Swordtism 011

After dispensing some of the secrets of the world to Dragon, Mihawk figured the fate of Ohara was now out of his hands. 

Doubtlessly, the son of Garp would do everything in his power to prevent such a scenario as a Buster Call destroying the island. 

Walking back to the pier where the Black Pearl was docked, Mihawk slowly smiled at a heart warming scene. 

A group of children had apparently arrived at some point, and were excitedly making music with Elena. At the same time, Hugo, and the giant of Elbaf, Saul were being climbed all over. 

“So you can smile.” Alex said from the side. 

Mihawk glanced down to the right, and saw that the typically shirtless guy had woven himself a camo-cloak made from the grass, and was perfectly blending in with the environment. 

He silently stared at the blonde hulkster. Considering Alex was based off a generic American, Mihawk was surprised the guy didn't have a big-ass rifle to complete the ensemble. 

The big guy eventually grunted, and looked away, losing the impromptu staring contest. 

Upon seeing that everything was okay, Mihawk began to slowly go through his katas. Forms I through V flowed seamlessly from front to back. Wide sweeping attacks, precise stabs, mountain-like defense, extreme speed, overwhelming power…that was the capital for his confidence in this world. 

Although his movements were slow, they carried with them a subtle trace of ki, and he entered something of a trance. The sound of the children giggling, and Elena's Devilfruit seemed to disappear to the background, like the white noise of traffic or a tv in another room. 

Blade Control-that skill taken from El Zorro-appeared to have somewhat mystical qualities when placed in the world of One Piece. Every swing of the blade, every stab, flourish or parry felt like an extension of his own limbs. 

If before, wielding the sword was somewhat like executing commands on a program, now the messer in his hands was as seamless in its movements as the fingers on his hands. The only way he could describe the feeling, was like how once mastered, someone could type on their keyboard, phone, or play an instrument with great dexterity. That once mastered, a user of said devices didn't even need to think to type or play away. In essence, swinging the blade felt: natural. 

And it was this very essence of nature that had suffused his form. The tall grass swayed with his motion, the wind bent to his form, and the ocean danced along his step. Sword & man as one, sharpness amongst restraint, lethality hidden behind the eyes, the world became alive. 

Perception unknowingly becoming enhanced, the world briefly seemed too slow, as if everything were a video playing at 0.25x speed. Then, with one definitive horizontal swipe, he diced away a section of grass a quarter of a mile in length without moving. 

Taking a deep breath, he slowly sheathed his weapon, the full weight of time resumed, and the noise of the world returned. 

Closing his eyes, Mihawk recalled every step of his during that training session, and felt his sword briefly resonate with him, before going silent. 

Did I touch upon the Voice of All Things…or is this the beginning of Observation Haki?

Mihawk mused to himself, considering the native powers to the One Piece world, and how learning skills from other places had helped him learn new things on his own. 

When he eventually opened his eyes, Mihawk was surprised to discover that it was nearing dusk. Not only that, but he felt some slight additional weight on his ear. Reaching up, he pulled away a pink flower, then, catching a glimpse of motion, saw a dark-skinned girl with long black hair run away giggling. 

Nico Robin. 

The name came unbidden. Currently only 6 years old, the future Straw Hat crewmember who was the sole survivor of Ohara had none of that standoffish, somewhat cruel personality she did in the future. Labeled a ‘demon child’ and hunted by the World Government for more than 20 years, that future girl would become a cold assassin. What a tragedy. 

For a second, Mihawk felt his heart squeeze tight, filled with confusing emotions. Sighing to himself, he decided to accept her good intentions, and placed the pink rose back on his ear. 

Smelling something good in the distance, he walked up to the beach where a firepit had been dug. Wearing a comically large chefs hat, Hugo was happily grilling some fish & vegetables while a pair of kids hung on his massively broad shoulders. At some point, Alex had joined in the fun, and was coaching a few of the children in how to throw a punch. Elena, meanwhile, was dancing around driving Poison to the point of exasperation. Apparently the toxic pink haired girl had fallen for Elena's innocence, and was reluctantly performing a show with her whip. 

Standing at the edge of the campfire, hanging out beyond the festivities was the glum cloaked figure of Dragon. 

Mihawk silently stood by his side. Both men were filled with heavy thoughts of the future, yet were unwilling to cast aside the bonds they had made. Standing alone together at the edge of the fire…perhaps they were worried about getting their friends burnt. 

‘Alone together. Heh. What an oxymoronic statement.’ Mihawk sardonically thought to himself, and then stepped into the light. 

Dragon glumly watched him go, perfectly content to brood in the darkness, when a white haired lass dragged him into the fun. Looking just like an adult version of Robin-save for the color of hair-it was none other than her 33 year old mother-Nico Olivia. 

Mihawk took a perfectly seasoned grilled fish, and ate it with relish. Besides Alex's girlfriend, this was the best food he had eaten in quite some time. 

“Thank you. Hugo.” Mihawk quietly intoned. 

“Thanksh you! Show good!” Elena agreed, hugging the big man from behind. 

“Tch. That fish is mine.” Poison said in a mean tone, only for Elena to smile, say ‘okay!’ then shove the entire thing down her mouth. 

