A/N: Sorry this chapter took so long, hope it's worth the wait. Also were officially M rated now. The rating doesn't come from this chapter, more like precaution for the Arlong Arc because it's going to get dark. You thought Luffy was angry at Don Krieg? Wait till he hears Nami's whole story. Also some saying Luffy will kill anyone who pisses him off, which isn't true. If someone who he thinks is really beneath him talks shit, let's say Bellamy, he probably will just brush it off.
Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece. Duh.
The sky in the East Blue was becoming partly cloudy at a very fast rate. Temperature, pressure, and wind speed were all changing at once, although this went unnoticed by everyone, even Nami in all her weather wisdom. Gods among mortal men were about to clash, and shit would hit the fan.
Zoro, grinning ear to ear, even with full knowledge that he won't be able to win this fight. Oh but what a fight it will be. Hands already getting anxiety at the prospect of clashing with the world's best, he reached a hand towards his Wando. Luffy snapped him out this trance by putting his arm in front of the swordsman, effectively stopping any forward progress.
"Hold on to your reins Zoro, I want to get some info first," spoke the captain, soft enough that only Zoro heard. Although begrudgingly, the man complied and began doing some deep breathing instead. Luffy turned back towards Hawkeye, "Oi, what is someone like you doing in the East Blue?" Some in attendance gasped or tensed at the harsh and crude way Luffy addressed the Warlord, even his own crew was throwing sideways glances his way. For all their worrying though, I didn't appear as if any offense was taken.
"I was on my to finish an insect that wondered into the Grand Line but it seems I was beaten to the punch." Hawkeye looked around for a moment, studying his surroundings. The corpses, the ship, the wreckage; slowly a picture of what might have happened appeared in his head but that left on very important question, considering what sea he was in. "Who is the one that cut this ship with a flying blade attack." Based on the members present, you could make good assumption but looks can be deceiving.
Everyone looked over at Luffy until he finally spoke up. "That was me." Mihawk turned piercing eyes in his direction, immediately analyzing the man who was already very powerful to only be no name pirate or bounty hunter. It was possible that he wasn't from the East Blue but then it was even more unlikely that Hawkeye would not know who he was in that case. But thinking more, he did recall a story Shanks had told him about a strange boy who he left his straw hat with.
"I'm telling you Hawkeyes, the kid had the exact same look Roger had. It was insane!"
"I still don't see why you would bet your own arm on that." Shanks knocked back another swig of sake and began to laugh.
"Didn't think you would," spoke the Red Haired captain, smiling with all teeth and putting an arm around Hawkeye. "S-sometimes y-you got to take risk," slurred out Shanks, alcohol taking its toll on the pirate. "Hahahaha." The future Warlord attempted and failed to remove his friends arm from around his torso.
"That carelessness is going to get you killed one day," sighed Hawkeye, more to himself than Shanks. This did actually work in getting his attention though as Red Hair stopped laughing and replaced his expression with something more somber, although his grip only got tighter much to Hawkeyes discomfort.
"Yea, maybe. Hey, at least you'll get to say I told you so, am I right?" Mihawk looked into Shanks eyes for brief second before looking forward again at the party currently happening on the small island. The swordsman took the bottle of sake from Shanks hand and drank the rest before speaking again.
"Red Hair, when that day comes even I will not say I told you so." The two sat in silence for a while before Hawkeye spoke again. "Tell Lucky to get his ass over here with more sake." Shanks looked up and grinned before busting out in full on laughter to the point of tears, pulling his friend closer yet.
"Lucky! More sake," shouted the pirate captain over the sound of the music, smile splitting his face in two. A small smile even formed on Hawkeye.
"Boy, where did you get that hat from?"
"My name is Monkey D. Luffy and I'm holding this hat for Shanks."
So it was true. This was the child Red hair wouldn't shut up about. Impressive but a little odd considering this wasn't the happy-go-lucky kid that had been described. No, this kid had the aura of a demon and a glare that could scare battle hardened Marines into submission and talk about Haki. It was literally flowing off in waves even though it was clear he was trying to hide it. But people did change over 10 years, especially and impressionable child. God only knows what might have happened to cause such a drastic change in character.
