all so surprised? The Grand Line isn't a place where you can just waltz in and expect to be fine you know?" Gian chided.

"So, you're alive after all… 'Red Leg' Zeff, former captain of the Cook Pirates! Back in the day it's said that you could kick an enemy so hard that your shoes would be stained with their blood, thus giving you your title. Gone away and become a chef now, haven't you? Quite a shame of you losing that leg!" Krieg regained his composure.

"I don't exactly need legs to cook, and there's no need to fight nowadays" Zeff glanced at his peg.

"You have a logbook of the Grand Line, I want it!" Krieg demanded.

"You been to the Grand Line too, old man?" Luffy asked.

"I did, and I think there was a journal of it, but I'm not giving it to him."

"Yay! Fellow journal writer!" Gian cheered and asked for a high five, but received none.

"I WILL have it! I require it to know about the Grand Line and find the One Piece! Then I will become Pirate King!" Krieg roared.

"Hey! The one who will be Pirate King is me!" Luffy naturally shouted.

"Do we really need a dick-comparing contest here?" Gian chuckled, then directed his glare at the Don "But what makes you think you could just use other people to make up for your failure? If you really are worth your salt then you would've made preparations months before going to the Grand Line, but instead your ignorance has nearly costed you your life." The cooks tried to calm them down, but to no avail.

"Do you think this is a joke?" Don Krieg growled "Even if there was a lack of information, my fleet of 5000 people only lasted 7 days! What makes you think a punk like you two can do anything?"

"Krieg's fleet only lasted 7 days?!" the cooks were all shocked.

"Wow… Sadako must've did a number on them…" Gian scoffed.

"…what?"

"Never mind, but you see how it is, an arrogant fool like him who doesn't take anything into consideration can't last in the World's Most Dangerous Sea."

"You two are getting on my nerves…" Krieg snarled as guns popped out of his armor again. Before he could do anything he noticed Zoro unsheathing one of his swords. Also Usopp was trying to hide himself.

"You two starting things without us?" the swordsman grinned.

"Can't help it, I've been scrubbing plates for 4 days I need to vent." Gian smiled and his eyes turned amber.

"D-Do we really have to fight?" Usopp fearfully whispered.

"You don't have to, I do." Gian grinned. Being cooped up in that kitchen means that the next person who pissed him off is really going to get it. "By the way, where did Nami disappear off to?"

"She said she went back to help Johnny and Yosaku guard the ship." Usopp answered.

"Oh… that sounds fair." Gian nodded, but inside he couldn't help but think something bad is going to happen.

"You only have that many men with you?" Krieg sneered.

"Nope! There's two more!" Luffy shouted.

"Hey, why are you counting me in?!" Sanji snapped from the side.

"Why are you still going on about this?! You're in the crew, end of story." Gian reminded him.

"No, I'm not!"

Krieg sized them up for a few more seconds, before turning away with the bag of food. "I'll deal with you lot later, first I need to feed my men. If you don't want to die, I suggest you get out of here."

It was silent for a bit after Krieg left, until Gin broke the silence.

"Sanji-san… I'm so sorry… I really didn't mean for any of this to happen…"

"I don't need an apology from the likes of you!" Zeff snapped "we are cooks, and we feed anyone that comes here."

"Owner Zeff! Why are you siding with Sanji? It's this fault this happened!" the rest of the cooks all protested.

"Shut up you lousy eggplants! None of you know the feeling of starvation! Sanji does! He knows this better than any of you!" the head chef shot back.

"Gin… feeding the hungry is what we do." Sanji said to him, before slamming his foot down on the table beside him "But just in case you were wondering, if any of your crewmembers do anything to this restaurant, I'll show them hell. Got it?"

"See? He's amazing isn't he?" Luffy complimented to his crew before turning to Gin. "You said you guys have been to the Grand Line, what was it like?

