Once you left the island that never meets night and the train was close to stopping at the Blue Station in Water 7, you jumped off using Kamisori till you were at a ledge of a beautifully carved condo that had balconies for some of the owners nearby the canal of the water city; lit under the starlit night sky.

You squatted down, thinking. Watching as the government agents got off the train with no worry and achieving what they came here to do. Whatever it was, you don't remember. Too busy thinking of other more important things.

But, you thought with a hand to your chin, they won't know what just happened. They would've stopped the train if they knew I was on board. All they have are mini Den Den Mushi's which don't have a communication radius compared to their bigger brethren. Enies Lobby won't contact them.

Not only that, you got on the last train of the night. It will take a few hours for the train to head out once more with the government agents that just arrived.

And even if they did, unless they deploy Lucci himself all the way here to get you, they won't be able to catch you. The hours it will take for the next train to depart and for it to arrive back here should be enough time for you to get what you need.

You glanced away from the government agents down below, turning your head towards the many docks of Water 7 that are numbered from one to seven. There's different foremen companies in each one competing for profit, but you really only need a small thing.

A boat.

You dug a hand to your pockets, Kuroi ten'nosabaki glinting under the night only to dull when only a few Beli's came out to your hand. Some lint on it as you stared blankly at it.

You...didn't really grab the money you have off to the side in your room within the Tower of Justice.

The money you're staring at right now with a sweatdrop just happened to be in these pants too.

Thirty two beli's. That's all you got.

Not enough at all for a boat.

You wonder if it's even enough to get a room at a motel.

You didn't think at all!

"Ohhh man..." you said, putting your hands on each side of your head, the Beli's being scrunched up within your palms as you did so. "I didn't think this through at all...I can see that cat already mocking me."

At the thought of Lucci's mocking expression, that dark smile and all, you stood up with clenched fists and fiery eyes.

"No way! I can do this! I don't need a motel room anyways, I'll just find somewhere else to relax a bit. And than I'll find more money! In a span of a few hours...with no one I know here..." as you kept going, your shoulders grew more and more hunched and a depressing aura formed around you. Your buster sword being dull, unamused and exasperated and Karasu shining in laughter. "And I'll be stuck here with no way to get out cause I didn't get money...I didn't think being a free gal would get this complicated."

One would say you made it complicated, said the narrator.

You of course didn't hear anybody, instead just mumbling and grumbling loudly to yourself as you began to pace back and forth on the ledge of the roof you were on.

"Wowwwww~! Kitty look! So big!"

You turned your head towards the childlike voice, moving to look down at the other side of the roof to below in the alley. Seeing a child no more than two or three with light green hair pulled up to two puffs and some sort of animal in between her hands, the young girl's smile wide. Staring up to the two men who had malicious smiles on their faces.

"Come on, little girl. It's time to stop the game and go with us." One of the men said, voice grating in a low pitched tone that would make anyone's skin crawl.

The young girl, oblivious, only laughed innocently.

"Play! Tag me! Try to—have to tag." The girl lifted her hands up with the small animal, the animal making a raspy 'myah' as if in agreement and easing its tiny paws as if to tag the two men. "Catch! Hafts...have to—play!"

The men looked at each other and laughed, both shrugging.

"Sure," the other man said, reaching down towards her as you tensed, "now let's get you—"

The young girl dove in between the man's legs, the animal making a 'Myah!'as paws went between his legs as the girl passed through with laughter. The man falling down in pain at the force of...tiny paws.

You tilted your head, a question mark appearing over your head.

"What?! Hey, you okay?!" The man said to the pained one before turning towards the laughing toddler angrily. "What are you laughing about brat?! Come here!"

"Yay! Play!" The girl said, staying put despite the rash man dashing towards her as she stood in front of the wall. Unbothered along with the blue furred tiny animal as it did another 'Myah~!' that sounded with a singsong quality as they both seemed to giggle. The man moved to grab her only for the girl to sidestep, the man slamming his head against the wall and slide down to the floor. The girl laughing once more with closed eyes before sticking her tongue out along with the animal...you think it's a cat? "Catch! Catch! Can't—don't know how to p-play? Tag me! Tag! Tag! Tag!"

The girl jumped up and down as she held her weird cat against her chest, the cat getting dizzy as she did so and making a pathetic and slow 'M...yahhhh...'.

The first downed man picked himself up, shaking his head and gritting his teeth as he stared at the giggling mischievous toddler. The other man getting up as well.

"You cheeky brat!" They both stated, running towards her aggressively as the toddler only poured and said in her warbled toddler speech no cheating. Only for them to be flattened to the floor, your boot on each of their backs as you stood atop them with crossed arms.

"Yeah," you said above the groaning and knocked out men as you looked below at them. "No cheating. Aren't you too old to play tag anyways?"

"Wowwwww," you turned to look at the toddler having her wide brown eyes look up at you, wide grin still on her face along with the...weird cat. Rabbit? Dog? "Big! Big lady! You killed them, big lady!"

"Big? That's not really nice. Ah, you mean my sword right?" You jabbed a thumb behind you towards your buster sword, no doubt adding to the weight of the men below you and having them so flat against the ground. "My sword is pretty big. But you shouldn't play with these people. They looked like bullies—"

"Big lady!" The toddler exclaimed with a laugh and you made a deadpan. You don't think she'll listen. "Play tag! Tag! Tag! Ah...but," the toddler paused, putting a hand to her chin and staring up in deep thought. "My mom told me to not—not talk to strangers."

"What were you doing than?!" You couldn't help but exclaim, stepping off the two men. You think you heard a scrunch. Eh, they seem okay. The toddler looking at the bodies and making an awed noise and saying you really killed them with you waving her off that they're fine. "Ah, whatever. Where is your mom anyways?"

"Myah!" You looked down at the...rabbit. It's a rabbit—the toddler must've let it go since it hopped towards you and stared up at you with a grin similar to the toddler's. You squatted down, moving to pet it and it letting you as the toddler stared with a pout.

"Hey! That's my Gonbe!"

"Gonbe, huh?" You smiled, your hand rubbing atop the rabbit's head as its eyes were closed as you did so and saying pleased myah's. "My name is (Y/N). I didn't know bunnies even made noise like that. I thought it was a cat."

"Gonbe is a kitty. Big lady doesn't know kitties?" The toddler asked seriously as she grew closer to you two until she stood in front of you and Gonbe.

You looked up at her, brows furrowed.

"It's a bunny."

"No. Kitty."

"Bunny."

"Kitty."

"Bunny. Look at the ears, they're floppy." You pointed and lifted a long floppy ear as if to show, Gonbe looking sad since you stopped petting and seemed to look between you two now with a confused 'myah?'. "And the tail is puffy too!"

"No. Kitties meow!"

"Bunny."

"Kitty!"

"Myah!"

"See?" The toddler pointed out and you just let it go with an exasperated sigh. No point in arguing something small as this, there's something more important to worry about. You asked the toddler her name and where her mom is. "Big lady stranger so can't tell. Bad." She than blinked, staring at your left cheek with wide eyes. "Big lady bleeding too!"

You rubbed your cheek, your left eye giving a slight twitch at the stinging sensation your cheek has from the deep scratch before you shrugged.

"It's nothing. I said my name earlier, but I'll say it again." You lifted your hand in a wave and a comforting smile. "I'm (Y/N)! And I don't think Gonbe thinks I'm a stranger right?"

Gonbe, who was rubbing your knee said a 'Myah!' in demand to be pet again and you did so eagerly. Fur is always soft and nice to touch, and the bunny really seems to love it. Chimney accepting your nonchalant answer of your cheek.

"Hmmmm...okay...My name Chimney! Play?"

"Ah, no. Not now. Where's your mom? Or whoever takes care of you?" At the question, Chimney made a disgusted face.

"Grandma smells."

Grandma?

So gotta find an older lady than. You asked Chimney if she knew where she lived with Chimney giving strong and repeating nods before pointing ahead and walking to show you as Gonbe hopped beside them. Albeit slowly since Gonbe was still a baby along with their owner. The both of you walked through allies and besides the canal for a few minutes with you talking and asking Chimney questions about her house and grandma as well as how she met Gonbe.

Chimney, the eager and never seeming to falter grinning toddler, answered all of them as Gonbe made some myah's along the way as if in agreement to their owner. As much as she could anyways. She's still learning words.

"Grandma looks like me but a dinoswar. And she likes cocolo. I like coco milk."

You looked down at her, a brow arched as you had a confused smile.

"Cocolo?"

"It makes her smell funny," Chimney answered seriously. "And she moves like thish."

Chimney put her arms out and moved her body in a weird circle, you would think she's playing with a hula hoop if she didn't fake a stagger to the side or so before straightening with a proud grin up at you for acting so 'in character' no doubt.

"Oh?" Was all you said with a half smile and hard to read eyes. "Likes to drink, huh?"

You can't judge much. People drink, for different reasons.

Shanks, you observed from your time with them, does it for fun along with the rest of the crew in a union of hearty laughs and games.

Your lips twitched up at the memories you made with them and the villagers as you kept thinking.

Others do it just to relax, either every now and than or a glass every day if possible like Lucci or Smoker...

You lowered your eyes in thought, frowning.

"Are you sad too, big lady?" You blinked, glancing towards Chimney as they walked and you noticed the young toddler's grin was more a close lipped smile, Gonbe back in her arms as she stared down at the ground as she walked besides you. "Grandma sad. She smiles more when dreenking her cocolo. I...don't like it when baa-chan ish sad."

You studied the toddler who thinks bunnies are kitties.

"...did you leave the house because she looked sad?" At Chimney's silence and faltered steps, your eyes softened. Kids can be really innocent sometimes. You put a gentle hand to her shoulder, squatting down as the toddler stared at you along with Gonbe. "That's nice you care so much about your baa-chan. You must really love her. She loves you too, who wouldn't? You have such a nice smile!" You grinned as if to show which made the toddler's lips lift a little at that. "Maybe next time when she looks sad, show off your smile towards her and play with her! Or share your coco milk, she might get happy like that?"

"You...think so, big lady?"

You met her youthful brown eyes with your soft (e/c) ones.

"I have a secret." You made a motion of looking around as if scared someone will hear, Chimney looking around suspiciously too along with Gonbe as it said a questioning 'Myah' as you drew your faces closer together, smile fighting its way on your lips. "I get real happy when I see smiles too. It feels nice and they're nice to look at. It's like you're getting the other person's happiness too."

"Oh. I do like when baa-chan smiles too."

"Myah," Gonbe said in agreement.

"See? She'll like it too! But it's okay to feel sad sometimes too. Sometimes, it's good to be quiet and just sit."

"Quiet? I don't like sitting."

"Mmmm, I don't like it much either." You pushed away the still fresh memories when you were alone in your room. "But just sitting with someone can help. Maybe you draw or color by her while she does something too. Hugs help too. They're magic."

