Chapter Text
Chapter 1: Mihawk's Childhood
Exclusively focused on Akagami Shanks/Dracule Mihawk, but other couples are planned later.
Hi, here's a fic about my favorite couple, ShanksxMihawk, in an Omegaverse. It's mainly told from Mihawk and Shanks' POV. There may be Ace and Luffy's POVs later. The first chapters take place before the canon story, but they eventually get there, albeit with some changes. I'll try to keep the characters as faithful as possible, but their childhood personalities will be different from their adult ones.
Warning: this is a pretty dark fic: Warning: so omegaverse/pregnancies/violence/murders/depression/assault/rape. Not all warnings are necessarily for the first few chapters, but they will eventually be, so if this genre affects you, do not read!
I wouldn't necessarily put warnings in every chapter to keep things suspenseful.
Chapter 1: Mihawk
The world is cruel place.
Mihawk discovered this when he was 5.
At the age of 6, he touched his first sword and was immediately fascinated by it. The satisfaction and power he felt with each fluid movement gave him untold joy. From then on, he began training whenever he could.
At the age of 8, he began his life as a fugitive.
Mihawk hadn't grown up in a loving home. His mother, Dracule Nashi, was kind but, being of weak constitution, she spent a lot of time in bed. The few times she looking after him, Mihawk could see deep sadness and pain in her eyes. Despite the sweet smiles she gave him, Mihawk knew he wasn't entirely sincere. However, Mihawk cherished these rare moments because they were always precious moments spent with his mother.
Fortunately, despite the bruises and bandages that littered his mother's body, they didn't take away his mother's kindness towards him, even if there was sometimes fear in her eyes if the child dropped something or made a sudden movement. Mihawk knew that his mother saw his father in him, so he didn't take her reaction with sadness but simply tried, as he grew up, not to make the gestures his mother was afraid of. The child inherited his father's complexion and hair. He looked very much like him, but with finer features. Only his eyes were the same as those of his mother's. Golden yellow eyes with two irises, giving him a piercing gaze.
He learned very quickly that he had to fend for himself if he wanted to survive, while helping his mother on a daily basis.
His mother was an Omega, just like him. The young child hated the world's hierarchy, which dictated that he was at the bottom of the ladder of power. Omega women were despised, Omega men even more so. Mihawk was young when he discovered the grim reality of his secondary gender. His father constantly reminded him of his mother's failure in not making him an Alpha.
Mihawk first met his father when he was 5 years old. His mother told him that from then on his father would come and visit them between missions. Mihawk was excited to meet him, knowing nothing about him except that he was a highly placed marine in an organisation called Cipher Pol. Mihawk's expectations were quickly dashed when he met him. The man was just over 2 metres tall, with an imposing build and a very hard look in his eyes.
His father, Dracule Karasu, was a vile and despicable being. He thought he was entitled to everything because he was born an Alpha. The only family meals were when his father returned from work and the atmosphere was oppressive. The slightest thing could send him into a rage. Mihawk learned to suppress his emotions, because that was often what triggered his father's reaction. Smiles, laughter, sadness and tears were replaced by a neutral, inexpressive face. A face he ended up keeping even when his father was away.
Mihawk hated his father's “visits”. His mother always tried to protect him from being hit, but often the little boy couldn't stand by and watch without intervening. Unfortunately, Mihawk was too small and weak and often ended up fainting under his father's punishing blows. He always woke up locked in the cellar, his father punishing him by not giving him any food or water for his lack of obedience. It was always his mother who freed him once his father had left. The boy hated the cellar. The dark, damp room made him feel powerless, which the hunger and thirst only made it worse. Mihawk never knew how long he would be down there. Shivering from the cold, his only reference point was his father's angry voice, which he heard insulting him and his mother through the locked door.
His position in the world government gave him total control over his mother. Mihawk understood that she was a former pirate and that his father was using his position to blackmail her into obedience. Promising her abuse worse than death in the government prison. His mother no longer had any of her former presence as a renowned swordswoman. All that remained of her was a fragile and damaged woman, battered woman, submissive to her husband's every whim.
This infernal cycle lasted until the eve of Mihawk's eighth birthday. That day, his father took him and his mother to the doctor for a check-up. Mihawk didn't understand his father's intentions as he watched him being examined by the doctor. The doctor drew some blood, measured it, inspected his teeth and recorded all this in a file which he then gave to his father. He was then asked to wait outside while the doctor examined his mother. The boy obeyed without saying a word, afraid of changing his father's unstable mood.
On the way out, his father seemed very pleased with the results. So pleased that he bought Mihawk an ice cream on the way home. Mihawk was also delighted, tasting the sweet treat for the first time. He wanted to share it with his mother but she refused with a gentle smile, ruffling his hair. Mihawk smiled back at the affectionate gesture. His father grunted at this but kept walking. Mihawk regained a neutral expression before refocusing on his ice cream, trotting obediently behind his father.
