Hey everybody,

today we make a small leap into the future, where our favorite swordmasters try their best to be good teachers for their little fledglings.

I hope you'll enjoy ;-)

Curse and Blessing – Part 1

-Mihawk-

"Pay attention to your breathing. Don't forget it should be smooth, otherwise you'll tense up and not only your movements will become uneven, but it will also be much more strenuous."

He came closer at a leisurely pace. He liked to hear Roronoa speak in that tone. Silently, he stood beside him, put a hand on his shoulder, and watched the young thing Roronoa had brought along.

If Mihawk was honest, he still did not see what Roronoa saw in her, but he did admit that she was ambitious and disciplined in her training. But not like Roronoa had been back then, with him it had always been a hunger to be more, to become better. For her, it was... more desperate, fighting for survival. But Mihawk was curious to see how she would develop when it was no longer the will to survive that drove her. If she had anything left to drive her.

But she still had a long way to go to get to that point, the mental wounds still too fresh. Mihawk did not know in detail what she had experienced — not that he cared — but she still needed time to process what she had gone through. She did not show it openly, which he welcomed as it would be exhausting, but it was still obvious.

The training seemed to help her, but she was suspicious of Mihawk – understandably – and saying farewell to the lively Straw Hat crew a few days ago had been difficult for her. As much as she worshipped Roronoa, as much as she respected Nico Robin and Doctor Chopper, none of them had the ease that had prevailed on the Ship of the Straw Hats. And while she distrusted Mihawk, she was simply shocked by Perona, did not know what to make of her, could not understand her, with her loud demeanor, her imperious manner, her ghosts appearing out of nowhere.

"Finish your movements all the way to the end. The tension has to reach the fingertips, and do not forget the toes."

He could clearly see how his voice made her flinch, as every time he spoke to her, but of course she followed his every word. She was a true novice and she still lacked everything, body awareness, endurance, power, self-confidence, strength, calmness, the list was endless. She did not really have anything but this impressive urge to survive. But whether out of self-preservation or not, her will was strong, she did not allow herself to break. The question was what would break out of her when she no longer feared for her life.

"Ah, you miscounted," Roronoa remarked with a slight smirk as she lost her rhythm. "Start over again, but this time a little slower than before."

He tapped his leg and set the pace for the first few seconds. She did not talk much during lessons — or in general — but now she took a deep breath and looked over at Roronoa questioningly.

"Yes, slower doesn't mean it's going to be easier," he replied, his smile growing a little. "But you can do it. Five repetitions."

She nodded briefly, while Mihawk raised an eyebrow. Roronoa's choice of words might have been softer than his, but he was no less strict. No, he was much stricter, expected much more, but that was her only strength. She would make it, for the simple reason that Roronoa demanded it of her.

"Jiroushin called," Mihawk said, explaining his appearance, since he had not actually planned to attend this session, but if he was already here, he might as well watch for a few minutes. "He would like to come over, next week, with Ray, indefinitely."

"Huh?" Roronoa looked up at him as he kept an eye on the girl, cautioning her not to hunch her shoulders. "Indefinitely? What happened? They were only here like three weeks ago or so."

"I think Ray has been suspended. Apparently, that is what happens nowadays when you demonstrate your own physical superiority."

"You mean when you get into a fight?"

He just shrugged.

"It wasn't the first time, was it?" Roronoa remarked, looking at his student again. "It's already the second school or something."

"The third, and that makes it quite complicated, because the Five Islands don't have more appropriate schools to offer. That's why Jiroushin wants Ray to stay here until a suitable school is found, possibly for the rest of the school year. He asked Nico Robin and me to take over the lessons; apparently teaching one's own children is very difficult for parents."

Roronoa snorted softly. "But he does know he's doing exactly what Ray wanted all along? Ray loves being on Kuraigana, always acts as if this is an adventure playground."

Mihawk sighed heavily. "I think Jiroushin is starting to run out of options after four private tutors have already run away the last three weeks – the left foot, not the right, again – but that is why he wants to come along. He is well aware that Ray would see this as victory, so he wants to play the watchdog."

"Ugh," Roronoa said, rubbing the back of his neck. "What does Lirin say about all that?"

