Chapter 23

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In the hatchery, Dak and Bon were wiping eggshells when they were caught off guard by the standoff between the two newcomers.

Mihawk had just entered the hatchery and hadn't even spoken when Gion followed right behind him, seemingly bearing some hostility towards Mihawk.

Bon, catching on, became excited at the sight. He hadn't expected to witness such an interesting scene in the hatchery. Who knew what other entertaining events might happen here in the future?

Dak didn't expect Bon to be so entertained by the situation, especially since he was still trying to figure out what was going on between the two.

"Perhaps the two guests would like to sit down and talk?" Dak suggested, noticing their standoffish behavior. He patted the hatchery's lawn, inviting them to sit on the ground like he and Feng were.

Mihawk glanced at the lawn but remained silent, standing still. His pride and aloof nature wouldn't allow him to sit on the ground.

Gion didn't mind sitting, but considering she was wearing a very short skirt, she decided against it.

"Actually, our lawn is quite clean. After all, it will be a playground for the little ones. You can rest assured about the hygiene," Dak said, oblivious to their reluctance.

Both guests exchanged looks but remained silent. It wasn't intentional rudeness; neither wanted to be the first to speak.

"Cough, well, if standing is more comfortable, then let's talk like this. Darkrai, could you check my room for some tea or something to offer our guests?" Dak suggested, standing up.

"Dak."

Darkrai emerged from the shadows and floated into Dak's bedroom.

Mihawk had no reaction.

However, Gion was different. This was her first time seeing a Pokémon like Darkrai, and she couldn't take her eyes off him, realizing it was the Pokémon mentioned.

"So, I heard you were defeated by that Pokémon?" Gion suddenly smirked, looking at Mihawk with a slight taunt.

Mihawk didn't look at Gion but glanced at Dak, who pretended not to see, "Indeed."

Mihawk wasn't ashamed to admit his defeat; he was never a man to fear failure.

"Hmph, so much for the world's greatest swordsman," Gion said, arms crossed, chin up.

At that moment, Dak realized there was definitely some tension between them, which wasn't hard to guess. Gion, known as a great swordswoman within the Marines, and Mihawk, a renowned swordsman among pirates, likely had encountered or even clashed swords at sea.

"I'm not yet the world's number one. Besides, why does my defeat make you so pleased? Doesn't that just make you seem weaker?" Mihawk questioned Gion, puzzled.

Indeed.

Dak listened intently to their conversation, finding it thrilling. Although Mihawk was less talkative in the original story, it didn't mean he couldn't dish out insults. He had mocked Zoro for not being able to defeat a baboon, even though Zoro immediately proved him wrong.

"You—" Gion began, but Darkrai's return interrupted them, and the temporary truce was called.

"Ha, ha. If you don't mind, please enjoy some of our shop's beverages," Dak said, taking what Darkrai brought from him.

Board Blue Root granules.

Why would such a thing even exist in the world of pirates?!

Dak's face froze, wondering when he had purchased such an item. Was he really going to serve this to his guests?

"Dak."

Darkrai shrugged innocently. He hadn't found anything drinkable in Dak's room and had brought this as a makeshift solution.

"Bon, please prepare these two packets of supreme luxury Board Blue Root granules for our guests," Dak said, passing the granules to Bon with a stiff smile.

"No need,"

"Forget it,"

Both Mihawk and Gion declined almost simultaneously. While Board Blue Root granules might be harmless, they certainly weren't necessary.

"Well then, let's discuss business. Mr. Mihawk, since you arrived first, we'll deal with your matter first. Ms. Gion, is that alright with you?" Dak quickly changed the subject, eager to move on.

"It's nothing, just bored and decided to look around," Mihawk said nonchalantly, surprising Dak.

Mihawk had come to the hatchery on a whim, seeking something to do other than nap or sail. Discovering the intriguing Mystery Hatchery, it made sense for him to visit.

"Of course, welcome. Now, Ms. Gion, do you have any business here?" Dak asked Gion with a forced smile, "If I'm not mistaken, Vice-Admiral Tsuru or Fleet Admiral Sengoku must have sent you with a message for me?"

Dak's remark piqued Mihawk's interest, who looked curiously at Gion.

Gion, initially reluctant to speak in Mihawk's presence, decided there was no point in hiding her question, "We want to know your stance if the Pokémon that leave here become pirates and we have to take action against them."

Gion's query caused Mihawk to frown, as he too had only just considered the implication of his actions against Marine Pokémon potentially souring relations with the Mystery Hatchery.

"Oh, there's no need to worry. As long as the Pokémon isn't harmed or betrayed by its owner, we at the Mystery Hatchery won't interfere. They choose their own paths, actions, and futures, and we won't involve ourselves in any of it. How you deal with regular pirates should be how you deal with them," Dak clarified Gion's concern. 

This principle was based on the norms from the Pokémon world. If a Pokémon commits wrongdoings, it should be punished just like any person would be, without any special treatment due to being a Pokémon but rather treated as an independent life form.

"Alright, I understand," Gion responded, seemingly relieved by Dak's answer.

Mihawk also seemed to relax slightly, his concern lessening with Dak's clarification.

(End Of Chapter)