You thought of years ago, in a small island made famed by a legend. Of a small pier out by the outskirts of town, staring up at the full moon with bruises and scratches all over along with dirt on your skin and clothes. A body bigger than yours yet still skinny next to you, equal in his messiness and a scowl gone despite the bandages on his head. Just looking up at the quiet sky too.

Chimney eyes sparkled at the word.

"Magic?! I can have magic?"

You grinned, eyes gleaming.

"Hugs are special like that. Or even touching hands."

"And kisses?" Chimney said excitedly, Gonbe smiling along with its owner as it was held in her arms. "I like kisses!"

You winked, putting a finger against your lips.

"Kisses are extra special. But you have to mean it. It should show all your love just like that."

"You have a boyfriend, big lady?"

You choked, coughing out spit as Chimney said something in concern as you patted your chest harshly as you felt your face feel hot, flushed.

"W-wh-what?! What gave you that idea?!"

Chimney tilted her head along with Gonbe.

"It sounds you kissed before. Do you kisshh way where you get cooties?"

The famed night where you had your first drink in the Tower came to mind.

"I—er, well—yes, but no—"

"No kisses?" Chimney frowned, before putting a small chubby hand to your shoulder and pat it twice. "No wonder you sad."

You weren't sure whether to be offended or be more embarrassed as your face felt aflame.

"I—I—it doesn't—LOOK!" Chimney blinked as you put your head against hers, your finger up besides your faces as Gonbe's head was to your chin. "Kisses are the most important thing ever! It's special! It shows everything about your feelings and shouldn't be tossed about easily. Kisses mean love, like ultimate. The greatest! Especially lips. And—and it has to be when you're conscious too!"

"Conscience?"

"Conscience? No—" you stopped, blinked and backed up as you stared at the young girl with wide confused eyes along with the blue furred bunny. You stood up, putting an arm against the wall nearby as a depressed aura came down.

You're arguing with a toddler about the importance of kisses.

What are you even doing anymore...?!

Chimney laughed good-naturedly despite your attitude.

"You're funny, big lady!"

"Hah...I wasn't really trying to be..."

"I'll make sure to give me—my baa-chan kisses too! They're special, I like when I get kissed on the cheek. And if I like it, she'll like it. Maybe stop being sad!"

You looked and stared at the toddler's hopeful expression, your lips twitching up despite yourself.

"Ah...yeah." You stopped yourself from adding kisses can distract, not feeling the need to. You've already shared enough. You paused, and looked around on where they were as you stood. They made a ways away from the Blue Station and seem to be close to the Main Street on land within the island, or at least, one of the main streets. "Do you see your house anywhere? We've been walking for awhile."

Chimney looked around at the tan and peach villas and buildings that looked dim under the night sky.

"Ah...well, I thinkh it's dis way." Chimney pointed to an alley and you stared.

"We went through there already," you sweatdropped.

"Oh," Chimney blinked and than blinked up at you, twice. Along with Gonbe. You stared back at her as silence reigned and the wind blew.

...

Chimney's eyes watered. "...wahhhh, we're lost!"

Your eyes widened as the toddler started to cry, Gonbe making pitiful fake meow's in tandem as your arms fluttered around her.

"A-ah! It's okay! We'll find it!"

"I-I don't—wahhhhh, where are we?! We're lost!"

"It'll be fine!" You reassured, putting a hand on the toddler's shoulder as you squatted down towards her. You like kids, but you panic when they cry like this. Smoker was always better at that. Garp made them cry harder. You felt your chest feel heavy. "It really is fine, Chimney. Oh, I know! I have an idea!"

"You—you," Chimney sniffed, rubbing her hands on her red face as tears went down, "don't know where—where go too! Stuck!"

She really switched around from believing in you to not, huh.

You grabbed her, lifting her up as you stood as she kept holding onto Gonbe. She made a confused sniffle as you looked around before nodding and than looking down at her, your lips half lifted.

"Do you like rides?"

"Rides?"

"Hold on tight, Gonbe!"

"Myah?"

"Huh?"

Chimney barely let that out along with Gonbe before you jumped into the air, dashing and kicking against the air in sidesteps with the use of Geppo as Chimney's tears of sadness turned into tears from how fast you were going as her and Gonbe shrieked.

"Don't worry! I gotcha!" You stated, with a half grin as Chimney stated she doesn't want to die. "Heyyyy, you're fine! Look!" You stopped the side stepping, now just using Geppo against the air and staying still as your legs kicked underarm you to keep you in place. Chimney blinking and ooing and awwing as the both of you stared down at the street lit water city—able to see the majority of the buildings down where you were. You didn't move too much, you figured the child's house must be around this area. You noticed that she calmed down and was staring excitedly as she talked to Gonbe about they're so high up, she's never been this high before. "Heh, I could go higher but don't wanna scare ya."

Chimney pouted up at you.

"I'm not scared!"

You rose a brow, amused.

"Oh? Misjudged your screams of terror than."

"It—I—my stomach felt funny."

"Myah!" Gonbe added, paw raised up.

You released an amused sigh out your nose, lips twitching at how the child's two light green puff balls looked scattered on her head.

"Okay, okay. Just know that laughing mixed with screaming might help your stomach feel better than just screaming like crazy." Chimney gave an eager nod, pleased. Cute kid. You stared back down at streets and buildings below, nodding. "Since we're up here, why don't you show me where you live. You know how your house, looks yeah?"

Thankfully she did, pointing out a lime painted building with a tan round roof. You using Geppo to go over there and this time Chimney laughing freely as you did so. You had to remind her to hold onto Gonbe though. The toddler lifted up her arms in glee and dropped Gonbe, Gonbe's paws quickly wrapping around your leg in a Vice grip as it a pathetic "myahhhhhhhhh!". You grabbed the bunny from its neck and giving it back to Chimney and telling her to hold on to it. She was too busy laughing though, she did hold on to the bunny with one arm though while the other repeatedly waved in front of your face so you couldn't see

Cute kid. But not as scared as she was before and now is just completely oblivious to how blocking your vision can make you guys crash into a building.

She seems to be having fun though, so you just craned your neck and trying to not get hit by a chubby hand as you kept going to where she pointed.

"Baa-Chan?" You furrowed your brows, seeing that Chimney was looking below them in the streets with a frown. "Big lady! That's my baa-chan! She's not home!"

You looked down, noticing a woman with hair similar coloring to Chimney's—large and looking like she walking with a drunk gait. You took note of something else however.

"Your grandma has a triangle nose?"

"Uh huh. I have a round one."

"I...see that..."

You thought of a square nose and shook your head.

You need to stop it. Focus.

You slowly went down towards the grandma, Chimney calling after her baa-Chan while waving her arm as she held Gonbe while the bunny was saying myah's as well.

The wrinkly aged woman looked up, a bottle to her lips and sees someone floating down towards her.

"Ah. An angel. So they exist too," she stated in her raspy voice before laughing. "Nagagagaga! Or is that a reaper trying to take me?"

You heard her, raising a brow at her as you got nearer.

"Uh. No. Should you be laughing like that if you thought I was a reaper?"

"Baa-Chan says weird things!"

"Myah!"

"Oh, Chimney! There you are. You seemed to have found your way back. Good thing too, nagagagaga!" The woman than seemed to truly look at you, eyes interested around her large smile that won't seem to waver. "And full escort by a marine too. How lucky am I that one of you happen to be close by."

You have a sense this woman knows more than she lets on.

You landed on the ground, letting Chimney run towards her Baa-Chan. Giving a big hug to her leg and than running around her in hyperactive energy as Gonbe attempts to do the same with its clumsy hops. Baa-Chan laughing as her granddaughter did so, you noticing that the woman was wearing conductor clothes.

"She needed a little help," you answered, than glanced at the coat over the woman's shoulders. "You must be a stationmaster. Were you doing the last train tonight? Do you take Chimney with you?"

The older woman nodded, taking a swig from the bottle in her hand. Not caring as Chimney tripped on her feet along with Gonbe from running around in circles and face planting on the ground. Only to get back up like nothing happened and kept on going.

"When I can. Good eyes you got there too. We don't get many marines pass through here because of how close we are to people of the World Government." The old woman's green eyes looked at you through her heavy lids. "Trouble anywhere? Hope it's not to arrest little old me, nagagagagaga! I promise I'm not causing a disturbance."

Chimney paused from running around, along with Gonbe as she stared up at her grandma.

"Didn't you almosh crash the train the other day?"

"Nagagagagaga! Did I? Didn't seem like I did..."

Chimney nodded, ever serious despite her smile.

"Uh huh. People got tummy aches."

"I don't remember that," the old woman said, taking a heavy swig from her bottle as you stared blankly. "Nagagaga! Mustn't have been important."

"You're a pretty bad conductor," you stated bluntly which only made the woman laugh harder and comment on your honesty. "No, you're not in trouble. I'm (Y/N). Just saw Chimney was in trouble with her bunny. That's all. Anyone would've done it."

"Kitty." Chimney corrected and you waved a hand towards her in a placating manner, saying "yeah, yeah" as the older woman stared at you—bottle at her lips before shoulders relaxed. Chimney stuck out her tongue. "And they were bad at tag—real bad."

You nodded at Chimney, severe.

"Terrible."

"Theribble," Chimney attempted to repeat, just as serious despite her close lipped smile.

"Anyone, huh?" The woman said quietly, which you didn't hear as you turned towards her with a tilted head. "Nagaga, nothing. I'm Kokoro," the older woman than did a half bow which made you nervous since it looked like she was about to fall over only for her back to immediately straighten as Chimney clapped her hands in support. You doing the same, albeit slower as you said woah, making Kokoro laugh once more. "Thank you for taking care of her. Come, let me repay you with a drink. And with your bleeding face."

Chimney's eyes sparkled as she turned towards you, Kokoro already starting to walk away with her unsteady gait.

"Yayyyy! Big lady for sleepover!"

"Myah! Myah!"

You wonder how things went as they went, but you shrugged. Starting to walk along as Chimney skipped around you cheering as Gonbe hopped to try to keep up on it's little legs.

"Sure. Why not. Although you have to ask your baa-chan that." You smiled down at her as Chimney pouted. "And you have to remind me how sleepover's go. I haven't had one in a long time."

"That's easy! Baa-chan, let's show Big Lady—nee-san!"

"Still calling me that, are you?" You sweatdropped. You did find the nee—san part cute though.

"Nagagaga! Chimney must like you!" Kokoro peered back towards you over her shoulder, watching as you said you guess as Chimney moved around you with her arms out like she was flying. Her tripping and you stopping her fall by using your arm, her not letting go as she laughed with you lifting your arm up and down as you grinned. Kokoro's eyes analyzing as she stared at your lips, quiet. "Interesting eyes you have...and a smile to match."

