Chapter 1

Against the crisp snowfield, red was a distinguished colour seen. A young woman, no older than her mid-twenties, could be seen tracking through the deep snow with only her red hair being seen with a floundering tiger cub chasing after her.

"Nana, we shouldn't be outside. A storm is coming!" The young cub mewed as he chased after his Master.

"Well if we don't find dry wood soon we're going to freeze to death, so hurry it up, Pumpkin!" The red-haired woman barked back as the icy winds cut at her rosy cheeks. "Besides, the storm is to last a week, we need all the stuff we can get," she added on as they marched towards the pine forest in the piling snow. Ignoring the young cub's protests to turn back and rest. The redhead grimaced as the cold winds cut at her cheeks but didn't stop till she saw fallen branches. "I see some! Come on, Pumpkin!" Nana cried as she hurled over the snow and grabbed the few semi-dried kindling and walked over the soaked pieces of wood.

The small tiger huffed as he scrambled to gather the larger pieces to carry on his back. "We have enough, Nana. Can we please go back home? I'm cold."

Nana picked up on last kindling into her arms and stood upright. "Alright," She sighed and nodded for the tiger to lead them back to the small cottage they called home. Hearing the tiger snort in happiness at seeing their shabby home, Nana rolled her eyes though that didn't stop the small smile creeping onto her lips. She was cold after all but did want to last the storm. Nana watched as her cub approached the door before he stopped, arched his back and hissed dangerously. Quickly responding, Nana dropped the kindling and grabbed the dagger tucked into her heavy pants. Sniffing the cold air, she muttered, "How many?"

"Single male and very powerful." Pumpkin growled out.

Nana faltered for a second. "Could it be a Marine? Father is going to be furious when he finds out." Nana shook her head readying herself before the door. Quickly breaching the heavy door with Pumpkin right behind her. Both at the entrance in their stances prepared for battle. "Who dares to trespass?!" Nana yelled out as her eyes narrowed at the small space inside. Her home was small there was no doubt. It only had one room with the bathroom area having its own closed off space. Everything from her bedroom to kitchen to living room was all in the one room she barrelled into.

Pumpkin growled though he did hide slightly behind Nana. The scent of a powerful figure overwhelmed him. Not as much as Nana's father but enough to make him ashamed to not be in front protecting Nana.

Nana's eyes narrowed further into slits as she saw, what was, a man crouching before her fireplace, stroking the flames to grow more. Noticing that he was a tall man despite his position, black ruffled hair with a lean and firm built due to the fact the man was half naked and only in his black pants. A black coat and matching hat sat on her armrest near the fire to dry. "At least he took his shoes off." Nana critiqued as she barely glanced at the lined up black boots next to her feet. She stood straight and voiced. "Stand down, Pumpkin." Never looking to the startled cub as she swiftly removed her dripping boots. "We won't last a second against this man."

"I can take...-" Pumpkin was shut off by Nana's cold look as she spoke back to her. His ears folding against his head as he mewled slightly away from the woman.

Nana redirected to her gaze when the man began to stand with her dagger still poised horizontally at her chest.

The stranger's husky voice reply to her, "Pardon the intrusion. My ship was caught in the swells of the ocean and I headed for this island. It is a very desolate island."

The redhead woman tsked. "That doesn't explain why you're in my home and why that," She angrily pointed with her spare hand towards the giant crucifix-like blade lying on her table. The item, that any person would recognise, belonged to a powerful man. Dracule Mihawk. "Is wetting my clean table?" She hissed out in dislike. Her home may be small but it was cosy and clean. Her blood red eyes clashed with hard gold eyes of her uninvited guest. "Hell! I never have guests unless it's father."

"Apologies," Mihawk didn't look the least sorry. Taking in the furious and cautious woman before her and dismissed the cub curled by her feet. "Good, at least she's cautious and has a good form. I wonder who taught her." Mihawk took in the red hair on red eyes combination. It was odd as it was rare to have red hair that deep of shade, for he only came across Shanks. Underneath her heavy coat, Mihawk's keen eye determined that she was a lean-medium build meant for fighting in close combat. Her skin pigmented with a medium brown and knew it was her natural skin tone as she would've paled in the snowy wonderland. He would proceed with caution for now though knew he could overpower her if necessary. "The weather has been harsh."

Nana snorted. "A storm will hit within the hour and will last a week." She lowered her dagger as she continued. "Unless you're in a rush to leave, you're stuck here. I hope you have something to exchange for shelter. It's not much but she'll hold during any storm this island has."

"I have no doubt," Mihawk replied as he watched closely as the young woman placed her weapon beside his prized blade and take off her coat to hang dry over a bucket. When he caught her red gaze, he gestured to the armchair that his damp clothes were drying on. "Cheeses, bread, spices, wine and several fermented vegetables in jars." There was a decent sized crate on the chair waiting to be unpacked.

"What is a Shichibukai doing all the way out here?" Nana asked as she tucked her dagger back into her pants and wandered towards the crate with her gaze on the man. Her father had taught her to always be cautious of the Government and those working under their name but more so with pirates.

Mihawk watched curiously as the woman was cautious of him yet at the same time didn't care of him. "I fell asleep. Are you," Briefly glancing at the cub that followed closely to the woman, "And the tiger cub the only inhabitants of this island?"

"Yes. The island is barren of everything but a few plants, the soil is too hard to grow foreign crops and with the storms coming and going it would be hard to build a settlement and herd animals. Though there are many wild cattle roaming around." Nana grabbed the box and walked over to the small kitchen area to put the items away. "I'm called Nana by the way."

Mihawk arched a brow at the odd name. "You are going to let me stay here."

"I'd rather not but it has been awhile since I last had someone to talk to besides Pumpkin." She gestured to the young tiger with her back still to the Shichibukai. "Found him along the coastline a few months back, almost frozen to death. I once considered eating him." She chuckled as the cub lightly growled at her. "Please, take a seat and I'll make some hot milk tea."

Pumpkin huffed as he moved next to the fire as the powerful man sat down in father's chair. "I could take you on." The tiger huffed and decided to sleep. He'll apologise to Nana in the morning for talking back.

