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.

4. Between Trust and the Mask that Falls

So…yeah. It's been over a year. I might as well have said I'd only update yearly? Maybe. You know it's because of school in semesters and in summers even. Because I'm already in my senior year, I have to take a lot of advanced classes that require a lot of attention, prepare for labs, read long chapters for all classes, work out a large number of problems, keep up, work on lab reports, organize study groups, you get the point. Again, no. It's not that I want to give up or that I even consider giving up at all. It might take 343243 years to finish my stories, but so be it then. I am pursuing a bachelor's degree in chemistry and trying to become eligible for an internship and grad school. I guess you could say it's not consistent that I like writing fanfiction too, yet I suddenly get attacks of inspiration I begged for during all my breaks right when I had exams, and I continue writing in the plot development document until I realize I've typed 20 pages, and it's already 3 am… I guess this is what happens when you get ambitious like me even though I'm certainly not a genius, yet I have so many things I like and want to do, writing included. Your understanding is always appreciated, and choosing reading the sporadic updates will be even more.

I thank those that let me know they like this story. Many thanks to icebluehost, Sesshylover978, blacklightningwolf, hyourin-kusabana, WolfMutt, IloveBISHIES, skywright, Shinigami-Chan17, Alexsasha, CatIsHappy, Happy-the-Nekomander and an anonymous reviewer for checking out this fic.

I make some clarifications. First, it seems that 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" because I use the dots to indicate it is initials to Grievous Hosting Organism, Spectral Trespasser. Second, even though Robin's eyes are brown in the manga, I like them blue better, so I refer to them as blue throughout the fic. Third, icebluehost asked me if this is set after the canon timeskip since this fic was started before it. The answer is yes. Although I started it thinking it would take them a couple of months to reunite instead of 2 years, I decided I'd adjust it to fit it since so far I haven't established anything that would contradict it. However, it will inevitably deviate from canon regarding the adventures they go through, as it is natural for a fanfic of an ongoing series. Needless to say I'll try to make them interesting even if I know I cannot match Oda-sensei.

Lyrics for "Bone to be Wild" are found at the One Piece Wikia.

Information note: The suffix '-chan' is used to address younger/young females, though it is at times used for young males. It denotes finding the person endearing.

Translation notes:

Kanmon = Gateway, barrier or summons.

Kisama = The most impolite form of addressing anyone, similar to "you bastard". Used when angered strongly by the receiver.

Sugoi = Amazing, cool.

Between Trust and the Mask that Falls

The aroma coming from the mug was seducing. She took a sip and let out a sigh of utter delight.

-Your flawless execution of Turkish coffee is outstanding, Riko. – Robin praised with shiny blue eyes.

It had already been five days after Riko boarded the Thousand Sunny with the Straw Hat pirates; they were past halfway to the East passage, the exit of the Forbidden Radius.

She was not used to receiving much praise, but she was able to at least return a polite grin to Robin at that point. More than that, she came to actually enjoy her company. Throughout the years she worked part-time as a barista at Scholar Island, she came across many people who were exceptionally fond of coffee, but in that aspect Nico Robin surpassed them all except one. However, she reminded her of him. Before she knew it, she was able to smile wholeheartedly when they talked of coffee, which was the topic of 95% of the conversations they had.

Two days before, Robin attempted to call her 'Riko-Chan' twice and 'Ri-Chan' once out of the affection she was developing for her, but Riko humbly asked her not to. She said '-chan' was not a suffix used often to refer to her, so she did not feel very comfortable when someone she addressed frequently used it on her. "Just 'Riko' is good enough", she explained. Nami still addressed her with that honorific, but the two of them did not talk even a tenth as much as Robin and she.

-Turkish coffee is not difficult if we have a means to grind the beans fine enough. I could do it because you have this wonderful grinder. – Riko replied while admiring the elaborately adorned gold box they had used for said purpose.

Just the day before, Robin surprised her by showing her a polished wood box at the bottom of what Riko by then christened the 'dream closet'. Riko's eyes marveled at the grinder inside. It was a rare grinder especially done for the Turkish coffee method of preparation, capable of grinding the grains even finer than the super fine most traditional grinders gave. Needless to say it was 20 times more expensive.