During the night, Mihawk woke up with a pasty mouth and shivers running down his body. The boy sat up in bed, trying to work out what had given him that bad feeling. He heard noises coming from his parents' bedroom. Yet another argument, the boy thought. Mihawk couldn't hear his father's angry words well enough to understand them, but he was surprised to hear his mother's voice as well. It was even the first time he had heard his mother shouting back at his father. Then came the silence. Mihawk stood still for long minutes, listening, ready to intervene.
When the sound of something breaking echoed, Mihawk stood up and approached the scene. He could hear his father's muffled voice calling his mother degrading names and her moaning and crying.
Without hesitation, he opened the door. His mother was lying on all fours on the bed, naked, with his father dressed behind her. Her head was being pushed roughly into the bed by her father's hand.
Not fully understanding the scene, but sensing his mother's distress, a rage bubbled up inside him like never before. He felt his fangs and nails lengthen. Without bothering to understand what was happening to him, he jumped on his father, screaming “DON'T TOUCH HER!”
His father turned towards him but couldn't avoid the claw thrown at his face. He growled and swung his fist into Mihawk's stomach, sending him crashing into the wall.
Mihawk groaned, shaking as he tried to get to his feet. His father moved away from his mother, who collapsed on the bed, crying and gasping for breath.
- Stupid brat! growled the Alpha as he held his scratched face, blood starting to trickle slightly through his fingers.
- Don't touch her, Mihawk repeated weakly, leaning against the wall behind him and glowering at his father.
- Don't touch her? But that's her role, said his father mockingly, as if he were stating the obvious.
The Alpha put his clothes back on then turned to his son, adding:
- How else do you want her to give you a little brother?
- A little brother?
His father laughed contemptuously at his son's confused face.
- Yes, a cute little alpha brother. The doctor's finally got that bitch in heat. Soon I'll finally have a worthy heir.
The Alpha reached out and grabbed Mihawk's hair, lifting him up to put it in front of his eyes.
- He also confirmed that you're a fucking dominant Omega. An aberration! he added scornfully. - How can I have a son like you!
Mihawk, who was holding onto his father's wrist to reduce the pain in his hair, struggled at his father's words. He didn't know what a dominant Omega was, he'd never even heard the name, but he could guess that it couldn't be a good thing. He ended up kicking his father in the stomach, and his father let go.
As soon as the pressure in his hair eased, Mihawk took the opportunity to deliver another blow to the Alpha. His father grabbed his arm before turning him round and putting his arms behind Mihawk's back, pinning him against the wall.
His father growled, his eyes turning red with anger. His pheromones spread through the room, making the air oppressive for the child.
- How dare you? his father shouted. -I thought I'd wait another year or two to mature before selling you, but your behaviour disgusts me. You need to know your place!
Mihawk hiccupped at this revelation. Sell him? How could his father have foreseen this? Did he despise him so much for being born an omega? It wasn't his fault he was born that way!
- A dominant omega will sell for a lot, a lot of money. Probably around 1 billion berrys. The celestial dragons will be delighted to use your body.
His father left the room still holding Mihawk and walked towards the door leading to the basement. The boy began to fight again, his instincts screaming at him not to be locked up again. But he was too weak compared to the Alpha, who continued to insult him as he turned the lock on the basement door, commenting on how skinny he was, which would lower his price.
- You'll end up like your mother, sold to the highest bidder! You'll become a breeding bitch for the celestial dra…
Mihawk fell hard to the floor, watching in horror as his father froze. His mother stood behind him, holding a knife that was embedded in the alpha's back.
- YOU WON'T SELL MY SON, YOU ASSHOLE !
His father sent his mother flying into the corridor. She smashed into a wall. He grabbed the knife and pulled it out without even flinching before dropping it to the floor.
-You bitch! he shouted as he approached the woman on the ground. His fist turned black and slammed violently into the Omega woman's body.
Mihawk didn't even think as he picked up the knife. His father was going to kill his mother. He jumped up and stabbed his father in the neck, driving the blade in as deep as he could.
Blood flowed profusely, and the Alpha choked. He grabbed hold of Mihawk to pull him down but the boy held on, taking advantage of his small size to stay out of reach. Driven by a feeling of protection towards his mother, he drew on an unknown strength deep inside him to stab the blade even deeper. The Alpha continued to make choking noises for what seemed like an eternity, but eventually fell on its side, eyes open, his body inert.
Mihawk gasped, his body shaking wildly as he dropped the dagger. His hands covered in blood, the boy fell to his knees beside his mother. She was barely breathing, coughing up blood.
- Mi...hawk, you...must...run” Her voice was barely audible, struggling to breathe. Her body bruised, visible under the open bathrobe where her ribs were clearly fractured from the assault.
-Mum, you need to rest, I-I'll go and get the doctor," the boy stammered, tears welling up in his eyes. More and more blood was coming from his mother's mouth. He didn't know what to do.
-N...No...you...must...leave...without...looking...back...Under...the...bed...he...he...
-He what? Mom?! MOM?! panicked the helpless child.
What had he done? He'd just killed his father to protect his mother, but she was dead too. It had all happened so quickly. He had so many unanswered questions. Why did his father hate him so much? What is an omega dominant? But above all, why had he said that his mother had been sold? Why had he said that? Just why?
