As the Son of Mihawk in One Piece

- Ten Years Later

Morning sunlight spilled across Foosha Village, painting the buildings in warm gold.

A young man moved through the streets, his two-meter frame casting a long shadow behind him.

Despite years of seeing him around the village, several people still paused their morning routines to watch him pass.

"Morning, Leon!" The fruit vendor waved cheerfully, tossing an apple in his direction. "Today's the day, isn't it?"

Leon caught the fruit one-handed without breaking stride. "Thanks, Makoto. And yeah, finally making it official."

"The Marines are getting a good one," the older man called after him. "Show 'em what Dawn Island folks are made of!"

Leon raised the apple in acknowledgment, taking a bite as he continued toward the Marine outpost.

The modest building sat at the edge of town, its white and blue flag fluttering in the morning breeze.

He'd passed it countless times growing up, but today it represented something different - a first step toward his future.

As he ducked through the doorway, the two Marines behind the counter looked up from their paperwork.

"Well, look who finally decided to make it official," Lieutenant Hiro said, setting aside his pen. The older officer had been stationed in Foosha for nearly a decade, his once-black hair now streaked with gray. "Was wondering when you'd stop by."

Petty Officer Kai, younger and more enthusiastic, grinned broadly. "About time! Thought you might wait for the Vice Admiral to drag you in himself."

Leon leaned against the counter, "Gramps has his ideas about my career path. I have mine."

"Going your own way, then?" Hiro raised an eyebrow, reaching for a drawer of forms. "Can't say I'm surprised. You were always the independent type, even as a kid throwing rocks at sea kings."

"That was Luffy, not me," Leon corrected with a slight smile. "I was the one pulling him back before he got eaten."

"Still doing that, from what I hear," Kai chuckled, sliding a stack of paperwork across the counter. "So, enlistment forms. Any preference on posting?"

"Loguetown," Leon replied without hesitation.

The two Marines exchanged knowing glances.

"Aiming high right out of the gate," Hiro commented. "Captain Smoker runs a tight ship there. Not exactly gentle with new recruits."

Leon's golden eyes gleamed with quiet confidence. "Good. I'm not looking for ease."

"The Vice Admiral's going to have opinions about this," Kai warned, though his tone suggested he found the situation amusing rather than concerning.

"That's half the fun," Leon replied, accepting the pen Hiro offered. "His face will be priceless."

As he began filling out the forms, Hiro leaned forward. "Transport could be an issue. Next Marine vessel heading that direction isn't scheduled for three weeks."

"Already arranged passage on the Dawn Trader," Leon said without looking up. "Merchant vessel leaving today. They're making a stop near Conomi Islands before continuing to Loguetown."

Yep, Conomi Islands, where Arlong fucking is.

Can't wait to rip fish face's teeth out and beat him with them.

Kai whistled. "Planned everything out, haven't you? That's the Leon we know - always three steps ahead."

"Two steps is usually enough," Leon replied with a subtle smirk, signing the final document. "People are predictable."

Hiro collected the forms, reviewing them quickly. "Everything seems in order. You're officially listed as Marine Seaman Recruit Aurelius as of today." He extended his hand. "Congratulations."

Leon's massive hand engulfed the officer's in a firm but measured handshake. "So, uniform?"

"We've actually had one in your size for a while," Kai admitted, disappearing into the back room. "The Vice Admiral ordered it months ago. Said you'd come around eventually."

Leon's eyebrows rose slightly. "Did he now?"

"Don't look so surprised," Hiro chuckled. "Garp knows you better than you think."

When Kai returned with the neatly folded uniform, Leon accepted it with a thoughtful expression.

Perhaps his grandfather had anticipated this move after all.

"The Dawn Trader leaves at noon," Hiro said, checking his watch. "Gives you time to say your goodbyes."

"Already taken care of," Leon replied, tucking the uniform under his arm.

"All except one, I'm guessing," Kai said knowingly. "That rubber kid's going to be bouncing off the trees when he finds out you're leaving today."

