I'm sorry it take a long time to update. But yes another long chapter for you, minna
Thank you for your review, it make me faster up to finish this chapter. Welcome to my story, new followers! Youkoso! :D
Happy reading, minnatachi! ^^
Disclaimer : Still don't own One Piece
Chapter 4 – Truth, Lies, and a New Plan
He was aggravated.
He was certainly fumed.
The reason was that damn troublesome woman! He always thought that women were a troublesome case. Why? He had a long list for that which made another trouble to explain. They were just hard to understanding, fussed a little matter become big, not even his childhood friend, Kuina, made him understood about woman. Though she was less annoyance and stronger.
He didn't trust the orange head who his captain claimed being their navigator. That witch! She was not their part of crews, someone who only got along during their journey as she said so, and now they must pay their blindness. Not only that, his baka captain ordered to get his navigator back which made it harder because he still didn't trust that greedy witch! One woman was already troublesome, it was added another woman who appeared from somewhat-hole-blight-strange-veil in the sky, claiming with most ridiculous reason, and now joined Straw Hat's pirates. Even though he undetected that she told a lie due her disbelieving reason or detected if she was a dangerous threat, he couldn't trust her.
She was unreadable! Silent and observed each person's like gathering important information. Like she knew better than them, proving when she countered their captain to find a cook and an insane little wager with the witch which surprisingly she won and made the witch sulked, though the witch didn't lose either as that stupid womanizer freed both women to pay their foods. That was not his reason why he lifted a guard around her. Those eyes troubled him, drowning him and it irritated him much. Like it was not the end, that little shrimp challenged him within their little stare war, could detect the intruder without seeing, and convinced him with her shrug careless manner.
Now, it was part of mystery, they never talk, how a little gesture could he read was beyond him and she did the same was...what? More troublesome indeed. Yet she never complains, even once. She was so damn confusing! He scowled as he collected these three days was like a hell for him. Somehow she dragged him into trouble considering she didn't drink alcohol. Instead complained to that stupid womanizer which he never doubt if that man would willingly every women wish, but NO! She encroached him with no end that he must give up his hot tea (because that stupid womanizer of course!). Not to scaredy liar or baka captain, but him! Why him?! Then if he rejected (which he did!), she did something illegal with those eyes. Those damn curse eyes!
Though both women were troublesome, they had huge difference. The witch never bother use her charm to get whatever she wanted, just looking that stupid womanizer already kneeled over her heels, gave her special treatment. The little shrimp refused him politely, but failing miserably cause it won't stop him to give her same treatment that made a long sigh escape from her as she saw some foods which he didn't know the names (too long and had weird language) and wrinkled her nose as she noticed a wine being poured. She was only eating foods that she ordered meanwhile the special treatment had been being shared to scaredy liar or baka captain who sometimes sneaked out from his punishment or him.
The scaredy liar stepped back and his former partners sweated nervous, discontinued to treat him. He clenched his teeth, letting his temper flamed up with irritation after hearing some message for him. "Where is that damn woman?" He irked when the needle contacting his open wound skin.
"Eh-!" Usopp jolted a bit, looked everywhere, but him. "She went with Luffy. Something to have a little chatted with Taka no Me. I think?"
"What did you say?" an almost feral like growl came out from his throat, sauntered from the panics bounty hunters who holding his elbows to not moving much, not even care the sting unfinished patch, to found that damn troublesome woman stood head to head with Taka no Me.
"I'm sorry I have a selfish favor to you, Luffy-san", said her polite. "But, I want a little spar with you, Mihawk-san"
"WHAT?!" Including Usopp and the bounty hunters, the loudest to yell.
His eyes widened after the little shrimp chatted with the captain like nothing happened, revealing white katana inside the black cloth thing. But, the words that left from her next was made him could not say any.
"You are bored, Mihawk-san. I understand if our swordsman gut interesting you and you wish you can meet him again, more developing than now. Honestly, I'm disappointed, I'm expecting more than that. And you thought same as like I am. Am I correct?"
He didn't know what she had said to him, but whatever it was, the taller man narrowed like calculating her further.
"What do you want if you don't desire my title, little girl?"
"What about a little bet, Mihawk san?" heard a challenge tone inside. "If I could land a hit and worthy enough to make you fight me seriously, I want your hat for our little exchange"
"What will I get, little girl?"
"That our grumpy swordsman over there would be different when both of you meet again. He will make run of your money"
'That little shrimp!' Hesitantly, giving her a death glare from her like insult words for being a 'grumpy' swordsman. Grumpy?! Yes, he was being grumpy hearing her insane wager and it was him after all who being placed the little 'damn' bet. He composed himself, wondering her reason to dare the Greatest Swordsman, watched the little shrimp said something obviously only both of their hearing.
"Tell me your reason, little girl", stated Taka no Me firmly.
His eyes trailed as she lowered her head, eager from peering eyes. "I live in peace place, far away from this side of world. The civil wars had ended long decade, yet I must learn this art because my family has heritage to hold, their bloods through within my vein. Not because I want a war nor I complained to learn, it's just I don't know my purpose. When I saw his fight, I was disappointed. He has forgotten something important, the basic when I learnt this art. I want he learn what his mistake by watching me if you agree a spar with me, Mihawk-san"
Zoro caught a solemn tone within it, yet still could not understand her real purpose. There was too much mystery for one woman across his sight. 'That little shrimp has a lot explain after this! Wait- Did she just say my mistake?'
Surprisingly, Taka no Me drew the pocket cross knife, readying himself. The little shrimp did say nothing words, both of them only staring each other, the pressure tense was so high, no one even dare to comment as they were nervous waiting the battle soon to be. The challenger walked slowly, only stopped few steps from her opponent, and a blur metal slipped, following with a clash sound after. He remembered her little message that made his angry before.