Interesting choice of clothes too, Kokoro observed as she turned away, drawing close to her home. Your white long sleeved buttoned blouse may not have its coat over it, but Kokoro knows that uniform anywhere. You don't seem to care for those blasted blueprints. You're not like the others.

Yet, Kokoro gazed up towards the moon as the two of you laughed with Chimney's giggles behind her as Gonbe wanted a turn too with your arm, she feels as if you're not like anyone at all.

And she is not the first nor will be the last to see that.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

"I don't need to stay here, really. I can find somewhere else."

"Do all marines talk nonsense?" Kokoro answered and you didn't say anything to that.

You know several marines after all.

You finished drinking the (fave. common hot drink) Kokoro made you, Chimney already long asleep along with Gonbe upstairs in the townhouse. The house covered with knickknacks of trains and fishes everywhere—from shells to train whistles amongst the white and grass colored walls. The young toddler and bunny passed out from the exciting and stressful day they had—although they weren't aware of it.

You sat in the dining room table, holding onto your empty cup as Kokoro washed dishes in the sink in front of you. Bandage on your cheek to help with your healing thanks to the older large woman in front of you.

"Take a thanks when it's given," you turned your eyes towards the older woman, the sound of the sink and clanking dishes in your ears as she kept her eyes focused on her task. "If you really had somewhere else to go, you would've left by now."

You blinked, than scratched your head through your Marine cap sheepishly.

"A-ah. Well—I won't be able to stay here long anyways. I have to find someone that's willing to sell a boat."

"Ho? A boat you say?" Kokoro stated amused, lips lifted in that ever present grin that made her wrinkles show. "Nagagaga, a perfect place you chose to find one than. Knew we're famous for our foremen didn't you?"

You turned your eyes sideways, a hand under your chin.

"You could say that. I don't need much though. Just a raft really. I just have to find someone who's willing to sell it cheap."

"A raft? The World Government doesn't pay their employees enough." Your eyes widened as they darted towards her, Kokoro uncaring as she kept washing before turning off the tap. "That may explain your foul attitudes, nagagagaga!"

You quickly stood, chair screeching back.

"Listen, I don't—"

Kokoro turned towards you, drying a plate.

"Oh calm down. I don't care. But if you want to stay hidden, perhaps change that top of yours hmm? And that hat." She laughed once more, eyes closed and all as she placed the plate down. "Although I've seen those types of clothes every day for the past two years, ever since that day. You just got unlucky. Or rather lucky? Nagagagaga, who really knows!"

Kokoro moved to a cupboard, taking out a bottle of whiskey and taking the cork out as you thought.

Two years ago?

Wait, two years ago was when—

Your eyes widened.

"You..." you licked your lips as Kokoro took a heavy swig of the harsh drink. "You knew the one who made the Sea Train?"

Kokoro hummed, looking at you yet eyes distant. As if she was staring past you.

"More than know. We were practically family. I'm sure they don't say everything in those little reports though. Nagagaga! No, something like that, written in just some lines on paper," Kokoro focused her eyes back, staring off to the side instead. Rubbing the corner of her mouth to wipe some stray alcohol with the back of her hand. "It won't really say much. The World Government is practical and cold." She flicked her green eyes towards you. "You've seen it too, yes? You must've. Why are you alone? Didn't leave without a scratch either."

You stayed silent, hands twitching at your sides before clenching as you looked down and away. Eyes shadowed from your cap.

"I...I'm sorry. For what that man did to you. I..."

Kokoro huffed a laugh. Your eyes moving up at the sound.

"Why would I need an apology from you, young girl? What did you do? You weren't there that day. Although, the little hope I have in our government is now dashed completely. If people like you leave."

You didn't question how she knew.

Nor did you bother to answer the questions against your attire that is obvious yet you will not change it. And did not touch upon the promise on your face.

You did though set your jaw and stared with a glint in your eyes as Kokoro took another swig. Her one brow arching in interest.

"I'm sorry all the same. And that I didn't punch him harder when I left. That shit should've gone through all the walls instead of one."

Kokoro blinked, hand almost letting go of the bottle from shock before she let out the most boisterous laugh you've heard from her. Raspy and crackling as it was, it made your lips lift.

"You remind me of someone with that attitude! Nagagagaga! Oh...how nostalgic." Despite how warm she sounded, she instead closed her eyes tight and took another swig. And you couldn't help but think of Chimney's words.

Of her grandma's sadness. Why she drinks.

You stared at the bottle pensively.

"Do you drink to make that feeling go away?"

Kokoro paused, bottle to her lips as she leaned against the sink counter as you kept your eyes towards the liquid that everyone seems to thirst for. Kokoro hummed.

"Feeling? No...more to forget."

Your brows furrowed, not understanding.

"Forget?"

"You're not a drinker are you?" You slightly flushed and Kokoro smiled knowingly. "Heh, a lightweight than. But drinking to me, it helps. Fills something up due to others being gone. And sometimes even takes it away."

"The memories?" You asked, sitting back down in the chair. Looking down at your empty mug, a few drops of your drink still at the bottom. "...it takes away all of them?"

"Nagagagaga! If only!" Kokoro answered and for some reason, that made you frown as you peered up at her. Kokoro staring at the bottle with her odd smile that never wavers. You feel like those laughing lines were caused more from force than natural. "I'm surprised. I wonder what you have seen, young girl. I wonder if I seen what you have, if I wouldn't black out every night till perhaps I meet that fool Tom."

You thought of bloody hands and screams and cries of anguish. Of faces of betrayal. Of countries falling. The sound of a body dropping. A baby's cry with blood on your face.

You bit the inside of your lip, eyes shadowed from your cap.

Kokoro watched you through half lidded eyes as you did so, (skin tone) hands tight around your cup.

You pushed away the memories, as far back as you could. That's not you anymore.

Except it is.

You shoved that away, thinking of others drinking habits. Of Shanks' when you were helping build back the new village—of the parties and his cheeks flushed red but not the color of his hair. Although he stated with a laugh that was his goal.

Did...Shanks drink to forget too?

You frowned. Wondering what could a man like the sun and light want to forget and hide from.

"I...I don't think I want to forget," you admitted, staring at your cup in thought as Kokoro made a questioning noise. You met her eyes with yours, earnest. "I have good memories too. I don't want to forget everything. The people that I lost...what if I forget the good times too?" You thought of your mother, kind smile and a gentle touch to your cheek. When everything was good and before she got sick. "And the other times...with others...I don't want to forget. Not even a moment. Because that's all...that's all..."

That's all I have left, you finished in your head as you turned away. Throat feeling clogged and eyes burning.

Kokoro stared at you, eyes unreadable as she stared at your sincere troubled expression.

"And," you began again, strained. "I...can't forget what I've done. I have to remember. To not...to know what I did. And try my best to not hurt people like that ever again. You...don't know what I've done, Kokoro."

You have to learn.

You'll try your best, try to be the person you were before. Before all this. Before the missions, before CP9, before you accepted the proposal.

But people—people have a hard time changing.

And you, you are aware that people aren't always the kindest. And sometimes you can't be either.

Karasu glinted on your hip as if in reminder of what happened in the new island of the villagers.

"Nagagagagaga!" Your brows shot up, staring up at the laughing woman in surprise bewilderment. Why is she laughing? "Oh, young girl. You don't know what I've done either. What I could do. All it takes is a rough tide and me to decide to control the train and let it fall off the tracks, those precious agents stranded. Alone. Like nothing. Like how they treated Tom who gave them the train in the first place only to use it to take him to his death." You saw green eyes glisten and tears to fall as you watched the old woman put the bottle down, her eyes on the floor. "Na...gagaga...I can't though. Because he made it. And I couldn't destroy that. His last creation."

Words were left unsaid as silence reigned.

The last part of him.

You feel like Kokoro doesn't want to forget either. Not everything.

You stood, grabbing a paper towel and handing it to Kokoro as she laughed and grabbed it. Giving a strong blow of the nose as you just watched as she blew. Hands in your pockets in a position you've gotten accustomed to doing. As well as another doing it too.

"Do you have extra snot cause of your nose?"

"What?" Kokoro asked, hand to her large triangle nose. Smile on her face faltering slightly at the question before laughing as the words got processed. "Nagagagaga! You're an odd one, aren't you?"

You put a hand to your chin in thought as you leaned close as Kokoro laughed harder at your expression near her face.

"It's a real question. Someone ever told you your nose looks like a 3 D prism?"

"Nagagagaga! You're really curious. Obsessed with noses?"

You threw her a half grin.

"Only the best ones."

"Nagagagaga!"

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Several hours later, in the alley where you rescued Chimney, the two men awoke to pain and broken ribs.

"Ugh! We shouldn't have entered this organization—ouch! I can barely move my leg."

"Stop your whining!" The other man stared with a scowl as they both stood up. Clothes dirtied. The man winced, hand going to his groin. "Damn...I'm still sore due to that shitty brat's bunny."

"I thought it was a cat?"

"Whatever! Let's just—let's see other business. I didn't like doing this anyways."

"Mmmm...we can try joining up a loan shark family."

The man nodded, grinning greedily.

"That will do. Now that makes money! And easier."

"Yeah," the other agreed before he glanced around in thought. "Say, what fell on us anyways? I don't see it."

"Felt like a damn piano," the man cursed as he rubbed his back, careful with his posture to make sure he could walk. "I hate pianos."

"I hate dying more," the other stated, looking fearful and pale. "Say...you don't think our contractor will be mad that we ran and never found him—what did he call it, a 'human guinea pig for the betterment of science'?"

The man scoffed.

"Who cares? I hate know it all's. He can find someone else since he apparently has that Vegapunk guy by him."

"True, we should try to go to the doctor first."

And so, the two disgusting men, waddled away due to injuries. Waddled all the way to the unamused doctor in a clinic that can't believe he has to deal with two idiots for patients so early in the morning.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Jabra cleaned out his ear with his pinky, took a sniff and flicked the wax off his finger as he walked through the halls of the Tower that have a bunch of agents running around like roaches without their heads.

"Damn, I can't get any sleep," he complained, yawning obnoxiously as he walked past the agents with papers or medical supplies for the idiot director. Jabra thinks the old Director—Spandine—is somewhere around here too but he can't recall.

He does recall the sadistic enjoyment of seeing that panda shit in bed crying from a little punch. He's sure the others enjoyed it too, although they kept their faces straight. No one liked Spandam. You did one thing right with punching his jaw out (again, maybe his jaw will stay broken from yours) before leaving.

He imagined the scene, with that devil cat just watching as you did it, breaking the wall of Spandam's office and let out a guffaw. Uncaring if agents paused to look over at him from his boisterous laughter and ignoring their comments.

