The sun was beating down upon us as I lay lethargically across one of the top crosstrees of the Going Merry. Everything was peaceful and quiet, the sound of the waves lulling me to sleep. I loosen the cloak's collar and made myself comfortable. The peace, the quiet, its…so…serene.
BOOM!
Falling out of the crosstree I crashed into the deck feeling the multiple breaking of bones. To my left the captain, Luffy and the new sniper Usopp were celebrating their first cannon fire. I could feel the tick mark growing on my forehead as I watched the two danced about. Knowing that yelling at them would not solve anything and that I don't want to give the crew another reason to be wary of me since I'm already on thin ice for refusing to remove my mask. I just shrugged off my injury and headed down below. Hopefully I can find something for the searing pain.
Dragging my broken body into the medical bay I sifted through numerous bottles until I found what I was looking for.
"Yes, my precious morphling" I smiled as I filled one of the sterilized needles and injected the painkiller into my bloodstream. I know I can regenerate and all but that still doesn't mean that I don't feel excruciating pain. I sighed as I could feel the morphling doing its job.
Sitting down on one of the chairs I leaned my head against the wall as my youki quickly reset my bones. Maybe I can take a nap down here. I silently thought as my eyes began to droop once more.
"You killed Johnny," an unfamiliar voice screamed from the top deck.
Go figure I sighed as I forced myself to stand only to wobble around a bit. And I think I took an overdose, great.
Leaning against the wall I staggered step by step until I finally made it the room next door, the kitchen. Make that an extreme overdose. Stumbling into the room I leaned over the sink where I shed my masked and dunked my head in the water bucket. With the water slightly clearing the haze from my brain I shuffled to the nearest chair and collapsed in it, mask laying in my lap. If there is any problem the others will call. I'll just stay here until then. I thought shutting my eyes.
A few minutes after that thought the sound of boots running down stairs and the slight scent of sweat, fear, and gunpowder alerted me to the presence of our resident sniper Usopp. Quickly grabbing my mask I covered my face just before Usopp ran in.
"Need any help up there," I mumbled cracking an eye open.
"Aiieeee!" Usopp screamed as he jumped behind the wall.
"Oh shut up, if I really was an assassin you would already be dead by now. Now answer the question do they need my help up there or not. Because if not I'm going back to sleep." I bit out.
"Uh, n-no. Luffy doesn't need help. N-Nami j-just sent me to find some limes." The cowering boy answered.
"Alright, limes are in the cupboard over there" I replied pointing to the far right cover. "While you are up there, can you mention to keep it down since I'm trying to sleep off a major headache."
"O-of c-course" Usopp replied already backing out of the room with the limes in his hand.
"Oh and Usopp"
"Y-yes" he squeaked.
"Don't worry about me hurting you, I only go after perverts and idiots and you're neither of those, right," I drawled out the last part, a sharp edge seeping into my voice as well.
"N-no, I-I mean yes, I-I mean…" At this point Usopp turned and ran back up the stairs the scent of fear being much stronger than it was earlier.
"That boy needs to grow a spine" I sighed leaning my head back again. "There is no room on the Grand Line for cowards." With that thought I drifted off to sleep.
"I'm healthy now!" an unfamiliar voice cried out.
"And there goes my chances of a nap" I sighed before pulling myself out of my chair. I could feel the last of my fractured bones mend themselves and the muscle tissue reconnect as I pulled myself up the stairs up onto the deck. Man alive, even with the morphling I still feel the pain. Although it is not as bad as it was before.
"My name is Jonny" the glasses wearing swordsman replied.
"And mine is Yosaku" the smoking swordsman continued.
"And we use to be pirate hunters at the level of Zoro-sempai" they chorused.
Suddenly Yosaku fell backwards coughing up blood. Not the least bit worried about the strange duo I turned to Nami asking my question. "Scurvy?"
"Exactly"
"Damn idiots, should have known better." I sighed.