Gin froze when he was asked this question. "It was terrifying… I didn't even know if it was a dream or not… just one man… he cut down all 50 of our ships! This drew a horrified reaction from nearly everyone at the scene with the exception of a few. Zoro and Gian had a surprised look on their faces, as did Luffy.

"We didn't even expect it… he just sank our ships one by one… if a storm hadn't come along even our flagship would've been destroyed… I can still remember his piercing eyes… Those are the eyes of a hawk!"

"What did you say?!" Zoro suddenly shouted, surprising the people around him but before he could ask anything, Gian slammed his fist on the table.

"You know… I had a shred of sympathy for you and your crew before… I thought that you'd just been ill prepared for a journey like this. I had no idea you guys had your heads stuck so far up your ass!"

"W-what? How could you say that?!" Gin croaked out.

"You heard me! You really think you have it all, don't you? Just because you made it into the Grand Line you all think you're so strong that you had to go and pick a fight with a Shichibukai?! DO YOU ALL HAVE A DEATH WISH?!" Gian shouted. The cooks in the restaurant had to calm him down.

"WE DIDN'T PICK A FIGHT WITH HIM! DIDN'T YOU HEAR ME? HE JUST CAME OUT OF NOWHERE AND DECIMATED US!" Gin shot back, the memories of the destruction flooding back.

"Heh, maybe you pissed him off by disturbing him from a nap." Zeff suggested.

"That's bullshit! Who would destroy an entire fleet of ship over something as trivial as that?!" Gin screamed.

"I was just making an assumption, don't overreact."

"Actually that's pretty probable. A man like 'Hawk Eyes' Dracule Mihawk is unpredictable like that. Truthfully I'm surprised he didn't just cut down 5 ships in a row. From what I heard he's perfectly capable of doing that. As one of the Royal 7, you don't compromise with someone like him." Gian scoffed.

"You know a lot more then you let on kid." Zeff glanced at him "Do you know him personally?" this led the rest of his crew to look at him with surprised eyes, especially Roronoa Zoro.

"I wouldn't say personal, but I did meet him once. He didn't do anything, but one glance could tell you that a man like him is not to be trifled with."

Flashback:

"Just two more days on this ship…" 15 year old Gian sat with Triton as they gazed out at the ocean. It was nighttime right now and dinner had been served. Now everyone was below deck doing their own thing with the exception of these two.

"Gonna miss me?" Triton smirked. The little boy nodded slightly. He's excited, but he doesn't want to have to leave his new friends behind!

"Don't' worry, from now on your strong enough. No one would ever dare come at you again!" it was true, Triton has been an absolute drill sergeant towards their young charge, making sure he knew how to defend himself. Gian is already feeling some of the effects of their training, his muscles had become denser and he had more stamina. "So don't you-"Triton broke off mid-sentence.

"We have company." Triton's sensing ability, thanks to his Titan-Titan no mi, with combination with his Kenbushoku haki allowed him to detect movement from almost 8 miles away.

"Are we under attack?" Gian asked with concern. Being on the ship of a Yonko had its perks; almost no one would be dumb enough to attack one of the four Emperors. Some however, are way too overconfident for their own good, and cases like these are easily dealt with.

"No… but you wouldn't exactly want to piss this person off either." Before anything else could be done, the two heard a thump on the ship's deck, followed by footsteps.

"You haven't visited in a long time, 'Hawk Eyes'." Triton greeted. "Was starting to think you didn't like me anymore.

"I did not know you were so privy to other people's attention, 'Ocean Tempest' Triton." the voice was revealed to be a tall, chiseled looking man with an open black coat and a large hat. The man looked around his early 30s, with straight black hair and neatly trimmed facial hair. Across his back was gigantic ornate cross, and as he stepped closer Gian saw that it was a sword. The man's facial expression was stern, and his yellow, hawk-like eyes felt as if they could pierce a man on its own. "Where is 'Red Hair'?"