Mihawk smirked. "She is letting Jiroushin run straight into his doom. But it is his own fault. He should have just listened. Be that as it may, it may be quite helpful for her to have two such cheerful figures around." He nodded over to Roronoa's student.

Roronoa was silent, but after the third repetition he looked up.

"And what do you say? Are you ready to play the schoolteacher for some brat? Sounds to me a lot like a waste of time for you."

"Oh, unfortunately he had very convincing arguments."

"Wha... oh, me."

They grinned at each other.

"It is a fair price. Also, either way, I intend to let Nico Robin do most of the work."

"Of course."

"On the other hand, I have often thought that it would be beneficial for this child if she did not just educate herself in sword fighting, and maybe Ray's presence would benefit both of them. A healthy rivalry never hurt anyone. And maybe then Ray would finally become a little more ambitious."

"Wishful thinking."

"Tze."

They continued to watch in silence as Roronoa's student tried to fulfill his orders. By now, her thin calves were shaking, and she had closed her eyes from exertion, it would still take time for her body to overcome the times of neglect.

"Actually, it's good timing," Roronoa finally murmured thoughtfully. "Maybe Jiroushin can take care of Roshan for a few days."

"You want to leave?" Mihawk asked directly. Roronoa had not even been back a month and now he was about to leave? Already?

"Yes, I'd like to go to the East Blue."

Of course. He missed them, his friends, his captain.

"I see."

Presumably, Nico Robin and Doctor Chopper would accompany him. Mihawk could only be thankful that Jiroushin would come to visit if he had to take care of this girl.

"Mhm, but would have felt guilty if we were both on the road and no one would be here to teach Roshan. She's not ready to train on her own yet."

Oh.

"And you do not want to take her with you?"

"Not really. She hasn't even settled down here yet, so I can't rip her out right away. I thought I could wait a little longer, but I notice that I'm getting restless; it's time to return to the East Blue."

Mihawk hesitated, once again he had drawn conclusions too quickly.

"But you want me to accompany you?"

Now Roronoa looked up at him. "Of course, I told you I wanted to introduce you to Master Koshiro. Besides, the coffin boat is much faster, and I still can't get it steered in the right direction, complicated thing," he added sullenly.

Smiling, Mihawk crossed his arms and avoided pointing out to Roronoa that any deviations were not due to the coffin boat.

"Or don't you want to go?" This question surprised him, and he tilted his head. "Well, now, when Jiroushin comes, maybe you'd rather ..."

"I'd love to go with you, Roronoa. I want to get to know the place where you grew up."

Roronoa just nodded and then turned back to his student, but Mihawk thought his glance did not feel quite as hard as usual.

"Oh, for God's sake, I really don't know what to do anymore."

Mihawk ignored his best friend's wails as he filled the glasses.

"We already got the next rejection, actually the only thing left for us now is boarding schools, everything else is too far away. It's hopeless," Jiroushin whined, lounging over Roronoa's sofa. "I'm really grateful that you and Robin are willing to step in. Don't know what else to do. I'm at my wit's end."

"We both know that I only accepted because you supported me in Roronoa's training back then," Mihawk remarked dryly, setting down a glass for the other. "What does Lirin say about this?"

"Tze," Jiroushin snorted, and Mihawk was surprised to hear this devoted family man talking like this about his wife and child. "She doesn't take it all too seriously and plays along with all this nonsense. She says I'm the problem and shouldn't act like that, but..."

"What a clever woman she is."

"You agree with her?!" Jiroushin jumped to his feet. "Have you all conspired against me? We're talking about nothing less than Ray's future and..."

"Stop this theatricality, Jiroushin, it is exhausting. And no, I am not saying that I fully agree with Lirin, but I know that young people see things differently and I do not always have to understand everything to be able to accept it. Therefore..."

He paused as Jiroushin laughed derisively.

"Oh, since when are you the man who understands human nature?" he grumbled sarcastically, and Mihawk's patience crumbled instantly.

He stared coldly at Jiroushin as he sipped his drink.

"As you may recall, my partner is twenty years younger than me, so I've had to learn that from time to time there are things I do not understand and..."

"But this isn't about Zoro or you. Both of you have chosen to take dangerous paths, to become criminals, to become monsters, but this is about my child, Mihawk, my child! Do you really think I'm going to stand idly by and watch Ray..."

