Chapter 2 - Hat and Hood

While Shanks had stayed for several weeks, he grew restless eventually.

Luffy had shown him all of his favorite spots in town and like the rest of the crew Shanks never grew tired of telling Luffy stories of the adventures they had experienced.

Especially Yasopp could talk for hours. Luffy never guessed that only few were actually true. His eyes would get bigger with every word he said and he would cheer happily once the story was over.

Many of his men walked over to Shanks asking him to overthink his decision of not taking the boy with them. One member took it as far as comparing Luffy to a stray dog.

"If you want a pet, I wouldn't suggest a dog. They don't take the swaying well."

The day of depature came and Luffy was up in Shanks room again begging him to take him with them. Shanks packed his remaining stuff in silence. He knew there was a good chance of caving in if he opened his mouth. He would like to take this little sunshine with him but he knew of the dangers at sea first hand. He also knew of the dangers for a five year old first hand. Not even considering the fact, that Luffy couldn't swim.

Finished packing Shanks took the bundle in one hand and Luffys hand in the other. Luffy had stopped begging and started sobbing.

The walk to the ship was too short.

In front of his ship Shank bent down and picked Luffy up.

"This isn't a goodbye for long, Luffy."

The boys eyes widened.

"I will be back very soon."

Luffy stopped sobbing but still held a little tighter on to Shanks shirt.

"Promise?"

"Pirate-promise."

While Luffy was saying farewell to all of the other crew members a young woman was running. She wasn't running for her life, but for her freedom.

But to her, this was even more precious.

She was wearing a hooded shirt. Her hair would draw too much attention to the authorities that were looking for her.

It wasn't anything big really, not even a wanted poster had been issued. Only the local knew of her supposed crime and were out to catch her.

So she figured she just had to do something about the local part. Quickly.