Chapter 22

A few minutes earlier

" Me, I really think it's a bad idea, sister-Lucy! " Yosaku said, using a rope ladder, to get behind her on Don Krieg's boat.

" It is right. " Approved Johnny. " What took me to come ? I should have come with sister-Nami. "

Thinking of the redhead, Lucy asked them.

" Say, who is Arlong ? "

" Huh ? " The two men wondered.

" Since the other day, I haven't stopped seeing Nami holding the search poster for a certain Arlong ! Who is this guy ? "

" Arlong ? " Yosaku was surprised. " He is the pirate with the biggest bonus of all East-Blue. "

" Yeah ! It is worth no less than twenty million berries ! Don Krieg is more famous than him, but only because Arlong usually stays in his corner ! Nevertheless, of the two, there is a good chance that Arlong will be the most formidable person in this sea. "

" In this case, why does Nami only look at his wanted poster, as if she wanted to capture him ? "

" No idea ! He is maybe a pirate she has already met. "

" In any case, it would be a very bad idea to fight in front of him. "

Finally arriving on the Krieg's boat, Lucy inspected the ship before being surprised by what she could see.

" Oh my God ! "

" Hum ? "Said the two men, arriving in their turn.

The two then widened their eyes, seeing the whole of Krieg's crew, comprising only men lying on the ground, without having the slightest force to get up.

" What… what's going on here ? "

" He has scurvy too ? " Wanted to know Yosaku.

" No, with you, it was different." Johnny assured him, looking at one of the men. " I would rather say that it has been a while since they have eaten anything. "

" Krieg himself didn't seem to be in shape. " Noticed Lucy. " What went well for these men to be in this state ? "

Hearing noise behind him, Johnny turned around before suddenly getting scared.

" HIDE YOU ! "

" Huh ? " Did the other two.

" Krieg is back." He shouted, pushing them until they hid behind empty barrels.

And a few seconds later, with a big bag of food on his shoulder, Krieg ends up putting a foot on the boat before declaring.

" Guess what your friendly captain has brought you ! Good food ! "

Simply hearing this word, all the men on the bridge regained their strength and, miraculously, were able to run towards the sack, to take all the food they could.

" Oh my God ! " Frightened Yosaku. " Worse than a healthy Krieg ! Now we have to do to Krieg and his healthy crew. "

" Better not to show too much. " Johnny assured.

" He is rather nice with his crew. " Noticed Lucy. " Compared to Kuro, he takes care of his men. "

" Don't be fooled ! Even his men are not immune to his anger. "

" SAFE ! " Suddenly cried the crew. " We came back from Grand Line, alive. "

" Grand Line ? " The three others wondered.

" Good, it's not all guys, but now that you've regained your strength, we're moving on to the plan. "

" And what is it ? " One of his men asked him.

" We're going back to the Grand Line, of course. "

Immediately, a heavy silence fell on the boat. Finally someone asked.

" We go back ? On Grand Line ? "

" Yeah, why ? "

" But you are crazy. " Cried a man. " Do you really want to get killed or what ? "

A bullet pierced the imprudent abdomen, which fell not far from the hiding place of the trio.

Drinking, Johnny said.

" We stay well hidden, especially. "

However, suddenly turning his face towards the sea, Yosaku pretended to cry out. Stopping him in time, hiding their hands over his mouth, the others two cried out.

" But you're sick ! You want us to spot ? "

Struggling then, Yosaku ends up pointing a silhouette of the finger, which took off. Looking the sea, Johnny and Lucy couldn't help but cry out.

" It's the Merry ! Where is he going ? "

" Huh ? " Said Krieg, seeing them come out of their hiding place. " Who are you ? "

" Spot ! "

" Guys ! Kill them! Then, we will settle the account with the cooks of the restaurant. "

" Yeah ! " Cried his crew.

At that moment, two long lines were suddenly drawn on the boat.

" Huh ? "

That was all that most of the occupants of the ship could say, before the ship was cut in three. Falling into the water, the parts of the galleon quickly turned into debris, while the pirates slipped until they found themselves in the water.

Unable to be spared, Lucy and the two bounty hunters suffered the same fate and felt themselves fall. However, suddenly appearing, Loke appeared, before affirming.

" I'm here, Lucy. "

Grabbing her in time, he took her in his arms and landed gracefully on a rest of the galleon, while Johnny and Yosaku fell into the water, not far from them.