Mihawk still had so many questions but no one to ask them. Both his parents were died in front of him. The scene happened so quickly. In less than 10 minutes, his whole world had changed.
He had been too weak. He should have stopped his father in the bedroom, then he could have saved his mother. He mustn't be weak anymore, he would never lose again. Mihawk swore to himself to become the strongest. His mother was a swordswoman, and she had given him a sword for his sixth birthday, also showing him a few moves as he trained. He had seen her face fill with pride for the first time when they had discovered that the young boy was good at handling a sword.
His skills were still in their infancy, but Mihawk would train to be stronger. He would be like his mother, a swordsman, but not just any swordsman. No, he vowed to become the best.
-purururu...purururu...purururu
The sound of a snailphone emerging from his father's suit stopped Mihawk's thoughts. He had to leave. His mother had told him to run away. His father's colleagues would surely come looking for him and find him dead.
Mihawk struggled to his feet, his ribs aching. They must have been cracked. He walked slowly towards his mother's bedroom. He leaned under the bed where a black box was hidden.
The boy pulled out the box and opened it to find a travel rucksack and a small bag. In the large bag, he found a purse full of Berrys. Enough to survive a few months. The small one contained just a thin necklace with a cross on it. His mother must have foreseen that they would need to flee one day. He grabbed the travel bag and put the necklace around his neck.
He went to his room to change and put a few changes of clothes in his bag. He went through to the kitchen to get as many supplies as he could cram into his bag.
Once finished, Mihawk knelt down in front of his mother again, put his bathrobe back on properly, and closed his eyes. He said a prayer for her soul to rest in peace. His mother was very devout and had taught him the voices of God. The boy wasn't sure if he believed in God as much as his mother, but knew that was what the Omega woman would want. For him, praying was a way of calming his emotions and a source of comfort, but it was also a bond he felt with his mother during the hours he spent studying her religious tests and teachings.
When he had finished praying, the boy stood up without glancing at his father. He then went to the woodshed behind his house and grabbed the damaged sword hidden between some logs. Strapping it to his left hip, he left his childhood home without looking back.
The young Omega had been at sea for a month now. He had managed to sneak into the hold of a merchant ship, allowing him to leave his home island.
He had repeated the operation several times in order to get as far away as possible. The last boat had docked on a North Blue island a few minutes earlier. Mihawk, like the other times, slipped away undetected. He was going to have to stay a little longer on this island than the others. He had almost run out of food in his bag.
Mihawk looked at the town ahead of him. It was a large tourist town with a lot of traffic and a large number of inhabitants. There were an impressive number of shop fronts of all kinds. The streets were wide, with plenty of room for pedestrians. He would be able to get around easily without being noticed in the crowd. Without further ado, he headed down the main street, looking for an inn. He didn't want to spend his meagre savings unnecessarily, but he badly needed a bath. The child had long been used to having to fend for himself, so wasn't panicked at the idea of surviving on next to nothing, but knew he had to plan for the future now that he no longer had a home.
The omega hadn't yet thought about what he was going to do next. He knew that with his current strength, he wouldn't last long at sea. He hadn't yet met an opponent, but his luck wouldn't last forever. He had to train to become stronger. Once trained, he would be able to challenge anyone, but for the moment it was too risky and Mihawk never wanted to lose again.
Not so far away, Mihawk saw a sign showing a bed with cutlery on it. He left the central axis and entered the building. The inn also served as a tavern, with the rooms located upstairs. A bar stood in the centre of the room, with a few regulars already present spread out between the various tables. Mihawk looked around, trying to spot any threat but seeing nothing, he moved towards the inn.
The woman didn't even notice his presence, busy cleaning a glass. Mihawk cleared his throat.
- I'd like to rent a room Madam, demanded the Omega politely.
The beta woman barely glanced at him as she told him the price before returning to her dishes. Mihawk had no idea whether the amount was expensive or not, the value of the money was unknown to him. He had only been to the village near his home a few times, and faced with the taunts of the other children Mihawk preferred to spend his time elsewhere, leaving his mother to go.
The young omega looked for the money in his unused purse and handed the notes to the woman in front of him. She took the money and counted again. Once checked, she put the money away and handed him a key.
- Room 9, dinner and breakfast are included in the price.
Mihawk nodded as he took the key, happy to have two real meals in the future without having to use any more of his savings.
He then headed upstairs to his room. It was very basic, with a single bed in one corner and a bedside table beside it with a small oil lamp on it. A door led to a bathroom. The omega didn't care how basic the room looked, it had everything he needed and without waiting, he went into the bathroom.
After cleaning himself up, Mihawk went back down to the ground floor. His stomach growled at the thought of finally having a hot meal for a month.
The room was much more crowded, and the innkeeper meandered between the tables, handing out pints of beer to new customers. The omega waited for her to come back and ask for his meal, then went and sat down in a corner of the inn. With his back against the wall, he had a clear view of the room, its entrance and anyone who came through the door. It was a reflex he'd developed with his father, on the days when he knew his father would be coming and that he'd have to greet him to take his coat and avoid punishment for keeping him waiting.