Mihawk didn't reply to the cub and took the seat. Having the time to take in the cottage; it was nothing like his castle. Eyeing the single bed near the door before his keen eye picked up the folded futon under the bed he would later claim. "I don't think I'm the only one who's been here." From the bed to the green loveseat near an old bookcase and picked up a few titles that didn't seem to fit the lady of the house. "A regular visitor; I'm sure she has no interest in military tactics and ranks or the history of the World Government. A Government worker or perhaps a lover. No, then the bed wouldn't be small. A parent or sibling." Mihawk returned his gaze to the back of the redhead woman. Her hair was slightly curled and perhaps was more if cut short and had a decent figure. There wasn't too much in the bust though she had a shapely bottom. "Pear-shaped figure, uncommon. Not afraid yet cautious of me to a point, odd. Beautiful perhaps; above-average definitely. Though colouring equates towards exotic. Posture, skillfully trained yet lonely. Very lonely."

"I do hope you're not analysing me, Shichibukai-sama." Nana didn't turn around when she felt his gaze on her. She'd be a fool if she couldn't feel his piercing gaze on her or that a man as powerful as he wouldn't be determining her strengths and weaknesses.

Mihawk's lip twitched a little at the title. "I'm sure you've already done the same when you broke your door open for me, Little Red." Hearing her tsk in annoyance, he reclined back into the chair to properly enjoy the burning wood. "I am being cautious after all."

"Ha!" Nana turned around with two clay cups in hand filled with milk tea. "What lies, we both know I have no chance against you or any of your kind." She walked over to the man and handed him a cup with him nodding in thanks. She placed her cup on the small round table before the fire and walked over to the dressing table. "You must be still cold." She mumbled and pulled out one of her father's grey sweaters and loose woolen pants. "These should fit you." Trotting back to her guest and laid them on the armrest he sat in before sitting on her own, less padded rocking chair.

"Much appreciated. Though my kind?" He enquired of the redhead who finally took a seat opposite him. He would even say she had a welcoming presence.

Nana took a long-awaited sip of her tea with a content hum. "Yes, you Shichibukai. Seven pirate in service to the World Government, all-powerful and skilled in their own ways."

"Ah, my kind." Mihawk took a small sniff of the tea before taking a taste. "Average taste. Mildly hot with a musky light smell." He knew she was lying when she said she had no chance against the other Shichibukai. He felt her presence and it was surely strong though, against him, she was being truthful.

"I do hope you're not analysing the tea I made, Shichibukai-sama." Nana looked at the half-naked man. Looking into his calculating eyes, Nana figured she wouldn't be able to dupe him as easily as she had liked. "Not bad by the way." Gesturing to his frame.

"You lack finesse." Mihawk deadpanned before placing his tea on the small table and stood up. Unlacing his pants and dropped them right there, planning on changing. "Young people should be more tactful."

Nana's eyes widened in utter shock before standing abruptly, almost standing on Pumpkin. "I lack finesse?! You more so than me!" She squealed out before sealing her eyes as the swordsman dropped his undergarments before her as well. "Do you always strip naked in stranger's home?!"

"I do have to change." The swordsman took in his host's reaction in amusement. He wouldn't try anything this bold on a first meeting or these circumstances but he wanted to see the warrior that burst through the door. "Doubt I'll see that side anytime soon." Mihawk grabbed the pants and slid them on followed by the sweater. "Broad shoulders, male and older than Nana. Taller than myself." He estimated the size and smell of the clothing. It was loose on him but not too much that it'd be a bother. "It'll do." Mihawk saw that her eyes were still closed with her two hands clasped tightly around the clay cup that a crack ran slightly through it. Mihawk laid his clothes around the fireplace carefully. "You're going the break that cup soon."

"Are you clothed?"

"Would you prefer me naked, little red?"

"I would not!" Nana raised her voice with her eyes now opened and blazing, "There's a futon under the bed for you to use and the bathroom is through the other door." She huffed slightly and sat back down in her rocking chair. "Honestly."

A small smirked found its way onto Mihawk's lip as he realised what was wrong. "The first time seeing a man's body."

She nodded before stopping and shaking her head to say, "A grown man's body I have never seen."

Mihawk filed away her statement as he hung his clothes around to dry, "Nothing to be ashamed about, little red. There are much older women who have never seen a man before. Much less naked." Mihawk sat back down and saw her curious gaze locked onto his. "Such red eyes." "There is an island, much far from here, whom inhabitants are only and exclusively female. Any man to step foot on that island will perish. They only leave the island to copulate and return, and strangely enough, every child born is female."

"Copulate? I've never heard the word used before to say sex." Nana muttered as she sipped on her tea. She had been on this island ever since her father brought her here and could only faintly remember what other places looked like without snow. "What else is out there?" She asked and looked at the man with golden eyes.

Mihawk leaned back in his chair, thinking what else he could tell the woman before replying. "What would you like to know?"

"Hmm, well, what's currently the big news in the world?" She asked as they had an entire week together for her to know more about the open world and perhaps for him to know about her. Nana wasn't sure what the older man would want to know though.

Mihawk stood up and approached the kitchen, saying, "The big news currently is a rookie group of pirates that have declared war on the World Government." He heard a loud gasp behind him as he rinsed out his cup and reached for a bottle of wine. The woman didn't seem to mind him wondering around her place. "She should be more careful if someone other than me or her other visitor." Opening the bottle, he added on, "They say the Captain and his crew stormed down Enies Lobby to save a comrade. All for one member, they were willing to take on the World Government."

Nana remembered briefly of her father speaking of Enies Lobby and was surprised a pirate would think of even heading towards there. "Who are they?" She asked when he returned with the bottle and a filled glass. Her hair falling over her shoulders, listening intently. "Y'know, I didn't take you for the talkative type."

"I'm not." Mihawk took a small sample as he got comfortable. "But it'll keep us both occupied while we're stuck together." He crossed his legs and glanced at the woman. Her eyes showed to him clearly how lonely she was despite having her animal companion and how her body was eager to know more about the world past the winter island. Mihawk briefly wondered if she would like to know about the pleasures of foreplay and sex but didn't dare ask her. "The Straw Hat Pirates, they call themselves."

Nana arched a brow at the name. Leaning back in her seat, she pulled out the scarf she was knitting for herself. It was to be green of two shades, forest, and lime, to contrast against her red hair. "They must be idiots, strong or dedicated. Perhaps even all three." Nana focused on her scarf not knowing that she was smiling.

Mihawk noticed her smile though. Noticing that the little amount he gave her of the outside world made her light up. He doubted she even knew that her ears turned to a blush and took another taste of wine to his tongue. He didn't reply to her response and just sat in peace with her with the fire crackling and soft snores of her pet tiger by her feet. Mihawk decided that the woman was an odd one. Their initial greeting he saw a warrior and as time went by she turned into a domesticated housewife. Someone that followed her father or brother's words without answering back. Perhaps even Uncle or cousin.

