Here we go again!

I had a super busy weekend, so I'm glad I'm able to update in time, and now I will head to bed (it's the middle of the night right now and I have to get up early tomorrow^^')

Thank you all for your kind words. You guys make me really happy!

Have a great week ;-)


Chapter 19 - Change

-Zoro-

"Kanan, is this really necessary?" He grumbled, squatting on the small pedestal he had stood on a few seconds ago.

"Of course, sweety, without a doubt. How else can I sew something suitable for you?" She handed him a bathrobe with large, colorful flowers and went to the sewing table to write down his measurements.

"I don't need anything sewn. Pants, shirt, shoes. That's enough." He wrapped the soft fabric tighter around him. He would never be able to get used to standing on this podium only in underwear.

Kanan spun around and approached him, careful not to stumble over shoes and clothes lying all over the floor. The entire dressinging room of the Dracule estate was crammed with clothes and scraps of fabric.

"No, no, no," she replied with her index finger raised. "His Lordship is right. If you want to fight, you need appropriate clothes and if you take on a different shape during the fight, your clothes have to take that into account."

She looked at him seriously. But then her maternal features became warm and affectionate.

"Besides, I'm so excited to finally get to know you properly, officially."

Zoro stood up sighing. He didn't stand a chance against Kanan's stubbornness, and he could hardly resist her cheerful smile. She was simply the opposite of Mihawk.

Less than half an hour ago, Hawk Eyes had delivered him to the old mansion. There was no other way to describe it. Shortly before they had arrived on Sasaki, Mihawk had insisted that Zoro turned into Loreen, simply because the villagers were not allowed to recognize him.

After hours filled with concentration and the sad attempt to read the thoughts of the Shichibukai Zoro had not been able to argue about such a thing, so he had done as the other had asked. Since then the other had acted off, had spoken little, very little, but Zoro suspected that it was because of this other thing the elder was dealing with.

So Mihawk had delivered him here and now he was completely at Kanan's mercy.

After a lengthy greeting, in which Kanan had told him a thousand times how thin he had become, she had finally dragged him into the dressing room and measured him.

The task of providing him with combat clothing seemed to inspire her almost more than the ball gown she had made for the Marine ball.

Now she stared at him expectantly, as if she were waiting for a big spectacle.

"I'm not going to transform in front of you," he said cold, walking to the small side room. The disappointment was easily seen on Kanan's face.

Halfway into the adjoining sewing room, he stopped.

"I need something to put on," he muttered uncomfortably. As a man, he would certainly not wear this bathrobe. He would rather walk around naked.

He had never cared about anything like this, his crew members had been given no choice but to suck it up. In recent months, he had always made fun of Mihawk's prude behavior. But the idea that this woman, who had changed Hawk Eyes diapers, could inspect every part of his body was a little too liberal even for him.

"Of course," Kanan laughed, offering a pair of snow-white boxer shorts.

"Um...?"

"You shouldn't need more, after all, you have to be unclothed for measuring anyway." She grinned superior.

Slightly blushing, he grabbed the shorts and rushed to the side room.

This woman was really anything but ordinary. He had never spoken to her about who he really was and yet she knew everything, just like her sister Shakuyak. These women really had something ominous about them and it was probably wiser not to have them as an enemy.

Sighing, he undressed and took a deep breath.

Since he transformed at least once a day, the growing pain was an almost familiar feeling, but still he hadn't gotten used to it.

At least, he had become faster and the transformation didn't exhaust him as much as it did at the beginning.

"Sweety, are you okay in there?" She had to stand right at the other side of the door.

"One second," he replied, leaning against the wall to calm his breath.

A quiet "Oh" from the other side reminded him that Kanan had never heard his voice.

That moment was probably inevitable, so he took a deep breath before putting on the dreary shorts.

When he opened the door, he could see her gawking at him. Rarely had he experienced her being so quiet. She said nothing, her hands folded in front of her apron and just staring at him.

Slightly embarrassed, he rubbed his neck. This was almost worse than his reunion with Mihawk.

Then very slowly she nodded, nothing more.

