As the Son of Mihawk in One Piece

Dawn painted Cocoyashi Village in hues of gold and amber, illuminating the smoldering ruins of Arlong Park.

Where once a monument to tyranny had stood, now only blackened rubble remained, smoke still rising in thin tendrils against the morning sky.

Villagers gathered slowly, drawn to the destruction like moths to flame. They stood in silence, faces reflecting a mixture of disbelief and cautious hope.

Genzo stood at the front, his scarred face solemn as he surveyed what remained of their prison.

After a long moment, he bent down, picked up a stone, and hurled it at the ruins. The clatter echoed in the silence.

"Near on a decade," he said, voice carrying across the gathered crowd. "Near on a decade under his boot. And now-" He gestured to the destruction. "Now it's truly over."

Another villager stepped forward, throwing her own stone. Then another. Soon, a hail of rocks pelted the ruins, each impact a rejection of fear, a reclamation of dignity.

Genzo turned to the villagers, the pinwheel on his hat spinning in the morning breeze. "Tonight, we celebrate! Not just Arlong's defeat, but the end of his shadow over our lives!"

A cheer rose from the crowd, tension breaking as the realization truly sank in: they were free.

Completely free.

From a distance, Nami watched, arms crossed over her chest. For the first time in years, her expression held genuine peace, the weight of Arlong's ownership finally lifted from her shoulders.

Leon stood several paces behind her, his tall frame casting a long shadow in the morning light. His golden eyes gazed at the change spreading through the villagers - backs straightening, smiles emerging, voices rising with newfound confidence.

"You did this," Nojiko said, approaching him. "Not just defeating Arlong, but this-" She gestured toward the ruins. "Giving her- us closure."

Leon shook his head slightly. "She did it herself. You all did it yourselves. I just provided the opportunity."

After a long moment of silence, "How long will you stay?" Nojiko asked, studying him carefully.

"My leave is only five days," Leon replied. "I'll need to return to Loguetown soon."

Nojiko nodded, a bit disappointed, but expecting it. Her gaze though shifted between Leon and her sister, satisfied that at least Nami was now able to move on.

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By midday, the village had transformed.

Tables appeared in the central square, decorations fashioned from whatever materials were available. The atmosphere hummed with anticipation as villagers prepared for the evening's celebration.

Leon moved among them, helping where his strength was needed - lifting heavy tables into position, carrying barrels of drink, arranging benches.

Children followed in his wake, whispering and pointing at the "Hero" who had destroyed Arlong Park with his bare hands.

One small boy, braver than the others, approached as Leon set down a heavy bench.

"Mister Marine," the child said, voice barely above a whisper. "Can I... can I see your sword?"

Leon turned, regarding the boy. After a moment, he knelt down, bringing himself closer to the child's level.

"What's your name?" he asked.

"Taichi," the boy replied, eyes wide.

Leon carefully drew Yubashiri partway from its sheath, allowing the blade to catch the sunlight. "This is Yubashiri," he explained, keeping a firm grip on the weapon. "A sword isn't a toy, Taichi. It's a responsibility."

The boy nodded solemnly, reaching out one tentative finger to touch the flat of the blade.

"It's so shiny," he breathed.

"A well-maintained blade reflects its owner's discipline," Leon said, resheathing Yubashiri smoothly. "Remember that."

From several yards away, Nami observed the interaction, a smile playing at her lips. She approached as the children dispersed, their curiosity momentarily satisfied.

"Who would have thought the fearsome 'Golden Blade' would be so good with kids?" she teased, hands on her hips.

Leon stood, brushing dust from his knees. "Children deserve respect, not condescension."

"Still," Nami replied, "it's surprising to see you so... gentle."

Something flickered in Leon's eyes - amusement, perhaps. "There's more to strength than destruction."

Their eyes met briefly before Nami looked away, tucking a strand of orange hair behind her ear. "Well, you should get ready. Tonight's celebration will make the last one look like a quiet dinner."

As she walked away, Nojiko passed her, the sisters exchanging words too quiet for Leon to hear. Nojiko glanced back at him, a knowing smile forming on her lips.

Causing Leon himself to tilt his head a bit in confusion.

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Evening descended on Cocoyashi Village, bringing with it the glow of bonfires and the sounds of celebration.

Villagers who had lived in fear for eight years now danced freely, their laughter rising into the night sky.

Musicians played with abandon, food and drink flowed freely, and the atmosphere crackled with joy.

Leon sat somewhat apart from the main celebration, a single cup in his hand that he'd barely touched. His Marine coat was folded neatly beside him, Yubashiri resting across his lap as he observed the festivities.

Genzo settled heavily onto the bench beside him, offering a fresh drink that Leon politely declined.

