As the Son of Mihawk in One Piece

When Dawn broke over Loguetown, painting the Marine base in hues of gold and crimson, Leon was already awake, having risen before the first light crept across the horizon.

In his modest officer's quarters, he moved through a series of stretches, his normal routine unchanged.

'First day as an Ensign,' he thought to himself as he completed his morning exercises. 'Time to establish my place here.'

The Marine base was largely silent at this hour, most personnel still asleep in their bunks. Leon's footsteps echoed softly through the empty corridors as he made his way toward the command center. He'd memorized the layout during yesterday's tour, navigating with confidence.

To his mild surprise, light spilled from beneath Captain Smoker's office door. Leon paused briefly before knocking.

"Enter," came the gruff response.

Inside, Smoker sat behind his desk, surrounded by reports and maps, two cigars already smoldering between his lips despite the early hour. The captain looked up, assessing Leon.

"Ensign," he acknowledged, neither surprised nor particularly impressed by Leon's early appearance. "Eager to start."

"Reporting for duty, sir," Leon replied simply, standing at attention.

Smoker gestured to a stack of folders on the edge of his desk. "Patrol schedules, incident reports from yesterday, and dossiers on suspected pirates who might attempt to enter the Grand Line soon." His eyes narrowed slightly. "I expect you to be familiar with all of it by noon briefing."

'Straight to business. I can appreciate that,' Leon thought.

Leon stepped forward, collecting the materials with a nod. "Yes, sir."

"The harbor patrol needs an officer to oversee the morning inspection rotation," Smoker continued, returning his attention to the report before him. "Start there. Lieutenant Doro was scheduled but came down with something. Convenient timing, as always."

'Suddenly ill when harbor duty comes up. Some things are universal, no matter the world,' Leon mused internally, slightly amused.

"Understood, sir."

As Leon turned to leave, Smoker added, "And Aurelius-"

Leon paused, looking back.

"The newspapers may call you an 'Angel' or 'Light Bringer' or whatever, but in my command, you're an Ensign until you prove yourself here. Clear?"

"Crystal, sir."

A ghost of approval flickered across Smoker's face before he waved Leon away, returning to his work.

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

The harbor buzzed with activity as Leon arrived, clipboard in hand and Marine coat settling around his frame. Ships from across East Blue crowded the docks, crews preparing for departure or unloading fresh cargo.

"Ensign Aurelius, sir!" A young Marine approached, saluting sharply. "Petty Officer Mako, leader of inspection team three. We weren't expecting you, sir."

"Lieutenant Doro is indisposed," Leon replied evenly. "I'll be overseeing harbor operations this morning. Status report?"

As Mako detailed the morning's activities, Leon scanned the harbor, noting security positions, blind spots, and the overall flow of traffic. 'At least four vulnerabilities in the patrol pattern. No wonder smuggling is an issue here.'

"Sir?" Mako looked at him expectantly.

"Continue with scheduled inspections," Leon directed. "But adjust team positioning as follows." He quickly sketched a modified patrol pattern on the clipboard. "This closes the gap between the east pier and warehouse district."

Mako studied the diagram, eyes widening slightly. "Yes, sir. Very observant, sir."

"Carry on," Leon instructed, turning his attention to a merchant vessel that had just docked.

'I gotta thank Gramps when I see him again. His training has been real useful...Nah' Leon thought for a moment, before he instantly dismissed the thought, remembering all those times Garp used the 'Fist of Love' on him.

The morning proceeded efficiently.

Leon moved between inspection teams, observing their work while maintaining an authoritative presence.

His height and appearance drew curious glances from sailors and merchants alike, many whispering about "the Marine Angel" when they thought he couldn't hear.

'Fame has its uses, I suppose,' Leon thought amused, as he watched a nervous captain become excessively cooperative upon recognizing him. 'Makes people either very honest or very careful.'

A commotion at the far end of the dock caught his attention. Two Marines were engaged in a heated discussion with a merchant captain whose vessel flew the flag of a small kingdom near the Calm Belt.

"Is there a problem here?" Leon asked as he approached, his voice cutting through the argument.

The Marines snapped to attention. "Sir! This captain is refusing inspection of his lower hold, claiming diplomatic immunity."

The merchant, a portly man with an elaborately waxed mustache, puffed up indignantly. "I carry specialty goods for the governor himself! My papers are in order, and I will not have common soldiers pawing through delicate merchandise!"

