They Don't Know About Us
Author's Note: Hey everyone and welcome back to They Don't Know About Us! So, this is the second half of Mihawk's POV of Pre-Marineford! I hope you enjoy and it gives you a bit more insight on what I had planned with Mihawk for the fic!
Additional Notes: I'm really glad that I decided to do a Mihawk POV cause I just realized how much of an asshole he seems like in the other chapters (maybe aside from Shanks?). He's weak for his family xD he's just semi-absent cause of Warlord duties and because he seeks out fighting compared to Shanks who doesn't.
Just a random rant: So, I've been seeing things that "confirm" that Dracule is Mihawk's family/surname. Please note, I don't know how true that is or it was confirmed by Oda himself. No one can convince me that Dracule is actually better as a surname than Mihawk. You know what, EVEN ODA CAN'T CONVINCE ME. Mihawk can be a good first name, just to me, not paired with Dracule. So, for this fic Dracule is Mihawk's given name and Mihawk is his family name. (Which I already had set up if anyone saw my random notes about this fic on tumblr). Plus, what I wrote in Ace's first chapter. Just not happening, I can't be convinced that Dracule is anything but Mihawk's first name. So, to state it in the way I know name (since I am from the Western side of the world) Dracule Mihawk sounds better than Mihawk Dracule. Just my little rant there… and fact? For the fic. Shanks does call Mihawk "Dracule" most of the time outside of when they are around other people.
Chapter Warnings: Character Death, Murder (though the POS deserved it)
Chapter Twelve: Second Chance (by Shinedown)
Chapter Summary: With his kids growing up, Mihawk is still traveling the world as a Warlord. Mihawk is confronted by Ace following a fight with Shanks. When Ace joins the Whitebeard Pirates, Mihawk seeks him out with a warning. With Luffy on the sea, Mihawk runs into his son at the Baratie while hunting down Don Krieg. Later, Mihawk discovers that Ace has been handed over to the Marines and is slated for execution. The Warlords are given two options: either participate in the possible war against Whitebeard or lose their Warlord status and get locked in Level Six of Impel Down. With Ace on the scaffold, Mihawk has a crisis about his want to fight Whitebeard, but also his need to save Ace.
With his pups growing up, Mihawk started to notice the change gradually. Luffy still ran up to him bubbling with excitement asking about his newest adventure. Ace… Ace, however, started to hang back. No longer running up to him with a yell of his name. Ace had started to stay back by Shanks until Mihawk was further onto the deck of Red Force before he would approach.
Mihawk had quickly noticed the resentment in Ace's eyes. His son was starting to pull away from him more and more over time. Almost hating the fact that Mihawk dared to show his face on the ship. The sharp glance he would receive each time.
Even Mihawk couldn't pinpoint exactly what was going on with his son, and it was clear that he hadn't gone to Shanks about what was bothering since Shanks also didn't have an idea on what it could be.
Mihawk still carried his Warlord title. It came to his advantage more than once. He still did whatever the hell wanted and if he was being summoned, it was usually done by Garp. He ignored the others who tried to get him to do something for them. He was still a pirate after all.
He engaged in fights more often than not. Growing bored of just how weak his opponents would be. He was known to the world as the strongest, and no one could live up to him.
Can a man just have a good fight?
There had been a lot of times that Mihawk wanted to quit being a Warlord so he could go back to the Red Force and stay on the ship with his family. Yet, Garp talked him out of it each time. He never quite understood why Garp was so adamant that he remained a Warlord, but Mihawk had to admit he did enjoy the perks that came along with it.
True to his word, Garp did indeed get a Marine post set up on his homeland. Finally, after years of being gone, Mihawk had visited for the first time. He saw familiar faces. He saw new faces. What he didn't see was the fear that he had been accustom too as a child. The entire island was happy, healthy, and thriving. They were safe.
Speaking with the villagers, he had discovered each and every Marine on the island had been hand picked by Garp himself. That the reason they were there had been explained to the villagers. In return, the villagers had helped the Marines build their homes that even their families would be staying in.
The men and the Alphas had returned back to their homes, no longer needing to be away from home to keep their island safe.
Mihawk had finally repaid them after all these years. There hadn't been one dry eye upon his return. The children of the village looking up at him with admiration. He had spent a week on the island, telling stories of his mate and pups to the villagers who had raised him.
When he had departed, he was told to bring his mate and pups by some day to meet them before he was on his way once more to head off to the Red Force. With the feeling of content going through him as he looked over his shoulder one last time. Giving a silent goodbye as he went.
X
The next time he had been on the Red Force he wasn't expecting this. He shouldn't be surprised anymore. It was Luffy after all. Like all the other times, Luffy had ran up to him asking him about his adventure. Luffy had grabbed his hand, but he had been distracted by Ace. Who had surprisingly walked up to him this time and was clinging to his pant leg. Which was odd, Ace hadn't done that since he was five. Ace stayed silent but was there. It had placed a smile on Mihawk's face before Luffy's voice had caught his attention.
Turning his head, Luffy was standing by Shanks.
Across the deck.
But his hand still in Mihawk's.
Mihawk blinked. The wonder if he was hallucinating or not. He did a double take between his hand where Luffy's still was and where the rest of his body was next to Shanks. Pulling the Omega over to where they were standing.
Luffy was… stretching.
What. The. Fuck.
He had only been away for about a month. The last time he was here, Luffy had almost stabbed his own eye out. The scar was still fresh on his son's face even now. Now he was stretchy.
What kind of messes does Luffy get himself into?!
Shanks was giving him an apologetic and nervous smile, scratching the back of his head. "Shanks, is our son stretching?"
The Omega still had that nervous smile on his face. "So, about that… Luffy ate the Gomu Gomu no Mi while he was mad at me."
"Luffy's made of rubber now." Ace whispered, fist getting tighter on Mihawk's pants.
"Rubber…" Mihawk muttered, looking back to Luffy who was grinning like a mad man at him.
"Isn't it cool! I can't swim anymore, but that doesn't matter! I just won't fall in!"
Mihawk now understood why Shanks liked to drink at night.
These boys were going to kill him one day.
Shanks started to explain what had happened and he quickly felt the amusement come to himself. "Something as trivial as this can only happen around you, Red-Hair."
X
Shanks and the Red-Hair Pirates had returned back to Foosha for a year around the time that Ace was ten and Luffy was seven. Shanks had told Mihawk he decided to do it that way Luffy could get a handle on his new Devil Fruit abilities so they wouldn't have accidents on the ship.
Who was Shanks kidding? It was Luffy they were talking about. The most chaotic, disaster prone human that Mihawk had ever met.
He had arrived just a few days after Shanks had to the island. Ace and Luffy had sparked a friendship with a kid named Sabo that was staying with Rouge. The boys begging for more training despite Shanks' reluctance. It had taken Mihawk saying that they were on a pirate ship and would need to know how to defend themselves for him to finally relent and agree.
Soon their training had started, even allowing Sabo to join with them. Over the years, they had already been teaching the boys swordsmanship, which Ace seemed to be a prodigy, picking up on it quickly. Luffy took a little longer. His youngest preferring to use his fists compared to a sword. Which was fine since he was now a rubber man, but soon Luffy started to get proficient as well.
Sabo was excellent at swordsmanship too, though he preferred to use his newfound skills with a metal pipe. As long as if the boy knew how to defend himself, he was fine by it.
He had watched as his pups formed a strong bond with Sabo. Their best friend turning into their brother. They didn't have to tell him or Shanks that what they had done. Shanks had discovered that he had a bottle of sake missing and the new marks on all of their wrists was enough to know what had happened.
Their training was going on pleasantly. Luffy, well, he still had a lot of work to do with his newfound Devil Fruit powers. More than once, while him and Shanks were acting as human targets, Luffy would try and hit them, just to hit himself in the face. Thankfully, Mihawk had a better poker face than Shanks did.
