Impossible
Author's Note: Hey everyone and welcome back to Impossible! I'm going to change it up a little bit from the other backstories and not go much into Mihawk's joint memories and just summarize mostly and move on. I have a lot of ground to cover before we get to the main storyline.
Trigger Warning On:
Chapter Warnings: Sexual Assault, Violence
Chapter Eight: The World's Strongest Swordsman: Dracule "Hawkeyes" Mihawk
Chapter Summary: Mihawk accepts the title of Warlord from Garp. Later, Mihawk discovers that Shanks was attacked by Teach leading to a vow to their unborn child.
He had done exactly what Garp had told him to do. He had reported to Mariejois and completed the last of what he needed to do to officially become a Warlord. He didn't feel any different as he left. The sudden having no bounty didn't feel different. Now he just wouldn't be attacked by the Marines. It was odd.
With everything completed, he was finally able to search for Shanks. There was this pull within him screaming at him to get to Shanks. He had no full connection with the Omega to completely understand what it was.
He had found himself going to the South Blue. That was just as odd to him as this entire situation was. What was Shanks doing in the South Blue? He hadn't even been on the Grand Line that long.
When he finally did find Shanks, he was on a small island known as Baterilla. It was even more surprising that Shanks would go there, considering what had happened the year previously on the island with the World Government.
He had been guided to a house on the top of a hill by a few of the Red Hair Pirates, and as he walked in. He had frozen completely. Shanks looked at him. His skin glowing. Beautiful. A very slight swell of his stomach.
Mihawk had frozen in place. His gaze landing on that slight curve. He only knew it was there because he knew every inch of Shanks' body. How skinny he had been before. Then he could see it. There was an additional haki signature.
Shanks was pregnant.
All those thoughts that he had. The fears. Yet, the want to have a family of his own. Family to love and nurture. He never thought of having children. Let alone as a pirate. Having a bounty because he had killed his father.
He could barely even hear Shanks talking to him before he was falling down his knees, placing his nose against Shanks' stomach.
He was going to be a father.
X
During the time that they stayed at Baterilla, Mihawk had bonded with Shanks. Shanks was the only person that he would even want to bond with him. Have children with. The pregnancy had been rough on him. His labor had gone even worse. Shanks had been close to losing his life bringing their baby boy into the world. Mihawk had been so close to losing the both of them. He never wanted to have that feeling again. For the first time in a long time, he had actually felt fear watching Shanks bleeding out. It only got a little bit better when he heard their baby's cry for the first time. Shanks' smile as he whispered out the baby's name, "Ace."
They had managed to save Shanks' life. He had been placed on bed rest following his labor. Mihawk had stayed with him the entire time. Helping care for his mate and their pup. It was his duty as Shanks' mate and the father of their child. They needed him. Then the day came that Shanks was cleared to return to the sea.
But it was time to get back onto the sea. Shanks had finally made the decision to also return to sea, taking Ace with him with promises that the two of them would be careful. Mihawk believed him. Shanks was strong himself. Ace was in excellent hands with Shanks and his crew.
The last thing he had seen as he left was Shanks holding Ace in his arms. The soft smile on his face as he looked down at their son.
He had every reason in the world now to continue to get stronger.
X
This was one situation that he had never expected to find himself in. He barely recalled being at the bar, having dinner and a drink before he was going to go to bed for the night. That was until he woke up with a start. His hands bound above his head and his shirt long gone. His sword was nowhere in sight either. Kogatana was no longer around his neck. Probably taken from him when his shirt was taken. Everything was blank. He couldn't remember a thing of his night before.
He had to remain calm as he looked around. It was dark. Damp. Just enough light that he could see around him. What the hell happened?
"I see you're awake, Hawkeyes." Mihawk snapped his gaze into the direction of the voice. Narrowing his eyes as three Alpha men stepped forward. They weren't Marines. He knew that for a fact. "You joined the ranks of the scum of the sea, we see. You are the lowest of the low."
Mihawk kept his mouth shut. Instead keeping his eyes on them. "No bounty but nothing but a lap dog of the World Government. I hear you even have to give them part of your earnings in exchange for amnesty. What else does that sweet deal give you?"
"You are no pirate, Hawkeyes." The third drawled, lifting his hand to reveal his Kogatana out of its small sheath.
Mihawk gritted his teeth, snarling as the third Alpha walked up to him, twirling the blade in his hand. "Oh, we finally got a noise out of him." One of them said.
"This means something to you." The one carrying the blade stated.
Mihawk tried to keep the emotion off of his face. His mother's face coming to mind for a split second. He couldn't help the sharp glare that he sent the way of the other Alphas.
One of them laughed as they came around, almost bouncing in his step as he moved around Mihawk. "I also noticed something really interesting a few days ago when those up-and-coming Red Hair Pirates were around." Mihawk gritted his teeth, eyeing the Alpha. He had taken Mihawk's Kogatana from his friend, moving behind Mihawk. "You're often seen with their Captain. Hell, they say when you two clash… it can be heard across the Grand Line." Mihawk sucked in a sharp inhale as he felt his own blade slash across his back. He could feel his own blood sliding down his back down. Moving quickly over his skin. "It's more than that. Isn't it?" He further questioned, immediately taking another slice across Mihawk's skin. Mihawk wasn't going to give these men satisfaction from making any noise.