Leon examined the man's documentation. 'Everything looks legitimate, but his nervousness suggests otherwise. Still, creating a diplomatic incident over what's probably just tax evasion isn't worth it.'

"Your papers appear in order, Captain," Leon stated formally. "However, Marine regulations are quite clear regarding inspection protocols."

The merchant began another protest, but Leon raised a hand, silencing him.

"I propose a compromise," he continued. "My men will inspect only the main cargo areas, with you present to ensure nothing is damaged. Any sealed diplomatic containers will remain untouched, provided they match the manifest exactly."

'And if he's smuggling anything serious, this concession will make him overconfident.'

The captain hesitated, then nodded grudgingly. "Acceptable terms, Ensign."

As the inspection proceeded, Leon noticed the captain's relief when they bypassed a particular section of the hold. 'Interesting. Worth noting for the future.'

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

By mid-morning, Leon had overseen twelve vessel inspections, reorganized the patrol schedule to eliminate blind spots, and compiled detailed notes on potential security improvements.

The Marines under his command had shifted from uncertainty to respect as they observed his approach.

The administrative office of the Marine base was very busy when Leon returned to file his reports. He claimed a corner desk, spreading out the necessary paperwork.

'The eternal enemy of every organization: paperwork,' he thought wryly as he began transferring his observations into the required format. 'At least Smoker seems to prefer substance over formality. Small mercies, am I right?'

He worked quickly, distilling complex observations into clear, actionable intelligence. Around him, other Marines struggled with similar tasks, some casting curious glances his way.

A young administrative clerk approached his desk, nervously clutching additional forms. "Excuse me, Ensign Aurelius? These need to be completed for the harbor patrol as well."

Leon accepted the stack with a polite nod. "Thank you."

"It's an honor to meet you, sir," the clerk blurted out. "What you did at Arlong Park was incredible."

'And here we go again,' Leon thought.

"I was simply performing my duty," he replied evenly. "Is there anything else?"

"No, sir! Sorry, sir!" The clerk retreated hastily.

Leon returned to his work, mentally organizing his observations about Loguetown's security. 'The harbor patrol is undermanned for the volume of traffic. The east side has minimal coverage. And the connection between the harbor and Arms Avenue could easily allow contraband movement...'

He completed his reports with time to spare before the noon briefing, each document precise and comprehensive without unnecessary elaboration.

'People may not think it, but Gramps is a good Marine, and is able to do things by the book... Doesn't like to do it though, but at least he taught me how to, since I don't have his status and all that.'

As he organized the papers, his thoughts turned to the sword shop Tashigi had mentioned with a bit of internal excitement. 'A proper blade would make all the difference. All my other swords broke, steel and wood - doesn't really matter. Non of them fit my sword style.'

The officers' briefing room filled gradually as noon approached. Leon took a position near the back wall, observing the interactions between Loguetown's Marine leadership.

Tashigi entered, adjusting her glasses as she navigated between chairs, narrowly avoiding a collision with the door frame.

'Graceful with a sword, clumsy without one,' Leon noted with internal amusement. 'It never ceases to amuse me - despite me having experienced only for a single day, yesterday. It's kind of cute honestly.'

Captain Smoker arrived last, cigar smoke announcing his presence before he appeared. The room immediately quieted as he took his position at the head of the table.

"Reports," he demanded without preamble.

Each officer delivered their updates in turn, some with excessive detail that made Leon mentally wince. 'Get to the point already. I don't have all day, and I doubt Smoker has it either.'

When his turn came, Leon stepped forward, delivering a concise summary of harbor activities, security adjustments, and notable vessels.

He concluded with three specific recommendations for improving patrol efficiency without requiring additional manpower.

Smoker listened without interruption, his expression unreadable through the cigar smoke. When Leon finished, the captain simply nodded.

"Implement those changes starting tomorrow," he instructed. "Lieutenant Doro, when you've recovered from your... illness, report to Ensign Aurelius to learn the new protocol."

A thin-faced officer across the table reddened slightly in embarressment, and suppressed annoyance and anger. "Yes, Captain."

'Not happy about taking instructions from the new officer,' Leon observed. 'That could be problematic later.'

As the meeting continued, Leon noticed Tashigi watching him. When the briefing concluded, she approached, sword at her hip shifting slightly as she walked.

"Your harbor security adjustments were impressive," she said. "Most new officers wouldn't notice those vulnerabilities so quickly."

