The issue that all Pirate Parents encounter that don't leave their kids on their home island is who do you leave your kid with, especially when you have no crew? This was the conundrum Mihawk was working through as Luffy was now able to defend himself against low grade scum on the Grandline, so he now felt comfortable, maybe, leaving him in someone else's care. The answer came to him, weeks later when he had to go visit the nearest island for supplies again since Luffy had a monstrous appetite coupled with his monstrous strength. At least the forest provided a steady supply of wood, thought Mihawk. It was inevitable that the World Government would find out about Luffy so he didn't necessarily hide him. Instead he referred to him as "Lucky" in public as another layer of protection. A baby just doesn't end up floating in a basket wrapped in a slightly burnt blanket with a small note buried in the bundle with the words "Please keep him safe" hastily written. He found the note shortly after arriving in his castle, he was happy he kept Luffy instead of dropping him off at the orphanage.

As he walked with Luffy by his side, who walked fluidly with his bokken strapped to his back, ah Mihawk was so proud, they encountered a horrific scene. Before Mihawk could react, Luffy had already sent several slashes and knocked back the group surrounding the young girl who had been pelting her with rocks and kicking her. They all had deeper cuts than intended so Luffy would have to train extra when they got back. They would also talk about thinking before acting and not acting without Mihawk's permission. As they got closer to the girl, they noticed she was wearing a red dress with a crown sitting atop her head while completely drenched in water. The boys quickly got up and yelled out, "You were saved this time, Ghost Girl, but you won't be so lucky next time," and ran away as they felt my eyes narrowing down on them.

Luffy was kneeling down next to the young teen, providing her with a handkerchief. As the girl laid eyes on the young boy, her eyes turned to sparkles and all she could think was "CUTE!" Luffy was dressed in black trousers and an open burgundy colored shirt with a wide black collar and flower adornments. To complete his look, he carried a gold cross-bone pendant around his neck. When she looked up to see Mihawk, she connected the dots. They were matching! The only difference was the pendant but it was still gold-coated. Luffy grew impossibly adorable in the teen's mind.

"Your name, child?" intoned Mihawk, startling her, she stuttered out, "P-Perona." Luffy, poking her in the cheek, asked, "Why did they call you Ghost Girl?" in response Perona, produced a negative hollow and sent it through a passerby. Its effects were seen immediately as the man collapsed exclaiming, "I'm such a horrible person. I am seaweed."

"I ate the Horo Horo no Mi, I can produce ghosts with different uses. Although, I'm often bullied as you saw since many people are scared of spirits so they call me a witch for being able to summon them. Are you scared of me too?" questioned Perona. Luffy laughed and said, "Your ghosts are cool, even that negative ghost, just dont' use it on me, that would be a very shameful position for a swordsman to be in." "How old are you, girl" interrupted Mihawk, "I'm 15, sir," answered Perona, " Where are your parents?" followed the answer, "I'm an orphan, I was kicked out of the orphanage after accidentally eating the devil fruit. ..."Do you know how to care for a child?" gruffly, Mihawk responded, "Uhh, yeah, I was in charge of the little ones at the center since the matron couldn't be bothered," confusedly answered Perona. At this point Luffy looked up at Hawky and excitedly yelled, "Is she gonna be my new babysitter? Ohhhh yes, yes, pleassseeee Hawky, her ghosts are so cool."

"Do you want to come with us and help care for Luffy. I will be on the Island most of the time, but I will occasionally leave to hunt prey. You will also be provided for and given a stipend for your attention and care for Luffy. If you choose to accept this position, your loyalty will be to Luffy and I,if you betray us, I will not hesitate to cut you down. Do you understand?" Mihawk turned to Perona.

Perona, after living on the streets for a year, nearly sagged to the floor in relief in reply to such an amazing offer. She knew exactly who Mihawk was, it took her some time to recognize him but now she cursed herself for not knowing sooner. He was a formidable foe, she knew that if she accepted, her fate was sealed, she knew she would never sell them out, not if she valued her life. Also, Luffy was extremely cute, she would love dressing him up and making him her servant. Though she would quickly realize Luffy barely listened to anyone, Mihawk would be questioned but ultimately Luffy would acquiesce to him too, to varying effects as Luffy would sometimes 'misinterpret' what was said. And so, this was how Perona joined this family of two soon becoming a family of three as Perona and Luffy would grew close as siblings as the years passed by. Perona stood up and took Luffy's hand, "yeah, I'd be happy to help!" When Perona arrived at the gloomy island, she thought she died and went to heaven, the gloomy atmosphere was perfect! This is where a Ghost Princess lived, she thought as she adjusted the new crown Mihawk had purchased for her in town since hers was cracked. Since Luffy gained a babysitter, Mihawk was fully unleashed onto the open waters of the Grandline, slashing his enemies left and right and all who dared to challenge him. The next three years saw him gain the title of "World's Greatest Swordsmen" and offered the position of Shichibukai, which he accepted to better protect Luffy and his new charge.

Author's note: Yes, I know, somehow Perona worked her way into the story because Luffy needed a babysitter while Mihawk gained his title lol. She will probably still end up with Moria's crew, however she won't fight the Straw Hats. And she will obviously be older than in canon.