"He's not denying it." Another one of them drawled.
What the hell did these men care about Shanks anyway?
Again, he ended up with another slash. This time on his side.
"Rumor has it that Red-Haired Shanks is actually an apprentice from Gold Roger's ship." The one with the knife said. Using the point of the blade to trace random patterns into his skin.
"Makes me wonder if that bounty of his should actually be a whole lot more." One of the ones still in front of Mihawk continued. "They say that Gold Roger had two apprentices. One was an Alpha and the other Omega. The Omega being a pretty little red head with guess what… Shanks' signature straw hat."
Mihawk felt his eye twitch as he tried to focus everything in him to keep himself from giving anything away. People like these men loved to talk. They would tell him soon enough of their plans. Mihawk had to think of a way out of here. If he put just enough strength into it, he could probably break his bindings free. It was more doing it before he was noticed.
Eyes moved back to him as a smirk came to the face as the one who was currently using his back as a cutting board. "I also noticed something else interesting. I almost missed it." He murmured, leaning in close to Mihawk's ear, "That bitch has a pup."
Mihawk felt the air catch completely in his throat this time. He couldn't even stop the action before his eyes were widening. His mind ventured back to when he lost saw Shanks. Shanks was constantly surrounded by his nakama now. It would be hard to get to him without risking having to fight the entirety of his crew. Especially with Ace now. Those men cared for Ace just like he was blood to them.
"Seems like Hawkeyes here knew." With that statement, another slash came across his skin. "Who do you think managed to dick down that little whore?"
"Maybe that pack of Alphas that are glued to his side. Sometimes they say an Omega's charm can have an Alpha begging to have a taste." Another chuckled.
Finally, Mihawk chose to speak, "Maybe because that Omega holds more respect from his peers that you." He snarled.
He should have been expecting the cut against his back again. This time it was deeper, and he could feel the quick flow of his blood against his skin. "Do you know why we brought you here, Hawkeyes?" Mihawk didn't even give them a shake of his head. Not a word before the Alpha male was turning to look at his face. His own knife being traced across his skin. "Anyone who dares take on the title of Warlord doesn't deserve to be a pirate. You bastards get to run around as if own the seas. The Marines leave you alone. Just like a little puppy dog."
"I have no bounty. I'm no use to you." Mihawk deadpanned.
They brought him here because he was a Warlord? There had to be more to it. That couldn't be the only reason that they had brought him here.
Sure enough, one of the men had laughed, "No, we are going to use you to get to Red-Haired Shanks." The air caught in Mihawk's throat again as he felt the anger flare. "Maybe have our way with him before we take him to the closest Marine base. Do you know the recognition we would get for turning in someone who was on the Pirate King's ship?"
"He's got that pup too." Another muttered, "What do you think that red head would do to protect the life of the innocent child?"
Mihawk couldn't hear anymore as he felt every part of his instincts flaring. His nails extending and teeth peeking out even more. His eyes were stinging as he felt the glow coming next. It had given him the strength that he needed as he jerked his arms, the chains that were suspending him up breaking away with ease.
His escape had stumped the men as he attacked without a second thought. Using his own nails as a weapon as he hit the first man closest to him in the jugular. Which so happened to be the man that had Mihawk's Kogatana. He picked up the blade, getting the next Alpha before he had a chance to move.
With the two down, he could feel the blood on his hands and arms. Splashing onto his face. Mihawk turned his attention to the final man as he pleas for his life came next. "We were joking, man." That was a lie if he ever heard one.
Did one not know not to threaten the mate and pup of someone?
"He's mine." Mihawk knew it sounded possessive, but he refused to allow anyone to put their hands on Shanks or Ace if he had anything to do with it.
The realization dawned on the remaining Alpha as he was backed into a corner. Without even a smidge of remorse, Mihawk sent Kogatana straight through the man's heart. Twisting it before jerking it back towards him.
The Alpha exhaled sharply, turning, and letting his cut up back hit the wall. Not even flinching for the slight twinge of pain that he could feel.
He was seeking out Shanks immediately. He didn't care. He needed to see them.
X
He had found his stuff fairly easily, getting it put back on despite the aggravation it brought to the wounds on his back. He didn't even care to get anything as he immediately went for his boat, knowing that Shanks had already departed from the island. He shouldn't be that far away from where he was.
His assumption had been correct, and he had found Shanks' ship quickly. Only needing a day's travel to do so. He didn't sleep a wink during that time. It was late at night when the rope was cast down to him by the night watch. He tied it up, jumping up and landing on the deck.
"The Captain already retired to his room for the night." He was immediately met with.
He gave his thanks, rushing off into the cabins. The only thing on his mind was actually seeing both Shanks and Ace safe with his own eyes. He knew they were fine, but that feeling just wouldn't go away. No matter what he tried to tell himself. He had gone into Ace's room first. Seeing their pup fast asleep in his crib. His little eyes shut and the rise and fall of his chest.