Zoro doubted he had ever been in a similar situation and he had no idea what to do.

"Well," he finally muttered, "shouldn't we get it done?"

She still stared at him, even more intensely than before. Without breaking the eye contact, she approached him. He did not back off. He remembered only too well how she had wanted to educate him to be a graceful lady, and now he was finally able to show her that he would never be.

But while everyone liked Lady Loreen, he wasn't one to make friends quickly.

Right in front of him she stopped, they were almost the same height. It was strange not to have to look up to her anymore.

"I understand," she muttered, putting a hand on his cheek, "this is why."

After a second, he averted his face from her touch.

She laughed: "Oh no, how sweet. You're still so young."

"Tze." He walked past her and over to the small pedestal. "I'm twenty."

Since he had stranded on Sasaki more than two months ago, so many had treated him like a small child, but he had always disliked it for he had grown up much earlier than probably most of them.

"I know." She was still laughing and turned towards him.

He did not respond. This situation was uncomfortable for him, the way she treated him, as if he were just a child, as if he were still Loreen. Didn't she know who he was and what he had done?

"My child, what is bothering you?"

She grabbed the measuring tape around her neck and followed him to the podium.

"Everything's fine, Kanan," he said.

She looked at him with pinched eyes and approached him.

"Can we get this done?" He muttered earnestly. "The faster we finish, the sooner I can continue training."

She stood before him and looked at him earnestly before she finally nodded.

"Don't worry, darling. His Lordship will not return soon."

"Could you at least stop calling me these stupid nicknames?" He asked, almost grateful that her voice still sounded as cheerful as ever.

"Oh sweety, of course not."

She placed the tape around his waist.

-Mihawk-

He watched the Marine work. The other tirelessly took one folder after another, that broad smile on his lips.

Mihawk sighed and crossed his arms behind the back of his head.

"Could you not do that tomorrow? It is already night." He pointed to the already raven-black window behind the officer.

Jiroushin laughed softly.

"As you know, I'm not here tomorrow, so I have to finish today. But you could help me, then I would be done quicker and could go home to my wonderful, lovely, pregnant wife."

Mihawk crossed his legs.

"Tze, certainly not. I did not leave the Marines to do your job now. Lirin knows you, she will know that you will come home later."

The other raised an eyebrow and looked at him over his files.

"You could just be helpful for once in a while."

"No, I outgrew such a pitiful character trait already quite young."

"Except if it's about your beloved Loreen," the other teased.

"Oh, stop this nonsense. You are to blame for drowning in files. If you had accepted Vergo's offer, you could put your feet up as Vice Admiral." Mihawk skillfully ignored the small side-blow.

"As Vice Admiral, I will have even more responsibilities to take care of," Jirou muttered, flipping a few pages.

"Will?" He immediately asked. "That means you still will be promoted?"

Then the other looked at him briefly before nodding.

"Due to the war, some spots have become vacant." The Marine did not sound particularly cheerful, rather depressed. "And I've been probably noticed by the upper ranks."

"No wonder, you are a far better fighter than most Vice Admirals. If you would not detest fighting as much as you do, you could have become an Admiral."

"In a battle there is no room for negotiation. You have to fight, otherwise you will be defeated."

"I agree with that."

Mihawk got up and stretched his arms.

It was good that Jiroushin got promoted finally, he deserved some recognition. He was an impressive fighter and a capable teacher. In particular, the Kenbunshoku Haki was one of his extraordinary qualities, almost equal to Mihawk. He shook his head, no, not equal, but at least quite close.

"Well, so you will become Vice Admiral, more money, better working hours. You cannot ask for more if you are about to become a father."

"You're leaving?" Jiroushin also got up.

"To be honest, I can waste my time better than watching you work."

For a moment, they looked at each other seriously. Then Jiroushin sighed.

"For all I care, I drop the pen for today. What do you want to talk about?"

"You do not have to stop working because of me. I came here because Smoker accepted your job. My curiosity is satisfied. I will leave you alone with your files now."

He wanted to go.

"Oh, come on, Hawky. I've known you for decades and I know when something bothers you. What is going on? What's keeping your mind busy?"

