As the Son of Mihawk in One Piece

(Author note: Hello everyone, I hope you all are enjoying the fic. Before anything, I just wish to say, currently, I have no woman I am sure I wish to pair Leon up with. Just wished to get that out there, so there aren't any misunderstandings.

Now, enjoy!)

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-One month later

The sea erupted in a fountain of splintered wood and screaming men.

Captain "Iron Jaw" Vargas clutched desperately at floating debris, his ruby eye gleaming with panic as his prized vessel - the Crimson Cleaver - disintegrated around him.

Just moments before, he had been addressing his crew about their imminent journey to the Grand Line, the culmination of years of bloodshed and terror throughout East Blue's southern waters.

Now his ship was simply... coming apart.

"What's happening?!" screamed his navigator Marla, her body bristling with the hooks embedded in her flesh, now thrashing wildly as she fought to stay afloat.

Vargas had no answer. The destruction had come without warning - no cannonfire, no approaching vessel, nothing but a distant glint on the horizon before his world exploded into chaos.

As seawater filled his lungs, Vargas caught sight of something through the mist - a Marine vessel approaching calmly.

At its bow stood a solitary figure, blonde hair catching the morning light, golden ringed eyes visible even at this distance. The Marine was sheathing his sword with deliberate slowness.

Understanding dawned in Vargas's fading consciousness.

A single sword swing. From hundreds of yards away.

"The Golden Blade," he gurgled as the sea claimed him.

Aboard the Marine vessel, Ensign Aurelius Leon crossed his arms, Marine coat billowing behind him like a cape as he watched the pirate crew disappear beneath the waves.

"Confirm all targets eliminated," he ordered, voice carrying the formality expected of a Marine officer. "Recover any survivors for questioning and transport to Loguetown."

"Yes, sir!" the Marine crew responded in unison, their voices carrying a mixture of awe and apprehension.

'Another day, another pirate crew,' Leon thought to himself, expression betraying nothing of his thoughts. 'Still nothing challenging enough to truly test Yubashiri's limits.'

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

Loguetown's harbor bustled in the afternoon as Leon's vessel docked. Merchants, sailors, and Marines all were busy with their jobs.

In the month since his promotion to Ensign, Leon had established himself as Captain Smoker's most effective officer - a fact that earned him respect from most and resentment from some.

Lieutenant Doro stood waiting at the dock, his thin face arranged in a careful mask of professionalism that didn't quite hide his discomfort.

"Welcome back, Ensign Aurelius," he said stiffly. "Your patrol was... successful, I presume?"

"The Cleaver Pirates have been eliminated," Leon confirmed, stepping onto the dock. "Their activities in the southern quadrant will no longer concern us."

'And you're still annoyed that Smoker has me overseeing your harbor security improvements,' Leon noted internally a bit amused, observing Doro's tightly controlled expression.

"Excellent news, sir. I've implemented the security adjustments you recommended. Patrol rotations have been optimized as per your specifications."

Leon nodded. "I'll review the changes tomorrow. Any incidents during my absence?"

"Nothing significant, sir. Routine smuggling attempt intercepted yesterday. Perpetrators awaiting processing."

Their conversation was interrupted by the approach of Tashigi, moving toward him despite nearly tripping over a coiled rope on the dock.

"Ensign Aurelius!" she called, adjusting her glasses as she regained her balance. "Welcome back. This arrived for you while you were on patrol." She extended an envelope, slightly wrinkled from travel.

'A letter? From who?' Leon thought confused. His family - especially Luffy - weren't the type to send letters.

Leon accepted it with a nod of thanks, noting the simple handwriting addressing it specifically to him rather than his position. No official Marine correspondence, then.

"Thank you, Master Chief Petty Officer."

As Tashigi and Doro discussed patrol details, Leon opened the letter, eyes moving across the handwritten page:

Ensign Aurelius,

I hope this letter finds you well. This is Nojiko from Cocoyashi Village. I apologize for contacting you directly, but I'm concerned about my sister.

Nami isn't recovering as we hoped. It's been a month since you freed us from Arlong, but she still wakes screaming most nights. She hasn't drawn a single map since that day. She smiles and pretends everything is fine, but I catch her staring at Arlong Park with such fear in her eyes.

I know this is asking too much. You have important duties as a Marine, and you've already done more for us than we could ever repay. But I believe because you defeated Arlong you can help her. We all feel safe when we speak of you.

Perhaps seeing you again might help her. She won't admit she needs help - she's too stubborn for that. But I'm worried she'll never truly heal while living in Arlong's shadow.