The Alpha reached in, careful not to wake the small babe. Ace was a heavy sleeper from what he could tell. Moving him never seemed to wake him. A soft smile came to his face as Ace almost instinctively curled into his side, smacking his small lips slightly before he was settled back down.
He had never truly dreamed for something like this. A family of his own to love and protect. One that wasn't built on trauma and deceit. Heinous acts. Ace was created between two people who didn't realize they actually had feelings for each other until he came along. He was their perfect thing. A perfect mixture of the two of them.
He walked around the room, rocking on his feet slightly as he reached up and rubbed his finger over Ace's freckled cheeks. A Portgas trait. Even Shanks had them if you actually looked for them. They were almost always concealed by the fact that he tanned easily and had more of a caramel skin tone like Roger unlike Rouge's more pale skin.
He only looked away from Ace as he heard the door finish opening that lead directly to Shanks' room. That door was never fully closed, even with the den den mushi that worked as a monitor for Ace. Shanks stood there, dressed in just an oversized night shirt. His hair messed up slightly like he had at least been in bed. The Omega was giving him a soft smile event though the surprise was there. There was not a bruise or cut or anything on his body on any of the exposed skin that he could see. He just looked exhausted.
"Mihawk, I wasn't expecting you for a few months." Shanks muttered, walking forward until he was standing before the Alpha.
Mihawk shrugged, looking back down at Ace. "I couldn't just take off. Not yet."
Shanks smiled, leaning into Mihawk's side. Mihawk leaned over, pressing a kiss in Shanks' forehead. "I love you, Red-Hair."
The Omega laughed slightly, "I love you too, Hawkeyes."
X
The time had started to pass and before he knew it, two years had come and gone. Ace was growing bigger and bigger every time that he had seen Shanks. He would always be greeted with Ace's large smile the second he climbed aboard the ship or came in contact with Shanks.
This time when he found them again, it was in the East Blue, and he had been rocked to the core. He had never thought that this would happen to Shanks. Not within the safety of his own ship. He had found Shanks on Dawn Island. Pregnant. He had noticed immediately, but it was the way that Shanks carried himself. He looked almost fearful when actually telling him.
It was what he had said next.
I was raped.
Mihawk almost didn't wait for the explanation the second that he had gotten the name of the man who would dare lay his hands on his mate. Shanks' arms had wrapped around his torso, his forehead leaning against his back. Begging him not too. Every part of him was screaming to go rip Teach apart. How the hell did that man get on Shanks' ship?
Shanks had also admitted to being unsure of who the baby's father was based off of the estimated time of conception.
There was only one thing that Mihawk could say, "This baby is mine."
X
All of their conversations about the new baby were tense. Shanks didn't want to speak about it, but Mihawk just wanted to make sure that Shanks was mentally prepared for this. It would never be the baby's fault, but he could understand if Shanks thought differently. Shanks was determined to bring the baby into the world. Knowing there was the chance that Mihawk was the father. There was a small part that wanted to know. He could never resent this baby for the possibility. This was his baby. Shanks was his mate. This baby was Ace's sibling rather if Mihawk was their father or not. Shanks never asked for this to happen to him. Never asked for Teach to commit a heinous act on him.
It had disgusted Teach.
Then they were faced with the question.
Did they want to find out the paternity?
It was almost neither of them wanted to know for sure. Mihawk had already promised himself that no matter what, he would love and care for this baby the same that he did with Ace.
Shanks absolutely didn't want to know. Panicking at the mere thought of it. Mihawk, on the other hand, was considering it. It only caused more tension between the two. Mihawk had the right to know, but Shanks couldn't bring himself to do it. He could understand. It was already painful to be assaulted then discover that he was pregnant. Pregnancy and babies were something that was supposed to be celebrated. Happy. His mother had taught him that. The Omega was putting on a façade of happiness to anyone who looked at him, but they all knew the truth.
He was terrified of the truth.
Of what could be.
Sexual assault victims reacted differently to pregnancy. Shanks didn't even want to be touched, barely letting Akito do his job of caring for him throughout it. His mother had accepted it immediately. Showing him unconditional love. It hadn't taken him long to understand that Shanks was scared that he would carry resentment for his baby if he found out it wasn't what he wanted.
He had done some digging into that night. Asking Akito questions about what they had done following the assault. Of course, their night watch and security on the ship had gone up. Now they even patrolled directly by Shanks' room.
He had also discovered that Shanks had taken an emergency contraceptive. If taken within a certain amount of time, it shouldn't fail. Or at least, unlikely. Then it brought the thought to mind.
What if Shanks was already pregnant when he was attacked?
It was possible for an Omega to finish their heat even if they had already conceived.
It made him wonder.
He just had to wait for the baby to be born.
X
It had felt like it all came bubbling over one night when Shanks was six months along. He had been watching as Shanks went spiraling the entire time he had been here. There was only so much he could do since Shanks refused to talk about anything. Only going into so much information about what truly happened. Anything else Mihawk had learned had been from Benn and Akito. Swearing him to secrecy about even telling him what had happened.
Shanks' body had reacted to Teach. From what he knew, it wasn't uncommon for an unwilling victim. Their bodies would react naturally even if it wasn't what they wanted.