"Excuse me Hawkeye," yelled Zoro, brushing past Luffy and walking to the forefront. "I would like to battle you for the title of World's Greatest Swordsman." The request seemed more like a command though because Zoro was already jumping onto the floating remains of Krieg's ship before hearing Hawkeye's response. This confidence intrigued Mihawk though because it didn't come out as foolishly arrogant like most who dared to challenge him. No, it was the request of a man who recognized the danger and odds but still fought with head held high. Honorable but sorely mistaken
"Why do you challenge me insect? Fame? Bravery?"
"No! My ambition! To be the World's Greatest Swordsmen and to keep a promise to a fallen friend." Zoro then drew Wando and placed the treasured sword in his mouth. Unfortunately upon drawing the two other swords they crumbed and fell apart. The swordsman yelled string of curses, remembering that Sanji had cracked them a couple of days ago and the fight against Pearl must have been all they could take before breaking. Shit.
"Zoro catch," shouted Luffy, throwing two katana cases at Zoro, which he snatched out the air. He decided not to question it as he turned back to face Hawkeye, readying for an all-out battle. What happened next shock and irritated him to the point of boiling. Instead of taking out the Mighty Black Blade resting snugly on his back, Hawkeye had yanked off his golden cross shaped kogatana and unsheathed the blade. The very act of fighting with that toy would be a blimpish on Zoro's pride not soon forgotten.
"What the hell do you think you're doing," asked the Three Style User, furious that the Warlord wouldn't fight seriously.
"This is the smallest thing I had. Sorry," Hawkeye replied in a saddened sarcastic tone. Zoro hit his limit for insults. Really though, there was only so much one man could take. Especially Zoro.
"Fine but you better not be upset when you end up dead." It was almost like Zoro forgot what Luffy said about this man. He ran towards Mihawk, getting into position for his signature attack. "Oni..." The swords swung into place, glinting in the sun as they sailed over head and under, eventually intersecting for the finishing touch. Just as the swords were perfectly aligned the attack was stopped cold dead in its tracks with the tip of Hawkeye's kogatana.
What the hell. This is just like when Luffy stopped my attack! Fuck, I thought I got stronger. Is the World really so far off?!
"How could someone from the East Blue, the weakest of all seas, challenge me? You know nothing of the world."
Dammit!
Zoro once again began to assault Hawkeye with a flurry of strikes and attacks, throwing anything on the wall and hoping it will stick. But that kogatana was fucking everywhere! The master swordsman was gracefully moving backwards, to the right, left, avoiding any and harm easily. Then Zoro remembered what Luffy said.
Zoro was thrown back on his ass, once again dispatched by Luffy. He was panting hard and his breathing was extremely labored. In fact he could no longer even stand. The frustration was starting to get to him.
"How," Zoro screamed to the top of his lungs at the sky, making everyone on deck flinch. "How will I ever be able to hit you if you can predict all my moves?! It's fucking impossible!" Luffy was a bit surprised at the outburst but guess he really shouldn't be. This must be really infuriating for the one without Observation Haki. Kind of reminded him of Ace before his brother had developed Observation. Although Ace had more than made up for it in Armament Haki.
"I guess it would seem that way, although Observation and even Armament Haki can be over taken with speed and shear power. My Haki is strong enough to not allow that though. Or at least not by you."
That didn't seem to make Zoro feel any better but the swordsman got up anyway, ready to fight once again.
Dammit, I'm not quick enough! Even after all my training I'm nowhere near fast enough.
Zoro despite himself, despite the futility of this fight, he pushed himself to go faster and harder. The blades were blurring, eyes red with intensity and anger at his own inability. It only got worse when Hawkeye still didn't seem to be fretting in the least. The tiny blade was still everywhere at once, blocking each and every strike. Then Hawkeye moved out the way rather quickly, causing Zoro to stumble forward. The Warlord chopped him in the back of the neck almost causing him to black out completely. He was however able to regain his footing ultimately.
If I could just defeat this man!
