G H O S T

by sayume214

Grievous Hosting Organism, Spectral Trespasser. Pirates are not the only ones hunted. The Straw Hat Pirates are in need of a G.H.O.S.T. Hunter. Riko is a fugitive G.H.O.S.T. Hunter who needs transportation to escape. Their deal would change more than they could have imagined. Sanji denies having kicked her; he denies she's a her. Action, drama, humor, mystery, slow romance.

1. A Deal in a Strange Day

Disclaimer: All rights upon One Piece belong to Eiichiro Oda. This work is merely for entertainment and is non-profit. I don't own Converse either, unfortunately.

Clarifications (please read):

I use dashes for dialogue out of endearment for the notation used in my native language, Spanish. Dashes used at the end of a spoken line signal interruption.

Quotation marks are used for directly quoting a character's words only.

Apostrophes are to address terms. (e.g. the meaning of the word 'xyz' is…)

'(…)' means the character paused a while before resuming his/her thoughts.

Italics are for thoughts or to stress spoken words. To stress words in thoughts, underlining is employed.

I only use second person to write dreams. Everything else except thoughts is in third person.

Every chapter will include translation notes on any non-English terms used.

My OC's name is pronounced as 'yoo-ree-ko', but unlike the Japanese name 'Yuriko', the stressed syllable is 'ri', which is why it can be shortened to 'Riko'. Her last name is pronounced as 'meh-lan-ggel', and the stressed syllable is 'meh', so it does not rhyme with 'angel'.

When the documents are converted to the website format, it suffers some display errors. Sometimes you'll see 'G…T' or a similar form instead of 'GHOST'.

Robin's eyes are brown in the manga, but I like them blue better, so I refer to them as blue.

Notice: A map of the Forbidden Radius is available. (Link is at my profile's bottom.)

Translation notes:

Ne = An expression to call one's attention, similar to 'hey'.

Onii–Chan = It refers to older brothers, however, it is not necessarily used only for true brothers, it is also a casual way to address men you're unrelated to. This is very characteristic of Franky.

Ossan = A usually rude way of addressing old men, around their thirties and up. This is very common for Luffy to use.

Sencho = Captain

Naoru = Heal

A Deal in a Strange Day

-Brother… - A girl's voice whispers hoarsely.

Just listening to her is enough to tell her throat and eyes are brimming with tears due to her pain.

That low and soft whisper echoes incessantly. You feel tears rolling down your cheeks, a sensation you find very foreign, and you find it difficult to swallow between sobs.

A young man, the subject of your eyes, smiles as if nothing were wrong although he's lying in a hospital bed. You don't know how, but you cannot see a good conclusion to what is happening. People are trying so hard to save him, but they cannot because they do not know how.

You know he is in harrowing pain, but he tries his best to smile as he looks your way. His lips move but no sound is heard.

You cry as you get closer in hopes of hearing him. You fear it is useless. Resigned, you merely look at his tanned face, paler than normal. Locks of his wild brown hair are stuck to his forehead with sweat born out of his struggle with pain and ragged breathing. His beautiful cornflower eyes are half open with difficulty.

You take his hand with your smaller yet presently stronger one. That hand is covered with dried blood, but you could not care less and hold it tightly in the vain hopes of giving him some of your vitality.

"You are not alone." You read his lips. 'You've become beautiful. Now become strong. Don't forget me…" He pauses a second to smile wholeheartedly. "I love you."

Right after that moment, his hand no longer holds yours, his eyes close, his ragged breathing ceases into silence, and his heart stops.

You sob uncontrollably, and your tears flow like waterfalls.

-KAIAN!

Yuriko woke up with a gasp. Her eyes were wide open as she quickly sat up in her bed. Her breathing was ragged, and her heart beat too fast.

She was in the usual room she had had for three years by then. It was a very simple room, but she had come to like it. A glass door that moonlighted as window allowed light to enter the room since sunrise. The white walls had no decorations in them. The wooden floors matched the fan that hanged in the ceiling and the nightstand beside her simple dark blue queen-sized bed. A lamp and alarm clock were on the nightstand next to a book and a picture of a little girl of about 10 years old and the man she had just dreamt about 2 years before his demise. Those two objects were the only two things she treasured.

When Riko stabilized her breathing, she pulled away her brown messy hair away from her face, looked outside the glass door and noted it was still slightly dark.

She glanced at the clock, reading ten to six in the morning. She growled. She hated to wake up early, especially after having stayed up until late the previous night, having gotten only 3 hours of sleep.

She was off from her job that day but she had other 'engagements' she was never free from to attend to, engagements she dreaded but met because she had to for the sake of her goal, which she inadvertently began calling a 'dream' at some point.

She wanted to sleep at least another two hours, but she knew better than trying. In the five years in which she had had that nightmare at least once a week, not once had she been able to go back to sleep after waking up sweaty with a gasp, no matter how tired she was.

She got up and walked to her humble apartment's kitchen, which was no difficult task; all her apartment had was her bedroom, a small closet, an acceptable bathroom and an average kitchen. She made herself some coffee, her everyday breakfast, which she poured into a black and white cup before walking to her bedroom and gazed through the window/door.

She took a sip and sighed in relief, letting out a subtle smile. Smiling was not something she did often. In fact, very few people had seen her doing so. However, drinking coffee while watching outside a window never failed to make her feel happy; memories of her late brother played in her mind.

Kaian… Why? – She mused, like she had countless other mornings. - Kaian, I haven't given up. That damn old man can threaten me as much as he wants, but he's not stopping me. I'll find out the reason you died, I swear. I just won't be able to sleep until the day I make sure that what made you leave me was truly a disease…Or murder. Brother, if the latter, I will avenge you… Brother, I miss you so much. Why did you leave me?

Those thoughts were already perfunctory to Riko each time she woke up with that nightmare, which was what remained of the memory of her brother's death, almost as if hunting her sanity. Ironic, for she herself was a Hunter.

She noted the streets would be foggy that day. So often, she saw fog behind fog. It was not very deep yet, but she had a feeling it was about to deepen. Fog is usually a sign of a storm going approaching 'outside'.

-It is not a good day for those that travel by the Forbidden Radius. – She said out loud before finishing her coffee.

In the meantime, the Straw Hat Crew were saying their goodbyes to the people they had befriended in the island they visited right after Fishman Island. The surprisingly normal island was inhabited partially and was good for the crew to load with supplies. Overall, it was an adventure-less visit, but the food and variety of meat made it interesting enough.

-Nami! – Luffy whined with his eyelids drooping and his face not amused; in his case, that meant he was sleepy. – It's so early! Why do we need to part so early?

-I explained that last night, Luffy! – Nami replied with little patience. – Were you not listening?

-All I remember from last night is there was a lot of meat…

Nami sighed. She had already traveled more than half the Grand Line with that guy as a Captain, but he was still found a handful by her…And most others.

-Well, the winds in the morning are best for sailing in this area and… - Nami trailed off, getting mad at Luffy's sight.

The guy had actually fallen asleep on his feet and began snoring, ignoring her completely. She hit him and scared him awake.

-You know what?! – Nami shouted frustrated. – It's too long an explanation, and you're not even going to get it. We're leaving now. Period.

-Heh? I'm the Captain! – Luffy protested.

-And I'm the Navigator. Now get going!

That being said, she took him by the back collar of his red vest without any apparent difficulty, heading to the Thousand Sunny. Only Nami could pull that off while wearing high heels. Everyone else stood close by, watching in amusement at another funny scene between their Captain and Navigator.

-Ah, you're leaving, right? – A tall middle-aged native from the island talked to her casually.

-Yeah, we are. – Nami answered.

-The winds at this time are excellent, but be mindful when you go ahead.

-What do you mean? – Nami asked; her attention had been grabbed.

-You were not told? – The man asked surprised. – About the Forbidden Radius?

-Forbidden Radius? – Nami asked as a way to answer negatively.

Luffy himself seemed interested in the conversation as he looked up. "Forbidden Radius" sounded mysterious enough to be promising of a new adventure to his ears. The others walked closer too, thinking the following would be important information, perhaps.

-About 50 km from here begins what is called the 'Forbidden Radius'. – The tall man explained. - No one really knows what is in that area, but once you get in there, you cannot get out unharmed.

Those words seemed to have gotten everyone alert. Usopp, Chopper and Brook yelped. They definitely thought it the best idea to not go there.

-You can tell where it is because of the dark fog it has, very grim indeed. – He continued. - It's as easy to spot as night in plain day.

-A radius refers to a circular area. – Robin expressed. – What does it surround?

-It is a mystery how it happens, but that fog, you could say, is doughnut-shaped. The island in the center presents different weather; it is even inhabited. The fog surrounds that island on a 30 km radius.

-Will the Log Pose point to that island next? – Nami asked.

-It won't. Its magnetic field has been obstructed for security reasons.

-Security reasons? How do people live there in the first place if they are surrounded by something that dangerous? – Sanji questioned.

-It is called 'Scholar Island'. Scholar Island is a non-touristic place where rich people and Marines send their kids to study. As you can imagine, pirates are not welcome there. What pirates have to do is go around the Forbidden Radius. Less than 10 km from the northernmost point of the Forbidden Radius is the island where your Log Pose is currently set. It is possible for pirates to arrive there and wait a while for the Log Pose to set.

-Got it. – Nami said. – We just have to avoid getting in the fog.

-Don't let your guard down, though, Miss. – He warned. – I've heard of cases in which, even though the ships don't go inside the fog, they are still attacked.

-A-ATTACKED?! – Usopp shouted. – By what? Are there monsters there? Oh, I think I'm getting a case of I-can't-leave-this-island-itis!

Zoro rolled his eyes at Usopp.

-Ahh! – Chopper, who always believed Usopp, exclaimed with a panicked expression. – Usopp, hang in there!

-He just made that up! – Zoro yelled at Chopper with a vein highlighted in his forehead. – You're a doctor; you shouldn't fall for that!

Brook only stared at his fellow swordsman nakama. He was kind of glad someone told that to Chopper because he knew he couldn't.

-Ne, Onii-Chan. – It was Franky's turn to ask a question. – What were you saying attacked ships? – He asked seriously.

The middle-aged man shrugged shoulders, which was more alarming for it meant he had no answer to that.

-Nobody here knows, I'm afraid.

Everyone stayed silent for a moment. Well, they had been through worse. While the man made it sound too grave for it to be just Sea Kings, it was still possible it might not be as bad as they thought.

The Q&A session was over at last.

-Ossan. – Luffy called. – Thanks.

Luffy's eyes glistened as he grinned, wide awake by then.

Finally, they set sail.

Riko walked around the cobbled streets of downtown. Downtown was the island's commercial and residential area, composed mostly of businesses, dorms and apartments for rich scholars with a select middle class group who was there thanks to scholarships.

As Yuriko had thought earlier, the fog was only getting deeper. It was the weekend but the streets were empty because of the early hour. The youth are night owls, not early birds. It was, however, convenient for her to be an early bird once a week. That solitude was something Riko enjoyed. It was only when alone that she could be herself.

When in public, she would always stand out; if not because of her scarlet irises, it would be because of her uniform. Her uniform was not flashy. It was actually of very serious appearance; black blazer on top of a white button-up blouse, simple black skirt with a black tie around the neck and white socks reaching halfway to the knee with black dressing shoes composed it. It was the uniform of a Hunter. In case someone by a miraculous chance did not know who she was by looking at her eyes, the gray crest in her blazer, picturing a spear above, a flower at the bottom and a wolf in the middle, should be enough to clear any doubts. That crest was widely known. Sometime in the past, it was widely worn too, but not anymore. There was only one person who was related to that specific blazonry, and that was her.

Hunters were looked up to in Scholar Island. Students, teachers, business employees and even Marine soldiers of low ranks greeted Hunters with warmth and admiration. Hunters were considered a different type of soldiers, but they fought for the wellbeing of society too, nonetheless. It was not the same for Riko, however. Riko's face, name and reputation were all well-known like a celebrity's though feared as a high-ranking Marine's.

As a Hunter, Riko's skill was looked up to by other Hunters, though differently than the rest. Wherever she went, crowds made sure there was space between her and them and avoided walking close to her while they conglomerated among themselves. It gave the impression she had a repelling barrier around her. Even partying environments went almost silent as she passed by, and it required nothing but her presence.

When she had been a student, not one of her classmates or teachers approached her straightforwardly despite her excelling grades. Every time she went out in public, she was reminded she was meant to be in a different scale than the others; she was meant to be lonely. Riko could not feel great about that, though. Feeling lonely when people surrounded her in every direction 360 degrees from her position is not the same as being in solitude with no one lowering their faces or avoiding eye contact with her.

The whole island labeled her as cold and intimidating, and other bad things, but she did not mind. She found receiving so much fearful respect from many, including those high-ranking Marine officers that were not brave enough to greet her cold persona, even disliking her while at the same time greeting gladly much more monstrous people, laughable. She continued to put on her cold façade for everyone.

