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After having crossed the small part between the desert and the sea a small crew along with Hack waited by the shore with the docked ship, ready for depart. Koala hadn't realized she was holding on to Sabo's hand so tightly he actually squirmed in pain looking confused at her.

''It will be fine, geez..'' He reacted with a pained face.

Not knowing how to respond because the nerves were killing her she shifted her feet as Hack approached them.

'' Morning-'' He greeted grumpily but Koala already shot forward and clung to his white shirt.

''Why can't you go with us?!'' She asked perplexed.

''Didn't Dragon explain it? I will be recognized as a fishman instantly. The security in MarieJoa is too tight. I'm sorry, Koala..'' He tried to explain but Koala already started sulking because Dragon had indeed explained it but she just wanted to hear it to be sure. Or was that it? Didn't she know how to open this subject towards Hack so she simply asked it again?

Pouting Koala made her way to the ship with crossed arms. How was she going to survive her quest now? She wanted, and because Sabo demanded it, Hack to come with them because he knew exactly how to react to her whenever she was in her vulnerable state. And that would happen frequently as they would get closer to their destination.

For now, she had to concentrate on the journey ahead of her and not the voice that was trying to worry her about her insecurities. Taking in the smell of the ocean and listening to the sound of waves clashing with the rocks calmed her nerves. She relaxed her muscles and wished she could take a swim right now.

Staring into the horizon she didn't notice Hack standing next to her. ''Please allow me to apologize again, Koala. I really wanted to stick with you two, but-''

She really couldn't let him finish his sentences today, could she? ''It's alright. I don't want to put you into needless danger. It would have been great if the three of us could have gone on this job together, but I guess this time it should be an exception.'' And perhaps it was for the better. Koala had the tendency to cling to those she deeply trusted, especially Sabo and Hack.

Without Hack near her, she would be thrown into a deep well, even deeper than when Hack would have been with her. Now she would have to drag herself out of it, while before, she would have the help of Hack to pull her out.

Now she had to do it on her own, well with Sabo, Bunny and Terry, but without Hack she would face an even bigger challenge.

She would also receive an answer to whether she had grown up now or whether she still needed someone to look over her.

''Koala..'' Hack muttered with a hoarse voice.

A little startled by the sudden change of voice Koala tore her eyes from the ocean and faced the man she started to think of as a father. ''W-What is it?'' She asked confused.

His smile didn't reach his eyes because his eyes were sad. ''Don't overdo anything.. As long as you come out there healthy again, I'll be more than proud and happy. It's all I'm asking from you.''

Gulping away the small lump that was trying to form in her throat Koala nodded only, not trusting her own voice.

He pulled her into a hug and caressed her hair with his hand. ''You really did grow up too fast, you know.'' Hack muttered. ''And so did Sabo.''

Not being able to help it she clung to him even tighter as she answered the hug. Before she could answer, Sabo managed to make one of his fabulous comments. ''I would gladly go back to being eleven though. I hate growing up.'' Grinning awkwardly he scratched his head before hugging them too. ''We love you too, Hack.'' He continued soothingly.

''You dumbass..'' Koala muttered.

''Don't you love him, Koala? Don't you?'' He meant it sarcastically of course.

''Oh, do shut up.'' Breaking free from their grasp Hack sighed and patted Sabo on the shoulder.

He then turned around to make one last check before they would depart. Koala took this moment to look around. It was one of their regular smaller ships that travelled fast. Its lower part was embedded with Sea Stone so they could pass through the Calm Belt, a sea where there was no wind. It was the nest of the giant fish, also called the Sea Kings. Normal ships wouldn't be able to pass through unless the crew was really strong. The Sea Stone prevented the Sea Kings from attacking the ship. They didn't need wind either in order to go forward.

The advantage of the Army to pass through the Calm Belt was something the Government didn't know they were capable of. This saved them lots of time and money for travelling and gave them much easier ways to keep in contact with other bases of the Army in the world.

It would take them about three days to reach Shaboady Archipelago. An island that served as the gathering point before people could enter the second half of the Grand Line, also called the New World.

It was an island that was centered below MarieJoa which was on top of the mountain called the Red Line.

It would be hard to get through all the security but they managed to make the necessary arrangements in order to infiltrate MarieJoa and serve as temporary bodyguards.

''ALL HANDS ON DECK!'' the captain of the ship shouted from the upper deck. Terry and Bunny quickly climbed the plank before one of the crewmen took it away. Another raised the anchor as two others released the ropes.

Before Koala fully realized it the ship was already making its way out of the harbor. A strange feeling in the pit of her stomach made known she might not be conscious of just what was awaiting them out there.


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