"And you think your behavior would contribute anything meaningful to Ray's future?" he interrupted the other, who stared at him wordlessly for a second. "I do not have to explain to you that these childish acts of rebellion have their origin in your behavior, do I?"

"What? Now you want to tell me how to raise my own..."

Mihawk interrupted Jiroushin with a clear gesture of his hand as he stalked towards him.

"Please, we both know that I do not care what you do with your offspring. But if you ask for my opinion and advice, listen and, above all, stop behaving so enraged."

"I'm not going to let you lecture me," Jiroushin growled, but dropped back onto the sofa. "You don't know anything about raising children."

"No, I do not," Mihawk agreed. "But I know very well what it feels like to be misunderstood and rejected by one's own father, don't you?"

And that was when Jiroushin's eyes widened, obviously he had not been aware of it.

"What are you talking about, Mihawk? That's nonsense! This is not the same, neither with you nor with me. I love my child! I'd do anything for Ray, why do you think I'm here? I would never give up on Ray like my father or yours did. Your father feared you; my father resented me..."

Shaking his head, Mihawk sighed.

"Jiroushin, do you remember the summer of 1490?" He waited for the other's confused nod. "Your father was very unhappy with your development and wanted to send you to the Dureza boarding school, do you remember? You were desperate, I was extremely angry that my objection was not heard, just because I was still a child."

"What's the point of this old story? It has nothing..."

"We hid in the old castle of Sadao, for four days, if I remember correctly. Sharak found us. Your parents were very happy to find you, mine rather annoyed. You were so afraid of being sent to this boarding school and I promised you that I would get you out of there if in doubt."

"Yes, I know, I remember, but..."

"In the end, the conflict was resolved. My mother convinced your father that the private tutors of the Dracule family would be a good way of schooling for you as well, and that our friendship should be beneficial to you on a social level, if not necessarily on an emotional level. Besides, did you know that my mother had only done this because my sister could credibly convey to her that losing my only friend would not be conducive to my social development?"

Jiroushin snorted.

"Well, at least this part is not surprising, but what are you digging up this old story for? This has nothing to do with Ray. I wanted to go to school, just not to this boarding school! Ray, on the other hand..."

"I was not comparing Ray's and your situation, dear friend, but your behavior to your father's."

Instantly, Jiroushin turned deathly pale. "I'm not like my...!"

"God! I'm not willing to put up with this behavior any longer, so let me say it quite frankly. Of course, you are not your father, you are loving, good-natured, and so on and so forth. Your father did not understand you at the time, you stuttered, you were insecure, you were not fit to take over the family business one day, and instead of relying on your strengths, he wanted to eliminate your weaknesses by force so that you could become what he saw fit. To become a man he approves. And what good did this behavior do? Four days in a draughty castle followed by colds, weeping through nights – which I still hold against you – and if you had gone to Dureza, you would have failed miserably." He continued speaking when Jiroushin tried to interrupt him. "But it did not turn out that way, your father did not get his way of what was supposedly best for you, and where are you now? Representative of the Five Islands and equal business partner of the Dracule family, dignitary, and highly decorated marine. On top of that, you have secured the future of the Cho family. Do you know that at Ray's baptism, your father told Roronoa how proud he was of you? And that you have made yourself more than worthy of your family heritage? Not that he contributed anything to these achievements, because in the end it were your strengths, your need for harmony paired with superior intellect, your helpfulness paired with industrious determination, your impressive willpower paired with incomparable kindness, all this is the reason why you have made it this far."

He drank his wine, let Jiroushin digest his words. He had his arms on his knees, his hands clasped, and was staring at the ground without really seeing.

"So you're telling me that my path would doom Ray to failure, and that only... this nonsense can offer my child a future?"

"No, of course not."

With a jerk, the other looked up at him, and Mihawk sighed.

"All I want to tell you is that you should listen to Ray and listen to this... You should not condemn this childish nonsense too much. Maybe your way is the better one, maybe you are right to uphold conservative, old values that Ray should conform to. Maybe all of this is just a phase Ray will regret at some point in the future, that may be. But if you do not even listen to your child, do not even try to understand, but use force – be it physical or psychological nature – to push Ray into your path, then Ray will eventually think about you the same way you think about your father." He sighed. "And considering you are a much better father, I think it would be unfair to Ray and you to try to emulate his example when you never wanted to be like your parents."