"Agree" she replied slightly smiling for the first time.
"Oi mystery person, you know about Scurvy?" Luffy shouted while jumping up and down.
"Doesn't everybody?"
"Wow, you're smart! I'm glad you joined my crew!" The rubber boy laughed. Silently I was ticked off.
" I haven't joined your crew yet. You still haven't learned my name."
"Ne ne, mystery person what is your name?"
"Not telling"
"Eh, why not?"
"You haven't earned my name yet."
"So" Usopp said interrupting the oncoming argument. "During long voyages the person who can make sure that everyone has enough food is the cook?"
"Yes, come to think of it we still don't have a cook" Nami mused.
"Okay, I've decided!" Luffy jumped up. "We should search for a cook and we'll have a chance to eat good food."
"If you are looking for a cook, I would like to recommend one place" Jonny spoke up.
"Alright lets set sail," Luffy cried out as I massage my aching head.
"For some reason I think something bad is about to happen" I mumbled before heading back downstairs for some scilence.
Needless to say we did get in trouble. Some egotistical marines shot a cannon at us and instead of hitting us Luffy redirected it and let it hit the floating restaurant where we were trying to recruit a cook. Oh joy.
Luffy, being the gullible idiot he is, went in to apologize and then got stuck working at the Baratie for a whole year. A whole year, I'll be stuck here unless I jump ship and catch the next ship heading off for the Grand Line.
"Hey are you coming with us?"
The sudden voice of the marimo jolted me from my musings. Turning around I stared at the swordsman.
"Were going to get something to eat at the restaurant, you coming?" the lazy swordsman asked again.
"Hai, hai" I lazily answered as I brushed past the marimo and headed up the steps.
Zoro turned back to look at me with a quizzical eye before shrugging it off and following after me. Hmm, was it something I said?
Instead of a peaceful and quiet restaurant like I expected the crew and I witnessed a bloody brawl. Okay it was more like a one-sided fight between that egotistical marine Full-body and a waiter. And the waiter was the one doing the butt kicking.
Picking up the bloodied marine by the throat the angered waiter hissed "Whoever messes with a chef in the middle of the sea, that person has committed suicide, remember this!"
His glare intensified and his grip tightened. "Food is not something you can play with."
Minding my own business I usurer the crew to a vacant table and sat down waiting for another to take my order. At this time a muscular man entered the room and seeing the situation at hand began to scream like a girl at the waiter.
"My ears" I cried as I covered my head with my hands. "Make the screeching stop". Not long after I made this statement Luffy and another chef came falling through the ceiling.
"What are you doing here Head Chef" a random chef that tried to interfere with the gorilla man Pati's and waiter-san Sanji's fight.
"What is that idiot doing" I heard Nami muttered. I glanced back at the Head Chef only to see him in a heated argument with said idiot. The Head Chef turned around, knocked some sense into Sanji and Pati and kicked out the scum-bag named Full-body. Just as I was hopping for some piece and quiet a marine grunt came running in yelling that crewman of Don Krieg's ship has escaped. Just as I was going to tell the panicking people to shut up a gunshot was heard. The corpse of the marine grunt crumpled to the floor and the whole restaurant silenced at the bloody entrance of Don Creek's crewmember.
"Get me some food," the man growled as he propped up his feet on the table he sat down at.
"Welcome to our restaurant sir" the gorilla called Pati answered before continuing. "I'm most sorry moron. But do you have any money?"
"Do you want me to pay with a bullet?" the pirate answered cocking his gun. In a quick movement Pati knocked out the pirate and started beating him to a pulp. Despite the pirate's affiliation and prior attitude I felt sorry for him. The starvation that the man was suffering was not something that I would wish on anybody. Starvation is one of the worst ways to die. Eventually Pati took the barely alive man and threw him out of the restaurant as well. During this time I noticed waiter-san was missing as well. Excusing myself I went outside hoping I could do something for the poor man but I had a feeling I didn't have to. My gut feeling was right as I saw Sanji bring out food for the starving pirate.