"He's my father," Nana spoke as though she knew what Mihawk was thinking; despite his stone wall face. "He last visited me a week after I found Pumpkin. He never stays long. Just a day perhaps even two if I'm lucky. Father brings me supplies that I won't find on this island."

"Are you his prisoner?" Mihawk replied as he wondered why the hostess was so isolated on an island no navigator would travel to because of the dangerous coral reefs and frequent snow storms.

Nana briefly stopped knitting to look at Mihawk. Her brows frowning as she said, "No, I'm his daughter." Knowing better than to give the reason why she was placed on this snowy island as it seemed her aloof answer made Mihawk recede back to his thoughts. "Perhaps I should tell my father of this stay." She thought yet another side of her added, "But father doesn't tell me what lies beyond the snow anymore." Nana resumed knitting and decided she would decide when her father felt like gracing her with his presence.

Mihawk already had her features memorised and never saw a man that looked like her in his lifetime. Well, nobody, he cared to remember. Perhaps she was the daughter of a well-known criminal but Mihawk dismissed that quickly as the only redhead he knew of was Shanks and that man would have bragged about her non-stop. Yet Mihawk knew Shanks better as the pirate would've shipped his kid off at his front door to take care off under his protection from the World Government. Her father must be a strong and talented fighter that either is a part of the World Government or against the World Government, he gathered from the small bookshelf. Hiding her from enemies or hiding her from the Government.

"You should stop that." Nana voiced and felt his gaze pierce her dark skin. "You're trying to figure me out and it's making me uncomfortable." Feeling his eyes move elsewhere, she allowed her shoulders to relax. "Even if you did, I'm just Nana and with always be Nana."

"Can you read my mind?" Mihawk was curious.

"It's more of a feeling. Y'know," She looked at him and smiled, "Woman's intuition." Before resuming her knitting. "Though, do take your blade off the table before you go to bed or I'll throw it outside; and if I catch your blade on the table again it will disappear."

Mihawk silently stood and removed his blade and placing it next to the bathroom door. Taking a look at his blade, he guessed he'd have to make do with the accommodations and its hostess. Was it fate that brought him to this island and tiny cottage? Mihawk turned and gazed at Nana as she sat by the fire, knitting. "I sense a powerful energy within you, Nana."

"Hmm, so I've been told. Numerous times actually." Nana replied. Not phased he could pick up her spiritual energy. "You probably felt it long before I reached my home and yet you're still here and it doesn't bother you. You're confident you can take on whatever is it I'm holding." Nana chuckled but there was no warmth in it this time.

"A devil fruit user." He ignored her change as he continued to stare at her. "Are you a threat to me?" Mihawk knew she wasn't but did she.

"Ha! I'm a threat to no one." She laughed. "If I were Pumpkin, I wouldn't want to be anywhere near me and I'm sure you would've taken me out a long time ago if I were a smudge of a threat to you. Get some rest when you can; it'll be a long night and week." Nana continued on knitting. Shaking off the bad memories that threatened to cloud her mind. It had been a long time since she felt them.

Mihawk walked towards his chair and sat back down; refilling his cup. "I apologise if I offended you, Nana."

"You didn't know." She replied and lifted her red eyes to touch his golden gaze. "Besides, we both know it'll do us no good if we started a fight now since we're stuck here for a while. Don't want to frighten Pumpkin either; he is still a cub." Nana glanced down towards the tiger.

Flashback: a few months ago

"Ehh you're coming soon?!" Nana squealed into the Den Den Mushi. "How long will you be able to stay?!" She was so happy. The large grin on her face could attest to that as she gazed at the chuckling snail in her hands.

"Not long enough, unfortunately." The snail replied heartily. "You're pouting aren't you?"

"Yes! I haven't seen or talked to anyone but the damn cows here! Please, will you bring me back something from outside?" Nana begged. A little bummed that she wouldn't be able to spend more time with father.

"Nana," The snail sighed, "We've talked about this."

"I know, I know but it's not much. I promise." The redhead swore and quickly asked before father changed his mind. "I just need more wool. Forest green and lime green. Hmm oh and also red, please?"

The snail laughed with a bellyful. "Not a diamond necklace? Or a pair of silver earrings?"

Nana felt her brow twitch. "What am I supposed to do with those shitty things, you shitty old man?"

"Pft old man?! I'm still young enough to give you a few rounds with my fists!" The snail huffed before calming down. "How's the weather for you?"

"The storm passed last night and I'm getting ready to see if anything washed ashore." Nana sighed and rubbed her temples. "How are the boys?" She tried hesitantly. Watching the snail carefully before screaming in surprise as the snail shouted in laughter.

"You'll be amazed! Gahahaha! Oh-" There was slight whispering over the snail before the older man returned. "Ah sorry to cut this short, Nana, I'm boarding an island now. I'll see you within the next week. Ja!"

Nana watched as the snail fell asleep and at the same time her heart ached. "See ya." Sighing again she hid the Den Den Mushi up in the roof with enough food and warmth to keep it alive. "I better get going then." she slapped her cheeks and grabbed her heavy coat; wrapping it around her shoulders before heading off into the quiet winter island. Nana breathed in the chill air before going down on all fours, back arched and ready. "A run after a storm is always the best." She smirked before she took down the white carpet running like a beast with a feral grin on her face. Never slowing her pace as her limbs crunched through the snow and as each breath grew heavier. Nana let her nails grow longer as her human ears disappeared and above her red hair popped up a pair of dark red fox ears and her pupils became slits, her teeth sharpening. "Ahh, that's more like it! Just a bit more!" She huffed and ran faster as she came towards a cliff and leaped right off. Just as nine flowing red tails protruded from her behind and unfurled through the air.

Nana yipped when she landed to a halt. Returning to two legs and stretched happily. "It's one way to keep my mind occupied," Looking out to the ocean and listening to the soft waves as they hit the shore brought mild irritation to Nana. "Well Kinda. Stupid Ocean." She growled and began her routine along the coastline. "Nothing salvageable this time. Everything is broken into bits and are only good for burn-" Nana paused and lifted her head to the skies a bit. Sniffing gently with her ears twitching. Her heart skipped a beat slightly and took off further down the coast. "Something's here...something's barely alive."

That's when Nana saw it. Blood. Gasping she picked up her speed and saw the small bundle wrapped in seaweed and bleeding heavily. "What-" Kneeling she looked at the bleeding and orange lump. Reaching slowly towards it, the lump growled in pain and stopped her hand mid-motion. Her blood red eyes meeting tired and frightened amber eyes. "A tiger," she muttered and reached for her heavy coat. Taking it off and draped it over the cub. "A baby still. Now how did you survive?"