Everything seemed to be going fine, that was until the Gray Terminal incident. The place getting burned to the ground. They had seen the fire from where they were within the village. Dinner being prepared for the night and the boys were supposed to be in the woods by Dadan's home. Mihawk felt the twist of his stomach as he shared a glance with Shanks before they were both taking off towards the woods.
Mihawk had trusted his instincts, placing haki into his legs to go faster. He felt a wave of haki flood over the area. Conqueror's is what it was. Trying to overwhelm those around whoever was producing it. Using his observation haki, he picked up on Luffy and Ace's signatures, but unfortunately, he couldn't pick up Sabo's. It was nowhere near Gray Terminal, so that was an upside. The possibility that his sons' sworn brother was possibly safe somewhere. Thank the seas he had used his haki because what he was greeted with was a battered Luffy and a gun leveled on Ace's head. He could smell the distress and fear radiating off of his boys. He could see it on their faces. The sting came to Mihawk's eyes. A sting that he had only felt on a few occasions. Enough that he could count it on one hand. His nails starting to extend, digging into his palms.
He wrapped his hand around the barrel of the gun, moving it just in time as the shot rang out. The flare of anger growing as he saw the hole now in the dirt. He narrowed his gaze on Bluejam. "Don't you dare touch my boys." Feeling the pirate's hand shaking. He shoved him away, putting enough force in it that the Alpha pirate went crashing into the ground away from his sons.
He crossed his arms over his chest, glare directed on Bluejam. "Get them out of here. I will handle this." He growled. The others didn't need to be told twice as he heard their footsteps leaving. This bastard tried to murder his sons. Had a gun pointed to Ace's head. This man would not be leaving Gray Terminal.
Bluejam had gone into a frenzy of apologizes, sputtering as he scrambled to his feet underneath Mihawk's icy glare. "It was the kid who attacked me. I was just defending myself!"
"So you say." Mihawk growled. "Drop the false accusations. Luckily for you, I don't want to get caught up in this mess either." The swordsman stated, watching for the split second of relief that came to Bluejam's face before it quickly changed back to fear as Mihawk smirked, raising his hand where his nails were extended out. "So, I'll make this quick."
Mihawk launched himself forward, his nails striking Bluejam's throat. Pleased to hear the choked gagging sound that followed before jerking his wrist. The feel of blood on his hand as Bluejam fell to the ground. Sputtering for a few seconds before he laid there in a pool of his own blood. Eyes still wide open.
"Pitiful." He spat before turning on his heel and starting back in the direction he came from. Not even wincing when the flames would flick against his skin. The smell of burnt clothing that followed behind as he ran towards the edge of the forest. Navigating out of the fire had taken longer than Mihawk had liked. Paths that they had taken to come in were now blocked.
He headed straight for the Red Force as he cleared the fire. Not stopping his speed until he was at the gangplank. He picked up on the distress in Shanks and Ace's scents. Lingering powerfully over the medical bay.
Opening the door, his eyes landed on Luffy for a moment. Who was unconscious on the one the beds and was being tended to by Aki. Both Luffy and Ace were bandaged and cleaned up. The tear tracks on Ace's face gave everything away. He wasn't even in the room a full minute before Ace was in front of him, his small body shaking with cries as he wrapped his arms around Mihawk. Mihawk dropped to his knees, bringing his son to him. Cradling him close. He had been that close to losing both of his boys.
Mihawk didn't even want to think about the possibility. How if it hadn't been for the fire, they never would have known. Though, he would wait for now to know about the events. For now, Ace and Luffy were safe and his son in his arms.
He would ask questions later, for now his son needed him.
X
Ace and Luffy had explained everything to them. Sabo came from a noble family who had fired the pirates to get their son back. They had told him and Shanks everything that they had been up to when they were supposed to be training in the forest.
He had heard the heartbreaking truth when Shanks came out of the forest with Ace and Luffy in his arms. Both asleep with their faces covered in tears. Shanks explaining what they had witnessed.
Sabo was dead.
Shot down by a Celestial Dragon.
Just another reason to despise the World Government.
Sabo was a really good kid with a good heart. He just wanted freedom, and what he got was being ruthlessly killed by the world nobles.
Mihawk and Rouge had gone down to the port where Sabo's little ship had been shot down. Searching the waters for his body and coming up with nothing. It gave Mihawk an odd feeling that something was right.
They found absolutely nothing. No signs of his body. No clothes. Just some of the wreckage of the boat. The only thing that he could sum it down to was the local Sea King may have gotten his body, but even that felt like a stretch. The Sea King usually stayed farther out from the ports, choosing to stick in more area that had less water traffic.
His boys were grieving. Barely eating or sleeping. Keeping themselves locked in their room the entire time. Mihawk would go inside and just sit down. Trying to give them silent comfort. He would never truly understand their pain. He had personally never been in that situation. The only ones who have that affect on him were Ace, Luffy, and Shanks.
The days had went by and finally Ace emerged with Luffy in tow. Ace demanding they get into more advanced styles of training.
Without a second thought, Mihawk agreed.
X
Mihawk had never seen someone so angerly declare their dream before. Luffy's words directed at Shanks as the Omega had once again teased his son. The anger flaring on Luffy's face as he stared Shanks down, claiming that he would be the Pirate King one day. It wasn't the first time that they've heard those words, but it was the first time he said he would be stronger than anyone else. Fight to protect his nakama. Be stronger than Shanks, Mihawk, and Ace.
Mihawk could only snort at the clear signs of Luffy stating it out of pure spite. Luffy was going to be the Pirate King and find the One Piece… just to spite Shanks.
Fitting.
He had watched Shanks' entire demeanor change. The fond smile on his face as he walked over to Luffy and pulled off his straw hat. To say Mihawk wasn't surprised would be a lie. Shanks never took that hat off. Only when he absolutely had too. It had belonged to Roger. The only remaining piece of Roger he had left in this world.
And it was now sitting on top of Luffy's head.
The straw hat seemed to motivate Luffy more. He took training more seriously. His swordsmanship was getting better. He was starting to get a grasp on his haki. Using his devil fruit abilities even got better.
It surely was something special.
X
Leaving Foosha, Mihawk had watched as Ace was gifted Rouge's hat. Something she had also carried with her through all of her own journeys. It was almost fitting. Luffy had the hat that once belonged to Roger. Luffy's personality even being almost identical to Roger's. Ace with Rouge's hat. His personality being similar to that of his grandmother's.
Know that his children knew how to defend themselves now, Mihawk had departed to head back to the Grand Line. He still had work to do.
X
Shanks and him rarely fought. Their duels never counted because they both enjoyed the clashing of their swords. Shanks avoid conflict as much as possible. Mihawk preferred not to get into senseless fights with Shanks, just because it always ended with one of them doing something stupid.
Their relationship wasn't one without fighting. They would get into disagreements every now and then. Usually cleared up within the next hour because Shanks forgot his was mad or Mihawk sucked up his pride and pushed it aside.
Now, here they were. In each other's faces yelling. Shanks was red in the face, fists balled while Mihawk stood across from him with his arms over his chest.
Unlike their previous disagreements, this one was louder. Both of them screaming at each other. They never reached this volume. Neither of them were exactly sober, but neither of them were drunk either. Both having a few drinks from the wine bottle that was in the room. A party was going on outside with the rest of the crew, so he was sure no one could hear them.
Right now, he was just focused on Shanks.
The argument had started from just an innocent question from Shanks and it resulted in this.
"If you hate being a Warlord so much, why don't you just come home?"
The fight had broken out after Mihawk had told him that he wasn't resigning from the Warlords. Not exactly telling him that Garp down right refused to let him put in his resignation and still had him on paper as a Warlord. He was too angry in that moment to care to explain that he has tried.
He wanted nothing more than to come home and be with Shanks. Be with his sons. He just couldn't. Not with how vastly different their lives were. Mihawk was a Warlord and sought out fights. Shanks was slowly becoming more powerful in the New World and staying out of conflict. It was safer if he wasn't around. Safer to keep his sons away from the lifestyle that Mihawk had chosen. He had chosen to seek out fights. Shanks did not. He couldn't allow for his family to get mixed up with the people he ended up in altercations with. Ace and Luffy were already subjected to enough as it was. At least here, they were on the safety of the Red Force surrounded with men that Mihawk trusted to keep them safe.
