Hmmmmmm

Are you constipated or something?

What?! No I'm not. I'm just thinking about the future of the story and Yumi

Why are your chapters long? And what's with all the writing?

It didn't look like that much on my iPod. I don't own One Piece!

Network of Spies

"So tell me what news you bring."

Yumi was standing before one of her many spies on the roof of a greenhouse with her arms crossed and her eyes glowing even more in the pale moonlight. The island of snow turned silver and the sky showed no sign of clouds, yet the wind rolled in. Shortly after Aldin became king and the Navy base was built, Yumi began to set up a network of loyal spies, mostly consisting of those who despised the new king. She herself had the blueprints of the base stolen to memorize them just in case something goes wrong.

"Yes, Commander. Moments after the announcement of the Straw Hat pirates arriving in our waters, Aldin called for a sudden meeting with the head of the Navy base. He hasn't been back since left."

"That's almost 2 days. Do we have any intel on what he might be planning?"

"Unfortunately no, but I can tell you this. There has been some unusual recent activity at the base. Before I came to speak with you, I received word the Marines are upping their security."

The knight's brows furrowed. "What does that stupid king thinks he's doing? Does he believe the pirates are going to cause trouble?"

"I can't say for sure. You have heard of the Straw Hat pirates right?"

"Hardly. You know how Aldin is. He cuts everyone on this entire island from information of the world around us. Do you have anything on them? All I know are about some of the bounties. 2 members have over 100 million."

"Yes. The captain, who is the grandson of Vice Admiral Garp, has 300 million on his head."

"You mean Garp the Fist? Then that must mean...he's Dragon's son."

The spy nodded curtly. "Correct. But his identity isn't the only reason why his bounty is so high. He has been causing a lot of trouble in such a short amount of time, which scares the Marines."

"I see. Is there anything else?"

"Not at the moment. What are your orders, Commander?"

"Keep a close eye on the base and tell me if anything happens. Whatever Aldin is planning, it might cause chaos. Also have a few extra guards patrolling the halls, especially around the guest rooms. There are still followers of Aldin within these palace walls and who knows that they're up to."

"Understood."

The spy left. Yumi stayed on the greenhouse roof, staring up at the sky. She remembers the first time she met Juhan, he had teased her about always staring up at the sky. It's sort of a natural thing for her though. Ever since she learned that she was born on a Sky Island, she's always trying to remember what it was like. But all she is left with is a single nightmare of a castle burning in the sky. A voice screaming. She shook her head and jumped off the roof, landing on the snow covered path then walking back inside through the greenhouse. Most of these plants are hers. The medicinal ones anyways. Being from a family of scientist, it's only natural for her to be a workaholic. If she's not sleeping, she's always doing something. Training the knights to be and herself, studying, creating hybrid plants and medicines, patrolling day or night. Juhan would joke that she'd end up killing herself with all the work she does. Yumi paused for a moment when one of the many servants came by.

"Ryusora-san, the rooms are ready for the guests."

"Thank you. I'll take them to the guest hall soon. Maybe you could have a few prepare the baths for them. They look like they could use some relaxing."

"Of course. Is there anything else?"

"No, that is all. Thank you."

The servant bow and left back up towards the flight of stairs towards the guest hall. Yumi continued on her way to a separate set of stairs, leading her to her chambers. She's really going to get her broadsword because she feels quite empty without it. There was a soft glow from the fireplace and from the few lanterns on the wall. It was more than enough light for her though. The flames her flickering of the metal of her blade which she grabbed and put it back in its place. She felt much better with the weight, like a grounding stone keeping her steady. Once she was set, Yumi left and wander back to the dining hall, this time without anymore interruptions. It was just as loud as before. It quiet down just a bit when she pushed the doors open. Juhan was acting like a total ass. He stopped when he noticed Yumi standing there with her usual blank expression.

"Glad you could join the party again, Yu-chan."

She flinched slightly at her childhood nickname. "Your behavior is much too childish, Juhan. I'm here to show the pirates to their rooms."

"So soon?"

"They need rest. We have several rooms prepared so if you'll please."

Yumi stepped aside with an arm extended out the door. The pirates settled down some and all left the dining hall. She watched them leave, her eyes locking gazes with the green eyes of the swordsman. She quickly looked away, back towards Juhan who was sitting with a pouty expression, running his finger around the rim of an empty glass.

"You lack fun, Yumi."

"And you have too much of it. We need to be careful. Aldin has been at the Navy base for the past 2 days, planning some sort of scheme. Whatever it may be, we'll have to be ready."

Juhan's face grew serious. "I understand. I'll have extra patrols around the palace. In and out."

"Evening then Juhan."

She nodded and left. The pirates were waiting for her in the hall, staring around at the sets of armor and art. The one in the straw hat, who she took to be the captain Monkey D. Luffy, grinned when he saw her, but he was more interested in that sword of hers.

"Can you really fight with that? It's so big."

"I could show you, but it would be unwise within the palace. Now if you'll all follow me, I'll show you towards your rooms."

The knight took the front, leading the pirates down the hall she had previously been in towards the eastern wing where the guest rooms are. As Juhan said, there were a few more knights wandering and standing guard. They nodded curtly when Yumi passed by with the pirates. Luffy would stop in front of them at times, staring at the shiny armor they wore. The orange haired navigator Nami had to drag him away. After doing that a few times, she fell into step with Yumi.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"Why is it so warm in here?"