I understand if you can't come. This is far beyond your responsibilities. But you're my last hope.

With deepest gratitude, Nojiko

Leon folded the letter carefully, his expression unchanged despite the concern stirring within him. 'Trauma doesn't simply vanish when its cause is removed,' he reflected. 'Especially not after eight years of captivity.'

"Is everything alright, sir?" Tashigi asked, noticing his momentary distraction.

"Yes," Leon replied, decision already made. "I need to speak with Captain Smoker. Lieutenant Doro, have the prisoner transfer documentation prepared for my signature before departure."

"Another mission so soon?" Tashigi inquired, falling into step beside him as they walked toward headquarters.

"Personal matter," Leon said simply. "Unfinished business from Arlong Park."

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Smoker's office was, as always, filled with cigar smoke that hung in lazy clouds around the white-haired captain. He looked up from his paperwork as Leon entered, expression unchanged.

"Back already," Smoker observed, statement rather than question. "Report."

"Cleaver Pirates eliminated, sir. No Marine casualties. Five pirate survivors in custody, including their gunners known as 'The Twins.' Intelligence suggests they were planning to challenge Don Krieg before attempting the Grand Line."

Smoker nodded, apparently satisfied with the concise summary. "Your written report can wait until tomorrow. Something else on your mind, Ensign?"

Leon stood at perfect attention. "Request five days' leave to address a situation at Cocoyashi Village, sir."

Smoker's eyes narrowed slightly, smoke curling around his face. "The Arlong situation was resolved a month ago. Official reports filed and accepted by headquarters."

"This is personal, sir. Unfinished business regarding civilian welfare."

A moment of silence stretched between them as Smoker studied Leon's impassive face. Then, surprisingly, the corner of his mouth twitched in what might have been the ghost of a smile.

"The Marine who apologized," he muttered, almost to himself. "Fine. Five days, starting tomorrow. Complete the Cleaver Pirates processing paperwork before you leave."

"Thank you, sir."

As Leon turned to leave, Smoker added, "Aurelius."

Leon paused at the door.

"Sometimes justice needs follow-through. Make it count."

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Dawn painted the horizon in shades of gold and crimson as Leon's small vessel approached Cocoyashi Village. He stood at the bow, Yubashiri at his hip, the sea breeze ruffling his blonde hair.

The past month had been productive. Twelve pirate crews neutralized, three smuggling operations dismantled, and a reputation beginning to spread throughout East Blue. "The Golden Blade," they called him now - a name whispered with fear among pirates and with respect among Marines.

'Titles mean nothing when not backed up,' he thought, watching Cocoyashi grow larger on the horizon. 'Results are what matter most.'

As the vessel docked, Leon noted the physical changes in the village. New construction, repaired buildings, signs of normal life resuming.

Yet something felt subdued about the place, as though a shadow still lingered despite Arlong's absence.

His gaze drifted to the distant silhouette of Arlong Park, still standing on the island's edge like a monument to suffering. 'That should have been destroyed,' he realized immediately. 'No wonder she can't move forward... Luffy destroyed it, but I didn't...'

Villagers recognized him instantly as he disembarked, whispers and pointing fingers following his progress through the settlement. Some approached to express gratitude, others simply bowed respectfully as he passed.

Genzo intercepted him near the village center, the scarred man's pinwheel still spinning cheerfully on his hat despite his serious expression.

"Ensign Aurelius," he greeted, extending a weathered hand. "Didn't expect to see you back here."

Leon shook the offered hand. "Genzo. The village looks recovered."

"Physically, yes. The buildings are repaired, trade is resuming. But some wounds go deeper than property damage." Genzo's expression darkened. "Nojiko contacted you, didn't she?"

"She did. How is Nami?"

Genzo sighed, glancing toward the path leading to Bellemere's tangerine grove. "She says she's fine. Works the grove with Nojiko, helps around the village. Smiles when people talk to her."

He paused. "But she doesn't draw anymore. Doesn't talk about the sea or navigation. And that thing is still standing." He nodded toward the distant Arlong Park.

"Why hasn't anyone torn it down?" Leon asked.

"No one wants to go near it. Too many bad memories. And maybe... maybe part of us is still afraid he'll come back."

Leon slowly nodded once, understanding. "Where can I find Nami now?"

"At the grove with Nojiko. Follow the path past the eastern fields."

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The tangerine grove was vibrant with healthy trees, heavy with ripening fruit. Leon spotted Nojiko first, working among the trees with practiced movements.

When she noticed him approaching, surprise then profound relief washed over her features.