"Ah ha I found a good chef". Glancing to my left Luffy was leaning against the railing looking down on the two.
"So is he going to join your crew?"
"You bet" he grinned at me before his smile steadily turned into a frown.
"What is wrong?" I asked.
"Why haven't you told me your name?"
"You haven't earned it yet."
"Then what can I do to earn it?"
I glanced back at he raven headed boy. There was no laughter in his eyes. So he is determined. But determination can only get you so far. Pushing away from the railing I decided to test him.
"What does man love more than life? Fear more than death or mortal strife? What the poor have, the rich require, and contented men desire? What the miser spends and the spendthrift saves, and all men carry to their graves?"
"That's not fair."
"Life isn't always fair kid."
"But our deal was that I could earn your name."
So he understood. "You are correct, and though you haven't completely earned it yet, you are closer to hearing it than before."
Luffy nodded, accepting my answer.
"Now, I believe you have a chef to recruit." The boy nodded before bouncing off.
Happy with the results of my test I went back to the now quiet restaurant and slid back into my seat.
"Where were you?"
My gaze slid over the crewmembers. Nami was facing forward but kept glancing at me from the corner of her eye. Usopp was trembling slightly while Zoro kept his eyes trained on me. "I went to escape the noise only to find out that Luffy is trying to recruit another in his own loud, idiotic way."
"Really" Usopp cried, probably trying to change the topic. "Who?"
The waiter who beat up the marine" I answered.
"Really, he is seems pretty strong" Zoro smiled taking a sip of his complementary water.
"Great another monster" Nami muttered. I flinched at that comment but let it slide. Hopefully no one saw my reaction I thought as my eyes surveyed the group. That is no one except the already suspicious Zoro, crap.
"And here comes Luffy." I said motioning towards the boy who was wearing an apron.
"Oi Luffy" Usopp cried out. "Can I change our pirate flag since you'll be stuck here for a year?"
"No fair!" Luffy shouted, his voice still ringing still in my ears. "You're sitting comfortably eating while I'm suffering!"
Soon our crew loudness attracted the attention of the blond haired cook. He then suddenly had this look in his eye that I found quite uncomforting.
"Oh! Thank god I've met you today. Oh love you can laugh at me!" The once respected cook got down on his knees and stared at Nami with hearts in his eyes.
"Great I lost all respect I had for him." I growled.
His head snapped in my direction as if he was going to snap at me before his glare melted into one of those sappy looks that a person in love wears. Don't tell me…
"Oh radiant angel, please grace this humble admirer with your name."
"He refuses to share his name," Luffy replied staring at the strange cook along with the other men in our crew. The waiter started choking on his cigarette. "You're a boy?"
"You thought he was a girl?" Zoro snarked. The waiter turned to the swordsman about to fight when Nami interrupted.
"Sir could we please place our order."
"Oh beautiful siren, may I have the pleasure of your name?" The greedy witch consented.
"Oh Nami your name is a beautiful melody that echoes to my soul. Your very name gives my heart wings so that I may soar. As long as you are with me I can become a pirate or a demon. I flinched yet again but the waiter didn't notice or ignored it. "Oh, but our destiny is doomed."
"Is that because of me Sanji?" the Head Chef questioned. Thank you thank you Head Chef. Soon an argument ignited between Sanji and the Head chef. I blocked out most of the conversation but that which I picked up I summarized. Basically the Head Chef wants Sanji to leave but Sanji is determined to stay at the café forever. Hmm this place must be special to him.
"That's good you got permission from the owner. So now you can become a pirate now." Luffy grinned.
"Who want's to!" Sanji shouted back. "Anyway" Sanji said turning toward Nami. "I am so sorry for this mess. As an apology, I've ordered you a Fruit in Macedonia along with Gran Mane Wine."
"Thanks" Nami smiled as she dug in.