"Poor guy, he's traumatized that the director got hurt."

"People react different ways to shock. Who knew he would snap like that?"

"Hope he feels okay. Let's just pray that the Director will get better and than he'll get back to normal."

"He told me once that he's related to the Vice Admiral, Dalmatian. You think we should tell him his relative is suffering?"

"I think...he lied to you about that. He once told me his rooster could lay golden eggs."

"What?! Really?! Did it?"

"Of course not!"

"Ah. He's sterile."

"...we need more mental evaluations here."

Jabra than straightened, continuing to walk to head to his Zen garden till he gets called in again no doubt as he thought.

He's aware of that shitty cat's feelings towards Spandam. The pathetic leopard even started to avoid any usage of the word 'Spam' altogether and won't come into the cafeteria if they had any that day.

One time he pranked the stupid feline by having the cafeteria workers in on it there was no Spam only for it to be the only type of food they had and just in different varieties. A lot of people were unhappy that day, but the look of that cat's face was golden. You didn't seem to enjoy the prank much though, you were helpful at times when it came to annoying that feline when you felt like it and weren't so distant and outwardly showing your dislike. Turns out, you don't really like Spam either, making a face of disgust before grabbing the glaring cat's wrist and tugging. Dark eyes turning down towards you as you said without looking over they can fish for food like they always do when in missions.

And just like that, with the cat throwing you a backhanded compliment that you had at last a rational idea and you being offended as always as the two of you walked out with that feline smirking as you kept tugging at his wrist with a scowl, Jabra was left with his plan in tatters. And everyone in the cafeteria looking displeased. It would have been worth it if that cat was pissed too but damn it...!

You and that unfeeling demonic cat!

Which brings up Jabra's confusion.

Yes, the cat hated Spandam. Fact.

Yes, the cat is completely unfeeling and seems to have no soul like all cats do. Fact.

Due to said no soul, able to accomplish whatever mission the cat is ordered to. Or will do everything in his power to achieve said mission. Fact.

You and the cat were partners for nearly six years. Fact.

Cat hates any sort of weakness. Fact.

You do not hold views similar to cat, being called naive in front of Jabra and others by feline. Fact.

Naïveté means weakness or is under weakness. Fact.

Fact: the cat, after some time and said time being years, would want your eyes on him constantly and you nearby no matter what he would do or say to achieve it.

Fact: the cat does not need orders to know appropriate measures for certain events.

Fact: certain very recent event was your defection.

Fact: the unfeeling, stupid, shitty, demonic cat would not let you go for reasons Jabra will not think about.

Fact. Said cat did.

JABRA DOESN'T UNDERSTAND!

Jabra rubbed his forehead and head harshly, messing up his hair that was tied back and having strands lifted up and adding onto his wild look.

From what that cat said to the others about how you left, on the back of the train with the leopard managing to get a mark on you, it seemed that Lucci could've just gone on and drag you back easily.

There's something missing, Jabra knows there is.

Jabra was close to his Zen Garden and was about to enter through the door to squeeze in a nap with his rooster—Dori, he spotted the said devil cat himself walking with Kalifa. The cat's eyes unable to be seen due to his ridiculous top hat while Kalifa had a questioning expression on her face as she glanced at the stoic demon, looking as if she wanted to ask something but was hesitant to do so.

Jabra smirked.

"Well," he began with hands to his hips, smug as Kalifa's eyes turned towards him. The cat merely tilting his head slightly in his direction before straightening and gazing straight ahead. Jabra grit his teeth but his smirk didn't fall. "Look what the cat dragged in. Back from your talk with the old Director, Spandine? What did you say?" His mouth curled up more as he walked towards them, trying to have the cat look straight at him instead of ahead or having his hat hide his black hole for eyes. "I gotta know what you said to the angry big bad daddy of our director. Letting someone slip from your fingers. Not so great as people say, huh?"

"Jabra," Kalifa called, firm while fixing her already perfect glasses. "Don't start already. It's been a long day. And will continue to be."

He doesn't care. He just wants to see the unfeeling cat do what felines do best—be stoic.

Jabra wants to just check.

"I really despise your constant yapping, mutt. Green does not suit you either, stick with what's under one's shoe." Lucci replied coldly, tone chilling and hard. But he did not look at Jabra, just moved to keep walking with hands in his pockets as the Wolf Zoan felt his blood boil, scowling. "I don't have time for this. If you're in a rut, find someone else to sniff around."

Jabra's and Kalifa's cheeks slightly flushed at the cool yet vulgar words that came from Lucci's mouth—not like him at all.

So much so in fact, Jabra sputtered as Lucci kept on walking forward. Kalifa's hand to her mouth as her eyes were round.

"Y-you—listen here you fucking demon cat!" Jabra pointed angrily at Lucci's retreating back, Hattori being strangely silent this whole time on his owner's shoulder. Seeming to only look down one might call somberly, if one wasn't talking about a pigeon. "I don't know what your problem is, or who you are, or what kind of pathetic hunter—" Lucci paused as Jabra kept going," you are. You just gonna let (Y/N) go like that?! After all your weird little habits together?! Just gonna let it be nothing?!"

"Jabra!" Kalifa called once more in reproach but Jabra didn't care, his jaw tense and his hackles up. He could feel himself wanting to grow fur and just growl at the shitty cat to wake up.

"Yes."

Lucci didn't even turn around to say that.

Jabra felt himself withhold a growl.

He can't say why he's angry—the cat is proving him right after all. The leopard man cared for no one besides his Hattori, and had a bloodlust that even Jabra could admit was more than his own.

But, Jabra knew Lucci since the shitty cat that was just a brat back that came to Guanhao. Longer than Kalifa—longer than anyone. Because he trained besides the shitty brat/cat, saw and knows how the feline punched and kicked and became the infamous Rob Lucci he was today. The brat having his pitiful shirt that had the kanji for peace and an olive branch in hand, from a country or island that he doesn't remember because he was so young.

Jabra knew.

Fine, Jabra thought, straightening into his casual stance of his right leg being bent and hands to his hips as he kept his narrow eyes towards Lucci, a drop of sweat coming down his temple from what he was about to do. Let's see you play stoic again.

Jabra plastered a harsh feral grin on his face just as Lucci took two steps to leave again.

"Well, that was easy. Guess you don't mind that I was chosen to chase after her right?"

Lucci froze, shoulders looking tense. Kalifa mouthing to Jabra with a hand to his shoulder on what he was doing. Jabra made a show of picking the wax off his ear as he continued casually, waving Kalifa's pale hand off.

"Didn't hear that did you? Our old Director is so distraught for our current one, too busy gathering details and everything from the failure Rob Lucci about you that he sent someone to tell me I'm heading to the next train on Water 7. You know, with my nose and all." Lucci turned his head over his shoulder as Hattori did a small coo with a fluff of wings, black eyes in slits and Jabra held back a shudder. Only swallowing as he went on, closing his eyes as he grinned and pointed at his nose. "Can track her scent with my nose. Her room being swarmed by agents for clues as to what she took or why she left almost nearly erased her scent completely already. Funny...I can still smell her on you but you can't really tell can you?" Jabra heard Lucci turn around but he won't stop. "Even you wouldn't be able to track her well since your scents have been mingled together for so long. Won't be able to smell her at all anymore." Jabra's eyes opened, only to wink mockingly with a sneering grin as he hit the final nail. "Good thing you gave me your permission to sniff around, right? For what did you say? My rutt—"

Jabra felt his air stop and head already form a bruise as he was slammed down against the floor. His throat constricted due to the large transformed hand that had talons and were cutting into his neck. Oxygen gone as he winced, transforming himself to have his neck grow only for the demonic and feral cat to tighten his hold as the leopard gave more of a roar than a loud growl. He could feel his head leaking blood onto the floor.

Jabra tried to open one eye, to see. Because Jabra knows.

Murder was glowing in Lucci's slitted eyes, both in shape and in pupils. Face completely transformed to his Human-Beast form, mouth in a predatory snarl as teeth flashed threateningly at Jabra. Lucci was more than enraged—Jabra coughed as a clawed fur hand squeezed, Jabra putting his hands on Lucci's wrists to get him to loosen for naught—Rob Lucci was painstakingly hungry for blood to spill as recompense for the wolf's words.

Kalifa only able to watch in silence, blood cold as she paled and slightly trembled at the scene.

"You know nothing, whining worm," Lucci spat, tail swishing behind him in agitation and ears flattened back. Top hat on the floor from the speed Lucci went to choke the life out of Jabra, Hattori flying overhead, silent. "You will not touch what is mine. Ever. You're smug to think you will find her there in Water 7 by the time you arrive. You won't even have the privilege to even look at her. You understand, pitiful mutt? I will chase. I will fight her and drag her back. By whatever means. You will be struck down, along with anyone else, who touch my prey."

Jabra couldn't help it. Even with eyes bulging out of his sockets and lungs burning for life, he let out a croaked laugh.

And the stupid cat's brows furrowed at that, eyes flashing.

"Are you mocking me, Jabra?" Kalifa took a step, calling out Lucci's name. "Stay where you are. Or you're next."

Kalifa froze, taking two steps back. She knew of Lucci's and Jabra's rivalry, who didn't. But they went this far.

They never took it this far.

Kalifa turned her head at the steps coming, seeing it was the young agent Kaku a question on his lips only to freeze. Kalifa putting a finger to her lips for him to stay quiet as Kaku stared at Lucci's hulking beast form of twelve feet over the small human form of Jabra's, a small puddle of red underneath the wolf's Zoan head and his body tense and desperate from the lack of air.

Lucci didn't look away from Jabra's face. Jabra opened both his eyes, he has to see the shitty cat's face.

He parted his mouth.

"...y...ou...ar...e...a..." Jabra couldn't get the rest out, Lucci wasn't letting up at all. The sadistic demon. So he just mouthed the rest around a sharp grin. 'Liar.'

Jabra didn't bother to elaborate. He didn't need to.

Lucci's jaw ticked twice. And than he snatched his hand back as if Jabra was the plague and Jabra took a shuddering gasp of air. Coughing as he put a hand to his bruised and bleeding throat.

The feral cat moved and transformed back, picking up his top hat and placing it carefully onto his head after raking a hand through his shoulder brushing length hair to fix it. Hattori going back onto his shoulder with a displeased coo. Lucci wiped off dust from his suit, face carefully blank before looking up at Kalifa and Kaku. Both of them paling at his narrowed look.

"Let this tell all of you," Lucci pointed down at the coughing yet secretly pleased Jabra on the floor. "No one besides me will catch her nor fight her. Or else more blood will spill. Understood?"

Kalifa and Kaku felt themselves nod. And just like that, Lucci walked away. Not before glancing down at Jabra, their eyes meeting as Jabra's gleamed knowingly. Lucci turning away, hands in his pockets tight as he walked off.