" Are you okay, Lucy ? "

" Yes, thank you very much Loke ! "

Suddenly coming out of the water, Johnny started to shout.

" Hey, you could have helped us too, motherfucker. "

" Hello to you ! I introduce myself, I am Loke, the Lucy's spirit. "

" We didn't ask you that, idiot. "

Quickly ignoring their quarrel, Lucy stared at the Vogue Merry going away.

" What is Nami doing ? "

Joining her, Yosaku affirmed.

" Me, what I would like to know is what just happened on Krieg's boat. "

" It must have been in too bad condition and ended up breaking. "

" No. " Suddenly stated Loke, staring at a figure in the distance.

Suddenly, Lucy was surprised to see him retreat, while feeling a hint of fear.

" Who has Loke ? "

" That man. " Made the spirit. " I have… I have the impression that he has an incomparable power. "

" Who are you talking about ? "

An arm suddenly wrapped around them, while a second did the same with Yosaku and Johnny.

Bringing them back to him, Luffy asked them.

" Are you okay, guys? "

" Where has the boat gone ? " Questioned them Zoro. " And Nami ? "

" She left with the vogue Merry. " Johnny said, pointing to the silhouette of their boat in the distance.

" What ? But why ? " Usopp asked them.

" This hung us under the nose since she is among us. " Asserted Raynare. " We couldn't trust her. "

" Oh, the bitch ! " Got angry Zoro. " She handled us well. "

" Ray, can you catch her ? " Lucy asked her.

Then spreading her wings, the fallen angel prepared to take off, when her finally froze. Then turning her gaze in the same direction as that of Loke, she remained completely frozen with fear. Imitating them in turn, Zoro swallowed before reaching for his sword.

" He's there. "

Then leaving the restaurant, Sanji began to look at the damage to Don Krieg's boat, while Zeff suddenly stated.

" It's him ! Mihawk ! "

" Huh ? " The rest of the cooks wondered, looking for the chief.

Sensing that her mind was suddenly pierced by a look similar to that of a raptor, Alice ends up hiding behind Zeff, while she stared at the man who was coming towards them. Grinding teeth, she began to tighten Zeff's clothes, to the point of scratching Zeff.

" Hum? A problem, Alice? " Asked the man, noting that she would die of fear when the man appeared in front of them.

" That's him. " She stuttered.

" Don Krieg ! It's this man. " Cried a pirate. " He is the one who cut our ship."

Then seeing a small boat arrive not far from him, his captain could only widen his eyes, recognizing the man on board.

" Motherfucker ! You have followed us so far. "

" It's MIHAWK ! " Shouted several people.

" Mihawk ? " Repeated Lucy! " He is dangerous ? "

" Of course. " Said Johnny. " He is one of the seven Shichibukais. "

" Shichibukais ? "

" Yes ! Seven powerful pirates in the pay of the navy ! Their power is equal to that of the Navy's admirals ! And Mihawk is one of the most powerful of all ! Besides it seems that he has no power from a demon fruit. "

" He is the greatest swordsman in the world. " Suddenly declared Zoro. " The man for whom I have dedicated my life to become stronger. "

" However, he doesn't look armed. " Usopp remarked.

" His weapon is in his back." Suddenly stated Loke.

" Huh ? "

" The power I feel is the darkness that emanates from his saber." Informed her spirit.

" How can someone cut a ship in half using a simple saber ? " Wanted to know Lucy.

"Damn it, but what's wrong with this world?" Wanted to know Raynare, grinding her teeth. " We weren't even sure to make the weight against Krieg, and now the other is coming back! Even Azazel-sama would have trouble winning against him! And there are seven like him on the Grand Line ? We ... We have no chance. "

Thinking otherwise, Zoro then overtook her, ready to meet Mihawk, face to face.

" Hey, Aniki ! Where are you going ? " Johnny and Yosaku asked him.

" In your opinion ? " He simply smiles.

" Are you crazy ? " Asked Loke. " This guy is much stronger than you ! What do you want to do ? Make you slaughter ? "

" No. " Simply replied Zoro, with a calm tone. " I want to honor a promise. "

" A promise ? " Astonished the spirit.

Then stopping Zoro, glancing at Luffy before saying to him.

" This fight, I have been waiting for a long time, so ... "

" Its good. " Suddenly assured Luffy, sitting cross-legged. " I would not intervene. "

" Thanks."