"Oni-"

Nana's eyes widened when she heard the cub talk. "I'm not a demon you shitty cub." She growled and picked the cub up. No longer concerned if it'd bite her. It was too tired and cold to do anything but breathe. "I'm a fox woman," She could still sense the cubs fear and sighed. "I'm not going to eat you. I'm taking you back to my home where you'll be warm and rest. I'm Nana by the way." She grinned with all her sharp teeth bared.

The cub shied away. "Pumpkin-"

"Pft Pumpkin!" Nana burst into laughter at the silly name. Her heart bloomed with warmth as it would whenever father visited. "What a funny name. I'm sure father will like you."

Pumpkin screamed in fear as Nana continued laughing.

Flashback ended

Mihawk wasn't blind to the sad look in her eyes. She was a grown woman after all and every human sought out companionship. "You seem tired."

"I guess I am," Nana replied and placed her wool away before standing. "And if you try anything while I sleep I'll fucking kill you." She said all while smiling at him before she turned and headed to bed.

Mihawk felt his spine tingle at the threat and stifled a chuckle. "Perhaps she is a threat and just a good actor." The swordsman looked down at his feet as he felt the cub snuggle closer to him. Raising a brow he didn't remove himself from the tiger's touch. "I wonder what the real her looks like. I doubt the woman before myself is the true her." He looked over at Nana and she took her heavier layers off till she was what looked to be a nightgown. Folding them methodically before climbing into her bed. "Good night, Nana." He kept his breathing steady when her eyes reached his again. The same stunning red eyes. Stunning yet sad.

"Good night, Mihawk. Thanks for not killing me." Nana rolled over till she was facing the wall and wondered if it was really okay to have this man in her home till the storm ended. "Should father know? I don't even know when he'll visit next." Nana closed her eyes and snuggled deeper into the thick covers. "If he tries something I'll kill him quickly."

Morning:

Nana shuffled under her covers with a groan before bolting up huffing. "Don't you ever sleep?!" Glaring at her guest.

Mihawk was leaning against the kitchen sink tossing little bits of dried meat to Pumpkin. "It would be unwise, even for me, to sleep in an unknown environment. Did you know that you snore and quite loudly." He replied evenly as he focused on the cub. It was considerably playful despite it not even being a day and ignoring the animal initially. He raised his gaze when he heard Nana huff louder and get out of bed. He couldn't help but stare at the sight as she stretched. She looked oddly elegant with her wild hair.

"I like sleeping in during the storms," Nana grumbled before making her bed. "Do you need more clothes to wash up?" She asked. Wandering towards the dresser she reached the bottom drawer and pulled out two towels before rummaging through another draw for fresh clothes for her.

"I should be fine." Mihawk watched carefully. "She couldn't possibly want to bathe together after what happened last night? Strange woman."

Pumpkin left the Shichibukai's side and padded over to Nana. "Bath time?!" He hummed happily and carefully grabbed the small hand towel between his jaws for him to use. "Mihawk-san, it's bath time!"

The swordsman was now visibly frowning. "Are we bathing together? I've seen your bathroom and it's just a toilet and a sink. How you even managed to get a plumbing system set up is beyond me." He narrowed his eyes at her slightly when he heard her laugh.

"Even though we're surrounded by snow, inside the mountain behind my home is a thermal spring. You wouldn't expect to find one here judging by the place." Nana grinned proudly as she walked towards Mihawk and handed him a towel. Standing before him she took in just how much taller he is than her. "You might just be as tall as my father." She said aloud before reaching around him. Never breaking his gaze though it was very hard for her not to look away and down.

"What are you planning?" He asked the younger. Not budging an inch yet a nice hot soak in a thermal spring sounded just right in this skin biting weather. His ears picked up a short click before a panel in the wall fell back and moved behind the wall. Giving way to a well-paved corridor. Not that he needed to fully turn his head to look as he didn't dare to break her gaze. "A secret entrance. How childish."

Nana pulled back and stepped away from the man. "I didn't make this place so there's no need to be rude. It was already here when I moved into this place." Nana broke the intense stare and headed towards the spring as Pumpkin skipped ahead. "You can use the main pool and I'll use the private area. For all, I know you could be a perverted old man." Nana squealed and ran once she felt a dangerous aura behind her and yelled. "Sorry!"

Mihawk took the time alone to sigh heavily. "What have I stumbled across? A fake lonely woman and a scaredy-cat tiger." He frowned before making the decision to head on through the corridor. He was cold and stiff. Though he didn't leave without taking his blade with him. Mihawk walked down the corridor till it opened up to a large cave and considerable spacious. He could feel the heat just moments before entering and stood at the exit as he took in the giant pool of warm water before him that Pumpkin was floating in. "Perhaps not childish after all. Where did Nana head off to?" He asked the cub.

Pumpkin floated over to the visitor, ignoring the large blade he carried, answering; "She is in the small pools area just around the bend over there." He flicked his tail towards the end of the cave towards the right. "There are several smaller pools enough to fit up to two adults per pool. Nana prefers them over the main pool. Oh and don't mind the snow cause Nana usually takes care of it when the storms pass." Nodding over to the sealed entrance that was packed with snow. "Don't mind her. She'll open up to you in no time."

"Smart cub you are, picking that up." Mihawk complimented as he leaned his blade against the wall and threw his towel over the top before stripping. "If I may ask, have I seen any of the real her?"

Pumpkin hummed as he watched the man. He felt he could trust the visitor as it was in his instincts telling him to. Even though the man is highly dangerous. "She may not ask father or show it but she really does want to know more about what goes on in the World. Where the heck did you get that?" Pumpkin spluttered as Mihawk produced a bottle of wine and cup before him. "We haven't even had breakfast yet!"

"She could always leave." He muttered and ignored the cub's disbelief. "It doesn't even feel like there's a storm happening outside." He sipped on his wine as the water relaxed his stiff body. He could see why the cub enjoyed bath time as it was divine in the cave.

Pumpkin didn't say anything else and swam towards the edge to climb out. Shaking his wet fur of the droplets before covering himself as best he could in the small towel. "I should check on Nana." He muttered and walked away from the main pools till he came across Nana in one of the pools at the very back washing one of her beautiful nine tails. Pumpkin would never get tired of seeing her tails and ran towards her. "Are you sure it's safe to bathe like that while that man's here?" He asked her cautiously though he knew Mihawk wouldn't peep on her no matter how curious he is.

"It's safe," Nana replied as she moved to the next tail. "You trust that man and I trust you."

"Nana?" Pumpkin frowned in confusion. "What's wrong?"