Luffy had been looking onward this entire time in sadness. Nobody wanted to see their friend get killed in a fight that everyone knew the outcome of. Well maybe not everyone, as some of the cooks seemed to think this was an actual contest. At this point it seemed that Zoro had been nearly pierced through the heart. Fuck, please don't die Zoro.
As the fight kept going, Luffy did see a positive silver lining. Hawkeye did appear to be having change in judgement for Zoro. Something that almost mimicked respect. The Straw Hat was on edge as the fight appeared to be drawing to a climaxed close as Zoro's two borrowed swords were broken. Luffy was actually surprised they held up as well as they did considering he found them on the corpses of some random Krieg pirate.
Wait, what's going on. The fight is over. More dark clouds blanketed the sky.
"Scars on the back is a swordsman shame."
"Well said." And with that, Hawkeye slashed Zoro deeply across the chest.
Everyone on the Straw Hat crew screamed out the swordsman name. Everyone on the Baratie gasped. But as for Luffy, time had...stopped. Everything was a bluish hue and nothing moved. He couldn't believe what was happening. So early in his adventure and one of his crew mates was already gone. Now Luffy wasn't basing this on what he saw. No, it was what he felt. It was because Luffy could no longer feel Zoro's voice, the voice all things gave off, that Luffy lost his fucking mine.
The blue turned red around the edges, then the rubber man could only see crimson. Rage consumed him completely and fully; red Haki flowed around and through him, like tributaries to a lake, like a lake to an ocean. Nobody killed his nakama. Hell nobody hurt his nakama. Dual or not, Warlord or not. Without thinking Luffy drew Green Destiny, the dragons on the blade seemed to glow with anticipation. Then with his sights set and clear, he blurred towards Hawkeye at unfathomable speed.
Mihawk was about to put his sword away when he felt a killing intent stronger than the angriest sea king and the Haki made him think Shanks had shown up. Of course all these thoughts happened in less than a split second. The Warlord brought Yoru up in a defensive block just in time before impact.
2 hours before
A marine ship cut through the choppy waters of the East Blue. The ship was currently being steered towards the sea restaurant Baratie to investigate about a new pirate crew that had attacked Lieutenant Fullbody. It was at first assumed that the attack had been a retaliation by Krieg to Fullbody for capturing his first mate, but an eye witness confirmed this was not the case. The pirate had a skull and cross bones with a straw hat, clearly not with Krieg. Further investigation revealed that the attack had happened because Fullbody attacked first.
What was really alarming though was that the crew of the pirate ship didn't all attack. It had only been who had been assumed to be the captain that was the one who completely destroyed an entire ship full of marines. For the little that did survive, Fullbody being one of them although he was in a coma, said that the straw hat man was like a demon from hell, first flying over to the vessel then massacring the inhabitants. This particular level of strength wasn't common in the East Blue, especially for an unknown crew, so it had raised some red flags. Commodore Purinpurin of Navy branch 77 had been asked to check things out, although they had clear instructions to not engage.
"Commodore! We are approaching the sea restaurant Baratie but there appears to be some sort of commotion happening." The elite East Blue marine raised an eye brow and asked for the telescope. A blurry image of the Baratie slowly became clearer and along with this so did Don Krieg's ship and the ship of the straw hat man. Commodore Purinpurin nearly dropped the looking glass, yelling to his crew to get East Blue headquarters on the phone. As soon as the den den mushi was brought to him, he began relaying everything.
The fight between Don Krieg and Luffy went on record, headquarters asking many times if they were seeing this correctly. Before the Navy ship could even finish finalizing what was happening, Hawkeye showed up out of nowhere and began dueling with who had been confirmed to be Pirate Hunter Zoro. The fight didn't last long though as Zoro was cut across the chest and thrown in the water. When asked if he was dead, the Commodore could not confirm. The craziest of all was about to happen though. As soon as Zoro's body sunk beneath the water, an explosion erupted out in all directions made of pure energy. Lighting had just struck where Hawkeye was standing.
