As the Son of Mihawk in One Piece

Morning light streamed through stained glass windows in Mariejois in the sacred chamber where the Five Elders gathered.

The Gorosei sat in their traditional formation around an ancient table of polished wood, their attention fixed on the newspaper spread before them.

"These eyes leave no room for doubt," Saint Jaygarcia Saturn stated, as he studied the front-page image.

His finger traced the distinctive rings in Leon's eyes. "The bloodline manifests strongly in him."

Saint Marcus Mars paced behind the others, his tall frame casting a long shadow across the marble floor.

The military-styled Elder's beard quivered with barely contained emotion. "The Prince of the World cannot be permitted to remain among common Marines! It's an affront to the natural order."

"Perhaps," Saint Topman Warcury replied, his formal posture unwavering as he steepled his fingers beneath his thick white mustache. "But there are practical considerations we cannot ignore."

Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro stood silently by the window, katana at his side. Without turning, he spoke with calm certainty. "Retrieving him directly would trigger consequences we are not prepared to address."

"Elaborate," Saturn commanded.

Nusjuro turned, his stern face impassive. "Monkey D. Garp would tear apart Marine Headquarters to recover his 'grandson.' The Hero's rage would be... considerable."

"Indeed," Warcury agreed. "And his son, Dragon, would likely seize such chaos as an opportunity to recruit his father to the Revolutionary cause. The Marines would fracture."

Saint Shepherd Ju Peter continued. "And let us not forget Mihawk himself. The father would emerge from isolation with murder in his mind should we take his son."

Mars slammed his fist upon the table, causing the newspaper to flutter. "That man forfeited his right to the boy when he abandoned his divine purpose!"

"Nevertheless," Saturn countered, "his sword remains a factor we must consider."

The conversation shifted, tension filling the chamber as Mars's expression darkened further. "And then there's Shanks. The fallen God Knight." He practically spat the name.

"First Prince Dracula's Royal Guard," Warcury added with formal distaste. "Who betrayed his sacred duty."

"It was Shanks who corrupted the prince," Nusjuro stated, hand resting on his katana's hilt. "Who convinced Mihawk to defect after being corrupted by the D. Clan. Damn Roger. Shanks was simply supposed to be a trusted spy, yet he was convinced to change sides."

Peter's features arranged themselves into an expression of sorrowful contemplation. "How the mighty fall. From Dracula, 'Son of the Dragon,' to this... 'Dracule' Mihawk. Stripping his name of meaning, taking his title as identity."

"And now his son bears the common name 'Leon,'" Saturn observed. "Rather than his true name."

The atmosphere in the chamber grew heavier with each word, the weight of 'divine' authority pressing down as they debated the fate of a prince who they believed didn't know his own heritage.

Suddenly, the chamber darkened unnaturally. Shadows deepened despite the bright day outside, and the Elders immediately fell silent, each assuming a posture of reverence.

A voice that seemed to bypass their ears and resonate directly in their minds spoke a single word: "Enough."

The voice of Imu echoed, each syllable heavy.

"The boy is my blood, as is his father. Eventually, both will make the right choice."

The Elders remained perfectly still as Imu continued, "We have eternity, after all."

"Forcing the issue would only drive Lucifer further from his destiny," the presence continued. "Watch. Wait. Guide from afar, but do not interfere directly."

"Lucifer will find his way home, as all divine blood eventually does."

The presence receded gradually, shadows returning to normal as sunlight again filled the chamber. The Gorosei collectively exhaled, tension visibly easing from their elderly frames.

Peter broke the silence. "At least Lord Lucifer isn't a filthy pirate."

The others nodded in solemn agreement, finding this one small mercy in the situation.

"We can still ensure the prince receives recognition befitting his true nature," Warcury suggested. "Even if he remains ignorant of it."

Saturn's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Public perception can be... guided through controlled information."

"Indeed," Nusjuro agreed. "Let the world begin to see him as he truly is, even if he does not yet see himself."

The Elders rose as one, their decision made. They would wait, they would watch, and they would subtly shape the world's perception of the one they called Lucifer - the prince who didn't know his own name.

-------------------------

The Dawn Trader approached Loguetown harbor in the crisp morning light. Leon stood at the bow, golden eyes fixed on the distinctive execution platform where Gold Roger had died and the Great Pirate Era had begun.

Captain Jorgen joined him, weathered hands resting on the rail. "Quite a sight, isn't it? Where the Pirate King's life ended and a new age began."

"Both beginning and end," Leon agreed, his posture relaxed but alert.

