Chapter 150 - 150. To Marineford

Crocodile was defeated. The war came to an e end.

Though everything came to a good end it did came at a price, a lot of people had died. However Alabasta chose to look at their future rather than dwell in the past.

Cobra held a banquet for Vivi's friends. All of them were now seated inside a hall, infront of them was a long table filled with food.

Leo and Shinobu sat on one end and watched as Luffy stuffed his mouth full with food. It amazed them how he was able to eat so much.

Unlike Luffy the rest of the Strawhat looked at Leo and Shinobu from time to time. They had a wary expression on their face. Especially Sanji, he had a bruised face and swollen eyes.

Leo chuckled as he looked at them, he sliced a peat of meat and chewed on it.

A day ago he rushed to the palace to take care of Crocodile but found Luffy already on it so he decided to let him take care of it.

Then he accidentally found out about the bomb, when he rushed there Pell had already taken it far into the sky. He got to him just in time and used his domain to shred the explosion around them.

When he came down Luffy's crew was curious about who he was so they straightforwardly asked and Leo answered them honestly.

Sanji even tried to hit on Shinobu. Leo had a good talk with him and he understood it was wrong to hit on other people's wife. Hence this awkward atmosphere.

Leo continued to eat while the Strawhat crew sat on pins and needle. They were jumpy even when Leo slightly adjusted his chair.

Cobra suddenly asked, "Vice addmiral Leo, what about Crocodile?"

Leo put down his knife and said, "He will be thrown to Impel Down."

Cobra expected such an answer.

After the feast was done Leo stepped out of the palace, but before he left he turned to Zoro and said, "You have already stepped into the stage of mastery in sword, take some time and grasp it completely, only then would you be able to go further."

Zoro was taken back for a second, before he could ask what he meant Leo and Shinobu used Geppo and left.

"Phew, he is finally gone."

"I thought he would arrest us."

Luffy asked confused, "Why would he do that? He looked like a good guy."

Sanji smacked his head, "Idiot! He is a vice admiral, a vice admiral! From Marine Headquarters! He is on a completely different league. If he was bent on capturing us we would already be in cuffs."

Luffy rubbed his swollen head and asked excitedly, "Is he that strong?"

This time Nami smacked him, she stretched his cheeks and said, "Don't even think about it!"

...

Leo and Shinobu got back to their ship. Mace was already waiting for them.

"Set sail for headquarters."

The ship left the docks. Leo saw another ship in the distance, a girl wearing glasses was escorting a cuffed Crocodile to the ship.

Oh, Smoker left Tashigi behind.

Leo thought to himself and went to his cabin.

The ship sailed through the seas. Halfway through Leo who was resting inside his cabin opened his eyes.

Soon a vague shadow could be seen in the distance. It got clearer as time went by.

Mace joined Leo at some point and watched the shadow become clear. When it was near enough he saw clearly what it was.

It was a small boat, enough for a single person. On it was a man wearing black coat with flower pattered sleeves. He wore a ceremonial hat and had a large black blade on his back.

"That's...

Mace had a startled expression on his face.

Leo mumbled, "One of the Shichibukai and the greatest swordsman in the world, Hawkeye Mihawk!"

Mihawk also noticed the ship. His yellow eyes locked onto Leo. He sensed a powerful presence from him.

The small boat was close enough when Leo drew out his sword. His battle intent was raring to have a go at Mihawk.

He wanted to test the limit of his sword.

Mace had a pained expression on his face, "Sir, this... can you... please don't fight! The ship will be destroyed."

Leo replied while staring at Mihawk, "Tell the crew to stand far, you too as well."

Mace rubbed his forehead, he felt a headache coming.

"I never expected to find a swordsman of your calibre here."

Mihawk spoke.

Leo replied, "Thank you for your compliment."

Both of them suddenly released their sword intents. The domain formed from it clashed against each other.

They stood against each other for a while. Neither of them made a move.

When a wind blew by Mihawk disappeared. He flashed before Leo and swung his black blade down.

Leo wasn't startled and replied in kind. Haki cladded his sword as he met the black blade head on.

Slice!

A part of the deck was sliced down. Leo took a step back and redirected the after shock down to the sea.

The sea rumbled as it was divided in two.

Leo sweeped his leg at Mihawk making him retreat. He then jumped into the air and held his sword with both hands.

His intent was focused and he slashed. A sword ray swept down at Mihawk.

Standing on his small raft Mihawk was exceptionally calm. His sharp eyes gleamed as he raised his sword and jabbed.

As their attack met a violent gale was formed, one filled with sword intent.

The sea raged and the wind howled.

Leo landed back on the ship, he stared at Mihawk and said, "This won't work, we might battle for days without a winner. Let's settle it with the next move."

"Alright."

Mihawk calmly nodded.

Leo placed his foot forward and grabbed his sword with both hands. His sword was coated with haki as it turned into a shade of black and red.

Mihawk also readied himself. He poised his sword high above his head.