Luffy's Green Destiny clashed with Hawkeye's Yoru resulting in an explosion of Haki equivalent to a punch from Whitebeard. A wave of red and green energy shot out in all directions, the heat was almost unbearable and the force caused waves high enough to push the Baratie and Going Merry back. The platform underneath Hawkeye and Luffy crumbled and evaporated, forcing the two to separated, jumping backwards each landing on an individual floating footholds.
"Hawkeye! No one hurts my crew! No one!" Luffy was well passed pissed and now had entered some sort of rage mode. Red Haki continued to flow in out of his body, eyes the shade of blood. "Fuck! You're dying here today bastard." The Warlord simply turned and looked at the Going Merry, uninterested in the pirate.
"Look, your friend is still very much alive."
Luffy turned around to see Zoro being dragged on the ship, coughing and sputtering yes but alive. Almost immediately the red Haki disappeared, Luffy's rage diminished into nothing. Instantly, the captain reached out with Observation, letting it soak in that his first mate was still alive. Although the atmosphere was less tense, the dark storm clouds that continued to blot out the sun remained swirling in the sky. As soon as he was aboard, Nami and Usopp began treating him with bandages and cleaning the wound.
"It is too soon for you to die. My name is Juracule Mihawk! Find yourself, true world, become stronger! No matter how long it will take, I will await you in my strongest form! Surpass this sword! Surpass me! Roronoa Zoro!"
Luffy couldn't believe what he was hearing. Hawkeye had not only acknowledged Zoro, but had decided that he would be the one to take on the Greatest Swordsman title. For him to say this truly was amazing. Mihawk now turned his gaze on Luffy. "What's your mission kid?"
"To be the king."
"A hard course, one even harder than surpassing me." Luffy palmed his sword.
"Like I care." It was then a commotion was heard on the Merry.
"Luffy, can you hear me?" Multiple voices told Zoro to save his strength and stop talking, but he acted as if he couldn't hear them. His Wando was raised high in the air."
"I hear you Zoro."
"Sorry for worrying you captain," spoke Zoro with the shallow breaths he could grasp. "If I don't become the greatest swordsman you'd have a dilemma now, right?" Luffy's eyes widened, surprised he had remembered that and that this was the first thing Zoro thought of after his defeat. The swordsman coughed out some blood but was determined to continue despite protest of crew members. "I will...I will never lose again!" Tears began streaming from his face as the raw emotion came out. "Until I defeat him and become the greatest swordsman, I'll never be defeated anymore! Any problems with that, Pirate King?!"
Luffy broke out into a big grin, "None at all." Hawkeye nodded to himself, smile on his face.
"Good team. Hope we meet again," and with that, the Warlord began walking back to his boat to set off again until Luffy called out to him.
"Hawkeye! I wish to challenge you to a dual!"
Usually this was the point where the Warlord would decline because he had accomplished what he had set out to do, cure his chronic boredom. Also, Mihawk had the opportunity to meet Zoro a very strong willed man that he hoped would take his title one day, and that didn't happen often. Yes, it was best to end on a excellent note such as that. But then again, this just wasn't another fool wanting a quick death. No, Monkey D. Luffy was strong, and that sword was just as interesting. A dual would be anything but menial. "Why do you wish to battle me?"
"The whole reason I set out to sea was because of Red Hair Shanks, and I hear you use to battle him quite frequently in the New World. It would be a great honor of mine to battle my hero's ex rival." Luffy was grinning sheepishly and rubbing the back of his neck, almost like he was embarrassed. "Also I haven't had the opportunity to test my sword on a strong opponent, so there is that to," the Straw Hat said a little quieter than the first reason. Hawkeye grinned a bit. This was sure to be exciting.
"Yes, I will dual you Monkey D. Luffy," spoke Hawkeye, removing the Black Blade from its holdings. Unlike Zoro, the Warlord didn't try the tiny blade, knowing that doing so would prove foolish. Yoru gleamed as it moved, even though there was virtually zero light because of the dark clouds that only grew thicker and thicker. Luffy jumped from his platform, landing on Hawkeye's with graceful precision, making no noise. When Luffy looked up, his eyes had grown very serious. Both he and Hawkeye were now locked in a staring match, each one analyzing. Thunder rumbled around the area, a slight breeze ruffled Luffy's captains' jacket.