The redhead sighed as her fox ears dropped. "For the first time, in so long, someone has told me about the outside world. It made me so happy and irritated at the same time. I don't even remember what flowers look like anymore. If someone showed me a leaf different from this island and told me it was a flower, I'd believe them." Nana slid her lips under water and blew bubbles with envy.

Pumpkin spluttered in humour before hissing at being drenched in water.

"Don't laugh at me! Even I have lame fairytale dreams!" Nana stood in her naked glory as her tails flicked about angrily.

"There was no need to wet me you demon!" Pumpkin hollered back before collecting himself. "I have an idea that might interest you."

Nana snuck under the water again and regained her composure. "Go on."

"When the storm lets up, go and ask Mihawk-san for a spar. We both know you won't tell father about his visit and maybe if you show Mihawk-san a good fight he might be able to tell you more about the outside world. Maybe even visit with a newspaper or something."

"Visit? What makes you think that man is going to come back to this island? There's nothing here but snow and storms." Nana folded her arms, skeptical about the tiger's idea. "Don't forget that he works for the World Government and could easily tell them of a lone woman and animal on an uninhabited island."

"I'm not sure, Nana, it's just a feeling." Pumpkin wasn't entirely sure if it'd even work. "And you said before, I trust him and you trust me."

Nana closed her eyes and took in deep breathes. Allowing her human featured to take place and hopped out of the water. "I'll think about it. It's risky and what happens if your plan does work and he becomes curious?" Nana dried her body before pulling on her undergarments, thick pants and a baggy sweater. "I'm heading back to make breakfast. Keep your eyes on that man encase he stays in too long."

Pumpkin shook his head as Nana walked off. Hearing her squeal before blabbering and running off. "I guess she wasn't prepared to see you bathing." Pumpkin stated as he walked towards the Shichibukai and sat on the ledge.

"She walked in on me. Not the other way around." Mihawk muttered.

"Do you want to know more about her?"

"No."

"Liar." Pumpkin snorted. "Tell her about the World and who knows, maybe you'll see more to her."

"You're setting me up," Mihawk spoke to the young tiger. "What's your angle?"

"I don't know why her father isolates her here and why Nana puts up with it." Pumpkin shook his head, mulling over all the possibilities. "But what I do know is that she is lonely and I can't help her completely with that...I am a cub." He gestured to his feline body. "The moment you looked at her I knew that you saw it-"

"So you are setting me up." Mihawk cut in.

"I am not!" Pumpkin hissed. "I'm asking for a friend."

"A friend? What an odd tiger you are." Mihawk took a final sip of his wine before getting out and dried.

"You didn't give me an answer?!" Pumpkin yelled after as Mihawk got changed and walked off back to the cottage. "Mihawk-san!"

At the cottage:

"Clam down! You didn't see anything but chest!" Nana slapped her cheeks hard as she paced back and forth in the cottage. "Gotta make breakfast. Gotta make breakfast. It's a perfect distraction. You're a fierce warrior and don't you forget that. You're a demon!" Nana hyped herself up as she gathered few ingredients together to make a simple stew. Pulling out the soybean paste her father brought back for her to make the base. "Good thing he brought back other foods. Now I can really go all out."

Nana began with boiling the soybean paste in a pot of water before preparing her ingredients. Still muttering to herself, "You're a fierce warrior," and "You're a demon." Over and over till she felt her racing heart calm down. "Tch," Nana glared as she tossed all her vegetables into the boiling pot. "I need to calm down more. Before I do something stupid and run out into the storm." Turning the heat down, she washed her hands and walked over to her knitting gear. Just before grabbing her gear she paused as she heard the males come back and turned to look at them. "Tall yet fast and agile. Dangerous with a blade and I bet with a small knife too. Nice body for an aging man." Nana reflected off the fly and caught his eyes afterward before he caught on but she felt he already knew judging by the glint in his eye. "Uncomfortable?" She asked.

"No. Intrigued," Mihawk replied and took a whiff of the air. "Smells wonderful, Little Red." He ignored her tsk as he saw irritation flash in her eyes. "You're really good at hiding your temper, Nana, has anyone told you that?" He walked towards her as he recalled the words Pumpkin said to him.

"Years of isolation can do that to you. The cold helps too." Nana replied evenly as he approached. Something felt different and she didn't like it and she guessed what Pumpkin had something to do with it. "I'll have to remember to strangle him later." She didn't move as he stood directly in front of her. Narrowing her eyes as he had to look at him now and asked. "Is there something I need to know?"

"Why do you stay here?" Mihawk bluntly asked.

Pumpkin squealed in the background as he felt sparks fly off them both. "Bad idea! Bad idea!"

"I stay here out of my own free will and I can leave whenever I feel the need. I have no need to leave." Nana replied honestly yet kept it frank. "I'll ask again, what brings you here? I don't believe that you fell asleep and simply wandered here. You can feel the cold of this island a good 20 kilometers away."

Mihawk folded his arms, "I've heard rumours about this island from the neighbouring. That there lived an enraged beast that rules over the island and that every few months a male sacrifice is sent here to quell the beast's rage and to keep it from wandering to the other islands to destroy them. Naturally, the World Government was informed and I was sent this way as I happened to grow an interest in it."

"Pft-" Nana choked on her laugh with her hand covering up her lips. Mirth filling up her eyes as her other hand fell away revealing her to be holding her small blade. "Really?"

Mihawk unfolded his arms to show that he was holding a blade too in his hand and sighed. "Unfortunately. Is there any truth to the rumour?" Placing his blade back inside the cross he wore around his neck.

Nana shook her head as she placed her blade down on the coffee table. "Only father comes to this island every few months. He stops by one of the nearby islands and takes a boat from there to here and back. No clue where the enraged beast part comes from but it sure sounds ridiculous."

"And if you were the beast from the rumours?" Mihawk questioned as he moved towards the kitchen to turn the gas off.

"Would you kill me?" Nana asked curiously as she followed him. Winking towards Pumpkin along the way as the cub sighed in relief. She leaned against the counter with folded arms as Mihawk began dishing out the food. "Well, you're surely at home, aren't you?"

"It's only natural to search every corner of an unknown, possibly hostile, area and if you were the beast I would kill you were you a threat." He replied.

"Well you've established last night that I'm no threat to you but how about to anyone else?" Nana turned and grabbed some spoons for them to use.

"Definitely. You're a skilled fighter from what I've seen very briefly." Mihawk chatted and felt the conversation flow easily and not forced. It was only with Shanks he was able to have a conversation so lightly. "A warrior as you had put it before."