Jorgen studied him. "You ready for this? The Marines are getting themselves quite a recruit."

"I believe so." Leon's gaze remained on the approaching town. "Though I expect Captain Smoker will have his own assessment to make."

Crew members called respectful greetings as they prepared for docking.

The harbor bustled with activity - merchants hawking wares, travelers disembarking, and a notable Marine presence patrolling with disciplined precision.

"Smoker's changed this town," Jorgen commented, following Leon's gaze toward the Marine patrols. "Used to be crawling with pirates. Now they think twice before showing their faces here."

As they docked, Leon gathered his few possessions - Marine uniform carefully folded, the ceremonial sword from Cocoyashi Village secured at his side, his waterproof bag containing his mother's photograph.

Jorgen offered a firm handshake as Leon prepared to disembark.

"Been an honor transporting you, Aurelius. Make us proud out there."

"Thank you, Captain. For everything."

The merchant photographer who had documented Arlong's defeat approached with excitement in his hurried steps. "You're famous now!" he declared, thrusting a newspaper toward Leon. "My pictures are in papers worldwide!"

Leon accepted the newspaper, surprise flickering across his features as he read the headline: "LIGHT BRINGER: Marine Angel Ends Arlong's Reign."

The article described him as "bringing light to darkness" and "delivering divine justice" to Arlong's victims. Being exceptionally kind to the people, helping them rebuild while he was there.

His bow to the villagers featured prominently, captioned as "The Marine Who Apologized for Justice Delayed."

"They're calling you an angel," the photographer said proudly. "The golden-eyed Marine who appeared from nowhere to save Cocoyashi when all hope seemed lost."

'An angel huh... Well, nice I guess. Better than the 'golden-eyed devil' thing...'

Leon folded the paper carefully, expression thoughtful. "Somewhat dramatic, but nice." He nodded to the photographer. "Thank you for documenting the truth."

The citizens of Loguetown watched curiously as Leon made his way through the harbor, some pointing and whispering as they recognized him from the newspaper.

He maintained a dignified bearing, neither acknowledging the attention nor appearing bothered by it, his path taking him toward the Marine headquarters at the town's center.

The Loguetown Marine base stood imposing and orderly - whitewashed walls gleaming in the sunlight, the Marine flag snapping crisply in the breeze.

Leon approached the main gate, presenting his recruitment papers to the guards with military formality.

Recognition dawned in their eyes immediately. The younger guard straightened so quickly he nearly dropped his weapon.

"Sir! We've been expecting you!" He snapped to attention. "I'll escort you to Captain Smoker's office immediately!"

As they walked through the base, Leon observed everything carefully.

Unlike Nezumi's corrupt outpost, this facility hummed with discipline.

Marines moved with purpose, equipment was meticulously maintained, and there was an atmosphere of professional pride that spoke well of its commander.

Marines stopped and stared as Leon passed, his blonde hair and golden eyes instantly recognizable from the newspaper images that had spread across the world.

"Captain Smoker runs a tight operation," the escort explained nervously. "Zero tolerance for pirates, corruption, or slacking. Best Marine captain in the East Blue, if you ask most folks."

They arrived at an office door marked with Smoker's name and rank. The escort knocked, receiving a gruff "Enter" before announcing Leon's arrival.

The office beyond was spartanly furnished - functional desk, basic chairs, and filing cabinets. The space was filled with cigar smoke, creating a hazy atmosphere.

Captain Smoker sat behind a desk covered with reports, his white hair and stern expression distinctive. Two cigars smoldered in his mouth as his eyes lifted to assess Leon.

Leon stood at perfect attention, presenting his papers. "Recruit Aurelius Leon reporting as ordered, sir."

Smoker took the documents but didn't immediately review them, instead studying Leon's face with unreadable eyes.

After a long moment, he glanced down at the papers before setting them aside and returning to whatever report he'd been reading before Leon's arrival.

He offered no acknowledgment, no invitation to sit, no indication that Leon should do anything but continue standing at attention.

Minutes passed in silence, the only sounds being Smoker's occasional grunt and the scratch of his pen as he made notes on various documents.

Leon maintained perfect posture, understanding that this was a test of his patience and discipline.

Internally, Leon recognized Smoker's tactics - testing whether Garp's grandson expected special treatment or immediate recognition.

He himself kind of appreciated it. 

More minutes passed, the silence stretching uncomfortably as Smoker deliberately ignored Leon. Throughout the ordeal, Leon's expression remained respectful and patient, his posture unwavering.