-That is not it. I have used it before myself, but I did not get it this nice. – Robin responded.

-Did you use the water at the right temperature? It's best to have it close to, but not at, its boiling point, and that will be when the scent smells burnt.

-Yes.

-Did you submerge the grains in it immediately after grinding them?

-Yes.

-Did you add the sugar to the coffee along with the water?

-Yes.

-Before heating it?

-Ye… Hmm, I don't think so. I believe that is likely what I missed. – Robin tapped her chin in serious thought.

-It is a common mistake. – Riko nodded. – It's a matter of experimenting with it. Many types of beans and sugars can be used in Turkish coffee. Finding the right amounts, temperatures and tricks takes time. It took me over a year to get this right.

When she heard no reply, she turned to look at Robin and saw her smiling in a manner she found strange at first. It took her a moment to realize the intention with which she smiled at her and blushed slightly when she understood, immediately turning to look elsewhere at the grinder. It was as if she smiled at her younger friend or sister who accomplished something after working dedicatedly in it and now enjoyed herself.

-Yesterday was more amusing to see you drinking coffee while wearing our Captain's clothes. – She commented with a smile.

Three days before, Nami had commented to Riko how it was not alright for her to wear the same clothes for days and offered to lend her some despite Riko insisting it was not necessary. However, it only took a glance to see their sizes were too differing for that to be feasible. The same was the case with Robin's clothes. Riko's chest was smaller. Her calves and arms' muscles were more defined and toned. Her were waist was broader for the same reason. Her abdomen sported a 4-pack with slightly vague but visible lines, and it was proof of her hard training and occupation. As a result, she ended up borrowing clothes from Luffy, much to everyone's feelings of awkwardness with the exception of Luffy himself. Sanji and Riko were yet to talk to each other, but he said he would let a shameless okama wear Robin and Nami's clothes over his dead body.

It was currently 9 am. They were at kitchen. Everyone in the crew was present at the moment and observed them like spectators while eating, though nobody could confirm if Luffy was paying attention as he devoured his breakfast.

-Everyone, the coffee is ready. It's excellent. It's the best Riko has made so far while traveling with us. – Robin encouraged happily.

At that stage, everyone but Sanji was already used to Robin being happier than usual because of Riko's coffee. It was possible to hear him still cursing and sulking in a low tone every time. For the rest, however, it was also known well by then that Robin did not exaggerate when she complimented the coffee. The number of caffeine addicts in the crew increased overnight. Nami, Chopper, Usopp and Brook were becoming quite fond of it too, though not as much as their blue-eyed nakama. Surprisingly, even Franky and Zoro had drank a couple of cups so far despite neither of them being very fond of it, preferring alternative sources of caffeine like cola or tea respectively. Luffy usually didn't care for coffee as the taste did not suit his much, but he had tried it some days before out of curiosity, after he saw the others enjoyed it, and he liked it moderately. In other words, only the resentful cook had not had one drop of it yet.

-It's more than alright. – Luffy said after he took a sip. – Tastes much better than what Sanji does.

The crewmates looked at him in disbelief. More than a few face-palmed and/or got sweat drops at the sides of their head.

-Out of everything he could have said… – Nami whispered with one of her eyebrows shaking.

They slowly turned to Sanji. Their eyes shrunk, and their sweat drops multiplied as they saw his eyes were momentarily vivid red as if in an old cartoon, and smoke coming out of his ears, strangely seeming to match his spiral eyebrow. He looked about ready to detonate, and they needed even the assistance of Zoro's strength and Nami's appeal to stop him.

-Does anyone care for some? – Robin continued, not minding or even noticing the previous scene.

-I'll have some! – Chopper exclaimed eagerly at hearing Robin's words, thinking coffee was the best distraction from that event.

-The best, you say, Robin? – Franky asked curiously. – Alright, then I guess I'll try some.

Nami and Usopp served themselves a large mug each and visibly showed they were delighted with the result.

-It really is good, Riko-Chan! – Nami agreed. – You said you have worked at a café before, right?

-Yes. – Riko replied briefly, still not managing to not feel awkward when praised by someone other than Robin.

-It shows. – Usopp agreed.

-Ah, please fill one for me too, Usopp. – Brook asked while he sat rearranging his guitar's strings.