He had come to the conclusion that Shanks felt like he had betrayed him in some way. He would never see it like that.
He had gone to find him. Ace already being down for the night when he had gotten an odd feeling in the pit of his stomach. Something was wrong. No one had seen Shanks, but Rouge had said he had gone to take a bath.
His concern had spiked. Shanks was almost attached to Ace with everything. Keeping him close or even just in eyesight.
When he had gotten to the bathroom, he could hear the water running. For a moment, he was going to walk away until he had heard the small thump. He frowned, trying the knob on the door. Only for it to click against the lock. He sighed, tapping his knuckles against it. "Shanks?" He gained no answer. "Shanks, are you okay?"
His concern had caught the attention of the others who were lounging around. Mihawk had a bad feeling. He growled, shoving his shoulder against the door, and breaking the lock. He would fix it later, but Shanks wasn't answering him.
When he broke through the door, Shanks was sitting on the floor. A blank look on his face with his arms thrown over his knees. Picking at his nails. The Alpha could see the tears in his eyes, but what he noticed immediately was the knife in his hands. Mihawk felt like he couldn't breathe for the moment. He shut the door behind him, surveying the area for any signs of blood.
"Shanks?" Mihawk muttered, rushing over, and dropping down to a knee in front of his mate. Shanks had barely looked at him, shaking his head. He carefully reached forward, taking the knife from the red head's hand, dropping it to the floor and sliding it away. "Shanks? Can you hear me?" He tried again.
This time the Omega nodded.
"I couldn't bring myself to actually do it." Those words had shattered Mihawk in more ways than one. Shanks choked on a sob, leaning his head onto his arms. "I kept thinking of Ace… my mom… my nakama… you… and this baby. I can't. I want too so damn bad, but as my father used to say… you can overcome anything. That it's okay to cry. That you'll get passed it over time. I can't do this, Mihawk. I can't."
The Alpha finally found it in him to breathe as he reached over, turning off the tap to the water before he was turning and leaning against the wall by his mate. "Shanks, I can't begin to imagine the pain you're in."
Shanks only cried again, shaking his head, "It's not fair to you, but I'm terrified. I've never felt this scared in my life. I've never come across something that I feared so much that it makes my heart raced. I feel like I can't breathe. That I'm just stuck."
The Alpha sighed, reaching around, and putting his arm around Shanks' shoulders, pulling his mate into his side, carding his fingers through his hair. "No one is asking you to heal immediately. Healing takes time. You are allowed to have feelings. Anger. Hurt. Fear. Whatever you need to feel." He whispered, "I choose to mate with you. You are the mother of my children. No matter what had happened or the circumstances, that will not change the fact that I love you."
Mihawk noticed the way that Shanks' nails were digging into the exposed skin of his knees. The scratch marks that were there. He reached out, pulling the Omega's hand into his own before bringing it up to his lips and placing a chaste kiss against the tanned skin.
"It's not fair to you." Shanks added, "You should be able to know for sure."
Mihawk gave a soft smile, "Even if I want to know, this baby is going to be mine no matter what the results would be."
"What did I do to deserve you?" Shanks questioned, looking up and wiping the tears away from his eyes.
"You existed."
X
Their conversation in the bathroom had seemed to help. Shanks became more open than he had in the past. Preparing for the day that their second baby would arrive. Then the day came that Shanks had gone into labor. He had stuck by Shanks' side the entire time. Not once leaving. He could see the conflict in the Omega, but he had gone through the grueling childbirth with ease. Having no complications unlike with Ace.
He had seen the pain in Shanks' eyes as he held onto their newborn child. His tuff of black hair, little eyes covered in a gel to keep bacteria from getting into them. He was beautiful.
"Luffy." Shanks muttered.
The name that he had picked out. It was fitting for this baby.
"He's perfect." Mihawk whispered, placing a kiss on Shanks' forehead. He could feel it. Even through his pain, Shanks was already smitten. It would take time, but there would be a point that Shanks wouldn't have that pain in his eyes.
Mihawk wanted to curse himself more than anything. He hadn't been there. He had been there that morning when Shanks was attacked. If he had just stayed, maybe this never would have happened to him. He couldn't think about the past, they could only think about the future.
What he did know for certain, was the second that he looked down at Luffy, he didn't need a blood test. This baby was his son.
X
With Shanks resting and Ace with his mother fast asleep in his bed, Mihawk had taken the moment to check in on Luffy with Akito. The doctor had taken Luffy for some testing to make sure there wouldn't be any complications with his health in the future.
Luffy was fast asleep in the crib that was in the infirmary, swaddled up and sleeping soundly. Akito had noticed his presence immediately, giving him a smile as he checked on Luffy. "He's healthy as can be. A lot bigger than we originally thought he was going to be."
"Bigger?" Mihawk questioned.
Akito nodded, "Shanks went into labor at thirty-eight weeks. Luffy is measuring bigger than what is usually seen."
Mihawk hummed, leaning over the side of the crib, reaching out and rubbing the back of his finger over Luffy's cheek. "But he's healthy."
"Absolutely." Akito stated.