Leon's expression softened almost imperceptibly. "Yeah. That's my next stop."

"Well, don't be a stranger when you make it big," Hiro said, offering a proper Marine salute. "We'll be watching your career with interest."

Leon returned the salute with perfect form - one of the many things Garp had drilled into him over the years. "Thanks for everything."

As he turned to leave, Kai called after him: "Hey, when you see Captain Smoker, tell him Kai from the 153rd says hello!"

"He won't remember you," Hiro muttered.

"Worth a shot!" Kai replied cheerfully.

Leon ducked through the doorway, the Marine uniform and his new identity secure under his arm. The mountain path awaited, and beyond it, the people who'd shaped his life for the past decade.

The familiar trail to Dadan's hideout seemed shorter than usual. Leon moved through the forest with ease, his mind already shifting to the conversations ahead.

When the ramshackle building came into view, he wasn't surprised to find Dadan herself standing outside, arms crossed and cigarette dangling from her lips.

"So you're really doing it," she said gruffly as he approached. Not a question, but a statement.

"News travels fast," Leon observed, stopping before her.

"Makino sent word." Dadan exhaled a cloud of smoke, looking anywhere but directly at him. "Figured you'd at least have the decency to say goodbye before running off to play Marine."

Before Leon could respond, the door burst open and several bandits poured out, their tough exteriors barely concealing their geniune emotions.

"You're leaving today?" Dogra demanded, adjusting his glasses. "Just like that?"

"That's the plan," Leon confirmed.

Magra stepped forward, holding out a small package wrapped in cloth. "Here. Whetstone for your sword. Waterproof bag for your things. Sea gets rough out there."

Leon accepted the gifts with a nod of thanks. The gesture meant more than the items themselves.

"Better get packing," Dadan grumbled, turning toward the door. "And don't expect some tearful farewell. One less brat to feed is cause for celebration around here."

Despite her words, Leon noticed how she lingered, finding reasons to stay nearby as he entered his small room and began gathering his few possessions.

His wooden practice sword, clothes, the photograph of his mother that Garp had given him years ago.

He paused, looking at Elise's smiling face. The blonde hair he'd adopted matched hers perfectly now after years of careful maintenance.

He wrapped the photograph carefully and placed it in the waterproof bag Magra had provided.

When he emerged with his pack slung over one shoulder, he found the bandits had prepared an impromptu meal - their version of a celebration.

"Sit," Dadan ordered, pointing to a spot at the table. "Might as well get one last decent meal before you go."

As they ate, stories of Leon's childhood exploits filled the hideout. The time he'd fought off a wild boar twice his size to protect Luffy.

The day he'd been covered in blood after the Porchemy incident. His first successful hunt with the bow he'd crafted himself.

"Remember when he broke Ace's nose during training?" one bandit chuckled. "Thought the kid was gonna murder him."

"Ace got me back the next day," Leon recalled, a rare smile crossing his face. "Knocked me clean into the river."

"You two were always at it," Dadan muttered, though there was fondness beneath her gruffness. "Between you and Ace trying to kill each other and Luffy nearly getting eaten by something every other day, it's a miracle I didn't drink myself to death years ago."

When the meal ended, Dadan followed Leon outside. She stood awkwardly for a moment, clearly struggling with whatever she wanted to say.

"Don't do anything stupid out there," she finally managed. "Marines or not, you're still one of mine. You hear me?"

Coming from Dadan, it was practically a tearful declaration of love from a mother. Leon nodded, understanding what she was trying to say.

"I hear you," he replied simply.

"Good." She looked away quickly. "Now get going before I change my mind about letting you leave."

As if on cue, a familiar voice called from the forest edge: "LEON!"

Luffy burst into the clearing, straw hat bouncing against his back as he ran. "You're really leaving today? Why didn't you tell me earlier? I had to hear it from Makino!"

"Was going to tell you now," Leon replied calmly. "Figured we could walk to the cliff before I head down to the harbor."