Shanks had never shown a distaste for Mihawk's position before. His question had been innocent. Asking Mihawk why he remained with the Warlords if he didn't want to be in that position. It was so much more than the fighting for Mihawk. Shanks had always been supportive of Mihawk's decision. Always there supporting Mihawk in his quest to become the Greatest.
Now it felt like a one eighty.
Shanks actually looked hurt that Mihawk said he wouldn't be staying on the Red Force full time. Sending the guilt twisting through him as he saw the tears well up in Shanks' eyes. He understood completely. He wanted to be here with Shanks and their pups. Shanks knew that. It puzzled him that suddenly Shanks was angry about it all. Mihawk had also interjected with that Shanks was determined to be a pirate despite most of the time not acting like one. Being a pirate with their children on board. Which only worked to spark more anger in the both of them. Mihawk hadn't meant for his own words to sound like Shanks was putting their pups into danger. Mihawk knew they were safest here with Shanks. He had just been angry. Targeting the one thing that Shanks always wanted to be.
"Sometimes I wonder if you even care about us at all!" Shanks exclaimed, throwing his arms up into the air.
Mihawk growled, "Then why do I keep coming back?!" He yelled.
That was far from the truth and Shanks knew it. Mihawk had never kept it hidden just how much he loved his mate and pups. He could only sum down those words to hurt and anger. Just saying them because he was angry. Mihawk turned, bracing his hands on the table. "Don't you ever think that I don't love you or our pups. I would die before I let anything happen to any of you and you know it, Shanks." Mihawk stated through gritted teach. The frustration filling him from the sheer stupidly of this fight. It had been something they talked about before on numerous occasions.
Usually when they had been drinking.
Mihawk eyed the wine bottle, the anger flaring through him. They only ever argued most of the time when they had something to drink. Both enjoyed drinking an extent. Sure, they had their arguments when they didn't drink but the worst only came out with alcohol.
He growled as he grabbed the bottle. Blindly throwing it to the side in his frustration. Feeling slightly better that the thing that Mihawk deemed as the culprit was gone. Though it was soon followed by a shocked noise.
Mihawk turned his head, eyes widening as he realized he had thrown the bottle at Shanks. He hadn't even realized the direction he had thrown the bottle into. Shanks was looking at him just as shocked as Mihawk felt in that moment. The glass now on the floor. The splotch of liquid on the wall and the alcohol covering Shanks' shoulder.
He had been that close to hitting Shanks with a bottle.
Before he could say anything, Shanks was screaming, "Get the hell out!" and pointing at the door. Mihawk didn't need to think twice, they both needed to cool off before they could talk this through. It was a stupid fight over a stupid topic that never should have happened. Mihawk throwing the bottle should have never happened. He had just been so angry and frustrated that he didn't think much of it.
Storming out, he almost paused picking up on Ace's haki signature but continued on. He had to level his head before he could do anything else. He just really hoped that Ace didn't hear any of that.
Sure enough, Ace had came up to him not even moments later at the seclusion of the back of the ship. Fists balled, anger on his face, and yelling.
Mihawk knew it looked bad. At least in Ace's perspective. He wasn't there though. He didn't know the full story. Mihawk had just told his pup that him and his father were okay and just needed time to calm down. Ace was still furious as he walked away, but Mihawk stayed where he was. Waiting Ace's retreating form. Ace was going to go to Shanks, he was sure of it.
For now, Mihawk just had to clear his mind. Speak to Shanks again with a level head. It did neither of them any good when they were fighting over something as senseless as this.
He just somehow had to make it up to Shanks.
X
Once his head was clear and with their pups in bed, Mihawk went back to Shanks' quarters. The glass and alcohol had been cleaned up and Shanks was now in just a button up shirt that was half buttoned and sitting on his bed. Toying with his fingernails with a frown on his face.
The Omega didn't even look up when Mihawk had entered the room. The Alpha pulled off his jacket and hat, placing them on the back of Shanks' chair at his desk before rounding the room until he was sitting at his spot on the bed. His back facing towards Shanks as he stared at the wall where the bottle had hit.
He felt like shit for that. He had let his anger and frustration get the best of him and it looked like he had meant to throw the bottle at Shanks. "Shay—"
"I'm sorry." Shanks interjected before Mihawk could say anything else.
"Shanks…" Mihawk started, but once again Shanks' voice pleaded with him. Turning to face his mate now. The look on his face was a mixture of sadness, guilt, and hurt.
"No, Dracule, let me talk, please." Shanks stated. The Omega sighed. "I shouldn't have went at you like that about the Warlord thing. You've told me before why you're doing it, and I used it against you." Shanks paused, taking in a shaky breath as he looked over to Mihawk. "Yes, I want you here. I want you with our pups. I know you care. I was just… angry and I'm sorry."
Mihawk smiled softly, reaching out and tucking a strand of red hair behind Shanks' ear. "Shanks, you don't need to apologize."
"I want too, and I already did." Shanks replied.
"The difference here, I chose my Warlord position. You dreamed of being a pirate. We are both pirates and I used that against you." Mihawk said, placing his hand the curve of Shanks' neck. Directly over where the bond mark he placed was, his fingers curling around and slipping into the nape of his hair. "And the bottle—"
Mihawk choked on the air in his throat as Shanks placed his hand over Mihawk's wrist. Fingers curling around it. "I know you didn't mean to. I was just surprised is all. If you really wanted to hit me with it, you would have. I was angry enough that I just about started throwing things."
"It doesn't change the fact that it happened." Mihawk replied.
Shanks shrugged, a smile coming to his face. "I love you."
The Alpha felt his own smile, leaning forward and whispering, "I love you too." Before he was connecting their lips.
X
The years had started to pass, and they kept the same routine. Mihawk leaving the Red Force and doing his own thing. Their pups staying on the ship with Shanks. Growing and harnessing their powers. Ace picked up on just about everything he tried. Luffy – mostly focusing on his Gomu Gomu abilities – highly preferred hand to hand combat and excelled at it.
Luffy was bound determined to prove that his fists were as strong as pistols. Mihawk believed he would get there.
Shanks had joined the ranks of the most powerful pirates on the seas. Getting to the same level as Whitebeard himself. A yonko of the sea. Ruling over part of the New World.
When Ace turned fifteen, he gifted his son with the promised sword he had been telling him his whole life he would get for him. Instead of just buying a sword and giving it to him, Mihawk forged Hotaru himself. Finding all of the materials that he wanted to be placed within the blade. With it finished, he had headed for the Red Force. Arriving on the day of Ace's birthday and handing the package over to him.
Watching as his face turned into complete joy at the sight of the blade in front of him. It had taken him by surprise when Ace had thrown his arms around him. Ace had taken to calling him Mihawk over the last few years. Unbridled anger directed at him. Now, he was here with his arms wrapped around him.
Mihawk couldn't lie and say he hadn't missed having his son close to him.
With Ace's new sword, his son had immediately asked for a duel, which Mihawk was happy to oblige him.
X
Shanks mostly stayed within the New World from that point on. He had only left when Ace had turned seventeen, taking their son back to Dawn Island so he could start his journey. Mihawk had met them at Dawn Island to see Ace off. Giving his son a piece of his vivre card if Ace were to ever want to seek him out.
He had the gut feeling that would never be the case. He had gotten a piece of Ace's which he kept with Shanks' in the inside pocket of his jacket.
Watching as Ace disappeared over the horizon, starting his own journey.
X
It hadn't taken long before Mihawk was seeing Ace's new bounty poster. During his last summons, the Marines had wanted Ace to join the ranks of the Warlords. Mihawk could only chuckle from that. They really thought that Ace would actually want to join them. Mihawk knew very well that Ace hated everything to do with the Warlords. The last thing his son would do is actually become one himself.