She did not care about rumors about her nor the feeling of being alone; it would all be worth it if she could achieve her goal. It was all for that goal's sake, for her late brother and father. That had been her life's mission for 5 years. She was so close yet so far from it at that point, it frustrated her at times. It was because of the few instances in which she was alone and could be herself and encourage herself with memories of Kaian, like that dawn, that she was sane. In that solitude, she forgot her loneliness, even if for only a minute, and gained strength and willpower to continue. To Yuriko, those moments were a blessing, like a person that has traveled in Arabasta's desert for days without much hope left feels ecstatic when she sees a glass of drinkable water. Although not an oasis, it is enough to save her life, and that is enough for that traveler to continue traveling to find a place where she will find another glass with water.

Riko smiled by herself as she continued walking in the foggy downtown, heading to the north of Scholar Island.

The fog became denser as she distanced from downtown, the center of Scholar Island, and got closer to the shores.

-No doubt about it. – She said out loud with a neutral expression on her face. – There must be a storm going on outside the Forbidden Radius. If there are travelers outside, their despair will invoke G.H.O.S.T. to appear today… It seems like I will have more do today than just acting like a greeting committee.

Not too far from there, all members of the Straw Hat Crew looked at the same direction. The dark, nearly black, fog could be spot easily kilometers away from the Thousand Sunny. Like the man from the previous island had said, it was as easy to see as night in plain day. They had no idea it would be so literal, though.

The fog was as little inviting as darkness. It looked as if the light of the sun could be blocked almost one hundred percent. Only the insane would try to get close to that place, but the Straw Hat Pirates seldom showed any sanity, as their numerous adventures prove.

-So that is the Forbidden Radius. – Nami thought aloud.

Nami's thoughts were fixated on the dark spot ahead of them as she let the wind play with her hair.

We will be fine. – She told herself ceaselessly to convince herself. - We're not going to go through that; we're going around it. We're going to be fine…

Her rational side knew well she was trying to convince herself of a lie. It truthfully was a lie. The same intuition she had to predict weather told her that moment there was danger awaiting them ahead, but they could not really go back. The Log Pose was set, and they could only go to the direction it pointed. All three needles pointed in the same direction. She just wanted to feel some measly false security to calm her uneasiness.

Luffy's cackling took her out of her trance. She turned to him. Unlike her, he was noticeably excited, hungry for another adventure. Perhaps that was the only comparable thing to his love for meat. That day was not going to be the day in which Luffy showed his sense of survival like common people do.

-Nami! – He turned to her with his classic toothy smile. – Let's go faster!

-FASTER?! Are you crazy, Luffy?! – Usopp cried. – Can't you see the creepy fog that is dark as heck ahead?! No one in their right mind would get close to that! – He exclaimed with watery eyes while making marked gestures with his arms only he could understand.

Chopper clang to Usopp's shoulder. His eyes were as watery as his. Brook stood next to Usopp. He did not have tears, but that was because he did not have eyes. Of course, no one was going to say the previous; that would be giving him a chance for a skull joke, and that would just be downright unfitting for the occasion. Both him and Chopper only nodded emphatically to Usopp's every word.

Nami blinked. How many times had she already seen different version of that exact scene as Luffy acted recklessly as usual and Usopp, as if he did not know Luffy, seriously tried to get to his head using rational arguments? Usopp was aware Luffy never paid him any heed; not once. How could he still bother to do that? Though, it made sense. If she was feeling uneasy, Usopp, Chopper and Brook, who were more capable than her to show what they really felt (one could even ask women about their panties openly), had good reasons to feel scared and show it.

Sanji lit a cigarette and inhaled the smoke before talking.

-You three know well we have no choice but to follow the Log Pose. – He said with his frustrated undertone, which he used mostly with them three.

Like Nami, Sanji's guard was at its peak. Sanji observed everyone like Nami did, including her. He had foreseen their Captain would act that way, but part of him felt strange. His heart was beating rapidly, but he was neither scared nor excited nor exhausted. He did not understand, but his body was having a foreboding. Indeed, something he could not fathom was ahead of him…

-Nami, we'll be fine. – He said, trying to sound encouraging.

Nami turned to him blankly without saying anything. He felt uneasy, having no idea what to say to her next.

-It actually looks very intriguing. – Robin said with a subtle smile and shiny blue eyes, which later turned to Nami. – Nami-Chan, is it possible to go faster?

-WHAT?! –Usopp, Chopper and Brook bellowed in unison as they turned to her with inhumanly thick tears in their faces (except for the latter).

Even the others found that an unusual reaction in Robin. Franky whistled in surprise, Zoro turned to her, though he didn't say anything, and Sanji's eyes turned to hearts as all his prior seriousness disappeared.

-If Robin-Chwan wants to go, then we will go for sure! – Sanji talked with his characteristic flushed face.

-You look eager, Robin. – Franky pointed.

-The darkness is beautiful, isn't it, Franky? – Robin asked with sparks in her eyes and joy being visible around her happy smiling face.

-Sh-Sure… - Franky stuttered with a drop at the back of his head, thinking he better not contradict her.

Nami had not realized it, but, sometime while she watched her nakama, a grin smile formed in her face. She closed her eyes a moment.

We will be fine. – She told herself with a voice that was not trying to convince but was convinced already. – Everyone is here. As long as we stay together, we'll make it like we always do.

The wind kept playing with her orange hair as her eyes wandered from one nakama to another. Her dark irises eventually fell on Luffy. All the while, just like her, he had been observing his nakama with a wide smile plastered on his face. The mirth in his eyes was unstoppable. Nami could think of no one whose eyes were as joyous as his was that instant.

Luffy felt attached to his nakama. He was happy as the Captain of each of those special people. That was what filled him. That moment, Nami thought it was perfectly visible that he would give anything for his nakama, for they were his everything. Despite the many surprises Luffy could give to others, showing no limits when it came to his friends and family, that moment, it seemed only expected that he would do that for them.

Like her eyes were wandering minutes before, Luffy's eyes landed on her and caught her staring at him. His smile changed that moment. It no longer showed his teeth, so his eyes could tell her something. They were telling her her previous thoughts, assuring her they would be more than fine if they were together. She had seldom seen him like that, but she was aware he had keen intuition. Hers could see into the weather. His could see into people. Nami remembered that moment they all were lucky to have him as Captain. She smiled too.

-Faster, you said? – She talked, getting everyone's attention. – Then let's go faster. Franky, Zoro, let's try to ride the wind on our left, it will take us faster. I need your help with the sails.

Luffy threw his arms in the air, no longer able to contain his excitement.

-You heard Nami-san! – Sanji ordered, propelled by the force of sexual attraction. – Oi, Marimo! Don't just gaze into the horizon, hurry up and help Nami-san!

-You are not helping her either, Ero Cook. What's with you? You usually say you're the one who's going to help her like an idiot.

-Marimo, you bastard!

The cook and the swordsman were ready to go at it for the umpteenth time when Nami interrupted them.

-Zoro! Hurry up and help with the sail! – She yelled.

-Don't you prefer your love slave to help you? – He asked her seriously.

-How dare you answer back to Nami-san?!

-Shut it! – Nami shouted at Sanji before turning to Zoro. – You owe me money, so drag yourself up here!

-I don't owe you anything! – Zoro exclaimed.

In the end, Zoro helped with the sail. Sanji regained his cool and smoked tobacco while gazing at the Forbidden Radius's direction. They were quickly approaching it. The stubborn foreboding he had would not leave him alone, and his heart would not stop thumping fast.

Elsewhere, Riko reached a humongous Marine ship. Were she not supposed to act as a cold and inexpressive person, she would have laughed. A ship of such size was past a ridiculous exaggeration considering the distance it would cover; the voyage would not last twelve minutes. It could not be helped, though. Marines were very sensible in one aspect and one aspect only: Formality. They were going to receive a Vice-Admiral. Of course they would make a big deal out of it.

She was received by salutations. The Organization of Hunters was affiliated with the Marines, making Scholar Island one of the few locations in the New World where the World Government had decent control. Hence, Scholar Island was filled with people with the Marine mentality or, as she personally referred to it, the 'ignoramus mentality', yet she was never fond of Marines. Her brother had not either. Actually, it was because of him that she was not, and for that she always felt grateful.

The shore was filled with fog dense as smoke, which signaled the edge of the Forbidden Radius.

It was very easy to get lost in the Forbidden Radius, so the Marines had a special pathway for the ships built. It was 40 meters wide with walls of a special stainless and durable alloy that were nearly 1000 meters tall, with only 10 of them sticking out of the cloudy water's surface. It came out into the ocean outside the Forbidden Radius. That pathway was used by the Marines and by students, when vacation times came, to leave Scholar Island. However, that aquatic pathway was not a protection against what in reality made the Forbidden Radius forbidden and dangerous…

The pathway had two deviations. One led to a small island that was one eight the size of Scholar Island. To set a foot there, it was necessary to sign a document in which the person had recognize the danger of doing so. It was because of that place's reputation, which did not even do justice to the true fear only its sight inspired, that the people looked up to Hunters. That was the island where Hunters were trained and capacitated to do their jobs. It took a lot more courage to join the Organization of Hunters than it took to join the Marines; less than a quarter of those that signed up finished successfully their training. The other three fourths met their end in that island known as 'Perpetual Night', the Hunter's training grounds, nicknamed 'Hell's Island' for a reason.

A wide rowing boat with Riko and four soldiers was used to transport them to the shore.

This boat would have done the job of taking us here without the need of the gargantuan battleship. – She judged in thoughts.

-It is an honor to escort you to Perpetual Night, Lady Mellangel. – One of the rowers said with an overdone tone.

The other three soldiers turned to him in astonishment. Few were brave enough to talk to her. Riko suppressed the urge to raise an eyebrow. She did not find gutsy ones like him frequently; she found him amusing. 'Lady Mellangel' sounded like a nobility title when he said it; it almost made her want to snigger.

-I heard G.H.O.S.T. appear frequently in Perpetual Night, at least five times a week.

-That is the reason it was chosen to be the training grounds. – She replied for the first time in their presence.

The soldiers could not hide their surprise. Few got to hear her speak. Her voice sounded far more humane than they thought it would.

-I hope they don't show today. It would be troublesome for the two of you…

-Is there a storm going on outside the Forbidden Radius today? – She asked.

-Y-Yes. I heard earlier this morning about it.

-Then what you hope won't happen is exactly what will. – She replied as-a-matter-of-factly.

The other three soldiers shuddered. Her response was cold and tighter than her ponytail and began to believe that maybe the rumors about her were not only partially true.

-Lucky for us, we have you close to us. As long as Lady Mellangel is here there is nothing to fear. – The young man replied.

Riko turned her face slowly. She had seen so many ridiculous things that morning, but that comment took the award for the best joke she had heard so far in the day. She did not laugh, however. She made sure to make direct eye contact with a serious visage. Her unnatural crimson irises were very effective when it came to making her words sound frightening.

-Were G.H.O.S.T. to appear, it would be the trainees' job to stop them; it's part of their training. I am not to interfere unless it is necessary. For example, if a G.H.O.S.T. were to take over a person, I would then interfere to stop the person from having his life absorbed out of him. In that case, I shall be quick, for albeit G.H.O.S.T. need 5 hours to kill an average person, just a few seconds are enough to cause damage.

The Marines gulped noticeably. Her voice might sound human, but its calmness while saying those words was downright creepy; her eyes were also nerve-racking. Riko knew they would not ask her another thing in the rest of the trip. She had not intended to scare them, but she preferred it that way. The more she conversed casually, the easier it could be for them to notice it was all an act.

The fog's astoundingly deep obscurity outside the Forbidden Radius gave the impression it blocked sunlight completely, but that was not really true. About twenty percent of the sunrays could penetrate it and blessed Perpetual Night with only enough light so the darkness was not absolute (that would make it impossible to see at all). There was no such thing as a blue sky in the training grounds. The fog made it impossible to see the sky. Above was nothing but black mist, hence its name.

Weather in Perpetual Night was always humid, yet most of the area's soil was dry like a desert, where the idea of it withholding any life whatsoever was inconceivable. Nonetheless, there was a part with vegetation and swamps. It was covered with trees that were up to 20 meters tall, with thick trunks and obscure crowns. The concentration of photons that could reach Perpetual Night was too small for light to reach the forest area. It was considered the major challenge in Perpetual Night.

The Organization dictated people should have superior instincts and open the senses to their maximum ability in order to call themselves G.H.O.S.T. Hunters. It was part of the training to hold fights in the forest. Disappearances of people, findings of skeletons and cases of mental breakdowns and cannibalism were not unheard of. The forest of the training grounds was the mother of all that is scary. Those who survived that could hardly ever feel fear again.

Riko could recall numerous times she had been there. There, she developed her senses other than sight, learned to attack opponents that were after her from every direction, such as above, standing in tree branches, and she had been close to starving several times, for finding food there was even more challenging than not tripping with the gigantic trees' roots that stood out from the floor or falling into the various quicksand puddles. There, she had killed both people that tried to eat her after having lost their minds and the creatures she was training to become a hunter of.

