Unfurl Your Sails (Shanks X Mihawk)

Joining for what?

Notes:

-Cover art by kuroii on Zerochan (at least, that's where I found it)

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This boy has conqueror's haki, Roger thought as he peered into the cautious eyes of the redhead. He let go of the other captain's wrist, bending down to look at the sitting boy face-to-face.

There . In his eyes, a bottomless sense of kindness and perseverance. This boy had an immense potential to become something big .

"You interested in joining a pirate crew?" Roger suddenly asked, grinning. The boy looked mystified for a split second, before he realized what Roger was proposing.

"HEY! Don't ignore me!" The unknown captain yelled, slashing downwards with his cutlass.

"Shut up," Rayleigh responded, slamming one leg into the pirate's side and sending him flying into the ocean. The boy gazed in awe at the strength Rayleigh displayed, quickly scrambling up.

"Uhh, sorry sir!" The boy yelped, glancing around at the situation. "I can't answer the question before everybody's safe!"

He gave one last apology, dashing off to a slightly taller, raven-haired boy cleaning his sword off with his ragged shirt. The both of them took an inventory of one another, before the redhead ran off towards the west-side forest.

Rogers and Rayleigh watched them for a short moment, witnessing the raven-haired boy clutch his side and begin checking the bodies around the scene after a few minutes.

Then, Rogers got up from his crouch, looking at his first-mate.

"Well, let's restock at the town then!"

Rayleigh looked around at the debris and bodies scattered around, eyes observant. The rain was letting up now, along with the gusts of wind. It was still just as cloudy, but without the stormy elements.

"Sure looks like hell was brought upon here," he muttered. "Let's go then, captain."

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"Mihawk! Are you okay?" Shanks asked, running over to said person's side. Mihawk was looking a little worse for wear; cuts and bruises littered his body, but the worst wound was located on his side, where blood was profusely pouring out.

Mihawk looked over him as well, yellow eyes checking extensively for any serious wounds or injuries.

"Take care of yourself first," Shanks said, taking out his first aid balm and opening the cap with a click . Ever since the strange pirate had talked to him, Shanks's heart had been beating quicker and quicker.

That man looks familiar, Shanks thought, moving to apply the balm on the wound. Mihawk grabbed it suddenly, wincing slightly at the sudden movement.

"I can apply it," he said, looking into Shanks's eyes. Shanks hesitated for a second, before sighing.

"Alright, but you better not bleed to death!" He stated, glaring at Mihawk as a threat. "I'll check up on Rina."

Please be alive , he prayed, running across the beach and into the woods. The broken branches and leaves whipped at his face and open arms and legs, yet he couldn't feel the slightest pain from them. Twice, he almost slipped on a mud puddle in his path, though he managed to keep his balance.

His heart was pounding faster and faster now, the heartbeats coming erratically. He placed one hand over his chest, willing it to calm down, which worked only just the slightest.