The Standard

-Three Months and One Week Later

Dawn painted the horizon in shades of gold and crimson as the Marine vessel cut through calm waters toward Shell Town.

The distinctive silhouette of the Marine base grew larger against the morning sky, its tower rising above the modest buildings of the port town.

Leon stood at the bow, Marine coat billowing slightly in the sea breeze, Yubashiri secured at his hip. His eyes remained fixed on the approaching base, expression unreadable as he contemplated the reports that had brought him here.

Behind him, the Marine crew maintained a respectful distance. Their whispered conversations carried hints of awe and nervous energy.

"Never thought I'd serve directly under the Golden Blade," one young Marine muttered to his companion.

"They say he's cleansed nearly the entire East Blue of pirates in just three months," came the hushed reply. "Single-handedly dismantled the Foul Flag Pirates when they tried to stand against him."

"I heard he doesn't even draw his sword for the smaller crews anymore. Just looks at them and they surrender."

The ship's captain approached Leon with measured steps, clearing his throat softly. "We'll be docking in fifteen minutes, Ensign Aurelius."

Leon nodded without turning. "Thank you, Captain."

"The acting commander at the base has been notified of your arrival. They seem... anxious."

"As they should be," Leon replied, his voice betraying nothing of his thoughts.

The captain hesitated. "If I may ask, sir... the reports about Captain Morgan's defeat. Do you believe they're accurate?"

Leon finally turned, golden eyes meeting the captain's curious gaze. "We'll soon find out."

Of course, Leon knew exactly what had transpired at Shell Town just over a week ago.

His brother had begun his journey, freeing Roronoa Zoro and defeating the corrupt Captain Morgan. The first steps on Luffy's path to becoming Pirate King.

'And now I follow in his wake,' Leon thought, a hint of amusement touching his features. 'Cleaning up the messes he leaves behind, like any good older brother should when possible.'

The harbor bustled as Leon disembarked. Conversation died as he passed, replaced by whispers that followed in his wake.

"That's him - the Golden Blade..."

"The Marine Angel..."

"They say no pirate dares sail East Blue waters anymore..."

A nervous harbor official hurried forward, clipboard clutched to his chest. "E-Ensign Aurelius! Welcome to Shell Town, sir! We're honored by your presence!"

Leon offered a casual smile that seemed to surprise the man. "Thank you. How far to the base from here?"

"Just up the main road, sir. I can escort you-"

"No need. Continue with your duties."

As Leon walked through the town, he saw signs of recent restoration - buildings being repaired, people moving about with cautious optimism rather than fear. The shadow of Morgan's rule was lifting, but slowly.

He passed a modest restaurant where a woman and young girl worked arranging tables outside. He saw a girl, Rika, he thinks if his memory is correct - it's been near on two decades after all, only reason he remembers so well, is because he wrote it all down through the years and erased the evidence of it, to train his memory.

Be it in the sand or mud with sticks then kicking away the evidence, or on paper and burning it, right thereafter - constantly.

She looked up and froze, eyes widening as she recognized his Marine uniform and appearance.

"Mama," she whispered loudly, tugging at her mother's dress. "That's him! The one they talk about in the news!"

Leon paused, offering the child a small smile. "Good morning."

Rika stared in wonder, then suddenly bowed. "Thank you for helping Marines be good again!"

The simple statement caught Leon off guard. He nodded once before continuing toward the base, thinking about what she just said. In her eyes, he represented hope that Marines can be good again after they are corrupt.

'If only it were that simple,' he thought.

The Marine base courtyard fell silent as Leon entered. Soldiers snapped to attention, their postures betraying a mixture of discipline and fear.

A tall officer with a lieutenant's insignia stepped forward, saluting crisply.

"Ensign Aurelius, sir! Lieutenant Ripper, acting commander. We've been expecting you."

Leon returned the salute with proper form. "At ease, Lieutenant. I'd like to address the entire base. Have everyone assemble here in fifteen minutes."

"Everyone, sir?"

"Every Marine stationed at this base," Leon confirmed, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. "I want to hear firsthand what transpired with Captain Morgan."

As Ripper hurried off to comply, Leon surveyed the courtyard.

The axe-hand captain's presence still lingered here - in the overly polished stones, the rigid formation markers, the subtle tension in every Marine's movements.

------------------------

Fifteen minutes later, the entire complement of Shell Town's Marine base stood assembled in neat rows.