Watch and Learn
Her katana touched only with the tip of knife, like he experienced few moments ago. Instead leashed anger, her face stayed calm expressionless mask. They stood same position a minute until the challenger broke the contact and held her katana near her right ears, pointing her opponent. When the battle had begun, he barely noticed the difference between their comparing fight. How they could manage their emotion. The little shrimp stayed her calm demeanor even though she was into a disadvantage situation as the Greatest Swordsman definitely enforced her, showing the entire spectators the gap between the sword fighters.
Sometimes he caught the challenger closed her eyes to deflect her opponent's attack and she countered with each swing aimed dangerous place, but only being repelled. She was different. Her style fight was enticing him when Taka no Me almost stabbed her, made her fall, yet she surprised him again, leap in rolled back, and already took a defense stance as her opponent stroke a hit. It seemed she used the wrecked ship for her fight, climbed a pillar only to jump, stomped a wall only to leap, made her opponent ran toward her until she grabbed a loose rope, swung refined like floating a while, finishing a head blow only being repel again. It was interesting fight to see, he admitted.
It was like he watched a dance instead a swords battle. She was dancing with her katana, showed her speed and her agility when she dodged. He could never leave his attention from her dancing, aware the sweats rolled the little shrimp, her breath heavier each time, but how she never broke her concentration was beyond him. A short gasp escaped as the damn troublesome woman unbelievable made the pocket knife release from his grip with a loud 'clank' sound after her opponent jumped from her sudden tackling plan. The other spectators had done same reaction. He could feel his faster beat, roaring trammeled his rib cage as the little shrimp not wasting time launch finishing movement, only to meet Yoru clashed her katana.
"Do you think Fuyuka could defeat that Taka no Me man?" It was Usopp's voice while the challenger kept a distance with her opponent. There was such awe admiration and nervous inside.
"I don't know", stammered Johnny, volunteering to comment. "We only wait and see...right?"
"But I never see sword fight style like that..." added Yosaku. "Aneki jumps around with difficult variation movements"
Zoro knew better as he was aware the little shrimp could not holding long times, despite she tossed those hidden heavy-weight (Really what else she hide inside those sandals?!), and made her movements faster. With the fight had occupied almost twenty minutes, he could see she was slower and her breath labored in short each flee time. Not only that, she had to put effort two times extra if she wanted to not being hit, yet the wounds which most covering up at right hand tell otherwise. 'That man did that with purpose!'
Watch and Learn
He got her hidden message. It was like slapped his face directly that it was her who brought him to reality, but he thankful the little shrimp deep inside. The green swordsman now understood by watching their fight, both sword fighters had different style, though they showed their own agility, it still different. His companion preferred closer range attack, supported by her speed and agility to jumping around, and her unreadable face made him harder to guess her movement next. 'That little shrimp! You wanted me to find his weakness. Damn troublesome woman!'
Her opponent always swayed her away to reach him; it helped with his long huge sword. Now he wondered if he was at her place, what he would do to deal that sword. He miscalculated the huge sword would slower his move because it looked heavier, but he swung the sword easily, faster that he didn't experience in his fight. The rumor about that man was not bluffing, had the Greatest Swordsman title and the gap between them, but he was not wasting the chance he got from her meaningless. Doubtful he would find her opponent weakness in short time, Taka no Me won't let his guard openly. 'I can learn his fight style if I will meet him again. That's all I can do now'
"Now how could we treat aneki wounds? Do we have to-?"
"What?! No!" argued the second voice. "Wait- can we just lift her sleeve? Fuyuka only got wounds at her arms, not like Zoro. See? We don't need...Ugh! Are you a pervert?!"
"Huh?! I'm not! It was only suggestion..."
"I don't believe the look of your face now", mumbled the second voice under his breath. "Oi, Zoro! Are you okay?"
The green swordsman blinked, grumbled some phrase, realized he let his mind wandered enough recollect event a while ago. Zoro ignored the itching patch that now crossing his abdomen. "Aa. I'll life" They were in the middle of sea, keeping their lost time to catch Merry's distance. He, Usopp, and Johnny left Baratie after he reassured his captain that she was only dehydration, indicating she wanted water before she collapsed. Yosaku decided accompany Luffy and fetched them later. He let long exasperated sigh as his baka captain somehow made him what? 'To take care of her'? 'I'm not her babysitter, Luffy!' cursed his captain inwardly.
"Why you don't treatment her wounds yet?" noticed the little shrimp lay in the wooden board with some clothes below her head to get her comfortable. They had sailed for how long? Ten or fifteen minutes? Johnny and Usopp sat in opposite side of her, uncomfortable with gaze he sent.
Sighed heavily, Usopp initiated. "She makes me nervous!"
"Huh?" Did he hear right? An unconscious teenage girl made him nervous in fifteen minutes long?
And Johnny nodded vigorously. "I don't know how handle Fuyuka-aneki, aniki!"
It just made Zoro confuse more. "What the hell both of you talked about?"
Usopp and Johnny looked back and forth as they were confused finding right words. "You know Nami's behavior, right? Fuyuka is like her opposite, I think. She is like really a good girl, though I never see her smile. Polite, would answer nicely if you asked, and she wear close clothes..."
"...and it just like we need aneki permission. That's what we thought, aniki"
'How in the world one woman did a lot trouble in one day?' Knowing Usopp and Johnny warily to move soon, he disarrayed his short hair with annoyance grumble. Zoro hovered approaching her right hand, observing the long sleeve battered in a mess, soaked with bloods. There was a long gash from upper arm cross to elbow, deeper than several scratches not far from the primary worrying wound. 'Small...Wait- What am I thinking?!' He almost removed the hand he was holding like a poison snake.