Opposing the forest, were the buildings of Perpetual Night's base. While instructor Hunters slept in good rooms, the dorms for the trainees were in pitiable conditions. The difference between them was always stressed and the trainees accepted that solemnly. After all, their instructors were people that not only went through the same as they were in the present, they had managed to survive.

Yuriko headed towards the base with a squad of low-ranking Marines behind her.

How pointless of them to come. – Riko thought. – Are they supposed to be an escort? If something did come, I'd be the one who would have to protect them because they would never stand a chance against even the weakest G.H.O.S.T. This formality is so laughable it's even ridiculous; I hate having to play along with it.

Riko suppressed a chuckle as she heard embarrassingly notorious sighs of relief from the soldiers behind her the instant they entered the base, feeling like they were finally safe. She did not blame them; it was perfectly normal for them to feel scared. She was calm because she had grown used to that place; she came at least once a month to overview both the training of the newbies and the job of the teaching Hunters. Her authority in that island was more notorious than in the main island. She was like a director in the facility, although she officially had no more authority than other members of the Hunters Council and certainly less than the Chief of the Organization.

After entering one building and passing through a few hallways, still being followed by the soldiers as if they were puppies, she reached a living room and opened the door without knocking. It was a richly decorated room that was not really of her taste, but it was luxurious, nevertheless. It was, however, the only room in the islet that was that expensively-furnished, especially made for occasions like that one. Every other room was either merely acceptable or barely habitable.

In the center, she spotted a familiar tanned man of hardened features with a feathered tri-cornered hat on top of his orange hair, a protuberant flashy dark mustache and a fairly heavy overcoat, sitting in the green couch.

She walked in without announcing herself. She was not known for manners, and she did not care to cause a good impression on any World Government official, or mostly anyone else for that matter. Part of the reason for that behavior was necessity…

The man immediately turned to her, stood up and offered her a smile she did not attempt to return.

-It's been a couple of years, has it not, Lady Mellangel? – He greeted friendlily while extending his hand for her to shake.

-It has been a year and ten months, to be precise. – She answered without taking his hand or offering a welcoming tone.

One of the pleasures of her reputation was that she did not need to bother being hypocrite. She liked that very much.

-You haven't changed at all in this year and ten months. – He chuckled while lowering his arm. – Have you been well?

-I have been just fine. – She replied briefly. – Now let us begin.

-I believe being a member of the Hunter Council is a tiresome job but, indeed, you look fine. – He replied, ignoring her last sentence.

-My work is not tiresome. As a matter of fact, your job at the Navarone base involves more work. We should begin. – She insisted.

Jonathan laughed as if she had told him a joke. Riko remained serious.

-It's not every day a Hunter claims to have it easier than a Marine. Though, I reckon my job has been harder these past two years. Did you hear of the incident with the Straw Hat Crew two years ago?

-I heard about it.-

-Believe it or not, ever since then we've grown stronger. – He interrupted her.

-Let's begin. – She said, turning around, already impatient; she did not want to chitchat with him.

-Straight to business, huh? – The Marine expressed, walking beside her.

-We must begin now in order to get you to your appointment in the headquarters on time, Vice-Admiral Jonathan. – Riko replied, already heading to the door.

-I thought I had asked you the first time we met to just call me 'Jonathan'. – He reminded. – Will you not ask me about my wife?

She tried staring at him but much to her frustration that man seemed to be immune to the knives she threw with her glares. She did not like it when he was the one sent by the Marines. He was one of the few oddballs in the Navy that did not act warily with her; her eyes had a negligible effect even when she deliberately tried to make her eyes intimidating, whereas with most others she did not even have to try. As a result, she had to put up with that kind of situation.

-I've never met her. – Riko replied curtly.

-And Jessica is pregnant, by the way. – He said dreamily. – I'm gonna be a dad. – He said happy and paused a few seconds. – Will you not congratulate me?

-Congratulations. – She said hurriedly and halfheartedly. - We must begin! – She urged.

Jonathan arched an eyebrow. She gritted her teeth and opened the door.

Outside, they were both greeted with salutations from the soldiers that were directed at the Vice Admiral that stood next to Riko. She took that moment to take a deep breath. She had almost given away her façade just then, and that was not something she could afford. She told herself she would avoid doing anything that might raise his suspicion for the rest of his visit. Albeit she had years of wearing that façade, there were times in which she was close to messing up; she was not perfect, no matter how hard she tried.

Riko's duty was to show him around Perpetual Night while reporting the trainee's situation and what could be expected of them. Because the Organization of Hunters was affiliated with the World Government, they asked a high-ranking officer to report to them their status regularly as a way to check on the Organization.

After half an hour of showing Jonathan around while hearing yelps from the scared soldiers that were supposed to be their escort as they saw the training the Hunter trainees went through, they headed back to Scholar Island, much to their relief. The Vice Admiral was to meet the head of the Organization of Hunters and the Hunter Council back at the Organization of Hunter's headquarters.

Riko found it strange no G.H.O.S.T. had appeared yet even though there was supposed to be a storm going on outside the Radius. It was in that type of conditions that they were more susceptible to 'feel hungry'. She narrowed her eyes as she came across a specific thought. There are travelers outside the circle; maybe pirates. They might attract G.H.O.S.T. if they are close enough…

Indeed, as the Thousand Sunny was getting closer, a storm hit them in a blink.

The pirates were all holding tightly to the deck's rails to not fall from the trembling ship as the waves crashed against them while Franky tried desperately not to let go of the helm with Sanji and Zoro helping him out. The waves were constantly soaking them, beginning to affect Luffy, Robin, Chopper and Brook, the Devil Fruit users.

Nami still could not believe a storm had taken her by surprise, but she shook her head and those thoughts and immediately acted to avoid the ship getting sunk. The storm was not ordinary in the least, even for the Grand Line's weather. The winds were very strong, managing to push their large ship forward without control towards the Forbidden Radius along with the tall waves that had crashed against them and made the deck's floor slippery. So far, folding the sails was all she had thought of doing.

-Nami! – Usopp shouted. – We're waiting for your orders! Hopefully sometime before the waves pull us down to the bottom of the ocean! – He urged.

-I know that already, Usopp! – Nami yelled just as desperately as he. – Shut up and let me think!

What is there to think? – She said inwardly. - There's no way we can escape from this one! It's like we're sailing through a tornado!

Nami clenched her teeth.

Sanji wanted a cigarette, but the torrent made that desire difficult to fulfill. His eyes suddenly glanced at the dark fog not too far ahead from them. He had not been able to stop glancing at it every few seconds all morning. He was tired of it already. Even then, in the middle of a tempest, his heart kept beating rapidly. He wanted to smoke to calm himself down. His vice's foundation was that the smoke of the cigar somehow felt like it cleared his thoughts. He had come to love that smell, not sweet but of undefined form, like mist.

Mist? – Something clicked in his head.

-Nami-san! – Sanji called.

-Why doesn't anyone let me think?!

-The mist has not dissipated despite the strong wind! – He exclaimed.

Nami's eyes widened a moment and then turned to the dark foggy spot. Sanji was right, its spherical contour was unaffected by the winds, meaning they were not as strong there. That was it! In a tornado, its center was where the winds' speed was the least severe.

Her intuition told her it was not the safest thing to do, so she had been trying to think of an alternative, but there was no other choice.

-Luffy! – She called.

Luffy, holding on while the waves hit his back without it affecting his enthusiasm, turned to her.

-Do you trust me? – Nami shouted.

Everyone turned to her with disbelief. No matter how they looked at it, that did not seem like a good moment for asking questions with obvious answers.

-Of course I do! – Luffy answered with a grin. – I chose you to be our navigator, didn't I?

Nami smiled while holding on the rail tightly.

Luffy showed her a toothy grin in response. He understood she had an idea.

-We must open the sails again! – She said.

The disbelief in her nakamas' eyes tripled at her words.

Chopper and Brook were wordless.

-Are you trying to kill us?! – Usopp cried. – That's only going to push us towards the deadly fog ahead!

-Where the winds are not as strong, and we will not sink. – She explained with a smile.

-So you save us from sinking to take us to that place where will get lost and die anyway?!

-The Log Pose will guide us through it then! – She said before turning to Luffy.

Luffy heard the argument between his nakama. Everyone else was silent, expectant of what Luffy would say, for they were almost certain of what his answer would be, and that is what they feared.

Luffy smiled. He trusted Nami. Why would he hesitate?

-Zoro, Sanji, spread open the sail!

He went ahead and said exactly what they thought he would… He was the Captain; it was his call to make. Regardless, they trusted him; that was why they followed him and called him 'sencho'.

Zoro and Sanji proceeded to open the sail so the winds would take them to eerie shadows where they could hopefully be safe… Hopefully.

In the meantime, Riko and Jonathan were arriving to Scholar Island's north shore shortly after having left Perpetual Night.

Scholar Island was divided in five sectors, of which downtown was the largest, almost like a city, where people of all ages and occupations could be seen, unlike the other sectors. Downtown was the residential and commercial area. There was a large variety of businesses, from daycares to grocery stores and entertainment centers; specialized bookstores were the most prominent type. There was also a couple of elementary school for the residents' children. That was also where a small Navy base was settled.

The South, East and West sectors were where the educational and research institutions Scholar Island was famous for were located. The South was an area for three middle schools, the lowest level of quality education the island offered for those that wanted to send their kids there as early as possible, holding a tad more than one thousand students. It was also used for several commercial agricultural activities. The West sector consisted of several high schools, far more populated than the South, with an estimated amount of sixty thousand high schoolers. The East was ruled by over 3 million undergraduate and graduate students, with a prestigious minority of doctorate students who were treated as the elite. It was regarded as the most important sector because of its worldwide known university and research facilities that ranked as the best in the Grand Line, including the teaching and research hospitals. It was no wonder parents wanted to get their offspring educated there, and few actually made it in comparison the astonishing number of applicants they got.

The North sector of Scholar Island was the location of the headquarters of the Organization of G.H.O.S.T. Hunters. It was the least populated of all with less than 500 people. It consisted of three main facilities that had some distance between them. Closest to downtown was the Hunters' school, where future Hunters were educated in theory and did basic training before sending them to Perpetual Night to conclude their training and become acknowledged Hunters. The oldest building was the main headquarters, where the offices of the higher-ranked Hunters were; it used to be a castle in the past. The largest one was remarkably different, the Hunter's Dome, located 2 km west from HQ, by the shore. It had 25 floors, which were occupied by the majority of the administrative offices, storage vaults and, at the top floor, a meeting Hall where the Hunter's Council reunited.

The School of G.H.O.S.T. Hunters received less than 50 applications per year although there was no admission test. Albeit everyone was accepted, in average, less than 10 of the admitted trainees did not quit after six months. G.H.O.S.T. Hunters were not Marines; not everyone could be one. To be a Hunter required more than physical condition. Not even those who showed great intelligence were guaranteed to stay. Hunters had to have a sixth sense, be able to see beyond what average humans could, manipulate with ease the energy they used to hunt G.H.O.S.T., called Sigurd, and, overall, possess a strong mind.

Nobody knew where G.H.O.S.T came from, but it was evident they were a threat to mankind despite remaining concentrated in one area, and very few had within their capabilities to fight them back and protect others, mainly those who originated from that place. Adding to the mystery, the statistics clearly showed G.H.O.S.T. appearances were becoming frequent as time passed. Now, it was unusual for five days to go by without a G.H.O.S.T. attack somewhere.

The structure of the headquarters had been a castle 200 years ago, which was abandoned after a century. Back then, G.H.O.S.T. were yet to appear in the world. Then, 30 years from the present, although the old castle kept its original appearance, it was given the purpose to be the place where people who could stand up to the emerging G.H.O.S.T. could gather and assure that their knowledge would be passed to future generations by training new Hunters themselves. Hunters had the same mission they had up to date, in theory: to save people from the mystery that were G.H.O.S.T. However, only 5 years before that present, the headquarters were remodeled, designed to resemble Enies Lobby, which was currently in ruins. On its top, it had a big mustard yellow tapestry with the navy blue coat of arms of the Organization of G.H.O.S.T. Hunters in it, which consisted of two swords and a lion.

How unoriginal. - Riko thought often when she saw the coat of arms the Organization adopted 14 years ago.

Riko did not like the new look in the least but never made any referral to that matter. The structure's outer appearance was the least noticeable change. Ever since the new head of the Organization of G.H.O.S.T. Hunters took over 14 years ago, everything in the Organization changed, the people that composed it, the training the new Hunters went through, the general atmosphere, the attitude towards missions and their objectives, the alliance they made with the World Government, and even the coat of arms that symbolized them changed. That made Riko's goal harder to achieve.

Her situation was often aggravating. No matter how much power she acquired, she could not rival the top's power, more specifically, the power of who stood in the top.