Nana's ears burned as she puffed her cheeks. "You heard all that?" She followed him towards the dining table and sat across from him. Waiting as he placed Pumpkin's portion on the floor before serving her than himself.

Mihawk sat down and ignored her as he began to eat. He could just feel her irritation. "There'll be nothing to report back and if there's nothing I believe Sengoku will order one of the Admirals here and they'll find her and obviously feel the energy she gives off." Mihawk studied her carefully as she sulked and ate her breakfast. "They will either kill her or bring her back and experiment on her depending on what her Devil Fruit ability has. She poses no threat but to them, a job is a job for their narrowed views on justice. Mostly likely Aokiji will be sent. He won't kill her but definitely take her back forcibly." Mihawk sighed as he placed down his spoon, resting his elbows on the table and laced his fingers before his face. "Nana..."

"I know." She whispered but didn't look at him. "You have your job to do. I won't beg and grovel before you to make you change your mind and I can't offer anything worth of value to buy myself some time as I refuse to leave this island." Nana held her hand out to him and nodded towards his necklace.

Mihawk drew out the little-hidden knife and handed it towards her. "Your father. He placed you here because of your abilities." He stated firmly.

"Hmm kind of like that." Nana hummed mysteriously. She laid her hand out flat on the table and gripped the knife tightly.

"Nana?" Pumpkin whispered, looking away and closed his eyes as she drove the knife straight through her hand.

Nana didn't flinch, as she was used to it by now, and sliced her hand open. Her index and middle finger split away by the knife. She raised her hand up to the unflinching Shichibukai and both watched as her seeping hand stitched itself together and heal. Leaving no trace but the blood that spilled of what had happened. Not even a scar. "It's disgusting to look at but it's fascinating isn't it, Shichibukai-sama? So whoever they send won't be able to kill me easily."

"Indeed." Mihawk sighed and tossed her a cloth to clean up her mess. He didn't believe that was the true ability of her Devil Fruit and knew she wouldn't give him which one she ate but even still her regeneration was incredibly fast. He wondered what else her regeneration did but didn't push. The atmosphere was getting heavy.

Pumpkin opened his eyes back up and wondered what the two before him were up to. He really didn't understand humans as much as he thought he did.

Mihawk stood up and grabbed two cups, filling them up with wine before returning to the table and sliding a cup over to Nana. "Since you knew who I was, you must know of the other Shichibukai and who they are." Seeing her nod he started, "Then you know who Crocodile is."

"He had a bounty of 81,000,000 before the World Government made him a Shichibukai and ate the Suna-Suna no mi." She recited off the top of her head.

"Former Shichibukai." Mihawk corrected, taking a sip of wine and saw the spark flicker in her eyes at the information. "The pirate crew I mentioned last night,"

"The Strawhat Pirates." Nana nodded as she too took a sip. "It's gross." The redhead thought but she wouldn't waste it.

Mihawk nodded in acknowledgment. "She doesn't like red wine." "Yes, the official report is that a Marine named Smoker took him down though unofficially it was the Straw Hat pirates that fought against Crocodile's army and the Captain, Monkey D Luffy, took down the man himself."

Nana whistled. "Impressive. Do the pirates know any Haki?"

"It's unknown so possibly no," Mihawk answered and heard her whistle again.

"You're amused by them." Pumpkin piped up, gaining the eyes of both humans. Their stares made him shiver. It was so intense. "And you're interested in them." The tiger nodded in the redhead's direction. "Why's that Nana?"

"Damn." Nana inwardly cursed. "Well they've stormed Enies Lobby," She listed on her hand, "and taken down a Shichibukai. They're an interesting group and have considerable luck or skills. Perhaps even both and without the use of Haki."

"Haki?" Pumpkin questioned. Looking to them both for answers.

Mihawk glanced at Nana and she shrugged her shoulders back at him. Narrowing his eyes a bit didn't make her budge to explain to the curious tiger nor did a little killing intent that he focused solely on her. "Definitely like Shanks." "Haki is found in every living thing." Closing his eyes he continued, "Not many people notice they have Haki or fail to awaken it in their lifetime. Haki is similar to a sixth sense and you can train and hone this power. There are two types of Haki available. Kenbunshoku is presence. Busoshoku is fighting spirit."

"Is that it?" Pumpkin was slightly disappointing hearing about Haki. He thought it was something cool.

Nana snorted and rolled her eyes. "No that's not it. He's just annoyed at having to explain it." She voiced. "It would've been faster to show him, y'know." She nudged the table towards Mihawk that got him to open up his eyes. Nana looked at Pumpkin and nodded towards the swordsman. "Our visitor has both Haki. The first allows the user to feel the life force around them and if trained well, they can even predict their enemies moves. The second Haki is like an invisible armour over the user. It can allow users to bypass the Devil Fruit power and hit the person directly and if one trains well in Busoshoku they are able to heavily coat themselves or weapon, turning black. That's Haki and those without won't survive the New World."

"New World?" Pumpkin quipped.

Nana sighed and Mihawk grunted with the later saying. "We'll explain that later. You're quite well informed though, Little Red."

"Quit it with that lame name!" Nana growled. "And just because I'm isolated here doesn't mean I'm not well versed in some matter of the World."

"You won't stop cynically with the name you have for me so I refuse." Mihawk rebutted, narrowing his eyes at her as hers flared to life. "Interesting." "Being alone here with no one to spar against your skills won't serve you well in the real world much less survive. Though you have both Kenbunshoku and Busoshoku you're still no match for me, Little Red, and never will be." Mihawk continued to press onto her, sensing her anger flash considerably. He was playing with fire right now and didn't want to stop. Even though she did house, clothed and, fed him, Mihawk carried on. "You're just a lonely woman with anger issues-"

Before he could carry on Nana slammed her fist into the table and was visibly shaking with a wry grin. "Bastard." She cursed the man, "Pumpkin keep our guest company." She got up with a slow breath as she felt her body flare up. "This is bad and he knows it."

"Wait!" Mihawk stood up abruptly and realised his mistake when he saw her head towards the front door. Not the hot springs like he felt she'd head. "What are you doing?!" When she didn't answer and pull the handle did he move. Though he didn't get far as Pumpkin grabbed his pant leg to hold him back. "Nana!" He shouted as she ran into the storm and slamming the door behind her. "Is she crazy? She'll die dressed like that in this weather."

"Wait Mihawk-san!" Pumpkin released the man and jumped on the table and faced him. "Nana will be fine. She's done this before." The tiger watched as the swordsman stopped and looked at him. "I should've warned you back at the baths but we shouldn't bring up her being lonely. She knows she is but refuses to admit it and it's a complex of hers." Pumpkin huffed at the man. "I've made the mistake of not listening to her father's warning and if he wasn't there that time, there wouldn't be any trace of me ever living."