After a few minutes, the beta woman placed a hot plate with a glass of water on the table. Mihawk thanked her and the woman left to greet a new arrival.
Mihawk began his meal, listening to the background noise. The newcomer, a beta, was chatting to the innkeeper, holding a bundle of paper in his hand.
- I'll bring you the news bounties!
Mihawk frowned. He was sure that the government would be after him for his father's death, but did he also have a bounty on his head? Mihawk knew that every criminal had one, regardless of age. It could be a source of danger.
The omega kept a neutral face, calmly finishing his meal while the man attached the posters to the board behind the bar. Mihawk picked up his empty plate and placed it on the bar. He took the opportunity to look at the posters, searching for his face. There were pirates of all ages, male or female, with bounties of up to 50,000 berries, but not his. The omega didn't know whether this was good news or not. Did it mean that the government wasn't after him after all? He highly doubted it. His father had repeated countless times the important place he occupied without really explaining his duties, describing only how criminals were punished and the number of people under his command.
- Interested, kid? asked the innkeeper, looking at Mihawk and taking the plate. - You look very young to me for a bounty hunter. It's far too dangerous a job for a kid.
- Bounty hunter?” The omega looked at the beta confusedly, he'd never heard of the type of job.
- Don't you know what it is? Where are you from? asked the bewildered woman, but faced with the boy's passive stare, she continued. -They're people who hunt down criminals and hand them over to the navy in exchange for money.
Mihawk listened attentively as the beta woman explained how the system worked, depending on the amount of the poster, and how to collect the bounty in accordance with the conditions imposed by the government. Mihawk had always found it hard to tell the difference between the navy and the government. The woman then explained that the navy applied the laws written by the government and judged criminals who didn't respect them.
- Thank you for this information, concluded the omega at the end of the conversation, satisfied.
He returned to his room, his mind full of ideas about what he could do with this information. But before that, he'd have to find somewhere to train. He still had enough money to last a few months if he was careful.
Pleased with the beginnings of a plan, the omega undid his jacket and shoes and put his sword next to his pillow before settling under the covers. It's so comfortable," he said happily. After more than a month of sleeping on the ground, he felt like he was on cloud nine. Mihawk even thought that the mattress was softer than the bed in his childhood home.
He turned round, looking at the ceiling. The innkeeper looked very surprised that he didn't know anything about bounty hunters. “It must be something basic”, he thought. He was sorely lacking in common knowledge of the world. It made sense, he'd spent his whole life in a house in the woods away from the world. Still, his lack of knowledge would surely hurt him at some point.
His mother had taught him how to read and write, but he had only studied religious books. He knows nothing else. He'll have to find a way to learn more, but how?
Mihawk yawned, tiredness taking hold of him as he lay snug and warm in the cocoon of blankets. He decided to put off his thoughts until the next day, closing his tired eyelids.
Mihawk had woken up late in the morning; he hadn't slept so soundly for ages. Fresh and rested, he had breakfast after washed up again then he left the inn.
The omega wandered the streets looking for a place where he could learn. The innkeeper had told him about a forest on the mountain behind the town where wild beasts lived. The woman wanted to warn him to avoid the place, but Mihawk thought it would be the perfect place to train.
After an hour of wandering the streets of the town, the omega couldn't find anything he could use to perfect his knowledge. He finally asked some of the locals, but they told him that the town had no libraries or bookshops. Mihawk turned back and, after buying enough food to last him a few weeks, set off in the direction of the forest.
Mihawk spent two months training relentlessly, challenging every wild animal he encountered. The Omega improves his sword skills exponentially. He had never trained so hard in his life. He is now able to fight 3-metre wild beasts with ease. After almost being split in two by one of them attacking him from behind, he even developed a strange skill. He is capable of sensing the presence of animals near him and knowing their movements. A kind of highly developed sixth sense.
During those two months, the omega didn't return to the city. He extended his provisions by eating the meat of the small animals he had hunted. He left the most dangerous alive so that he could face them again later. Mihawk decided to return to town in the early afternoon after an unsuccessful morning of training. Lately, the animals on the mountain had been running away from him as soon as he saw them, making hunting much more boring.
Mihawk thought it might be time to leave for a new island. Perhaps he would spend another night at the inn. He had washed in the river during his training and slept in the high trees. A night on a soft mattress and a hot bath would be his reward for all his hard work.
With this in mind, the omega arrived at the town's main square where a small crowd was gathered. Curious, Mihawk approached. Two nuns were calling out to a group of women.
- We're looking for a swordswoman. We'll give her room and board in exchange for her help against the pirates invading our island. Do you know of anyone? Can you help us?
The women around the nuns shook their heads, eager to get away from them. Mihawk jumped at the chance and stood in front of the older of the two nuns. Pirates would be a new challenge for the young swordsman.
- Why a woman swordsman?
The nun, who was repeating her request to other passers-by, looked down at him. She observed the omega, noting a sword at his waist and a collar with a small cross around his neck, visible through his unbuttoned shirt.