"Thank you," Leon replied. "It's simply a matter of viewing the space strategically."

Smoker's voice interrupted their conversation. "Tashigi, Aurelius. Town patrol this afternoon. East district through the market. I want visible presence after yesterday's incident at the tavern."

"Yes, sir," they responded in unison.

As they left the briefing room, Tashigi smiled up at Leon. "This works perfectly. After patrol, we can visit the sword shop I mentioned. It's right along our route."

"I look forward to it," Leon replied, his formal tone masking genuine interest.

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

The afternoon sun beat down on Loguetown's bustling streets as Leon and Tashigi conducted their patrol.

They moved well, their Marine uniforms and Leon's imposing height drawing respectful nods from law-abiding citizens and hidden wary glances from more some others, who may or may not be dubious people.

'Captain Smokey has got some Impressive results,' Leon acknowledged internally, knowing how little pirate activity there is, especially after reading through the info compared to before Smoker got here.

'Though the real test will come when Luffy arrives.' he thought with an internal smirk.

Their patrol route took them through increasingly crowded markets and shopping districts. Leon maintained a vigilant watch, noting potential trouble spots.

Occasionally, Tashigi would stumble over an uneven cobblestone or nearly collide with a vendor's cart, only to recover with embarrassement, but still determinded.

As they passed a rowdy tavern, a group of sailors spilled onto the street, their loud voices carrying threats and curses. Before Leon could intervene, Tashigi stepped forward, hand on her sword hilt.

"That's enough," she stated firmly. "Take your disagreement elsewhere or resolve it peacefully."

The sailors, noting her Marine uniform and expression, grumbled but dispersed. As they walked away, one muttered something under his breath that made his companions laugh.

Leon stepped forward, suddenly looming over the disrespectful sailor. He said nothing, simply fixed the man with his golden gaze until the laughter died and discomfort took its place.

"Apologies, sir," the sailor mumbled, backing away. "No disrespect intended."

As they continued their patrol, Tashigi glanced at Leon a bit surprised and appreciative. "That was... effective."

"Indeed," Leon agreed.

'As Mike Tyson said, 'Everyone has a plan, till they get punched in the mouth.' People love to talk shit until they are before the person they are doing it to, or understand the possible consequences.'

'Now, I'm no knight in shining armour, nor a real feminist - men and women have their differences after all - but I do dislike it when wastes think they can talk bad about those who are far above them.'

Their patrol continued without anything particular, the afternoon waning as they completed their assigned route.

As they approached the final checkpoint, Tashigi's pace quickened slightly.

"We've finished the official patrol," she noted, checking her watch. "And we have time before we need to report back." Her eyes brightened, a bit excited. "The sword shop is just down this street. Shall we?"

Leon nodded, allowing a hint of interest to show. "Lead the way."

Arms Avenue was narrower than the main thoroughfares, lined with specialized weapons shops and armor crafters. Tashigi navigated the street, clearly familiar with its offerings.

"Here we are," she announced, stopping before a modest storefront. "The best sword shop in East Blue."

The bell above the door jingled as they entered. The interior was dimly lit, walls lined with swords of varying quality and design. Behind the counter, an older man with a balding head looked up from his ledger.

His initially dismissive expression transformed rapidly as he recognized the Marine uniforms, and then changed again as he truly saw Leon.

"The Marine Angel!" he exclaimed, hurrying around the counter. "The hero of Cocoyashi! What an honor to have such a distinguished visitor in my humble establishment!"

'And the newspaper coverage continues to pay dividends,' Leon thought with internal amusement.

"Good afternoon," Leon replied formally. "I'm looking for a worthy blade."

"Ipponmatsu is the finest sword merchant in East Blue," Tashigi explained enthusiastically. "If anyone can match you with the perfect blade, he can."

The shopkeeper puffed up with pride. "Indeed! I've been studying swords for forty years. Tell me, what style do you practice? What qualities do you seek in a blade?"

"I require something that can channel significant force," Leon stated. "Durable, with excellent balance."

As Ipponmatsu began showing various options, Leon's attention was suddenly drawn to a blade displayed on a stand against the far wall. Even from across the room, he could sense it - a palpable malevolence radiating from the weapon.

'That aura...' Leon thought, his eyes narrowing. 'A cursed blade. And given the shop... This must be Sandai Kitetsu - the sword Zoro will eventually claim.'