-Sure. Would you like some too, Zoro?

-Not now. – He replied quietly while eating rice, for he did not like talking much while eating.

-There might be no more left soon. – Nami announced grinning.

-I can make more if anyone wants. – Riko offered softly and inconspicuously.

-You certainly should make more. – Robin volunteered. – We have many more beans in the bar that are ready to be grinded. We shouldn't waste them when they're at their prime. – She finished with sparkles around her.

-Alright. – Riko replied with a small sweat drop beside her forehead.

-It's great, Riko. – Brook said. - It's pleasing my taste buds greatly. I don't have taste buds though. Yohohohoho!

-Tch. – Sanji sulked to himself.

It was getting the best of him to control himself while dealing with such a scene. He had not been praised for his food so eagerly for a while.

It's only a trend they have going on for now. My food is much more nutritious and a real breakfast!

Brook started playing his fish-shaped guitar while tuning it by ear (even though he does not have ears).

Riko could not help feeling curious about that since it was so different from the previous days, when he played piano and violin.

At last, Brook was finished tuning and laughed his characteristic laughter.

-It's time for a concert. Yeah! – He announced before playing an intro for a few seconds.

Riko confirmed her belief that he'd be good and understood the style he used. Come to think of it, his outfit suits him playing the guitar, but it looked at odds when he played the other instruments. – Riko realized. - It contrasts notably with the tunes he plays in piano, yet both sounds have his touch in them. Brook is not only talented but also versatile… It must be great to be able to play music by so many means.

Riko listened attentively until he was finished the song he played.

The lyrics are strange but feel good… How odd, for some reason I feel I've heard this song before, but this is the first time I hear Brook playing guitar. Could it be a cover of some famous song?

Riko noted some of his crewmates looked at him and listened, though others did not seem to enjoy it much. Zoro moved to sit at the nearby bar on a tall chair instead to enjoy himself more quietly. Riko realized long before that he was a lone wolf, which she found interesting in a crew that seemed to be curious, lively and that resorted to eavesdropping. Chopper stood up on his chair excited, though his short height did not stand out anyway.

-Riko, as thanks for giving us such delightful coffee, I shall play all and any requests you have! Yohohoho! – Brook offered with the air of a superstar.

Riko blinked.

-I wouldn't know what to request, Brook. I am not aware of what songs you know. – She replied honestly and calmly.

His jaw fell as low as it could without skin to restrain it. Everyone else also turned to look at her in surprise that ranged in them from low to bigger than mild. Riko was confused about their reaction.

-Riko… - Brook spoke hoarsely as he extended his bony arm towards her. – Do… Do you not… Know me?

-Only if having met you 5 days ago and listening to you playing music can count as knowing you. – She gave a deep answer (albeit that was beside the point) with her voice tone not sounding shocked, agitated or even very interested.

-Brook happens to be Soul King, Riko. – Robin informed.

-Soul King? – She still did not understand.

-So it turns out you don't know as much as you boast you do, huh? – Sanji belittled to release his stress. – I knew it. It was about time this became clear to all. You've just been showing off like a know-it-all the whole time…

Sanji paused as he noted Riko had just served herself her first cup of the coffee she had prepared (since it looked like everyone who wanted some had already served themselves), and she wore a tiny grin from the bliss it gave her. She was not listening to him bashing him in the least and had been ignoring him since their intense encounter at Robin's room days before, something he was yet to fully process since it was the first time a 'guy' yelled at him in that close-to-disturbing manner. Furthermore, the rest of the crew had learned from Riko's example and also ignored him like badly-drawn scenography whenever he bashed her.

As for Luffy, he was still busy eating.

-You've never heard of Soul King, Riko-Chan? – Nami asked a little surprised, for this was the first thing the crew discovered she was not knowledgeable about.

-Well, we cannot hold that against her. – Franky commented. - Many of us did not know either until we saw him at Sabaody a while ago.

-Most of us had not figured Brook was Soul King, but we had heard his name… – Chopper said.

-To define it simply, Soul King is a music celebrity. – Robin told her while the rest were still to answer her question, still smiling. – He is quite popular. He was nominated as one of the best new musicians of the year. He already gave his last public concert right before we reunited, though.