After a few moments of silence, Jabra moved to sit cross legged on the floor. Wincing as he rubbed his throat.

"Damn," Jabra croaked around the word, letting out a cough from how it grated his throat. "Shitty cat."

"What is wrong with you?!" Kalifa demanded, her black gloved hand fisted around Jabra's collar and forcing him up as he scowled. "What made you say those things?"

"What happened?" Kaku questioned carefully, staring in thought at the blood on the tiled floor before going back up to the irritated Jabra.

"This idiot was asking himself to be killed." Kalifa answered for the wolf. Not taking her eyes off of the still recovering Zoan, seeing the sweat down his temple and feeling how cold his skin is due to Jabra always leaving his shirt and jacket unbuttoned. "What possibly made you think mentioning (Y/N) was a good idea? And after such a bold faced lie!"

"Lie?" Kaku echoed as Jabra grinned cockily. As if his life didn't flash before his eyes and he nearly was a dog that went to heaven.

"You caught that didn't you?"

Kalifa scoffed.

"Of course I did. Everyone knows of your habit of creating fake stories and lies. The old Director wouldn't have time to send someone over to you and tell you to capture (Y/N)! Especially without a partner or one of us with you."

Kaku's eyes seemed to widen in realization at what happened, hand under his chin in thought as Jabra just grinned.

"I know," he stated, grabbing Kalifa's hand on him and her releasing him as Jabra put an arm behind his head. Wincing at the bump he got but keeping it there. "Looks like the shitty feline forgot though. Or just didn't pause to think."

Kalifa's eyes widened as her lips parted.

"You...you did that on purpose."

"Yeah." Jabra deadpanned, picking his nose with the pinky from his ear earlier and digging. "That was the idea."

"Why?" Kalifa demanded.

Jabra paused at the assassin's searching look. Taking his finger out his nose and flicking nothing away.

He has his reasons. For his outrageous lies and stories, of places and people that already exist or didn't. Of keeping his island, before Guanhao, alive through keeping the theme of red hoods and brightly colored trees in different shades of green.

Just like the cat, that wasn't a cat before but just a brat, was quiet yet determined to complete his training. Only letting a bird get close and take down the brat's already towering walls made of steel, stronger than any Iron Body. A boy that barely seemed a boy at all with his eyes that seen much and didn't like touch.

Jabra thought once more, of his failed prank with the use of Spam—of your hand around Lucci's wrist and it staying as the both of you found a loophole as Jabra could only stare in disbelief. Watching tense shoulders from irritation relax and black holes for eyes not looking as foreboding as it should be look down at you.

Jabra laughed.

"Gyahahahaha! Just wanted to prove something I already knew."

"Prove? Prove what? To who?" Kaku questioned yet Kalifa seemed to understand as she let out a low sigh between her hand.

"Why," Jabra smirked, eyes wild and crazed as blood from his head came down to his face, "that the shitty feline called Rob Lucci is a worse liar than me!"

Jabra felt force to his chin, him back onto the floor as he grunted, hand to his injured chin as he stared at Kalifa's lifted leg in the air. Kaku watching with a mild sweatdrop.

"What was that for?!"

"Having such a disgusting face like that is sexual harassment," Kalifa stated with a quick fix to her glasses, lowering her leg.

"My face is?!"

"Come on, we should call someone to clean up." Kaku suggested quietly and than turned his eyes towards Jabra, blood now going to his eyes. "Someone needs to clean you up too, Jabra."

"Likely with a hose," Kalifa added as Jabra snapped, half transformed.

"Both of you are horrible partners!"

And yet, due to his little memory he has of a home before Gaunhao—Guanhao with orphan children trained to fight or children from assassin families, he grew up with said horrible partners.

The demonic cat was the worst.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

"Okay," you said, looking at the barely detailed map that showed the islands around and near Water 7 as you sat cross legged in a boat that was more of a large raft. You squinted your eyes at the squiggly lines meant to be islands as you held up the map. "Where are we now? Or where can Shanks be? Ahhhh...I only have the islands by Water 7 like St. Pucci! Damn it! We need better maps if people want to travel everywhere! How the heck am I going to be able to find Shanks?"

You've been stuck in this predicament for a little while.

After you rested your eyes and body for about three hours in Kokoro's house, you pushed yourself you had to leave and start finding a boat. Moving to leave out the door of the house only to be shocked when you saw Kokoro's large face right when you opened the door and nearly giving you a heart attack. Wondering how she even went outside and why only for Kokoro to shrug with a laugh and a swig of a bottle(it was 4 AM, you thought in your head with a deadpan) and reply she likes to wander.

"But ignore that, follow me. I have a solution to your problem." Was all Kokoro stated before bringing you to the rocky shores outside the main city of Water 7–it being called Scrap Island. You spotted a wooden boat, having one single sail but seemed to have a hidden compartment below it. You would say the boat, or rather raft since it looked small to you, was about eight feet in length. "Found this as I was taking my energetic walk, nagagagaga! I think it'll help you with your problem! This island is a free for all for parts and boats so don't feel like you owe me anything."

You didn't know what to say, only go up to the boat and feel the wood. Checking if it was sturdy for your journey with your mighty buster sword and deadly katana. You got on it, the boat only giving a little lurch at the weight but holding you.

You felt like it was going to do that for a long time.

Your lips quirked before you turned towards the older woman who drunk to forget but didn't want to forget at all.

"Thank you! I really needed this, I have...a lot to do. And I need a boat to help!"

Kokoro's ever present smile moved up in interest, bottle to her side as she looked at you.

"Really? What are you planning to do, young girl?"

You grinned, hand to your hips with Kuroi ten'nosabaki and Karasu gleaming as the salty wind played with your hair and caressed your face as you practically shouted.

"I am going to be the strongest woman in the world!"

Kokoro's eyes softened, half lidded. She always have been around those with dreams as large as the sea. Perhaps, she will find another who achieved one.

"Nagagagaga! Really are an odd one! Boisterous too. Wish you the best than, young girl. As I wandered around, I placed some food for you in that compartment for you. And some water. As well as other things you might need. Can't have you die so early now, nagagagagaga!"

You don't think she was wandering around.

You grinned sharply, letting the sails go and ropes attached to the boat from the rocks before waving at the woman that laughed with wrinkles that were true.

"Thank you, Koko-obaa-san! Tell Chimney and Gonbe I said take care!"

All she did was laugh and took a swig, giving a little wave to you before you turned your attention to the boat. Doing the necessary adjustments to sail out until you're far enough.

Back in the shore, Kokoro stared as your boat got farther and farther. Only to hear a small shout from behind, a small pitter patter of feet and silent foot falls. Kokoro only smiled, pleased that her granddaughter did happen to hear her when she was talking to you in the house and waking her up and that her granddaughter was brave to say goodbye. For goodbyes are the hardest.

Chimney ran until her feet felt water, in her cute pajamas and her two puff balls for hair nowhere to be found and instead light green hair looking like a ball on her head with Gonbe and her panting as she waved with both arms along with her kitty.

"Bye, Big Lady-nee-san!" Chimney said through a smile yet sad eyes. Gonbe saying a 'Myah!' that sounded warbled. "Play later! Come play later! Yes?! Tag!"

You lifted your head, turning to see the young toddler and the bunny next to Kokoro. You waved just as she did, with two arms as you grinned.

"YOU BET IM COMING TO PLAY LATER!" Chimney felt hope come to her chest feeling tears come down as she jumped along with Gonbe excitedly as they kept waving, as Kokoro watched. It seems you don't really do goodbyes. "See ya! And be more careful!"

After that, you were just sailing and finding what Kokoro gave you. It seems the hidden compartment had a large space under, you think you can a spot to sleep if you didn't want the sun on you but you don't think your buster sword will fit instead. There was food for a few days and water for more, some maps that were poorly drawn and she even managed to put a log pose. Too bad it's useless for you.

You're trying to find where Shanks might be.

You lifted yourself out of the compartment, your buster sword leaning against the main and only sail of your boat, you staring at a direction and taking off your cap to scratch your head.

"Well...I know that way is Enies Lobby." You pointed east, where you know the sun sets. "Mmmm...or is it that way?" You pointed south, where you know a star can be used to help find that direction. There's a lot of stars right now, even with the sun rising. "...I hope I'm not going right back towards it. That'd be bad."

You put a hand to your bandaged left cheek without thinking, looking down. Only to shake your head, huffing and putting your hand down and placing your cap back on.

"Psh, whatever! I'll figure it out!"

It took you several said hours to figure it out. You just choosing a direction and sticking with it, sun high in the sky as you sailed although very slowly. You're gonna have to find to move this thing faster, you're impatient.

But you finally managed to find an island, you docking your raft of a boat to a pier and walking around. It seemed and looked like a small island, the name being Gaising—the little village of the port you were on seeming to have coconut trees everywhere. Maybe you should get some...it'll be a good back up when you run out of water. You don't have enough money yet, still with your sad little Beli's in your pocket.

"Come on, come all! To the coconut tree climbing competition!" A male announcer said in a booth, you still looking away in thought of what you should do. Maybe try to buy a better map? "We challenge you to climb the tallest tree in island, our very own Niyog. Thirty five feet in height, no one has been able to successfully reach the top—not even our best coconut foragers! If anyone of you succeed, the reward will be 500 Beli's!"

You darted your eyes towards the announcer and the small crowd he had around his booth.

500 Beli's? That might be enough to get more supplies!

"I'll do it!" You volunteered, moving through the crowd as they turned towards you along with the announcer. You not paying attention to their eyes with doubt nor the announcer smiling with greed. "How much is it to play?"

The male announcer corrected his plastered smile, holding up three fingers.

"Why, only 30 Beli's of course!"

Woah! What luck!

You smirked, knowing you got this in the bag as you dug for the little amount of money you have and handing it to him. Looking up at tree and figuring out how to climb it, you haven't climbed palm trees much. When you were a kid, it was more oak and sometimes even pine as well as some fruit trees like mangoes or apples and oranges.

Eh, you can do it. You jumped, wrapping your arms around the base of the tree and your feet to the side of the tree—you slipping down slightly already with the announcer smirking maliciously as the crowd murmured.

"She should've said no when she heard the price," a man stated, shaking his head as others around him nodded their head. "No game is that expensive to play. Maybe 10 Beli's but 30?"

"Goes to show that he really only cares for money," a woman added, shaking her head in pity with a tone to match. "Fooling a young woman like that too! And looking so excited!" She pulled out a tissue from her pocket, sniffing for whatever reason and putting a corner of the tissue to her dry eyes. "Such a shame she's being taken advantage of."

A man, no older than eighteen and was in the shadows of two buildings, scoffed.

You lot didn't warn her about it, the young man thought in disgust. All of you are just as bad for just watching.