The doctor turned, pulling out a piece of paper from his jacket. "I know the Captain is afraid to know, but these are the blood results from Luffy. I ran them against Ace's blood panel that we already had."
The Alpha felt the air catch in his throat as he looked at the slip of paper. That paper held the answer to Luffy's paternity. Mihawk lifted his gaze to look at Akito and nodded. "You still ran it."
Akito sighed and nodded. "I went ahead and did it. Just in case if Shanks ever wanted to know the truth. If you wanted to know."
"So, you know." Mihawk stated.
Akito nodded again. The Alpha reached out for it, stopping short of actually opening it. This one slip of paper had everything that they needed to know. Holding the truth of the one thing that was being held over both of their heads.
Yet, Mihawk couldn't find it in himself to actually open it.
What if?
He sighed, placing it down on the table. Could he risk knowing the truth? Luffy's scent factors were already similar to his and he didn't know Teach's, but Shanks seemed adamant that Teach also had a forest type scent. Luffy had black hair just like him. Though his eyes were his mother's. Just like Ace.
Could he put the possibility that there was a chance that Teach might be his father? Take the chance that he would have that lingering in the back of his mind? He couldn't put Luffy through that. No matter how much he wanted the truth.
He understood now why Shanks didn't want to know.
The thought came to mind. Luffy would have the right to know.
"I'll leave you alone for the moment." Akito whispered, getting up and taking his leave from the infirmary. The doctor stopped at the door, turning to face him for a moment, "No matter what you read. I already know what you'll do."
That wasn't very comforting, but the way that Akito had said it was enough reassurance.
One of them had to know the truth. That way if Luffy ever found out about what happened to Shanks, his questions would always have answers. No matter what he felt, he had to do this for Luffy.
He turned towards the crib, leaning over the side with a smile on his face, "No matter what this says, Luffy. You are my son."
The Alpha turned back towards the paper, opening it up before he was reading the results.
No matter what they said, he would keep his promise to Luffy.
X
Just like before, Mihawk had stayed with Shanks until he was cleared by Akito. Luffy was six weeks old now and Shanks was completely healed up. With a smile on his face, he gave his mate a kiss against his lips. Placing a kiss on the top of Ace and Luffy's heads before he was departing from them.
The few months had been emotionally taxing. It had taken everything in Mihawk not to immediately search out Teach the second that he had left Dawn Island. He had made a promise to Shanks that he wouldn't. To him, it was worth declaring war against the Whitebeard Pirates, if it meant revealing what kind of monster Teach truly was.
He could also get why Shanks never told his own mother about what happened to him. Teach was a part of the Whitebeard Pirates. The crew that was her family. That she had been with for twenty or so years before she had finally departed from them to stay on Dawn Island. Teach had been a part of her Division. Mihawk didn't have a doubt that Rouge would somehow blame herself for not keeping an eye on Teach or she would even defect from the crew entirely.
Though, it had came as a surprise to him when Rouge had decided to stay on Dawn Island following the birth of Luffy. Saying that she felt like she was needed here, and she wouldn't be returning to the sea.
There had been so many changes, and for the first time in a long time, Mihawk was looking forward to seeing what the future held.
He had done everything that he could to be even more involved in the lives of the boys. Making sure to either extend his time or visit more often. Every time he came by, he would be greeted by their smiling faces. If there was anything that he looked forward too, it was coming back to Shanks' ship, seeing their children's face and being able to kiss his mate after being away from them for so long.
He had started to notice something with Ace as the time started to progress. Ace was pulling away from him. Becoming more distant with each and every visit. He could only sum it down to one thing. His absence. Ace was reacting to him coming and going. Luffy had always seen it as him going on his next adventure. Always ready to hear him talk about the events that happened while he was gone.
It almost felt like a rift was coming between him and Ace and it was something that he was going to have to fix. He just didn't know where to start.
X
When Ace was ten and Luffy turned seven, Mihawk discovered an incident on the ship that led to Luffy eating the Gomu Gomu no Mi. He had arrived on Dawn Island, completely shocked to see Luffy stretching himself and catapulting towards him. He didn't know what to make of it, but he was a pirate on the Grand Line, so it wasn't like he wasn't used to seeing Devil Fruit users. He just never expected to see Luffy become one so young.
Though with his appetite and aptitude to eat whatever he saw, it wasn't surprising either.
While on the island, the boys had befriended and ended up bonding with a young boy named Sabo. The very reason that Rouge's instincts were telling her to remain in Foosha. As far as Mihawk was concerned, Sabo was now one of his boys. A bond of family. Brotherhood. Sisterhood. Parental. It didn't matter. It was sacred to him. A bond that couldn't be broken. Now, Sabo was among them. Bonding with Rouge, Ace, Luffy, and even Shanks. Carrying a physical and emotional bond with all of them.
The topic had came up to what would happen if they had left Dawn Island. If Sabo would come with them. Shanks didn't even look conflicted when he said he would have no problems taking Sabo with them if he wanted to.
Though, it seemed like it wasn't meant to be. During the course of training Luffy's newfound abilities and the boys in self-defense, haki, and combat, the three had been going in and out of the Capital of Goa Kingdom. They had only discovered it when Gray Terminal had caught fire and Sabo had been forced back to his Noble family.