Riko blinked a couple of times and lifted her eyebrows a little. To her, that was quite unexpected.

-I see. – She finished with just that, sat down at the table and continued drinking quietly.

Many of the pirates present got sweat drops at her apathetic attitude. While she was not very warm to begin with, she had started getting friendlier than that. Brook's arm was folded from the weakness that comes with shock. His head bowed down.

-So you really haven't heard of me. – He said depressed.

Riko felt a little awkward about the situation once she saw cheerful Brook like that; that had not been her intention at all.

-Well… - She tried to find the right words. – I am aware of that now. I did not know you were the artist of that song. I had heard it somewhere in Scholar Island once. I think it when I was shopping for groceries…

She stopped because each of her words seemed to make him even worse than before. Nami and Usopp had heavy sweat drops behind their heads.

So it's not so much that Riko is antisocial as that she is not good at being gentle… - They concluded.

Riko chose to try one more time and chose her words more carefully.

-…I still don't know what song to request… - She began slowly. – …But I'd like to listen to any you play.

Brook finally looked up. Riko could not help smiling a little seeing she was achieving her intention of cheering him up.

-I like listening to you play piano and violin. I'm curious to hear more of what you can do with the guitar. Your music is enjoyable, and that makes you a good musician. Now that I think about it, it makes sense you became popular in the industry, doesn't it? – She wore a bigger smile. – Please play something for us.

Brook was moved. He could sense no falseness in what she told him; he could even spot some glow in her expecting red eyes. He also noticed how his nakama smiled towards him (except Sanji because he was busy being indifferent). They certainly continued appreciating his role as the crew's musician; some of them had even missed his playing during the 2 years they were apart.

The skeleton made an exaggerated move to show his spirit was back and played a loud chord.

-Alright! Let's begin with my number 1! Bone to be Wild!

Brook's concert began…

-Come on baby~!

-Yeah! – Chopper, Usopp and Luffy with his mouth stuffed cheered; the latter unintelligibly.

-Boon to be wild~

-Boon to be wild!

-Bone to be wiiild~!

-Bone to be wiiild!

-Bone~!

-Bone!

-Bone~!

-Bone!

-Bone! Bone! Bone! Bone~!

-Yeah!

Boon Boon Boon Boon Boon

Motetai to maccho nante mi mo buta monaize

Souru Kingu wa misuteriasu

Hone shikanaize

Afuro on za sukaru! Joshi ha gyappu ni yowai

Ano ko wo hone nuki ni shitainara

Got milk? Go milk?

Purotein yori carushiumu daze

Sing it together! Boon to be wild

Got milk? Go milk?

Soul Power is calcium

Sing it together! Boon to be wild

Boon to be wild Boon to be wild

Boon to be wild Boon to be wild

Boon to be wild Boon to be wild

Boon Boon Boon Boon Boon

Brook bowed when he finished in a swift manner like the star he was. He immediately glanced at Riko, who smiled at him to show she enjoyed it lots. Robin used her power, and a hand appeared elsewhere in Brook's view that showed thumbs up. Zoro glanced at him from afar and told him with a subtle look that even he wanted him to cheer up despite being well-known he hardly appreciated music in general, especially rock.

-You flatter me by smiling for me, Riko. – Brook suddenly reverted to his gentleman mode.

Riko was caught off guard by his comment. Furthermore, she saw that the rest of the pirates besides the jerk cook were either glancing at her from the side or blatantly staring at her keenly, and they either grinned or looked at her suggestively. She was not used to that. It was not the first time she had their attention, but she continued feeling awkward every time.

-Well, the lyrics were entertaining. You even started with a stage entry, too… - She quickly wanted to let go of that attention.

-Actually he begins like that every time. – Franky informed to her by whispering in her ear.

-Is that so? – She replied after blinking twice with a regular voice tone and with a small sweat drop behind her head.

-Now that you listened to our cheering chorus, you will join us, right, Riko? – Chopper asked sparkling, making Riko's sweat drop multiply.

-Join you…? – She asked blinking again, very unsure of what to say.

-You must join us, Shinigami Riko. – Luffy said between one bite and another.

Before she or anyone else could reply, Sanji at last broke his silence.

-Hold it there, you all.

