Back To The Past

29

Few days later,
When the strawhats were training along with the hearts, they felt a familiar strong presence coming towards the island. And they knew that that the person knew they know he is coming.  So they went towards the person along with the Ace and Sabo since they can't be left alone.. The hearts more like Penguin and Sachi also followed behind dragging Law and Bepo with them.

"Hawkey!!" Luffy shouted at the person and waved.

Mihawk got down from his boat and went near the kids.

Zoro was feeling conflicted. Mihawk was his goal to defeat, but he knew he wasn't powerful enough to defeat Mihawk. But if he didn't fight Mihawk it would be like taking a step back.

His worries probably weren't hidden... when he heard.

"You are just a kid now. You can't fight him now. You are still training now..."

Sanji was scared. He knew how bullheaded Zoro can be. He has seen Zoro fight. He has seen Zoro fight Mihawk and almost die. He didn't want Zoro to die now or be gravely injured now. When he saw the look on Zoro contemplating to fight Mihawk, he knew he had to say something..

"I know ero cook. I won't ask for a duel now.."

Zoro wasn't sure what made him say that. But he was glad Sanji helped him make a decision.

Sanji was happy to hear that Zoro wasn't gonna fight Mihawk now. He knew Zoro would Mihawk the next time they meet. But he knew by then Zoro might be ready for the duel.

While they were muttering, Ace and Sabo were looking at the person that came there. They have heard about Hawkey from Shanks. Shanks seemed to talk about him a lot. But it was the 1st time they were seeing him. They knew that, he was currently the strongest swordsman and the goal to defeat for Zoro and Kuina.

Luffy was keeping an eye on Zoro and Sanji and Mihawk. He didn't know why Mihawk had suddenly came here. But he knew he can't let Zoro fight Mihawk. He knew Zoro couldn't win this fight and knew that Zoro also knew it. But Zoro's conviction to the goal was not something to be ignored. So when he saw Zoro getting relaxed after Sanji saying something to him, he knew he could relax and not worry about the fight right now.

So when Mihawk neared them, he yelled with a smile, "Hawkey how is Shanks? And what are you doing here?"

"Stop calling me Hawkey like that Red Haired. ("Ehh!? No!") My name is Dracule Mihawk. And why would I know how he is!?"

"Aren't you mostly with him though?"
"I am not. But when I left him he was drunk. As for why I am here.. I am here to take your swordsman to train under me."

"What!?" The famous five shouted..

"I said I want to take your swordsman as my trainee(?). I heard from Shanks about your crew. He always talks about a kid from east blue and his crew. I am not sure how you collected such crew but I have my guesses. He told me that there was a swordsman in your crew who was strong and was aiming for my spot. So I wanted to meet him. I met Nico Robin and when I asked where you were she directed me here.. so here I am.."

"Wow.. that's the most I have ever heard him speak.." Zoro muttered.. and only Sanji heard and replied," I didn't think he would talk so much.." "He doesn't."

"So.. Roronoa Zoro will you come with me to train under me?" Mihawk asks directing his question to Zoro.

"I don't think I can.. I am needed here to help Ace and Sabo with their devil fruit training. But if you want a mentee, you can take Kuina. She is also strong."

"Zoro I think you should go. Me and Sanji can handle them."

"Yeah marimo we are enough. There isn't much to protect here besides the hearts ("why are you calling us hearts!?") already know haki as well...("we do.")"