So, this morning I woke up at four o'clock (yeah, I know it sucks), and after half an hour not being able to sleep I decided that it was friday and that it doesn't matter if I upload the fic before or after work, so here you go, guys, a few hours earlier than usually, but hey, it probably won't happen again, so just deal with it ;-)

Well, I will head off to work now, so you enjoy this little chapter and we'll see each other soon^^

Have a great weekend!


Chapter 18 – Plans

-Zoro-

"What the hell? What's taking you so long?"

He stared at the other calmly sitting at the long table, reading newspapers, and having breakfast. Normally the Shichibukai should be waiting impatiently at the castle entrance, after all Zoro had been late by at least five minutes, stupid maze of a castle.

"Good morning to you as well," the elder replied, continuing his reading.

Angry, he stomped into the big hall.

"What are you doing? We wanted to train. I need to get stronger!"

Now Mihawk looked up.

"Calm down, Roronoa. We have a change of plan. You should have a seat and some food; you haven't eaten anything since yesterday morning."

"I'm not hungry! Let's get started!"

Zoro was furious.

He could not change the fact that Eizen had blackmailed him. He could not change the fact that he had signed a contract with the politician. He could not change the fact that he was now as trapped as the Shichibukai. He couldn't change any of that. He had to accept it and hope that he would not regret it at some point.

But he could change that he hadn't mastered the Kenbunshoku Haki just yet. He was able to change that the Busoshoku Haki filled him with fear. He could change that he was too weak to defeat Hawk Eyes. He could change all of that.

So why was the other relaxing at the breakfast table, eating his stupid eggs and drinking his annoying coffee when they had so much to do?

Disapprovingly, Mihawk lowered the newspaper and looked at him.

"I made myself clear, have I not? We have a change of plan. Sit down and eat something. We are not going to train today."

"What?! Why?!"

The other rolled his eyes and demanded him to sit down with a sharp nod.

"Sit! I will explain my reasons, but not as long as you are standing around like a wild lapin."

"Like a what?" He didn't even know if the other had just insulted him. He sat down muttering.

"A snow rabbit," the elder explained, shaking his head. "Not that this is of importance."

Zoro pulled a plate of onigiri closer, which were probably leftovers from the day before. The elder handed him a cup of coffee.

"So?" He grumbled and began to eat. "What the hell is going on?"

The Shichibukai sighed. "Kanan called because she would like to measure you and asked you to visit so that you could try on a few things. That is why we will head to Sasaki, today."

Zoro drank his coffee. "Just because of something like that? Because of some clothes you want to go to Sasaki? How long do we even need?"

The other did not seem to let himself be put off by him.

"In my humble opinion it is not an insignificant problem that after each transformation you run around either half-naked or in clothes far too big and hence unpractical. During the training we can take this into consideration, but in a real fight you do not have that luxury."

He snorted: "And even if so, do we have to sort this out today?"

"Your impatience will not bring you any further. I have another reason why I want to visit Sasaki, which for once has nothing to do with you."

Surprised, he looked up.

"And what?"

The elder did not answer but raised the newspaper up again.

"We will be on the road for a little longer than half a day. So we are not going to arrive until tonight." The other could not show much more obviously that he did not want to talk about his other reason.

"That long?" Zoro murmured, respecting the privacy of the other. After all, Mihawk owed him no explanation.

"What do you mean by that long? Hardly any ship can keep up with the speed of my coffin boat. Most ships would take almost two days. So, stop complaining."

Zoro grabbed a second onigiri.

"Maybe that's true, but we'll be gone for at least two days, which means two days less for training."

"Tze, you and your training, training, training. Could you at least try to think about something else for just a moment and relax a bit?"

Shaking his head Zoro drank his cup empty.

"You don't understand anything at all, do you?"

The elder looked at him, but Zoro kept his eyes on his food.

"What do I not understand?" The elder asked after a few seconds of uneasy silence.

Zoro sighed.

"It's obvious, isn't it?" He said, looking directly at the other. "You know what I can do and what I can't do and then you're surprised that I want to get stronger? That two days of more or less training make a difference to me? Why would I care about clothes when I can't even protect my crew or my captain? How can I think about anything else than swordfighting when you're sitting directly in front of me?"

Mihawk put a hand on his bearded chin and looked at him considering. His stinging gaze seemed to want to drill into Zoro's mind.

"You are indeed some strange fellow, Roronoa," he finally said. "Your discipline and ambition are unmatched, yet you are a such an odd character. I have never met anyone like you."

Unimpressed, Zoro raised an eyebrow and took the last rice ball.

"Again, you talk a lot, but it means nothing," he said coolly.

Slightly grinning, Mihawk shook his head.