" What ? " The others wondered.

" It's a fight between Zoro and this guy. "

Nodding, Zoro went to meet Mihawk when a voice commanded him.

" Will not face him. "

" Hum ? " Said the cooks, seeing Alice run towards Zoro.

" This guy… ! You don't know what he's capable ! But I know it ! Don't go face him or he'll kill you. "

Looking at her for a few moments, Zoro ends up on his way, ignoring her advice.

" No, don't go. "

" Forget about it ! " Zeff advised her, approaching her. " But tell me ? Where and when have you ever seen Mihawk ? "

Preparing to stutter something, the girl was interrupted when several men exclaimed in surprise, recognizing Zoro, when the man took his place on a floating piece of the galleon. Finding himself in front of Mihawk, he taught him.

" I have wanted to face you for a long time! And I see that the rumors about your strength were true ! So like that, it was with your sword that you could cut this ship ? "

" Exact ! So what ? "

" In the hope of becoming the greatest saber maneuver, I want to face you here and now. "

" Fighting me? " Surprised Mihawk. " In all honesty, I think you're the first person in all of East-Blue to ask me that ! Are you unconscious or in a hurry to die? "

" Neither of the two ! I'm just sure of myself. "

" And why purpose do you want to defeat me? "

" To become the strongest. "

Smiling at this answer, Mihawk then retorted.

" I already have a target in mind and I'm not one to tackle two small fry at the same time ! Come back next time, when you are worthy of facing me. "

" Out of the question ! I am the one who will have your head. "

" It is pathetic ! You are no match! The proof … "

Suddenly jumping out of his boat, he lands in front of Zoro, before teaching him.

" An experienced swordsman knows who is stronger than him, with just a look! Nevertheless, your idealist attracts my curiosity ! Okay, I'll give you a few seconds of my time ! But I wonder what makes you want to die today."

" My ambition. " Simply replied Zoro, putting his sabers in position. " And also to honor a promise. "

For a few seconds, the two men made themselves settle in silence. Finally, Lucy wanted to know.

" Loke ! Does Zoro stand a chance against him ? "

Leaning against a wall, the spirit only stared at Mihawk to examine him in every detail. Finally, he said.

" On a scale of one to ten, if Mihawk is ten, Zoro is only to one. "

" Huh ? Are you kidding us ? " Johnny got angry.

" Aniki will only make one bite of this type. " Yosaku assured.

"In any case, we have to kill this guy. " Raynare suddenly thought, moving away from the rest of the group. "

Then jumping from debris to debris, she went around the place of the fight, while finally hiding a few meters from the two swordsmen. Then creating a spear in her hands, she remained motionless, waiting for the right moment to act.

"If we manage to kill him, it will make one less enemy to fight on the Grand Line! But, maybe that Zoro is actually stronger than him. "

However, just seeing the boredom in Mihawk's gaze as he grabbed a simple little knife to defend himself, it didn't take more for her to understand that this was going to be enough to beat Zoro.

And for proof, in a few seconds, Mihawk managed to block Zoro's "DEMON SLASH " without problem, with his little toy.

" What … ? " Said the rest of the crew.

" Boring. " Said Mihawk.

" Don't underestimate me. "

Then began several sequences of Zoro which had other results than different failures. Either he was blocked by Mihawk, or the shichibukai managed to make him back off, with a simple gesture of his hand.

" It is not possible. " Cried Lucy. " Zoro can't be dominated like this. "

"If men as strong as this guy are on the Grand Line road, then do I really have a chance of finding the Fairy's Sphere ?"

" Abandons ! " Mihawk then advised, while Zoro was on the ground, dead from fatigue.

" Never. " Cried the latter, standing up. " TIGER…! "

The blade of Mihawk's knife stopped him in the middle of the race, preventing him from continuing his attack.

" ANIKI ! "

" ZORO ! "

Closing her eyes, Alice could only curse herself when she saw that she should have continued to persuade Zoro to abandon his idea of fighting against this monster.

" We have to go help him. " Usopp noticed, seeing him bleed.

" Let's go. " Assured Johnny and Yosaku.

" Loke, please, go too. " Implored Lucy.

Nonetheless, Luffy's arms wrapped around the bounty hunter duo, while Loke remained motionless.