Nami, who was watching with great interest along with everyone else, became puzzled. "Why isn't anyone moving?" Zoro, who was currently propped up against the mast, shook his head.
"The battle has already started. Right now as we speak, a physiological war is happening, each trying to fake the next. Looking for the closes sign of movement, a clear tensing of the leg to signal an incoming attack. Yes, the battle is in full swing."
Eye in eye. Breathe in breath. Everything thing around began to fade away into white static except for Mihawk, he was the only thing that mattered at the moment. He was life and death. The two choices in an ultimatum. The whole world revolved around him. The only man on Earth. So when Hawkeye moved, no, no even moved. When Hawkeye tensed, a movement so small that no one it was nearly non-existent, it shattered Luffy's entire reality. It sent him the all-important signal that there was attack coming and he was going to have to retaliate quickly. The pirate gripped his blade with both hands, nerves calm as a river, and in unison with his opponent he attacked.
"Mortal Draw!"
In an instant the standoff was over, both men on opposite sides from where they started with backs facing their each other. Both men stayed perfectly still, waiting to see what the outcome of this would be. Then their eyes widened in different levels of shock.
He withstood it!
I withstood it!
An enormous thunderclap shattered the air, shaking everyone's core. The platform underfoot crumbled and turned to dust because of the raw power that was unleashed. The shock wave that was emitted was strong enough to turn the sea into turmoil and cause hurricane level winds. Everyone on both the Merry and Baratie grabbed hold on the railing for dear life as the waves grew higher and higher, some even measuring 10 meters in height and 8 in width.
Usopp, who was grabbing on the mast for dear life looked up at the sky to pray for deliverance but saw something irregular. "Everyone look at the clouds!" The ones on the Going Merry could barely hear him and the Baratie cooks couldn't hear at all but once Sanji looked up from gripping the rail, everyone followed.
"What the hell..?" Everyone had similar reactions of confusion. The very heavens seemed to be divided straight down the middle. Zoro, who had refused to be taken below deck injuries be damned, looked in awe at the sight. This is the Grand Lines power, to influence the very elements. Meanwhile, Luffy and Hawkeye had begun the practice of jumping from platform to platform, striking at each other every time they came within range. Luffy was forced to dodge each time the Warlord sent a powerful flying blade technique as he was too weak to deflect the attack at the moment. Their movement were quick as lighting, each clash of metal brought forth another deafening crack of thunder.
The dragons on Luffy's sword were glowing with ethereal power, feeding off Luffy's power with each attack. Thank goodness that the rubber man had nearly endless stamina to spare. Yes, the blade was cursed but it's amazing cutting power came from that fact. Combined with a strong will and large amount of energy, the Green Destiny could actually cut anything. Even diamond. Although a move with that much cutting power would drain Luffy completely and make it impossible to use Haki for a few minutes.
Luffy and Hawkeye landed on the same platform, both maintaining eye contact at all times. Neither warrior even noticed nor cared about the raging storm around them, not even when the ocean of water above them finally broke and sheets of cold raindrops began pouring down. The Straw Hat captain shot forward, increasing the amount of power inside Green Destiny, causing the sword to glow brightly.
"Royal Evisceration!" Luffy preformed a series of rapid jabs at Hawkeye who able to evade each strike. Growing angry, Luffy willed himself to move quicker even though he was already using enhanced gear second and soru. Green Destiny blurred, moving so fast enough that even Luffy couldn't keep track with his Observation and causing it to catch fire. This speed actually forced Hawkeye to parry the blows which gave Luffy such a sense of pride that he almost missed the counter strike. Almost.
As soon as Hawkeye began changing his stance mid parry, Luffy also crouched lower so that when Mihawk unleashed a ripple of green energy he was able to jump out the way and let the attack rip the platform to ribbons. Hawkeye disappeared and in front of Luffy midair, using what must have been impossible speed for Luffy to not be able to follow. Before Luffy could geppo backwards the blade of Yoru cut deeply into his side, the Warlord then continued to move upward. At about 6 feet above Luffy, he somersaulted and sent three powerful attacks his way.