"It was a compliment. Your determination impresses me, but I am concerned at least to the same extent by your stubbornness. Not always is the one who runs the fastest and ignores one's limits the winner in the end. After all, you are a marathon runner, not a sprinter."

"No idea what you mean by that, I'm a swordsman."

Once again, the elder shook his head, a soft smile on his lips.

"Didn't you use to be the same?" Zoro murmured, unconvinced. "Didn't you have a goal that you really wanted to achieve? Could you sleep peacefully when you knew that you had done nothing that day that would bring you closer to your dream?"

Zoro got up and stretched his neck. Only then he noted the other staring at him, his eyes wide open. No more trace of a hidden smile or a patronizing grin.

Shaking his head, the other got up as well.

"No, I was probably very different. As long as my bed was comfortable and my worries were small, I could always sleep gently."

Something about this statement sounded strange to Zoro, almost sad.

"Have you never had a dream?" The question had passed his lips before he had even thought about it.

Again, the other looked at him unreadable for a moment, then shrugged his shoulder.

"I was never a dreamer, Roronoa. But enough of philosophy. We should now start our day so that we can continue with your beloved training as soon as possible."

Was the other one actually dodging his questions this day?

Shrugging his shoulders, Zoro followed the other. In the end, he didn't care, did he?

Halfway to the front door, Perona crossed their way, still in her long sleeping robe, with a teddy in her arm. It wasn't the first time Zoro met her like that.

"Are you already leaving?" She asked with big eyes.

The Shichibukai nodded briefly.

"Oh geez, then I'm all alone again. Can't I come along this once?"

"You decided to stay on your own, so spare me with your whining. However, you could use your free time to clean the premises."

Angry, she puffed her cheeks and then stuck out her tongue.

Mihawk ignored her.

"Come, Roronoa. The faster we leave, the sooner we can return."

Few minutes later, they walked through the cool forest without anyone saying anything.

In the shadow, Zoro could see the monkeys watching, but none of them even came close to them. At that time, they had attacked him without hesitation and only after a week he had been able to assert himself against them. But Mihawk seemed to dominate them without even having to try.

"It is because of my aura," the Shichibukai declared calm, as if he had been able to read Zoro's thoughts, "not many can withstand my gaze."

Now Zoro looked at the other. What did Mihawk mean by that?

"Yet I do not seem to be able to intimidate you with it," the other laughed a little more lightly and proceeded swiftly.

Intimidating? Mihawk's gaze should intimidate him? Why?

They had reached the end of the forest.

"I had not expected that you would process the collaboration with Eizen so quickly after last night," the other tried to keep the conversation going as they got closer and closer to the small ship. Zoro could almost smell what the other was up to.

"He said he wouldn't bother me often, so I just wait and use the time until then," he replied coolly, "I can't change it."

"Roronoa..."

"Don't bother."

Surprised, the elder looked at him, while Zoro jumped on board as usual.

"I don't want to talk about Eizen, got it? I don't care about him and as long as he doesn't want anything from me, I don't want to think about him, at all."

Mihawk sighed: "Is such a strategy of avoidance wise? I believe it would be smarter..."

"I just explained it to you, didn't I? I don't have time to think about things like that. I can't change what's going to happen, so what's the point of worrying now?"

He watched the elder as he also got on board before the small boat started moving.

"Your logic contradicts any reason. But for all I care, if it makes you happy, I will leave the subject to rest for today."

Elegantly, Mihawk threw himself on his chair, he seemed remarkably appeasing and peacefully today. Whatever he wanted on Sasaki, it had to be important for him.

"Thank you," Zoro grumbled sarcastically, squatting on the floor, "here's to a few quiet hours."

"Roronoa?"

He looked up as the other slipped down from his throne to him on the ground. Zoro already knew this gesture and it immediately put him on alert.

"Actually, I would love to try something with you," the elder explained, now on eye level with him.

Zoro straightened up suspiciously.

"And what?"

"It is a special form of Kenbunshoku Haki and I think a quiet crossing is the perfect opportunity to teach you." Mihawk grinned slightly.

"What? But as Loreen, I already mastered it. Only in my body I still have difficulties."

"That is correct. However, I have deliberately not taught you this little thing yet, as it demands a high amount of calmness and serenity. I also believe that this exercise will help you to learn and improve the Kenbunshoku Haki faster, regardless of your form."

It seemed as if the other had always planned everything exactly. He knew Zoro well, knew how important training was to him. Like hell he didn't understand Zoro. Mihawk saw right through him without any problems.

"Okay, I'm in. What should I do?"

The elder stretched his neck.

"I want you to look me in the eye, do not even dare to blink, and concentrate. Sharpen your senses as you have learned."

Zoro nodded and sat up straight.

"And now, Roronoa, read my thoughts!"