As she noted all those changes over a decade before, she vowed she would not change with the rest of the Organization. She would continue wearing the old arms in her blazer. Overall, she would not subject to him. She would not lose to his authority. She would find a way to surpass him and bring him down. That was the reason she lived for. For her mission to be realized, she had to beat him. She saw him in a nearly daily basis, spoke to him often, lived under the same roof as him for years in the past and was often identified as one of the most closely related people to him, yet she could never touch him. He was number one and she could at best be number two, which she was not really. Even if the difference among them was not theoretically large, it was in the practical sense; she had so far been unable to touch him, regardless of her position as one of the most important Hunters. Still, she never once thought of giving up. Her brother taught her better than that. Whenever things seemed too hard, she would think of him, and she would feel her will being reborn.

The party she greeted that day ascended to the fifth story and walked through the corridors for another four minutes before reaching their destination. Two large pretentious doors showed the entrance. Behind those doors would be the Chief of the Organization of G.H.O.S.T. Hunters, Riko's objective, the number one, the one she could not surpass, the man that people related her though she found it most unpleasant, Egger Aibhne.

Riko stopped walking and bowed formally to the Vice Admiral, ready to walk away.

-Will you not be present in our meeting? – Jonathan arched an eyebrow.

-I have no role in that meeting. – She replied plainly. – There is no reason why I should listen to your talk that does not concern me.

Just like people avoided Riko unless it was absolutely necessary, she did not spend one more second than needed with that man.

Jonathan grinned lightly at her. She did not succeed in making that man to frown at her.

-You're very straightforward, Lady Mellangel D. Yuriko. – His grin then changed, as well as his eyes. – And you're also very stubborn.

Riko's crimson irises contracted for half a second at his comment. She had not foreseen that response, and she knew the conversation was about to take a turn.

-Not that I don't like you for that. – Jonathan continued, still grinning. – Stubbornness is a convenient fault. It's a pity you won't enter with me. It would be interesting to see if you really portray yourself like this even in front of your uncle, like I've heard you do.

Riko clenched her fists and jaw tightly and curled her upper lip upwards, about to show her teeth while containing herself from growling. She hated to be reminded of her blood bonds with him. The thought of being that man's family sickened her until she was nauseous.

Damn it. – She cursed.

She showed Jonathan her coldness was a façade. She could not afford to let him see any further.

-I shall make my leave now, Vice Admiral Jonathan. – She told him with a voice as cool as she could muster while giving him her back.

Riko did not stay to look back at him entering the head's office. She only walked away as steadily as she managed.

The second she turned around a corner of an empty hallway, she threw her back against a wall hastily. With unsteady breathing, she let her back slide down the wall until she sat in the floor. She closed her eyes and tried to calm down her heartbeats, which had gone nuts. What had she done? It was partially out of her hands now, and she all she could do was hope Jonathan would keep his mouth shut, but she refused to accept that.

-Damn the World Government. – She whispered, but it being a whisper did not make her emanating wrath any less intense.

Her thoughts were not like those of the inhabitants of Scholar Island or the rest of the G.H.O.S.T. Hunters. She knew that soldiers that blindly obeyed any order, never questioning authority like puppets and letting themselves be stomped on just because of their lower ranks were just the type Egger and higher-ups in the World Government loved to use the most too.

They're the most inhumane humans there can be, even more than those that are possessed by G. .T. - Riko thought to herself often.

She took a deep breath and calmed down, remembering she was not in a private place.

Her heartbeats' rhythm increased again when her ears caught the sounds of hurried footfalls coming in her direction. She had already let down her guard once and a person was already close to disclosing her; she was not about to let someone else be suspicious of her.

She stood on her feet and exhaled profoundly while putting on her mask once again. She began walking to not appear unusual, not really thinking of a destination but only of appearing naturally cold. She, nonetheless, had a keen sense of hearing since her time at Perpetual Night, so she could hear the hastiness with which each step was taken; that person was nearly jogging.

A man with an outfit similar to hers, except he wore pants and the arms on his blazer was the current one, met her at the corridors' interception. He stopped immediately at the unexpected sight of Riko. She understood he had been looking for her, and he probably thought she was in the head's office with Jonathan.

-Lady Mellangel. – He bowed respectfully though stiffly.

At first, Riko did not understand why he seemed to bother with formalities even when he was in evident hurry. When he bowed, however, she noticed his white tie. That indicated he was a student, a Hunter trainee. That explained it. Even Hunters were rigid in front of Council members, so students felt even more obliged to emphasize their respect, which was in reality fear.

He gave her a white envelope with thin and sparkling golden lines forming intricate designs.

She growled inwardly at its sight. Seeing it was enough to know who sent it, for the elegant envelope was used only for matters concerning the Hunter Council.

She turned to dismiss the Hunter, who bowed again, and descended to the fourth floor, heading straight to her office.

Every member of the Council of Hunters had their own offices at the main headquarters. Hers was in the penultimate story and was extravagantly luxurious, though it was not to her taste at all since she had not been the one to decorate it; it was worse than impersonal, and it did not suit her, but she did not truly care. That office was purely for image, and she hardly used it at all. She preferred the decrepit workstation she used at Perpetual Night.

Right above her office's ceiling there was the Chief's, yet another reminder of the difference in true power between them. She knew he did that intentionally; he always seemed to find ways to attempt making her miserable, reminding her of their respective and different positions, trying to make her give up in what he suspected she schemed. The most important thing was that she had vowed to find out the truth and she would not let him stop her, regardless of their differences. The placement of their offices, truly, was something she found more motivating than deterring.

She ripped the envelope open, not feeling the slightest bit guilty for spoiling the fancy paper. She read it to know the reason why the Hunter Council was called for a meeting, and they were uncommonly ordinary, nothing important that would truly require her presence. Those would be a couple of very boring hours to her, hours she would have to waste instead of using productively as was her creed.

She did not enjoy being a member of the Hunters' Council, but she still worked hard for her seat in it because she knew that authority was necessary for her goals, even if it meant spending much time near the man she despised. On the other hand, Tte closer she was to her uncle, the closer she would be to finding out what had really happened six years ago. "This is for Dad and Kaian," she would tell herself.

Council meetings were never pleasant. On top of the Chief's presence, Riko also had to withstand the antagonistic attitude of the majority of the other members. It was clear the image most of them had of her was of someone inferior in most aspects to them and that her presence was undesirable. A couple of them were as unreserved as possible about their dislike toward her being far greater than average, which was quite something considering the average in her case was several times that which normal people dealt with in their lives. There were also pointless envious glares, a specific someone's embarrassing attentions and an offensive and undying rumor held as fact that she had to deal with every time. The latter was what tried her the most. "She's in the Council because she's the Chief's niece," and, before she joined the Council, it used to be "she's a Major because she's the Chief's niece," and so on throughout her advancements. Riko lost count of the times she had heard any variation of it, but she still had to struggle to remain composed when brought up.

She immediately crumpled the letter and threw it into a wastebasket along with the remnants of the envelope.

Remembering earlier thoughts, she frowned and dialed a number on the Den Den Mushi. She called Perpetual Night for a report about any G.H.O.S.T. appearances that day or any unusual incidents. She got a negative reply, and the call ended.

Riko glanced outside her window, observing the mist of the day. She did not understand why she felt unconvinced. She had a strong premonition that something was about to happen. She had been acting very strangely that day…

Riko rubbed her temple and glanced at a wall clock. The meeting was scheduled in an hour. Her uncle was busy talking to Vice Admiral Jonathan, and then he'd occupy himself in the Council meeting as he led their meetings… That would take him a good three hours at least. This was a chance for her to sneak into the files she did not plan to waste.

I seldom get a chance this good to go to the files with the guards he places everywhere in the building, but he's sure to move them to guard the Meeting Hall today and have many guarding the Marine. If he leaves one just in case, I can knock him out, and it won't be as suspicious as when knocking down five. The fog today is dense too… I'll call sick for the meeting; I cannot waste this chance.

Riko left the headquarters and headed to her apartment by the edge of downtown to prepare…

Sanji and Nami's plan successfully got them out of the dangerous tempest.

It took the pirates a moment to adapt to the situation. They suddenly went from the loud and ruthless tempest to the contrasting eerie silence of a dark tranquil atmosphere. Their eyes needed a few minutes to adjust to the deep darkness.

-Is everyone alright? – Sanji asked.

-How can we be alright?! – Usopp exclaimed. – Look where we are!

-AH! It's dark everywhere! – Chopper followed while frantically turning his head around. – What if something attacks us like the old man said?! We won't even be able to see it coming until after it eats us! – He sobbed.

-If you two prefer to go outside and drown in the storm be our guests. – Sanji snapped, not feeling patient.

Sanji and Chopper lowered their heads. Sanji knew inside he could not entirely blame them. He also could see they were not the only ones uneasy. Robin, Brook, Franky and Nami were quiet for that reason. Even Zoro seemed slightly weary, more than usual anyway. Sanji himself also felt surprisingly anxious. Luffy was the only one unaffected, as Sanji guessed before even glancing his way.

Luffy blinked repeatedly, still adapting to the darkness while grinning slightly. The guy was actually amused and excited, definitely looking for the inkling of an adventure in that place.

That guy is seldom enviable. Today must be a seldom day. - Sanji thought as he lit a cigarette.

-Bad news, people. – Franky announced all of a sudden, getting everyone's attention. – The mast is just slightly battered. Spreading the sails to winds like that one was a tad rash, apparently. The sails, however, are a different story. They need some urgent fixing.

The sails were severely battered. Their edges were not straight anymore, and they had a few holes from objects that flew at them with the wind and perforated them. What they did was unquestionably madness, yet that crew was so used to doing reckless acts and get away essentially unscathed that what should have been expected came out as a surprise, and a bit of worry ensued. Nonetheless, they were aware that was the only choice they had had.

-I don't recommend we navigate with the sails in that state. – Franky continued. – It's gonna be tough and a bit inconvenient to repair them in here, though, since the mast needs maintenance.

-Finding a place to port while you fix them in this place may be even more difficult. – Robin expressed.

Franky's mouth frowned.

-I know what you mean but, while the winds here don't seem to be very strong, a breeze might still find us and pull us deeper into this place. It might be harder to get out later. It would be best for the ship to be in an immobile place.

Robin brought her hand to her chin in deep pondering deeply as she frowned lightly.

-I remember the man in the previous island mentioned the island in the center of the Forbidden Radius, Scholar Island, did not welcome pirates. I've heard of that island myself. It's allied to the Marines despite this being the New World. It might be too risky to get close to it then.

While Franky and Robin talked about a serious problem, Nami's face showed she feared they had an even worse problem at hand.

Brook noticed she looked stunned and walked to her.

-Nami, - He called softly. – What is the matter? You don't look well.

-Nami-san, are you alright? – Sanji asked worriedly after hearing Brook's enquiry.

Nami did not reply.

Brook noticed her trembling frame, and her attention was fixed over her right wrist with her head tilted downwards. He ventured to take a look. The Log Pose was the object of her stunned eyes. Brook looked at it closely. After several seconds, he yelped and covered the bones of his jaw where his mouth once was as she realized the same thing Nami did.

-What is wrong? – Zoro asked, sensing something was very wrong.

Brook's skeletal hand trembled while pointing right at the Log Pose on Nami's wrist. Zoro leaned to see it more closely and his facial gestures showed he did not understand what could be wrong. Sanji turned his eyes to it as well. It took him half the time it took Brook to figure out what Nami had minutes ago. Sanji's eye widened. If Franky's news were bad, these were horrendous. The cigarette fell from his mouth to deck.

Luffy only momentarily heard Franky and Robin without really listening intently when he noted Nami was acting strangely as she was too quiet. He walked to her and joined Zoro in observing the Log Pose fruitlessly.

Eventually, Usopp and Chopper joined the circle around Nami but were yet to understand they were looking at her wrist. Franky and Robin joined when they realized no one was paying them any heed. They both gasped at the sight of the Log Pose.

-I don't see what's wrong. – Zoro finally said.

-Me neither. – Luffy followed.

-There was supposed to be something wrong? – Chopper asked.

-What are we all looking at? – Usopp asked confused. – You guys are suddenly all serious.

Sanji wanted to kick their heads.

-The Log Pose! – He exclaimed. – That's what we're looking at! We're all serious because something is wrong; it's very wrong!

Nami opened her trembling lips to talk.

-The Pose… - Her voice came out forcedly. – It's turning around because something is attracting it somewhere else and it has lost its original location to which it was set… - She forced herself to explain.

As Usopp and Chopper understood, their eyes assumed the seriousness of everyone else. Zoro's scowl deepened.

-Does that mean we won't be able to reach the next island? – Luffy asked normally.

Everyone turned to him. They were used to a certain point to their Captain being himself but this was not a moment in which they wanted that from him; their situation was much too mortifying for that.