He rose to refill his glass, Jiroushin had not touched his yet.

"Let's say you were right," the other finally came around after several seconds, "how would I implement it?"

"Are you really asking me that, Oh peaceful warrior? Tze." Shaking his head, he sank back into his seat. "You know best how to mediate between parties, and you know the game. What is more important to you? To win in every small conflict or the big picture. It is important to you that Ray has a good education, focus on that. What do you need to do to get Ray to behave at school again? Listen and ask questions at eye level, not lecturing from above. What are the things you cannot negotiate with? Explain why, stick to yourself, and offer admissions in other areas."

He took a deep sip and leaned back. They sat in silence for several breaths.

"That you would give me advice on how to raise a child," Jiroushin finally muttered.

"I am just as shocked as you are," Mihawk sighed. "Actually, I am just repeating, in a slightly modified form, the nonsense you always preached whenever I argued with Roronoa. I think most of it is absolutely unnecessary, but I admit that I have seen quite a few discussions... shortened. However, it is also true that I usually do not have the patience to negotiate benevolently. In addition, Roronoa also prefers direct conflict."

Finally, Jiroushin took his glass and sipped his wine before rubbing his face, shaking his head.

"I have no idea how to convince Ray. The fronts are so hardened, we didn't talk a single word on the way here." Then a surprised sound escaped him. "You're right. It's really like with my father back then."

"Of course I am right. It is the curse of children that they – consciously or unconsciously – adopt their parents' behavioral patterns."

"Oh God, what the...? Now I know what's going on. Nico Robin, right?"

Innocently, he only raised an eyebrow.

"You're way too sensible and... mindful of the feelings of those around you. You talked to her about this?"

He shrugged. "There is always something to talk about at dinner, and eventually you asked both of us to teach Ray."

Now Jiroushin showed a faint smile. "You could just say yes. I'm not angry with you." Sighing, he took another sip. "But it's in vain. Ray would love to be here all day, practicing the swordfight and listening to Zoro's and your stories. No school, no teachers, no lessons."

"What a bad idea," Mihawk remarked, refusing to see that child's half-hearted stumbling around as swordfighting, "even today I am working on Roronoa's shortcomings, no, a proper education is indispensable, especially in the present time. Simple combat power has long since ceased to be the best means of getting one's own way. On the other hand, I understand Ray's wish, school has always been a horror to me, too. You have to realize that Lirin's will to fight has prevailed in your child, not yours."

"That would at least explain this stubbornness," grumbled the other, emptying his glass.

"But I do not want to be like that. I am willing for you to present me as a stake in your trial."

"Excuse me?"

Mihawk rolled his eyes.

"It is quite simple. I am willing to teach Ray the way of the sword."

"But, Mihawk, that's not..."

"However, I have one condition that Ray must meet in order for me to stoop so low. After all, Roronoa has already brought along a student who needs a lot of attention and is more able to meet my requirements. Besides, both I and Roronoa have other obligations, and I see no point of playing the tutor for some snobbish brat just because you are the father."

"And the condition would be?" Jiroushin asked suspiciously.

"Top-notch grades." He looked coldly at Jiroushin, who smiled stunned after a second. "I am not willing to teach fools or slackers. Your child comes from the best social circles and has the best opportunities, very different from Roronoa or this girl. But these two work hard to make up for their shortcomings, if Ray is not willing to work just as hard, there is no room in this castle. I only teach whom I deem worthy, and there are no privileges with me."

"That sounds pretty harsh."

"Of course, I am a strict teacher. If Ray fulfills this condition from next school year onward, my home will be open on weekends and holidays. As long as Roronoa or I are close to the Five Islands, there is nothing wrong with some afternoon classes." He leaned forward and folded his hands. "Now tell me, Jiroushin, am I a genius or what? Pressure and reward in one."

That made the other grin.

"You're devious above all else, and you're still a damn good liar. Why would you be willing to do this? You're always complaining when Ray runs away, and you have to babysit for three days until I get here. So, which of these is a lie?"

"None. Don't get me wrong, I am just doing this for you. It would be a shame if, after all that has happened, you were to fail so miserably in your fatherly duties."

"Ouch, that was mean."