"Different from last time, isn't it?" the scarred man remarked, gesturing toward the celebration.

Leon nodded. "More genuine."

"Last time, they celebrated Arlong's defeat," Genzo explained, taking a deep drink. "But that building still stood, watching over us like his ghost might return any moment." He nodded toward the distant ruins. "Now they truly believe it's over."

They sat in silence for a moment, watching the villagers dance around the bonfires.

"The village will need better security moving forward," Leon observed. "Pirates are drawn to prospering communities."

Genzo nodded. "I've been thinking about organizing a proper watch rotation. Perhaps-"

"There you are!" Nami's voice cut through their conversation as she appeared before them, cheeks flushed from either dancing or the cup in her hand - possibly both. "Sitting here being all serious while everyone's celebrating?"

Leon took in her appearance with a glance - hair slightly disheveled, eyes bright, movements less precise than usual. She'd clearly been enjoying the celebration fully.

"Someone should remain vigilant," he replied.

Nami rolled her eyes dramatically. "Always the Marine." Without warning, she grabbed his hand, tugging him to his feet. "Come on. You need to dance."

"I don't dance," Leon stated flatly, though he allowed himself to be pulled upright.

"Tonight you do," Nami insisted, pulling him toward the circle of dancers around the largest bonfire.

Genzo chuckled as he watched them go. "Youth," he muttered into his cup.

The music swelled as Nami dragged Leon into the circle of dancers. Villagers moved around them, bodies swaying to the rhythm of drums and strings.

Leon stood stiffly, clearly uncomfortable as Nami positioned herself before him.

"Relax," she instructed, placing her hands on his arms. "Just move with the music."

"This isn't necessary," Leon protested, though he made no move to leave.

"It absolutely is," Nami countered, beginning to move to the beat. "You can't defeat a tyrant and destroy his fortress without joining the celebration after."

Reluctantly, Leon began to move, his movements precise but mechanical. Nami laughed, the sound bright against the night.

"You're thinking too much," she told him, stepping closer. "Feel the music, don't analyze it."

'Well, excuse me, but I've never been a party person. Never even went to one in my past life...' Leon thought to himself dryly.

As the night progressed, Leon's movements became a bit less stiff, though he remained clearly outside his comfort zone.

Nami, by contrast, danced with increasing abandon, her body moving closer to his as the music intensified.

At one point, she placed her hands on his shoulders, looking up at him with a playful expression.

The celebration continued through the night and into the next day. Villagers who had spent years living in fear now made up for lost time, sharing stories, singing songs long forbidden, children playing games that had been deemed too noisy under Arlong's rule.

Leon moved through the ongoing festivities like a quiet sentinel, participating minimally but observing everything.

Throughout the day, Nami found reasons to be near him - bringing him food, sitting beside him during communal meals, drawing him into conversations with villagers eager to thank their savior.

By the second evening, the wild energy of the celebration had mellowed into something more peaceful.

Smaller groups gathered around fires scattered throughout the village, some still singing softly, others simply talking, many simply enjoying the freedom to exist without fear.

Leon found a quiet spot beneath a large tree at the edge of the village square, settling with his back against the trunk.

The nearest fire was small, just enough to provide light and warmth in the cooling evening air. He reached into his pocket, removing a finely crafted knife with a golden handle.

Carved into the handle with painstaking precision were four letters: ASLL.

As he began to work on a piece of wood, Nami approached, a cup still in her hand though her steps were steadier than the previous night.

"Mind if I join you?" she asked, not waiting for an answer before settling on the ground beside him.

Leon nodded once, continuing his work. The knife moved with delicatly in his large hands, each cut precise and controlled.

"That's a beautiful knife," Nami observed, leaning closer to examine it.

"Thank you," Leon replied, turning it slightly so she could see the engraved letters.

"ASLL?" she questioned.

"A gift from my older brother," Leon explained, not elaborating further.

Nami accepted the partial answer, watching as his hands continued to shape the wood. Gradually, the form of a bird began to emerge - powerful wings, proud head, fierce eyes.

Without asking permission, she leaned against his shoulder, using it as a pillow as she watched him work. Leon tensed momentarily at the contact but didn't pull away, continuing his carving.

The fire crackled softly before them, casting dancing shadows across their faces. Neither spoke for several minutes, the silence comfortable.

"What are you making?" Nami finally asked, her voice softer than usual.

"A hawk," Leon replied, working on the details of the wings.

"Why a hawk?"

Leon's hands paused briefly. "I like them," he said simply, resuming his work.

Internally, his thoughts turned to Mihawk - the father who had protected him as an infant, who had entrusted him to Garp rather than risk his capture.

Despite never knowing him properly, Leon felt a deep gratitude toward the man, certain that even now, Mihawk was protecting him in his own way.