-Mihawk-

By early evening, they had finally reached Sasaki.

Without allowing any discussions, he had insisted that Roronoa had transformed into his female figure before delivering the youngster to an overjoyed Kanan. Now Roronoa was at her mercy while Mihawk rushed through the forest, back to the small town.

Important news demanded his attention but unfortunately his thoughts were once again unable to detach themselves from his little frog. Once again Roronoa had surpassed all his expectations and slowly but surely it bothered Mihawk how often he underestimated the other, no, it bothered him how often the other gave the lie to his assumptions.

He knew about Roronoa's talent, it literally crept out of every single pore and many technics seemed so easy for him that it was almost disgusting to watch how quickly he got better.

Mihawk did not want to be unfair, of course this boy trained relentlessly and was more disciplined than most people he had met, but that almost made it worse.

Nevertheless, the youngster had been struggling with the first steps of the Kenbunshoku Haki, to see. It had been reassuring that even Roronoa Zoro was under-gifted in some areas. It had taken him almost a month and a half as Loreen to learn the basics of Kenbunshoku, as Zoro he had only just begun to learn it again and had been even worse.

It was not that Mihawk found joy in Roronoa's struggle, no, but after the story of Roronoa's childhood, it had been somehow a relief that not everything was that easy for him.

However, this relief had dissipated a few minutes ago.

Throughout the trip, he had Roronoa read his thoughts, at least the other had tried, but Mihawk had assumed that it would take him at least another week. But just before their arrival, he had done it, unconsciously, instinctively, unintentionally.

It rankled Mihawk that Roronoa had been able to do it so quickly. Of course it only worked, because he had allowed Roronoa to read his thoughts, but nevertheless the other one should not have been able to do it that fast.

He had suggested that this was Roronoa's weakness, perhaps gifted in sword fighting, perhaps talented in Busoshoku, but evidently blunt in strategic thinking and clumsy in the application of the Kenbunshoku Haki.

But apparently, Mihawk had been wrong.

How could the boy, who needed eternities to even begin to understand rough basic knowledge, intuitively apply such a developed ability within a few hours?

Roronoa did not even understand what he was doing!

Ignorant and instinctive, he had done it, almost by accident, almost unintentionally, and yet he did it better than Mihawk himself had done it back then when he had learned it. Slowly, he wondered what would have happened if Roronoa had met his sister, the best swordfighter ever existed.

Sharak had always told Mihawk that she had thought he was more talented, that one day he would surpass her, so she had always wanted him to train with her.

He had never been the most diligent student, never the one with a burning passion. He had always written excellent grades, had been good at what his parents had expected of him, even though he had never been able to satisfy his father, and precisely for this reason he had never tried again. It had been no longer worth the effort for him.

He had never been the one who had worked hard, who had put his all into something he wanted to achieve. He had always been only the one who had achieved a great deal thanks to talent and intelligence.

And now this boy stood in front of him, perhaps a rough diamond, but all the more talented. Perhaps more talented than Mihawk or Sharak had ever been.

But the real difference between Mihawk and Roronoa was obviously this urge to improve, this pursuit for progress, that made Roronoa so extraordinary, and now Mihawk wondered how far he would have come if he had ever had this irrepressible desire.

It was not the talent that distinguished them, not the gift, but just the ambition. They shared a passion, but Roronoa was the one who pursued it tirelessly, while Mihawk simply enjoyed it.

He had finally reached the town hall. The way felt longer today than usually.

He should not think so negatively about such things. It was a good thing that Roronoa was so promising. Perhaps they would finish the basics within six months. Then Roronoa would become even better than he could have hoped for.

In quick steps he went in, only a few officials were still present, most of the offices were empty and through the windows the sun came threateningly close to the horizon.

The way was familiar to him, within a few seconds he arrived at the familiar door. Through the frosted glass, light fell on his feet. He knocked and then stepped in.

The Marine in the office sat at his large desk and seemed to be deeply absorbed by his work. It was not until Mihawk closed the door that he looked up.

"Oh Geez, hey!" Jiroushin greeted him very unprofessionally.

"Good evening," he replied coolly, and approached the other.

"I wasn't expecting you here today," the other muttered, standing up.

But Mihawk ignored the outstretched hand. From the depths of his coat, he pulled the current newspaper, threw it on the desk, and threw himself on the visitor's chair.

"What does that mean?" He demanded to know. "Smoker? Do you care to explain something here?"

He folded his arms and stared the other down.

"Speak, Jiroushin! Why did Smoker get your job? Why are you still here and not at the G-5?"

Jiroushin did not react at first, but only stared at the newspaper. The opened page showed a small commentary about Smoker's promotion and his transfer to the G-5 base.

"Have you been passed over? Do I have to get involved?" He was indeed a little bit irritated and although he always wanted to keep his emotions under control.