Mihawk felt absolute anger when he had killed Bluejam with his bare hands. Threatening the lives of all three of his boys. He had wanted to waltz right into the Capital and bring Sabo back with him, but he knew that wasn't something that was truly in his power.
He hated himself for not acting.
Sabo had been killed not long after when he tried to escape Dawn Island on his own. He had to watch as Ace had to be physically restrained to stop him from going after the Celestial Dragon that had shot down Sabo's boat. Luffy had cried for days. There was nothing he could do to make any of them feel better. He had searched the waters in hope of finding Sabo's body. That way they could give him a proper burial. Only, he never did find it.
They had remained on Dawn Island for a few more months before Luffy was deemed ready to head back out to sea. Mihawk had departed from them, saying he would meet them again soon before he had also gone his separate ways. He had been putting off his Warlord duties long enough. He also still had his own mission to accomplish in life and he was determined to reach it.
X
And reached it, he had.
Not much longer, it had officially came out that he had been given the title of the World's Strongest Swordsman. Dominating the seas on his own as a swordsman. His duels with Shanks were infamous. Ringing out over the Grand Line. No one truly knew what it meant, but it was their love language. Even as people watched them duel and cross swords, between the two of them it was just as intimate as falling in bed together.
The next time he had seen his boys, for the first time in a long time, Ace had ran up to him in excitement. A large grin gracing his face as Luffy gushed over the fact that his father was now viewed as the Strongest in the world.
Mihawk had dared to have anyone try and fight him now.
He was almost getting bored with people he came across. Beating them too easily. At least his own mate gave him a run for his money.
He had taught everything he knew to Ace and Luffy. Ace had picked up on it quickly, using his sword much like he would the metal pipes they had initially trained with. Luffy had been harder. He was more interested in punching with his fists. Determined to make his punches hit harder than a pistol.
Honestly, Mihawk believed him when he said he was going to do it.
Luffy know had what Mihawk would call guardianship over the straw hat. Keeping it close to him with the promise that he made to Shanks. To return it to him in good condition when he became a great pirate. Mihawk was sure that most of what Luffy dreamed now was out of pure spite for all the times that Shanks had teased him over the years.
Luffy was the most reckless out of Ace and him. Mihawk had believed that Shanks had taken the right approach with him. Using it to keep his spirit intact over life on the seas. Even day in and day out being on a pirate ship, Luffy didn't understand the true danger. Only seeing the good rather than the bad. It was an unfortunate lesson that the boy had to learn, and he had to learn it from watching the one scene that Shanks had normally always made sure to shield them from when they were smaller.
It had worked in the end, and their promise was made.
Mihawk still continued to carry his own promises through the years.
He had gifted both boys with swords of their own. Their birth names engraved into the blades as when they finally left the Red Force, they would no longer be able to carry the name Gol D. It was too dangerous for them to take it.
They both had left it open for them to pick what name they wanted to carry.
Everything that they had ever done in their life was for their children. Now they had the tools they needed to become great on their own.
It definitely didn't surprise him to know that both Ace and Luffy wanted to be Pirate Captains, but Luffy wanted more than that. Pirate King. To find the One Piece. Luffy was more like Gol D. Roger than any of them.
Mihawk had no doubt that Luffy would do it one day.
Ace was more like Shanks. He wanted to be infamous on the sea. Have his name known, but he wanted to travel the world. See it through his own adventures while making a name for himself.
The boys were similar in so many ways, but so different at the same time.
They were Mihawk's pride and joy. Everything that this world had to offer him, he had obtained. The title as the Greatest in the World in Swordsmanship. His boys. Shanks. He had it all.
X
It always seemed like history was wanting to repeat itself when he had came aboard the Red Force late one night to find that Ace was sitting outside. It was odd to him to see Ace jump. His mind had immediately flashed to years before when he had seen Shanks for the first time following his attack from Teach.
Ace was always so confident. Fearless. This was not how his son would react. Ever. Not to him.
It shocked him even more that Ace had fallen directly into his chest. Large tears in his eyes as he begged for his forgiveness. All he could do was wrap his arms around the Omega. Ace was seeking his comfort. This had been the first time in years that Ace had actively sought his comfort out.
"Ace… what happened?" Mihawk questioned.
The Omega just shook his head, clinging to Mihawk's coat.
He didn't actually need Ace to tell him for him to know. His mannerisms were just like Shanks had been.
"Ace, were you… raped?" He questioned.
Once again, Ace shook his head. Lifting his head to look at Mihawk finally. "Royce… he tried, but Jules… he saved me." He choked on a sob again as he pointed towards the cabins, "We don't know if Jules is going to make it."
All the anger flared through Mihawk as he went to step away from Ace to go hunt down the man who dared lay a hand on Ace, only to be stopped by Ace wrapping his arms around his torso, his head settled on his back.
It was reminiscent of Dawn Island. Finding out that Shanks was pregnant with Luffy.
He knew exactly what was about to come out of Ace's mouth.
"Please don't."
"He deserves death." Mihawk hissed.