As Leon carved the hawk's eyes, giving them a fierce quality, Nami broke the comfortable silence.

"Why did you help us?" she asked suddenly.

Leon glanced at her, brow furrowing slightly. "What do you mean?"

"All this," Nami gestured vaguely toward the village. "Destroying Arlong Park. Coming back here when Nojiko wrote to you. You had no obligation as a Marine. You're not getting paid for it."

She looked up at him, her expression serious despite the alcohol. "So why waste valuable time that could be spent chasing whatever dream you have?"

Leon looked thoughtfully into the fire, the completed hawk carving resting in his palm. The flames reflected in its wooden eyes, giving them an almost lifelike quality.

"What makes you think helping you wasn't part of my dream?" he asked quietly. "My ambitions?"

Nami raised an eyebrow, head still resting against his shoulder. "What is your dream, then?"

Leon remained silent, his golden eyes fixed on the dancing flames.

"Leon?" Nami prompted, lifting her head to look at him directly. "Why aren't you answering?"

A small, mischievous smile crossed Leon's face. He raised one finger to his lips and winked at her. "It's a secret."

"That's not fair!" Nami protested, her expression shifting to a pout. She lightly hit his chest with her fist. "You know my dream. I'm going to map the entire world."

Leon internally noted that she was deliberately holding back her strength, though it wouldn't have hurt him even if she hadn't. The gesture itself was what mattered though.

After a bit of silence, "I like helping people," Leon said suddenly, his voice soft but clear. "Seeing good people happy, living their lives without worry. Watching children dream of great futures."

He paused, his expression thoughtful. "Seeing people be kind to each other, at peace... it brings me peace too. It's just who I am."

As he spoke, the firelight illuminated his features, golden hair catching the light like a halo, his unusual ringed eyes reflecting the flames.

To Nami's slightly intoxicated perception, he appeared almost otherworldly.

"You really are an angel," she murmured, the words barely audible.

Leon turned, making a questioning sound. "Hmm?"

Nami straightened suddenly, her expression shifting to one of determination. "Carve something for me," she demanded.

"What?" Leon asked, surprised by the sudden change in topic.

A mischievous smile spread across Nami's face. "Carve yourself as an angel. With wings and everything."

Leon's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Why would I do that? It would be pretentious."

"I want you to," Nami insisted, her smile widening. "Make it like those paintings."

Leon's eyes widened dramatically. "Hell no!" he suddenly exclaimed, "I would never - I am not carving a naked version of myself with angel wings for you!"

Nami burst into laughter at his reaction. "That's not what I meant! I was talking about classical art!"

"Still no," Leon replied firmly, though his expression had softened slightly at her laughter.

"Come on," Nami wheedled, leaning closer. "It's for art purposes."

"Find another subject for your 'art purposes,'" Leon countered, the corner of his mouth twitching despite his attempt to maintain a serious expression.

Their argument continued, growing increasingly comedic as Nami pressed her case and Leon found new reasons to refuse.

Their laughter joined the sounds of the village celebration, the hawk carving momentarily forgotten beside them, its wooden eyes reflecting the firelight as it watched over them both.

The following morning found Leon standing at the village dock, preparing for his return to Loguetown. Villagers gathered to bid him farewell, many bringing small gifts of food or handicrafts as tokens of appreciation.

Genzo approached, extending his hand. "You've done more for this village than we can ever repay," he said gruffly. "Remember you'll always have friends here."

Leon clasped the offered hand. "Take care of your people, Genzo. And don't hesitate to contact Loguetown if you need assistance."

Nojiko stepped forward next, presenting a basket of tangerines. "For your journey," she explained. "And a reminder of Cocoyashi."

"Thank you," Leon replied, accepting the gift with a respectful nod.

He looked past her, scanning the crowd. "Where's Nami?"

Nojiko's expression turned knowing. "She said goodbye last night. My sister's never been good with formal farewells."

Leon nodded, understanding. As he boarded the small vessel that would take him back to Loguetown, he found something tucked among his belongings - a carefully folded piece of paper.

Opening it revealed a beautifully drawn map of Cocoyashi Village and its surroundings, more detailed and precise than any official chart.

In the corner, a small note read simply: "For the angel who brought back my dream. ~ N"

Leon smiled to himself as he carefully refolded the map, tucking it securely inside his jacket as the vessel pulled away from the dock.

On the shoreline, Leon watched as the villagers waved, their faces reflecting genuine gratitude and newfound hope.

Till finally the disappeared into the distance.

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

Do tell me how you found it. 

I hope you all liked Leon and Nami's friendship - it will be quite interesting when Nami finally joins the Straw Hats.

By the way, question guys, do you think the story's cover picture is good or nah?

Should I change it?

Well, I hope to see you all later,

Bye!)