- Our convent does not allow men on its premises," she informed him, waving him off.
-I'm a swordsman," affirmed Mihawk, and taking advantage of his age, he continued -And I'm not a man yet, I don't give off pheromones yet. But I know how to fight and I'm ready to help you against the pirates.
The woman looked hesitantly at her colleague. They had spent several days trying to recruit someone without success, even travelling to several islands. Besides, they had to leave for the convent that very evening, they'd been gone for too long.
- Do you really know how to fight?
- Yes, and I'll prove it to you as soon as we come across any pirates.
Finally, the nuns nodded silently, reaching the same conclusion.
The older nun sighed in annoyance before turning back to Mihawk :
- You can follow us, but we won't be the ones to make the final decision.
The omega has approved. He knows he'll be able to prove himself soon enough.
The trio set off towards the port.
The two nuns boarded a small cross-shaped boat that could hold three people. Mihawk smirked at the appearance of the boat - how appropriate. He also jumped onto the small boat, helping the two women to remove the ropes tethering the ship to the dock, following their instructions.
Busy listening to the sisters introduce themselves, he didn't notice the group of four men in black suits with dark glasses watching him from a hidden alleyway. One of the men took a snailphone out of his jacket.
Time passed quickly, the omega had now arrived on this island 2 years ago. Mihawk never thought he'd stay this long, but he had found everything he needed to learn and train. He had spent a few weeks at sea with Mary and Lucia before reaching the island. The sisters had explained to him that their convent specialized in shipbuilding small vessels like the one they were sailing in. That was why pirates attacked them so often, seeking their expertise to repair their ships after crossing Reverse Mountain and intimidating them for free labour.
The island was very small, with only a monastery and fields on it. There was also a small naval port, which could accommodate less than a dozen small boats.
They docked at the same time as a group of pirates. Mihawk got rid of them easily. The nuns then gladly took him in, but said there will obligate him to leave as soon as his pheromones began to appear. It was impossible to define the secondary gender of the nuns. None of them emanated pheromones, because when they took their oath to God, they were sealed to be reserved and linked only to their lord.
A routine was quickly established. Mihawk would wake up very early, spending two hours improving his physical strength through running or weight training before eating. He would then stay until lunchtime to study in the library with the nuns, who took it in turns to give him lessons. History, navigation, etiquette, rules of decorum, and even the fundamentals of the world, Mihawk was thirsty for new knowledge.
In the afternoons, he trained as a swordsman. The nuns had left him an uncultivated field after the omega had destroyed the courtyard wall with one of his sword swings.
In the evenings, he meditated, trying to improve the sensations of his sixth sense. He could now sense the presence of the people around him. Sometimes he could see their aura and feel their emotions, such as anger or sadness. His perception improved day by day. Mihawk used it during his fights against the pirates who landed every four or five days and tried to sneak up on him. The omega was always happy to see them, being able to put into practice the fruits of his training.
Every Sunday afternoon, Mihawk would help the sisters in the vegetable gardens and fields, learning all the tricks of the gardening and farming trade. They nicknamed him ‘little old man’ because of his calm demeanor and inexpressive face, which didn't match his age.
The omega was currently sitting on a branch of the large tree in the courtyard, quietly reading the book on the different swords of the world that the nuns had given him for his tenth birthday a few months ago. His eyes were riveted on the image of a sword, and the omega couldn't take his eyes off it.
Kokuto Yoru is one of the most powerful sabres in the world. It belongs to the category of 12 Saijo O Wazamono. Yoru is a long black sabre over 2 metres long in the shape of a crucifix, with a hilt adorned with several precious stones. The sword is simply magnificent and highly refined. Mihawk wanted to make it his sword. He couldn't imagine another blade to accompany him in his quest to become the best swordsman in the world. One day, he would find it. The blade would be heavy and cumbersome, so the omega ate as many vegetables as possible to help it grow and practiced lifting heavy weights every morning.
He sensed Lucia approaching him before he saw her. She was the nun Mihawk was closest to. As the only child on the island, they had naturally grown close. She was a few years older. Lucia had been in the convent since she was 6 and was a devout believer, even though she often got Mihawk involved in pranks to annoy the other nuns. The omega often found her antics amusing.
- Mihawk, the Mother Superior is calling you!
The omega closed his book and nimbly jumped to the ground. He straightened up to follow Lucia, who was already leaving, asking him to follow. He followed quietly, no longer needing to run to keep up with her. He had grown enormously since his arrival. He had always been short for his age, but that didn't seem to be the case anymore.. He hadn't started his growth spurt yet, but his body was no longer as thin and small as it used to be. He had developed his muscles, making them stockier. Unfortunately, his face was still round and childlike.
Lucia took Mihawk near to the harbor, where all the nuns seemed to have gathered. Seeing them coming, they moved aside to leave a path between them.
- We've got a surprise for you! declared the Mother Superior. The old nun beckoned him to come closer.