-Luffy… - Nami continued with patience one would not normally see possible in someone so frightened. – We were going to leave this dark place with fog all around us using the Log Pose as a guide, but now it's acting like a regular compass would act in the Grand Line. Not only can we not reach the next island, we cannot even get out of here…!

She said it. Everyone was already dreading hearing those words, but she uttered them aloud. Nami grabbed the railing and used it to support the weight her feet in high-heeled boots could not any longer.

Brook needed a moment of silence too. He could already seem their ship aimlessly floating in the dark fog; a situation he was not unfamiliar with. The events occurring were bringing him memories from lonelier decades in Thriller Bark. The prospect was dreadful.

-We're lost, then! – Chopper cried despairingly.

-What will we do now? – Usopp said looking down. - We were going to use the Log Pose to get out of here but it's not working now…! – His voice came out hoarse, unable to muster strength to shout anymore. – What will we do, Nami?

It hurt Nami to just listen to Usopp. She could not bear to look at him, so she looked way guiltily, aware she had been the one that put them in that situation.

Sanji calmly walked to Usopp and proceeded to kick his shin. Although he contained himself, it was enough to bring Usopp to his knees. He turned to Sanji grimacing but said nothing as he observed the anger in Sanji's face.

-Stop blaming Nami–San, Usopp. – He told him seriously.

Oddly, he looked away immediately afterwards and placed his hands inside his jacket's pockets.

-If you want to blame someone, blame me. I'm the one who gave her the idea in the first place. – Sanji finished.

Luffy watched Usopp and Sanji. Sanji felt guilty, and Usopp was not just talking for himself. Luffy could see the solemn faces of his other nakama. He scowled.

-So what? – He expressed.

Everyone turned to him with wide eyes. His voice lacked its usual cheerful undertone, and the attitude he assumed was the one which none of them could traverse.

Luffy pulled down his straw hat, shadowing his forehead, but his eyes were still piercing. Those black eyes were impossible to look down on or neglect. It was that side of him in times like that that Luffy proved effortlessly he was the Captain.

-What's with you? If the Pose doesn't work, we'll just have to find another method. It's no big deal.

Although they disagreed about it being no big deal, Robin, Franky and, discreetly, Zoro smiled. Chopper, Brook and Nami looked at him first before smiling. Although it was not easy to tell with Brook, they could tell when he was smiling too.

Brook walked to Usopp, who was on his knees, and placed a bony hand on his shoulder.

-We are at the mercy of the Forbidden Radius, Usopp-kun. – He spoke uncharacteristically serious. – But it's not the end! – He added dramatically.

Usopp stared at Brook, then at Luffy, and then he stood up.

Brook turned to Sanji next, indicating his words were not only for Usopp.

Sanji turned to Usopp and patted him on the shoulder before lighting yet another cigarette. This strange day was going to cause him a full packet if it continued like that.

Luffy was right about something: They had been through so much together, and a lot worse, but in the end they were together. Even after Bartholomew Kuma broke them all apart, sending them each to different places throughout the world, they defied chance by reuniting again. In the end, their bond became stronger.

-Nami will think of something, no doubt. – Luffy ruined the moment sporting his trademark grin.

Nami's brow vein highlighted, but she was partially responsible for this, so she did not hit him despite his gall.

-First things first. – Franky began. – We need to port somewhere so I can fix the Thousand Sunny.

-And where to you suggest we port? – Sanji replied. - The fog in here is too dense to let us see any-

-There's some land over there. – Zoro interrupted.

Everyone turned their heads to him skeptically. They followed the direction his finger pointed to and could distinguish a faraway shadow after squinting to the point in which they were scowling. Apparently, they should never underestimate the senses of a swordsman.

No one could believe the most directionally-challenged one of the crew found an island to port first.

-Indeed! – Nami exclaimed with some disbelief a moment later. – I can see it!

Luffy laughed.

-There! I told you it was no big deal. – He cackled after talking.

The rest of the crew sighed and smiled. It was no novelty their Captain did not realize his own luck.

On the edge of downtown and the north sector of Scholar Island was Riko's apartment, where she made a detour to for a disguise. She took off her black dressing shoes and put on a pair of black Converse sneakers instead. She also took off her blazer and tied its sleeves around her waist after unbuttoning her white blouse and taking off her tie, revealing her dark t-shirt underneath.

From a hidden corner in her closet, she took out a loose black cloak that covered her body entirely except for her feet, preferring to be cautious though the thick mist of the day was already a good cover. Before pulling the hood over her face, she walked to the sink of her bathroom to wash the hair gel off and undid her tight and strict ponytail. Her brown hair reached her shoulders when loose.

Before heading out, she packed the book and picture over her nightstand. She always brought them with her to the library so as to never forget the reason she was doing everything. It was more of a ritualistic thing than an actual necessity, something uncharacteristic of her, and unexpected if not familiar with her other reason for doing it… She held them with utmost care and let out a smile for the first time since morning twilight. After a moment of peace, her eyes shone differently, with resolve. She parted unaware that she would never go back to that apartment.

-This can't possibly be Scholar Island. – Sanji stated. – It's still dark and foggy.

-It seems like this part is completely uninhabited. – Franky stated after looking around.

The piece of land found was smaller than Perpetual Night. Long before, it served as the training grounds along with Perpetual Night, but its soil was even more lifeless than Perpetual Night's, so it had no forest. At present, the piece of land where the Straw Hat Crew stood had been long forgotten by most.

-This looks interesting! – Luffy exclaimed excited before going ahead and exploring.

-That guy's as reckless as usual. – Sanji noted, to which the others nodded in agreement.

-Either way, this will do for me to fix the sail and mast. – Franky said. - I might even take advantage and reinforce the prow a bit.

-Should we go ahead and explore too? – Robin asked everyone.

-I might find something to use in a bomb… - Usopp mused aloud.

-And I for medicines. – Chopper followed.

-I'd like to see the rest of the island. – Nami expressed.

-I could use a walk. – Brook said.

Zoro had been staring at a couple of huge rocks for a few minutes by then. At last, he sat down and placed them both on top of his extended arms. If they were going to be there for a while, he might as well train, so he concluded.

-I doubt there's anything I could use for food here. – Sanji answered negatively.

They all proceeded to do their thing while Sanji just stood close to the Thousand Sunny smoking. With the noise of Franky working in the background, he stared ahead in meditation. His stubborn heart was at it again, getting excited for no reason. This had been one of the strangest days of his life, and he said that as a Straw Hat crewmember.

When Riko reached the files library, she knew she guessed correctly. The usual guards of the entrance were moved to guard the Meeting Hall. She did not guess her uncle would move all of the guards, and she gave no thought to this until it was too late…

The files she was browsing through with her head discovered were strictly confidential. Even though she was a member of the Hunters Council, she was not allowed to go in there without permission from the head, for which she needed a valid reason. In case permission was granted, there would still be security observing her every move and taking note of every book she opened. Her purpose was to find the truth. She wanted to know the cause of her brother's death, and it was evident her uncle would oppose. She had no choice but to sneak in, and, for years, she had been doing just that.

She had already been there for an hour. She did not look but for a single piece of paper. She knew that would have all the information she needed. However, even after five years, she had been unsuccessful in finding it in that enormous room with thousands of books.

Why couldn't you just tell me where you hid the paper, Kaian? – Riko wondered as she dealt with the frustration that came every time she went there.

Then she found something that took her breath away. Her crimson irises contracted. It was just an envelope, but she recognized her brother's handwriting on it. "To Riko," it read. She could not stop smiling widely like she had not in a very long time.

-…At last! – She whispered, husky from joy. – I've finally found it, Kaian…!

Her hands were shaking as they opened it clumsily, unable to suppress the emotions she was feeling; they were so intense she could have cried had she chosen to allow it.

Inside, she found a circular white gold locket with an incorporated mechanism that required an number combination. She wondered if Kaian placed anything inside. She also found a paper fragment that had been cut from a notebook.

Riko,

I bought that locket thinking it would look nice on you. Please wear it and don't lose it. Your treasure is the key. If you open your heart to the light, you'll find every answer you seek.

Kaian

Riko frowned. She looked inside the envelope but found nothing else. She read the brief letter again but understood nothing.

What is the meaning of this?!

Riko threw her fist at a wall mad. She clenched her fists so tightly her nails were about to draw blood from her palms.

More than five years of hard work and putting myself at risk to find only this? Damn it Kaian! For once in your life, couldn't you just be straightforward?

Right that instant the doors of the library were violently pushed open.

Riko's heart raced faster. Turning her head, she met the pair of light brown eyes she dreaded the most in the whole world.

The bespectacled man was tall, pale-skinned and had short brown hair, partially greying. Back in his days, he had been slightly good-looking, but Riko could not imagine his inside not ever being hideous. He wore an expensive black suit and tie. His posture was rigid, and his presence strict, heartless and depraved. Chief of the Organization of Hunters, her boss and uncle, Egger Aibhne.

-So this is what you look like when you think no one's watching. Still, you don't look sick to me, my niece.

-Chief… - Riko acknowledged him cautiously, unable to hide her shock.

This is the end. – Riko thought, incapable of remaining composed inside.

-It looks like you did not expect the Council's meeting to end early and to be caught playing hooky in this place, Yuriko.

Riko stiffened. She could see in his eyes he was mad but not surprised; in fact, he looked eager.

How long has he known what I've been doing? How, after everything I've done to deceive everyone for five years, has he known…?!

-Like brother, like sister. – He interrupted her thoughts. - He believed he could trick me, and you're just as naïve. How can you even think you can outsmart me when you're so insignificant, both of you? – He said haughtily, always looking down at her.

Riko gritted her teeth; she forfeited her persona.

-You have no right to make any mention of him! – She hissed. – I saw for years how you talked to him as if he were trash, yet you always seized every chance you could to trample his work and threaten him! – She yelled. – You did consider him a threat, and he was definitely able to outsmart your cheap assaults!

Riko moved her arms; it was one of the rare times she was highly outraged. While at it, she accidentally dropped the locket. Her eyes followed it immediately. Although it had made her upset a minute ago to see that was all her brother left to her, she was aware it was still her sole valuable lead. She felt like she was stabbed when she saw it crash against the floor, as if she had thrown Kaian's love itself. She hastily picked it up as if she had been carrying and treasuring it all her life.

Egger Aibhne growled. He was about to slap her when he saw a locket fall from her hand and her following reaction.

He stopped right on track. His expression changed radically.

A locket will show your end… - Those words reverberated in his head.

His face darkened; his eyes emanated both ire and fear. Riko was both surprised and confused.

-Your brother was a fool, and so are you! – He exclaimed with a different undertone and countenance. – You're just as foolish as him! You too are ingenuous! The both of you resemble him so much, it disgusts me! It was his own stupidity what led both your father and brother to die!

Riko stopped breathing. Her body trembled, not with fear but with anger.

-Y-You… - She stuttered, furious. – You… What did you do to them?! YOU KILLED MY BROTHER, DID YOU NOT?!

The bespectacled man bit his lip a quarter of a second. His brown eyes shook. Had she hit jackpot or had she not? She knew he was hiding something from her.

-Arrest her! – He ordered the guards accompanying him.

Before Riko could move, six men in Hunter uniforms appeared. They had been on standby, waiting for the Chief's call. Riko glanced at them but did not show nervousness. It was the opposite; it was them who showed disbelief and uneasiness by pointing a sword at her, a member of the Hunters Council, a young woman they had for years done their best to avoid crossing for a good reason.

-I shall punish you, Mellangel D. Yuriko! You're a traitor who compromised this organization's integrity, so I here and nowdemote youfrom your position in the Council and from your G.H.O.S.T. Hunter title. Strict measures will be taken, and being my niece will not be of help to you. Hand over your weapon immediately and let yourself be captured without resistance. – He commanded.

Riko did not move a step. She neither feared nor acknowledged his authority. With her narrowed red eyes, she stared at him, feeling wrath, resenting him and silently swearing to destroy him one day. One day.

-Capture her! – The Chief commanded.

His authority being greater, it was obvious whose orders they would follow. The guards came at her all at once with their swords unsheathed, but they were not effective at attacking her because they were too cautious. They were aware of what she was capable of.

Riko's cloaked form jumped almost two meters upward, causing her offenders to clash against one another. From midair, she threw kicks to their heads or faces only strong enough to disorient them. She landed on the ground, threw a punch and a kick simultaneously three times in a row and managed to get four of them to the floor, knocked out cold. Two tried to resist falling by supporting against a wall and a bookcase, respectively.

The fury in Egger Aibhne's eyes seemed like it could shoot fire.

Riko quickly ran towards the Hunter lying against the bookcase and jumped to kick him in Egger's direction, bringing both of them to the floor.

Egger Aibhne was the Chief of the Organization of Hunters. He was well-known for his decision to ally with the World Government via a special contract and for being clever when key, but he was no G.H.O.S.T. Hunter himself, so he by himself was not a threat to Riko.