Finally, after nearly twenty minutes, Smoker looked up and gestured to a chair across from his desk.

"Sit."

Leon complied, maintaining his disciplined posture even while seated.

"So you're the recruit who took down Arlong," Smoker stated gruffly, smoke curling around his words. His tone was neither impressed nor dismissive - simply factual.

"Yes, sir."

"Walk me through it. Tactically."

Leon provided a precise, detailed account of the Arlong Park confrontation - his assessment of the situation, strategic decisions, and combat approach.

He neither embellished his accomplishment nor downplayed it, simply presenting the facts clearly.

Smoker listened intently, occasionally asking pointed questions that probed not just what Leon did, but why he did it - testing his judgment and values.

"And Nezumi?" Smoker asked, eyes narrowing slightly.

"Corrupt, sir. Taking bribes from Arlong to ignore the situation. I secured evidence from his office documenting the arrangement."

"You slapped a superior officer." Smoker stated bluntly, watching for Leon's reaction.

"Yes, sir. I did." Leon met his gaze steadily. "He was attempting to assert authority to protect his corrupt arrangement. Physical demonstration was the most efficient way to establish control of the situation without causing serious injury."

Smoker leaned back, cigars smoldering as he considered Leon's words. "Most recruits would make excuses."

"I don't believe excuses serve any useful purpose, sir."

The conversation shifted to Leon's training and background, Smoker noting his disciplined responses with subtle approval.

Throughout the exchange, Smoker's questions became increasingly challenging, presenting hypothetical scenarios involving corrupt superiors to test Leon's approach to the chain of command.

"If an Admiral ordered you to fire on civilians?" Smoker asked abruptly.

"I would request clarification of the order, sir. If confirmed, I would refuse."

"That's insubordination."

"Yes, sir. Some principles supersede the chain of command."

Smoker's expression remained unreadable, though the intensity of his gaze never wavered. He abruptly stood, moving to the window overlooking Loguetown.

With his back to Leon, he asked, "Why the Marines? Your brother chose the pirate path. Why not follow him?"

The question caught Leon slightly off-guard, revealing Smoker had researched his background thoroughly.

"Justice should serve people, not power," Leon replied after a moment's consideration. "Pirates operate outside the law. Marines, at their best, embody the law's purpose - protection of the innocent, accountability for the guilty."

"And at their worst?" Smoker challenged, turning back to face him.

"At their worst, they become what I saw in Nezumi - tools of corruption who betray everything the uniform represents. I chose this path to stand for what Marines should be, not what some have become."

Smoker studied Leon's face for any sign of deception or uncertainty. After a long moment, he returned to his desk and pulled out a fresh set of documents.

"The world is watching you now," he stated, referencing the newspaper headlines. "Lightbringer. Angel. Big words for a recruit who's never even been on patrol."

His tone carried a warning about living up to such expectations. As he filled out the documents, Smoker continued speaking about Loguetown's significance.

"This town is where the Pirate Age began. It's also where many pirates' journeys end." Smoker's pen moved across the papers. "Beginning and end in the same place. There's something fitting about that."

He looked up, his assessment of Leon apparently complete. "The Marine who apologized." Smoker's tone held a hint of irony. "That picture's caused quite a stir at headquarters."

"I meant what I said to those villagers," Leon replied. "They deserved better from us."

Smoker studied him for another moment before sliding the completed documents across the desk.

"Ensign Aurelius," he announced without ceremony. "That's your rank now."

Leon's expression showed controlled surprise as he accepted the papers.

"This promotion is based on merit demonstrated at Arlong Park," Smoker explained gruffly. "Don't make me regret jumping you ahead of the line."

He outlined the responsibilities that came with the officer rank, emphasizing that Leon's actions would now reflect on the Marines as an institution.

The higher rank meant greater scrutiny, greater responsibility, and greater consequences for failure.

"Thank you, sir. I'll uphold the rank with honor."

Smoker studied his reaction carefully, seemingly satisfied with Leon's balanced response. "The papers are calling you an angel," he noted with a hint of irony. "Public perception is a double-edged sword. Useful, but dangerous."

"I understand, sir."

Smoker rose, indicating the meeting was concluding. "Report back here tomorrow at 06:00. Today, get settled and familiarize yourself with the base."

He moved toward the door, gesturing for Leon to follow. As they exited the office, Smoker called down the hallway.

"Tashigi!"

The black-haired swordswoman appeared promptly, narrowly avoiding collision with a wall as she hurried around the corner. She stood at attention before her captain, adjusting her glasses.