"It's being taken care of." Ace muttered. "Just please… stay with me."
Mihawk couldn't just leave Ace like this. Not when he had left so many times at this point. The Omega was voicing the one thing he needed right now. So instead, Mihawk turned back around, wrapping his arms around Ace's shoulders, and pulling his son to him.
"I'm not going anywhere."
Ace only choked on a cry again as his knees gave out and his entire body weight was falling onto Mihawk's chest. The Alpha had moved, lowering them both down onto the deck. He had noticed immediately how the Red Hair Pirates were lingering but keeping a distance from them. Like they were creating a barrier.
"It's all my fault." Ace muttered, hiccupping.
Mihawk shook his head, running his fingers through Ace's wavy curls. "No, it's not." He whispered. "It will never be your fault."
"I wasn't strong enough." The Omega added, "I couldn't save Sabo… I couldn't protect Luffy back in Foosha… then this. I'm not strong enough."
"Ace, you're thirteen." Mihawk stated, "You have time to get stronger. You will get stronger. You will be one of the strongest on the seas. I don't doubt that."
X
It had taken hours, but Ace had finally fallen asleep. Only with the fact that Luffy had slipped into his bed. Being a source of comfort for him. Ace had fallen asleep with his head on Luffy's chest as the two boys slept soundly.
Mihawk sighed, closing their bedroom door as he walked into Shanks' room. Shanks was sitting on his bed, freshly bathed but the anger clear on his face. When Shanks had returned back to the ship, he had been covered completely in blood. Drenching his shirt. His hands. His face had been splattered. Not once in his life had he ever seen that much blood on Shanks before. Mihawk couldn't begin to fathom what Shanks must be going through as well as Ace. He would never truly understand.
"Shanks." He whispered, settling down on the bed and placing his hands on Shanks' biceps. The Omega's hands were curled in his hair as he he heard the soft growls of frustration leaving him.
"Mihawk." Shanks replied. "I failed."
"You didn't fail." Mihawk stated in a matter of fact.
"I should have known." The Omega replied, shaking his head, "I didn't see the signs that… that bastard had been targeting our son. I've been through this twice in my life. I should have known."
Mihawk sighed. He was just as angry as Shanks was, but this was something that his mate had to do. As much as he wanted to be the one to end Royce's life. This was for Shanks to handle. Which he had.
"The most terrifying predators know how to blend themselves in." The Alpha replied. "Jules saved him. He'll be fine. He gets his strength from his mother."
"At this moment, I don't feel so strong." Shanks whispered, his shoulders shaking as he shook his head. Inhaling sharply as he lifted his head, blinking his eyes quickly. "When… when Teach attacked me, I promised myself that I would never let that happen to Ace if I could help it. I should have seen something. Mihawk, our son was attacked and now he has to face the same thing I did."
Mihawk sighed, wrapping his arms around Shanks as he pulled him back. "It's an unfortunate reality on these seas. You know that better than anyone here. He'll overcome it. With you… and Luffy… and this crew, he'll heal in time, and he'll be the same hot head that we know."
"I hope you're right, Mihawk."
X
Ace had taken everything in his life and used it to get stronger. Each time that Mihawk came back to the Red Force, he had seen it. Ace was getting stronger and stronger. Just like he wanted to do.
It was even fitting that Shanks had been named a yonko of the sea. Being the fourth to be crowned as one of the strongest pirates on the sea. With the newfound status, it had given them a better chance to help Ace and Luffy hone their skills in whatever they wanted.
Before he knew it, the time came that Ace was now seventeen years old, and he would be departing from the Red Force to start his own crew.
Shanks had decided to return back to the East Blue, letting his fleet take care of their territory in the New World during that time. Shanks and his crew were one of the fastest about traveling. It wouldn't take him long to get back to the New World.
Mihawk had waited for the day that he would see Ace's first bounty.
What he didn't expect was to see Ace on fire in his bounty poster with the nickname "Fire Fist" underneath his name. A smile had came to his face when he noticed the name that Ace had picked to be his own name.
Portgas D. Ace.
It was fitting for him.
Ace had became the Captain of the Spade Pirates. Gaining notoriety quickly over the seas. Mihawk couldn't be more proud. With every hardship that Ace had ever faced, he had taken it and turned it into strength.
He almost laughed in the faces of the World Government when he had discovered that they were seeking Ace out as the next Warlord of the Sea. There was not a chance in hell that they would get that. Ace's goal was to live his life freer than anyone else. Not to be an unwitting ally to the World Government. The same people that he hated.
Much like he thought, Ace had refused the title and his bounty had doubled.
He had also gotten word that the first place that Ace had visited when he had gotten to the New World was to see Shanks.
Rumors had hit the seas that the Spade Pirates had formed an alliance with the Red Hair Pirates. Which, in all technicality, the Red Hair Pirates would come to their aid rather the world thought it was a true alliance or not. They just didn't know the true reason behind it.
He wasn't even surprised when he discovered that Ace had come face to face with Whitebeard. Whitebeard had been someone that Ace was obsessed with versing since he was little. Intrigued by Rouge's stories of his crew and the man's strength that rivaled Gol D. Roger's. Ace had always had the urge to try and surpass Roger and implement his name without a connection to the man. Especially after finding out about Baterilla and what happened to the mothers and children.