Riko was not the type of person who enjoyed seeing other people troubled, but the undignified sight of that man on the ground, trapped under the weight of a knocked-out Hunter on top and with his glasses cracked brought a grin to Riko's face. Even she grinned ill-naturedly when seeing the man who had insulted her beyond the limit and made her life as miserable as possible for years in an adverse situation.

Suddenly, she sensed another Hunter coming at her from behind at the peek of his desperation. She stepped aside and dodged his sword effortlessly. She turned to him and raised her knee to hit his stomach. Saliva flew out of the Hunter's mouth, and he hit the ground before the fluid.

Riko observed the scene a few more seconds before pulling the hood of her cloak to veil her serious face and leaving the room with some inevitable thoughts.

Years of being a Hunter gave me this kind of power, yet it was not good enough to achieve what I really had to… - She thought with emerging frustration. – My mission! What will happen to it now? Kaian…!

Once she reached the first floor, she did not bother heading to the exit; she just broke the glass of the first window she spotted with a kick and jumped outside. She got several cuts in the process, but before her feet touched outside's ground, her cuts were already healed like they were never there.

Without looking back, she ran as fast as she could towards the shore. She did not hesitate to take an abandoned rowing boat, following the pathway she had sailed on earlier.

That day was a strange, hectic, even crazy. Riko could barely believe what was happening. She was still processing it all as she rowed.

There were witnesses that saw Riko escaping through the window and immediately headed to where she had come from, surprised to find the mess she had left behind. Riko was aware of her being seen but did not care at that point. More Hunters arrived to the scene in the files room and lifted the unconscious man on top of Egger.

-Are you alright, Chief? – A Hunter asked.

-Do I look alright to you?! – Egger Aibhne spat, sporting a marked scowl.

Nobody could believe Lady Mellangel had been the one in the cloak, or that she did that. The thought of that cold woman acting so rashly conflicted with the common preconceptions of her.

-You must follow her! – Egger ordered fuming. – You cannot let her escape! If she headed to shore, she has no other place to go than Perpetual Night! I order for her to be imprisoned the moment she arrives there! I want all members of the Hunter Council after her too! I want her captured; I don't care if you kill her in the process!

-K-Kill her? – The Hunter receiving orders asked nervous. – But sir, Lady Mellangel…

-She's not a member of the Council anymore, so don't address her as such.

-M-Major Mellangel…

-She's not a Major anymore either as I've taken her title of Hunter from her. Just do as I say!

-Y-Yes, sir.

The Hunter, who was trying to tell him Mellangel D. Yuriko would not be that easy to handle, let alone kill, especially in Perpetual Night, gave up on expressing himself.

Brother… - Riko thought in pain. - Were you in reality murdered by our uncle?

A tear rolled down Riko's cheek. So many things were happening in succession; it was hard to hold it in. She had thought of that possibility for very long, but she had not had any evidence, and she still did not, yet Egger's words made it such that she could not get her thoughts away from that idea.

How will I be able to clear the name of the organization my father and brother devoted themselves to now? I can't go back anymore…

Her thoughts continued tormenting her as she rowed to Perpetual Mist, predicting the people at the main island would think she was heading to Perpetual Night instead. Perpetual Mist was Perpetual Night's sister island, and it was called that because the fog was denser there than in the other nearby regions in the Forbidden Radius. The closer one was to the Scholar Island, the less dense the fog became, but in Perpetual Mist it was dense and dark as in the outermost parts of the Forbidden Radius. Perpetual Night was slightly more than a kilometer from Scholar Island, and Perpetual Mist was almost three kilometers from it. Riko just had to go ahead for longer after passing the deviation to Perpetual Night. She estimated it would take her an hour to get there. Fortunately for her, her physical condition was far from bad because of her occupation.

Exactly in the location to where Riko was heading to, a certain cook was feeling boredom.

-Oi, Franky! – Sanji called. - How much longer will it take you to fix that?

Franky turned to him, slightly annoyed since it was not the first nor second time he asked.

-Sails are not my specialty. – He replied jokingly, though his face was not amused. – It's not like we're in much of a hurry. Our Log Pose doesn't even work so we have nowhere to go yet. We're gonna be here for a good while.

Franky turned back to working. He felt a tad strange working with his sunglasses on his head, but it was dark enough already. He would be blind if he wore them.

Sanji sat down on a nearby rock and continued smoking. Eventually, he finished his seventh cigarette; its remnants joined the others in a temporary ashtray.

He turned to look at Zoro, still with the ridiculously big rocks on top of his forearms. He had been at it for nearly an hour already.

Sanji would never admit it, but it was somewhat enviable how that guy just did not seem to get bored of that. Heck, most of the time, fighting or not, he hardly acted human from his point of view, always training, obsessed with being even more inhumanly strong than he already was, hardly talking, showing no preferences, indifferent at peeping at girls bathing!

Sanji had thought he was asexual or something until one night he heard him mumble a name. "Kuina," if his mind didn't fail. That struck him as a surprise. At first he thought it might just be the name of another sword, but, as the number times he heard him mumble that name accumulated, he realized his unconscious self sounded like he were mourning the name. He would never let him know he knew that, of course.

Sanji turned to Franky, still absorbed in working. He let out a sigh and stood up.

For him to begin actually thinking about Marimo so much was alarming; it meant he needed to do something, anything.

-I'll take a walk. – He announced for no special reason.

-Good call. – Franky replied, not really interested.

Sanji did not remember the direction to which Robin and Nami headed to. He wondered how come he did not tag along with them. He had the chance, but he refused. That did not seem like him. He blamed it on his heart, which still beat unusually fast. What was it asking of him? It was not like he was having a heart attack for smoking too much. He snorted at the idea. In the end he just walked aimlessly.

-Today's too strange a day. – He said out loud.

The island they were on did not have much to offer. Most of it was deserted with lifeless soil. He did not find a single plant in his way there. After wandering more than ten minutes, Sanji spotted five white buildings in the shore. He wondered if such a place could really be inhabited and if the others had found that place yet as he ventured toward it.

He noted it had been abandoned for years, maybe a decade as he wondered through it. He went up to a high rooftop to see if he could spot his crewmates, which he did not. He decided to sit down and watch the waves coming back and forth out of the purest of boredoms.

This place may be quiet, but it is anything except peaceful. It's too desolate, almost eerie.

He then saw a strange movement from afar, coming with a wave. He squinted but was not sure if his bored imagination was only playing tricks on him to amuse him.

Suddenly, he felt a breeze behind him, one so cold it felt unnatural. He stood up and turned around. He could see nothing there, but his whole body told him there was something dangerous lying just right ahead of him, feeling an ominous threat.

He exhaled smoke into the mist as his eyes searched carefully for any menacing sign. It was that second that the unnatural presence that gave him that feeling charged at him. Sanji could barely distinguish an undefined form akin to mist coming at him before he stepped aside to dodge it.

His eyes widened when they met that shape with no visible body. It was just a strange shape that certainly did not even feel human, like a specter.

The spectral form went at him again. Sanji tried kicking it, but his leg went right through it. No contact took place, but his leg felt frozen cold. The surprise made him gasp. No matter how many kicks he threw at it, the same thing occurred.

When he grazed the air of the shape with the tip of his burning cigarette, the form backed away. Sanji figured that, whatever that thing was, it was sensitive to heat.

Reaching for his lighter, he lit and swung it in the air. The specter avoided it, but it would not go away, as if determined to get him. He was about to jump far away from it when a shadow with a staff appeared and hit the specter.

Sanji needed a second to understand what happened. The shadow fought that strange creature, and, unlike his attacks, the shadow's were connecting, affecting the specter. He could not believe its attacks were effective when his kicks had been useless.

The shadow's staff hit a specific point in the specter, which stopped moving. From the moment the staff hit it, black crept up from within it, covering its shape, and made it visible to Sanji.

What the smoking hell is that? – Sanji thought confused and alarmed. – A ghost or something of that category?

The shadow, he noted, was really a cloaked form, which he assumed to be human. He turned to Sanji. Suddenly, he adopted a fighting pose with the staff. Sanji could not fathom why it was going to fight him, but he evaded his attacks with the staff, first at his side and then one that almost grazed his face.

-Bastard, where are you aiming?! – Sanji yelled before kicking the cloaked form strongly.

He heard him groan. Whoever he was, he was on the ground, and he would not get up soon.

Sanji observed him cautiously as he worried.

What if the others encountered those things before or were attacked like this? Normal attacks work with this bastard, but they just go through those ghost-like monsters! I gotta find Nami-san, Robin-Chan and the rest.

Then Sanji spotted the others in his peripheral vision, walking in the nearby shore. He felt relieved they were alright.

-OI! – He called to them before jumping off the roof and heading their way.

He considered, after all, that the cloaked guy was unconscious, and it was more important to warn his nakama about what he learned.

-No, we haven't seen anything like that, Sanji-kun. – Nami answered with some surprise, for that sounded too otherworldly to her.

-That's good. – He smiled.

-Could those really have been ghosts? – Robin asked, actually excited about it being the lover of terror she was, though also skeptical.

-Like the ones from Thriller Bark?! – Chopper asked.

Usopp trembled at the mentioning of ghosts. Perona's ghosts did not leave anyone pretty memories.

-Them not being affected by regular attacks sounds troublesome. – Brook commented.

-Sounds interesting! – Luffy said, ignoring everyone else's words. – Let's find a ghost and ask it to be our nakama!

-ARE YOU AN IDIOT?! – Nami and Usopp shouted at him at the same time; the first hitting him as well.

-But I want to ask them if they can poop! – Luffy defended his idea.

-What's with you and asking weird things if they poop?! – Nami asked displeased with a vein standing out of her forehead before hitting him.

-Luffy, ghosts don't eat because they're dead, so of course they can't poop. – Usopp whispered at him.

Nami hit Usopp for interrupting her point.

-I think I feel kind of bad for Luffy… - Usopp expressed while lying on the ground, feeling a bump forming on his head.

-Usopp, hang in there! – Chopper immediately busied himself checking Usopp's head.

-Let's look for ghosts! – Luffy insisted.

-We might not have to look for them. – Brook replied.

-Why not? – Luffy asked.

-Because they already found us. – Robin and Sanji answered simultaneously; the latter with a soft voice, shocked.

Luffy turned and caught sight of the ghost-like beings that barely looked like beings. Like Sanji learned earlier, he noted Kenbunshoku Haki did not warn him of its presence, unlike for any other creature.

Luffy dodged one that came charging his way. It had only grazed him, but he felt goose bumps rising in his skin; it was very cold.

Sanji cursed. There were seven of those.

The others jumped away, evidently alarmed as they had an idea of what they were like thanks to Sanji, aware they knew not how to fight them. How were they to fight something that would not get affected by their usual attacks?

-Gomu Gomu no Gatling! – Luffy fought anyways.

He threw a rain of punches to the specters, but it was futile. His fists were cold as they passed through them.

-It's useless, Luffy! – Usopp shouted from a distance.

-Luffy, we don't know what they're capable of! – Nami followed. – Don't just attack it recklessly; it might harm you!

-Gomu Gomu no Muchi! – Luffy did not listen.

His stretched leg did not whip them away. Like his punches, it just went through them.

He felt the need to fight them, for he could tell they were a threat to his crew, and he had yet to come up with another way to fight them, so he continued experimenting by increasing the strength of each attack he threw.

Then he thought of an idea. Inhaling a lot of air, he inflated himself like a balloon until he could no more.

-Gomu Gomu no Fuusen!

Luffy blew them away, like he guessed he could. Slowly, he returned back to his original shape.

-Sanji! – Chopper exclaimed.

-Sanji-kun! – Brook followed.

Luffy turned after hearing Chopper and Brook's voices. He had missed one of the strange beings, and it had gotten close to Sanji.

Although Sanji reached for his lighter again, he was not fast enough.

A hole appeared in the specter's form all of a sudden; it looked almost as if it were its mouth, and its function was precisely the same.

Sanji resisted, but the intangible monstrosity was unstoppable. He felt a bite in his neck and groaned as a dark oval mark appeared there. One second later, it began to sting intensely. Sanji gritted his teeth, withholding a painful scream. His eyes looked like they were about to pop out.

His nakama watched in horror. Chopper eventually shook himself back to his sense and hurried to him.

-Sanji, what's wrong?! – He asked mortified.

Sanji pushed him away. Chopper stood up again and looked at him again with more worry.

-Sanji… - He whispered, feeling helpless.

Strong vexation overcame Chopper. He did not understand well what was wrong with Sanji, and, although he was sure it had to do with that strange mark the specter inflicted on him, he knew not how to help him.

Luffy was about to walk in Sanji's direction when a shadow armed with a staff landed right next to Sanji, moving very fast.

-What is that?! – Nami asked, horrified at the thought of yet more creatures coming after them.

-Don't tell me it's another monster! – Usopp panicked, pointing at the dark shape.

-Doesn't it look like what Sanji-kun described to have seen along with the transparent ghost just earlier? – Brook noted.