"You came," she said, wiping soil-covered hands on her apron as she hurried toward him. "I wasn't sure if you would."

"Your letter was compelling," Leon replied. "Where is she?"

"At the house. She's been helping me with the harvest all morning." Nojiko's voice lowered. "Thank you for coming. I didn't know who else to ask."

"You did the right thing," Leon assured her. "Tell me more about her condition."

They walked slowly between the rows of tangerine trees, Nojiko explaining in hushed tones.

"She seems fine on the surface. Works hard, talks to people. But she won't go near the ocean. Won't draw maps. Wakes up screaming some nights." Nojiko's voice caught. "Yesterday, she dropped a plate, and when it shattered, she just... froze. Stood there shaking for almost a minute."

"Has she talked about what happened?"

"Not really. Changes the subject whenever Arlong is mentioned. But her eyes always drift toward that building." Nojiko gestured toward the distant silhouette of Arlong Park. "It's like she's waiting for him to come back."

They rounded a bend in the path, the modest house coming into view. Nami sat on the porch steps, apparently lost in thought.

She looked up at their approach, and Leon noted the changes immediately - the shadows beneath her eyes, the tension in her posture despite her attempt at casualness.

When she recognized him, genuine warmth flashed across her face.

"Leon!" she called, standing quickly. "What are you doing here? Is everything okay?"

'Deflection already,' Leon observed. 'Asking about others to avoid questions about herself. Though she's treating me more warmly then last time when she was still processing.'

"Hello, Nami," he greeted, approaching the porch. "I was in the area and thought I'd check on Cocoyashi's recovery."

Nami's smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "As you can see, we're doing great. The village is almost completely rebuilt." She shot a quick glance at Nojiko. "Did my sister drag you away from important Marine business to check on us?"

"Nami," Nojiko began, exasperation evident.

"I wanted to see for myself," Leon interrupted smoothly. "Marine business includes ensuring civilian welfare after pirate incidents."

Nami's expression flickered briefly before her smile returned, more forced than before. "Well, civilian welfare is excellent. Would you like some tea? It's the least we can offer after you came all this way for nothing."

Inside the small house, Leon noted the conspicuous absence of maps or navigation tools - normally this shouldn't matter, but Nami is supposed to be one of the Straw Hats.

One of the people who their dreams are so strong they can walk together with Luffy - who's dream is becoming King of the Pirates.

Her dream has always been creating a map of the entire world. Nothing connected with being around is... concerning. Especially with how abandoning one's dream in this world, can have bad effects on your health.

Becoming uglier, or ill, or have a lesser life span, becoming older easier, and the like.

As they sat around the table with steaming cups, Nami kept the conversation firmly on neutral topics - the village reconstruction, the tangerine harvest, Leon's new position in Loguetown.

She asked detailed questions about his Marine duties, seemingly hungry for news of the outside world while simultaneously avoiding any mention of leaving the island herself.

"So you're hunting pirates all over East Blue now?" she asked, genuine interest breaking through her careful facade.

"When necessary," Leon confirmed. "Loguetown is the gateway to the Grand Line. Many pirates pass through before attempting Reverse Mountain."

"Have you..." Nami hesitated, fingers tightening around her cup. "Have you encountered any fishmen pirates?"

Leon noted how her body tensed as she asked it, preparing for an answer she dreaded.

"None in East Blue," he replied truthfully. "Arlong's crew was an anomaly here."

Relief visibly washed over her, though she tried to hide it by taking a sip of tea. "That's good. For the villages around here, I mean."

'Her trauma is truly strong... How did she recover so easily in canon? What did I do wrong, besides letting that damned building still stand?' Leon thought to himself, slightly angry at himself for this apparent failure in his eyes.

Leon decided to approach the heart of the matter directly. "I noticed Arlong Park is still standing."

The change was immediate. Nami's posture stiffened, her eyes fixed on the table, breathing pattern altered. Beside her, Nojiko shot Leon a concerned glance.

"No one wants to go near it," Nami said finally, voice carefully controlled. "There's no reason to, now that they're gone."

"It seems like a waste of a building," Leon commented neutrally, watching her reaction.

"It should be destroyed," Nami whispered, so quietly he almost missed it. Then, more forcefully: "But it doesn't matter. We don't need to talk about that place."

"Would you show me around the grove?" Leon asked, changing tactics. "I'd like to see what you and Nojiko have accomplished here."

The relief on Nami's face was palpable as they moved outside, away from the uncomfortable topic.

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The afternoon passed as they talked - carefully, not broaching the topics Nami avoided - as they walked through the tangerine grove.