With his geppo, Luffy is barely able to weave and roll of harm's way in the sky. The last beam nearly cutting his left arm off but instead ripping the sleeve off his jacket. After, he immediately looks for Hawkeye with Observation, finding the Warlord on a floating platform barely big enough for one man. Luffy raised his sword, ready to continue until something unexpected happened.
The sea, wind, rain, lighting, it all calmed. The enormous waves were dispersed like nothing and the gale force winds died, even the storm clouds thinned. Hawkeye looked directly at Luffy. "You have fought well young pirate."
These words were heard by all. Now that the storm had past, you could nearly hear a pin drop, everyone was at full attention. Only a few actually knew the meaning though. Zoro's eyes widened in fear for his captain. Hawkeye was saying that the fight was over. Whatever the next attack was, it would end this here and now.
The Warlord using both hands for the first time, sent a slash at Luffy that trumped anything seen thus far. It was as massive as 5 normal attacks and instead of being green this one was a deep purple in tint, appearing to have a mine of its own as it ripped through the air gaining more and more power. The heat coming off the attack was so intense that even the ones on the marine ship a few miles out felt burned and the light was three time brighter than the sun. Even the sound made was horrifying, like millions of people scraping their nails on a blackboard. All of this was headed directly at Luffy.
Having no choice but to rely on all the power within Green Destiny, the pirate captain unleashed all of his power, red conquers Haki swirled around and into the sword held firmly in both hands. Three rings of green fire appeared around the blade, glowing with a cold intensity. Luffy's eyes turned from black to emerald green along with his Haki and even the veins of his body, the spirit of the sword was in complete control. Then, with resolve absolute, he raced towards the enormous purple light, towards the power of the freaking world. On lookers marveled at what had appeared around Luffy, an enormous jade serpent like dragon made of pure Haki had manifested taking up the other half of the sky.
"Secret Destiny Technique: Jade Dragon Fang!"
Luffy swung the sword with all the strength possible, the Haki dragon moved in unison with Green Destiny, opening its mouth and shrieking out a roar that resonated throughout the East Blue. As soon as the fiery blade clashed with Hawkeye's attack, a crack formed in reality and it appear that a rip opened in the air. Luffy's fire vs Mihawk's energy. The result was...explosive.
Hell itself hadn't actually been unleashed and it wasn't really the apocalypse, but at that moment, there was no one who cared or knew the difference. Each second a new wave of heat would wash over the East Blue, causing mass evaporation of sea water and destruction of marine life. Many of the cooks had retreated into the Baratie hoping to avoid heat stroke, only a few stayed to marvel. Those sticking it out on Merry wouldn't dream of missing this, heat be damned.
Luffy...please don't die.
For Luffy, everything was almost dreamlike. Even though his teeth, entire body really, was vibrating extremely violently. Even though his eyes were squeezed shut out of desire to not be blinded. Even though the heat was far greater than any human could live through. Luffy felt nothing, only the will to live coursing through his veins. Opening his emerald eyes, the rubber man pushed with everything possible.
"Aaaahhhhh!" The jade conquers Haki dragon roared along with Luffy, one final push breaking through Hawkeye's attack. Everyone looked in awe as the dragon collected speed and continued spiraling downward, a gigantic ball of pure white energy in its mouth. Hawkeye's eyes widened a bit, he jumped several meters backwards and landed on his coffin shaped boat.
As soon as the ball of energy hit the water, it began to break apart. Stray beams of light shot out in all directions before finally the whole thing collapsed in on itself, resulting in a shock wave with a destructive force of a young Whitebeard. Blinding light sent all through the East Blue, even being visible on the next island over. Millions upon millions of sea water was evaporated in less than an instant, shooting scalding hot mist high into the air all through the area, turning the place into a fucking sauna and reducing visibility to zero. The sea was literally boiling.
