Inside a room, one man sat at a desk, sifting through documents, while another lounged on a sofa. A sudden knock interrupted them.
"Enter," said the seated man in a deep voice, eyes fixed on his papers.
The door opened, revealing a figure in a grand white-and-blue coat trimmed with fur at the cuffs. He bowed solemnly. "My apologies," he said, voice grave. "We've received critical intelligence."
"What is it?" the man at the desk asked, still not looking up.
"Well… they… uh…" the officer stammered.
The man finally glanced at him. "Are you here to waste my time?"
The officer flinched, then spoke clearly: "Our agents report the former Warlord Hawkeye near the Sabaody Archipelago."
The seated man's face hardened, and the one on the sofa grew serious.
"Is he alone?" the man at the desk asked.
"No, Marshal. As two months ago, he's with the pirate Perona, the Ghost Princess, formerly of Warlord Moria's crew, and a young pirate named Korran, the Madman, second-in-command of the Danger Pirates, who vanished a year ago."
"You're in hot water, Sakazuki," the man on the sofa teased.
"Shut it," Sakazuki snapped from the desk, leaning back. "Two months ago, he left his island and disappeared. Now he's heading to Sabaody?" he mused aloud.
"What are our orders?" the officer asked.
Veins bulged on Sakazuki's temples.
"If he stirs trouble at Sabaody, it'll cost us dearly, Sakazuki," the man on the sofa said casually.
"I know!" Sakazuki growled, fists clenching. "What's that damn lone wolf up to?"
He fixed the officer with a stare. "Summon Admiral Fujitora." His eyes darkened. "No one mocks justice."
"Yes, Marshal." The officer bowed, straightened, and left.
"I'd have bet you'd go yourself, Sakazuki," the man on the sofa said.
Sakazuki glared. "As Fleet Admiral, my priorities are higher. Regardless, Hawkeye's getting cocky. We'll show him the Marines aren't to be trifled with."
"You know it'll cause a mess, right?"
"You doubt Issho's ability, Borsalino?"
Borsalino shrugged.
Sakazuki gritted his teeth. "We need to send a clear message. I won't let any pirate strut around freely!"
"If you say so."
Gachagacha… Gachagacha… Piiiii…
The Den Den Mushi on the desk rang. Sakazuki answered.
[Admiral Fujitora speaking.]
"Good, Admiral. I assume you've received orders."
[Indeed. However, I'd like clarity on my role, Marshal.]
"Isn't it obvious? Intercept Hawkeye and stop him from reaching Sabaody. He doesn't get to waltz around as he pleases!"
[Understood. I have one request.]
"I'm listening."
[I'd like to handle it alone.]
Sakazuki frowned. "Why?"
[Overwhelming a pirate like Hawkeye with numbers sends promising young soldiers to slaughter. I'm enough for this task, Marshal.]
"Hoho," Borsalino chuckled.
Sakazuki stared at the Den Den Mushi as if addressing Fujitora directly. "Fine, Admiral. You have free rein, as long as I don't hear that damn pirate set foot on Sabaody."
[Received, Marshal.]
Gacha…
The call ended.
Meanwhile, aboard a colossal Marine ship, Issho sat calmly on the deck as an officer stowed the Den Den Mushi.
"How long until we're near Sabaody?" he asked another officer beside him.
"One hour, Admiral!" the officer shouted.
Issho nodded. "Very well."
He stood, approaching the ship's edge. "Order our ships to hold back."
With that, he drew his cane-sword slightly. A shockwave propelled him skyward, leaving his men awestruck. In the air, he seemed to fix on the horizon despite his closed eyes, then shot forward, carried as if by the wind.
---
The wind had picked up.
On the sea, waves roared, water churned.
A sleek, dark shadow sliced through the mist on the horizon. First, an obsidian spire emerged, like a church steeple without a church, crowned by a red glow filtering through stained glass. Then came the wings—two vast shapes unfurling like a nocturnal creature's.
The prow, a steel cross, cleaved the waves.
The hull bore intricate carvings—broken crowns, crossed swords, etched like scars. No flag, no banner. Just this black silhouette, cloaked in austere red.
A man stood at the prow, alone, arms crossed, cape billowing behind him.
It was Mihawk.
Behind him, leaning against a gothic cross-shaped railing, Perona pouted, a pink parasol overhead despite the lack of sun.
"Heehee, it's always the same gloomy vibe with your raft…" she sighed.
Farther back, Korran leaned on the central bulwark, silently sharpening his harpoon, its handle wrapped in bandages.
"You're never satisfied, Princess," he said.
Perona pointed an accusing finger. "Heehee, seriously, Korran, this tub is so grim! You could at least back my idea to add some color! A bit of pink, purple, something lively!" She stomped, her dress ribbons fluttering. "But nooo, Mihawk shot it down as usual, and you just snicker like an idiot!"
Korran looked up, a smirk on his lips, calloused hands gripping the harpoon. "Bright colors? On this ship? You don't get the vibe, Princess. The Captain always makes the right call. And nobody forced you to tag along, huh?" He paused, his tone sharpening. "We all know you're not loyal. A traitor switches sides like changing clothes."
Perona's eyes widened. "Traitor? Me?! Heehee, that's rich coming from you, you unpolished thug!" She crossed her arms, voice pitching higher. "I regret ever letting you join us! Mihawk should've left you on that rotten island!"
Korran let out a hoarse laugh, unfazed. "Oh, relax, Princess. If you're not happy, go float off with your little ghosts."
A loud, hearty laugh cut their bickering short. Kiku emerged from the dark cabin at the deck's center, her black braids dancing in the wind. Her light armor clinked, and a warm grin lit her face. "Hahaha! You two are like kids fighting over a toy!"
Perona turned her pout to Kiku, cheeks puffed. "Hmph! Heehee, it's not my fault I'm surrounded by idiots who love living on a floating tomb!"
Korran shrugged, resuming his sharpening with a grunt.
Kiku, still chuckling, left the duo and joined Mihawk at the prow. She leaned against the railing, her gaze sweeping the misty horizon. "So, what do you think of this ship?"
Mihawk turned slightly, his piercing gaze meeting hers. "I've already answered, Kiku. This is the fifth time you've asked."
Kiku burst out laughing. "Hehe, I know, I know! But I love hearing it. Praise feels good, especially from a loner like you."
Mihawk's lips twitched into a faint smirk. "Praise, hm?" He paused, his gaze drifting to the waves. Then, in a deeper tone: "And you, Kiku, are you ready to see the world?"
Kiku's head snapped up, her eyes blazing with adventure. "I'm itching for it," she replied, her voice ringing with fierce determination.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Enjoying the story?
☕ You can support me with a one-time tip on Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/hemlet
📚 Want to read 30+ chapters ahead and get exclusive content?Join me on Patreon: patreon.com/Hemlet
Your support means the world — thank you! ❤️