Chương 41: Master & Disciple

On an unassuming Island in North Blue, resting on a large handmade bed were Ori and Roman. It had been 5 days since the battle on Notice Island and 3 days since the news of what happened including the new bounties and the change of positions within the Navy.

While the rest of the world were reacting to the shock in different ways, Ori and Roman were still unconscious. Mihawk had woken up 2 days ago and although still severely injured he was able to walk around unaided (albeit very slowly) which was testament to his incredible physique.

In the 5 days of the boys being unconscious, Shaya had successfully completed the blood transfusion between Hancock and Roman. Due to the amount of blood lost and the amount of blood required, Hancock fell into a deep sleep for over 24 hrs and was forced to rest by Gaia for a further 24 hrs.

When Hancock originally woke up, she saw two men in front of her talking to Gaia. She found out from her sisters who had never left her side that they were Ori's and Roman's fathers. After having finally recovered to the point of being able to move around without feeling lightheaded Gaia agreed to take them to the closest Kuja out post in the Grand line, meeting Walter and Marcus in the New World after they had finished handling things here.

She said a teary eyed good bye to both Ori and Roman who were unconscious as this was the last time she would see them for a long time. After that, just as Hancock and her sisters prepared to leave the deserted island with Gaia, Hancock couldn't help taking another look at the unconscious Roman one last time. As she did let out a subconscious smile. When she came back to reality she realised that everyone was looking at her oddly, she blushed and ran off towards the ship.

When Gaia was about to leave Shaya had assumed she would be leaving with them and be dropped off somewhere. When she got up to follow, Gaia turned around and looked at the silver haired girl before asking.

"Where are you going, didn't you want to say goodbye to the boys before you went on your way?"

Shaya looked a little surprised hearing that. Gaia didn't wait for her to reply as she continued.

"You don't need to come with us, you can wait to speak to the boys before you decide what you want to do next."

After Gaia took the three sisters, it was only Shaya and the guys remaining. Walter had just come back from a local island with food and the most recent newspaper.

Walter quickly took the paper and skimmed over it. He wasn't particularly shocked about the bounties released, not even Mihawk's as he knew full well about his disciple's past. There were only 2 things that slightly surprised him. One was Z stepping down and Aokiji taking his place. The other being Shaya's bounty, or rather her name; Monkey D. Shaya.

"Your family name is Monkey D.?"

When she heard the question she looked at him nervously as if worried about being attacked for who she was.

Seeing her reaction, Marcus smiled helplessly as he put his hands up to reassure her.

"I'm not going to hurt you, I was just curious."

As he said that he showed Shaya her wanted poster. When she saw that she still didn't completely lower her guard but still answered deciding to trust the father of Orion.

"My father was Monkey D. Kernel!"

Hearing that Marcus looked at her weirdly before nodding seeming to understand something. He looked at her before saying softly.

"I'm sorry for your loss…"

Neither said anything, seemingly lost in thought. The next day was when Mihawk finally woke from his slumber.

When he did he raised his hand to his right chest and felt the remains of his shattered bones and let out a woeful sigh.

"Little Hawk you're finally up."

When he heard the voice he sat up to look towards the voice. As he sat up he let out a groan whilst grimacing in pain.

Marcus put his hands on his shoulder lying him back down.

"Just rest for now. When you're recovered enough I'll take you to see that brat Judge, I heard he and Vegapunk had been working on genetic modification for humans, from the reports he should be able to heal those shattered bones of yours!"

Mihawk nodded before asking.

"Did everything go alright in South Blue with Garp and Aunt Rouge?"

Marcus' face dropped as he remembered the sight of his sister's passing. As a big brother he felt like a failure, but he took comfort in the fact that she looked content with her decision.

"Everything went smoothly! I heard you had your first true battle with an overlord, (someone who reaches the Lord Boundary in their chosen path) how was it, other than the injuries?!"

Mihawk looked up to the sky as he recalled his battle with Admiral Sun Wu.

"Terrifying, the difference between me and an overlord is truly vast. But during the fight I did manage to gain insight into the Sword Lord Boundary. Even though I won't be breaking through any time soon, I'm confident about breaking through in the next 5 years!"

Marcus nodded appreciatively at his disciple's talent. He then showed Mihawk his new wanted poster.

"After that battle and finding out about your relationship to the Joyous Pirates, they won't be able to turn the other way regarding your existence. I'm guessing they want you to come back!"

"I don't care who my grandparents are, I'll never be able to stand with them after what they did. Even if they didn't pull the trigger, they were the reason my father was driven to that point in the first place. Sigh! Whether it was now or in the future, it was always going to end up like this. They wouldn't be able to sit back and watch as I had my revenge."

Marcus looked at Mihawk before looking up at the sky and saying.

"After the surgery you're not to leave that Island until you've reached the Sword Lord boundary and I forbid you from taking your revenge until you reach the 4th stage of the Hawk Eye technique!"

When he heard that Mihawk gawked as he complained.

"The 4th? I'm only at the peak of the 2nd stage now after 15 years of practice. Who knows how long it'll take to reach the 4th stage!"

Marcus looked at his disciple as he said.

"Do you think that man's weak?! Only when you achieve that will I be confident in your ability to preserve your life when you go after him!"

Mihawk knew Marcus was right but it was hard for him to hold himself back knowing that the man who slaughtered his family was still living comfortably!

Over the next two days Mihawk focused on recovering, Shaya focused on training her archery while Marcus and Walter sat around lazily waiting for their sons to wake up.