"Cut her sleeve and treat her wounds. I'll deal with her after", stated him firmly, not giving a room to argue, gulping his sudden dry throat. Now he understood what they had meant and it made him irritating more, bothering a smooth skin contacted his rough palm. His companions preferred to deal open-minded now-to-be-traitor girl than a mysterious polite-not-yet-awake girl, easier to be faced.
Johnny cut the sleeve which remaining a slight near her armpit. Like he estimated, the wound deeper than he thought after the cloth had been removing. The red bloods contrasted outstanding her pale skin, comparing his dark skin. His former partner quickly cleaned spoiling bloods, patched the primary wound before move treat minor scratches. The green swordsman groaned inwardly as he noticed the scaredy liar did nothing, grunting it was became a long day; he hesitated holding her other palm. "Fold the sleeve, Usopp. We don't need to cut it. There are only few minor scratches"
Usopp looked surprise, then nod. "O-okay!"
Attempting not to do something he would regret, his mind ran how she got those wounds. The last attack from Taka no Me after she surprisingly tricked him, not even him had an idea like she did. And yes, she surprised the entire spectators for her sly-genius trick, including her opponent. She put her last effort to land a hit, barely to stand, and did not have much time dodge unseen range attack. He admitted she did a good job defending herself, somehow her defense stance spread out the attack, so it damaged only her hands. But the attack itself was strong enough smacked her away. He doubtful the Greatest Swordsman showed his entire skill power and merely power was not enough to snatch his title. Her words haunted his mind, plague like no end with her reason to help him.
"It's done, aniki!"
"Mine, too!"
Zoro backed to see their work, a long bandage covered her elbow until upper arm, the scaredy liar looked pleasantly with his job, already folding off the sleeve. Usopp and Johnny limped down like they had work hard, simultaneously out long sigh. Slowly, he slipped her palms resting at her abdomen together, finally detached strenuous feeling.
In the time, the green swordsman took over to lead the small boat. He ensured Usopp who had a job checking Merry keep at their sight and Johnny steered the boat in right way. At the same time, unwillingly he had to look after the little shrimp who still awakened yet. He had made Usopp and Johnny shifting her near him who was leaning side of boat considering his injured. A sheet covered half of her low part; the three of them decided it was the best reckoning her robe displayed her slender pale legs. A white katana and Mihawk's fedora placed other side of him, untouched. 'When will you awake, troublesome woman?' glanced for the last time before closed his eyes.
XXX
She felt ache everywhere.
She felt so weak. 'What's happening to me?' Trying to open her eyes which seemed rebel to order, let out soft yelp the twitching that came from her right hand as she attempted moving it.
"Zoro-aniki! Aneki has awake!"
"Don't move yet, Fuyuka!"
She knew who voices owner were. 'Johnny-san and Usopp-san?' Failingly to sat, a dizzy took over her limping opposite way, but someone had apprehended her shoulder to lean behind, helping her to sit.
"Stubborn woman", scowled a familiar voice from her top. "Drink"
A cold object touched her lip, suddenly she noticed how dry her mouth was, greedily took a lot gulp, clearing her throat, regaining empty energy building slowly. Fuyuka now could lidded her eyes, watched surrounding her. Usopp and Johnny were ahead her with worry and relief face; Zoro was holding a glass at right side. There was no glare that usually directed her. "More water, please?"
'My voice...No wonder, I was over push my limit. I'm aware characters anime always have monster stamina, still...' She obeyed when the first mate already drew out a glass near her mouth; let the fresh liquor down her throat.
"Are you okay, Fuyuka?" asked Usopp after she finished second glass.
"Better" She was happy her voice more preferable and she get access to see herself, spotted her right sleeve already gone, showing long bandage wrapped her upper arm till elbow. Fuyuka tried to move it, wrinkled as felt a twitching disturb moving muscle.
"Try not moving too much, Fuyuka-aneki. It will opened the patch", warned Johnny with slight panic. "There is one wound that deeper than the other, from upper arm cross your elbow" She winced a bit, lifted her hand where the itching came from. "Ah! There is a small scratch at your cheek, aneki. We only gave some ointment"
With the look Usopp and Johnny gave to her, she did not have a heart worrying them more. 'Why is my world never can be so simple like this?' A tug came out from her corner lip, made a small smile. "I'm appreciated, worry not. Thank you, Usopp-san, Johnny-san" And gave a low bow head.
They stunned a bit before stammered, waggling their hands in shrug manner. "It's no-nothing, Fuyuka!" Johnny scratched his back neck, nodding fervently. "That's at least what we can do, aneki"
"Thank you. Both of you did a great job treated my wounds" Fuyuka recognized the green haired man beside her did say nothing, pretending he did not want join chit-chat, made she firming up her decision. 'It must have been done. Besides, he would take the secret into his grave if needed. I won't do this quest alone. Who else will be a perfect partner than him?'
"Ne, Usopp-san, Johnny-san? Can you do a favor for me?" asked her politely.
Both of them looked each other and shrugged, yet not hiding their curious. "What is it, aneki?"
"I know there is not room in this small boat. But can both of you give me some privacy here? Because I want to speak with a grumpy swordsman who sits beside me, privately"
Honestly, Fuyuka really amused with their change look face. From the infamous sweat-dropped to sweat in nervous until shrieked in horror directing her right side. And she knew the reason.
"Hee~ Why you don't speak with this 'grumpy' swordsman now, woman?" His voice pure with sugar coating tone that made her shivering not in fear, but quietly opposite.