Behind her was a small, brand-new ship resembling a coffin, with candles giving off a green light at each end. The ship was quite small and could only hold one person. In the center was a mast with a black sail in the shape of a crucifix, underneath which were storage areas with a seat at the end.
- We saw how much you liked that sword Yoru and built a boat with a mast resembling its hilt, said one of the nuns.
- It took us longer than we thought to finish it, but it was worth it, informed another with a big smile.
- You built me a boat? asked Mihawk, confused. - Why?
- You're growing up, explained the Mother Superior with a slight laugh, putting her hand on the boy's shoulder. - We know you're not destined to stay here.
- Are you throwing me out? Is it because I'll soon have pheromones?
- No, my boy, you've almost finished all the books in the library. The other sisters have nothing left to teach you. Soon you'll be bored and you'll want to go on adventures. We just wanted you to know that when that time comes, we won't mind you leaving us.
Mihawk looked away from the old nun, looking at the other nuns. They all nodded in agreement with the Mother Superior, smiling broadly.
-T-Thank you, stammered the omega, still confused but extremely grateful for their affection. - But why is it shaped like a coffin?
Lucia laughed loudly with the other nuns before answering.
-Your name is Dracule, isn't it? It's similar to the name of the vampire king in stories and vampires sleeping in coffins. It's perfect for you!
He wasn't sure what to say to this logic, but recognizing his friend's humor and teasing, he simply nodded. The ship was magnificent and a priceless gift, that was what was more important to him than its appearance. The omega knew he would be leaving the island in a few months, he had already thought about it, but he felt guilty at the idea of leaving the nuns unprotected.
- It's the first time you've had a face other than a scowl," Lucia laughed in front of Mihawk's surprised and delighted gaze.
- We called her Hitsugibune or coffin ship, added the Mother Superior, stroking Lucia's hair. - It was Lucia's idea. She wanted part of the convent to stay with you.
Mihawk was moved and touched by the kindness of the nuns.
They talked for a while more in front of the ship, explaining these characteristics to him in more detail. Mihawk affirmed that he wouldn't be leaving for a few months to give them time to find another swordsman. He spent the rest of the day helping Lucia with her various daily tasks, wanting to show how touched he was by the gift. The omega wasn't very good at expressing his feelings, so he tried to show them with his actions. He was even more open than ever with the other nuns.
A few weeks later, Mihawk took a sip of water from his gourd after his daily sword training in the fields behind the convent. His sword was full of nicks and wouldn't hold much longer. Mihawk had taken care of it as best he could, but the sword was reaching its limit.
Suddenly, the sound of cannon fire rang out. Mihawk was startled and ran towards the beach. This had never happened before, the pirates always landed before attacking. Wanting the nuns' expertise, the pirates didn't take the risk of injuring them unnecessarily. Moreover, the omega didn't feel a thing, it was the first time since his arrival that he hadn't detected an attack.
The screams of the nuns emerging from the main building could be heard between the sounds of gunfire. Mihawk passed them as quickly as he could, reaching the beach in a few minutes. He stopped next to Lucia, who had already arrived and was watching the enemy.
A navy warship was docking. Dozens and dozens of soldiers were descending on the beach. Mihawk didn't have time to wonder why the navy was attacking them than an officer shouted into a little-snailphone:
- CARPENTER NUNS! You are harboring the criminal Dracule Mihawk on your premises! If you hand him over to us, no harm will come to you!
-A criminal ? Lucia turned with fear to Mihawk, - Are you a criminal ?
-No, replied Mihawk automatically. - Run and join the other nuns.
Lucia looked at him, uncertain. She'd spent two years with the omega, he was her first friend. Mihawk was very reserved but Lucia knew he had a good heart. He had never complained and spent all his free time with her. Yet the Navy were the embodiment of justice so why did they call Mihawk a criminal? The young nun was at a loss but that question would have to wait until later. First she had to help the other nuns not end up under the rubble of the building.
Following her instincts, Lucia chose to believe in Mihawk and ran inside the convent.
Mihawk watched her leave, wanting to make sure she was safe. Once the young nun had disappeared, the omega charged at the marines. Sword in hand, he sliced through the soldiers without the slightest hesitation. He attacked them, but not fatally. The swordsman had not killed anyone since his arrival and wanted to continue on this path as much as possible, aiming instead to make his opponent back off, as he had done with the pirates. Nevertheless, he wounded them sufficiently to render them unfit to fight, showing that it would not be as easy as on other days.
Mihawk dodged a rifle bullet using his sixth sense and turned his wrist to cut the shooter. He soon found himself surrounded by marines, but the omega remained calm. He could sense that the soldiers were weaker than he was. However, he remained on his guard as their numbers gave him a disadvantage.
- Bloody criminal ! shouted a soldier as he leapt towards him, lowering his saber.
Mihawk deflected the blow with his own sword. The soldier continued his attack, swinging his sword in a series of powerful blows. Mihawk attacked them while trying to analyses the situation.
He quickly ducked to avoid another marine's sword, which could have slit his throat.