"You getting involved?" The other smiled awkwardly and shook his head in disbelief. "As if I would allow you to take advantage of your position just because of me."

Seriously Mihawk leaned forward while his counterpart sat down again.

"I would do it, just a word from you and I would immediately call the Marine Headquarters, correction, I would even go there today. You know that."

Now Jiroushin leaned forward and placed his folded hands on the desk.

"That's not necessary," he said, looking directly at Mihawk.

Something about his childhood friend was different, but Mihawk could not say exactly what it was.

"You disappeared pretty quickly after the end of the war," the Marine continued, without turning his gaze away.

"Of course. I had agreed to fight Whitebeard, not Shanks. It was also obvious that he was only coming to end the war, my presence was no longer necessary."

"At the end of the day, you wanted to head to your beloved Loreen as soon as possible," the blond giggled, and now he looked just like the waggish man Mihawk knew.

"I am not here to talk about the war," Mihawk replied coolly, ignoring his friend's fantasies. Words would not help him anymore.

"You want to hear the story, why am I still sitting here? Why I'm still working here?" The other asked innocently.

"Story?" Mihawk asked.

Out of the corner of his eyes, he had already noticed that the files had piled up. Presumably, a lot of work had been put to the side by the war.

"I won't waste my time with any stories. I want to know what happened and why you were passed over."

"I have not been passed over," the blond replied calmly, "on the contrary, Vergo himself welcomed our future cooperation and was not particularly happy that I refused. He didn't seem particularly happy with Smoker as second choice either."

"You refused? Why?"

Shortly before the war, Mihawk had talked with Jiroushin about the Marine leaving the five islands, that he and his wife had wanted to start a new beginning far away from rough memories. It had been hard for Mihawk at that time to accept that he would now have another reason less to value these islands, but how could he have held it against his friend?

So why was Smoker the one who had been transferred to the G-5 and not Jiroushin?

"I want to tell you the story," the blond insisted.

Mihawk sighed at the childish behavior of his best friend: "Well, for all I care. Tell me this story."

Jiroushin got up and went over to the small counter, where there was still brewed tea.

"After the war was over and we had taken care of our wounded and fallen comrades, I received a message Lirin had left for me. She asked that I return home as soon as possible."

Jiourshin handed him a lukewarm cup and then sat down on his chair again.

"Of course, I was very worried and came home as soon as I could. I knew Lirin was anxious about me. Of course, her fear was unfounded, I may just be a Rear Admiral, but I am much stronger than most of my colleagues. Besides, you were there."

The Marine smiled slightly and Mihawk could not prevent a quiet grin. Lirin seemed to forget that Jirou was not one of the Marines' usual minions. On the contrary, if Jiroushin were only a little bit more combative, he could have made it far. Needless to say, it was also true that Mihawk would never allow anything to happen to his old crew member. But his help had not even be needed.

"Well, whatever. So I arrived at home and she was overjoyed. We talked for hours and you know her, she was there for me."

Mihawk had no idea where this story was leading. Why did the other tell him about his marital happiness? Did he want to persuade him to marry the honorable Lady Loreen? In this case, he would probably have to let the cat out of the bag. In this case, he would no longer be able to hide the truth, not even for Roronoa's sake.

"So, we talked about the war and all these terrible things. Then I wanted to change the subject and told her that I could claim the position as Vice Admiral as Vergo's right hand man. You can imagine how happy she was, but then she looked me in the eye and said she couldn't imagine moving anymore."

Mihawk could not prevent that this small statement made him extremely happy. At least some things would stay the same.

"After all, she would like our child to grow up the same way we could," Jiroushin whispered almost with soft tears in his eyes.

"Jirou?" His voice broke when Mihawk looked at the other.

"Hawky. We're pregnant!"

Now the other was actually crying.

For a second, he looked at the blond.

For as long as he could remember, Jiroushin had dreamed of his own family. Jirou's parents had always been on business trips and, unlike Mihawk, Jiroushin was a real family man. He had wanted to be nothing more than a father, a good father.

But many years ago, emotional trauma had caused that Lirin could no longer get pregnant. At that time, she had lost their child.

For a long time, the couple had travelled the world, but none of the doctors had been able to help them. Now they had both reached their forties and had given up.

They had accepted their fate and were rewarded with a miracle.

Mihawk calmly got up and walked around the large desk. Without another word, he put a hand on Jiroushin's shoulder and looked down at him.

He could sense the feelings of his former vice-captain, his happiness meant more to him than his own.

Mihawk himself had always been a man of action, but Jiroushin was a dreamer and finally his dream could come true.

"I still can't believe it, Hawky," whispered the otherwise laughing blond, "I'm going to be a father!"