He moved toward it, drawn by the blade's dark presence. Ipponmatsu noticed his interest and rushed forward, alarm crossing his features.

"Ah, sir, perhaps not that one! There are much finer blades here-"

Leon reached for the sword, his hand hovering above the hilt. "This blade has an unusual aura."

"Please, sir!" Ipponmatsu's voice rose with genuine concern. "That sword is cursed! It has killed all its previous owners!"

Tashigi gasped, stepping back instinctively. "A cursed blade? Here?"

'I wonder if it will suit me,' Leon mused, feeling the sword's bloodlust pulsing. 'Or is it truly meant for Zoro?'

Leon's eyes narrowed as his fingers closed around Kitetsu's hilt. The moment contact was made, the cursed blade's aura surged against his touch like a cornered predator.

"Ensign Aurelius!" Tashigi called out in alarm. "Cursed blades are extremely dangerous!"

Leon ignored the warning, his lips curving into a savage smile.

"Let's see how strong your curse really is," he said, his voice dropping to a register in a way that made Ipponmatsu step back instinctively.

The air in the shop thickened as Leon channeled his Armament Haki into the blade, not gently or cautiously, but with overwhelming force.

Black lightning erupted around his hand and the sword, crackling violently as it struck the floor, walls, and ceiling with audible hisses that left scorch marks wherever they touched.

A high-pitched sound filled his mind - the sword's soul screeching. The blade trembled in his grip, its curse fighting desperately against his will.

"A mere sword defying a human?" Leon questioned, raising an eyebrow. "Know your place," Leon commanded the blade, his golden eyes narrowing coldly.

Small objects around the shop didn't merely rattle - they launched into the air as if gravity itself was being distorted.

Cups shattered, papers swirled in a vortex, and smaller knives tore free from their displays, embedding themselves in the walls.

"Impossible..." Ipponmatsu whispered, pressing himself against the far wall. 

Leon's smile widened as the blade's resistance began to crumble. The black lightning intensified, now forming a continuous crackling aura that outlined his massive frame in darkness.

The sword's screech in his mind transformed from defiance to something approaching terror.

"Submit," Leon commanded, not as a request but as an absolute order that brooked no defiance.

For a moment, the blade's aura collapsed entirely - completely dominated by Leon's overwhelming will.

Victory surged through him as he felt the sword bend to his command, its curse temporarily leashed by his power.

Then he felt it - beneath the submission, a wounded pride, a spirit retreating but fundamentally unbroken.

Like a lion backing away from a stronger predator, not out of acceptance but strategic withdrawal, waiting for the moment to strike again.

Leon's smile faded slightly. He could force this blade to serve him, could chain its will to his own through sheer domination, but it would never truly harmonize with his spirit, It would wait, endure, and eventually seek to kill him.

He could stop it, force it to submit even further, but... 'It may even destroy itself out of sheer wounded pride.' Leon thought a bit annoyed.

"Interesting," he murmured, the black lightning gradually dissipating as he stopped channeling his Haki "You have spirit, Kitetsu."

With deliberate care, he returned the sword to its stand, the last crackling sparks fading as contact was broken. The shop gradually settled, objects falling back to their places.

Ipponmatsu stared at him in absolute shock. "In forty years, I've never seen anyone bend Kitetsu to their will, even temporarily. Who are you, really?"

"Just a Marine seeking a suitable blade," Leon replied evenly, though his eyes still held a cold look as he gazed down upon the Kitetsu. "This one knows its place now, but it isn't meant for me."

Tashigi approached cautiously, adjusting her glasses as she studied both Leon and the sword with curiosity. "That was... I've never seen anything like that before."

Ipponmatsu seemed to make a decision, nodding to himself. "For a swordsman of your caliber, I have something special." He disappeared into the back room, returning moments later with a long bundle wrapped in cloth.

With reverent hands, he unwrapped the package, revealing a sleek katana in a midnight-blue sheath. "This is Yubashiri, a Ryo Wazamono grade blade known for its lightness and peerless cutting ability."

Leon's eyes narrowed with interest as he studied the weapon. 

"May I?" he asked, extending his hand.

Ipponmatsu nodded, offering the sword with both hands. "It is a gentle blade, unlike Kitetsu. But in the right hands, its cutting power is extraordinary."