"Oh you know, he's taking a break, lying on his bed-"

"Hungover? I suspected as much. Fetch him." The man said curtly. He then noticed Gian peering at him with curiosity and anxiety "I didn't expect you guys to be doing child care."

"Geez, not even a 'nice to see you too?'" Triton huffed "He's travelling with us for now, we're taking him to meet up with some connections. Don't ask to many questions." With that he went below deck to fetch his captain.

With just Gian and the swordsman on the deck of the Red Force, it had gone awfully quiet. Gian was mentally urging himself to ask him a few things, but the man's intimidating aura made it rather difficult. Finally Gian went and broke the silence.

"Um… Are you… Are you Dracule Mihawk?"

"Hmm? Why do you ask?"

"This is the Red Force, Ship of Red Haired Shank and the vessel of one of the Yonko. There wouldn't be visitors normally. The rest of the crew told me of a swordsman who once sought out Shanks-san many times for duels. I've heard the tales, and seeing you today makes it all add up. You have to be Dracule Mihawk, one of the Oka Shichibukai and the World's Greatest Swordsman"

"Seems like my reputation have gotten within the ears of even children. But yes, you assume correctly. That is my name. I do not know what else the rest of 'Red Hair's crew told you about me but you shouldn't pay too much mind to it."

"It's fascinating, to think that the World's Strongest Swordsman would be friends with one of the Yonko."

"Hmph, rather naïve of you to think that. Friendships do not come easy upon these seas. I'd expect you to know better than anyone else." This comment made Gian freeze.

"H-how did-?"

"It was a guess, though to any observant person it's rather obvious. Your eyes have a kind of fire to them, a fire of determination that will to survive no matter what, even in the face of great loss. I've seen it many times myself in the eyes of those who I've dueled."

"…I understand." Gian concluded that he really didn't like this guy; he was way too observant, and the lax way he talked about those things just unnerved him even more!

The next few minutes were rather uneventful; Mihawk was not the most talkative person in the world, and whenever Gian tried to ask him something he just replied it with short statements, not giving any room for further conversation. Eventually, Shanks managed to stumble on board.

"Hawkyyyy! Good to see you again!" Shanks drunkenly blubbered.

"And the man of the hour arrives…" Mihawk let out a sigh "Well, I will be off then, it was nice meeting you kid, and I hope we meet again." The swordsman then descended the stairs to discuss whatever he came here for.

"Yeah… nice to meet you too…" Gian mumbled. Shanks-san really had a… interesting choice of friends.

Flashback end.

"Wow… I didn't expect Shanks to be friends with him" Luffy said.

"Yeah… friend is way too much of a stretch. To be fair, I don't even know 'Hawk Eyes' has any friends." Turning to Gin, Gian's expression turned serious again.

"So now do you know just how lucky you people are? I apologize for losing my temper earlier, but the idea of someone just throwing their life away because they think they're all that just doesn't sit well with me. Your captain is one of those people; he messed up and refused to even acknowledge that he screwed up." Gin was at a loss for words.

"Zoro seems to know him too." Luffy pointed out.

"He's the man I set out to find." Zoro replied "I never expected you two to have some sort of history."

"I wouldn't call chatting history."

"If he's in the Grand Line, then I can definitely meet him there!" Zoro grew determined.

"Zoro… You can die." Gian said seriously. It wasn't a plea or even a voice of concern; just a simple statement.

"I am well aware of that. I threw my life away the minute I decided I will become the World's Greatest Swordsman."

"Good, just wondering."

"This is so exciting! The Grand Line is more exciting than I thought!" Luffy cheered.

"Are you guys all morons?! You're all that eager to die!" Sanji snapped "And you! You were so keen on telling Gin that his captain should've been more careful yet now you're encouraging your crewmate to do the opposite?" he directed this part at Gian.