Sure enough, Ace had refused and started for the New World. Running into Shanks and Luffy while he was there. He had heard on the seas that Ace was after Whitebeard. Striking his interest. Whitebeard far outclassed any strength that Ace had. He vaguely thought that Ace was doing it just to gage the strength between himself and Whitebeard. Which is something Mihawk would do himself. He was positive that Ace wasn't out for Whitebeard's head. Only going after the man to either fight him or meet him. Ace wouldn't attempt to kill someone that Rouge was so fond of.
Though, Ace always surprised him.
He had sighed when Ace's newest bounty poster came out with Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates written on it. So, Ace had joined Whitebeard's ranks. The Second Division no less.
Mihawk narrowed his eyes. That was the same division that Teach belonged to.
Seemed like he was going to search out Ace.
Soon enough, he had found the Whitebeard Pirates on a supply island restocking their ship. Ace and the rest of the Commanders on the beach enjoying the free day.
He ignored the rising panic from the Whitebeard Pirates when Ace stepped up to duel him. Ace had gotten angry at him the second that Mihawk had told him to leave the Whitebeard Pirates. He would rather have Ace hate him for the rest of his life than Ace remain a Whitebeard Pirate near that man.
Teach was hiding behind Whitebeard and the yonko was to blind to see it. They all were. Even Ace wasn't heeding warnings and stayed among their crew.
He was going to continue trying to talk Ace out of staying with the crew. At least that was until his eyes landed on the necklace around his neck. Taking a look at the symbol, it didn't take a genius to figure out who the phoenix represented. There was even the fine detail of the Mark of Whitebeard on the chest of the phoenix. The phoenix was nonother than Marco of the First Division. Ace knew the importance of what a courting necklace meant, which told Mihawk that Ace was serious about this relationship with Marco.
Mihawk couldn't really say anything when it came to their difference in ages. Roger and Rouge were twenty years apart when they had Shanks together and bonded. He could see the nervous look on Ace's face as he looked at the pendant. Ace hadn't even told Shanks yet, or Shanks would have told him about it.
Maybe Ace was scared to tell them about Marco. Marco was older than both Mihawk and Shanks were. The Alpha knew Shanks wouldn't care. Maybe? After all, with the age difference between Roger and Rouge. Roger was the same age as Garp was when they first met. So, it wasn't like Shanks hadn't seen it before.
A smile slipped on Mihawk's face. Ace had found someone that he cares about enough to accept something as treasurable as one of these. All he ever wanted in life was his sons to be happy and healthy. If Marco made Ace happy. He would leave it at that.
Though if Marco hurt his son, Marco would know what it was like to face Yoru.
"A phoenix, huh?" He uttered.
"What about it?" Ace whispered back. His voice shaking as he spoke to him. Ace was nervous. That much was clear.
"Does he treat you well?" Mihawk questioned. Ace looked at him, his mouth opening and closing but he did give a nod. Mihawk let the smile stay on his face. His son showed no signs of any deception. "Alright." Mihawk stated, pushing himself up and letting Ace off of the ground. He placed Yoru back on his back and turned to walk away as he told Ace to heed his warning.
Ace just replied that he could take care of himself. He didn't expect anything less from Ace. Even with knowing that Ace could take care of himself, defend himself, make his own decisions; Mihawk still had an unsettling feeling about not fighting harder to have Ace leave the Whitebeard Pirates. However, Ace was being courted now. There was no way that Ace would leave the crew. From what he learned about Whitebeard from Shanks; his son was in good hands. It was just the problem that was Teach.
Mihawk just hoped he didn't come to regret the decision of walking away.
X
Just like when Ace was fifteen, Mihawk presented Luffy with a sword for his fifteenth birthday. A sword that was named Yoku. Created by him just like he had done before. Luffy grinned like a mad man as he got a good look at it. Surprisingly, just like Ace had done, asked for a duel with Mihawk. Luffy wasn't a fighter with a blade. Highly preferring his fists over a blade.
Though, Mihawk did the same and dueled his youngest.
Luffy was an excellent swordsman. Knowing his way around a blade like an extension to his arms. When Mihawk asked him why he preferred his fists, he just said that one day he would have a swordsman on his ship and wouldn't need to be the one with the sword. Though he would carry it with him always just because it had came from Mihawk.
That answer was good enough for him. If that's what Luffy wanted to know, he wasn't going to push it. He gave Luffy all he needed. It was Luffy's decision.
So, when Luffy was seventeen, he saw off his son just like he had done before. Giving Luffy a piece of his vivre card and keeping a piece of Luffy's for himself.
Both of his boys were all grown up. They were going to be fine, strong pirates one day. Shanks had done a brilliant job of raising their boys. That's all Mihawk could ask for.
X
The Krieg Pirates had chosen the wrong day to come across him. He was bored out of his mind between his search and summons from the World Government. Fifty ships had crossed his path, the loud noise disturbing him as he watched the ships.
With a simple flick of his wrist with Yoru, he started to destroy the fleet one by one. Annoying pirates. Only one person was allowed to annoy him and get away with it, and that person was Shanks. If you weren't a Red-Hair Pirate, you could face his wrath for all he cared.
He enjoyed the way that the men started to tremble and freeze at just a glance in their direction. It always brought a sense of satisfaction to him knowing just one glance could freeze even the strongest of people in their tracks.
The Captain of the Fleet trying, and failing, to kill him. So, Mihawk just sliced up another ship as he went. Every time the Captain shot at him. Another ship was sliced up.
He was enjoying this, that was until the storm hit and the flagship managed to get away.
He had time to kill and a stop to make at Loguetown anyway. He might as well follow the ship.
Maybe even kill the Captain of the ship. They had woken him up while he was trying to rest for the trip over Reverse Mountain. Yet here he was. Woken up by an entire fleet of ships.
So that's exactly what he did. Trailing behind the galleon as they went over Reverse Mountain and back into the East Blue.
He ended up finding the ship at the sea restaurant Baratie. Floating closer on his small ship, he caught Luffy's haki signature almost immediately. Mihawk placed it into the back of his mind for now as he unsheathed Yoru and took down the flagship. Placing his sword back where it belonged and folding his hands over his knee as he just allowed himself to start floating along through the wreckage.
"WHAT'S GOING ON?!" He heard Don Krieg shout. "IT WAS CUT?! WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT WAS CUT?! SOMETHING SLICED UP THE STALLION?! NO WAY! THAT CAN'T BE! THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!"
He could hear the shocked exclamations coming from the pirates who belonged to the ship as well as the surprised shouts from the cooks of the Baratie. A smirk playing on his face as eyes were now on him once they finally noticed that he was there. He was rather enjoying listening to the carnage that followed.
Movement from the corner of his eye caught his attention. A ship sailing off in the opposite direction. His gaze landing on the jolly roger. A skull and crossbones wearing a straw hat. So, this was Luffy's ship. Scanning the ship with his haki, he only picked up one person aboard. It seemed that his son didn't realize his ship was leaving without its Captain. He would leave that for Luffy to figure out.
He moved his gaze back ahead of him, eyes landing on the restaurant. He had always thought about bringing Shanks here. He just might. It looked like a nice little place. It was famous even on the Grand Line for the delicious food served there, and the fights between pirates and the cooks.
The cooks had started to come out of the Baratie, lining up on the deck and sure enough Luffy was there with them. He was followed by two men that definitely didn't belong to the Baratie. One was a green haired man – Alpha from what Mihawk picked up – and a Beta who looked about the same age as Luffy. By his haki signature, it matched similarly to Yasopp's. That boy had to be Usopp. Luffy had done exactly what he said he was going to do and pick up Usopp from Syrup village. Vowing as a child to go and get Usopp to sail with him.
Luffy had gone to the other side of the rail, looking at two more men in the water. It seemed Luffy know knew his ship was gone because he heard the loud exclamation that followed.
Mihawk's attention was taken away from his son as he heard the exclamations about his arrival. "Over there! It's that man!"
"He came back?!"
"DON KRIEG! THE MAN WHO DESTROYED OUR FLEET IS BACK! WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO?!"