The Going Merry been sent flying in the blast, being displaced a full nautical mile away from the fighting was last. It had been everything in their ability to not be thrown overboard. Really, it was a miracle that the ship was not turned upside down. God only knew where Baratie ended up. Everyone was shaken at the turn of events but not injured in any important way. Zoro wasn't really doing so hot, what with being burned by heat, then soaked by rain, blinded by light, and now feeling suffocated by mist. Not mention he already had a life threatening energy before this.
"Hey, you okay Marimo," called Sanji from somewhere on the ship. The swordsman sat up, wincing as he did from pain.
"Yea I'm good. Oi, Usopp you still alive?" No response. "Long nose!" No response. Zoro attempts to stand but after having a bolt of pain run through his abdomen, it was back to the floor.
"Sweet angel Nami, are you okay?" No response. This game of Marco Polo was only because of the mist, making it impossible to see one centimeter in front of you. "Na-" The sound of coughing was heard somewhere on the ship.
"Ack, yea I'm fine. What the- I found Usopp, he's just unconscious." Well that was a relief, everyone was accounted for from the crew. Johnny and Yosaku still had not been heard from though. Zoro got a little worried for his bounty hunting friends.
"Oi, Johnny! Yosaku!" No response. "Johnny! Yosa-"
"Were right here Aniki," shouted Johnny, apparently speaking both him and Yosaku. Thank goodness thought Zoro, being able to lay on his back easy knowing everyone was fine. Well, all but one. The captain was still unaccounted for. Until this steam cleared a little it would be impossible to search, so hopefully he would fine them. Hopefully.
Luffy too had been blow backwards by the shock wave, having no strength to continue staying airborne with geppo. He was sent careening in the opposite direction of the Merry, blacking out until Luffy felt himself skipping on the water and finally coming to rest on his back. Yes, Luffy was floating on his back even though he had eaten a devil fruit. The only reason it was possible was because of his special captains' jacket that Makino had sewn out of special material that didn't resist water, it repelled the very substance. It was said that certain devil fruit users in the New World would use the rare material to make life jackets. How Luffy got enough thread to make a jacket was story in itself.
The pirate placed his hands on the water and push himself up, gloves also being made of the special material. Then Luffy finally made it to his feet, yes standing on water. Unlike the jacket, these boots that allowed him to stand on water were a parting gift of Ace. His brother had said that the soles were made of a wood with 5 times the level of buoyancy of regular wood. Learning how to balance had been the most frustrating weeks of his life.
Luffy looked around, not able to see anything. That usually wouldn't be a problem but he couldn't see. His Observation was completely shot to hell at the moment, leaving him blind. Before blacking out, Luffy remembered placing Green Destiny in its sheath. Checking, he confirmed it was still there. The mist didn't seem to be thinning in the least, in fact the still boiling sea merely added more steam. Not having any energy to spare, Luffy pulled out a kunai knife from his belt.
Then something changed in the atmosphere, the pressure feeling more constrictive. Everything in Luffy said to move, so naturally he followed his instincts and jumped to the right just barely missing a green beam of energy that no doubt came from Hawkeye. And unlike him, Hawkeye was drained, not blind, and not unable to fight. Not getting any time to rest, multiple attacks from all directions came from the wall of mist with each being dodged a hair. Although there was a limit to how much luck one man can have.
The last attack nearly grazed Luffy's straw hat which had been firmly planted on his head throughout the whole ordeal. Of course not want for his treasure to be destroyed, he extended his neck more so the brim wouldn't be removed, even though it threw his stride out of sorts. This momentary lack of balance was capitalized on as Luffy felt a something sever his back, one of Hawkeye's cuts finally hitting home. Moving to the side quickly so as to not be cleaved in half Luffy was met with a even worse assault. Mihawk himself was standing right in front of him.
Reacting fast, the rubber man threw his kunai knife. Hawkeye was already moving though, moving his head to the left he avoided the knife and with sword already in hand he closed the distance between him and Luffy, impaling the boy with Yoru. Luffy was actually lifted from the ground a few centimeters. Blood began to leak from the corners of his mouth, life liquid oozed from the large wound in his torso. "You fought very well, Monkey D. Luffy." Then the blade was swiftly removed.