"Yes, Captain Smoker!"

"This is Ensign Aurelius. Show him around headquarters, help him get settled." Smoker's tone remained gruff but carried implicit trust in his subordinate. "He'll begin official duties tomorrow."

With that, Smoker returned to his office, leaving the two officers in the hallway.

Tashigi blinked in surprise at Leon's rank - it being higher than hers, making Leon her superior and Smoker's second-in-command - before offering a respectful salute. "Master Chief Petty Officer Tashigi, sir. It's an honor to meet you."

Her genuine enthusiasm contrasted with Smoker's gruff manner. "What you did at Arlong Park was incredible. It's good to have someone who understands true justice."

"Thank you," Leon replied, returning her salute. "I look forward to working with Captain Smoker's team."

Tashigi smiled warmly, gesturing down the hallway. "Let me show you around the base. We're quite proud of our operation here."

She led Leon through the Marine headquarters, explaining each department's function with impressive detail.

Despite occasionally stumbling over her own feet, her knowledge of the base and its operations was comprehensive and thorough.

"Captain Smoker has transformed Loguetown since taking command," she explained as they walked. "Pirates used to run rampant here, but now they know better than to cause trouble."

Leon listened attentively, asking pertinent questions that demonstrated his strategic thinking.

He observed how other Marines reacted to Tashigi - with respect despite her occasional clumsiness. Clearly, her competence had earned her position as Smoker's right hand.

"These will be your quarters," she said, showing him to a modest but private room in the officers' section. "Significantly better than recruit accommodations."

"I appreciate the tour," Leon said as they continued. "Captain Smoker runs an impressive operation."

Tashigi nodded proudly. "He believes in real justice, not just following orders blindly. That's why..." she hesitated briefly, "That's why your actions at Arlong Park resonated with us here. Standing up against corruption within our own ranks takes real courage."

When they reached the armory, Tashigi enthusiastically showed him the weapons available to officers. Her eyes lit up particularly when discussing the swords section.

"As an officer, you're entitled to select your preferred weapons," she explained, running her fingers along a rack of standard-issue Marine swords.

As she handled one of the blades, Leon noticed a remarkable transformation. Her previous occasional awkwardness disappeared, replaced by fluid grace and obvious expertise. Her movements became precise, her grip perfect, her stance balanced.

"You're a swordswoman," he observed - though he of course knew from the anime - watching her unconsciously shift into proper form.

Tashigi blushed slightly, adjusting her glasses as she carefully returned the sword to its rack. "Yes. I'm working to master the blade in service of justice."

"I've trained with wooden swords since childhood," Leon mentioned casually. "It always felt natural to me."

Tashigi's interest immediately intensified. "Really? What style do you practice? Your form must be quite developed after years of training."

Their conversation became continued as they discussed what they both were interested in. Other Marines passing by exchanged knowing glances at Tashigi's animated gestures as she discussed sword techniques.

"I've developed decent skill with wooden training swords," Leon explained, "but I haven't yet found a proper blade. I've been waiting for the right sword - one that feels like an extension of myself."

Tashigi's eyes shone with understanding. "Every swordsman needs a blade that matches their spirit," she agreed fervently. "Actually, Loguetown has the best sword shop in the East Blue."

She straightened with sudden decision. "I can take you there after we finish the headquarters tour. The owner, Ipponmatsu, knows everything about blades. I'm sure we can find something worthy of your skill."

'Well, I was already planning to go there - but thanks,' Leon thought to himself.

Leon accepted with genuine appreciation. "I'd be grateful for your expertise."

As they continued the tour, his thoughts turned to the legendary blades that should be available in Loguetown.

He recalled that in this very town, Zoro would've eventually acquire two famous swords.

'Surely,' Leon thought to himself as they completed the tour, 'it won't be a problem if I claim one of those legendary blades for myself, right?'

---------------------

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

Do tell me how you found it.

So... yeah, Leon's true name in Imu's eyes is Lucifer. Mihawk's is Dracula Mihawk.

It's kind of my theory, cause 'Dracule' isn't a real word, and its clearly based on the words 'Dracula' and 'Dracul'

'Dracul' means 'Dragon', while Dracula means 'Son of the Dragon.'

Since Imu is supposed to be the ruler of the world, the King of the Celestial Dragons, I think he is THE Dragon, the emphasis on THE, not a dragon, but THE Dragon, it and Mihawk in the manga also having the same ringed red eyes, Imu has makes me believe he is Imu's son.

So yeah, do tell me how you found it, and I hope to see you all later,

Bye!)