"..."
"Dane, are you serious?"
Renn Hawk confirmed again, his voice sharp. "Roronoa Zoro?"
"Yes!"
"..."
"The green-haired swordsman? Three-sword style?" Hawk asked with disbelief.
He still couldn't wrap his head around it. He had only been gone a few days, and Dane had already pulled Zoro into the Navy?
"Uh... yeah, big brother."
Dane's tone carried a hint of embarrassment. He glanced sideways at Zoro, who was standing nearby, pretending not to eavesdrop but clearly listening closely.
Zoro was curious about whether he could actually join the Navy.
But the moment he heard Hawk casually call him "green-haired," his expression darkened.
Brigadier General Hawk, is that any way to address me?!
"Phew..."
Having confirmed it, Hawk slowed his pace, reached into his pocket, and lit a cigar.
Good lord.
Dane, you bastard.
You really did it you actually dragged Zoro into the Navy?!
Hawk's mind began racing as he recalled what he knew of the swordsman.
Roronoa Zoro, nicknamed "the three-sword style swordsman." A man so directionally hopeless he could lose his way within five meters. In the entire world, only Zoro could pull off that kind of madness.
Born in Shimotsuki Village of the East Blue, trained under Kōshirō, and carrying the unfulfilled dream of his childhood friend Kuina, Zoro had sworn to become the greatest swordsman in the world.
He was clean, honorable, loyal, and unyielding. If trained properly, he would make an exceptional Marine.
Clearly, Dane's call wasn't just to brag. He wanted to bring Zoro straight to the G-3 Branch.
Of course, that raised a problem. Without Zoro, what would happen to Straw Hat Luffy's future crew?
Hawk smirked to himself.
Not my problem. Zoro's mine now.
"Dane, where is he?"
"Big brother, he's right here beside me."
"Put him on."
A moment later, Zoro's voice came through the receiver. "Brigadier General Hawk, this is Roronoa Zoro."
"..."
"Zoro, I've heard your name." Hawk's voice grew firm. "Before you enter the Navy, I need to make a few things clear."
"Yes, sir."
"First, discipline. The Navy is not the same as bounty hunting. Here, orders are absolute."
Hawk's tone hardened.
"When you're told to go east, you don't go west. When you're ordered to charge, you do not retreat. There is no place for lone heroics. Only unity and obedience."
"Second, you'll start as a third-class seaman."
Hawk knew full well that Zoro's skill and potential could easily warrant a commissioned officer's rank. But granting that immediately would only sow resentment among the veterans who had fought at his side.
Rank had to be earned. Zoro's talent would carry him upward soon enough.
Zoro didn't hesitate for even a second. "Understood, Brigadier General. I accept."
"Good."
Hawk's voice softened just slightly. "Zoro, what is your dream?"
"To become the world's greatest swordsman!"
"The greatest swordsman, hm..." Hawk let out a short laugh. "Right now, you're far too weak. Train hard. In time, you'll stand face-to-face with the man who sits on that throne today."
A fleeting thought crossed Hawk's mind one year from now, Mihawk would be conscripted into the war at Marineford.
The current Zoro stood no chance. But after a year of brutal training, he might just reach the level where Mihawk would take him seriously.
"..."
"Brigadier General Hawk, do you mean... Dracule Mihawk?"
Zoro's voice trembled with a mixture of shock and raw desire.
If joining the Navy meant he could one day cross blades with that man
"Yes." Hawk's tone was absolute. "The Warlords of the Sea are sanctioned pirates under the World Government. They are, at least on paper, our allies. If you prove yourself strong enough, you'll have no shortage of chances to meet Mihawk."
"That's... incredible!"
Zoro's answer carried more fire than ever before, his determination ignited.
"Zoro," Hawk said calmly, "hand the line back to Dane. I'll see you at G-3."
"Yes, sir!"
A moment later, Dane's voice returned. "Big brother, you need me?"
"Dane, once we transfer to G-3, it won't be easy for the men to return to the East Blue. Over the next few days, arrange leave for them to visit home."
"..."
Dane froze, then felt a warmth rise in his chest.
His brother always thought of the things he overlooked.
"Yes, sir."
Click.
Hawk hung up, lifted his gaze to the sky, then exhaled smoke.
First, I should collect my equipment.
With steady steps, he made his way to the logistics department.
Inside, an elderly Marine with a face full of deep lines examined the transfer order signed personally by Fleet Admiral Sengoku. His cloudy eyes widened in astonishment.
This was the very same Brigadier General Hawk that had shaken Headquarters with rumors the past two days? The youngest brigadier general in Navy history?
Truly, a hero in the making.
The old Marine disappeared into the storeroom and soon returned carrying a fresh set of equipment.
A pristine white justice coat, embroidered on the back with bold black characters: Justice.
A pair of golden epaulets gleamed under the light, the insignia of a brigadier general.
"Brigadier General Hawk, please accept these."
"Thank you."
Hawk slipped on the cloak. The fabric was heavy, the quality far surpassing his old lieutenant colonel's coat. He fastened the golden epaulets to his shoulders.
The white cloak billowed lightly as he turned toward the door.
Tap, tap.
Exiting the logistics office, Hawk stopped in his tracks.
Not far away stood Admiral Akainu himself. At his side was a young girl, no taller than 160 centimeters.
She wore a neatly tailored Marine uniform. Her long golden hair was tied into a ponytail, swaying gently with her movements. Her large lake-blue eyes brimmed with curiosity, yet a hint of shyness lingered within them.
"Hawk."
Akainu's normally stern expression softened as he gestured to the girl.
"Admiral Akainu." Hawk stepped forward and saluted smartly.
"Come."
The admiral's voice carried unusual warmth. He rested a hand on the girl's shoulder.
"Allow me to introduce you. This is my daughter, Hibari."
"Hibari, this is Brigadier General Renn Hawk your future superior and teacher."
"Hello, I'm Hawk."
He extended his hand without hesitation, his eyes narrowing slightly in realization.
So this was the girl who would accompany him to the G-3 Branch. Akainu's daughter Hibari.
Compared to her depiction years later in the original timeline, she was even cuter now, like a porcelain doll.
"..."
Hibari lifted her gaze timidly, meeting Hawk's eyes.
The man before her stood tall and commanding, his justice cloak framing his broad shoulders.
A blush spread across her fair cheeks. Flustered, she reached out her small hand, lightly brushing his before retreating.
"H-hello..."
Her voice was so soft it was almost a whisper, like a fawn calling from the forest.
"Brigadier General Hawk... I'm Hibari."
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