The young man watched as you kept slipping due to how their trees are smooth and have no possible branches to hold onto only for eyes of sapphire to narrow at what was on your head.

A marine? Tch, good riddance than. Deserve to get taken advantage of. You lot always do it to others.

The young man turned his head away in disinterest and walked back to his house as the crowd kept their nonsense murmuring. Seeming to not notice your cap.

"She's so small, someone with strength has to reach the top. More bulky."

"She's managed to not fall all the way to the floor though, once she does it's over. One more fool being fooled."

"Well, she better hurry up before our gracious marine Captain of the island comes. Or else our previous announcer will be a little angry he might have to pay more taxes than usual due to causing a disturbance."

"Shush! Careful what you say! People can get beat for you saying such things about the Captain."

"If you make it so obvious, I might."

You stared up at the coconuts, chin against the tree and your arms and legs circled around it as you thought.

I just have to reach the top? Touch it, huh? Geppo will be less fun but...

You turned your head slightly to the grinning announcer, who quickly jumped and fixed himself at your look. You didn't really care what he was doing.

"You guys have a lot of these trees right?"

"Why of course! This is just the tallest one!"

"So it's not important?"

"Eh?"

You reached behind with one arm, taking out Karasu and cut the space above you. The tree panicking as it made a noise of surprise along with the announcer and crowd, their jaws wide open.

"EHHHHHHHHHHHH?!?!?!?!"

The tree fell with a crash, you moving and balancing yourself on the tree without touching the ground. Patting Karasu as you put him away to touch the top of the tree while the crowd and announcer were in complete disbelief. The announcer's nose having snot coming down in a nostril.

"My...money..."

"How—how wide is that tree? It's thick isn't it?! Isn't it?!" A villager asked, mouth open along with everyone else's.

"No one...n-no one could cut that tree! Our trees are famed for being firm and thick!"

"What's going on here?!" A nasal voice asked, the villagers freezing as they turned back to see a group of marines, eyes hard except for one who stared down in mild shame due to how his coworkers acted. The voice belonging to a short man, his marine hood instead of hat seeming to have ears and his mustache looking more like whiskers than a mustache. One might say his voice also at times came out in a squeak. He pushed himself forward, the marines by him pushing villagers harshly. Even one pushing a child, uncaring as the child cried. One of the marines, with shameful and nervous eyes, quickly handed the mother of the child his handkerchief while his other coworkers were too busy pushing everyone away. "Causing a disturbance are you? Don't you know us marines are trying to rest so we may protect you?! You have to let us relax."

The young man from earlier, with blue gems for eyes, came from hearing the commotion. Said eyes shadowing at what he was seeing, clenching his fists and jaw as he watched the marines abuse their power. Again.

What a liar! The young man thought angrily, other villagers sharing the same look but keeping their heads down and were mixed with fear. It's only the afternoon! And rest from what?! Sitting around all day only to take our money and eating our food for free?

Back to you, you reached the top of the palm tree, and touched it. You smirking victoriously and turning back to look at the announcer only to spot marines.

Shit! You can't get caught already! It's barely been a day!

You looked around quickly, thinking that Kokoro may be right in hiding your cap—at least for certain stuff, and spotted a family with a booth of clothes. Them looking pale faced as they stared towards the direction. You asking for a coat and them just throwing one to you and you blinked at them questioningly, seeing how fearful they were you straightened and asked what was wrong.

The father of the family, grey in age and a beard, explained.

"Those marines...they've been terrorizing us for years. It was fine at first when they made our island a base but..." the father hugged his trembling wife to his shoulder, and hid his daughter's face against his leg. You glancing at the action of father and daughter before looking back up. "Than they rose the taxes we have to pay for them to be here. Saying how they need it for supplies—weapons. To help defend us. We did, cause why wouldn't we? Except they kept raising it. And raising it. And pirates came once, took the majority of our goods while those marines that said they were going to protect us were hiding in their base...! And blamed us for being attacked!" The father gritted his teeth, you turning towards the marines with one lone eye under your cap with the hood of your coat already up and hiding your treasure. "Kicking us down...pushing us...we want to fight...but what can a group of civilians do against guns?"

A whole lot, if you're willing to pay a price.

You didn't turn towards the family, your lips only quirked slightly.

"Don't worry," the family moved their gazes towards your odd comforting tone, confident. "They aren't real marines anyways. I'm gonna help show them how to be one."

What? The father thought as you started walking forward to where the commotion was.

"C-Captain Nezumi!" The announcer said, playing with his hands anxiously as they finally got close to him. "It—I just was going to—to come to you! Yes!"

Nezumi, with whiskers like a mouse, rose a brow.

"Oh? I imagine it was to pay your part of the tax yes?"

"What...?!" Some people of the crowd said as the announcer couldn't believe his ears.

"We already paid this week...! Why so soon?"

"Yeah, you guys aren't even doing your jobs!" Another stated, Nezumi taking note of the disgruntled citizens as well as the other soldiers as he scowled in irritation. The young man drew closer, helping the crying child up with their mother as he stared hard at the Captain—feeling his adrenaline start pumping.

"You guys do nothing when pirates come! Why should we keep paying you?!"

The crowd were nodding in agreement, drawing closer to the marines only to make a full stop with wide eyes when Nezumi merely raised a hand—all the marines aiming their guns at the citizens as he sneered. One keeping his gun more to the ground.

"Now, that's a rude thing to say." Nezumi tutted, putting a hand in offense to his chest. "Listen, we marines signed up to protect others with our lives! The least all you can do is repay our sacrifice is with some spare change right?" At the crowd's silence, he frowned. "Right...?!"

The child that was pushed earlier gave a harsh loud cry, making Nezumi's ears ring as he snapped his eyes towards the child and the mother that the young man was close to.

"Shut that child up, woman! I'm making an announcement!"

"I—I...come on love, h-hush!" The mother tried in a half sob herself that made the child cry more at seeing her distress. "H-hush!"

Nezumi's face twisted, patience gone.

"That's it! You civilians aren't listening to me! Do you know what happens, when those under people in power don't listen? This is how you quiet someone!" Nezumi stomped his way to the mother and child, your eyes flashing as you stepped by the announcer who turned his eyes towards you, grabbing you by the shoulder in a hiss.

"You bitch! You cheated! Now look what happened cause of the noise you made...!"

Your brows furrowed deeply, glancing at the angry yet fearful announcer.

Cheated? Did you cheat?

You were supposed to climb but...you didn't feel like it.

Would Shanks think you cheated?

Your heart fell at the mere thought, feeling as if no matter you might do, you won't be able to be someone truly worthy of his presence. You wonder if your younger self would think you cheated too...you just felt like you used your brain...as well as your nonchalance too, however...

Ugh, it doesn't matter!

You thought of your rambunctious young self running around the forests of the island, Loguetown, a certain scowling pre-teen's dog nipping at your heels as you raced with said pre-teen yelling at you to pay attention to the hill.

Focus!

A memory of finally completing and mastering all the Rokushiki in a couple of months, of the first time where dark eyes didn't look like a dead fish but in appraisal and interest as you swapped blows with a flutter of wings flying above.

Focus!

You heard the click of a gun, your shaking (e/c) eyes looking up as the Captain that shouldn't be a captain at all taking out the safety and looking as if he would shoot a child.

Is this...my fault?

A pale hand touched the aiming pistol, blue eyes angry and raven cropped hair wild.

"Hey!" The young man shouted, eyes glinting as you were taken back to the present and out of your guilt and shame as you stared at the one who said enough was enough as everyone else was frozen. "What kind of marines are you guys?! You guys are no better then pirates!"

Your mouth parted, feeling dry as your heart lurched.

You...you have to be better.

You clenched your fists, shrugging off the announcer's hand that owes you money and instead kept staring at the one who spoke out of everyone here. Who would not let one more child get hurt.

Nezumi blinked, than sneered. Merely kicking the young man off at his stomach, the young man grunting as he fell to the floor. The crowd only watching with bated breath as the Captain aimed at him as everyone just watched.

"Look where acting a hero gets you brat? Pirates?! We're above pirates! Above everyone!" Nezumi put his finger to the trigger, grinning as the young man lifted himself up by the arm only to be met with a pistol to his face, blue eyes wide and frozen. "And especially you ungrateful worthless civilians—"

Your fist happened to meet his face, Nezumi flying towards the announcer's booth and knocked out. The marines readying your guns at you, except for one, whose eyes were wide and questioning and gun completely lowered as he swallowed.

What...what am I doing? He asked himself. I did not join the marines for this...!

You glanced at the one who did not raise their weapon, instead moving to punch all the other ones as the crowd quickly dispersed as the young man watched in a mix of awe and disbelief.

What kind of marine are you? The ravenette wondered as he watched you flexing and cracking your fists, openly mocking them by saying you won't use your swords and they need a good lesson.  No...no standard marine would react this way. What—who are you?

"I don't wanna see—" you said, giving one a punch that made him fly high as the tree you cut down as he screamed due to a fear of heights, "—any of you call yourselves marines!"

After a pile of them were on the floor, knocked out, you turned to the one who you did not touch. His brown eyes looking down at his hands before you called to him, his eyes meeting yours.

"What's your name?"

"A-Ah...it's...my name is Ripper."

You nodded, pointing at the base in the distance and he followed your finger.

"Call Marine HQ, time to get new management here. They'll be knocked out for awhile, so don't worry. It's time that these guys," you waved a hand towards the pile of men and Nezumi who was seeing circling mice above his head in the crashed booth table," get some karma."

Ripper hesitantly nodded, back straight as he gazed at you.

"Justice has not been met. I'll call right now!" His eyes than went to your head, and his eyes went round as he than looked at your sword behind you. "Ah! You—you're Silver Blood!" Your eyes widened, touching your head and not feeling the hood. It must've fell as you were moving around but—Ripper smiled around his goatee, pleased. "I'm glad they sent someone like you here, was worried how I was going to explain to headquarters. I'll just say you came by! You were taught by Garp the Hero right?"

At the name, your chest ached. You motioning your hands in a placating manner.

"I—er, I don't think calling HQ about me is a good idea—and you're gone." You deadpanned, seeing Ripper's head covered by his own marine cap running towards the base.

The news must've not hit everywhere yet about your defection. Perhaps that is best since this happened.

You shrugged, moving towards the booth and tried to find the money you earned. Spotting it with a victorious grin and pocketing the bag of Beli's. With this, you can pay for what you need on your journey.

To where?

You face palmed.

You still have no clue.

You turned to look down at the man still on the ground, who was staring at you like you grew a second head or something. Had to be why his eyes are basically sparkling like that.

"You alright?"

He snapped back as his eyes were filled with confusion.

"Why? Why would you do this? You're just a stranger. You have no business being here or even fighting them. Why would you want to help?" He repeatedly questioned.