"I will in private. Patience, Zoro-san", countered her bluntly without glance in him. She could feel his temper rise again; somehow she was sure that he made a death glare toward her.
"Well, if you so persistent, woman. I will enlighten you talk privately"
"Enlighten me then, Zoro-san", she dared him with amusement tone.
"As you wish" Squinting him, the grumpy-now-angry swordsman snapped toward Usopp and Johnny who sat ahead her gulped in nervous. 'That glare enough make enemies kneel over him with fear' He was surprising her, his glare had gone following with a tired sigh. "Can you do her favor?"
The tense between both of them decreased slowly. Usopp shook vigorously with nervous smile. "Of course. We will go inside cabin"
"We will give you privacy. Don't worry, aniki, aneki!" exclaimed Johnny adding.
"Thank you, Johnny-san, Usopp-san", said Fuyuka slowly as the bounty hunter and the sharpshooter excused themselves inside the only room in the boat. After heard a door being shut, Fuyuka turned her attention to a certain grumpy man who had narrowed her with heat infamous glare. But a white gleam caught her sight, halted as she saw a little crack in its middle body. "My katana..."
At that moment, Zoro splintered where her direction was, which was a white katana with red sageo leaning at his right railing. He took it and gave to her. "You fought Taka no Me with a dull katana. Were you insane, woman?"
"This dull katana is a gift from my jiisan, Zoro-san. Maeda Ryūtarou, my grandfather, my second parents, and also who has taught me learn this art", said her solemnly, inspecting the crack was not bad like she thought. And yes, she missed her jiisan. "He is my shishou"
"Why?"
Fuyuka lifted her gaze. A pair ebony eyes met a pair confuse black-steel eyes. "Because we live in peaceful world. My home is a place where you can't bring a real katana walk around freely. There is a law if you want to buy a gun, you must have a license. Of course it still has criminality, but it's only minor such as thief, etc. There is authority that will take care of those problems and it's not Marines. Of course we have Marines, but they have different job. So peaceful so that you never worry about that. The real katana only become a display of beautiful creature works"
"Wait!" Fuyuka tilted her head like ask 'what?' not bothering his interruption. "I never hear a place like that!"
"I'm getting there, Zoro-san. That's a part why I wanted to talk you privately", she broke their stare, looking the sky with admiration. "The actual reason is because I lived in a world which lot different than yours, Zoro-san. This world does not exist in my home, my world. You are only a fiction character from a well-known manga called One Piece"
She waited his reaction, because there was only silence between them until. "Excuse me?"
"Have you forgotten when you found me? And I have said I must find a certain man if I wanted to go home? He is an acquaintance of mine. He is around fifty years old and he is who sent me to this world-"
"Do you think I will believe that story?!" She winced as the 'look' she got from him and averted his gaze in second. 'Not that looks again. This will get out of hands. I'm miscalculation...'
"I won't blame you if you don't trust this unbelievable story. I wanted to see the world and how surprised I am that I was being teleported to this world, another dimension. Do you think I'm not feeling the same way like yours?" unnoticed she had raised her voice, clenching her katana, but no, she was not finishing yet.
"I don't know what Ichirou-san had planned. He wanted me to 'help' peoples here and I doubt he had double meaning behind that message. I never read One Piece even once though that manga always has first position in chart, Luffy-san is famous. So I want you help me to figure that 'help' meaning, whatever it is it will impact the crews and I doubt it is a good impact, Zoro-san"
Again, there was only silence between them. "Why me?" An exasperated sighed following. "Oi, woman! Look at me"
Fuyuka lifted her gaze from her lap, suddenly she was like she couldn't breathe as the intense gaze and felt her heart skip a beat. "Do I look like a fiction character?"
She shook her head. "Though I still disbelief how could I ended this world, you are much life and real in my eyes", she relaxed a bit, knowing the first mate didn't have that 'look' again. Took a deep breath, she continued. "You are a rational person as well like me and have high responsibility than the others despite you don't showing it much; you care the crews in your own way, including me"
Zoro scoffed with annoying clearly in his face. "As if, woman" He settled back the railing beside her, with his white katana leaned his shoulder, closing his eyes.
"Ne, Zoro-san?"
"Cut the 'san' thing. It's annoying, woman!"
"But, you are older than me!" against her logically. "It's not a decent if I don't call you without proper manner"
"I don't care. It's annoying"
She pushed her luck. "Zoro-sama?"
Noticing his eyes twitched and growled. "Woman..."
Fuyuka was happy. Amused but still happy. The man who had care not attitude, letting her called him without honorific. For her it was a big step, knowing it was the grumpy swordsman way that he admitted they were in equal line and trust her. She was careless why he never call her name, not even her last name. "Zoro?"
"Hmm?" Stated that he was listening her.
"It's about Nami-san. I know she was like stabbing us from behind, but she is one of important character. I'm aware each crews have their own part job. Like you are a first mate or Usopp-san as a sharpshooter. Nami-san is the navigator. So whatever it is, could we find her reason first before judge her blindly?"
With his eyes shut, she didn't know what he was thinking, so she only waited. He was the captain's substitute when the captain was not able and she would follow whatever his decision. "Who is his name?"
Fuyuka startled. "Eh-?"
"The man who sent you here"
"Inoue Ichirou-san", replied her slowly. "Why do you asking him?"
"I only realized something you pointing out, woman", unwrapped his left eye, glancing to calculate her. "Did he say something why he sent you?"
'Why did he sudden interesting with Ichirou-san?' Fuyuka settled back to leaning, lifted her chin up. "I brought the letter he gave if you wanted to read it. I left it at Merry. But..." She paused a bit, trying to remember the letter's content. "...he said that my skill would be not waste up again to help people. That was confused and intriguing me because I don't know what I have to do with those skill"
"And what is that?"