"What about my food?" I asked
"You don't get anything."
"My this is delicious" I could hear Nami say. "But Mister Chef the food here is quite expensive for me, so…" I could hear the unasked question. There is no way he will let her off without paying, right?
"Don't worry. It's on the house for you." Great just prove me wrong. You have lost even more of my respect. From the look of Zoro's face he probably was thinking the same thing.
"Your putty in her hands" He murmured. Of course the ero-cook ignored him in favor of fawning over me this time.
"So do not worry about the cost," Sanji continued. I could feel the angry vibes from Usopp, I was feeling angry too.
Sanji smiled at Nami smiled before running off, dragging Luffy with him.
Two days later a large ship came in. The people in the restaurant were freaking out about the ship but to me the ship looked like nothing more than a ghost ship, a wrecked one at that.
"That's Don Krieg's ship," one of the customers cried out. Don Krieg, where did I hear that name before?
"See Pati they have finally come to avenge their crew member" one of the random chef's yelled at the gorilla. Ah, so that is where I heard it before.
"Oi, Gin must have come back to repay you." Luffy said to Sanji.
"I have a bad feeling about this," Sanji muttered. All the while the Head Chef stood there quietly waiting for the ship to dock.
Soon the ship pulled up to the restaurant and there was Gin helping the oh so infamous Don Krieg into the restaurant. Note the sarcasm.
"Please give me some food, money is no problem. If you give me some food I promise I'll leave peacefully" the pirate captain rasped with his head bowed to the floor. The man was starving and no one was doing anything to help him. Has mankind really sunk so low.
Pati was calling out orders; not orders like steam the rice, or cook the soup. No he was ordering the other chefs to call the marines. Truly the gorilla was making me sick.
"Hey Pati get out of my way" Sanji shouted.
"Huh" was the gorilla's intelligent reply before getting kicked in the face. Sanji was carrying a plate of food toward the infamous pirate when his fellow chefs jumped him and eventually restrained him. During this time Pati was ranting on about why no one should feed the starving man and all the while I was getting even more pissed off. Standing up I picked up a simple dish of rice and handed it to the starving pirate.
"What are you doing!" Pati cried.
"I'm doing what any decent person should do" I replied glaring down at the big brute. "Starving is the worst way a person can die. It starts as a pinprick, an irritation. Then it steadily grows hour-by-hour, day-by-day. It leaves you as nothing more than a husk. Starvation is one of the ultimate killers. Don Krieg may be a murderer but by refusing to feed a starving man because of his past sins, especially if it is your job is to cook and feed the people, then you are no better than this starving man." I growled. I could see Sanji's eyes widen and I smiled behind my mask. Before I knew it I was flying across the room before I impacted with the wall.
"Mystery person!" Luffy called out.
Looking up I could see Gin shouting at his leader Don Krieg before the man knocked out his subordinate. "This is a very good restaurant" the monotone voice carried throughout the restaurant. "So I will take it."
Suddenly there was a rush of people towards the boats. As the last customer fled all that was standing in the room was an unconscious Gin and a plotting Krieg with several chefs and my crew.
"Our ship is worn out" Krieg murmured though everyone paid close attention. "So I want this ship. After we're done with you, you'd better get out of here. Right now I have about a hundred crewmen on my ship. They are all starving and injured. First you will prepare food for a hundred men and give it to them. There are many men who have died of starvation so hurry up. This is an order whoever dares to refuse must die." Don Krieg growled.
I think I was fading in and out a bit because sometimes it would get dark and other times I would see random things like all he chefs pointing their guns at Sanji or Pati shooting a cannon ball at Don Krieg with a lobster. Eventually I came back to my senses only to see the Head Chef hand over a big bag of what smelled like food while several of his subordinates laid on the ground injured.
"Ow my head" I muttered darkly.
"Are you alright" Luffy yelled drawing the other crewmember's attention to myself.
"Yeah now shut up your too loud and I want to hear what is going on." Luffy just nodded at my reply and turned back towards the two leaders.