You let out a small smirk as you lend out your hand in front of him.

"Didn't you hear me? I wanted to show them a lesson." Your answer wasn't satisfactory for him as he narrowed his blue eyes.

"But why? If it didn't benefit you in the end?"

"I beat up people I don't like," you began, "whether it's marines or pirates, I don't care. If I don't like you, I'll beat them up." You rose an amused brow down at him. "Mmm...I guess the newspaper hasn't arrived with the news yet," You ignored the young man's confused look, you mildly frowning, "I have a particular dislike for marines who don't follow the true code of one who protects though."

The man's blue eyes were shocked, as your hand was still held out towards him in waiting. He gazed at it and looked up at you, who had a patient smile on your face. He grabbed it and was immediately brought back to a stand to face you.

"I'm (Y/N). And who are you? You were brave you know, you were the only one I saw that actually stood up to them in risk of your life."

He introduced himself as Jet and he went to say that everyone here wanted to stand up, but they couldn't do anything.

"I had to do something. If I didn't, who will?"

You nodded approvingly at him and said that he did a good job, and you had to go. He stopped you with a hand to your wrist and said he wants to repay you. You rose an eyebrow and he went to say to let him join your adventures.

"You're a traveler yes? I noticed your hat but I don't see a marine ship. Are you a special division than or are you retired? But you have to have a ship. Can I join your crew?" Jet asked with one breath, swiping at his white button shirt and tie and black pants to get rid of the dust as you stared. His eyes seeming to sparkle a deep blue, seeming like sapphire you took note. "I don't really...that is, I don't have anything really tying me down here anymore. Now that I know my town will be safe, I can go with you right away!"

Your eyes widened as your blood started pounding in your ears.

A crew?

He wants to join you?

...

No.

No, he mustn't. What you have done, will cause enemies to come for you. If they aren't already. And although a part of you said you have allies, you pushed it down and away. The last thing you want is to be a burden. He doesn't even know. He doesn't know yet, the newspaper hasn't arrived with the news.

You swiped your hand away.

"No." You said coldly as you walked away back to your ship(boat/raft). You will sound pathetic if you called your carrier a ship.

"I won't accept anyone but you as my Captain!" Jet yelled with clenched fists, his blue eyes showing a strong glint. Determination to repay you for your kindness. A stranger doing what no one else could. "I'll follow you anywhere you go!"

You scoffed.

Yeah right.

Jet seemed to be determined though, since he got some of the village to give you even more Beli's and rations in thanks. For free as you just looked at all the stuff in your arms in bewilderment before glancing at the determined ravenette who had his lips quirked up.

...he might become an annoying little bugger, you thought. Before quickly leaving as the announcer, that apologized to you for calling you a female dog and was obviously trying to scam you, warned you that Ripper called HQ and is gathering other marines that weren't as corrupt to you.

So much for you resting in a bed. But, you saw Jet running towards you atop your boat as you sweatdropped and quickly untied your ropes to the dock, you have no time for this.

You smirked when you kicked off your boat in the dock, Jet glaring at you atop your boat as you waved.

"See ya, Jet! Find someone else to hound! Although," your smirk turned mischievous and playful as you pulled your eyelid down, mocking as Jet stared blankly in confusion. "I like your style, try not to get all cowardly on me and keep showing others who's boss!" You than waved with both arms like a madwoman as Jet watched.

You're pretty weird, Jet thought but felt himself pulled to wave back although he's already planning to see you soon. But I guess only weirdos like us are brave enough to speak.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Fate brought Ripper a promotion—to an island to the East Blue where he traded an old tyrant to a new one with an axe. Until one day, the tyrant would be defeated and a storm will move again.

Justice is patient for one Nezumi, who was demoted and also to an island in the East Blue. Where greed will be overtaken by the smell of citrus.

Freedom though...well—

You have to see.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

"Why didn't you tell me you sold it?!" A blond man asked, goggles on his head in the city of water to the drinking stationmaster at the bar. Her only laughing as the blond man snapped. "Stop laughing like that! Where's the money? I was going to use it for the new casino that just opened."

"Nagagagaga! You and your bets, Paulie!" Kokoro laughed as Paulie flushed in embarrassment. "Why don't you ask our new mayor, Iceburg? Hear it's getting close for the announcement of the Galley-La company. That sounds nice."

Paulie shook the drunk woman's shoulder, panicking.

"Who cares about that?! Do you know what I had to do to get those parts for that raft? It wasn't even done yet! How did you even sell it to the buyer?"

Kokoro smiled knowingly as she leaned against the bat countertop, thinking of a brat who had a need to build great ships and loved Tom as if he—a Fishman—was his father.

"I have my ways."

"Don't act mysterious!"

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Doors to the Fleet Admiral's office slammed open. Sengoku didn't turn from gazing out the window, already knowing who it was. His goat obliviously eating some documents by his desk.

"Sengoku!" Garp panted, chest heaving as he stomped into his office, eyes wide and desperate. "Is it true...?! Tell me it isn't, it can't be! She wouldn't! She...!" Garp stopped himself, biting his lip harshly.

You wouldn't haven't even done the mission.

But this...this—

"They spotted her in an island called Gaising in the Grand Line. We have people heading over now—"

Sengoku felt his back be slammed, Garp's eyes narrowed as he scowled and held up his longtime friend by the collar.

"People? Who? It sure isn't me! Is it Smoker? Kuzan? Hina?" Sengoku stayed silent, eyes carefully blank as Garp tightened his hold on his friend. "What are you thinking?! Sending people who don't know her—you're treating her like a—"

"Criminal," Sengoku interrupted calmly and Garp felt like he got struck. "That's what she is now, Garp. I couldn't send those who were close to her, it would be counter productive to capture her otherwise. This will guarantee it at least."

"Or what?" Garp practically growled, bringing his face closer to his friend yet superior. "Think I—we would let her go? That we wouldn't wish to know what happened?! That—that damn mission is what happened! She should've came back to HQ years ago, she accomplished that mission and now—now—" Garp loosened his hold on his friend, stepping back onto the chair in front of Sengoku's desk. The goat pausing between eating paper and making a sorrowful sound as Garp the Hero hid his face beneath a hand, feeling more weight of guilt and regret on his shoulders. He feels as if his back would give out. "...she was supposed to stay. Why didn't she just stay...?" Garp's voice broke at the last word.

Sengoku looked at his friend for a few more moments, sighing before walking over to the other chair by Garp instead of the one behind his desk. He's not speaking as his superior, Sengoku pulled the chair in front of Garp, but as a friend.

"...you wouldn't have been able to hold them off forever, Garp."

"I could've," Garp retorted sharply.

"No," Sengoku said firmly, putting a hand on the Vice Admiral's shoulder as he continued as kindly as he could. Garp always blames things on himself, he can't see him blaming himself for you too. "You couldn't. The Gorosei would've gotten her sooner or later than—it probably wouldn't have been as kind either compared to how she joined Cipher Pol. There's nothing you could have done."

"Nothing...?" Garp lifted his face from his hand, instead his eyes meeting Sengoku's as the Fleet Admiral's eyes widened at Garp's twisted expression. "Nothing?! Don't give me those shitty excuses, Sengoku! Nothing is those in that damn island—that cursed island that makes legends and end them—who spoke of a child like she was a demon. Alone! With no one there besides just another kid! How long was she there before Smoker showed up?! Alone, alone and fighting for food and drinks and trying to prove to others she's no demon!"

Garp's eyes looked strained as his deep brows went down and Sengoku really sees how old they both must look now—wrinkles of anguish on his friend's face.

"Do you know...what she first said to me...?" Garp asked thickly, brittle. "Her first few words after I was searching for a pirate the town was complaining about, only for said pirate to not exist, just a little girl. She asked me, genuinely asked me, if I was there to arrest her for being born." Garp's eyes sharpened as Sengoku could only stare, feeling his own brows furrow and chest clench at the words. "A child should not worry about whether they should be born or not! They should just live day by day, without any worries besides punching a tiger and falling in ravines!"

Sengoku sweatdropped at the last bit but stayed silent as Garp's gaze dropped to his hands.

"You raised her, Garp," Sengoku said, squeezing the Vice admiral's shoulder. "You were her role model, despite how she acted. Or how you did. I know what I saw when you first brought her in and she was looking around here as if in a dream and you looking like you helped achieve it." Garp can see that scene right now, your prideful stubbornness gone with your mouth wide and eyes shining as you looked up at the HQ. He laughed at you saying a fly will go up your mouth. Only for you to not use that endless sass of yours, only able to stare and keep staring, eyes everywhere while Garp just watched as your hands shook. Only to stop when he put a hand on your shoulder. You called him a sentimental old man, but it sounded warbled. He gave you a Fist of Love for that, and if it was softer than usual you didn't say anything. "I understand why this may be hard for you. But... it's already happening. We can't risk knowledge being spread to others—from us or the World Government."

"She wouldn't," Garp defended.

"We don't know that, no proof anyways," Sengoku quickly corrected at Garp's sharp look. "And they especially won't. You know how severe defection's are, Garp. This...won't end well."

It was silent for a moment. Sengoku's goat clotted to where they were and pushed his head against Sengoku's knee.

"Tell me, Sengoku." Garp began, quietly, staring at his clenched fists and feeling as if every family he has breaks apart in his hands like ashes. As if it was never meant to be. "This feeling, is it like what happened with Rocinate?"

Sengoku's face twisted, but he stayed quiet as he pulled his hand away.

Family, whether by blood or bond or son or daughter or granddaughter to grandson, always has pain. There's love and hope and despair but also dreams and laughs—yet pain is always present somehow.

Garp the Hero just has rotten luck with his.

Please (Y/N), Garp pleaded, Please just stay away, please just live a quiet life somewhere where we won't find you. As long as you're alive.

Garp knew though, that being quiet was never you. And you preferred living than surviving. Like him, in a way.

It broke him all the same.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

You have no idea where you are.

You were sprawled atop your boat, arms and legs out due to the heat of the sun baring down on you—you could only think it was hot. Your buster sword silent on your side—it would be uncomfortable if it was on your back—along with Karasu as your cap helped shadow your face against the sun's rays.

You have no clue where Shanks might be. It's not like you asked before you had him accomplish that favor of escorting you to the outskirts of Marine HQ.

You might've been reckless with your plan—but all the best plans are the last minute ones. Yours just happen to be at the last second instead.

You're just special like that, you suppose.

You lifted yourself up once you heard an exasperated voice call you idiot, sighing as you sat cross legged and stared at seagulls that flew above you.

If they think they're gonna eat you, they have another thing coming. The last thing that's gonna eat me is a tiny seagull of all things.