Mihawk rolled his eyes as he heard, "PAPA!" Followed by more exclamations of surprised. The whole point of their pups changing their family names and not picking Mihawk was because of who they were to each other. Luffy just had to go and spill it like it was nothing.
Though, it made him smile hearing the excitement in Luffy's voice. The same voice that he used on the Red Force. Some things will never change.
As he got closer to the Baratie, his small boat stopped from the lack of waves. Next to him, he heard, "You… you monster! Why are you doing this to us?! What the hell have we ever done to you?!"
"Just killing time." He replied. His gaze narrowed as his Observation haki went through the roof. Notifying him of the impending danger coming his way.
As he heard a shout of, "BASTARD!" and the click of two guns, he already had Yoru off of his back. With Yoru already next to him as the pirate fired, sending the two bullets in his direction. Which he easily deflecting with just using the tip of Yoru.
"What I missed?! But I aimed straight for him!" The gunman stated.
"He diverted them. He changed the course of the bullets with the tip of his sword." The new voice – Mihawk identified as the green haired Alpha that had been with Luffy – cut through as Mihawk sheathed Yoru back on his back.
"That can't be! Who the hell are you?!"
"He's got three swords… it couldn't be!"
So, Luffy's swordsman was famous on this sea. He had caught word of a strong swordsman on the sea, but never had enough interest in actually fighting the man. He wasn't near strong enough to fight him. At least not yet.
"I've never seen a sword handled so gently or with such grace." The Alpha addressed him.
"There is no strength in sword's play based off of force." Mihawk replied, eyeing the younger swordsman. With his thumb, he was unsheathing his top sword slightly. A grin on his face as he stood there. Based off of his haki signature, it was strong but severely lacking. This young man had no idea he had haki most likely, so he was untrained. Though, he wouldn't know about his actual swordsmanship without seeing it firsthand. With just a glance, Mihawk was able to determine their strength levels were far away from each other.
Though, this Alpha had potential.
"Did you also use that sword to slice up this ship?" The young man questioned.
Mihawk narrowed his gaze. This was going somewhere. Just from the boy's body language, it gave him away. He was buzzing with excitement.
"I did."
"That, it's true… you're the best!" The green haired Alpha stated. "I set sail for only one reason to meet you!"
This young swordsman was definitely catching his attention now. "And what is your goal?"
"To beat you." He replied as he pulled a bandana off of his arm and wrapped it around his head.
Mihawk smirked, making a small tsking sound. "How foolish." It seems Luffy found himself a nakama who dreamed just a big as he did. The only difference he could see so far were their personalities. Mihawk's interest was even more peeked as he gaged the man further.
The smirk on the young Alpha's face had never wavered, despite his gaze. Something he hadn't seen since he first met Shanks. The young man had pulled his sword all the way out of its sheath and was pointing it in his direction. "You've got spare time. Let's do this."
Either this young man was overly confident in himself or he was ignorant of their power differences. With one look, this young man should be able to tell when an opponent is out of his league.
Mihawk felt like knocking him down a peg. This man was rushing things. If he was already willing to take on his final goal this early in his travels, he had a rude awakening heading his way.
"Woah! It's him! Roronoa Zoro! Zoro of the three sword style!"
Roronoa Zoro, huh? He had heard of a pirate hunter who used three swords. So this was him. He was a big name in the East Blue, but he wouldn't last in the New World. Paradise, he would be fine, the New World would be a different story. He wasn't there yet.
"It is?!"
"Really, a pirate hunter?" Don Krieg questioned.
"He's a what?!" One of the cooks exclaimed. That kid must have been the one he heard rumors about Red-Leg Zeff saving on the Grand Line, which had cost him his leg. The former pirate all but adopting the boy when they were stranded in the middle of the ocean together before the creation of the Baratie. Just from the way he hung close to Zeff compared to the others proved his calculations. He ever much seemed like someone Luffy would have an interest in just from the haki signature he felt coming off of the Omega cook. That same Omega having distress coming off of him as he watched Zoro's movements.
Mihawk momentarily looked through the corner of his eye to Luffy. Luffy was still where he had been standing before. Standing there with a knowing smile on his face. Though, Mihawk could practically tell what was going through his mind. A silent plea not to kill this swordsman challenging him.
It all depended on Roronoa's actions on what Mihawk would do.
"A fight? You're a weak, pitiful creature." Mihawk replied to Roronoa. He was a fool for challenging Mihawk. He didn't stand a chance and here he was. Challenging him. Roronoa's face changed. Turning from the confident smile into a glare. Mihawk jumped from his boat to the wreckage of the ship he had cut up. Crossing his arms as he stood across from Roronoa. "If you really are a competent swordsman, you should see the disparities even before we cross swords. I must ask you, why have you challenged me? Could it be your courage or it simply your ignorance?"
A smile returned to Roronoa's face. "My ambition drives me." He replied, placing the white sword into his mouth, and unsheathing his other two into his hands. "Also, I made a promise I intend to keep."
So, it was courage and determination. There was still some ignorance mixed in. Roronoa had much to learn if he was ever going to come close to trying to take this title from him.
"The world's greatest swordsman up against Roronoa Zoro. Two masters of sword's play. What kind of match is this going to turn out to be?" He would be the judge of just how much Roronoa has mastered.
"There isn't a person alive who can beat big bro!" Now, that was sheer ignorance if he had seen it. Over confidence that Mihawk could easily squash.
"He's already the best in the world!" Seems like Roronoa had cheerleaders.
Mihawk reached up, grabbing Kogatana from around his neck and unsheathing his small blade. "Funny, what do you think you are going to do with that?" Roronoa questioned around his sword.
Teaching him a lesson was definitely in order if he couldn't tell this was all Mihawk needed to defeat him easily. Roronoa was nothing but a small bug compared to him.
"It will be more than adequate." Mihawk stated. "After all, you wouldn't kill a fly with a canon would you?" He questioned next, watching Roronoa's reaction as he slipped Kogatana's cover into his pocket. "You may have quite the reputation on the East Blue, but that doesn't mean much to me." He added, sighing softly as he added, "This sea is by far the weakest of the four. Unfortunately, I don't carry any blades smaller than this one."
The anger and annoyance started to flare off of Roronoa as his grip tightened on his swords. "I have had just about enough of your attitude." Roronoa growled as he started forward towards Mihawk. Mihawk sharpened his gaze as he prepared for the younger swordsman's attack. "Now you die!" Roronoa's inexperience was already showing. If he truly believed he could already take on and kill Mihawk as he was right now. He was in for a wake-up call.
"You have no idea how big the world really is." Mihawk stated, his voice dropping in annoyance.
As Roronoa went in for his attack, Mihawk shot his hand out, stopping the three swords in place. He could feel the shock radiating off of the younger man. How he fought to try and free his swords.
"He managed to stop Onigiri?!"
"That attack never manages to stop an enemy! WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!"
More naivety.
Anger followed from Roronoa. His eyes glaring directly at Mihawk as he pulled away from Mihawk's Kogatana to start another attack. With a shout, he tried again. "I'm not the far behind the world's strongest!" He yelled.
Mihawk didn't have to move his body, only moving his hand as Roronoa sent an array of attacks at him. All getting deflected easily by him. The anger coursing through the young Alpha only starting to get stronger with each strike. The frustration becoming clearer that he was making no headway with Mihawk.
Mihawk moved, Roronoa following him. He flicked his wrist, knocking Roronoa to the ground. "You're just toying with him, right?! Fight for real, big bro!" Couldn't they see that Roronoa was putting his all into it. That was just the difference in their strength. Roronoa was sorely lacking.
"You can't be that much better than me!" Roronoa exclaimed, the anger now clear on his face as Mihawk glared down at him. The green haired man came running at him, more vicious within his attacks. Acting almost like a feral animal. Mihawk simply started to step backwards as Roronoa attacked him. Using Kogatana to keep Roronoa's attacks at bay.
Using a rail to jump and get behind the other Alpha, Roronoa had cut through where he had been previously standing. A few more strikes before Mihawk stopped his sword with Kogatana.