Luffy's indignation immediately transformed to excitement. "Yeah! Let's go!" He turned to Dadan. "We'll be back later!"

"He will," Leon corrected. "I won't."

The reality of the situation seemed to hit Luffy then. His boundless energy momentarily dimmed as he looked between Leon and the mountain bandits who had raised them.

"Oh. Right."

Dadan turned away abruptly. "Just get going already. And don't expect me to look after your rubber brother any better just because you're gone!"

Leon shouldered his pack and nodded to the assembled bandits. "Thanks. For everything."

"Don't get sentimental on us now," Dogra said, though his voice sounded suspiciously thick. "It doesn't suit you."

With a final nod to Dadan - who still refused to look directly at him - Leon turned toward the path. "Come on, Luffy. Race you to the cliff."

"You're on!" Luffy shouted, instantly recovering his enthusiasm. He took off like a shot, leaving Leon to follow at a more measured pace.

Behind him, he heard Dadan mutter something that sounded suspiciously like, "Be careful out there, brat."

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The cliff overlooking the ocean had been their special place for years. It was here they had shared sake with Ace and Sabo, becoming brothers in all but blood.

Now Luffy sat on the edge, legs dangling over the precipice, while Leon stood with arms crossed, the sea breeze ruffling his blonde hair.

"So you're really gonna be a Marine," Luffy said, adjusting his straw hat. "Even though Ace is a pirate."

"Different paths, same ocean," Leon replied, gazing out at the horizon. "We all find our own way."

Luffy nodded sagely, as if this made perfect sense to him. "In four months, I'll be setting sail too! When I turn seventeen, I'm going to become a pirate just like Ace!"

"I know," Leon said with a slight smile. "You've only mentioned it about a thousand times."

"I'm gonna gather the strongest crew ever!" Luffy continued, punching the air enthusiastically. "And find the One Piece! And become the Pirate King!"

Leon glanced down at his brother, golden eyes gleaming with amusement. "Better not run into me at sea before you've got that strong crew, or I'll have to arrest you on the spot."

"Ha!" Luffy jumped to his feet, facing Leon with hands on his hips. "I'm not scared! I'm way stronger now! I'm not that little kid who needs his big brother to protect him anymore!"

Something softened in Leon's expression. He reached out, his massive hand easily covering Luffy's head as he ruffled the younger boy's hair affectionately.

"You'll always be my little brother," he said, voice gentle. "But you're right. You've grown strong, Luffy."

Luffy beamed at the acknowledgment, then grew suddenly serious. "Hey, Leon... if we meet on the sea, will we really have to fight? You being a Marine and me being a pirate?"

Leon considered the question carefully. "The sea is vast, Luffy. Each of us will find our own answers out there."

He paused, looking toward the horizon. "But remember our promise as brothers. That comes before any uniform or flag."

Luffy's smile returned, bright as the sun. "Right!"

They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, the wind carrying the scent of salt.

"I wonder where Ace is now," Luffy mused. "It's been three years since he left."

"Making a name for himself, I'm sure," Leon replied. "Just like you will."

"And Sabo too," Luffy added confidently.

Leon's expression turned into a small smile. "Yes. Sabo too."

"We'll all meet again someday," Luffy declared with absolute certainty. "All four of us!"

He equally believed that Sabo is alive, so he looked forward to it as well.

As the sun climbed higher, Leon checked its position. "Almost noon. I should head to the harbor."

The walk down the mountain was filled with Luffy's excited chatter about his future adventures, his plans for finding a crew, the kinds of islands he wanted to visit.

Leon listened with half an ear, occasionally offering a comment or suggestion, mostly just enjoying these final moments with his energetic brother.

When they reached the fork in the path where they would separate - Leon toward the harbor, Luffy back to Dadan's - the younger boy suddenly grew quiet.

"Leon," he said, unusually serious. "You better get really, really strong, okay? Because when we meet again, I'm gonna be super strong too!"