She lowered her head, looking her lap. "You know I prefer to be calling a samurai than a swordswoman because we are different. I learnt this art called 'bushido', the Way of Warrior. My jiisan said a samurai is those who serve in close attendance to nobility. They serves that they called 'their lords'"
"Lords?" snapped him, looking her disbelief. "Don't tell me you think Luffy is your lord?!"
A small smile curved at her lip. "Actually yes. Luffy-san is the reason why I now have a purpose. Jiisan said that I'm like a 'ronnin', the wanderer samurai who doesn't have lord to serve. I will follow Luffy-san's decision because he is my captain as he is my lord now. And I will follow your decision too because you are his first mate, the second command man as you are like my second lord" She was amused because his jaw now hung open.
"You are not kidding, right?"
She shook her head. "And jiisan taught all which needs to be a samurai. So not only I learnt to hold my katana, but also military tactics and grand strategy. I don't know why I must learnt those two because we are not in a war anymore, yet jiisan insisted me to learn"
The green swordsman's face changed from shocked, serious, then to bewilderment. "Military tactics and grand strategy?" She nodded, volunteered to explain further. "Summary, it's like examining the situation ahead, make planning with little force before assault into battle field. I have to expect a possibility future event that would be happening. But it's not basically for winning the battle only. I have to read for the best way to achieve in the end"
He narrowed her, a slight sweat rolled from his temple. "That's why he chose you despite you never read that 'manga'. That man wanted you to be the strategist in the ship"
'Is that Ichirou-san's purpose? A strategist? But...' The realization smacked her face, a fear abrupt her body like plague. Did she want this? Did she have to move her 'nakama' like chess pawn? This was not a war. The reality was different than theory she put within her learning with her jiisan. Her nakama life would be depending by her hands. If she took wrong assumption, then they could be injuring or die.
"Oi! You don't think to do it alone, right?" He frowned with concern look when she averted from his gaze and he sighed deeply. "So you did" Grumbled 'troublesome woman' under his breath. "Listen! Whatever you found out, whatever strategy that comes out from your mind, it still my decision or Luffy's in the end. Understand?"
Fuyuka stunned at the moment, only to see his final decision within his eyes, and he did not take a 'no' answer. "Hai!"
"Moreover...don't see me your second lord" He narrowed again. "It's..."
"No, you can't!" She cut him first. Her eyes gleamed to dark. "I bear Maeda's name in my back and it's my heritage. I will drag you to my world so you can see what I through every day. I know it's a bit weird concept for you, but please don't take my purpose. Onegaishimasu!" And made a deep bow head how serious her.
"You are really a troublesome woman..." muttered him ahead, still kept her head low. Suddenly, her head became heavy as something put in top. "Fine. Still you have a lot explain about your little bet with Taka no Me, woman. I put aside thing as we have a job to drag the witch back"
'Mihawk-san's hat? Ah...I have to explain about 'that' bet' the fedora was looked too big for her small head, it almost covering her forehead. She adjusted; touching the plume was so soft when she smothered it. "Ah! I need to ask Johnny-san about Arlong"
"Arlong? Where did I hear that name again?" he wondered.
"It's the man why Nami-san's held his bounty poster precisely before she left with Merry, Zoro", replied her bluntly, and then furrowed her brow. "Because I noticed she crumpled a poster and it could be a same poster that the bounty hunters said"
That made the green swordsman raised his brow, interesting more. "Do you think-?"
"Perhaps...better safe than sorry", she shrugged her shoulder, yet her face said otherwise.
"Indeed", Zoro smirked widely. "Now it's time to call Johnny here"
XXX
"Finally, we arrive Arlong Park!" exclaimed Johnny.
During the sailed, Johnny answered every question she throw about Arlong and the story began with three powerful in Grand Line because no one of them heard about Arlong and merman and made the bounty hunter yelled in frustrate. Fuyuka shocked the hawk eyes she fought was one of Shichibukai, pirates who worked with World Government, the one gave his fedora now in her top head, which reminding her his hidden message after put her the hat. 'What am I into now?'
Though it was only rumors, she saved each information. Sometimes rumors told more truth if you could dispart unimportant matter. There was a shichibukai named Jinbei, was a merman. Arlong, pirates, and merman. Rumors said that merman was stronger than human and Arlong had overlord twenty villages since he came to East Blue. Actually, she was not satisfied with information she gathering, some detail question didn't have answer such as why he was strong, why he came to East Blue if he had come in Grand Line, and she was persistence to get information. And finally stopped as she could have any further.
They stopped in middle of sea, keeping the distance for unwanted sightseeing, but enough to see building ahead them. 'Arlong Park' she read inwardly. It was like pagoda in her world, had five floors and painted with yellow color, except red for the roofs. Trailing to up the building, she spotted a shark figure in top of the roofs, and black flag wavered with proud. No. Arrogant. 'I'm strong and you can't defeat me' That was the right words. 'Now how could a pirates rule a land? Is Marine doing nothing? How long the peoples suffered because of him? Why Nami-san goes to a land that obviously have pirates inside?' She needed binocular to see the environment, it was too quiet for she liked. She made a quick glance to the first mate who was eyeing her from start.
The four of them gathered at upfront the small boat. Usopp and Johnny literally nervous and fear drew in their face and she won't blame them as she was nervous as well, in contrary she did not have much information for 'strong' rumors merman ahead. She sat in silence.
"What's the plan now?" asked Usopp stuttered.
"We must check if Nami-aneki in this island. So, we have to find Going Merry first", Johnny responded first, but seemed he prefer evade rather than direct charge.