Leon walked slowly before them, golden eyes scanning each face. He stopped at the center, his presence commanding complete attention.

"I'm here to investigate the events surrounding Captain Morgan's removal from command," he began. "Lieutenant Ripper, please provide your account."

Ripper stepped forward, standing at attention. "Sir! Captain Morgan abused his authority for months, forcing the townspeople and Marines alike to comply with increasingly unreasonable demands. The situation came to a head when he ordered the execution of Roronoa Zoro, who had been imprisoned for protecting a civilian."

"And how was Morgan ultimately removed from power?" Leon asked.

"Sir, after Morgan was defeated by Roronoa Zoro and a boy in a straw hat, we - the Marines of this base - placed him under arrest for his crimes against the people!" Ripper explained.

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the assembled Marines. Several stood straighter, clearly pleased with this version of events.

"I see," Leon said quietly. "So you're telling me that after months of allowing Morgan's tyranny to continue unchecked, you found your courage only after he was already defeated by outsiders?"

The courtyard fell silent.

"But sir," another officer spoke up, "Morgan would have executed anyone who opposed him!"

Leon's gaze shifted to the speaker, who immediately regretted drawing attention. "And you took an oath to uphold justice even at the cost of your life, did you not?"

No response came.

"How many opportunities did each of you have to report Morgan's corruption to headquarters?" Leon continued, his voice remaining calm yet cutting deeper than any shout could have.

"How many chances to send a message when on patrol? How many lives could have been saved if even one of you had fulfilled your duty?"

He began pacing slowly before them, each step deliberate.

"Four months ago, I encountered another corrupt Marine captain - Nezumi - who had taken bribes from the pirate Arlong for eight years. His subordinates claimed they were 'just following orders' and 'feared for their lives.'" Leon's eyes hardened. "Every one of them was court-martialed. Every one."

A visible shudder passed through the assembled Marines.

"The uniform you wear," Leon continued, gesturing to his own Marine coat, "represents a sacred trust with the people you serve. When civilians fail to act against tyranny, it's understandable fear. When Marines fail, it's betrayal of everything you claim to stand for."

Lieutenant Ripper stepped forward again, sweat beading on his brow. "Sir, we've already begun implementing reforms-"

"Reform begins with accountability, not convenience," Leon cut him off. "Every officer who served under Morgan will face review and potential court-martial. Lower-ranking Marines who can demonstrate they actively resisted Morgan's orders may be spared."

The courtyard remained deathly silent as Leon's judgment settled over them.

"I will be conducting individual assessments beginning immediately. Dismissed."

As the Marines dispersed, their earlier pride thoroughly deflated, Leon noticed a pink-haired boy standing nervously at the edge of the courtyard.

The boy fidgeted with his hands, gathering courage with each passing second.

Leon watched with interest as the boy - Koby, he recognized - took a deep breath and began walking toward him. The remaining Marines stared in disbelief as he approached "the Terror of the East Blue" directly.

Koby stopped before Leon and bowed deeply, his entire body trembling but his voice surprisingly steady.

"Ensign Aurelius, sir! My name is Koby. I... I want to become a Marine who upholds true justice! Please, allow me to join your crew and learn from you!"

Leon studied the boy, noting his genuine determination despite his obvious fear. 'Well, let's see what future you saw in him Gramps.'

"Why do you want to be a Marine, boy?"

"To protect people, sir!" Koby straightened, eyes shining with conviction. "I was forced to serve on a pirate ship for two years. I saw firsthand the suffering pirates cause. I want to ensure others don't experience what I did!"

'Well, at least he's honest. Normally one would hide the fact that they served under pirates because it would lower their chances of being accepted under the Marines... Well, besides me, I suppose. I clearly have showed quite the favor to Cocoyashi Village's people.'

'Perhaps that's why the boy is being honest - plus possibly being smart enough to know I would catch it if he's hiding something. Either way, he's already getting plenty of points in my book.' 

Leon's expression remained neutral, "And if a superior officer ordered you to commit an injustice? To harm innocent civilians?"

Koby hesitated only briefly. "I would refuse, sir. A true Marine protects the innocent, even if it means disobeying orders that violate justice!"

Several nearby Marines exchanged glances, clearly uncomfortable with this answer in light of their own failures with Morgan.

"Even if it cost you your life?" Leon pressed.

"Y-yes, sir!" Koby stammered, but his eyes remained resolute. "What good is living if I betray everything I believe in?"

Leon allowed a slight nod. "Very well. You may join conditionally. But you will need to prove yourself through training and dedication."

