Chapter 0.5 : The Three Rivals

### Chapter 0.5 : The Three Rivals

The New World bar was a cacophony of noise and light, a vibrant oasis amid the tumultuous sea. Wooden beams crisscrossed the ceiling, while dim lanterns cast a warm, flickering glow. The air was thick with the rich aroma of roasted meats and the sharp tang of strong spirits. Amidst the clamor, the corner booth held a certain gravity, commanding attention from those around it.

Umino, now 25, entered the scene with an air of quiet confidence. His silver-blue hair, pulled back into a loose, flowing style, shimmered under the bar's light, adding an almost ethereal quality to his presence. His eyes, matching his hair in their silver-blue hue, scanned the room with a calm, discerning gaze. Dressed in a simple yet elegant sleeveless kimono-style vest and loose black pants, Umino's attire highlighted his lean, muscular build and the scars that marked his battle-hardened past. The blue handle of his sheath, visible at his side, hinted at his mastery of the blade.

Shanks and Mihawk were already at the table, their contrasting appearances highlighting their unique personalities. Shanks, with his wild red hair and the signature straw hat perched jauntily atop his head, exuded an easy charisma. His broad, friendly grin and relaxed posture suggested his easygoing nature, even in the midst of a bustling bar. He wore a tattered, open vest over a simple white shirt, his rugged jeans completing the look of a carefree yet formidable pirate.

Mihawk, on the other hand, sat with a more reserved demeanor. His black cape draped over his shoulders, accentuating his imposing figure. His eyes, sharp and calculating, rarely missed a detail. The large, ornate cross-shaped sword resting against his chair spoke to his formidable swordsmanship and the aura of mystery that surrounded him. His attire was less flamboyant than Shanks's, featuring a dark, well-tailored suit and a high-collared shirt, emphasizing his role as both a powerful warrior and a man of distinction.

When Umino approached, Shanks's face lit up with recognition, and he stood to greet his old friend with an enthusiastic embrace.

"Umino!" Shanks called out, his voice carrying over the din. "You finally made it! We've been waiting." Mihawk, while less overtly expressive, offered a nod of acknowledgment, his eyes reflecting a rare glimmer of warmth. The camaraderie between the three was palpable, the ease of their interactions a testament to their deep, long-standing friendship.

"Had to navigate through the New World's chaos," Umino replied with a smirk, taking his seat. "Nice to see you both again."

As they settled into the booth, the trio fell into their familiar patterns of conversation. Their playful banter, filled with jabs and laughter, was a stark contrast to the intense and solitary nature of their individual quests. The evening's stories and shared experiences brought a sense of nostalgia and warmth to the scene, as the bonds of their past illuminated their present.

As the evening wore on, the conversation shifted to Umino's recent travels. He leaned forward, the flicker of candlelight reflecting off his silver-blue eyes.

"I've been busy in East Blue," Umino began. "Learned some smithing, which came in handy. But the highlight was finding a young boy, a prodigious swordsman named Zoro."

Shanks and Mihawk listened intently, the mention of Zoro piquing their interest.

"He's raw but incredibly talented," Umino continued. "I trained him in the basics of swordsmanship, but I also introduced him to some Haki techniques—Observation and Armament. Didn't go into too much detail; thought he should discover more on his own."

Umino's gaze grew thoughtful as he recounted his time with Zoro. "I left him with the black blade, Mugenjin. It's a powerful sword and a symbol of the legacy I hoped to pass on."

Shanks, leaning back with a contemplative expression, nodded slowly. "Hearing about Zoro reminds me of my own goals. I think it's time for me to find a student of my own."

Mihawk raised an eyebrow. "You're always looking for new challenges, Shanks."

"It's true," Shanks replied with a chuckle. "But I think there's someone out there who needs guidance. I want to help shape their path, just as Umino did with Zoro."

Shanks's resolve was clear, and his excitement was palpable. His decision to find a worthy apprentice reflected his competitive spirit and his dedication to his craft.