"Her Devil Fruit?" Mihawk was still tense as he listened to the cub scold him. It was an odd but not unwelcomed feeling.

"Sort of. Nana's father told me she has always had a short temper but admitting to her circumstances makes her fly into a rage at times. It doesn't happen all the time but it does happen when her anger is pent up. In combination with her Devil Fruit is a disastrous situation. She knows you meant no harm and was pushing her buttons but since you're a powerful and observant person she'll be more sensitive to you. She's lasted longer than I thought." He admitted shamefully.

Mihawk frowned. "Then how did you do it?"

Pumpkin looked down. "I'd rather not say. It was terrifying and all we can hope for is that she's able to calm herself down without her father here. I hope the storm helps her."

"Her father sounds powerful." Mihawk sat back down. Not liking the idea of that young woman out in the snow storm with an unknown devil fruit to him. "Then again it's my fault she's out there."

"Very much so. I believe more than you, Mihawk-san." Pumpkin said. Leaping off the table he ran to grab a broom and dragged it over to Mihawk. "It's rude of me but could you please sweep up all the snow Nana let in." He nodded over to the pile of snow melting by the front. "And I'll put more wood on the fire before the embers die out."

Mihawk grabbed the broom but the cautious feeling never left as he stared at the door.

Nana:

"This is bad." Nana shivered as she tried her best to run through the deep snow. She was getting nowhere and was too close to the cottage. "Please don't do this to me right now. Please just a little longer." She growled at herself as her body pulsed with so much heat the some of the billowing snow melted before it touched her. She could feel herself shaking but not from the cold cutting at her but rather from the unreleased anger within her that was boiling. "Not yet!" She yelled through cut lips as she could feel it take over her. Nana could feel her teeth and nails sharpening unwillingly as her face grew narrow. "Please not right now. I'll hurt Pumpkin, please." She begged her body as she the cold ate away at her willpower. Her fox ears appeared, her pupils became slits and, Nana could feel her tails wanting to come out. Trying her best to suppress her transformation into the Nine tail fox as best as she could. She didn't want to rampage, not again.

Nana felt tears in her eyes as father wasn't here to help her and the storm wasn't helping like he said it would. She still felt the desire to tear Mihawk limb from limb and dig her claws deep into his flesh. "Fuck!" Nana whimpered as one-tail appeared. She still wasn't far enough. "You're better than this Nana. Remember you're a warrior!" Nana yelled as she forced her transformation back and her tail disappeared. Nana could see the cave before her and ran her heart out and as soon as she crossed over she slammed her fist into the entrance wall and allowed the rocks to cave in and essentially lock herself in the cave that was lined with seastone that her father had set up in emergencies.

In the darkness, Nana allow herself to be consumed by the heat and transform into the towering Nine tail fox. Letting out a ferocious roar and began her rampage as the beast the rumours were based on.

Cottage:

Mihawk and Pumpkin felt the Earth rumble with a soft howl heard over the storm.

"She's not the beast." Pumpkin answered Mihawk's internal question. "She's a good person, Mihawk-san."

"I know she is," Mihawk replied. Watching the young cub turn to him in surprise. "She can't control her Devil Fruit and that's what makes her dangerous. If she makes her way back here and is a threat I will have to kill her."

"You can't!" Pumpkin screamed. "She's a good person and she'll be able to control it!" He defended Nana as flashes of her laughing, smiling and playing with him in the snow when she was meant to be gathering supplies before the next storm.

Mihawk frowned. "Is she a threat, Tiger?"

Pumpkin bit back his tears as he stood proudly and answered honestly. "Only to those she believes poses a threat to those she loves. I've overheard Nana and her father speaking about some boys and I can tell she loves them more than anything and I know they're the reason she's on this island."

"How do you know that?" Mihawk raised a brow. "A gut feeling."

"I just know it. I just know she loves those boys more than her father." Pumpkin was determined.

"Yet she's out there right now and if you saw her you'd be frightened stiff," Mihawk said with folded arms, unconvinced.

Pumpkin growled at Mihawk. "You're the one who wanted to pushed her out and wanted to chase after Nana. Yet you respect her enough to feel that she won't attack us and you won't even kill her. You're just trying to scare me into blabbing...it somewhat worked." The cub took a deep breath in and collapsed on the floor. "It's scary yelling even at you."

Mihawk felt his brow twitch. The cub was observant and caught on a lot quicker than he gave the animal credit for. "I underestimated you, Tiger. When will she be back then?" he moved to sit before the fire as he was long finished sweeping up the snow.

Pumpkin snuffed. "When the storm ends I guess. You...you like that she's different from the other women you've met, don't you?." He was still sore he was tricked by the man into giving information away. Pumpkin opted to sit on the bed and away from him.

"Nana has no interest in jumping in my pants like other women. I respect her power as a woman first and a fighter second." Mihawk looked at the sulking tiger on the bed as he began piling together what he learned. "The beast in the rumours is Nana but there seems to be a trigger. Whatever that cub did and jarbs from powerful people; though Nana has a tolerable reign on her temper until it does, on occasion, consume her till she has to release whatever fruit she has. Zoan by the sounds of it and very powerful. There must be other ways for Nana to be able to release all that energy. I assume an incident with whoever those boys are is the reason for her self-isolation even though it hurts her spirit."

Once Mihawk heard the soft snores of the cub he got up off the chair and began to strip to the skin. Grabbing his own clothing and placed them on, along with his boots and hat before grabbing Yoru and placing it on his back. Mihawk took one last look around the homely cottage, to the hidden entrance and, to the talking cub before throwing his coat around his frame and left the cottage. "What a monstrous storm." He mumbled as he tread the thick snow and with his keen eyes find the way he needed to go as he headed towards the coast. Having hid his boat within a small cave. Opting to leave the island during its storm rather than waiting for the woman to return with the answers he needed. He'd decide his verdict once he was far from the island and no storm was going to stop him from leaving.

After the storm:

Nana stumbled back into the cottage naked and shivering. Ignoring the yipping cub and wobbled towards the secret entrance and to the hot springs. "So fucking cold." She muttered, willing her stiff limbs to move and felt the gentle and concerning touches of her companion. "Sorry."