Gradually, Nami relaxed in the familiar environment, her steps becoming less guarded as she explained the cultivation process.

When they spoke of Bellemere, genuine emotion colored her voice, brief moments of the real Nami shining through her protective shell.

They settled beneath a large tree overlooking the village, though Leon noticed how Nami positioned herself to avoid seeing the ocean or Arlong Park.

"Have you drawn any maps recently?" he asked during a lull in conversation.

The question landed like a physical blow. Nami's expression closed immediately. "I've been busy with the grove."

"You were creating a map of the world, I read the file." Leon said. "A dream like that doesn't simply disappear."

"Dreams change," Nami replied tersely. "Sometimes they have to."

Nojiko leaned forward. "Nami hasn't even sat at her desk since... since that day."

"I just haven't felt like drawing," Nami insisted, irritation bleeding into her voice. "Why does everyone keep pushing this? I'm fine!"

"No one who needs to say 'I'm fine' that strongly actually is," Leon observed quietly.

Something in his tone broke through her defenses. Nami looked up at him, tears suddenly forming in her eyes.

"What do you want me to say?" she asked, voice cracking. "That I'm still terrified? That every time I pick up a pen, I feel like he's standing behind me? That I keep expecting him to walk through the door and tell me it was all a trick, that I still belong to him?"

The words poured out after a month of containment, her carefully constructed facade crumbling.

"I can't even look at the ocean without wondering if he's out there somewhere. That building - his building - is still standing there, like he could come back any day. How am I supposed to move on when I'm still living in his shadow?"

Leon listened without interruption, giving her the space to finally voice her fears. When she fell silent, tears streaming down her face, he spoke softly.

"The mind doesn't heal as quickly as the body. What you're experiencing is normal after long captivity."

"How would you know?" Nami challenged, wiping angrily at her tears.

"Because I do. I'd be a failure of a Marine if I didn't understand how people are affected by the actions of monsters like Arlong," Leon replied. "And because freedom can feel strange when you've been caged for so long. The door is open, but you still feel the walls around you."

Nami stared at him, surprised by his insight. "Yes," she whispered. "That's exactly it. I know he's gone, but I don't feel free."

At her finally admitting it Leon turned silent.

'The question is... How can I help her with that? The only way I can see why she had no trouble in the original timeline is well, Luffy. Luffy was always with her, her savior, her best friend, I... can't do that. But what can I then do?' Leon thought to himself, biting the inside of his cheek, in a bit of frustration.

As the sun began to set, they walked back to the house in silence. Nami, exhausted by her emotional release, seemed lighter somehow, as though naming her fears had diminished their power.

Over a simple dinner, Leon asked careful questions about Arlong Park - about what she truly experienced, its layout, the map room's location, the throne room where Arlong had ruled.

Nami answered hesitantly at first, then with increasing detail as she realized Leon was listening with the desire to help rather than morbid curiosity.

With her internally, also wanting to just... be better. No longer feel this terror.

"What do you wish would happen to that place?" he asked finally.

"I wish it would disappear completely," Nami replied without hesitation. "Like it never existed."

Leon nodded, decision made. "Get some rest," he suggested as night deepened. "Tomorrow will be better."

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Deep night found Leon moving silently through the sleeping village. He paused at the local store, examining barrels stacked outside. Using his Marine authority, he "requisitioned" several oil barrels and powder kegs, leaving generous payment and a brief explanatory note.

Effortlessly lifting the heavy containers, he made his way back to the tangerine grove, finding Nojiko waiting on the porch as though she'd expected him.

"I thought you might do something like this," she said quietly. "Should I wake her?"

"Yes," Leon confirmed. "She needs to be part of this."

Minutes later, a confused Nami joined them, eyes widening at the sight of the barrels and kegs.

"What's going on?" she asked, pulling her robe tighter against the night chill.

"We're going to Arlong Park," Leon stated simply.

Fear flashed across Nami's face. "Why would we go there?"

"Because it's time to end this properly," he replied, hefting the heavy barrels. "Will you come?"

Nami hesitated, looking toward the distant silhouette barely visible in the moonlight. "I... I don't know if I can."

"You can," Leon assured her. "And you need to."

The journey through the darkened landscape was silent, Leon carrying the supplies while Nami grew increasingly tense with each step toward the hated building.

When they finally stood before Arlong Park's gates, she froze, unable to continue.

"I can't," she whispered, trembling. "I can't go in there."

Leon set down his burdens, moving to stand beside her. "You can," he said gently, placing a steadying hand on her shoulder. "I'll be right here."