The black form Sanji kicked before immediately raised its staff and quickly hit Sanji in the back with it. Oddly enough, Sanji did not seem to be pushed to the front by it, but he still moaned in pain.

-Oi! What are you doing to Sanji?! – Luffy asked angrily. – Gomu Gomu no Pistol! – He charged at the shadow.

Said shadow's head turned and immediately jumped away from Luffy's punch, which miraculously did not hit Sanji, but it lifted a cloud of dirt from the ground like it were sand.

The cloaked one was amazed seeing that strong a punch and how Luffy stretched his arm for meters, and knew immediately those were no ordinary people.

He must be a Devil Fruit user.

-I'm trying to help your friend. – Riko spoke.

The crew was taken aback by her voice, which spoke in human language.

-The shadow can speak! – Brook expressed.

-Because that is a human in a torn cloak, Brook. – Robin noted.

-Human? But he attacked Sanji! – Usopp exclaimed.

-What reason could he have to do that? – Nami worried.

Chopper took a step in Riko's direction indignantly.

-How can you say that when you just hit him with a staff?!

-He's been infected. – Riko answered him as-a-matter-of-factly.

-Why should we believe you? – Chopper defied.

-You need to trust me! – She urged. - The longer we wait, the more affected he'll be! If we wait too much your friend will die!

The pirates paused, finding it hard to believe Sanji was in that a dangerous condition. All he had was a mark in his neck, yet that was that going to kill him?

Out of the blue, Sanji began screaming. He shook violently. His movements were too unnatural. He looked as if he were losing his mind, and undoubtedly in severe pain. The sight was beyond unbearable to his despairing crewmates.

Without giving them another chance to ask anything else, Riko ran to Sanji, knowing she could waste no time, and hit him in the right side of his torso and then on his abdomen. Sanji gasped hoarsely. He resisted each time, surprising Riko as he dodged some of her attacks, but she did not miss a key spot she intended to hit.

Luffy was going to charge at her, not wanting to see his nakama getting hit for no reason he could understand, but he stopped the second Sanji stopped moving. It all went quiet for a few seconds. Then Sanji stood up with his face pointing down, taking everyone aback.

-Sanji! – Chopper cried relieved.

He was about to approach him, but Riko shouted at him.

-Don't get close to him yet! – She warned.

Chopper stopped as a result. Before he could ask, Sanji growled in almost animalistic manner uncharacteristic of him, shocking everyone more. His corneas were red and his irises were abnormally dilated and void of humane reason.

What is happening to him? – They all thought, fearing for his sake.

Sanji went toward the cloaked person, who was closest to him, with his arms ready to strike. He never used the same hands he cooked with to injure anyone. He was like a different person, acting like a beast.

-Sanji, what has that abomination done to you? – Chopper whispered softly though in despair.

Riko twirled her staff singlehandedly in the air, waiting for Sanji to approach her, and dug into his stomach without stabbing him.

Normally, Sanji would have avoided the staff effortlessly, but he did not. He was not thinking, just attacking mindlessly.

Luffy was at his limit. It pained him to see Sanji like that, clearly suffering. He never liked to see any of his nakama like that, in a state in which he could do nothing for them; it was not the kind of thing his strength could fight. Nonetheless, observing closely Riko's every move, he concluded he could trust the person behind that cloak's hood even if he could not understand how what she was doing was supposed to help Sanji.

Sanji fell on all fours and threw up an eerie gross black fluid, and the mark on his neck vanished within a minute. His crewmates' minds were already at their limit, but they took his eyes going back to normal as a sign that he was himself again. To make matters more confusing, the cloaked person patted Sanji's back for him to throw up everything. It made no sense to show gentle gestures after having hit him so roughly.

Sanji coughed the last bit out before he lifted his face. His expression was his again, although the shock and fear was sadly clear in it. He felt the pain slowly subsiding, but his strength had been drained. The profuse sweat that coated his body was cold too. He could sit up at most as he tried to stabilize his breathing and organize his chaotic mind, telling himself it was over.

Seeing it was over, everyone approached him hastily. Chopper cried from relief and clung to Sanji's shoulder tearfully, regretting not having been of help as he usually was.

Chopper was not the only one; all of his nakama were very glad that he was fine. They were genuinely scared for a moment.

After a few moments, in which Sanji calmed himself down and the others inquired if he was alright, they turned to the cloaked form.

Riko had given them space in the meantime and was looking at the sea in front of them. The rowing boat she had used was dragged by the tide, lost. She was just about to reach the shore when she felt a G.H.O.S.T. acting nearby and caught sight of it trying to harm a blond man. She did not think twice before jumping and running straight there. She was a Hunter; fighting G.H.O.S.T. was what she did. However, her situation became more troublesome as a result.

-What just happened? – Sanji asked questioned with a slightly husky voice. – Why did you attack me earlier and save me now?

-You said he had been infected by that creature? – Robin enquired with a light frown.

-What was that specter? – Brook joined uneasily.

Riko turned to them. The cloak hid half her face, including her red eyes, but her voice was grave enough to let them know what her expression was grave at the moment.

-G.H.O.S.T. – She answered.

-It really was a ghost?! – Nami asked with disbelief.

-It's not the folkloric type you've heard about before. – Riko corrected.

-G.H.O.S.T.? – Sanji asked, processing what she was saying.

-Grievous Hosting Organism, Spectral Trespasser. – Riko explained. – Nobody knows accurately what they are or how they come to be, but they are of parasitic nature. They feed themselves off human lives, which is why they attacked you: to possess your body. Once they possess a host, they take over the subject's consciousness and actions. In that new body, they begin attacking other people, biting them, infecting them, thus replicating. This is why you lost control, and the G.H.O.S.T. possessing you was showing hostility to your friends. An average human dies 5 hours after being infected, being used as a host by them.

Riko paused a moment. She knew they needed some time to take all that in.

-That doesn't explain why you attacked me on the rooftop. – Sanji inquired, serious but too tired to give a menacing glare.

-There was a G.H.O.S.T. behind you; it was close to biting you too. That should answer your question as to where I was aiming. I'm aware it's not agreeable, but that is the way G.H.O.S.T. are dealt with.

Sanji's heart raced.

-I kicked you because I thought you were attacking me. You should've said something… – He paused. – Thanks for saving me. – He looked away, lighting a new cigarette.

-I was not really asking for an apology. – She replied nonchalantly.

Sanji turned at her with narrowed eyes, glaring at him for several seconds, throughout which numerous thoughts and inexplicable sensations assaulted him, though he did everything he could to keep some composure. In the end, he did let out some indignation.

-You bastard… - He began, his voice hoarse not due to pain but unease.

-Sanji-kun! He just saved your life and ours too for that matter! – Nami stopped him.

-Right. I'm sorry, Nami-san-

-Don't apologize to me, apologize to him!

-As I said before, that won't be necessary. – Riko said. – I understand, and I am not offended. I am even used to it.

Feeling slightly tired after everything that happened that day, she sat down on the ground a moment, still apart from the others.

-What else can you tell us about G.H.O.S.T.? – Robin inquired. – I imagine that as the people they possess bite others, they duplicate exponentially. Is that the reason this place is uninhabited when there is evidence it was inhabited not more than three decades ago?

Riko turned to Robin, shaking her hooded head.

-Not exactly. Although a person that is originally infected can infect others, those that are bitten by a person instead of a G.H.O.S.T. cannot infect others, so their growth is not exponential, fortunately. It stops once the secondary hosts are possessed. Also, almost twenty years ago, this place was used for storing, but it has not been inhabited as far as I know, at least not within the last hundred years. Let me ask you: Do you know you are in the Forbidden Radius?

They all nodded.

-G.H.O.S.T. are more abundant in the outermost parts of the Forbidden Radius. The closer you get to the center, Scholar Island, the less they appear. Still, they often approach the main island to feed themselves in an unorganized, seemingly random manner. In the previous two decades, they began to frequent this islet, Perpetual Mist, which is why it is not used anymore.

-What was stored in these buildings before? – Chopper continued.

-Mostly, military equipment for Hunters.

-Hunters? – Usopp asked, interested too.

-To defeat G.H.O.S.T., an intense training is required, which is done by very few. Those that fight and exterminate G.H.O.S.T. are called Hunters.

-Are you a Hunter? – Nami asked.

-Yes, I am. – Riko nodded calmly.

That bastard might have taken away my official Hunter title, but he will never be able to take away my ability to fight G.H.O.S.T. – She half-grinned with determination at the thought.

-Do you come from Scholar Island? – Brook asked.

-Yes. That's where the headquarters of the Organization of G.H.O.S.T. Hunters is set. I have…I worked there for 5 years.

-That's so cool! – Luffy finally talked. – Become our nakama!

Riko raised an eyebrow in mild surprise, not having seen that one coming.

Riko had already figured out they were pirates. She was not surprised they were not quite like the Marines depicted them; she had always been skeptical about how convenient the horror their description caused in the civilian populace turned out for the World Government. She knew there were horrible pirates around, but she was not naïve enough to generalize to the extent the Marines did.

-Will you stop asking random people to join our crew?! – Nami and Usopp yelled at him in unison.

-But he's interesting! – Luffy said.

-If I'm not wrong, you are the Straw Hat Pirates, aren't you? – Riko asked.

-Do you not like pirates? – Robin asked curiously though with a foreboding of what her answer would be.

-I have no grudge against you. – She denied. - Although the mentality of most people in Scholar Island is heavily influenced by the Marines, I don't really care. In fact, you could say I'm in the same situation as pirates. I'm no longer welcome there, so I cannot return.

-What did you do that you are no longer welcome? – Sanji asked cautiously and warily.

She did not reply initially because she did not want to talk about it, but then she saw their expectant expressions, which were not aware of that. She realized she was among strangers whose trust she had yet to earn; she would have to say it sooner or later…And she chose to do it later.

-Nothing that bad or even interesting. – She tested a vague answer. - You're pirates; you know how simple it is to get in the bad side of the World Government, and the Organization of Hunters is not too different, regrettably.

Some of them nodded.

She was slightly surprised they were laidback and accepted that answer. For them to be worth 800,000,050 belli seemed hard to believe, but she did not to let her guard down yet; it was evident those pirates were not typical.

Because she was used to everyone knowing of her unfavorable reputation, there was a refreshing sensation when interacting with people who did not know her. Feeling tempted, she chose to test the waters, not realizing she was not feeling as distrustful of them as she usually would have been.

-Now I have my own questions. – Riko pointed at Chopper and Brook. – What's with the living skeleton, and how come a reindeer talks?

-Who are you calling a raccoon?! I'm a reindeer! – Chopper answered automatically.

Riko arched an eyebrow. Chopper processed what she actually said and looked at her in shock.

-How come you didn't think I was a raccoon?

-Your horns. – Riko answered simply, slightly confused at him.

Chopper was so happy he clung to her shoulder. Riko had lowered her guard, so she did not dodge it. She had not seen that coming. She was even more clueless as to what that was about when she noted how the aura around him seemed flowery.

-Will you answer my question yet? – She asked, choosing to let him be.

-I ate the Hito Hito no Mi. – Chopper answered her. – I was a reindeer at first, but, since I ate it, I've been capable of communicating like a human. Because of that I was able to learn medicine.

-I take it you're the crew's doctor.

-Yes.

-In that case, I suggest you check him up. – Riko's thumb pointed at Sanji. – G.H.O.S.T. need 5 hours to suck a person's life entirely, but minutes are enough to cause considerable internal damage. The black fluid he vomited is actually what remains of the G.H.O.S.T. that possessed him.

-Ah! – Chopper exclaimed in panic, snapping out of his flowery mood. – Sanji! Quickly, take off your shirt! I have to give you a check-up!

Sanji did not have time to reply before Chopper jumped toward him.

-I'm a Devil Fruit user too. – Brook answered Riko's inquiry about him. – I ate the Yomi Yomi no Mi. When I died, I had to find my body and, when I did, I could revive again. Unfortunately, it was already like this when I found it.

-With the afro intact? – She asked almost skeptically.

Luffy laughed. The cloaked person was asking what everyone had asked back when they met Brook.

-With the afro intact. – Brook answered.

-I ate the Hana Hana no Mi. – Robin volunteered.

Robin made two other hands appear on her shoulders as a small demonstration.

-Looks handy. – Riko noted with interest, almost grinning even.

Riko then turned to Luffy.

-I've heard of you, Monkey D. Luffy. You ate the Gomu Gomu no Mi.

Luffy grinned.

-Yes, that's me. – He stood proudly. – I'll be the Pirate King in the future and find One Piece!

Riko did not reply.

To have a dream that ambitious and truly believe it like he does… But my own ambition is…Thorn into pieces… Brother, Father… Forgive me.

-So, how can we defend ourselves from G.H.O.S.T? – Sanji asked shirtless while Chopper examined his arms. – I discovered that they're sensitive to heat.