The discussion soon turned to the mysterious goal that bound them together. The mood grew serious as the trio delved into their shared mission.

"We all know there's more at play here," Mihawk said, his voice low. "Something beyond our personal quests."

Umino nodded. "Our time with Roger taught us much, and there are secrets about Nika, Joyboy, or the One Piece that we still need to uncover."

Shanks added, "Our paths are intertwined with these mysteries. We must be patient and ready for when the time comes."

The conversation was filled with hints and allusions to a greater purpose, leaving the specifics vague but clearly significant. The shared goal was a mystery that fueled their individual journeys and bound their fates together.

### **Chapter 3: The Bonds of the Past**

#### **Reunion**

When Umino approached, Shanks's face lit up with recognition, and he stood to greet his old friend with an enthusiastic embrace.

***

2 years later.

In a secluded island, a harsh and rugged landmass in the New World, served as the perfect arena for the intense clash between Umino and Mihawk. The terrain was marked by jagged rocks, deep ravines, and an unyielding wind that howled through the landscape. The sky above was a dramatic canvas of darkening clouds and intermittent bursts of sunlight, casting an almost theatrical light over the combatants.

Umino and Mihawk faced each other in the center of a cleared patch of rocky ground. Both were formidable figures, their presence commanding respect and attention. Umino, with his silver-blue hair tied back and his dark kimono-style vest fluttering in the wind, exuded an aura of calm yet intense focus. His sword, Umi no Ikari, was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, its blade gleaming ominously as he held it poised for action.

Mihawk, in contrast, was dressed in his signature dark attire, with his long, flowing cloak adding to his imposing silhouette. His eyes, sharp and calculating, locked onto Umino as he gripped his enormous black blade, Yoru. The sheer size of his weapon was a testament to his strength and skill, a symbol of the reputation he had built as the world's greatest swordsman.

The battle began with a sudden burst of motion. Umino lunged forward with a swift and precise strike, his blade slicing through the air with a sharp whistle. Mihawk met the attack head-on, his sword moving in a counter-strike so fast it seemed almost effortless. The clash of their swords resonated across the island, a deafening clang that echoed through the rocky outcrops.

Umino's movements were fluid and graceful, his strikes coming in rapid succession as he aimed to break through Mihawk's defense. His agility was matched by Mihawk's defensive prowess, who parried each blow with a mixture of skill and calm. The two warriors moved with a synchronicity that spoke of years of combat experience and mutual respect. Each move was calculated, each strike precise, as if they were both engaged in a complex dance of death.

As the battle raged on, the wind picked up, whipping Umino's silver-blue hair and Mihawk's cloak around them like living entities. The harsh weather seemed to intensify the struggle, making each maneuver more challenging. Despite the elements, neither combatant showed any signs of fatigue; their focus was unwavering, their determination unshakable.

Shanks stood on the sidelines, his red hair ruffled by the wind as he watched the duel unfold. His usual carefree demeanor was replaced by a look of irritation and frustration. His missing arm, a stark reminder of past battles and sacrifices, seemed to weigh heavily on him. He clenched his remaining fist, watching intently as his friends clashed with a mixture of admiration and exasperation.

Umino and Mihawk continued their fierce exchange, their swords singing through the air, their footwork precise and deliberate. The island, once a quiet and desolate place, had transformed into a battlefield of raw power and skill. The intensity of their combat seemed to resonate with the very essence of the island, turning it into a stage for their legendary rivalry.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the landscape, the duel reached its climax. Both warriors, breathing heavily but with fierce determination still in their eyes, knew that the fight was coming to an end. With one final, powerful exchange, they locked blades in a dramatic standoff, their eyes meeting in mutual recognition of each other's skill.

Finally, with a final clash of metal, they stepped back, both acknowledging the end of their bout. Their breaths came in heavy gasps, but their expressions were filled with respect and satisfaction. Shanks approached, his irritation giving way to a more relaxed, yet still intense, demeanor. He clapped his hands together, breaking the silence with a grin.