" But ... what's wrong with you ? "

" Look Zoro. " Advised Luffy. " Do you really think he wants our help ? We just risk shaming him if we come to help him. "

However, seeing in no case that Raynare ends up deciding to act, seeing the weapon of Mihawk trapped in the body of Zoro. Not losing a moment, she flew into the air, ready to attack the man with her spear.

" Get ready to die, Mihawk. "

" RAYNARE ! "

A voice froze her at that moment, as her gaze fell on Zoro. Mihawk had not looked at her in any way, but her comrade did, while asserting.

" If you intervene in this fight, I will kill you for real. "

Intensifying his gaze, he made Raynare make her spear disappear, while the girl felt paralyzed.

" What's his problem ? Why doesn't he want my help? "

Having the impression of then facing a bloodthirsty animal, she finally gave up and returned to one of the debris, while she swallowed.

"It is not Zoro that I am used to drink or sleep ! No, there it is really in "pirate hunter" mode ! If I intervene, I really feel like he can kill me. "

" You have guts. " Recognized Mihawk, removing his knife from Zoro's body. " How are you ? "

" Roronoa… Zoro ! "

" Well, Roronoa ! I can see when a man deserves or not to perish in an honorable manner. "

He then drew his huge saber, not saying anything.

" I will finish you off with the most powerful sword in this world. "

" It is an honor. " Assured Zoro, crossing his swords.

"It's the final face to face ! Now it's victory ... or death. "

Then seeing Mikawk rush towards him, he made a perfect rotation with his sabers, before sending them towards Mihawk. Crossing the iron, the two adversaries found themselves back to back, before the sabers that Zoro had in hand broke, while a wound opened on his chest.

" Aniki ! "

" It's over. " Loke said, seeing that Mihawk had not the slightest injury.

" Zoro, GET OFF ! " Shouted Lucy.

Nevertheless, putting away the only sword he had left, Zoro said calmly.

" At least, now I know it ! He is the most powerful man in the world. "

Then, rising, he faced Mihawk as he spread his arms.

" That … ? " Mihawk wondered.

" A blow in the back ... it is the dishonor for a fencer. " Zoro told him.

" Admirable ! " Mihawk said, raising his sword.

" No, stop. " Begged Alice.

Too late. Being hurt to death, Zoro eventually fell back, before sinking into the water.

" Zoro ! " The others shouted, while Lucy couldn't help putting her hands over her mouth, seeing that.

" What an imbecile. " Raynare growled, seeing the man disappear in the water. " Was it so hard for you to accept my help? "

Putting down his saber, Mihawk pretended to leave when he heard a presence behind him.

" Hum ? " He said, turning around.

After stretching his arm, Luffy had gone to him and was now facing him, while struggling to contain his anger.

" Motherfucker ! You will pay it. "

" Are you the captain of this unconscious ? Why didn't you stop him, or just come to his aid ? "

" It was Zoro's dream to face you, so it was certainly not for me to stop him ! He trained tirelessly for that and that is why I know that he would never have forgiven any of us for helping him out ! And that's what's good about him ! He constantly wants to show us his strength and determination, and that's what I respect. "

" Interesting ! Who are you ? "

" Monkey D. Luffy ! " Cried Luffy, warning himself.

" D. … Luffy ? " Mihawk wondered.

Then seeing the hat he had on his head, the man thought.

" Shanks often told me about a kid with the same name as him ! He assured me that he would be part of the future generation of piracy ! Could it be this kid ? Could it be him on whom Shanks bet his arm ? "

Smiling then, Mihawk said.

" Decidedly, this day is full of surprises ! But don't worry about your friend, I saved him. "

" What ? "

" Zoro ! " Cried Johnny, bringing him up to the surface.

" Go, hang on ! " Begged Yosaku, helping his comrade.

Seeing them approach their little boat, Loke climbed on it, before helping them to extract Zoro from the water. Then, when he was laid on the bridge, Usopp and Lucy crouched beside him, while beginning to give him first aid. But just to see the injury of swordman, he know that a few bandages would not change anything.

" Hey, Roronoa Zoro. " Cried Mihawk. " My name is Mihawk and I am looking, at this very moment, for an adversary worthy of me! Get to know your strength and master it to the fullest! Once only, you can come back to fight me, no matter how long it will last! I'll be waiting for you for our next duel! "

" How can he tell her that now ? " Annoyed Lucy. " It is not even certain to live with such an injury. "

" Don't say that ! You will bring him bad luck. "

Suddenly, raising his last saber above him, Zoro spit blood to be able to speak correctly.