Riko recalled her previous seriousness.

-I noticed you all were capable of seeing them, which is surprising. Other than Hunters, who train to be able to sense them, I've only heard of Haoshaku Haki users being able to see them. You can't possibly all have that kind of Haki.

-Luffy has it. – Nami offered.

-Maybe being around him has something to do with it? – Usopp ventured.

Since there is little information about G.H.O.S.T., that hypothesis could be correct. – Riko mused briefly.

-Plausible. – She offered briefly and moved on. - Their appearance cannot easily be captured by the human eye, and regular attacks don't work against them. As I trained, I learned to focus killing intent, open my senses to be able to perceive them, and learn to identify the points where I must hit both them by themselves or when possessing a host. Thus, G.H.O.S.T Hunters are required because nobody else can fight them.

-What exactly is the role of G.H.O.S.T. Hunters? – Robin asked.

-Originally, Hunters were meant to protect people, but, 10 years ago, a contract took place between the Organization of Hunters and the World Government. You see, inside and outside the Forbidden Radius, there have been cases in which some G.H.O.S.T. manage to infect people, even several hundred leagues away from here. Going around the vicinity of the Radius is particularly dangerous; many ships get attacked by G.H.O.S.T.

-That must be what the old man in the previous island meant when he said ships got attacked. – Usopp realized.

-Ah, that's right! – Nami interrupted, recalling something. – The Log Pose doesn't seem to work. You are from here, what do you know about that?

-Scholar Island's magnet is obstructed so pirates do not get this location. That's why it happens. The obstruction device is made such that Log Poses seem unreliable inside the Forbidden Radius in case those not welcomed stumble here, but those welcome know a way to go around this.

-How is it done? – Nami inquired further.

-There is a specific way to adjust it so it stops spinning aimlessly. Then, the red tip of the needle will point to Scholar Island. However, it will never adjust to any outward magnetic fields of other islands. So, you need to take a pathway specifically designed for ships to get outside the Radius. There, you won't get lost.

-How do we find it? – She asked.

-There are two pathways. – Riko replied honestly. – The west pathway is used by commercial ships and Navy vessels. It's safer to use, more recent, and it's closest to where we are now, but, as you can guess, it's not an option for you. The east pathway was built long before, and you can use it, since no one else does regularly. There, your Log Pose will recover the location to which it was previously set. It's going to be a long trip, though. You'll have to go around the Forbidden Radius to get there. Also, in the Forbidden Radius, everywhere except on those pathways, the current is slow and there are few wind gusts.

The pirates took her in the information. A couple of them gulped, understandably.

-How will we go around the Forbidden Radius without getting lost until we find the east pathway? – Nami asked.

-The needle will not point to all of Scholar Island; it will only point to a specific point. This trip is in circular way. You'll base yourselves on the Pose; however, you will not go to the direction the red tip points but to where the imaginary line between the north and south poles of the magnet points.

-Ne, join my crew! – Luffy interrupted Riko perkily. – You look like a shinigami, and you're interesting!

-A shinigami? – Brook asked curiously.

-Like the ones in manga with dark cloaks and scythes! – Luffy said excited.

-You really liked those manga volumes we got in the previous island, didn't you? – Usopp guessed correctly.

Monkey D. Luffy was nothing like his public reputation. To Riko, he sounded like an idiot.

-Join my crew; I won't take no for an answer! – Luffy demanded with a wide, toothy smile.

-I won't. – She responded plainly.

-Why not?! – Luffy insisted.

Riko waited ten seconds before answering.

-I have a mission to fulfill, and today I destroyed everything I have done to make it possible. Becoming a pirate will not help my situation.

-That's not true. – Luffy replied seriously. – All of us here have dreams and being pirates is the way will achieve them. – He crossed his arms in front of his chest firmly.

Riko looked at him through the hood. She could not find sense in his words, so she could not relate them to herself, though she said nothing.

-I don't know if we should trust him. – Sanji spoke suddenly, dressed again.

-Sanji-kun! – Nami scolded. – I know where you're coming from, but he saved your life!

-Nami's right, Sanji! – Chopper reproached.

-Don't you think something's fishy about this guy?! I kicked him, but he recuperated fast and seems to be just fine now!

-That would be my Devil Fruit's effect. – Riko answered monotonously.

Everyone turned stunned to her.

-You told me about your fruits, so I thought of sharing mine. – Riko attempted a joke, which was not common in her, but neither was speaking to pirates (or people in general), to avoid giving a more complex excuse.

-You ate a Devil Fruit too? – Luffy asked curious and excited.

-I ate the Naoru Naoru no Mi. It allows my injuries to heal at fast rate and aids my overall condition stay well.

-That's so amazing! – Chopper expressed as a doctor, though the others also thought it fascinating.

Luffy laughed. Riko was getting more interesting each minute.

-I'm not taking no for an answer!

-I was gonna get to that, actually. I don't plan on becoming your nakama, but I have a deal for you.

-A deal? – Luffy asked tilting his head sideways.

-I am being persecuted for what I did in Scholar Island. Or did you think I came to Perpetual Mist for sightseeing?

Come to think of it… – Many of them realized they had not thought about that.

-I need a means of transportation to escape. – Riko continued earnestly. - You are also in quite a situation. During the trip to the east pathway and at the vicinity of the Radius, you'll be vulnerable to G.H.O.S.T. attacks. You won't be able to avoid them all; they're uncountable. You may blow some of them away, but it won't be possible to face all of them that way; they will keep returning. You need a Hunter to travel with you. That is my deal. You offer me an escape, and I offer you protection. Once we leave the Forbidden Radius, you can drop me off in another island.

Luffy stared at her with a face so plain yet with a look so intent that Riko felt he could see through the hood over her face.

-Are we supposed to just accept that? – Sanji asked gravely. – You make it sound terrible, but there are many ways in which you could've modified the information to your convenience. How can we just trust you and let you board our ship? You said Hunters are allied to the World Government, didn't you? What are the chances you really do not mind defending pirates? Unless you're after our bounties; 800,000,050 belli would seem tempting enough to anybody.

-Sanji! – Nami and Chopper interrupted him, not liking what he said at all.

-He said it himself, didn't he?! – Sanji tried to reason. - He got in trouble and is being persecuted, but if he said he captured us, he might recover his status! Why should we trust-?

-Sanji! – Luffy yelled at him, frowning.

Sanji looked at Luffy and dared not to say a word. He was mad, and he knew very well why. He was saying terrible things about someone that was offering to help them, told them where they were and where to go, and saved his life even though he kicked him earlier. He himself could not explain why he was driven to act so, though he had a premonition.

Sanji's heart raced inexplicably.

-No need to get mad at him. – Riko intervened. – He's right by assuming distrust of others. Trusting too easily can be fatal. However, I don't need you to trust me. Be as wary of me as you see fit. I only need transportation. After that, we won't see each other again. – Riko then turned to Sanji calmly. - I'm aware of the things this crew got away with two years ago: The truth of the incidents with Crocodile in Arabasta, Enies Lobby, and what your Captain did at Impel Down and his participation in the War of the Best. This very week I heard you came to the New World. I can defeat G.H.O.S.T.; I doubt I can defeat you. I'm from Scholar Island, but I'm not in favor of the World Government's ways and the Organization of Hunters' attitude. I only care about my mission. I am yet to find a way to achieve it, but I will do it.

Riko stared at Sanji through the thin fabric of her hood. Sanji's heart, for the first time that strange day, calmed down.

-Understood. – Sanji talked, surprised by the feeling of his chest no longer pounding. – But I will keep an eye on you. Don't forget that.

Riko grinned amused before turning to Luffy.

-What do you say, Monkey D. Luffy? Do we have a deal?

Luffy smiled, amused as well.

-Deal then, shinigami. – He said, placing his hand on top of his hat.

-You don't even know his name… - Nami deadpanned.

-Riko. – She said coolly.

-I'll warn you, though. – Luffy told her. – I have not given up. I'll get you to join my crew, Shinigami Riko.

-Stop calling him a shinigami; he's human! – Usopp told him.

They headed back to the Thousand Sunny. Franky was done with repairs. Zoro still trained. The situation and Riko's presence were explained to them. Franky was alright with it. Zoro said he did not mind.

Riko admitted inwardly she was impressed by their ship. Then, her stomach growled loudly. She only drank coffee that early morning, several hours ago, though they felt like an entire, weird day.

Franky arched an eyebrow. Luffy laughed. Riko just excused herself, trying to hide the embarrassment in her voice.

-As if one Luffy were not enough trouble feeding… - Sanji growled before proceeding to prepare supper.

Riko was shown to a room where she could sleep, a guest room of sorts. It was unexpectedly nice, unlike what she thought she would be offered.

While she was at her new room, Luffy talked to the rest in the kitchen as Sanji cooked in the back.

-We must convince him to join us! He's cool!

-You only say that because he looks like a shinigami in your twisted mind. – Sanji replied while chopping vegetables.

-He might turn out to be an entertaining person. – Robin expressed.

-He was intriguing in Perpetual Mist, though serious too. – Brook followed.

-He seems knowledgeable about the Forbidden Radius. – Nami was next. – Navigating through here will be easier. Not to mention he can take care of G.H.O.S.T.

-He knew I was a reindeer at first sight! – Chopper exclaimed, not about to get over that anytime soon.

-He's strong too. We all saw him fighting that G.H.O.S.T. fearlessly! – Usopp continued.

-It gives the same to me. – Zoro expressed softly with his eyes closed.

-You're all making him sound interesting; now I'm interested too. – Franky said last. – I also wonder what he looks like.

A silent pause took place.

-That's a good question. – Usopp agreed, like everyone else in the kitchen (Sanji included).

-It's decided, then! – Luffy said.

-Nothing has been decided! – Sanji replied. – Everyone's just expressing their opinion, but we don't know this guy yet!

-Sanji-kun, just what is with you? – Nami questioned. – You should be thankful to him, yet you act like you bear a grudge.

Sanji did not reply. He had no idea what to say because he himself did not truly understand.

-Let's give him a chance for now. – Nami suggested to Sanji.

Sanji still did not reply.

Later, supper was ready, and Riko joined the others in the kitchen.

Sanji walked to her stiffly.

-I haven't thanked you yet for saving me… Thanks. – He said sincerely.

Riko nodded.

-You're welcome. – She replied.

Sanji's heart raced again. Just what do you want from me? – He asked his organ. – You know I won't stop smoking.

-Come sit with us, Shinigami Riko! – Luffy called.

-Shinigami? – Zoro and Franky asked.

-Are you still gonna call him that? – Brook asked Luffy

-Riko, your cloak is thorn. – Robin commented. – Do you need help mending it? Nami-chan is great at sewing.

-I am. – Nami grinned. – I can fix it for you later.

Riko needed a second. Her mind was so occupied she forgot she was wearing it. She wondered why no one commented on it until then.

-Actually I don't think I will need anymore-

-It's the least I can do. – Nami offered, which she rarely did. - You really helped by telling me how to adjust the Log Pose earlier.

-Then, thank you. – Riko sounded cautious as she slowly spoke.

-In the meantime, why don't you take it off to eat comfortably? – Robin suggested.

Everyone looked at her with much interest. Apparently, they could not imagine Riko without it. Indeed, they could not imagine her.

-But it's cool! It makes you look like a shinigami! – Luffy pouted, almost like a kid.

Riko nearly laughed, which took her by surprise. How long had it been since she had laughed at all, never mind laughing in front of people.

-Fine then, I guess I can wear it occasionally if you prefer it that way. – She ceded, more preoccupied with suppressing her laughter.

Luffy grinned, satisfied.

-You can hang it around the door. – Robin pushed subtly.

The pirates' hearts skipped 10 beats all together.

Riko took off the hood, unveiling her brown hair, and then took off the rest, letting in clear sight her black skirt, the blazer around her waist, her open white button-up dress shirt with a black t-shirt underneath, her Converse, and her female face.

-A girl?! – Everyone except Sanji exclaimed.

Riko was confused at first.

It seems they thought I was a man, though I suppose it's not strange.

Sanji dropped the glasses he held as he stared wide-eyed at her. His mind replayed the time he kicked the cloaked form thinking it was attacking him. That shadow was a girl. He had kicked a girl. He, Sanji, chivalrous prince, had broken his own policy…

-YOU HAVE TO BE FREAKING KIDDING ME! – Sanji's bellowing reverberated throughout the Thousand Sunny.

A/N: Thanks for reading. Yes, this was a very long chapter. I don't usually make all chapters of a standard length, but I will likely need to make the chapters long in many instances due to my style. However, some chapters will be shorter.

This story is to be updated in a sporadic basis because I'm a science student. However, one thing I do promise: I'll finish this story.

No, I don't know Japanese; I just have watched too much anime for my own good and have picked up some things, and the lines I imagine the characters saying sometimes include them, so I write them.

Reviews and criticism are very appreciated, but please be respectful.

Lastly but most importantly, I hope you enjoy this story.