Rolling his eyes, he turned around again. Sometimes it bothered him how well the other knew him. Of course, his thoughts had wandered back to his little frog during the evening. He wondered what Jiroushin would think if he heard about Roronoa's story. It would be helpful to be able to discuss Roronoa's next steps with someone who could keep up with him.

Mihawk did not doubt his aims, yet he could not deny that Roronoa's growth within the five days he had fought with Jiroushin a few weeks ago had been bigger by far, than the theoretical training Mihawk had to rely on. He could not actually fight with the other. That was too dangerous. Mihawk fought to kill, to eliminate, and should the youngster actually manage to stir up his blood, then...

"You train Loreen? That's what this is all about, isn't it?"

He nodded after a moment.

Jiroushin had learned the Kenbunshoku Haki faster than Mihawk had himself. Of course, this did not change the fact that Mihawk was still the better one in the application. Like every art and ability, Haki had to be constantly practiced and defined. Perfection was unreachable and yet everyone aspired to reach it and Mihawk was a perfectionist. Roronoa himself was close to learning the basic use of Kenbunshoku, in the years to come he would have to strive for perfection.

"She's good, isn't she?" Jirou grinned and dropped back on his armchair. Mihawk did the same. "I noticed when I worked with her. Very talented."

And how talented Roronoa was. Perhaps it would make sense to include Jiroushin again. But that was impossible. Roronoa's problems were connected to his true form and in this he was not allowed to face Jirou. But what would his childhood friend say if he knew that it had taken Roronoa less than a day to read thoughts? Even if it had happened by chance.

"You have no idea," he agreed resignedly.

"However, I was very surprised that she is still with you. Didn't she want to join the straw hats?" He looked at the Marine, who thoughtfully continued: "That's at least how I understood it. She told me that she wanted to meet the straw hats and couldn't stay because she had to protect someone. I didn't ask any more questions, but I thought she wanted to travel with them. Is it because she got sick?"

Mihawk shook his head.

"No, to be honest, I was just as surprised as you are. But I promised to continue training this child. In the end, that was for the best, because now the straw hats are gone"

The other nodded half-heartedly.

How could Jiroushin not have seen the obvious?

He was clearly too close. Sooner or later, he would find out who Lady Loreen really was. So far, his mind and logical thinking hindered him. He still avoided contemplating the impossible, but he would not need much longer.

But what would happen if the other knew the truth?

Jiroushin was nobody, to quickly drown in anger. On the contrary, not for nothing he was also known as the peaceful warrior. But back then, after the fall of the G-6, he had been easily irritable, and had even attacked Mihawk in an ill-considered moment.

What would Jiroushin do if he faced Roronoa?

"Do you know what I noticed?" The blond looked at him with pinched eyes. "You rarely call Loreen by her name. When you talk about her, you usually say this child or my disciple. You never say she's doing well or I wanted to keep training her. As if you would avoid naming her."

"Really?" He replied.

And what would Mihawk do if Jiroushin would attack Roronoa?

No matter in which body, Roronoa was no match to the soon-to-be Vice Admiral just yet. Even if Jiroushin would initially want to persuade him to give up, this negotiation would fail. The youngster would not let words stop him.

There would be a fight, because how could Jiroushin let the one who destroyed the G-6 get away with it?

So, what would Mihawk do? Would he stand idly by or would he stand up to his best friend?

"I don't understand, Loreen is important to you. You do it consciously, right? But why?"

Jiroushin asked the wrong questions.

"Stop brooding over nonsense, Jiroushin. I do call this child by a name, but not the one you would expect and definitely not in your presence. You probably would not be able to cope."

"What? Why?" Curiously, the other leaned forward, gradually rolling with his chair around the table and towards Mihawk.

Mihawk grinned evil. He could not tell Jiroushin the truth, but he was very good at deceiving others if necessary.

"I won't tell you. You will misinterpret my words and I would like to prevent that."

The Marine had almost reached him.

"Oh, come on! What do you call her when I'm not there?"

He knew exactly how to steer this conversation into less dangerous waters, it would be unpleasant, but at least he could hide Roronoa's identity.