"You! You are Zeff. Your Red Leg Zeff!" Don Krieg cried out. "You" Krieg continued. "You are the infamous Captain Chef who sailed the Grand Line and returned safely."
"It is none of your business. As you can see now I just live as a chef." Zeff replied.
"It seems to me that you became a chef because you had no choice, because you lost your leg" Krieg grinned as he motioned towards Zeff's peg leg. "During your travels though Grand Line your crew must have written a journal. I want that journal."
"My journal?" Zeff frowned. "Sure I have it but I won't give it to you. That journal is the pride of my crew and myself when we sailed the Grand Line. It is worth too much to be handed over to the likes of you." Zeff growled.
"I must have that journal," cried Krieg. "I lost to the Grand Line because I did not have enough information. Next time I'll get through the Grand Line."
The numerous chefs let out a cry of rage stating that Don Krieg will never get the Baratie.
"Shut up" Krieg screamed. "Haven't you realized the difference between you and me? I am strong, you are weak! After I get that journal, I will gather more men and return to the Grand Line. I will acquire One Piece, the ultimate treasure, and I will be the greatest pirate of them all!"
"Wait a minute!" Luffy yelled. "I am the one who will become the greatest pirate, not you!"
The chefs panicked while Krieg just sneered down on my raven headed captain.
"this is not a joke kid" The pirate captain of five thousand men sneered.
"I know" the pirate captain to the three going on to four members smiled.
"Are you going to need help Luffy?" Zoro grinned.
"No, I don't need any help, just sit there."
"Ha ha ha ha!" Krieg laughed. "They are your crew! They are only a bunch of kids!"
"That's not all I have one more as well" Luffy pouted motioning to the currently restrained Sanji.
"Oi leave me out of this!" the ero-cook yelled.
"Stop fooling around kid!" Krieg screamed. "Because I lacked information my crew of five thousand men were destroyed in seven days on that evil sea!"
The Baratie erupted into a flurry of murmurs but my captain and I ignored them in favor of listening to the defeated captain.
"Listen I will give everyone a chance. Think it over while I'm taking this food back to my crew. I will be back" he said walking out the door. "If you don't want to die" He called over his shoulder "the go while my crew is eating." Then the captain disappeared onto his wrecked ship.
While the chefs were discussing what to do Luffy was listening to what Gin was saying about how the fifty powerful pirate ships were destroyed by one man. Hmm this sounds interesting.
"I don't want to think about that hawk eyes man!" Gin screamed.
At the mention of Hawk Eyes I could see Zoro's body tense up. I wish I could move around some more but my muscles are still re-knitting themselves.
"What did you do?" Sanji asked now freed from his restraints.
"I don't remember anything!" Gin cried.
"Maybe you interrupted his nap." Zeff supplied.
"Don't joke around!" Gin shouted.
"I don't know" I said gaining everyone's attention as a drug myself into a chair. "If you woke my dad up from his nap he would try to destroy the whole island. Believe me I know because it almost happened before."
The chefs ignored me but my crewmembers just stared at me.
"What its true!"
"Anyways" Zoro said changing the subject. "This Hawk Eyes is the man that I have been searching for."
Soon the conversation degenerated into a shouting match, that is until a battle cry could be heard from outside.
Everyone ran outside to face the threat only to scream in surprise. Dang it move body move I thought as I forced myself out side. The bones were mended but the muscle tissue was still reconnecting in some places.
"What's happening" Krieg shouted. Looking outside I witnessed Don Krieg's ship being cut in half by one man. It seems during the commotion Nami was able to slip away with our ship. Luffy ordered the others to chase down Nami and the ship but Zoro froze when he spotted the man who cut Don Krieg's ship, Hawk Eyes Mihawk.
Glancing over to the Hawk Eyes man a familiar feeling overcame my senses, which terrified and infuriated me.