"Actually, there's a clear difference. Unlike Krieg, Luffy and Zoro know exactly what they're getting into. They never once expected this to be easy and are more than aware that they can lose their life, yet they choose to do it because they've made it their dream. Krieg on the other hand think he's untouchable just because he's the most dominant pirate in East Blue, and he ended up paying the price." Gian retorted. Luffy and Zoro both smirked at their nakama, and Usopp nodded respectfully.

"Speaking of boneheaded pirates… our friends here look like they're coming in." Everyone turned to see the remaining Krieg Pirates assembled on the damaged flagship, preparing to attack. The chef's began to grow nervous and shakily raised their weapons. But before they can do anything….

SHHHINGGGG!

Krieg's ship was cut cleanly into two pieces. The impact sent multiple pirates into the water. All the cook's jaws instantly met the floor, even Zeff's. With the Strawhats, Usopp was screaming and Luffy was shocked as well.

"W-what?! How did my ship get sliced in half?!" Don Krieg roared.

"We need to get to our boat!" Luffy shouted. The crew dashed out the restaurant, hoping that the Going Merry is alright. But when they reached the docking area…

"Where did it go?!" Usopp shouted.

Gian then noticed two figures running towards them; it was Johnny and Yosaku, both of them drenched in water.

"We-We're sorry!" the two of them cried.

"What the hell happened?! Where's the ship?" Zoro snapped.

"She-She stole it… Nami-Aneki took the ship with her!"

"WHAT?!" everybody cried out.

"Dammit… this just got a whole lot more complicated…" Gian growled.

Commotion suddenly sounded from the other group. The Strawhats then turned to see the source of their commotion. What, or in this case who, they saw made their eyes widen almost out of their heads.

"That bastard… he tailed us here!" Krieg shouted.

"It's him…" Zoro breathed "To think I'd meet him this soon…"

"To think… he'd come to even East Blue…" Gian whispered. "Shit's about to hit the fan here… but down to business… how did two bounty hunters lose a ship from a girl?!" Gian pointed out.

"We were on the ship together and then she told us she needed to change clothe. We turned around and found ourselves in the water. She mentioned that she only joined you guys because she wanted the treasure, and that she was never a part of your crew!" the two wept.

"Damn it! She took advantage of us!" Zoro yelled.

"That ship was given to us by Kaya!" Usopp screamed.

"Nami… what are you up to…?" Gian balled his hands into fists.

"I think I can still see it! Do you two still have your ship?"

"We do, but why-?"

"Alright! The rest of you go ahead and get our ship back!"

"Hold on! Why are we going after her?" Zoro questioned

"I need my navigator!" Luffy shot back.

The two of them glared at each other for a few seconds, until Zoro finally relented. "Fine! What an annoying captain you are."

"What about you Luffy?" Usopp asked.

"I still have a debt to pay off, I'll do it by beating that Krieg guy up! I also have to get Sanji to come with us!"

"In that case, then I'm staying as well." Gian said out of the blue, shocking everybody.

"In case you forgot, I kinda had to work for this restaurant as well…"

"I thought you hated it here." Luffy mentioned.

"I do, but I also don't break promises. Plus it'll make me feel better wailing on some of Krieg's guys. Something about him isn't sitting well with me."

"Oh, ok!"

"Whatever, it works for me." Zoro nodded.

"Don Krieg! It's the man who sank our fleet!" one of the Krieg pirates screamed.

"He's here to kill us!" another shouted.

Dracule Mihawk sat without a sound in his coffin shaped boat, his icy stare surveying everyone present…

"Why did you attack us?!" Krieg demanded.

Mihawk looked up and addressed the brash pirate with a condescending stare. "To pass time." Was his simple reply.

This answer did not satisfy Don Krieg in the least, he immediately pulled out a pair of pistols and fired wildly at the swordsman. Mihawk said nothing, only used his massive sword and pointed it at the incoming projectiles, deflecting them into the sea and shocking everyone.

"As expected of the World's Greatest Swordsman… to have reflexes faster than the average bullet." Gian gulped. He then noticed Zoro walking forwards towards the man. The pirates around him all recognized the Santoryu user.