"Such ferocious sword's play." Mihawk stated.
Roronoa was strong. He would give him that. He was just not at the level he needed to be to take on Mihawk and win. It was far to early for him. This young man needed to refine his skills more. Learn haki to coat his swords with. There was so much Roronoa could learn.
With Roronoa's next attack, Mihawk felt a wave of haki. He smirked. It seemed this young man could use his haki without realizing it. Which didn't help him in actual fights if he didn't know what he was actually doing or how to use it to his advantage. Still, he was able to block the attack.
They continued the back and forth. Roronoa's fierce attacks. Mihawk blocking, but not striking, as he continued to watch the way that Roronoa fought. The way he used his swords. Roronoa was letting his emotions get the best of him during this duel. That was not a good sign. It led to distraction. Which he could easily use against him. This was always something he tried to teach Luffy and Ace not to do. It could lead to a fatal mistake.
The attacks started to feel more powerful. Roronoa's anger was letting him tap into his haki. "How can he defend against Zoro's three sword style with just a small knife?!"
"He's even more of monster with a blade than even the great Zoro!"
Their fight continued on. Roronoa was making it hard for him to get an opening. Though, he would make a mistake eventually. Mihawk was sure of it. His eyes widened slightly as he realized the second of hesitation from Roronoa. Something had distracted him. Mihawk took his chance and stepped aside. He had to figure out what was pushing this young man. There was something driving him beyond just his want to be the strongest. Stepping to the side caused Roronoa to lose balance, Mihawk taking advantage and knife chopping him in the back of the neck. The younger Alpha crashing into the ground in a heap.
Roronoa pushed himself up, glaring at Mihawk. Mihawk watched his movements. He was disoriented, but still wanted to fight. Still wanted to face Mihawk despite the show that Mihawk had given him. Showing him just how far apart they truly were. He wasn't giving up.
Roronoa started forward, Mihawk turning slightly as the young Alpha swung at him. Losing his balance again and falling back down onto the wood. Breathing heavily as Mihawk surveyed him. He was a strong one indeed. A heart that wouldn't cave.
This was certainly someone that could work to surpass him some day. The main issue was his impatience. It clouded his judgement. It could get him killed.
Mihawk was still curious to know what was driving this young man. As Roronoa lifted his head slightly to level another glare, Mihawk questioned, "What is it then? The weight you carry upon your shoulders. Speak up weakling!"
"How dare you call him weakling! You'll pay for that!"
"We'll teach you a lesson!" It came from the two cheerleaders.
Luffy had grabbed onto the back of their shirts, pulling them back with a yell of their names. "No! Yozaku! Johnny! Get back here! Just stay put!"
He was impressed that Luffy was still standing back. Luffy wasn't one to let his nakama be in a losing situation. He did wonder if Luffy was doing it for Roronoa's sake. From what Mihawk had collected, it would be a mark against this young man's pride for an interference in a battle he had set out from home for.
Roronoa had stood back up, capturing Mihawk's full attention again as he said, "No! I won't lose! I refuse to be defeated!"
Mihawk just looked at him for the moment. Roronoa hadn't realized he had lost the second he had challenged him.
Roronoa went to attack again, this time before the attack could hit. He landed his Kogatana right into Roronoa's chest. "You are defeated, yet you won't step back. Why not?"
He hadn't come in contact with a person like this in a long time. Years since the last time he had seen this type of dedication in a fight.
"I dunno, but I will not run. Even if I step back a single step, I would be shattering the promises I have made. I can't run. I would lose my honor. You see, without that, there would be nothing left for me here." Roronoa replied to him.
Mihawk frowned slightly. Roronoa had a strange concept of defeat. "That is what defeat is." Mihawk stated.
"Then I won't accept defeat."
"Then, you'll die." Mihawk replied.
"I would rather die than give up!" Roronoa said.
A strong heart indeed. He chooses death before defeat. This man certainly was something. Roronoa grunted as Mihawk pulled Kogatana out of his chest. Mihawk took a few steps back to get a better look at him as he sheathed Kogatana back and placed it around his neck.
"Sir, state your name." Mihawk ordered. He may have heard his name from those around him, but this was different. He wanted Roronoa to know that he had caught Mihawk's attention and regard. Enough to actually ask for his name. Something he wasn't known for.
"I am Roronoa Zoro." Roronoa replied, now in a stance for his final attack, staying put as Mihawk addressed him.
"I'll remember it. No one as strong as you as come around in quite some time." Mihawk stated as he reached behind him for Yoru. Roronoa's heart and determination had granted him the curtesy of falling to Yoru. The last person he had seen with a strong heart like this young man's was Shanks. "So, as a swordsman's curtesy, I will use the world's strongest black sword to finish you."
"Thank you. I appreciate it." Roronoa replied.
This would be the final move before their duel came to an end.
He could hear the Krieg Pirates panicking about his sword being drawn as he stared down Roronoa. The young Alpha's cheerleader friends calling for him to stop. As Roronoa started his secret technique, Mihawk lunged forward with a yell of, "Fall!"
Mihawk's attack landed first. Breaking both of Roronoa's swords in his hands and causing a gash across his chest. As he stood behind Roronoa, he heard the clatter of the grips falling to the deck. He looked over his shoulder, watching the young Alpha sheath the white sword back into its sheath before he was turning to face Mihawk. The older Alpha had turned, Yoru still ready. Roronoa was now standing with his arms held out wide to give access to his chest.
Mihawk's eyes widened. Shock filling him. This was unexpected. Roronoa had put away his sword and was giving Mihawk full permission to cut him down. "But, why?"
"Scars on the back are a swordsman's shame." That one statement had won over Mihawk's respect.
Mihawk smiled. "Fine." He stated, bringing down Yoru just enough that he would leave a scar across Roronoa's chest. The blood splattering from the young Alpha and falling onto the deck. He would not kill Roronoa. Not yet.
"ZORO!" Luffy's terrified scream followed as Roronoa was falling backwards into the water.
Before Roronoa could hit the water, Mihawk added, "You shouldn't rush these things, young man."
"Zoro!" Came the shout from the one Mihawk had guessed as Usopp.
"BIG BRO!" Followed with the other two.
"NO!" Luffy continued to scream.
Luffy probably thought he had killed Roronoa. No. Not after what Roronoa had just displayed to him. He would wait for Roronoa. Wait for him to come take this title from him. He was actually anticipating it. Excited. This was his new purpose now that his pups were grown. Aside from protecting them, he would remain where he was so one day this young man might come defeat him one day. He was looking forward to it.
"DON'T BE STUPID! GIVE UP YOUR AMBITION AND LIVE!" The blonde cook screamed out.
Seemed like Roronoa had someone waiting for him. Even if he didn't know it. If Roronoa had a partner, he would never act this recklessly. Even if it did gain Mihawk's respect in the end. He would be spared for now.
Mihawk had been like that once. It was Roger who made him see clearly. His love for Shanks that made him strive to be stronger. His drive to protect his pups that made him want to live so he could continue doing so. Roronoa would have something like that one day, and that would drive him further into wanting to succeed over Mihawk.
Mihawk couldn't wait for the day.
Not even a second later, Luffy was finally getting involved. Mihawk could feel the anger coming from his son where he stood. Luffy's hand stretching out to the rail behind him and his arm ready to punch him as he yelled out, "YOU BASTARD!"
He sheathed Yoru back on his back, crossing his arms over his chest. Mihawk smirked as he stepped to the side, allowing Luffy to go face first into the wood behind him.
And promptly get stuck.
Luffy, indeed, thought Mihawk had killed Roronoa.
Mihawk told him he was impressed that Luffy didn't interfere as his son worked to get himself unstuck from where he was in the wood. "There is nothing to be upset about. Your friend will leave." Mihawk reassured him. Mihawk had turned his attention back to the water to see Roronoa being fished out and placed onto the small boat by the Baratie.