No, it would have to be something far more great than a seagull. You wouldn't hear the end of it from Garp if a seagull took you down, his head lifted back as he laughed with tears going down his face at the news that a beach vulture did you in. Although you suppose you wouldn't hear anything, being dead.

You shook your head, frustrated.

"Ugh! I'm going crazy! It's your fault!" You pointed at the sun and the birds wildly, the sun continuing what it's made to do which was shine bright as the bird's looked down at your commotion before gazing at each other as they flew. One bird used a wing momentarily, twirling it by his head and you squawked at the action as if you were a bird yourself as the seagulls laughed. "DON'T MOCK ME! I WON'T HESITATE TO EAT YOU!"

The birds weren't threatened.

A plop of wet goo landed on your combat boot. You doing a double take and your teeth turned sharp, hand on a dull Karasu as you felt your anger spike as they laughed.

"DON'T SHIT ON ME!" Was your only warning before you slashed at the birds. Their eyes popping out of their sockets as they barely dodged the slash towards them—two of them getting their feathers cut due to the action and them quickly flying away—pathetically—in a dash as you huffed with a fist. "AND STAY AWAY!"

You glanced at your boot, taking it off and smelling a whiff of it as you gagged.

"Ugh! It's worse than Hattori's!" You silently put the boot in the water over the railing of your boat until the white was gone, placing it back in your foot before you placed an elbow to the railing, hand to your cheek as you looked at the horizon. "Now, where was I?"

Ah, yes.

Which animal was worthy of causing your end.

Birds are out.

As well as those rabbit things—Lapins. Not cool enough.

Tigers no. Teeth unimpressive.

Bears no. Same reason.

You suppose Sea Beasts are alright. They're pretty big. As well as Sea Kings.

Your eyes brightened, an idea flashing in your mind.

"Shanks mentioned that kid! In the East Blue! Maybe he went back there," you rationalized as you moved your sails slightly and headed to where you needed to go, you have nothing to lose. It's been several days since you leaving Gaising and you're not closer at all to where you think the red hair would be. Surely going to your home Blue will be alright. "Just gotta cross the Calm Belt. There can't be that many Sea Kings that'll get in my way."

You always sailed in a marine ship though, who had sea stones at the bottom when you and Garp would go on the Calm Belt. He took you once without sea stones though, the crew nearly having a heart attack at the amount of Sea Kings and Garp just punching them with a laugh—Bogard did his best to hold you back from slashing them. You managed to get one. Apparently Sea King meat is pretty good.

You'll be fine.

Sea Kings the size of islands are rare.

Once you reached the Calm Belt, you took out the paddles for the raft since no wind will come for the sail. You humming as you paddled without a worry, just gotta cross the belt here and than you'll be in the East Blue and than you can find Shanks so you can—

Bump.

You focused your eyes in front blinking.

"Ah?" You paddled but didn't move, not seeming to register the large white head with spikes and blue stripes with looming eyes staring at you. "I don't have time for this, I have to—" Bump. "—get to—" Bump. "Shanks—" Bump. Bump. Bump.

The Sea King's head seemed to throb with a vein, opening it's hefty jaw with teeth five times the size of your boat as it roared.

Saliva landed on your form, you looking down in disgust and shaking your arms.

"Blegh! What the hell—" You stared as you felt the sun disappear and only pink flesh start to go around you. "OH SHIT!"

You quickly put your legs in the water, using Geppo against the water to go to the side and your foot just grazing a scaled head as it went down under water—your skin paling as you quickly got up on your boat again.

Not good, not good, not good!

The boat lurched under your feet, you nearly stumbling from the loss of balance. You looked down, your eyes round. You were several dozens of feet in the air, above another Sea King's head that was pink and had red pincers around its jaws.

"I don't have time for this!" You complained, buster sword in hand and Karasu to your hip as you stomped your raft. "Hey! Choose someone else to eat! I'm not interested!"

The Sea King's head you were on, moved its battleship sized eyes towards your little huffy form.

"YEAH! YOU HEARD ME!" You pointed Kuroi ten'nosabaki at the Sea King, others around it looking up at what a meat sized frog is saying on their brethren's head. "I'M GOING TO BE THE STRONGEST WOMAN IN THE WORLD SO CHOOSE SOMEONE ELSE TO EAT!"

The Sea King huffed, and shook its head. Your raft getting off it as if you were an annoying flea and you were falling. Your stomach tickling at the sensation, a subconscious laugh leaving your lips only to abruptly stop when you met jaws once more.

You gritted your teeth, eyes narrowed under your cap and patience gone as you clenched your buster sword that vibrated in attention in your hand.

"Leave!" You commanded firmly, brazenly.

The jaw paused, closing as the white Sea King with its blue stripes stared at you with a question mark. Spotting your imposing gaze that did not falter under the threat of being eaten, not faltering as you stood firm with heavenly power in your hand and a mocking darkness to your hip. Even as gravity took its course to force you back below and a bandage barely hanging on to your cheek.

The Sea King faltered, sweating only to gain more perspiration that isn't scientifically possible as your frown deepened.

The Sea King rather not handle this right now. So, he turned and moved to bolt.

You blinked, tilting your head before having your feet straight as your raft met the waves once more. Your feet meeting the wood with it, only to see where the escaping Sea King was headed.

"What—! HEY! I'm going that way!" The Sea King didn't look back because why would it, you're clearly insane. Your eyes darted around the raft as the other handful of Sea King's opened their jaws for you, spotting what you need with a triumphant smirk. Grabbing onto the rope and making a quick tie, you looking up as your lips quirked. "I'm going to hitch a ride, okay?!"

And so you threw the rope, the rope encircling around one of the Sea King's spikes on it's back close to its head.

The Sea King felt a mosquito, looking back only to sputter, seeing you were attached and your raft moving speedily behind the creature as you waved in thanks as it's brothers and sisters roared at it for stealing their meal.

The Sea King turned back, moving faster and side to side but you didn't let go even as it bucked you up and down in the air as you screamed in a mix of excitement and amazement.

You're riding a Sea King.

Way better than being eaten.

That was, of course, before your raft was launched forward in the air with a hand to your mast in a speed where your eyes were dry along with your open laughing mouth. The Sea Kings seeing you become a mere dot till you sparkled from existence.

A few miles away from said event, an island stood still fresh of blood from war that has spread to its last natural now murderous inhabitants. A golden gaze with a thousand mile stare, quite literally and actually sharply, watching said event meet its conclusion before turning back towards the newspaper in hand. The large night on his back glinting under their new residence despite the fog.

How hard can a newly independent dog bite?

Harshly, if you have anything to say about it. But you didn't, since you flew for awhile over open seas due to a Sea King launching you until you harshly landed at a pier. You blacking out momentarily from the force only to open your (e/c) eyes and meet a circle of heads over your sprawled form with warm bright smiles even though you broke their pier.

"Hello!" A old man with a cane, smiling wide as your eyes criss crossed at the walking stick to your face. "Welcome to Karé, home of the best spices second only to the Gourmet Island in the Grand Line—Pucci! But first in our curry!"

"You said it was third, Ojii-san," a young girl with spiky red hair innocently added with a raise of her hand above you. "Maybe fourth if you count the whole world instead of where we are."

The old man carried on, hurriedly.

"We're glad to see you here—we've been waiting for a marine to show up for our little problem. You seem capable despite breaking our only pier, but I don't judge. Just call for backup okay?"

"It's not a little problem, Ojii-san," the young girl with the spiky red hair and a large mouth apparently due to how the old man's lips thinned into a forced smile. "Didn't you say it was a big problem since the pirates are under a Yonko?"

You rose your brows up.

Yonko?

You moved to get up, only to be stopped by a cane to your nose as the old man drew near to you. Desperate eyes looking to your bewildered ones.

"Ah, ah, ah! Have to help us first! Than curry—the best you'll ever taste!"

"Third best," the young girl corrected, only for the old man to block said girl with a thin smile on his face. And a cane still to your nose as you blankly stared.

You and your run ins with crazy old men.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

In a ship, filled with different soldiers of different ranks moving to and fro—there was one in his quarters. Head bowed, fists clenched around a newspaper and the stench of cigars filling the room as well as handful of used ones upon the ash tray of the desk.

You broke your promise.

It was all he could think, in a cycle. A memory of an embarrassing song with pinkies and your smile wide with a dream just as large along with his. It was if it was in front of him instead of the wooden floor that had some nails bent and wood chipped—if he concentrated enough, he could smell the scent of grass and of rich earth that would be carried in the breeze.

Smoker stayed there for a long time.

.

.

.

**Tekkai: Iron Body. Defense technique taught by the marines where your body turns hard like iron.

**Soryu: Shave. Where you can move in an instant flash in a burst of high speed. Taught and learned normally by marines.

**Geppo: Moon Walk. A move where it appears you're jumping in midair, when it's just the strength of your legs moving quickly and touching the ground that keeps you upright. You often used this when you're on your small boat so you can go faster on sea. Taught and learned normally by marines.

**Kamisori: literally meaning "Razor": A combination of Geppo and Soryu, where one uses Soryu in a zigzag motion in midair, allowing extremely fast movements in three dimensions. Other CP9 agents have also shown to use this technique or a similar one allowing them to move through the air at great speed. Can be used for Kamisori to cut through enemies while utilizing its high-speed movements.

**Gaising: a Grand Line island that was littered with palm trees all around, the coconut water always fresh. Until several days ago, was controlled and abused by marine forces.

**Karé: meanings—dear, friend. A stew of beef or oxtail in peanut sauce. Famous for their spices and a relatively small island.

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I debated going longer but MAN, this is already a huge chapter!

I was having too much fun with everyone. From crazy dugong—I mean mermaid—Kokoro and Chimney and Gonbe to Jabra. (I am not explaining a certain man's reasoning, because he won't either. Figure the Zoan out yourself!)

Quite enjoyable. I guess I like doing character studies for everybody—it might keep happening cause I can't help it!

You have a long journey, of course I can't cover EVERYTHING! Six years is a long time! Some events may end in mystery or it might be full detail! Who knows?!

Also, hope you guys caught Silver Blood is a little off. Silver Blood freshly defected is quite different from the one we know now! As well as your/her younger self!

Don't worry! You'll see!

Or if you're like Garp and Smoker—WORRY A LOT.

Anyways, enjoy~

If you see any mistakes, point them out!

Reminder that I'm re-editing as well! Gonna add more details when I can to chapters I already published!
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VOTES~

Main Pairings
Shanks: 185
Mihawk:167
Crocodile:67
Doflamingo: 66
Smoker: 80
Lucci: 61

Side Pairings
Kaku: 17
Paulie: 8
Buggy: 14

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FANART CORNER

All by @Joe_h3e

**MEME CORNER**

We're pretty close to a 1M, huh? That's just so crazy...

ANYWAYS! HOPE YA'LL ENJOYED!!