After several minutes of parrying and cutting the soldiers around him, the omega realized that their attacks were not aimed at capturing him but at eliminating him. Mihawk had never faced the navy before, but from what he had read and heard, the navy was normally in the habit of capturing outlaws for trial.
He dodged another burst of gunfire and turned around. The shooters were retreating behind the navy soldiers. Mihawk hadn't noticed them until now and it was as he looked at them that he realized they were wearing white suits. The omega recognized them in an instant; they were exactly the same uniforms as those worn by his father.
So they weren't navy soldiers but members of the Cipher Pol working for the world government. Mihawk knew that the Cipher Pol were crueler and more limitless, not hesitating to kill.
Mihawk growled, tightening his grip on his sword, knowing that this discovery complicated the situation even further. He made a series of devastating movements, cutting and hacking at every soldier within reach. He quickly eliminated around ten of them. Taking advantage of an opening in the circle around him, the omega rushed at the members of the Cipher Pol.
Some dodged, but he managed to disable half of them. Nothing stopped him. Avoiding and blocking the soldiers, the only sound on the beach was the clash of swords. Mihawk could hear some soldiers calling for him to surrender, others insulting him as they raced towards him.
Suddenly, Mihawk stopped and oriented his body toward the strong power he felt. The officer had also disembarked from the warship and was approaching the battle. He didn't give off the same aura as the others. The omega knew immediately that he wouldn't be as easy to defeat as the other soldiers.
- I am Lieutenant Doberman. I am in charge of your capture. Either this happens calmly, or I will use force. The choice is yours, Dracule Mihawk.
Mihawk, unsure how to respond, raised his guard, ready for action. The lieutenant took his gesture as an answer and drew his sword. Holding his sword in his left hand, he attacked the omega head-on.
Mihawk barely had time to raise his sword to block. Doberman didn't give him time to retaliate. He unleashed a series of blows, each more powerful than the last. Mihawk stepped back, blocking the sword. He felt his right arm tremble from the impact. The man was much taller and stronger than him, and the swordsman sensed he wouldn't be able to block him indefinitely.
Unwilling to simply parry, on the next attack, the omega shifted his feet, pivoting his wrist to slide his opponent's blade into his own. Unblocked like the previous blows, Doberman, surprised, fell forward from the force of his own attack. Mihawk took advantage of the gap in his opponent's guard to slash at his shoulder.
The wound wasn't deep, but it allowed the omega to step back and catch his breath. The soldiers had dispersed to make room for their lieutenant.
Doberman grunted in pain and annoyance at being injured by a kid.
- You brat, you'll pay for this! raged the lieutenant.
The Marine began attacking again with even more power. His blows became more precise; Mihawk managed to dodge one but couldn't block a slash on his thigh.
The omega hissed in pain. Grabbing his sword in both hands, he launched a series of deadly and precise movements, reversing positions and forcing the lieutenant to block.
Suddenly, Mihawk's foot slipped slightly on the fine sand, losing his balance for a few seconds and giving the marine the opportunity to respond with a powerful attack. The omega barely had time to shift and raise his sword to stop the strike. The force of the impact was so strong that his damaged sword shattered. Mihawk stumbled backward and landed on the sand.
He looked up at the marine who had raised his sword. Mihawk raised his hand, seeing Doberman's sword come down.
- STOP! a voice called out.
The lieutenant stopped his blow centimeter from Mihawk's head. Both opponents turned toward the intruder.
The Mother Superior stood a few meters away.
- Why all this violence? asked she, moving even closer. - This must stop. You are on sacred ground!
Doberman straightened up and walked towards the nun.
- I assume you are the head of this convent. I'm sorry, but you have been deceived, Sister. This criminal must be captured and executed immediately, he added, pointing at Mihawk.
The omega stood up and picked up his broken sword, his hand trembling. He would have died without the Mother Superior's intervention. Mihawk stopped in his moves when the Mother Superior questioned:
- A criminal? This boy? He's been living with us for over two years. He's not a criminal at all.
- This omega murdered both of his parents in cold blood, leaving them to bleed while he fled. He's guilty of patricide! yelled Doberman.
The nun looked at Mihawk in horror.
- No, that's not... began the omega, but stopped because that was exactly what he had done. His mother died because he couldn't defend her. He was just as guilty of her death as he was of his father's.
- Even if what you say is true, Lieutenant, said the old nun, her face was pale. She couldn't look at Mihawk. - I cannot let you spill blood on this earth.
- If you block justice, you will all become as guilty as he is, warned menacingly Lieutenant Doberman. - I must execute this criminal without further delay.
- I will not hinder your duty, but blood cannot be shed on... argh!
The Mother Superior didn't finish her sentence; a sword impaled her stomach lengthwise. The nun fell to the ground with a cry of pain. The lieutenant pulled his sword from the old nun's body and turned unscrupulously toward the omega.
Mihawk was completely shocked; the guy had just shot an innocent woman without the slightest hesitation.
- W-why?
- Justice comes first, informed the lieutenant, standing in front of Mihawk again. - And now it's time to pay for your crime. The Supreme personally requested it, and I cannot refuse his commands.