Leon drew the sword with deliberate slowness, feeling its perfect balance immediately. The blade caught the shop's light, gleaming with flawless craftsmanship. He moved through a simple form, testing its responsiveness.

'Responsive, lightweight, excellent edge retention,' he assessed. 'It will channel force effectively.'

"The price?" he inquired.

"For you, Ensign, after what you did for Cocoyashi Village..." Ipponmatsu began.

"The full price," Leon interrupted firmly. "No discounts."

The shopkeeper seemed surprised but pleased by this insistence on proper payment. "One million berries. Though it's worth far more to a true swordsman."

Leon produced the payment without hesitation, the transaction completed with mutual respect - he still had a lot from both Arlong's bounty, and the things he himself found in Gray Terminal and sold as a child.

As Tashigi examined the blade, Leon secured it at his hip, feeling its comfortable weight.

They prepared to leave, at the door, Leon paused, turning back to Ipponmatsu.

"About Kitetsu," he said casually. "Don't worry about it being cursed. I have a feeling the one it's waiting for will appear soon enough."

Ipponmatsu's expression shifted to confusion. "What do you mean?"

Leon merely offered a slight smile before following Tashigi outside, leaving the shopkeeper staring after them with bewilderment.

"What was that about?" Tashigi asked as they walked away from the shop.

"Just an observation," Leon replied. 'Some things are meant to happen a certain way. Dreams have power after all. And Zoro's dream is no doubt powerful, wanting to defeat my father after all isn't by any means something to scoff at.'

The sun had begun its descent toward the horizon, casting long shadows across Loguetown's streets. Tashigi glanced at Leon's new acquisition with professional appreciation.

"We should test it before returning to base," she suggested. "There's a secluded stretch of shore to the east where Marines sometimes practice. It would be perfect."

Leon nodded, genuine anticipation beginning to stir inside him. "Lead the way."

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

The eastern shore stretched empty before them, waves lapping gently against the sand as the setting sun painted the water in shades of gold and crimson.

No ships were visible on the horizon, no civilians wandered nearby - just open space and the endless sea.

"This is perfect," Leon observed, removing his Marine jacket and folding it carefully on a nearby rock.

Tashigi stepped back, giving him space while watching with interest. "Yubashiri is known for its cutting ability. It should feel almost weightless during a strike."

Leon positioned himself facing the ocean, feet planted firmly on the sand. He closed his eyes briefly, centering himself, feeling the sword as he gripped the hilt.

'Time to see what this blade can really do.'

Tashigi stood back, expecting a simple demonstration - perhaps a clean cut through air, impressive form, nothing more.

Leon unsheathed Yubashiri. The blade caught the sunset's light, hungry for its first taste of battle. He tested its weight once, then swung.

A casual flick of his wrist. Nothing more.

The air cracked.

A sound like the going off of a cannon erupted as a invisible pressure erupted from the blade's path.

Then came the sea's scream - water violently thrown aside as it parted.

The ocean having akin to been ripped open.

Two massive walls of water rose thirty feet high, stretching toward the horizon like parallel mountain ranges.

The dividing line between them - perfect, absolute - extended farther than the eye could follow.

The earth shook. Sand shifted beneath their feet. Birds exploded from nearby trees in panicked clouds.

The sound was powerful - a deep rumble that vibrated through bone and flesh, akin to the Sea being shocked.

Tashigi collapsed to her knees. Her glasses slid down, forgotten. Her mouth opened but found no words.

"H-how..." she finally managed, her voice swallowed by the roaring waters. "That's not possible..."

The sea continued to boil and churn, as Leon examined Yubashiri with appreciation, testing its weight again as though confirming its capabilities.

'Excellent response. Channels force perfectly with minimal resistance.'

He turned to face Tashigi, still kneeling on the shore, her expression frozen in awe. For the first time since she'd met him, Leon's professional mask slipped completely.

A wild, exhilarated smile spread across his face - predatory, excited, alive. 

"I like it," he stated simply, "I like it very much."

The last rays of sunset illuminated his golden eyes and blonde hair.

Tashigi remained on her knees, speechless, not knowing what to say.

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

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

So, Leon got the Yubashiri, hope you all liked that.

Zoro's destiny is still bound to the Kitetsu - it is the whole Dream shaping the world thing established in the fic. Yubashiri broke in canon in Ennies Lobby, it isn't as connected to Zoro's fate, so Leon could get it without the sword resisting him.

Well, I hope to see you all later,

Bye!)