Usopp thought it was good idea, took a binocular. "Find it! I see Going Merry!"
"Do you see any guard near it or as long you can see, Usopp-san?" Zoro and Johnny stared her with curious, but she said nothing. The sharpshooter turned her with same curious before backed to binocular. Several sweats appeared, his jaw a bit opened.
"There are two merman at east way!" he reported.
She ignored Johnny's surprised state or Zoro's eyes irked the realization. "Do you see Nami-san? And what are they doing?"
Usopp not even took off the binocular, trying to find what she asked. "I don't see Nami anywhere. They are only stand at the dock"
The information she attained made her brow furrowed more. Fuyuka glance to the first mate that had waited her to explain. "It's weird, Zoro. This is a land of pirates, yet Nami sailed Merry with our Jolly Rodger. Alone. Without pirates flag, they will be suspicious on us, right? Then what do you think will happened with Nami-san?" Her three males' companions had different reaction.
"Wait- If Nami has been captured then we must save her!" shouted Usopp with panic and fear.
"But how we could save her? Arlong is strong!" added Johnny, not even hiding his fear.
The green swordsman was only silence, narrowing her stated 'what are you hiding?' and she was ready drop another viewpoint. "Or Nami-san is a part of this island"
And yes three sets of eyes now looked over her. "Eh-?"
Johnny startled like he realized something and brought a map out. "Did you say east way, Usopp-aniki? Not at Arlong Park?" He laid the map in the middle, so the entire people could see the map properly.
"Aa. Not at Arlong Park", stated Usopp firmly.
The bounty hunter trailed his index finger to east way from Arlong Park. "There is a village called Cocoyashi. Do you think Nami-aneki is a part of that village?"
"Perhaps. We can't throw the possibility" Fuyuka was single each of them. "The fact that Nami-san crumpled Arlong's bounty poster. Of course it was only my assumption"
The sharpshooter crossed his arms, closed his eyes like in deep thought. "She has point. So what will we do now?"
Fuyuka turned to the first mate longingly like said 'I have plans'. Zoro gave his nod permission which not unnoticing by Usopp and Johnny who looked them back and forth. She took deep breath, trying to calm her mind and began revealing her plans. "We have two assumptions that Nami-san is captured or a part of this island that approaching us to find some information, yes? But our problem now is how we could dock the boat as we know there are two merman out there"
The look she got from Usopp and Johnny made her heart slumped to pit of stomach. She was nervous though her face stayed calm and she peered the first mate to find there were no worries within his eyes, probably had thought to break whatever stand his way. "There are two options. Both of options have their own risk. First, we approach direct attack"
Now Zoro bloomed his trademark smirked, intriguing to hear more. On contrary Usopp and Johnny horrified face. She wanted to urge roll her eyes, but resisted it. "Meaning, Zoro will defeated those merman, we are going to find information in this island, but...we make them a warning we are coming to find Nami-san if she has been captured and make us through hard way to get inside"
"What is second option?" asked Usopp, hoped the others better.
"Second option is distract those merman with bait. Meaning, the bait will look like a prisoner, hook them to here, and while they are distracted, the rest leave to opposite direction. They will prefer take the prisoner than chase the runner"
"But it's dangerous, aneki! Who wants to be the bait anyway?"
"If Nami-san has been captured, then it's a perfect chance to get inside to be a prisoner itself. And who becomes the bait is me. I'm perfect bait. Wound. Short. Hopeless. Little girl. And tied up. Nice bait, yes?" She ignored Usopp and Johnny protest and gave a short glance to Zoro if he had made a decision. She knew the second option was like a suicide mission, but what the best place to find information than the enemy base itself.
The green swordsman only stared her. "What will you choose, woman?"
"I rather choose second option, Zoro", replied her with calm tone. "You three can find Nami-san from outside while I try from inside. We are not gain any lost time to do two jobs at once"
"Then what if that witch not even there? How can you get out from jail, huh? You just make another trouble for us", countered him against, piercing his eyes through her. "And why not me or the others?"
Fuyuka winced a bit. "I have some theory to subdue that matter" And stared him back with same stubborn intense gaze. "You have trouble with your temper, Zoro" She got full glare now, but she won't stand back. "Usopp-san and Johnny-san are too nervous and can't handle the pressure. Still it's your decision in the end, Zoro"
"Argh! It's too confusing! Both options are dangerous!" shouted Usopp, let out his frustration. "Is there any option that not dangerous? Sure there is, isn't it?"
"I'm agreeing with Usopp-aniki! Our enemy is merman! There must be another way!" persuaded Johnny.
"Whatever we choose, in the last we will fight those merman. We can't evade, it's only about damn time" The statement from the green swordsman made them stunned, but it was not their reason, the serious face he showed like he had scale both options carefully and she agreed his inwardly. He leered Usopp, Johnny, and stopped at her last. "I will take second option" That made Usopp and Johnny began their argument. "But, I will accompany her"
"But, aniki!" Johnny stood disagreement. "You are still recovery from Taka no Me wound!"
Zoro smirked. Yes, he was shirtless, showing the bandage wrapped his top of body. "Well, that does only make them lowering their guard. They don't know what will break them next"
"Fuyuka? Are you sure? Is there no other way anymore?" asked Usopp reassuring with concern look.
She nodded softly and actually she wanted his accompany her from beginning. She was nervous and a bit scare because it was her first time to do something dangerous. "It's Zoro's decision after all and I will follow his decision. Besides, you and Johnny-san have a job find Nami-san from outside. Make sure to find what happen in this island and keep stealth when gather information, Usopp-san" She turned the bounty hunter. "You too, Johnny-san"
"Then how can you find us, aneki?"