Without warning, Luffy launched himself forward, wrapping rubbery arms around Leon in a tight hug. The embrace would have staggered a smaller man, but Leon merely placed one large hand on Luffy's back.

"Count on it," he replied. "Take care of yourself, Luffy."

When they separated, Luffy was grinning again, all traces of sadness gone. "See you on the sea, big brother!"

Leon turned toward the harbor path. Without looking back, he raised his hand in a backward wave. "Get stronger, Luffy."

"I WILL!" Luffy shouted after him. "AND I'LL FIND THE ONE PIECE! JUST WATCH ME!"

Leon continued down the path, Luffy's enthusiastic promises fading behind him. His brother's confidence brought a rare, genuine smile to his face.

If anyone could shake the foundations of this world through sheer determination, it was Monkey D. Luffy.

Foosha Village harbor bustled as Leon arrived.

The Dawn Trader - a modest but well-maintained merchant vessel - was being loaded with the last of its cargo. The captain, a weathered man named Jorgen, spotted Leon approaching and straightened noticeably.

"Right on time," he called, trying not to look intimidated by Leon. "We're nearly ready to cast off."

"Anything I can help with?" Leon offered, setting down his pack.

The captain eyed Leon for a moment. "Those crates over there need loading. Would normally take three of my men."

Without comment, Leon moved to the stack of crates. He lifted three at once, carrying them effortlessly up the gangplank and placing them exactly where directed.

The crew paused in their work to watch, expressions ranging from impressed to wary.

As he returned for another load, a familiar voice called his name. Makino approached, carrying a small package wrapped in cloth.

"Couldn't let you leave without a proper sendoff," she said warmly, offering the bundle. "Some food for the journey. The sea makes everyone hungry."

"Thanks, Makino." Leon accepted the gift with a genuine smile. The barmaid had always been kind to him, Ace, and Luffy - a gentle presence in their otherwise rough upbringing.

"You always have a home in Foosha," she reminded him. "Remember that."

Before Leon could respond, Mayor Woop Slap's distinctive grumbling announced his arrival. The elderly man approached with his usual sour expression.

"Another troublemaker leaving the island," he complained, adjusting his glasses to peer up at Leon. "At least you had the sense to join the Marines instead of becoming a pirate like that other one."

Coming from the perpetually dissatisfied mayor, this was high praise.

"The village will be quieter without you boys causing havoc," he continued, though his tone lacked real heat. "Try not to disgrace us out there."

"I'll do my best," Leon replied solemnly, though his eyes held a glint of amusement.

"All aboard who's coming aboard!" Captain Jorgen called. "Tide's turning, and we're ready to sail!"

Leon gathered his belongings and nodded to Makino and the mayor. "Thank you. For everything."

As he strode up the gangplank, Makino called after him: "Make us proud, Leon!"

The crew watched him board with curious eyes. Most were experienced sailors who had seen their share of unusual passengers, but few had encountered someone like Leon, who had a quiet aura to him.

"Welcome aboard the Dawn Trader," Captain Jorgen said formally. "Henson here will show you your quarters and explain the ship's rules."

The first mate - a lean, weathered man with a scar across his cheek - nodded curtly. "This way."

As the ship cast off from the dock, Leon remained at the rail, watching as Dawn Island - his home for seventeen years - slowly receded into the distance.

Makino waved enthusiastically while Mayor Woop Slap pretended not to care. A few villagers had gathered to watch the departure, shading their eyes against the midday sun.

"First time leaving home?" Henson asked, joining him at the rail.

"First time by sea," Leon replied.

The first mate studied him curiously. "Captain says you're joining the Marines in Loguetown."

"That's right."

"Could've sworn I heard the name Aurelius around these parts before," Henson mused. "Any relation to that Marine hero, what's his name... Garp?"

Leon's expression revealed nothing. "Common mistake. Different family entirely."

'Technically not a lie. Gramps isn't an Aurelius.' Leon thought to himself amused.