"Well, by all means. But that remains among us, understood?"

Suddenly the other was deadly serious, of course Mihawk's tactic worked.

"Promised!"

"Neither Kanan nor Koumyou."

"Promised!"

"Not even Lirin either."

"Fine."

Sighing, he leaned forward and whispered in the other's ear: "My little frog."

"What?!" The other jumped up.

Very well, he had successfully sidetracked his best friend.

"Would you please calm..."

"You wanted to distract me!" Irritated the elder stared down at him. "You would never say anything like that, you don't like using nicknames. Weak attempt, Hawky."

Groaning, he leaned back. "Jiroushin!"

"Don't Jiroushin me. What's really going on?"

He could withstand his friend's piercing gaze too easily while the other was still standing in front of him.

"Would you fight me?" He asked straightforward. Well, then he had to take another route.

"What? Of course, we have fought with each other many times. Where does this...?"

"No, you misunderstand. Would you take off the gloves? If we have opposing opinions and there will be no agreement, would we become enemies in doubt?"

"Hawky?" Slowly the other sank back onto his armchair, his eyes wide open, absolutely dumbfounded. "What are you talking about? We can always talk about everything. There is always a way."

Yes, Jiroushin had always been the one who had debated everything, who had spoken even when there had been nothing more to talk about.

"It surprises me that you're even thinking about it." Now Jiroushin sounded as happy again as always. "Since when do you worry about something like this?"

Surprised, Mihawk looked up.

"The Mihawk I know doesn't care what others say. When someone stands between you and your path, you usually don't care who that is. I know how you work; you don't care for long discussions. I would of course try to stop you if I thought you were wrong, but I will never be your enemy, even if I can't persuade you for the right path."

He looked at his friend for a long time. Jirou was right. That was how their friendship worked, had always worked.

Mihawk had made his own decisions, had mostly taken into account his friend's words, but in the end each of them had always made their own decisions. However, he had never wanted to make any decision for Jiroushin.

Mihawk had not been the one who founded the crew. By the time he had left the Marines, the other had followed him without his knowledge and will. Jirou had been the one who had gathered the others around them, Mihawk had simply accepted it, he had been the captain, but Jirou had always decided who was allowed to join their crew. Mihawk had been relatively indifferent to this, as long as they were among the best in their respective activities.

They had been a good team in the past.

"But what if I have to oppose you, Jiroushin? What if you are so angry that no words reach you and I can only stop you like that?"

"But Hawky, what about all these what ifs? You're really acting weird today, and I've been with you during that phase, when you thought it was a smart idea to beat Benn Beckman in shooting. You know you can always talk with me about everything. Why should I act so hastily that you have to attack me? "

The other was still grinning.

He was right. Mihawk was in a strange mood. His thoughts simply did not leave him alone.

It was difficult for him to know that this situation could occur – Jiroushin facing Roronoa in his true form – but that he was not able to say with certainty how it would turn out. Why was he unable to estimate what would happen? Why was he not able to assume how Jiroushin and he himself would behave, let alone Roronoa?

It did not suit him! It did not fit that Mihawk did not know what was going to happen.

But he knew that Jirou's happiness was more important to him than his own.

He stood up decisively.

"You are right, I am not myself today. I am sorry for bothering you wit my strange thoughts and do not worry. I shall take my leave now."

Apparently surprised by the change of topic, the blond also got up.

"If you need a break from your wife or work, you are always welcome on Kuraigana. My little frog would certainly be happy about practicing with you."

Jiroushin laughed: "Stop it, drop the act, I know you would never call her like that. You don't like such signs of intimacy. But thank you for the invitation. Are you sure you will be okay?"

Mihawk nodded and walked towards the door, but then he stopped and turned around again. The other leaned against his desk.

"Jiroushin?"

"Hmm?" The Marine looked at him vigilantly.

"When the day comes and I oppose you, please let my words reach you."

The green eyes of the other grew big.

"When the day comes? That's no what if anymore." He sounded deadly seriously.

"No, it's not," he replied, raising his hand as a greeting, and left.