Shanks had told them of the event to tell them the importance of why they couldn't use their birth names or mention their relation to Roger. Being a notorious outlaw didn't exactly help, but being a pirate practically ran in their blood. Much to the dismay of their great Grandfather, Monkey D. Garp. It had gotten to the point that both Ace and Luffy would turn blue in the face the second that Garp came around because of his use of his "Fist of Love." Mihawk had been on the receiving end of it before. That shit hurt.
Though, he would guess that Whitebeard had noticed that Ace might have some connection to Roger when the Marines had became frantic with trying to capture him. Even if he was just a rookie. They had taken notice of how fast and quickly he was starting to dominate the Grand Line so soon after his surfacing as a pirate.
Ace had been taken into the Whitebeard Pirates alongside the rest of his crew. Integrating with them instead of forming an alliance. If they knew for a fact that Ace was related to Rouge, he didn't know.
One of the greatest things that he was glad to see was when Ace's updated bounty poster came out and it reflected a title that he hadn't seen in years: Second Division Commander.
The irony that Ace had ended up becoming the Commander of the same Division that Rouge had been the Commander off.
It really just ran in their blood at this point.
Though, there was a fear that he felt knowing that Ace was know traveling with Whitebeard. That meant that Ace was now sailing with Teach. The same man that had raped Shanks fourteen years prior. Mihawk actually didn't know if Ace knew, and he wondered if it would influence his decision if he knew. He didn't want to overstep his son's boundaries. That he had been training and working for this for years, but as a father, he had to speak up.
He had decided to travel to the New World.
He had intercepted the Whitebeard Pirates on one of their islands. Instantly being met with Ace demanding a duel from him. It was the best option. They could talk and no one would hear them over the sound of their haki and swords clashing.
As they clashed for the first time, Mihawk said, "Ace, you need to defect from this crew."
He had never seen the anger come to Ace's face so quickly before. "How dare you?!" He hissed, "You don't have any right to tell me what to do."
"No, I don't." Mihawk replied just as they clashed again, "But, heed my warning. This won't end well. You need to leave."
"Is this about Teach again?" Ace questioned, frowning. "Mom always warns me about him."
"Listen to your mother, Ace." The Alpha said. "Teach—"
Before he could actually get the words out, his eyes landed on the necklace that Ace was wearing underneath his beaded one. It was a courting necklace. With a phoenix on it.
There would be no way in hell that Ace would leave if he was being courted by Marco the Phoenix of the First Division. Ace's heart was quite literally on the Moby Dick.
Instead, he said, "Does he make you happy?"
Ace had been taken by surprise before he reached up and touched the golden pendant. "Yeah, he does." His confusion was still there before he said, "You're not angry?"
Mihawk smiled and shook his head, "No. If he treats you right, that's all I can ask for."
Ace pulled back, smiling as he wrapped his hand completely around it. "He does."
Mihawk nodded, sheathing Yoru onto his back. "Good." He turned, starting to walk away, "Remember, Ace. Keep an eye on him. Do not let your guard down around that man. Whatever you do."
"I won't." Ace stated, "I love it here. I love my nakama. Oyaji. This is my life now."
"If it's what you wish." Without another word, Mihawk departed.
As long as Ace kept that warning in mind, it should be fine. At least, he hoped so.
X
More time passed and before he knew it, it was Luffy's turn to depart from the Red Force. Starting off at Dawn Island with a single name of who he wanted on the crew. Usopp. The son of Yasopp. That didn't surprise him. Usopp and Luffy had met before when they were kids when the Red Hair Pirates were last in the East Blue. They had always made sure to stop at Syrup Village so Yasopp could see his wife and son.
When Mihawk had come in contact with the Krieg Pirates, he had found the perfect reason to head back into the East Blue. In a mixture of killing time and wondering if he was going to cross paths with Luffy, he ended up at the Baratie.
Sure enough, Luffy was there.
Luffy being Luffy had announced who he was to him almost immediately. Mihawk didn't exactly care at this point to keep it a secret, but Luffy's new nakama didn't seem to care as he challenged him to a duel. Luffy didn't even think twice before he was cheering on his own nakama to win despite knowing that he would lose.
Roronoa Zoro.
The name of the man that had challenged him. Pledging to beat him.
"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.
Luffy would do just fine. He already found himself some good nakama. Maybe even one more with that blonde Omega that Mihawk had seen.
He couldn't wait to see where else Luffy went.
It wasn't long after that when he was greeted with the sight of Luffy's first bounty poster.
Monkey D. Luffy
30,000,000
The highest bounty currently in the East Blue. Luffy was already making his mark. It brought a smirk to his face as he turned his ship for the direction of Shanks.
Their children had already started wreaking havoc on the seas. It was perfect.
He had his title. His mate. His kids. Now, he was just going to sit back and watch where the world took him from here. Now, he had another vow of his own to one Roronoa Zoro. He had to remain at the top to face that Alpha one day, and he was waiting patiently for the day that it came.