Henson clearly didn't believe him but was experienced enough not to press. "Well, let me show you where you'll be sleeping. It's not much, but it's dry."

The cabin was indeed small - barely large enough for Leon's frame - but he'd slept in worse conditions growing up with mountain bandits.

He stowed his few possessions, changing into more practical sailing clothes and keeping his Marine uniform carefully packed away.

When he emerged on deck, the first mate introduced him to the small crew: Mira, the no-nonsense cook who immediately declared he'd need double portions; Tobi, the nervous young navigator who could barely meet Leon's eyes; and four deckhands who regarded the newcomer with varying degrees of curiosity.

"Captain says you're working passage," Henson continued. "We could use some help with the heavy lifting. That size of yours ought to be good for something."

"Point me where you need me," Leon replied simply.

For the next few hours, he worked alongside the crew, moving cargo, securing rigging, and helping wherever his strength was most useful.

What might have taken the entire crew a full day was completed in half the time with Leon's assistance. By evening, even the most suspicious of the sailors had warmed to their unusual passenger.

"Never seen anyone lift the main mast support single-handed before," one deckhand commented during the evening meal. "You some kind of monster or something?"

"Just good genetics," Leon replied with a slight smile, accepting the extra-large portion Mira insisted on serving him.

"So what takes you to Loguetown?" the captain asked, joining them at the small galley table. "Besides joining the Marines, I mean."

Leon chewed thoughtfully before answering. "It's where the Grand Line begins. Seemed like the right place to start."

"Big ambitions, then," Jorgen nodded approvingly. "Planning to climb the ranks?"

"Something like that."

"Well, we'll get you there," the captain assured him. "Though we'll be stopping near Conomi Islands first. Got some cargo to deliver."

"Conomi Islands?" Leon's tone was casual, acting a bit surprised - but he already knew this of course - as his eyes sharpened with interest. "Isn't that Arlong's territory?"

A tense silence fell over the table. The captain and first mate exchanged glances.

"You've heard about that situation, then," Jorgen said carefully.

"Just rumors," Leon replied, taking another bite of his meal. "Something about a fishman pirate controlling the area?"

"Arlong and his crew have had those islands in a stranglehold for years," Henson said grimly. "We don't dock directly there - too dangerous. We stop at a smaller island nearby to trade with merchants from the region."

"The Marines don't do anything about it?" Leon asked, though he already knew the answer.

"Marine Captain Nezumi claims everything's fine," Tobi spoke up, surprising everyone with his sudden contribution. "But everyone knows he's taking bribes from Arlong."

"Careful with accusations like that," the captain warned, though he didn't contradict the navigator.

Leon's expression revealed nothing of his thoughts. "Interesting."

'The corruption truly runs deep, if these guys can know about the shit going on there, but nothing still having been done about it...'

'Well, I can use it for a fast promotion, and am freeing innocent people from oppression, satisfying my conscience. It's a win-win. After all, no way, am I gonna be some Chore boy.' Leon thought to himself.

After the meal, as most of the crew retired to their quarters, Leon remained on deck. He stood at the bow, looking out at the endless horizon spread before him.

The East Blue stretched vast and dark under the night sky, stars reflecting on the calm water.

He leaned against the railing. With one arm resting on the edge, chin in palm, he contemplated the journey ahead.

The sea breeze ruffled his blonde hair as he closed his eyes.

Everything has just truly begun.

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(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all liked the chapter.

So, the journey is finally beginning, hope you guys are excited.

Question though... Would you guys want Nami to join the crew?

Robin is someone Leon is planning on making join cause he needs her to uncover the void century and the whole thing with his grandfather, Joyboy and Nika, whether she agrees or not is still to be seen, but that is part of Leon's plan.

So yeah, would you guys want Nami to join or should she just remain as part of Luffy's crew?

Also, Leon looks like Gilgamesh in the cover, but more muscular and 2 meters tall and golden ringed eyes like anime Mihawk instead of red.

I'm interested in you guys' thoughts. I hope to see you all later,

Bye!)