When Sanji spoke, he was surprisingly calm, at least in comparison to his latest behavior, and, knowing how long he had been tobacco-dependent, they could not attribute it to the cigarette either. The others could not ignore whatever would leave his mouth at that moment.

-You should not forget he'll leave in a few more days. That bastard joining you temporarily, getting concerts from Brook and playing barista host in a ship where he does not even belong... None of this serves any purpose.

Sanji had brought up that point before more than once, but that was the first time he could say it without cursing or in a blatant tantrum out of resentment. His crewmates could not help thinking about it for a few seconds. Riko, however, only finished drinking her coffee.

-In any case, this crew is quite lucky to have a world-known musician as part of their crew. – She finished as if she had not heard anything the cook said, and she looked straight at Brook as if she could see the eyes he once had; Brook decided to follow along.

-Ah! That is so nice of you, Riko! I'm going to blush. I don't have cheeks, though. Yohohohoho!

Sanji lit a cigarette, not caring if anyone replied since he had already gotten his point through.

Riko returned a tiny smile to Brook, though it was the type that indicated her mind was thinking something else. Everyone noted this. That was exactly the twentieth time she heard his laughter since she met him, although she was not aware of it. At that stage, she had not just gotten used to it but even liked it. Something about its carefreeness was refreshing from her point of view. It's what I'd expect from a musician… I…en…

-Ne, Riko, you haven't eaten anything yet, have you? – Chopper interrupted her thoughts, also joining in.

-Don't worry about me. – She replied nonchalantly.

-How can I not worry? You need up to 3000 calories to fight G.H.O.S.T., is that not right?

Riko hastily turned to look at him with a serious face made within the second and a look that told she was surprised about something…

-What if a flock comes and…

-Baka! – Franky hurriedly pressed his large hand on Chopper's small face to shut him up.

Uneasily, Franky, Usopp, Brook and Nami glanced to Riko. Robin also became more serious. Her face had relaxed a little. She half closed her eyes and said nothing. The tense atmosphere had lifted momentarily after Sanji's comment only to bite back more strongly.

It then dawned on Chopper that Riko did not know they were eavesdropping in the conversation where she stated that information, and then he became anxious too.

They were eavesdropping again, huh? – Riko understood something that simple.

It was not clear whether it was conscious or not, but she assumed a graver air in her expression. Tranquilly, she turned to Robin, who could not guess what she had to say to her.

-There is still some coffee left. There are also a few more grains grounded; they should be enough for two more cups.

Despite her penchant for coffee being clear and known, nobody expected her to bring it up then, not even Robin.

-Alright. – Robin replied slightly late.

The ones sitting were anxious and noting each and every move she was making, and each time she moved they could feel their stomachs stiffening. Riko turned to the center of the table. She extended her arm. She reached a piece of toast served in a large plate and grabbed it. She took a bite. Finally, she lifted her gaze and stared at everyone with something that looked like a bored expression as she munched on the crispy bread.

Surprisingly, it was Usopp who mustered enough courage to break the ice, for he was at his limits withstanding how absurd things were turning out.

-Are…Are you not mad? – He asked carefully.

-…Why would I be? – She replied between two bites after a pause, then continued a few seconds later. – Did I not say it was fine to keep an eye on me? Trusting a stranger like me so easily would be foolish after all, so I do not mind. You can keep doing that; I don't have an excuse to feel indignant about it.

I am used to having hawk eyes over my shoulders watching every move… - She continued saying inside.

The others could see she did not feel mad or disappointed; that much was evident. She might have been considered cool in other circumstances, but the eavesdroppers were not feeling quite relieved. At the core, her reaction indicated loudly that she did not trust them herself; only someone who does not trust does not mind not being trusted. It was just as Zoro said before. The chances of her joining the crew had seemed likely during the past few days as she prepared coffee every morning and protected them from G.H.O.S.T. efficiently and seriously. On the other hand, moments like that one in which her indifferent feelings were unveiled made it dawn on the crewmembers that the real chance of her joining was actually very low.

After finishing her toast, she left to patrol the ship.

-This week has been super weird. – Franky stated, looking somewhat exhausted while awkward.

Many others sighed too.

However, Robin, Zoro, Luffy and Brook narrowed their eyes while continuing what they were doing (though the latter has no eyes). They did not think her leaving at that moment was normal. They were following the same basic train of thoughts using different clues.