"There's no need too. Should I grab you some clothes, Nana?" Pumpkin asked as he tried his best to contain his glee. It had been so lonely once Mihawk snuck away. "Oh that's right -"

"I already know." The redhead mumbled as they reached the hot springs and waddled over to her area. Refusing the large pool in her state. "I sensed it," Nana stumbled, catching herself before she fell flat. "The second he left the island. Whatever happens next depends on what he says to Sengoku." Nana crawled the rest of the way to a pool she knew was lukewarm and threw herself in.

"Sengoku? Anyway, I should've warned Mihawk-san and I'm sorry for not thinking ahead and not stopping him. I'm meant to be your right hand." Pumpkin said the second she resurfaced.

"He's the man the Shichibukai report back to when they feel like it." Nana relished in feeling the warmth of the water melt her body. She'd switch pools once she knew she wouldn't go into shock with the sudden change in temperature. "And there's no need to apologise. I never set any house rules when that man appeared." Nana relaxed her body against the edges with a sigh. "It's annoying."

"What do you mean?" Pumpkin asked, getting into the pool with Nana.

"I used to be able to control my full transformation at will and now that I've been," she hesitated, "firm in not fully transforming all this rage and energy keeps building up that this body can't handle it and I'm forced to every few months and if I'm not in check like before it'll happen...just like how it happened around you." Nana sunk further into the water so only her head was out.

Pumpkin twitched at the incident with him. "How does your Devil Fruit work?" He only knew of her partial and full transformation and her regeneration abilities. Every other skill she had was honed from years of training and hard work.

"Rage." She coolly replied. "Even though we're quite away from other islands I can still feel all the people's rage and that's what gives me the power to fully transform. The more rage I feel the greater the need for me to transform and destroy. Back when I used it constantly I was always in control but now if I do my rage controls my every move."

"Sounds dangerous."

"It is."

"I still believe in him." The tiger whispered, facing away from his saviour. "I want to, Nana, still believe in him."

Nana peered at the cub with a single eye. Seeing his drooping body floating near her. "Do what you please. Whatever happens next I'll handle it." Getting out of the pool she forgo heading into a hotter pool and left the warm cave and back towards her home. As she stepped into her home she heard the distinct ring of her Den Den Mushi and looked up at the ceiling. Nana dragged a chair towards the door on the roof and stepped up to grab the ringing snail. "Father," She answered bluntly, "What happened?" His call was unsuspected.

"Nana," The snail grumbled with an aged sigh. "You seem to always know what's wrong. How are you?"

The redhead felt something churn in her gut. It had been years since she last heard him this down. "The storm passed early this morning. I'll be heading out soon to see if I can salvage anything on the shore."

"Hmm, that's good then." Father said, "I have a favour to ask of you, Nana, one you won't like."

Nana sighed shakily as she placed the snail down on the table before she dropped it. "So you feel it too then. That something big is going to happen." Taking deep breaths as she walked over to her dress to pull some heavy clothes over herself before she left to do her post-storm ritual. "There's been a heavy feeling in my heart for the past few weeks but I can't determine what it is."

"I knew you felt it too. I'm taking the precaution to tell you to prepare. It won't be 100% certain but you will be my last resort. Nana, train harder every way possible." The snail's face scrunched together. 

Nana slammed the dresser closed as she shut her eyes tightly. Whispering, "I get it. On one condition." Hearing the snail hum, she turned around and yelled, "If I lose control you'll take full responsibility and complete the bond!"

The snail's eyes widen, nose ran, with its mouth dropping open. "Ehhhh!"

"You owe it to me, father!" Nana walked back to the transponder and picked it back up. "You've been avoiding it for years, ever since I ate the Devil Fruit, and I refuse to let you get away with it any longer! Take responsibility, shitty old man!" The Den Den Mushi was frozen in place with its shocked expression before Nana heard a loud crash, followed by running and yelling before her father composed himself through the transponder. "Father-"

"Very well. I'll think about it." Father cut her off, sulking slightly as the snail looked away. "I'll see you and that tiger by the next full moon..." Father ignored Nana's grumbles of not being able to see the moon on the island as he continued. "To give you back this."

Nana's ears tingled and perked up the sound of metal jingling. Her eyes widening in surprise and yelled feverishly, "You went back there?! Are you crazy, old man?! I'm going to chew alive when I see you next!"

"Is that the thanks I get?! Going outta my way to get this damn thing for you, ungrateful brat!" The snail argued back, with Nana's brow twitching at the insult. "You were the one always yapping my ear off about how important this damn thing is to you and I even had it fixed up for you! Be thankful to your elders, brat!"

Nana held back her tongue, holding her fist up shaking, ignoring the flare-up in her body as she muttered through clenched teeth. "Sorry. Thank you."

"Wahaha!" Father laughed at the amount of pride the redhead sucked in before reigning it in himself and said seriously. "Thank you, Nana, for everything you've done for a selfish old man like me. I can't be there to help you train your full transformation and for that I'm sorry."

Nana's anger washed away and changed to surprise. "Why are you being sentimental now?" She whispered, "We both agreed to this arrangement." Her fist still curled, she made a promise she hoped she didn't regret. "I swear I'll get better. Better than before and beyond...and if you break what's mine, I'll break your spine." She threatened with a dark aura surrounding her.

"S-scary..." The transponder shivered before nodding. "One minute!" The snail yelled but it was obvious it wasn't meant for the receiving end. "Before I go, when I last saw him he asked about you. Asked if you were happy."

"Maah how awkward then." Nana snickered. Her heart blooming at hearing the news. She could hear the rustling in the background over the transponder and decided it was time. "I'll let you go and see you whenever the heck the full moon is." Nana watched as the snail said it's farewell and fall asleep. Sighing, she climbed back up the chair and placed the snail away in its home she made for it. Climbing back down and placing the chair away, did she address the cub that was eavesdropping. "Find anything interesting?"

Pumpkin squealed and jumped out of his terrible hiding spot. "N-no, not at all!"

The redhead grabbed her cloak as she headed for the front door. "We have a visitor." She voiced coldly and set out for the shore. This time walking and not letting herself go. Hearing the cottage door close and the pap-pap of tiger's paws treading the snow did she pick up the pace. Though her mind was stirring. "What is he doing back here? That's not enough time to reach an island, report, rest and, restock. Especially back to this island."

By the time Nana and Pumpkin reached the shore, he was already waiting for them. In his small boat, sitting on his chair with his arms crossed, waiting.

Nana halted just a few steps away from the man with a slight growl in her throat. "What did you do?" Ignoring Pumpkin's gasp of happiness.

"To the point. Lovely." Mihawk raised his gaze to the matriarch of the island. Seeing the annoyed and suspicious look in her blazing eyes. "This island is now mine."