Koby's face lit up with pure joy. "Thank you, sir! I won't let you down!"

"We'll see," Leon replied. "For now, follow me. You can assist with my inspection of this base."

Throughout the day, Leon conducted an examination of the Marine base, with Koby trailing attentively behind him. Every office, storage room, and training facility underwent scrutiny, revealing the full extent of Morgan's corruption.

"Look at these records," Leon instructed Koby, showing him ledgers discovered in Morgan's former office. "Notice the discrepancies between reported supplies and actual inventory."

'Wait, he's letting me look at these?' Koby thought to himself surprised.

Still, the boy, despite his internal shock, studied the numbers with surprising focus. "He was skimming resources to sell privately?"

"Precisely. What else do you observe?"

Koby hesitated, then pointed to another column. "These patrol routes... they're concentrated around wealthy areas while leaving poorer districts unprotected."

Leon nodded approvingly. "Good. A Marine serves all citizens equally, regardless of status or wealth."

'The boy's dream is powerful, he is sincere, these things I can already see without even having to take into account my own knowledge of the original timeline, where Koby is destined to replace Gramps. I don't care to show favoritism if its effective and useful...' While thinking this Leon suddenly gained a thoughtful expression as he began scratching the back of his head.

'Well, I suppose I share the same trait as that geezer,' Leon thought to himself, thinking of Garp.

Koby himself noticed the odd mixture of annoyance and amusement in the Ensign's expression, but chose to look away, and not think about it, not daring to show that he noticed it or question it.

As they continued their inspection, they encountered a group of Marines hastily removing documents from a storage room. The men froze when Leon appeared in the doorway.

"Ensign Aurelius!" one stammered. "We were just organizing these files-"

"By destroying evidence of your complicity?" Leon's voice dropped to a dangerous quiet. "Did you think I wouldn't find this? Or did you think I would be as corrupt as you?"

'How stupid do they think I fucking am? Or are they just that desperate? Probably both,'

The Marines paled. One foolishly reached for his weapon, only to find himself slammed against the wall before he could blink, Leon's hand at his throat.

"Never draw a weapon unless you're prepared to use it," Leon stated coldly. "And never assume you're faster than me."

He released the man, who collapsed gasping. "Arrest them," he ordered the Marines who had gathered at the commotion. "Separate cells, no communication."

Turning to Koby, whose eyes had widened at Leon's speed, he added, "Remember this, boy. Corruption must be rooted out completely. Like a disease, if you leave any trace, it returns stronger than before."

--------------------------

Evening found Leon on the Marine base roof, gazing out over Shell Town as lights began to flicker on throughout the village. The sea breeze carried the salt scent of the harbor, mixing with cooking smells from homes below.

Footsteps approached, and Leon turned to see Koby carrying a stack of files.

"The reports you requested, sir," the pink-haired boy said, offering the documents.

"Thank you, Koby." Leon gestured to the space beside him. "Join me for a moment."

Koby complied, standing somewhat stiffly until Leon indicated he should relax.

"Tell me about your time under pirates," Leon said.

Koby's expression darkened. "Two years of servitude, sir. I was fishing when they captured me. Made me the cabin boy - cooking, cleaning, whatever they demanded. Alvida - she was the captain of the Pirates - would beat me if I made mistakes."

"Yet you survived."

"Only because I was too afraid to try escaping," Koby admitted, shame evident in his voice. "Until... until I met Luffy."

Leon noted the name without reaction, though internally he smiled at his brother's actions. "This Luffy gave you courage?"

"He showed me that some dreams are worth risking everything for," Koby said, eyes bright with admiration. "He wasn't afraid of anything! He stood up to Alvida like she was nothing!"

"And what is your dream, Koby?"

"To become one of the greatest Marine officers, sir! Someone who stands for true justice!"

Leon nodded thoughtfully. "There are Marines who could teach you far more than I can - those who have shaped the very era we live in."

"Like who, sir?" Koby asked eagerly.

"My grandfather, for one," Leon replied, "A man who understands that justice requires both strength and heart."

Koby's eyes widened, of course having heard about the Hero of the Marines - Garp, though not his last name or anything else.

Garp's and by consequence Leon's family information is classified, so no one - besides high enough ranking people and those who frequent Foosha Village, and even they know to keep their mouths shut - knows Luffy and Ace are his brothers, nor that the two of them, are also Garp's grandsons.

"Do you think I could meet him someday?"