"I have searched for you for a long time" Zoro called out the hawk-eyed man.
"What do you want from me?" The greatest swordsman replied.
"The ultimate power" Zoro supplied with a feral grin.
While the others were panicking I couldn't help but feel worried too. You don't know what you're getting yourself into Zoro.
"I really feel sorry for you weakling." The amber-eyed swordsman said as he stepped off his boat. "Even the greatest swordsmen won't fight me because they can estimate their power and compare it to me. Your strong will that wants to challenge me either comes from your brave heart or from you foolishness."
"It is my dream and my promise to my best friend," Zoro replied drawing his three swords. Zoro.
"I never thought that I would find you so soon." Zoro muttered around the handle of his third sword.
"That does not make you any better." The swords master answered as he drew a small dagger out.
"What do you think you are doing." The Santōryū swordsman growled.
"I am not a stupid person to use all of what I have to hunt a rabbit. I know that there are many people in this world who want to become famous. This place is East Blue, the weakest of all the blues. Unfortunately I do not carry a smaller knife than this on," Mihawk shrugged.
"Watch your words man otherwise you'll regret it when you die!" Zoro shouted as he rushed the experienced swordsman.
Every time Zoro swung his three swords Mihawk blocked with the tiny dagger. Eventually Mihawk stabbed him near his heart.
"Do you want this knife to go through your heart? Why don't you step back." The experienced swordsman questioned.
"I… I don't know. However if I take a single step back I'd feel that I have broken my promise, and I will not be able to stand here again." Zoro muttered while blood dribbled down his chin.
"And that is called losing" Mihawk stated.
"Ha Ha that's why I can't step back."
"Even if it costs you your life?" Mihawk's eyes narrowed.
"If I have to lose I'd rather die!" Zoro growled.
After a few seconds Mihawk withdrew his dagger. "Tell my your name kid."
"Roronoa Zoro" smiled the Santōryū swordsman.
"I'll remember that." Mihawk answered as he sheathed the dagger. "I haven't met someone with such a strong will like you for a long time. And to repay that, I will use the Black Sword, the strongest sword in this world to end your life," the swords master said as we drew the giant jewel encrusted sword.
"That's the sword that cut our ship!" cried out a random crewmember from Don Krieg's ship.
"Die" Mihawk shouted as he rushed forward.
"Secret Santōryū technique." Zoro muttered as he began to spin the swords. "Tri Elements sword!" The two swordsmen rushed past each other swords drawn, then everything was quiet both standing perfectly still. Seconds turned into minutes and soon Zoro sheathed his sword and turned to face Mihawk arms stretched wide.
"What are you doing?"
"Its shameful for a swordsman to be hit from behind." Zoro grinned blood dripping down his face and pouring from his chest wound.
"Splendid" Mihawk smiled before slashing Zoro across the chest.
"Zoro!" Luffy screamed. I jumped to my feet and rushed to the railing and jumped into the water. There is no way I'll let him escape.
"Damn you!" Luffy shouted as he stretched his arm across the water towards the remains of the boat where Zoro and Mihawk were fighting. Mihawk dodged my flying captain and turned to face him.
"Don't worry. That kid is still alive." Mihawk told Luffy.
""But you may not be" I hissed my poisoned dagger resting near his throat.
"Luffy-aniki" Johnny and Yosaku shouted. "We've got Zoro-sempai" The two bounty hunters had fished Zoro out of the water and placed him on their boat.
"Release him" Luffy commanded. My hand tightened around the dagger and my eyes saw red.
"Tell me one thing and one thing only Hawk Eyes" I spat out, too quiet for anyone but myself, Mihawk and Luffy to hear. "What are you?"
"My name is Dracula Mihawk, greatest swordsman in the world." He replied in a monotone voice.
"I said what are you not who are you." I growled edging the dagger closer to his jugular vein. "I should warn you now this dagger is coated in Sokou's poison." I noticed his eyes widen slightly. "You should know how dangerous it is considering you have the blood of the Tengu flowing through your veins, yet you have none of their characteristics save the eyes," I hissed.