" Hey, Luffy ! You ... Can you hear me? "

" Yes. "

" You are ashamed, huh ? Come on, confess ! You are disappointed that I got beaten up by this guy, you who want to gather the strongest of crews to become the king of pirates. "

Spitting blood then, he immediately affirmed.

" But don't worry ! I would not let you know of another such humiliation ! Yes, because until I beat this guy ... I won't lose a single fight against anyone ! Are you okay, future pirate king ? "

Watching him from where she was, Raynare could only be surprised, faced with the will of the swordsman.

" Roronoa ? "

" What a loser ! " Said a pirate behind her back.

" Finally, Roronoa Zoro is not as strong as that. "

It didn't take more than a spear of light to be planted between the two pirates, before exploding, destroying the part of the galleon where they was.

"What a bunch of fools ! " She thought. " To say that I was like them, before I got here ! Not understanding how people could feel ! But now, I know one thing, my arrogance would never allow me to go on the Grand Line and dominate this place ! I don't make much the weight against this Mihawk. "

" Zoro, I'm counting on you. " Luffy assured him then, smiling at him.

" Very well, now let's settle our accounts, Mihawk. " Roared Don Krieg's voice, advancing to meet the man. " Why have you chased us so far? You wanted to capture me, right ? "

" Indeed ! Me too, I have to work in order to earn my crust. "

" Grrr ! Because of you, I drooled a lot! I hope you are ready to suffer my anger. "

Simply sighing, Mihawk said.

" You don't interest me more than that! And it seems that you have some accounts to report to these people! From this do, I guess you will fight against them! If you really want to face me, win this battle and I would find you worthy to face me. "

" Win the battle ? " Don Krieg wondered. " Against these cooks ? "

" No, against this boy. " Retorted Mihawk, pointing Luffy, with a movement of the chin. " Of all the people I see around us, he is the person most likely to defeat you. "

Stunned to hear this, Krieg ends up exploding with laughter.

" So there, it's the best of the year ! But anyway, good ! Let me kill him before I do the same with you. "

" Are you okay, Monkey D. Luffy ? " Mihawk asked him.

" No problem. " Assured Luffy, stretching his arms towards the boat of Johnny and Yosaku! " Just a second, while I say something to my crew. "

" That … ? " Krieg said, seeing the size of his arms. " A demon fruit ? "

"It is this boy. " Mihawk thought, while jumping into his boat. " Shanks had told me about the fact that he had unwittingly swallowed a demon fruit! Now let's see if he is worthy of becoming his successor. "

" He ... He comes here. " One of the cooks frightened when he saw Mihawk advancing towards them.

Finally stopping his boat near the Baratier, Mihawk stretched a little to be more comfortable.

Glancing at him, Zeff said.

" I imagine that you will not do anything to help one of the two camps. "

" I am not with anyone. " Retorted Mihawk. " But if the big winner wants to face me, I would make a choice to take his head. "

Then looking at the cooks, his eyes fell on Alice, who hastened to look away from him. Staring at her more carefully, Mihawk ended up turning his attention to Luffy, despite the fact that he was sure he had seen this girl somewhere.

" Good, I stay here to settle the account of the guy in the armor. " Said Luffy to his crew. " You take Zoro and follow Nami. "

" Okay ! " Approved Usopp. " In this case, we are counting on you to party ! And don't forget also that we need a cook. "

" Hey, Mugiwara ! " Called him Loke. " I don't think they will need me! Need a hand ? "

" No, it will be fine, lion. " Asserted Luffy. " I don't need anyone to destroy the other swelling. "

" In this case, good luck to you. " Loke wished them before disappearing.

" Hey, Ray-chan ! " Called her Lucy, seeing her stay in her place. " You come ? "

" No, I'm staying. " Decided the angel.

" Hum ? "

" I have to get stronger. " Affirmed the young woman, spreading her wings. " If I always stay in the back, I could never become a mighty fallen angel. "

" Well, it looks like you gained insurance. " Sneered Luffy, cracking his knuckles. " I reserve Krieg, on the other hand. "

" No way ! He is mine. "

Then launching a defiant look, the two ended up rushing or flying straight towards the pirates of Don Krieg who already attacked.

" Kill Mugiwara ! "