Mihawk needed Roronoa to know. Know that Mihawk was waiting for the day of his defeat. "It is still far to early for you to die." He started. "My name is Dracule Mihawk! You're strong, but there is much for you to learn! No matter how many years it takes, I will hold this title as the greatest in the world and wait for you. Until that day, you must hone for your skills. Then… SEEK ME OUT RORONOA ZORO!" Once he had said what he needed to say, he turned his attention back to Luffy. Luffy staring at him with surprise. "Luffy, do you still have the same goal?"
Luffy nodded at him. "Yeah, I will be the King of the Pirates."
Mihawk smirked. Luffy was still deadest on his ambition. Good. "Seems your ambition remains loftier than your friends. That is quite the task."
"Yeah, you just let me worry about that." Luffy retorted. Mihawk's smirk remained. The pride flooding through him. He didn't say anything to him as Luffy's attention was now once again grabbed by Roronoa.
Roronoa addressing Luffy directly and declaring he will never lose again. Saying that he would defeat Mihawk and take his title, pulling a smirk to Mihawk's face. Oh, he was definitely looking forward to this.
The last thing he said placed a fond smile on Mihawk's lips. He had called Luffy the King of the Pirates. Even Luffy was able to get others to believe in him. Luffy had always been like that, rather he had seen it or not.
Roronoa and Luffy made a good team. He didn't have to see them in action together to know. The way that Luffy was ready to fight Mihawk for what happened to his friend. Roronoa declaring he would never lose again until he could defeat Mihawk. His son has found good nakama. With nakama like this, Luffy was in good hands.
"You're a good team. I'll see you on the Grand Line, Luffy." Mihawk said as his goodbye before he started back over to his ship.
"Hey, Hawkeyes!" Don Krieg exclaimed. Mihawk had completely forgotten about this fool. Though it did make him stop. "I was under the impression that you have come here to take my life. Weren't you here to kill the Great Don Krieg? The ruler of the East Blue!"
"The thought had crossed my mind, but I've had enough fun for today. So, I'm going home to get some rest." Mihawk replied.
Don Krieg cracked his neck as Mihawk sighed. This buffoon didn't learn a single thing. "I don't care if you've had enough. I haven't even gotten started. NOW IT'S TIME TO DIE!" He exclaimed as he shot at Mihawk.
Luffy would be fine, he could stretch his way out of this. Mihawk grabbed Yoru, turning to face Don Krieg. "He just won't learn, will he?" He questioned out loud as he swiped Yoru, destroying more of the ship. Jumping back towards his ship, he let the wave carry him off.
He still had a stop to make before he went to see Shanks. Don Krieg was not going to take that precious time from him.
X
Mihawk hated attending the Warlord meetings. The last one he attended ended with some joke named Laffitte saying that Blackbeard should replace Crocodile as a Warlord. Mihawk had warned Sengoku against allowing that.
Now, here they were once more within a meeting of the Warlords. The only one not in attendance was Boa Hancock. Which wasn't surprising, she never came. The only way they could get to her was by either finding her while she was sailing or go to Amazon Lily. The Marines never truly cared since Hancock tended to turn everyone to stone whenever she was near.
The Marines were quite lenient with the Warlords. Preferring to keep them on their good side so they would remain as allies. They pretty much got to do whatever they wanted just as long as if they kept their end of the bargain. Mihawk only complied most of the time because of his own deal made with the World Government.
Mihawk kept his head pointed down, to keep the others from noticing that he was staring daggers right through Blackbeard. He despised that man. Sengoku was a fool for allowing him to become a Warlord. He would use this title the same as he used Whitebeard's name. He would only be in until he got whatever he wanted and then he would be gone again.
An emergency meeting is what they had called it. If the Marines were calling them in such a haste like this, something big was on the horizon. Blackbeard looked smug. The look of pride on his face. Though, his eyes were glued directly to Mihawk. Which was unsettling. He didn't like that glint in the other Alpha's eye.
Mihawk kept his arms crossed over his chest, leg thrown over the other the entire time. It wasn't just Fleet Admiral Sengoku in the room. It was the three admirals, Garp, and a few other Vice Admirals. Whatever this was, was huge.
They hadn't announced why Blackbeard was made a Warlord. He was just a no name in the world apparently until recently. He had no bounty and no notoriety on his own except for word spreading that he became a turncoat against Whitebeard and attempted to kill his own nakama. Though, Blackbeard gloated like he had killed Commander Thatch. It was like he didn't actually know the man was still alive.
"This meeting has been called because each of you will be in attendance at Marineford come one week from now." Sengoku stated.
Mihawk kept silent as the other Warlords questioned Sengoku's demand. The only other one staying quiet was Blackbeard.
"As you are aware, Blackbeard has been extended a Warlord position due to recent events of his capture of a notorious pirate. We believe the Whitebeard Pirates will be initiating an attack on Marineford once the announcement of the public execution of one of their Commanders is made public." Sengoku stated. This made Mihawk look over to Sengoku, his eyes widening slightly. What Commander was captured? His heart started to race. Ace was a Commander with Whitebeard. He mentally pleaded that the Commander was in fact not Ace. "The public execution of the Second Division Commander, Fire Fist Portgas D. Ace."
Mihawk felt his entire world shatter as he completely froze. His nails tightening on his arm, the pain the only thing making him realize that he was in fact not hallucinating.
Ace had been captured by the Marines.
Ace was scheduled to be executed.
And Mihawk was being called to defend Marineford from his nakama.
"You all will be in attendance to fight against the forces of the Whitebeard Pirates and his allies." Sengoku finished. "Portgas D. Ace is currently locked away on Level Six of Impel Down, where he will remain until his execution."
Mihawk couldn't bring himself to listen anymore. He couldn't move. He couldn't speak. His heart was racing as all the possibilities ran through his head. He could turn this down, but he knew exactly where that would lead. He was no help to Ace if he was locked away in Impel Down, stripped of his title.
Jinbei had instantly shot out of his seat and started protesting. Anger written on his face as he slammed his hands on the table. "I refuse to fight against good old Whitebeard! I will not take part in the execution of Ace-san! You are out of your minds if you think I will allow this!" Jinbei hollered. His triad continued, but Mihawk didn't care to listen.
His mind ventured to Ace. Imagining what could possibly be happening to his son right now. He couldn't feel anything. Just anger.
Most of all… failure.
He had failed to protect his son. Now his son was on death row.
"You're using Ace-san as bait for Whitebeard! That's all this is! Why else would you be executing him so quickly!" Jinbei continued.
The Marines were busy trying to calm Jinbei through his refusal. "Have it your way, Jinbei. You can be locked in a cell with Fire Fist during his last moments of life." Sengoku growled, turning to face some of the Marines that were stationed at the door. "Arrest Warlord Jinbei and take him to Impel Down immediately where he will remain until after Fire Fist's execution."
Sure enough, Jinbei was cuffed and being led off. Still hollering at Sengoku the entire time. The fury on his face. Mihawk thanked everything that he had mastered hiding his emotions at a young age. This could turn bad very quickly if he did not tread carefully. Jinbei was a special exception with the Warlords. His title wouldn't be revoked as a deal with the Fishmen. With Jinbei as a Warlord, it kept the Fishmen from turning against the World Government despite Fishman Island being under the protection of Whitebeard. They were insane to even think that Jinbei would actually agree to fight against the man protecting his people.
The rest of them were a different story.
"Any other objections? If you refuse, you will be stripped of your Warlord status and arrested. Placed within Impel Down until we decide what course we should take with you." Sengoku stated, turning to face the rest of them.
He had two choices and he absolutely hated both of them. Either be present at Marineford as part of the Warlords sided with the World Government or be imprisoned in Impel Down with a revoked status.
He could careless if he lost his Warlord title. He didn't need it. His name was enough to scare the likes of everyone around him. His gaze was enough to freeze them in their place. It was the Impel Down part he cared about. He couldn't do anything to try and rescue his son if he was locked away in Impel Down.