Luffy can easily come across as an idiot when it came to interpersonal aspects because he tends to ignore others' more often than not, including when he asks people to join his crew. However, there was something that caught his attention that moment. The first time she ate in that ship, she finished 19 servings. Depending on how many G.H.O.S.T. came, she'd eat more or less. There was a day when only 1 came, and she ate a total of 2 plates for dinner that time. The day before, as many as 20 appeared throughout the day, and she ate 10 servings for breakfast, 13 for lunch and 17 for dinner, a grand total of 40. (Sanji complained more than usual that day.) Not that Luffy bothered counting or doing said math, but he at least had a gist. She had fought one that appeared in the middle of the previous night; he caught sight of her fighting it while he went for quick restroom trip. Somehow, she had been keeping watch even during the night, fighting more G.H.O.S.T. than the crew was aware of. That she only had a toasted slice and coffee was suspicious. He was aware of this because every morning he held an unspoken and purely mental contest to see who ate more between them, and he always won by 5 servings; this time he would win by far more.

Zoro and Riko hanged out for the first time after she berated the 'jerk of a cook' loudly, and they drank some sake, though she only took a few sips. They continued spending time together since then, mainly during mornings and late nights, which is when he had his watch shifts. During night, he would watch her fighting G.H.O.S.T. stealthily to not wake up the crew. Even after she retired to sleep, she would never fail to wake up and come outside again to fight. He was satisfied she complied with her part of the deal, so he had no reason to complain about her boarding the ship or making him company. Sometimes he called her over to the crew's nest so they would stare at the night sky, other times she would come out of her own will, bringing coffee with her and which she would consume in its majority, just like it was the opposite case with sake. He had by then figured out many things about her. More than the obvious fact that she loves coffee, he knew it was something meaningful to her just by looking at her relief and smiles whenever she drank it. He understood she did not truly trust them but also that there had been an ongoing battle within her since she boarded that ship. More than her aloof attitude, he saw she was not used to being close to people and that the facade she put on was sometimes something she did almost unconsciously as if out of habit. From that, he had an idea of what she had had to do in her life, what it might have been like. Hence, he chose not to judge her; he would have no interference in her choice of accepting or not joining the crew and would not force her to do either, just let those things be. Nevertheless, he was interested in knowing what her decision would be. His interactions with her until then made him aware that she used her façade that instant. In truth, she did not like realizing what his crewmates had done.

The chance of her joining the crew has increased. – He noted but did not say it to the others.

Robin was in a tie with Zoro when it came to the time she had spent with Riko, and she happened to be observing her from up close when she praised Brook after his performance. She was already familiar enough with her features to understand she was feeling awkward because she was not used to the attention from everyone and, also, that she meant every word she told Brook, that she really had come to like him somehow within those 5 days. She was in the train of thoughts between Luffy's and Zoro's, considering it a little odd for her to not drink more coffee and that she looked less than pleased when she left.

Although he was not certain like Robin, Brook suspected part of Riko did not mean the words she said before leaving. By then, he wanted her to join just as much as Luffy. He spent less time with her than Robin and Zoro, but he strongly felt he was right about his suspicion.

Come to think of it, she has indirectly implied her life has not been easy. Perhaps, that tough life made it tough for her to openly say what she feels. – He deduced.

Outside, Riko walked quietly with her gaze reaching far out the rail and finding nothing other than the fog she was most familiar with.

I've had memories of this fog since that day… Since then, it has not dispersed but thickened instead… Until it came to look like this, black like the thrown up remnants of G.H.O.S.T., a cemetery. I still cannot bring myself to like its sight. Under these circumstances, however, it is quite helpful. We are but 20 kilometers from the shore; we'd be easy to spot were it not for it…

The four who had suspicions about her true feelings were not wrong. She did not like having been eavesdropped on, but what she disliked most was not understanding why.

She leaned against the rail and propped her chin on her hand.

I said myself that I was fine with it. I have no reason to be mad… I hate myself the most when I am unreasonable, just like this. – She thought while hiding her head in her forearms.

The Thousand Sunny was exactly 55 kilometers from the northernmost part of Scholar Island, where the Hunters Organization main headquarters were located. At that moment, the Hunters Council held a meeting.