The omega gripped his broken sword and jumped to the side to avoid the Marine's sword, which sank into the ground right where he had been a few seconds earlier.
Mihawk continued to dodge Doberman's attacks. His sword wasn't much help. He activated his sixth sense, trying with all his might to find a weakness in his opponent. Mihawk suffered new wounds on his torso. None of them were fatal, as the omega managed to block all the blows that could have been fatal. For several minutes, the fight continued as it was, the omega blocking or dodging the Marine's strikes. Mihawk's sword was covered in nicks, the little remaining steel close to breaking again. He blocked a sideways strike from Doberman. The lieutenant's sword caught between the grooves of Mihawk's sword.
The omega took advantage of this to deliver a kick to his opponent's ribs, knocking him back. Using his legs, he lunged forward to drive his broken sword just above the Marine's heart. The Marine collapsed, and the omega climbed onto the Marine's body and repeatedly struck his head with the hilt of his sword. He struck and struck, blood flowing from the unconscious lieutenant, but Mihawk didn't stop. This man had killed the mother superior without qualms, and if he woke up, the swordsman knew he wouldn't get another chance and would be killed. He had to finish the man off.
A blow to the head knocked him to the sand. The omega, a little dazed, got up to face the marines who were starting to attack him again. He gripped his sword and attacked the remaining soldiers. The omega fell into a sort of trance, slashing, blocking, and cutting everything around him without a second thought, operating solely by the movements he had rehearsed thousands of times during his training. The soldiers fell one by one, unable to block the swordsman's deadly blows. The omega no longer held back, killing every marine within reach, knowing he had made a mistake and should have done this from the start because it was them or him.
When the last soldier fell, the omega was covered in blood. The blood of his opponents mixed with his own blood, making his body unrecognizable. Mihawk walked over to the Mother Superior to see if she was still breathing, but her lifeless gaze stopped him a few meters from her body. The omega choose instead to turn toward the sea and lowered his body into the water to remove the traces of blood. He had to start looking for the other nuns, but he didn't want to frighten them.
The omega rubbed his arms in the water, grunting as the sea salt sharply stung his open wounds. He had almost finished removing all the blood when a scream broke the silence. Mihawk ran to the beach, grabbed a sword from one of the marines, and rushed inside the convent.
The nuns were gathered in the courtyard, the members of the Cipher Pol around them. Lucia was lying on the ground in the arms of a nun. Blood was flowing from the nun's abdomen. Without hesitation, Mihawk attacked the members of the Cipher Pol, slicing them down with dizzying speed. His opponents didn't even have time to respond as they lay on the ground. Having no more enemies, the omega dropped his sword and approached Lucia.
- Don't come any closer! shouted a nun, stepping in front of the young Sister to protect her. - It's your fault she's in this state. She tried to defend you, and they attacked her for it!
- You brought them to our island! shouted another nun. - The Mother Superior is dead because of you! Those marines said she paid for your crimes!
- We took you in, fed you, housed you, educated you. You used us! We never should have!
- You're a murderer!
Mihawk stood there, listening to the nuns without saying anything. What could he say? They were right.
- Calm down, calm down, Sisters, interrupted the Mother Superior's assistant, Oly, stepping forward in front of the group. - Sister Yuki and Sister Mary, go to the infirmary with Sister Lucia. We have no time to waste.
The nuns regained their composure. Two nuns left, taking the unconscious Lucia with them. Once they had disappeared into the building, Sister Oly turned back to Mihawk.
- As for you, you're no longer welcome here! Take your things and leave!
The omega obeyed; nothing he could said would change anything. He went up to his room and packed all his belongings in his overnight bag. He returned to the courtyard a few minutes later. All the nuns had left; only Oly was waiting for him. Mihawk wasn't necessarily unhappy about it, not wanting to see their contemptuous looks towards him again.
Wordlessly, Mihawk headed towards the small harbor, head bowed. This wasn't how he'd imagined his departure. He jumped on Hitsugibune, placing his bag on the seat. He then grabbed the ropes holding him to the dock when he noticed Oly had followed him.
Sister Oly had never liked him, coming from a clan that hated men, so he wasn't surprised when the nun declared,
- Never set foot here again!" The contempt was clearly visible on her face when she added, - Ultimately, this boat suits you well; death will follow you wherever you go. Pray God to have mercy on your soul, because none of us will.
Mihawk untied the ropes and opened the sail. He left the nuns' island with a heavy heart. Like a message from the divine, a heavy rain began, completely soaking Mihawk in a matter of minutes.
The omega didn't have a Log Pose to steer, so he let the wind choose his destination. He sat on the boat's only seat, drawing his legs up to his chest. He rested his head on his knees: he was exhausted, injured, and freezing. Yet, none of that mattered compared to the feeling of rejection he felt. Oly's words had touched him more deeply than he thought. He was now powerful enough to fight, but there was always the risk of claiming more innocent lives. If the government hadn't abandoned its search after two years without showing any signs of life, it probably never would.
The omega had sworn to himself never to lose again after his mother's death. He had won against that naval lieutenant, but strangely, he doesn't feel like he had.