The sun set fully, casting a warm, orange glow over the island, and the harsh edges of their confrontation softened into a moment of camaraderie. The rugged landscape, now bathed in twilight, bore witness to the enduring bonds of friendship and rivalry that defined their lives.

The sun was setting over the rugged terrain of a secluded island in the New World, casting a golden hue across the landscape. Umino and Mihawk, both breathing heavily from their recent duel, stood facing each other with a mix of satisfaction and exhaustion. The final blow had been struck, and Umino, with a grin of triumph, sheathed his sword.

"The score is 101 to 100 in my favor," Umino announced, his voice filled with pride as he wiped sweat from his brow.

Mihawk, ever the stoic swordsman, sheathed Yoru with a practiced motion and shrugged nonchalantly. "The score was always in my favor until you pulled that little trick."

Nearby, Shanks, with his wild red hair and carefree grin, leaned against a tree. His missing arm—a recent loss from his East Blue escapades—was a constant reminder of his latest adventures. Umino and Mihawk had taken to calling him "The Handicapped" Shanks, a nickname that never failed to provoke Shanks's irritation.

"Your 'little trick' as you call it was pure genius," Shanks said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "I'm sure Mihawk will be telling stories about how he lost to a washed-up pirate."

Mihawk's eyes glinted with mischief. "Better than losing to a man who can't keep track of his own limbs."

Shanks's face flushed, and he started cursing in a stream of ancient languages, none of which made much sense to Umino or Mihawk but seemed to convey his frustration effectively.

Umino chuckled, pouring a glass of wine. "I didn't know you spoke ancient languages, Shanks. Can you read Poneglyphs now too?"

Shanks shot him a mock glare. "Keep it up, Umino. I might just decide to teach you a few choice words." But then, as quickly as his anger had flared, it vanished, replaced by a sly smile. He looked at his two rivals, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Even with one arm, I could still take on the both of you for days."

A moment of silence followed, the forest holding its breath as the three men stared each other down. Then Shanks broke into laughter, the sound rich and genuine, and soon his crew joined in. Umino and Mihawk exchanged a look, their expressions softening into small smiles. For all their rivalry, Shanks had a way of lightening the mood, turning even the most serious moments into something to laugh about.

"When it comes to bantering, he sure is the winner, huh?" Umino murmured to Mihawk, his tone half-admiring, half-resigned.

"Indeed," Mihawk replied, his voice equally low. "Though his swordsmanship could use some improvement."

Shanks, ever the perceptive one, caught their whispered exchange. He simply raised an eyebrow and grinned, not taking the bait. Instead, he leaned back against a tree, taking a long swig of sake as he gathered his thoughts.

The banter continued as Umino handed a glass to Mihawk. "Alright, tomato head, what's the story behind this latest adventure?"

Shanks took a swig of his sake, his grin fading slightly. "Well, I found this boy, 6 years of age, soon to be 7 if I am correct" he started, taking a break from his storytelling mode as he down his sake, and continues.

"He reminded me of Captain" he said, taking a look at Umino who raised his brow, his face asking him to elaborate without him needing to opened his mouth.

"He had the same dream as Captain Roger, same determinations in his eyes." He said, getting a nod from Umino who said, "Then I would like to meet him one day" in a somber tone.

"Yeah you should be, he is the splitting image of captain" Shanks added again, telling them the story of his journey, how they ended up in East Blue, how they met this boy, and how intrigued he is by him.

He told them how he take the said boy with him to every of his voyages, teach him a few tricks here and there, makes fun of him, and how he trained the boy in fighting.

"But he is terrible at swordsmanship" he suddenly said, which ended making all of the people present except him laughs, even Mihawk. "But he is great at haki" he said, causing the two men to raised their brow.

Umino did say that he trained a boy, but he said that he only trained him in swordsmanship and basic haki, but he doesn't tell him what it is, only that he would benefit from it if he keep on practicing it.