The Warlord then cut vertically in the air to his left, creating a large gap in the mist that reached the Going Merry. Looking at Luffy one more time, he jumped backwards, disappearing from view. Luffy, who didn't even know what force was keeping his up, began to see black blotches interrupt his vision and even though the sea was steaming, everything was becoming colder.
A strong gust of wind blew over the Merry, dispersing all the mist around the ship. Everyone blinked in surprise at the sudden clarity, but immediately started locating one another. Zoro saw that Nami was sitting cross-legged near the figure head with Usopp laying on her lap still unconscious. Sanji was on the upper deck leaning next to the railing. Johnny and Yosaku similarly were on the upper deck, Johnny missing his glasses and Yosaku with blood leaking from his head. Zoro himself was lying next to the mast, stiff from not moving and wounds healing.
Never the less, the man rose from his seated position, looking in the direction of the wind. "Oi, cook! Turn the ship over there and follow this path through the mist."
Sanji nodded, knowing what Zoro was thinking. He jumped over the upstairs railing, landing lightly on the lower deck, then quickly steering the rudder of the ship so that they began sailing through the gap in mist. If Luffy was anywhere, he was probably at the end of this opening. Otherwise why would it have appeared right in front of the ship? Sanji while steering the Merry noticed that Usopp got to lay his head on Nami's lap, he noted to not give him any food for three weeks.
Luffy knew not how long he had stood there, could have been days, but everything started to feel warm and fuzzy again. But mostly fuzzy, especially around the edges. He thought he heard voices but it was probably nothing, sounds slowly faded away. Then the pirate realized that he was dying. Bits of memory began flashing before him. Each one with its own meaning and purpose.
Memories of Ace, Sabo, Makino, Dadan and the mountain bandits, Garp, his new friends, and even the Doctor. The tunnel of memories then turned dark, leaving only a void tunnel with light at the end. Slowly he moved forward to oblivion.
Wait! I'm not ready yet! I...that's it!
The Going Merry crew saw a rigid figure in the distance and assumed it to be Luffy. After calling out they received silence in response, worrying everyone on board. Sanji jumped from the ship and swam towards the man, confirming it was indeed their captain.
"Hey Luffy, thank god you're alright. We were get-"
The cook chocked on his words as soon as he was close enough to see the massive amount of blood coming out of Luffy's torso. Just as he was about to call for the others, Luffy fell backwards with a splash, giving the cook an even better view of his wounds. Sanji's eyes grew as big as oranges, gasping for air before yelling:
"Get Luffy on board now!"
A rope was thrown down to Sanji who after pulling Luffy close to his chest, allowed himself to be pulled upwards onto the deck. Sanji laid the captain on his back gingerly so as not to aggravate the wound even more. Nami upon seeing him screamed, tears almost immediately began pouring down her face. The scream was so loud that Usopp woke up with a start, only to be knocked over by Nami moving towards Luffy. Johnny and Yosaku already had bandages in hand, passing them to Nami and the cook. Luffy was disinfected and wrapped within one minute. Now the whole crew sat around him.
"Luffy! Come on! Please wake up!" This plea came from Usopp, who was bawling his eyes out. Zoro lowered his head to Luffy's chest for a few seconds, then after no heartbeat, Zoro moved in front of Luffy on both knees and began giving CPR by placing one hand over the other and pumping his chest.
"Oi Marimo, what the hell do you think you're doing?" Sanji was about to tackle Zoro before the response.
"Shut up! His heart isn't beating dumb ass!" This quieted the cook quickly. The swordsman kept pushing, trying desperately to bring Luffy back to the land of the living. By this point, everyone was in tears, praying to whatever God there might be to save their captain.
A/N: How did I do with the fight? Oh yea, Jade Dragon Fang is not Luffy's only special technique. I was actually intending to show another one in this fight but decided against it. Next chapter we get a huge revelation. Hmm, I wounder how the World Government will react to the news they just received about a no name pirate fighting toe-to-toe with Hawkeye. They don't tend to take threats well.
Next Chapter: Two Minutes in Limbo