"Are you the one that cut the ship in half with that blade?" Zoro asked.

"Of course."

"It's clear now… You are the World's Greatest Swordsman. I've been travelling the seas to find you." Zoro steeled himself.

"Are you now? What is your goal?"

"To be the best!"

Mihawk scoffed. "Fool…"

Zoro then drew his signature sword, Wado Ichimonji "You said you have time? Then let's duel!"

"It is! It really is 'Pirate Hunter' Roronoa Zoro!" the Krieg Pirates all shouted. The chefs of the Baratie were quite surprised as well.

"So it really is coming to this…" Gian sighed.

"Um, guys? The Merry is getting further away from us… we need to leave now!" Usopp reminded them.

"I don't think Zoro will accept any idea of leaving right now."

Meanwhile Mihawk eyed the young swordsman, measuring up his worth. "You really are quite foolish to challenge me, if you really are a fine swordsman, you would see just how far apart we are. It means you're either brave or stupid."

"I don't care! This is for my ambitions…! And… as a promise to a lost friend…"

"Go Zoro-aniki!" Johnny shouted.

"You can do it!" Yosaku cheered as well.

"He won't win." Gian simply stated.

"What?! What is that supposed to mean?!"

"We're talking about someone who used to duel on a regular basis with one of the 4 emperors, I know Zoro is strong by East Blue standards, but out there that matters jack all. Mihawk outclasses him right now in every way imaginable. Though if Zoro manages to walk out of this alive, it's a good learning experience."

Back with the two swordsmen, Mihawk finally nodded, accepting the answer. He reached for his crucifix necklace and pulled it down, revealing a small knife.

"What are you doing?!" Zoro demanded.

"I'm not one of those people who use cannonballs to shoot rabbits. Though you are a strong swordsman, East Blue happens to be the weakest of the 4 seas. Unfortunately this is the smallest blade I have." Mihawk responded coolly.

"Liar… we all saw you pull out that huge thing earlier. You could just tell him he's not worth your time… you aren't even taking him seriously!"

"Then don't regret it when you die! Oni Giri!" Zoro entered his signature stance and dashed forward, intending to cut the older swordsman down. This technique, in the past, has cut down plenty of foes, and Zoro expects the same here. Little did he know, he was about to get a rude awakening.

CLANG!

Zoro's eyes widen in shock. His signature attack was just stopped cold by a measly dagger, only by the tip!

"N-no way! No one's ever been able to stop that before!" Johnny yelped.

Luffy gulped, worried for his crewmate.

"I rest my case." Gian mumbled. He really wanted to step in at this point, but what purpose would that serve?

"It can't be! How did he block that technique with only a toy? Our strength… it can't be that far apart!" Zoro thought desperately. He immediately broke off and tried more slashes, but each were blocked as easily as the first one.

The battle was soon growing increasingly one-sided. Zoro's attacks were beginning to become rougher and sloppier, each slash hindered by his increasing doubt. Mihawk on the other look barely winded.

"You are so unrestrained…" Mihawk mocked

"I didn't come this far only to lose to that!" he shouted and slashed with Wado Ichimonji, only for Mihawk to block it again.

"This isn't even a battle at this point…" Gian gritted his teeth. The outcome was pretty much set in stone at this point.

"Weakling… what are you trying to prove?" Mihawk mocked him again.

"Oi! Zoro-aniki is not a weakling!"

"We'll show you!"

Before Johnny and Yosaku could do anything, they found themselves by Luffy and Gian.

"Don't make this any worse than it already is." Gian snapped at them.

"I… can't afford to lose!" with that thought Zoro entered another stance "Tora Gari!" Zoro dashed forward again. But this time Mihawk didn't block. Before Zoro realized what was about to happen, he felt searing pain in his chest; Mihawk had impaled the dagger into him.

"Why did you not step back? That would've gone through your heart if you continued." Mihawk demanded.