"It's simple science and engineering. This palace is made from a special type of stone that is mined around here. It can absorb heat and store it for a fixed amount of time," Yumi explained, leading them up a flight of stairs. "We use the heat from the volcanoes around here."

"Whoa! There's volcanoes here? I didn't-" Whack. Nami had to smack Luffy to get him to shut up.

"So your heat source is from the volcanoes?" This time it was Robin who questioned her. "That explains why the moat is steaming."

"That's right. This is a permanent winter island and even during the summer months, it's still very cold. This palace and the housing of the villages uses the heat stone, as we call it."

"Interesting."

Yumi merely nodded then stopped suddenly. Before her was Koya, leaning against a pillar in front of the guest hall. Her body tensed as he gazed at her then the pirates, looking them over carefully one by one. His expression remained blank as he walked towards them, standing a few inches from Yumi. She looked up at him, her eyes cold.

"Aren't you being a little too friendly with these scumbags, Ryusora?"

She heard the pirates mutter, but she held out a hand before them. "Like I said before, what I do is none of your concern, Koya. Just leave it alone and be on your way."

He didn't move. "I won't. You belong with them. A scumbag like yourself deserves to be with other scumbags."

"Hey asshole, that's no way to speak to a lady."

Yumi shook her head. "It's alright, Sanji-san. Let me tell you something, Koya. If you even try to stop me, I won't hesitate to end your life."

There was pure venom in her voice. She reached behind, grabbing the hilt of her blade, ready to strike. Quick calculations where running through her head. She knew she was faster than Koya, but he has the advantage. It's not easy fighting in small area with such a big blade and she doesn't want to use her Devil Fruit, but it looks like she may have to. Her eyes began to pulsate like a flickering star and her muscles bunched. Koya only scoffed and pushed past her and the pirates. Yumi let out a breath and relaxed.

"Who was that guy?" Luffy asked. "He was really rude."

"Second in command and King Aldin's personal vassal. There's no need for you to pay attention to him."

"So he's under you? Is that why he's so rude?"

"That's part of it Monkey-san. Besides the matter, here is the guest hall." Yumi turned towards the pirate with an arm outstretched. "We have plenty of room for all of you so please don't worry. If you would like, you're more than welcomed to use the communal bath. Men is on the right and women on the left. And please don't try to sneak into the women's bath because you may end losing something I'm sure you value. Have a good evening."

She bowed like before, arm over her chest and left down the stairs, not looking back. The knight went to the closest guard, ordering him to keep the hall well protected and to watch for Koya. The guard saluted and Yumi went on her way, back to her own chambers. She passed a few palace servants that were running back and forth, cleaning the dining hall from its previous activities. They paid no attention to the Head Commander. She did stop and speak with Reva who was helping, warning her to keep an eye for Koya and asking to to tell the others.

When Yumi finally reached her chambers, she set her broadsword back against the dresser and went to the balcony, noticing the bright lights of the base, illuminating the otherwise dark island. Even with the many non-supporters of Aldin and the rest of the island, the stupid king has the Marines on his side. Too many people might be scared to stand against him now. From a peaceful frozen island nation to a now kingdom teetering on the brink of chaos. One misstep and everyone will be going at each others throat like a pack of wolves that have turned against one another. She left the balcony with a sigh and headed to her private bath, which was still steaming, pulling her clothes off in the process, leaving them where they fell. She stepped into the hot bath slowly, the water only partially covering her chest and leaned back with her arms resting on the sides and her head almost over the edge.

This was the time Yumi would contemplate. About what? It varies. Usually it's about what she did today and what she might be doing tomorrow. With the pirates here, her normal schedule will be a bit disrupted. A small thing like that shouldn't make much of a difference. She took a deep breath, taking in the scents of the different fragrance of medicinal plants in the water. It was calming and always helped her clear her mind.

The knight stayed in the bath for almost 30 minutes before getting out, grabbing a nearby towel and wrapping it around her. The sudden blast of cold air made her shiver slightly when she entered her room. She closed the balcony doors first before grabbing her night clothes, a plain tank and flannel bottoms, then sat on the edge of her bed for a few moments. She noticed there were some papers on her desk that weren't there before. Standing, she slowly went to the dark wooded desk, seeing Juhan's writing on the top paper, saying he found some information on the pirates. Yumi sat in the chair and started skimming through the recent articles and the wanted posters. She stopped for a longer time when she came across the swordsman Roronoa Zoro. His eyes her much like her own. Intense, hard, and like they were in search of something. A reason.

She set the poster down under the rest of the papers which she already memorized and went back to her bed, this time lying down. It took awhile before she managed to close her eyes and into a soft slumber, hoping that one single nightmare won't haunt her this time.

I'm so happy my first fanfic is doing better then I expected

It's not that bad

Next chapter it's going to be Yumi vs Zoro hehe let's see how that turns out. Oh by the way Yumi's bigass sword kinda looks like Cloud's but not that big and it doesn't break into a bajillion other swords

It doesn't break into that many

Well it's still a lot -w- Thank you for reading! Hope you stick around and enjoy Yumi!