"I don't tell him what it is, I just trained at him, like Umino did to his student. Don't stare at me like that" Shanks said, seeing how his two friends are looking at him, only getting a nod from them.

Shanks's crew, enjoying the conversation, chimed in with their own stories and laughter. One of them, with a teasing grin, added, "Captain even found the love of his life out there!"

The statement caused a brief hush as Shanks's face turned a shade redder. He rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a chuckle. "Oh, please. Not this again."

Umino and Mihawk watched with amusement as Shanks's crew continued to tease him, though they knew when to focus back on the more serious matters.

Continuing the story, he told them how the boy accidentally ate a devil fruit which they take from one of the ship who attacked them. Causing few of them to chuckle and the rest just laugh out loud. And he told them how they don't take the boy with them in one of their voyage because of some reason which is left unsaid, and the two of them didn't question him either.

Then cames the part where Shanks lost his arm, which caused Mihawk to raised his brow, and Umino to let out a long sigh.

"Haaaa..... You know, you are one of a kind when it come to craziness" Umino said, after Shanks finished his story. "Why don't you just cut the sea king?" he added looking at Shanks just like how a disappointed father would look his son.

"That is what I want to know too" came Mihawk's voice, his tone showing that he is disappointed too.

"Well.. I want to leave an impression to Luffy, and I did what comes to mind first" he answer, the two disappointed parent of his for the time being just shook their head, trying not to sigh, but.

""Sigh""

Failed to do so. Shanks just look at them timidly, trying to find the word to used in order to satisfy their mind.

"You know, you do you, however you like. It's not like I am your captain or the other way around" Umino said. shaking his head and standing up, leaving in a slow pace.

"I'm leaving. Mihawk, thanks for the duel." he said, trying leaving the forest and the island, sailing for his next destination, which being a place where the winds take him. He stopped in his track momentarily, hearing a words from behind.

Shanks took a deep breath, his playful demeanor giving way to a more reflective tone. "He's got the same determination we saw in Roger. A kind of fire that doesn't come around often. If he keeps at it, he might just change the world."

Umino nodded thoughtfully. "Then we should keep an eye on him. It sounds like he could be important."

Shanks agreed, his gaze distant as he contemplated the future. "Yes. And maybe, one day, we'll see what becomes of him."

After that, Umino continues his step, heading towards his boat that is docked in the shore.

As Umino's boat sailed away from the island, he lingered on the deck, casting one last contemplative glance back at the fading land. The island, now a distant silhouette against the horizon, seemed to hold the weight of a pivotal choice. "Monkey D. Luffy, huh? I hope you made the right choice, Shanks. We'll only get one shot at this," he murmured, his voice almost lost in the gentle lap of the waves against the hull.

In the forest, Shanks and Mihawk had wrapped up their discussion. The dense greenery now seemed to close in around Shanks as Mihawk vanished into the distance. With his crew scattered and engrossed in their meals, Shanks found himself alone, the forest's silence broken only by the rustling of leaves. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes to center his thoughts. After a few moments of quiet reflection, he slowly opened them, revealing a mixture of determination and uncertainty.

"I hope I made the right choice betting on Luffy," Shanks said softly to the empty forest. The weight of his words seemed to hang in the air as he turned away from the solitude of his thoughts and headed toward the campfire. The aroma of cooking food reached him, his stomach growling loudly in protest of the long talk. He quickened his pace, eager to satiate his hunger and gather his scattered thoughts.

On the other side, Mihawk sat on the deck of his coffin-shaped boat, the evening sun casting long shadows over his solitary figure. His eyes traced the horizon, where the sky and sea merged into a canvas of fading colors. The sword at his side, an extension of his formidable prowess, glinted in the dying light. He took a deep breath, lost in contemplation.

"Shanks, Umino... I hope you made the right decisions," Mihawk murmured to the horizon, his voice barely a whisper against the gentle creak of his vessel. The thoughts of past decisions and future possibilities seemed to weigh heavily on him as his ship continued its journey towards home, the path ahead shrouded in both promise and uncertainty.

***