"I… don't know… what I do know is… if I had taken a step back at that point… all I've worked for up to this point… would be lost…" Zoro let out a ragged reply.

"Even if it means your death?"

"Death would be the better option!" that statement changed everything.

"Boy! What is your name?" Mihawk asked with genuine curiosity.

"My name… is Roronoa Zoro!"

"Such a strong will you have! I will remember that name. As a reward for showing me that, I'll take your life with this black blade!"

The massive blade hanging across his back was released. Sizing taller than even he is, Yoru is truly a fearsome weapon. It's decorated cross-shaped guard was decorated with orbs of varying colors. In the midday sun, the signature black steel gleamed dangerously.

Gian gulped; he'd only heard about this weapon through some of the Red Hair Pirates' stories! His heart began pounding double time when seeing it; if those tales of this weapon's cutting through entire mountains were true, then Zoro would-

"I appreciate the gesture." Zoro then held his swords in a spiral stance. This was the most powerful technique he knows thus far. If this failed, then he knew what would happen.

"Aniki! Please stop this!" Johnny and Yosaku screamed.

"Santoryu Ogi: Sanzen Sekai!" with both blades spinning and Wado Ichimonji in his mouth, Zoro dashed forward. Mihawk followed suit with Yoru spread behind him. The two dashed past each other, and all was silent until...

CRACK

The two swords Zoro had were broken in half; Only Wado Ichimonji remains intact. A massive gash formed across his chest, curtesy of the black blade.

"So I lost then…" Zoro thought. Turning around he faced the Shichibukai and spread his arms.

"What are you doing now?"

"A wound on the back is a swordsman's shame!" Zoro declared simply.

"Splendid!" Mihawk nodded with newfound respect for his opponent, and with a single sweep of his sword, cut Roronoa Zoro down. With a spray of blood Zoro landed in the ocean.

"NO!" Gian and Luffy both shouted.

"ZORO!" Usopp was screaming

"ANIKI!"

"This is the power of the Grand Line? Even the Pirate Hunter didn't stand a chance." The pirates and cooks all shouted fearfully.

Sanji was in shock at what just happened; in his head he remembered the words Zoro had said. "That idiot… why didn't he just give up his ambitions when he realized he's about to die?!"

"DAMN IT! YOU BASTARD!" Luffy roared and leapt towards the shichibukai, rage on his face. Mihawk simply sidestepped the strike.

"You are his comrade, I presume?"

"SKRRROAAAARK"

A fiery mass landed near him, revealing to be a Partially Transformed Gian. "Even in a Partial Transformation I doubt I can do anything to him; hell, even I fully transform who knows what the outcome would be? But he just… he just…!"

"Those eyes… you are the young stowaway on Red Hair's ship. It seems you have more secrets then you let on."

"You killed him… YOU KILLED HIM!"

"He challenged me to something he could not win, this would be the outcome." As he sidestepped a tail smash from the monstrous youth, Mihawk smirked.

"You worry too much, your comrade is alive."

"What?" Gian stumbled as his features began to retract back into his body. He shot a glance a Zoro, where Johnny and Yosaku were now desperately trying to pull him out of the water and Usopp was hurrying to get the medicine. His chest was cut deep and bleeding profusely. But through watching closely, Gian could make out some slight breathing.

"Listen! It's too soon for you to die! My name is Dracule Mihawk! Find yourself and get stronger! I will wait for you at the top! Surpass this blade! Surpass me, Roronoa Zoro!" this bold declaration shocked everyone present.

"For 'Hawk Eyes' Mihawk to say something like that…" Zeff muttered.

"You really have too much time on your hands you know? I never understood why you stopped dueling Shanks-san ever since he lost his arm." Gian quipped. He had returned to normal and was relieved that his nakama is still alive but he was still cautious of the man.

"There's nothing exciting about dueling a wounded man, besides you've never experienced the feeling of waiting for him to get over his hangovers." Clearing his throat again he turned to the two youths.