Alex & Hugo joined in with great belly laughs, and the giant, Saul's laughter shook the grains of sand on the beach. When the kids started laughing too, Poison couldn't take it anymore, and whipped after them, cracking the weapon in the air. 

“Ahh, big sis is mad!” 

“Run!” 

The kids all said that, but instead of being afraid, were squealing like kids do when having fun. 

“Brats. Get back here!” Poison harshly called out, but perhaps she didn't know herself, but at some point a happy smile spread from ear to ear. 

Plopping down next to Mihawk, Elene let out a huge yawn, and stretched all her limbs. “Fewww, I'm pooped. Say, Pillow-guy, let's hit the hay, last night was the best sleep I had since leaving my tribe.” 

“...” Mihawk wanted to decline on principle. Mostly because he didn't want to take advantage of this cute girl's innocence. 

However, the fact of the matter was…she really & truly was incredibly soft & warm. He hadn't gotten such a good sleep even back on Earth with modern day conveniences. It truly was unscientific. 

Before he could reply, a very casual acting woman-dragging a lost in thought Dragon-sat down in the sand beside them. 

“Should I say I'm jealous?” The white-haired, dark-skinned woman asked with a simple smile, and cool tone of voice. 

“Mn. I'd say so. Hawk-guy is the best mattress in the world.” Elena decisively agreed, nodding her head along. 

“Oh my~ What a cute couple. My name is Nico Olivia, and this block of wood is my childhood friend, Monkey D. Dragon. I saw the way you treated those children, and was impressed by your strength. My friend here informed me about your conversation, and I was wondering if you would allow me to travel with you for a time.” Olivia said in a calm, reassuring tone, never once losing eye contact with Mihawk. 

Perhaps I've found a rival?

Mihawk narrowed his eyes, applying some pressure, unwilling to lose in a staring contest. Besides that, he could see that there was some conniving going on here, and he was none-to pleased. Obviously the woman across from him took the destruction of Ohara seriously, and by tying herself to his rudder, was practically making him an ally of this island nation. To a degree, he admired her ballsyness to so openly try to manipulate him, and perhaps that was her game plan from the very beginning. 

Perhaps she wasn't actively trying to manipulate him…is what he would think if she was anyone but Robin's mom. To look so alike, and possess a vast intelligence, it was unlikely she was the openly honest type like Alex, or even incredibly innocent like Elena. Personally, he was seriously considering denying her membership into his crew simply for those reasons. 

Maybe, if she had made an honest request, he wouldn't have minded. But truthfully, he did not like being played. Besides, Ohara was bound to carry an incredible amount of baggage, did he truly want to get that involved? 

Olivia gently smiled, knowingly inclined her head, then with a mischievous look, turned her attention to Elena. 

“Of course we would! You're an archeologist, right? The kids were raving about how cool you were. You should travel with us.” Elena enthusiastically got up from Mihawk's side, stepped forward, rapidly shook Olivia's hand, then gave her a tight, squeezing hug. 

Olivia seemed to lose all level of calculation in that moment, and even slightly blushed in embarrassment due to Elena's forwardness. 

“Heh.” Dragon let out a dry laugh, which for him, might as well be a long monologue's worth of exposition. 

Olivia shot him an annoyed look, but it was entirely harmless as Elena had picked her up, and showing her off to the kids saying stuff like “look at big sis Olivia, she's my new nakama” and “us white haired girls have got to stick together.” 

Ultimately, Mihawk sighed, and when they briefly made eye contact, he nodded his head at Olivia in acceptance. 

The dark-skinned researcher flashed a smile, then was dragged away to party with her new ‘bff.’ 

“Don't hold it against her. She only has the future in mind.” Dragon muttered, glancing at Nico Robin. 

“That's the only reason why I said yes.” Mihawk slowly bit out. 

“Well aren't you two having a lot of fun?” Alex grunted as he approached. Behind him a gaggle of shirtless boys were flexing, and trying to act tough despite their noodle thin bodies. 

“The fun is only just about to begin.” Mihawk said meaningfully, glancing out to the far distant seas. 

“The winds of change are churning. This Great Pirate Era has only just begun.” Dragon sighed morosely. 

Alex-not being stupid-narrowed his eyes, and looked out into the darkening ocean. There, on the horizon, five ships sporting a jolly roger were slowly ambling towards the shore. 

A second later, the sound of a cannon ball whistling through the air made a splash when it fell in the water just short of the shoreline. 

Mihawk drew his sword, and stood guard. 

“Thank you for defending Ohara, Mihawk. For what you said…I count you amongst my friends." Dragon stated, a fierce gale emanated from his form as he stood. 

“Leave the small fry to me.” Mihawk simply stated. 

Friends? Defending Ohara? I just want the enemy's Match Points.

.

..

…

Honestly. 

~~~~~

AN: This is possibly the last ch of Swordtism unless it wins the poll. 

I am sorry to everyone who loved it, but it receives less than half the viewership of Spartan One, Artisan, Sith, and Trees. I truly would love to continue, but alas. Sorry, bros.