With his support, Nami took her first step into the compound since the battle a month ago. Moonlight streamed through broken windows, illuminating dried bloodstains and debris.

Every shadow seemed to hold memories, every corner a potential threat.

"Show me the map room," Leon requested softly.

Nami led them through familiar corridors, movements becoming more hesitant as they approached the door.

She couldn't bring herself to touch the handle, so Leon opened it for her, revealing the space where she had suffered for years.

The room stood frozen in time - her desk positioned as it was, chair pushed back from her last escape, an unfinished map still pinned to the table. Nami gasped softly at the sight, memories flooding back painfully clear.

"He made me draw them here," she whispered, trembling fingers touching the desk surface. "He wouldn't let me rest, have me draw and draw till... till..." she closed her eyes as she remembered how her fingers bled from drawing too much.

Leon listened without interruption as Nami spoke, each word releasing a fraction of the poison that had been consuming her.

"What would help you feel free of this place?" he asked when she fell silent.

"If it didn't exist anymore," she answered, same as her earlier answer, without hesitation.

Leon nodded, "Show me the rest."

They toured the abandoned building - the throne room, sleeping quarters, weapons storage - each space triggering different memories for Nami. When they returned to the courtyard, Leon began opening the barrels.

"What are you doing?" Nami asked, understanding dawning in her eyes.

"Some wounds need more than time to heal," Leon replied, removing his Marine coat and handing it to Nojiko for safekeeping.

Without further explanation, he approached a support column, muscles tensing as he prepared.

He punched.

The column broke, stone cracking then shattering under his blow. The structure groaned as the column collapsed.

Nami gasped in surprise as Leon moved to the next support, destroying it with equal ease.

He began tearing through Arlong Park - breaking walls, ripping doors from hinges, shattering floors with his bare hands. 

"Is there anything specific you want destroyed?" he asked, pausing briefly.

Nami's voice was small but determined. "The map room... and his throne."

Leon nodded, disappearing back inside.

The sounds of massive destruction echoed through the night as he fulfilled her request.

Minutes later, he emerged carrying Arlong's massive stone throne, hefting it overhead before throwing it into the pool, causing the water to explode upward from how strongly he threw it.

When the building had been sufficiently weakened, Leon began distributing oil throughout the structure, positioning powder kegs at certain places.

He created trails leading from the building to where Nami and Nojiko stood at a safe distance.

As pre-dawn light began to color the horizon, Leon completed his preparations.

He returned to Nami's side, removing a small lighter from his pocket. The flame flickered in the early light as he extended it toward her.

"This is yours to finish," he said softly, moving behind her with his hands gently on her shoulders. "Free yourself, Nami."

Nami's hand trembled as she accepted the lighter.

Tears formed in her eyes as eight years of memories flashed through her mind - Bellemere's death, Arlong's cruelty, endless map-drawing, the village's suffering.

"Do it," Leon encouraged softly, his voice near her ear. "Burn it all away."

"Aaaaaahhhh!" With a cry that held all her pain and rage, Nami threw the lighter with all her strength.

The small flame arced through the air, striking the oil trail. Fire raced toward Arlong Park, spreading rapidly across the prepared paths.

The three watched as flames engulfed the building. When the fire reached the powder kegs, the first explosion shook the morning air. Leon instinctively pulled both women behind him, shielding them as more explosions followed.

Arlong Park burned fiercely, black smoke billowing into the dawn sky as the structure began to collapse.

Through the flames, Nami watched her prison disintegrate, tears streaming freely down her face. But unlike before, these were tears of relief, of burdens finally lifted.

She turned suddenly to Leon, burying her face against his chest.

"Thank you," she sobbed, words muffled but meaning clear. "Thank you."

Leon's arms encircled her protectively, shielding her from flying debris as Nojiko joined the embrace.

Behind them, villagers began to emerge from their homes, gathering to witness the destruction of the symbol that had oppressed them for so long.

As the sun rose fully, Arlong Park collapsed completely, leaving nothing but smoking rubble. On Nami's tear-streaked face, the first genuine smile in months began to form.

The chains were finally broken.

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

Do tell me how you found it.

I decided to do this, because what Luffy did, helped Nami far more than what Leon did before this. I just couldn't see Nami recovering as easily as she did in canon, because unlike in canon, the one who saved her wasn't constantly around her, causing her to feel safe, to truly recover.

Leon, can't stay, obviously, so, well, he did this. And luckily, it worked.

So yeah, hope you guys enjoyed, and I hope to see you all later,

Bye!)