"Perhaps sooner than you think," Leon said enigmatically. "But first, you must prove your potential."

---------------------

A week later, Leon stood in the courtyard addressing the newly restructured command of Shell Town's Marine base.

Many familiar faces were gone - either arrested for corruption or no longer allowed to be Marines. Those who remained stood straighter, their expressions showing genuine respect rather than fear.

"The changes implemented here will continue after my departure," Leon stated clearly. "Monthly reports will be sent directly to Captain Smoker in Loguetown. Any deviation from proper protocol will result in immediate investigation."

Lieutenant Ripper, who had been allowed to maintain his position after demonstrating he had made some attempts to mitigate Morgan's worst excesses, saluted. "Understood, sir."

"Remember," Leon continued, his gaze sweeping across the assembled Marines, "the uniform you wear is a promise to the people you protect. Keep that promise."

He turned to Koby, who stood nearby with his meager possessions packed. "Are you ready?"

"Yes, sir!" Koby replied enthusiastically. Despite the bruises from Leon's intensive training regimen, his eyes shone with determination.

As they prepared to board the waiting Marine vessel, a messenger approached at a run. "Ensign Aurelius! Urgent news from across East Blue!"

Leon accepted the sealed report, breaking it open with a practiced motion. His expression remained neutral as he read, though internally his interest sharpened.

"What is it, sir?" Koby asked.

"Don Krieg's fleet has returned from the Grand Line," Leon replied, folding the report carefully. "Or what remains of it. A single damaged ship carrying survivors."

"The Don Krieg? 'Pirate Admiral' Don Krieg?" Koby's eyes widened. "His fleet was said to be the strongest in East Blue!"

"The Grand Line has its own standards of strength," Leon remarked. He turned to the ship's captain. "Change of plans. Set course for the sea restaurant Baratie."

"The restaurant, sir?" the captain questioned confused, having expected Leon to immediately chase after Krieg.

"I've heard their food is exceptional," Leon replied simply. 

As the vessel pulled away from Shell Town's harbor, the townspeople gathered to watch them leave. The little girl, Rika, ran to the edge of the dock, waving a small package.

"For your journey!" she called. "Thank you for helping us!"

Leon accepted the gift with genuine gratitude. "Stay well, Rika."

On deck, Koby could barely contain his excitement. "Will we be pursuing Don Krieg, sir?"

"Perhaps," Leon replied, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "For now, focus on your training. We'll have several days at sea before reaching the Baratie."

As Koby hurried off to assist the crew as instructed, Leon moved to the ship's bow, his thoughts turning inward.

The wind carried them forward, toward a meeting he had been preparing for months.

Don Krieg had served his purpose perfectly - a chess piece on his board, nothing more.

When the pirate fleet had attempted to enter the Grand Line three months ago, Leon had allowed their passage while ensuring they harmed no innocents along the way.

He had made certain Krieg understood the consequences of attacking civilians.

During the first month of being a Marine, Leon had been brutally killing any Pirates who harmed or killed Marines.

He had been so terrifying and swift in cleaning up the East Blue, that Pirates decided to rather flee the East Blue to the Grand Line, thinking that perhaps despite its reputation it would be safer than in the range of Leon's blade.

Pirates themselves began to stop stealing, pillaging, and murdering, since they feared reports would be made and Leon would decide to go after them - for the Ensign was like a blood hound.

Once he caught your scent, he would not stop till he delivered his Absolute Justice upon you.

Krieg was intelligent enough to attempt to go to the Grand Line when Leon wasn't anywhere close to Loguetown, and had made his preperations through trade rather than thievery.

Of course, Leon himself had set all this up, to prevent innocents being harmed while his own other desire can be possible.

That it would be possible that Krieg might encounter a certain Warlord of the Sea.

That there would be a chance that Dracule Mihawk might pursue the fleeing pirates back to East Blue.

It no longer being guarenteed in Leon's eyes because of his own existence, but he wants it to be - he has set everything up for the mere possibility of it happening...

'Well Dad,' Leon thought, his hand unconsciously touching Yubashiri's hilt. 'If it is fate, our paths will cross at last. If not... I suppose there will be other opportunities.'

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(Author note: Hello everyone, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter.

So... Will we see Mihawk next chapter? Or the chapter after that? Will he still come back to the East Blue?

Will Father and Son finally meet face to face for the first time in near on two decades? Or nah?

What do you think?

I hope to see you all later,

Bye!)