Said meeting took place in the uppermost floor of the Hunters Dome. The main headquarters faced the shore, and the Hunters Dome was 2 kilometers west. The dome was a large structure with a diameter of 4 km and 25 levels tall. It was mainly black, but the sphere was covered with glass that was separated from the black cement by meter-wide hallways. It had been officially inaugurated 4 years before, and it was since then used for different activities. The 25th story was a single room used specifically to hold the Hunters Council meetings. The room was large and impregnated with desires of power and with power itself reflected in its luxurious decor. At the head of an oval table sat the head, Egger Aibhne, who usually wore both the clothes and face of a CEO of a worldwide company, but, in that particular occasion, his face showed his anger and resents without reserve. Surrounding him sat 8 more people. There was a visible empty seat.

-I have already ordered for search squads to mobilize. – Egger talked angrily with a semi-controlled tone that was only as loud as necessary in a futile attempt to sound composed. – Reports say that she has not been found in Perpetual Night or Perpetual Mist. She is nowhere to be found!

-It could be that she is there, but the trainees and staff won't give her away. – A young blond handsome man with features that were well-known as princely and a perpetual deceiving grin suggested. – We all know how everyone in Perpetual Night is Yuri's fan. – He mocked.

-I already foresaw that, Ferran! I sent a squad there, and they already confirmed that report. – Egger replied ill-humoredly.

-Since she is aware of her circumstances, it seems she is planning to leave the Forbidden Radius. – Concluded a woman with tan-colored skin, black hair and hazel-colored eyes. She spoke with a notably calculated voice and a serious face. – It is out of the question for her to use the nearest pathway to exit the Radius. She for sure will use the old one in the east. Have squads also been sent there?

-Yes, but it will take them time to get there. – Egger grumbled.

-She was last spotted in a rowing boat. Although she had a head start, we have the advantage in any ship; she will not get there before the squads.

-Ishizu, even you won't think her foolish enough to go all the way there in a rowing boat if she hopes to escape. – Lord Ferran Lustgarten told her with a grin that he wore often when talking about that person, and it only looked different from the usual when looking closely enough.

-Where would she find a ship to ride in the Forbidden Radius, idiot? – A girl with ash-blonde hair in a hairdo that visibly used a lot of spray to be perfectly puffed and green eyes surrounded by thick mascara replied.

-Do you not think her able to steal one of our own ships, Maddie? – Ferran continued smiling sweetly, causing her to feel wary.

-How dare you! How many times must I tell you to stop calling me that, you womanizer pig! – She exclaimed mad, puckering her lips painted thickly with baby pink lipstick.

-No need to get so worked up, Madeline Dewhurst. – Ferran said while deliberately continuing to grin provokingly.

'Maddie' gritted her teeth and was about to throw herself to choke him, for she was that hot-headed, but her shoulder was held with strength she had no chance to overcome. She turned to meet the permanently-inexpressive face of the one who stopped her.

-Let me go, Claes! – She yelled indignant.

-Lady Dewhurst, this behavior is rendered inappropriate by the rules of Hunters' conduct. You are also causing us to waste time. I must ask you to stop for the meeting to proceed. – She expressed calmly and even softly, yet it was hard to retaliate to that voice.

Lady Madeline Dewhurst grimaced and glared daggers at the indifferent white-haired and black-eyed Lady, and that was all she could do. She and everyone had an idea of how strong she was.

Lady Claes Gilmore was easily the most reserved member of the Hunters Council, the one who least talked and about whom least was known, almost a mysterious person. Truthfully to the image her neat short hair and round glasses gave, she was the strictest of all regarding the rules set for Hunters, and her face was always neutral and never interested or moved, neither when she quietly reprimanded someone for breaking the rules nor when she read any of the books she had carried with her at all times. Even at that moment, she had a 900-page-thick perfectly balanced on her head, and it was yet to fall despite Madeline's initial and futile struggling.

-That case looks unlikely, Ferran. – Lady Ishizu Visser continued; she preferred not to put up with the scene she considered a vexing and tacky act. – The theft of a ship would have been reported by now, and there is no chance she would have the guts to kill everyone aboard to keep them silent.