Fuyuka and Zoro exchanged a look. They did a lot that day. "We will find you no matter what", said him fervently.
In the end, Usopp and Johnny gave up as they were too stubborn and some relieved because they had an easier job, though it still had own risk. At least, they won't head to head with merman directly. They sailed east way from Arlong's Park, spotted Going Merry in their sight and made their presence to two merman at the dock. Usopp and Johnny accomplished their job, tied Fuyuka and Zoro with rope at the wall, including their legs. When their boat mostly approached the dock, two merman noticed their boat, jumped to the sea, swam towards their boat with incredible speed. All of them really surprised, but the green swordsman had snapped first.
"Leave the boat! Now!"
Usopp and Johnny jumped and swam away the opposite from their boat. Not long the merman landed in their boat. Zoro and Fuyuka kept silent or look annoyance for the green swordsman case. The merman looked weird and slight frightening considered their appearances was a merger between human and fish, especially their skin color, not humankind at all. One merman had blue skin, his face reminded her with fish which lived in high deepness, and his lower teeth stick up showing the sharpness. The other had dark grey, skinnier than first merman. Both of them had spine from top head till their neck and wore some Hawaiian shirts. They were look smug down to her and Zoro.
"Wait? It's just two of you? And you look have been beaten by your friends", mocked the grey merman.
"Maybe. We will bring them to Arlong" The blue merman wicked grin.
During the short trip to Arlong Park, the merman attempted her and Zoro reaction, mocking, taunting, and boasting about difference between their kin. And they got annoyance as they failed, nor she or Zoro hooked the bait. Well not particular true, the green swordsman almost snapped and she nudged him softly with her knee, gave a message within eyes 'they are nothing than you', receiving his infamous glare 'I can beat them in seconds' and low grunted before he redeemed his temper.
The merman tied their hands into their back, removed their katana, slight mocked her why a girl like her played a thing like a sword, and she did not say any word which made the blue merman grabbed her chin. The merman hand so slimy that urged her to revolt her chin from the contact, but resisted it. Seemed, their silence had pushed the merman patience into edge and her situation making the first mate snarled beside her.
"You think you are brave, huh? Think later after you meet Arlong, pathetic human!" Her eyes not even flinch as the merman put a pressure to make her pain before released her to the floor in rough way. She peered the green swordsman had lost his temper.
"Release this rope and I will show you who is pathetic!"
"As if you can, human", countered the blue merman with mocking tone. "Human is weak. Stay. Down. There"
'How can I calm him? Lucky, that merman did nothing. If he does something further, I can't hold Zoro's temper. He is already dislike being tied like this' Watching her companion being kneeled by force the other merman made her heart sank, wondering she took right option. The second option had high risk and dangerous with D capital. She shook her head to clear cloud mind, fear and waver shambled her heart.
Slowly, their small boat through the steel opening gate, the sea changed to a small river or long pool more precisely and stopped at the edge. With quick glance, Fuyuka saw many merman gathered there. The merman dragged them out, kneeling them down to meet muscular figure who was seating ahead them. He resembled a saw shark with his nose shape like that. Like two merman before, the saw shark had odd color skin, purple or blue or combination both, wore unbuttoned yellow shirt with decorated black spots and green short, a fur cap covered his top head. There was a red tattoo at his left forearm like she saw at black flag in top of building. 'Jolly Roger?' She admitted this figure looked menacing, winced inwardly the sharp teeth he showed when he grinned. 'As expected from manga villain, otherwise the main character always looks innocent. This man is Arlong, no doubt'
There were two merman stood behind his chair, like his bodyguard or something. The left merman had light blue skin and had thick lip that too prominent for her liking. Meanwhile, the right merman was like a stingray, with his elbows' shape like that. And the fact the merman definitely taller or muscular than human, showing her how much difference between their kin.
"For what purpose you to be here?"
"I said I'm here to find a woman, you half fish!" spited Zoro, obviously irritating.
"Hmm...I'll let you said like that, but don't repeat it again", Arlong was smiling, yet his words meant a warning. "Merman is creatures that evolved and could breathe under water. With our skill like that, we are stronger than human. You have to know, the most superior creature in the world not human, but us, merman!" pointing himself, proudly or arrogant. "If human fight us, it's against natural law!"
"I'm sick of hearing with your talked, Arlong" Following with a clack sound, the new figure came out from room behind Arlong, and stood beside him.
'No, it can't be!' Fuyuka won't believe the figure ahead her right now. Her eyes widened as she spotted the orange head stood, freely, and without injuring. The assumption Nami had been captured, crumbling at that moment, and somehow she had bad feeling whatever her reason revealed next.
"Why did you take offended, Nami? You are an exception", Arlong shrugged careless, not even taunted from Nami harsh words. "You are our best map maker! You never fail make a map for me"
"Our brain composition is different, so it's natural why I can do it", replied Nami, looking down her and Zoro. Her face was different than Fuyuka always saw at Merry.
"Oi, Nami! What did he mean about 'best map maker'? Why do you look so close with that man?" shouted Zoro, letting his anger out. Not Fuyuka place to blame him, though. She still wondered why.
"What? You know each other?" asked Arlong, interesting.
"Don't be stupid! He is only a victim", scoffed Nami disgusting. Slowly, she walked toward them. "I got a lot treasures from his nakama. You never know being tricked by me, huh? And you still came here to chase me? Are you stupid?" She bended with mocking face.
Fuyuka had heard enough. Her eyes gleamed to dark. "You called us a fool? Look at yourself, are you not a fool either, Nami-san? Surrounding by human hater, working together with them, and you are trusted them enough not stabbing you from behind like you did to us? Who is more fool? Us or you?"