"But to be clear, I do not like your child. Resting on privileges, bullying at school, doing nonsense, and emulating fantasies, you can allow yourself all this if you are at the best. However, this does not apply to Ray. Your child is simply spoiled, confident, and complacent because of your and Lirin's achievements."

Jiroushin took a deep breath and leaned back, grimacing.

"You weren't easy as a kid either," he muttered, though he probably wanted to say something else.

"Of course not, I was the same, if not much worse, and I took great pride in my name and the achievements of my ancestors. But I was also the best, while Ray is far from outstanding and still acts as if there is a right to my or Roronoa's knowledge just because you are my friend."

"Please don't talk like that about Ray and please stop saying such mean things. I know you're not good with children and they're more of a thorn in your side, but I don't want to believe that you don't feel any sympathy for your own godchild."

They looked at each other earnestly before Mihawk finally sighed and readily explained his motives: "Ray does not take the art of the sword seriously, Jiroushin, it is nothing but a means of rebellion against you and your rules of conduct. Running away, travelling to the island of a powerful criminal, swinging around dangerous weapons like toys, and playing fighting with a wanted pirate. I put up with this behavior because of you, but no matter what else I may feel, I will not accept anyone who does not respect the swordsmanship, no matter who it is."

"Oh, now I understand," Jiroushin remarked. "I was confused — after all, I can tell how much you like Ray, otherwise you would never have volunteered to help — but you can't forgive when someone sees your beloved swordsmanship as a game and an excuse."

"Certainly. It is only for your sake that I am willing to teach someone whom I do not consider worthy, Jiroushin. But who knows, maybe these two children will be good for each other. Ray clearly has the lightness this girl lacks, and this girl... she will have surpassed Ray in less than two weeks."

"Wha... what? So fast? She's... She is still so skinny; she can hardly walk. Ray is much stronger and has already spent many more hours swordfighting."

"That, my dear friend, is the difference, and maybe it will finally instill in Ray the necessary seriousness, that would make me very happy. After all, the lessons with Ray have been truly frustrating so far. I know Roronoa spoiled me back then, always exceeding his own words and promises, but Ray," he clicked his tongue softly. "Great words and even greater promises, greatest ambitions, but as soon as it gets even a little bit exhausting... This girl can learn in one hour what Ray learns in 20, and that has nothing to do with talent or strength. Ray may have years of half-hearted training ahead, but yes, I am convinced that advantage will not last 14 days." Then he stood up. "But you can tell me later if I am right."

"You think you're going to be on the road for two weeks?"

Mihawk shrugged.

"I do not know, to be honest, maybe shorter, maybe even longer. Roronoa is looking forward to the East Blue, maybe he will also want to visit his friends afterwards, who knows. Surely he will want to show his former master his progress."

"Your verdict is really harsh, two weeks only. Is Ray really that lazy?" Jiroushin also stood up and sighed heavily. "And what about you?"

Surprised, he met the gaze of his best friend.

"What about me?"

"Well, the trip? You're nervous, aren't you?"

Confused, Mihawk tilted his head slightly. "About a journey to the weakest of the Blues? Why should I?"

Now Jiroushin's eyes widened.

"Well, because he's... because you're going to meet Zoro's former teacher. Doesn't that make you nervous?" He rubbed the back of his neck. "I mean, you're Zoro's partner, much older than him, former best swordsman in the world, former Shichibukai – the cruelest one at that – and he's... well, as far as I know, Zoro never really had a father next to his mother. After her death, this teacher was probably his only caregiver as a child... maybe a mentor or some sort of... father substitute."

Oh.

"And I know things like that probably don't matter much to Zoro, but you don't exactly have a... simple character, and if this teacher should not give you his blessings..."

Jiroushin did not continue, but he did not have to. Swallowing, Mihawk ran his fingers through his hair and leaned against the back of his chair. Of course, he had not thought about that at all. Roronoa did not think much of other people's opinions, but he had not liked when Mihawk had argued with his crew. He spoke very respectfully of this Master Koshiro and had said with a forced smile that this master could not have approved of Roronoa becoming a pirate.

"Was that... Weren't you aware of that?"

He stared at Jiroushin.

"I know I am judging your child quite harshly, Jiroushin, but that really was not nice of you."