In the end, it wasn't a hard decision to make. Even if he did dislike the choice he had to make. "I will be present." Mihawk finally stated. Sengoku looked to him as Mihawk glared at him. "However, I will not fight unless I decide I want to. I will only be there." He would leave it at that. Sengoku seemed to accept his answer because he had moved on. Going further into details about what they would be expecting and what they were doing to prevent the Whitebeard Pirates from winning.
The Marines had absolute hell coming their way. They were focused on the Whitebeard Pirates. They didn't even know just how connected Ace was within the world. He couldn't allow himself to slip up now and reveal Ace's relation to him. It would only result in Mihawk ending up in Impel Down. This was his chance. He would be within the plaza of Marineford. He would just have to wait for reinforcements to arrive. He would not be able to do this alone, and he didn't expect Garp to actually actively participate either.
Not once was the possibility of Shanks being there brought up. Which was a good sign. They wouldn't expect the Red Hair Pirates. Mihawk already knew once Shanks found out about Ace, he would head directly for Marineford.
Dragon was also another story. They didn't believe that Dragon would show up despite knowing that Garp was Ace's grandfather. Though, it seems like they believed they were related by blood. Which was odd in Mihawk's mind. Sengoku never liberated on it. Instead, staying quiet with what information he was holding onto. The Fleet Admiral was keeping something from them. There was a high possibility that Dragon could make it to Marineford in time if he decided to make a move. He could end up bringing his entire army with him if he chose too. Even just high-ranking members of the Revolutionary Army would scare the Marines.
They also had Rouge, who he had no doubt would bring back up with her. That was if she could make it in time. If she discovered Ace's capture at the same time as them, no way would she make it. He couldn't count on Rouge showing up on the battlefield.
There was also the possibility of Luffy showing up. Luffy wasn't near strong enough to take on the forces of the combined Admirals and Vice Admirals. It wouldn't surprise him in the slightest, however, if Luffy did show his face at Marineford.
Mihawk would have to bid his time carefully before he could strike. He couldn't allow for the Marines to know what side he was truly on until he knew for positive that reinforcements would be there and he would be able to slip past the Marines or help someone get to Ace.
There was so much uncertainty with so little information.
Sengoku made it clear they were going to be under a watchful eye. Mihawk could possibly manage to slip a message to Shanks, but they were now being required to stay at Marineford until after the possible war.
Mihawk didn't have much of a choice in the matter. He could only hope that the others would show up in time.
X
As the meeting met its end, they were being escorted to their rooms they would have while they were here. Just to ensure that they would actually be in attendance. A Vice Admiral was being sent after Hancock to get her to come to Marineford. They would be lucky if they were able to get her. Hancock did whatever the hell she wanted and petrified anyone who threatened her.
Garp was Mihawk's escort. The two walking in silence as they headed towards where Mihawk was staying. Once within his room, Garp closed the door behind him. "How long have you known?" Mihawk asked immediately, digging his nails into his palms and feeling the blood start down his knuckles.
"I found out the day Ace was taken to Impel Down." Garp replied. "I've seen him. He knows what to expect. That boy will not die."
Mihawk growled, covering his fist with haki, and slamming it against the wall. Breaking the concrete that was there underneath his punch. Luffy was right. It feels a bit better hitting something with your fist compared to a sword. "Why the hell are you making me do this?! Why do I have to stand there with the same fucking people who are going to execute my son?!"
Garp sighed, hands in his pockets as he looked over to Mihawk. "It's best that you are standing with the Warlords, Mihawk. I'm sure you have already thought about it. They will have an inside man without even realizing it." Mihawk could only growl again as his entire body shook. "Since you are on radio silence, Shanks has formed an alliance with Whitebeard."
Mihawk paused. Shanks actually formed an alliance with someone? And it was Whitebeard? "Do they know?"
Garp shook his head. "Shanks didn't tell me. I found out from Rouge."
Mihawk took in a deep breath, exhaling harshly. "You said you saw Ace."
"He's alright. Banged up pretty bad from his fight with Blackbeard. I've made it clear to the guards at Impel Down that if they touch him, they answer to me." Garp replied. "Mihawk, I know it's selfish to ask this of you, but I need you to act like you are fighting for the Marines. At least until the pirate forces break through to the plaza."
Mihawk leveled a glare on Garp, a growl escaping him. "You are a fool. You really think I won't turn on the Marines the second Whitebeard shows up?!"
"I'm not asking this of you for the Marines. I'm asking this of you so they won't suspect you. If you attack the Marines the second Eddie shows up, they will turn to you cause you will be the closest. They will try to kill you instantly. You won't be any help to Ace if you get struck down before anyone has a chance to get to the plaza." Garp stated.
Mihawk growled. "Fine, but I will only do one strike. One."
Garp smiled. "That's fine. As long as if you keep the Marines from finding out your true alliance until closer to the end, it should go swimmingly." He paused. "The reason I say this is because, Sengoku plans on trapping the Whitebeard Pirates and their allies in the bay and executing Ace at the same time. So, I need you to spread the message."
Mihawk's eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. Sengoku really planned to kill Ace before his scheduled execution?! "Is it really wise to be telling me this? You can be imprisoned for treason."
"I hold no sympathy for criminals, but family is different." Garp simply stated. "I won't be participating in the war, but I will be sitting by Ace keeping him as calm as possible. He is going to be sitting there watching all of this. Helpless to do anything."
Mihawk growled once more as he leveled a look on Garp. "I will save Ace, even if it kills me."
X
Today was the day. The day of Ace's public execution. Mihawk was sitting in the room with the other Warlords, waiting to be escorted once more to the end of the plaza where they would be stationed. Surprisingly, Hancock had showed up. The only Warlord not present was Blackbeard. Which didn't surprise Mihawk. He had heard Blackbeard was broken into Impel Down and that's where the man currently was. If he stayed away from the battlefield, he was fine with that too. Even if it meant Mihawk didn't have the chance to slice him up for what he had done.
He had also gotten word that Luffy was a mastermind behind a break in at Impel Down. His nakama following behind him. Luffy had headed straight for Ace, but from what he heard. He never made it. After discovering Luffy's raid on Enies Lobby, he wasn't expecting anything less from Luffy. His youngest was absolutely fearless. Already declaring war on the World Government once. Luffy would do it again. He didn't know what else had happened after that, but he knew Luffy was alive.
It took all the self-control Mihawk had to remain as levelheaded as possible. He had thought of the possibility of breaking Ace out of his cell here. He could feel his son's haki from where he sat. The utter defeat laced within it. Ace had given up.
Even if he could get to Ace, there were hundreds of guards just for Ace's cell. Plus the one hundred thousand soldiers. Not including the Vice Admirals and the Admirals. He just had to be patient. Patience was the key here. He just needed to deliver the message from Garp and then he was free to turn against the Marines.
He barely looked up as the door opened revealing two Marine soldiers. "Excuse us! It's time to go. Please come with us to the port." The Marine stated.
"That Whitebeard sure has some nerve, doesn't he?" Gecko Moria stated. "There's still three hours left before the execution, too!"
"Yes, that's right, but we need to be prepared for any unexpected developments." The Marine replied.
Kuma was the first to stand, heading towards the Marines. Mihawk stood up next, adjusting Yoru on his back. "You're all ready for action, huh?" Doflamingo addressed him. Mihawk barely gave him a glance. Only one objective was on his mind, and it was Ace. "What an unsocial fellow."
A new sense of determination flooded through him as he started after Kuma. He refused to allow Ace to be killed. Even if he had to pretend. Just for a little while. He would make sure his son left Marineford alive.
Mihawk had to contain himself from attack each and every Marine he walked by. Ready to cut them down with a strike of Yoru. Instead, he placed himself on the wall of the bay, standing between Hancock and Doflamingo.
Right on schedule, Ace was taken to the scaffold.
Now, he just had to wait.
Author's Note: FINALLY! Marineford is next guys! For the next whatever amount of chapters we will be in the chaos that is Marineford! I hope you enjoyed! Just know, Marineford is gonna be FAR from canon except for kind of how it starts out and maybe some events that happen. Other than that… yeah… um screw canon? I will see you next time!