SLAP
The sting from her left cheek could not be ignored, yet she amused inwardly she nailed a right place. She could see Nami's coldness eyes filled with anger, breaking her emotionless mask she wore. The orange head jerked her collar, so their eyes met each other. Hate. Disgusting. "They won't do that. Look at this!" Nami backed her away and showing her upper left arm. "See? I'm a part of undefeatable pirate's crew!"
'Arlong's Jolly Roger? There is no doubt Nami-san is the navigator, though I saw her with longer hair. There must be a reason and perhaps there is connection with why Arlong stay in this island'
"From the beginning I just used you for my advantage. You are not bad in fighting, but you're too easy to be used", said Nami.
Arlong bursted a laugh. "You really tricked by her! She even forgot her died mother only because of money. This woman is a cold witch"
Now Nami's face intrigued her. It was became pale, contradiction with her coldness before. Squinting the green swordsman who seemed lost in his own thought then his corner lip twitched almost like a sly smirk. "I never trust you since beginning. I'm not surprised if you had killed someone" Her eyes widened when he jumped backward to the pool behind. She peered the orange head dumbfounded with his reckless action, her face slowly broke to confuse and fear. 'So that's your plan, Zoro?'
A murmured and whispered among merman there. Fuyuka stared the stunned orange head and gave a slight bow head before followed her companion with splash of water. She closed her eyes and held the breath as long as she could. 'I hope your plan is succeed' She felt her body started to drown, her back had touched the bottom, and her lung roared to need air soon. She was not even struggle when someone pulled her out to surface, taking a lot fresh air for her almost teeming lung. Her savior dragged her to verge, lay down on her stomach.
"What are you two doing?" Fuyuka let out her relief to notice, heard the savior was not other than Nami itself.
"The same question. What are you doing?" countered a grumpy male voice. She peaked the green swordsman was out of breath, but had smirked a winning triumphantly. "You can't see your nakama died in front of you, right? Just put your act off!"
"Stop play around with me!" Nami stomped Zoro's back, made him groan. Fuyuka watched the first mate's words nailed her again. Then Nami choked Zoro. "If you two disturb me again, I'll kill both of you!"
"Empty threat, Nami-san", hissed Fuyuka slowly between her breaths. "I and Zoro will bring you back to Luffy-san, like or not, no matter what" Cowering her stomach held a pain she received from Nami's kick. Like the green swordsman noticed or not, he smirked wider, scoffed loudly.
"You hear her, right? We will dragged you, witch" Like her, instead a kick, he received a punch, before slumped down the floor. The orange head walked away from their place toward Arlong way.
"Oi, Nami. What'll you do to them?" asked Arlong careless.
"Bring them to jail! I'll take care of them!"
Not long a merman bursted in, reported if there was a man with long nose in village but the merman could not catch him. The first mate looked her with worry and annoyance at once, and then narrowed her like ask 'how can we out from this place?' Fuyuka made her eyes down where her legs were and somewhat surprised a slight blush at his cheeks before scowling her. She shook head, made a movement on her sandals, and whispered 'inside it'. Finally, he got her hint and averted his gaze away but her.
"He runs to Cocoyashi village", said the messenger.
"Cocoyashi village, huh? I have a business there, maybe I take a pay of visit", exclaimed Arlong. Until his words next surprised the first mate and her. "When you take those two, separate them in different jail!"
'Now how could I get out from jail without Zoro's help?'
XXX
Japanese Vocabulary :
Shishou : It has same meaning like 'sensei', teacher. The difference is, 'shishou' has mastered the art and its common usual in traditional martial arts. Though 'sensei' itself can be used to call a teacher or a doctor.
Onegaishimasu : 'please'. Now why I used Japanese because there was a lot meaning behind that simple word. Fuyuka deep bowed to Zoro and said that, meaning she was actual serious. The lower she bow (head down too) over, the more serious her words meaning.
Review
Madama Crimson : Here the update, I'm sorry it took too long. My OC is a serious teenage girl, a kuudere (in beginning), and sometimes she just acts like Robin. Though there will be a big difference between them. :D
elizang12341 : Well thank you ^^ Actually, I like sword battle in anime, of course it's interesting to see, but somehow it annoyed me because it's different when you learnt it in real way. They are too awesome and it make me jealous.
Hellfire000 : I'm afraid that scene honestly. Fuyuka really not expected that, because it's not her actual purpose. The little 'bet' only make Mihawk accept her to spar, not else. ^^ Mihawk meet Shanks? Definetly! Shanks will have fun to tease him, make him drink, bugging him without end. And Mihawk only sigh, thinking 'I need quiet place' and how to get the red hair away.
Guest(1) : Thank you for criticsm. I have a plan on that. Yes, I noticed that and already thinking from long ago, worry not. I give you hint. Where she came from is her power and her biggest weakness. Actually, I spread some clues in each chapter. Fuyuka has her own style fight, which means her movement is like our world style, not that awesome move we often saw in anime. Like Samurai X Live Action, that's! Samurai is different, there are a lot rules that sometimes not explain in anime and I have explained some in this chapter. Zoro is not a samurai, though his guts or his way is included in the way of bushido and he has different style fight. Mihawk too, he has different style. His sword is like western shape. Law and his odachi (long katana) too. Even though the basic to hold the sword almost same, western style and japan style has a lot difference. :D
kiroroblue : well here another chapter for you ^^
Guest(2) : oh my ^^ another chapter this
PapaOwl : I know, that's why I mentioned it :D When I watched One Piece to write a chapter is like this. The voice is in Japanese, the subtitle is in my native language, and then I write it in English. ^^