"How do you know this" he growled.
"While you obviously hail from the Tengu clan I hail from the Kitsune clan." There was a moment of silence and I could sense Mihawk relaxing a bit. "Now answer my question."
"I'm a Hanyo, technically not even that. Only one fourth of my blood is from the Tengu clan." Satisfied I sheathed my dagger. "May I have the name of the vixen who hails from the Kitsune Clan?" I growled at the mention of my fox features.
"Akakakushi" I could see his eyes widen once more in shock before reclaiming their indifference.
"Very well but what should I do with this kid?"
"Ask him about his goal" I said shrugging with indifference.
Narrowing his eyes he turned towards Luffy who stopped running towards the pair. "Kid what is your goal?"
"To become the Pirate King" frowned Luffy.
Mihawk's eyes softened. "What a stupid dream. It means that you must become stronger than me you know."
"I don't care!" Luffy stuck out his tongue. "I will become one, and you will see that! Usopp," Luffy shouted at our long nosed sniper. "Is Zoro alright?"
"He's not dead but he's unconscious!" There was a bit of scuffling and over the edge of the ship railing I could see Zoro's arm holding up his katana.
"Zoro?" Luffy questioned.
"L-Luffy… c-can you hear… me?" Zoro rasped.
"Yes."
"I'm sorry for making you worry about me. If I… can't become an invincible swordsman… you will be worried about me… right?" At that moment I could hear what sounded like Zoro coughing up blood. Johnny and Yosaku tried to quiet Zoro but he would not listen. "From now on… I wonk lose to anyone ever again! Until I can defeat that swordsman and become an invincible swordsman I wont lose again! Ever!" Zoro shouted before coughing up some more blood. "Do you have any problems, the greatest pirate?"
"He he, Nope!" smiled Luffy.
"You have a very good team," Mihawk said as he turned from Luffy. "I hope that I will see you again."
Mihawk stopped shoulder to shoulder with me on his way to his boat. "Just a warning, the false kings are still looking for the nine powers. And from what I heard from the higher ups there is a spy among your people." I froze at the mention of this. "Just fair warning," and he started for his boat.
"Why" I whispered. His eyes locked with mine. "Why are you telling me this?"
"Despite what they say of my lineage I don't want them to be thrown into another bloody war. This time they may not survive." With that Mihawk's coffin shaped boat sailed off towards the Grand Line once more.
Definitions/Authors notes
Tengu: a class of supernatural creatures found in Japanese folklore. They are one of the most well known yokai and are sometimes worshipped as revered spirits. The tengu were originally thought to take the forms of birds of prey. The earliest tengu were pictured with beaks, but this feature has often been humanized as an unnaturally long nose. It was long believed that the tengu were disruptive demons and harbingers of war. Their image gradually softened, however, into one of protective, if still dangerous, spirits of the mountains and forests.
Usopp: I was thinking of having Usopp being a true Tengu Hanyo except that he does not know of his heritage yet. Aka would not really make the connection until she sees Usopp fight someone and not act like a coward while fighting.
Hanyo: Half demon, a person who has demonic and human blood flowing through their veins. Some Hanyo's are almost always characterized by features that derive from the type of demon the parent was. For instance Inuyasha has dog-ears and his father was a Dog demon. Usopp's mother was a Tengu and Usopp has the tengu nose.
Mihawk: Mihawk is not a true hanyo because only one fourth of his blood is demonic while the rest of him is human. But because of the demonic blood flowing through his veins it has affected his eyes, making them like the eyes of a bird of prey.
Aniki: Japanese suffix for big brother.
Santōryū: Three-sword style, the sword style that Zoro uses.
Crosstree: the horizontal beam that holds up the sail, I had a hard time finding this word.
Morphling: Like morphine, except I got this drug from the Hunger Games series, the books not the movies.