"What are your dreams?"

"I'm going to be the King of Pirates!" Naturally Luffy was still determined.

Gian on the other hand, was a bit hesitant. The idea of a dream had never been something he's brought up before. Luffy, Zoro, both of them have their sights set on becoming something great. But here he was, his only plan was to travel the world, hoping to write some fascinating tales for his little brother to read when he gets back, and hopefully getting to meet up with the same mentor that once brought light to his life. Never did he consider having to actually shoulder a goal.

"I-I did promise Triton-Senpai I'd master the Goji-Goji no Mi, like I'd think that I'd to at least know how to use it well enough so that he doesn't have to worry about me anymore." The answer wasn't fully certain; until now he'd thought of that as his main goal, but why did it all seem so empty?

Mihawk did not miss that, only merely shrugging at Gian's answer "The path to everything is not clear at first, how you look for it is up to you. If that is your goal for now, pursue it in any fashion you like. However, do not presume your destiny is as simple as you think, for within you lies strength that goes further than you can imagine."

"R-Right." Gian stammered. What did he mean by that?

"Now, Monkey D. Luffy, your dream will be a very difficult one. Even more so than surpassing me. Are you still willing to face that, knowing you might certainly fail?"

"I don't care!" Luffy stated bluntly.

"He's got me backing him up, I'm supporting him all the way!" Now this, Gian was confident about, and he wasted no time saying it.

"L-Luffy… can you hear me?" the three of them heard Zoro croak out. Even with such a grievous wound, he was still clinging to life. Johnny, Yosaku and Usopp were all trying to get him to stop moving so much.

"I'm… sorry for losing, I'm sorry for making you worry. If I don't become the Greatest Swordsman now, it would be bad for you, wouldn't it?"

Zoro then raised his arm, clutching Wado Ichimonji in his hand. "I'll never…lose again! Until I beat him… I'll never be defeated by anyone! Is that alright… KING OF PIRATES?!"

"IT IS!" Luffy grinned. Zoro smiled before doubling over in a fit of coughing out blood.

"Your crew certainly is interesting, I hope we again." Mihawk nodded before walking off. Before he got anywhere, Don Krieg, having gotten over his initial shock, confronted him again. Mihawk's simple response was to split the ocean itself in half and sailed off in his coffin boat.

"Yosh! Usopp, you and the others take Zoro and catch up to Nami! Gian and I will catch up soon!" Luffy commanded. Usopp assured him and took everyone to Johnny's boat.

"Ah, right, I almost forgotten, we have to clean up shop." Gian grinned and cracked his knuckles. The two youths nodded at each other and faced the Krieg Pirates. The next part of the Battle for the Baratie had just begun.

A/N: I swear to Arceus… this is the longest chapter I made so far…

G: I wouldn't be so sure, I think chapter 3 was longer. You really should split them up more.

Nah, it'll take too long otherwise and besides, we want to hurry don't we?

G: eh, I guess. What am I going to do next time now that I'm stuck at the restaurant?

You have a fight coming up, and the final fight of the Baratie Arc would play out a bit differently, you'll see.

G: cool, be seeing it soon.

So yeah, I kind of decided to pack a few extra things here. I figured since Shanks and Mihawk used to duel each other frequently they probably know where each other usually are, there's a lot of support on this. Gian's relationship with Mihawk is just that, he's knowledgeable in that area but he doesn't know him personally except for that one meeting. This would be the case for a lot of future characters.

With that, Chapter 15 is done. There's a chance that chapter 16 might be delayed due to my classes coming to an end and finals approaching once more. Gotta get them assignments done... But the Baratie Arc should be done in 2 more chapters, I hope. So keep watch for the next chapter!

Leave a review and Gian will attempt to escape ELO hell in LoL!

G: That's even worse than exercising!

*2019 update: changed a few small dialogue towards the end. It's mostly due to how I viewed Gian as a character now compared to back when this chapter came out.