-You say that very confidently, Ishizu. – Lord Ferran Lustgarten replied smiling blatantly amused.

-You should have no reason or evidence to pinpoint me in the wrong. We all know her reputation as the most frightening Hunter is misinformed.

-We could all agree that it is not that Yuriko is weak; she simply has different priorities.

-She's not even here, so why don't you stop giving her false praise? – Madeline responded bitterly. – It's nauseating.

-Do not misunderstand. Not one of the words I've ever said regarding Yuriko Mellangel have been hypocritical, Maddie.

-You…! – She hissed upset.

-Stop it already, Madeline! – Egger, who had been in no mood before to deal with this, ordered annoyed. – Stop provoking her too, Ferran! You realize that while you are playing around, Yuriko is escaping?! If she does leave the Forbidden Radius, catching her will become much more difficult! – He shouted the obvious as he pounded a fist on the table. – We have to figure out how she could escape before she does it!

A pause occurred.

-Chief.

Egger turned with keen eyes to the speaker, who never spoke anything other than things worth listening to, and he was just about to talk for the first time at that meeting, perhaps making it productive at last. Not just Lord Egger, but all the members of that Council got their attention grabbed. His authority was officially the same as theirs, but it was unspoken that he was second to Egger himself due to his well-known leadership and influence. Although the position for second was arguably tied between him and Lady Claes Gilmore; the majority acknowledged him.

-How about Perpetual Mist? – He suggested.

-It was reported she was not there either, Vidar.

-She was not found there, but didn't the reports say there were inklings of people having been there recently?

The atmosphere was that of shock as it dawned on the Council what he meant.

-Almost a week ago, there was a storm in the outside of the Radius. – Ishizu talked while scowling. – If a ship was dragged inside and coincidentally anchored at the location where she was, she could have boarded it.

-Impossible! – Madeline yelled both indignant and loudly worried. – Vidar, you're not saying she is really going to escape! – She stated as in a plea, scowling and gritting her teeth at the mere thought.

-When was the first report from Perpetual Mist given? – Ishizu asked.

-The same day she left this island. – Lord Ray D. Vidar answered calmly.

-Heh, so Yuri really managed to board a ship. – Ferran smiled at the excitement arousing. – If she met them that very day, by now she must be almost there.

-Are we supposed to accept that she'll get away?! – Madeline was at her wits' end.

-There is no stationed staff at the east exit, so it cannot be helped that the ones sent will arrive too late to catch her. – Ferran blatantly reveled in how entertaining the situation was to him.

-There is still a chance. – Ishizu conjectured. – Were anything to happen that makes the ship stop, we still have a chance.

-Indeed! – Egger expressed with light brown eyes filled with light that the thoughts of his niece's capture gave them.

The rest of the people in the room also began thinking of ways to deal with the demoted Hunter, but one was very worried and, now that a plan of action had been suggested, he was even more troubled, yet he was still unable to speak at all, so he continued unnoticed…

Chief Egger turned to Lady Gilmore with high expectations reverberating in his commanding voice.

-Claes, you will use your ability of spatial travel to head east immediately. Look for any ship and attack it. Make it wait while a ship arrives there to arrest her and the others traveling in that ship. Take anyone here with you.

-I'll do it! – Madeline quickly volunteered, which was a rare event. – I will make sure she pays for what she's done.

-Maddie, aren't you forgetting you are supposed to show Vice-Admiral Jonathan around Scholar Island today? – Ferran reminded her amusedly. – You cannot make all Hunters look bad by leaving him stood up.

She growled in response and looked ready to attack him, but she had no reply she could give.

-Let me do it. – He proposed while putting his hand in his chest, which was shown because his shirt was buttoned starting at the fifth button. – I would hate missing out on this since it is getting so interesting. – He ended dramatically by striking a pose with the cliché red rose he always carried next to his face.

-No, I'll do it. - Ishizu interjected eagerly with killer intent flooding from her person. – Capturing Yuriko is no joke, Ferran; leaving things up to you, who stalls and wastes time would make the attempt useless from the start.

-Ah! You never flinch when hurting me, Ishizu. Your thorns are too sharp, though I cannot say I don't find that exhilarating. – Ferran said as he approached her while continuing with the same shoujo-manga prince look as before.

-You are too close. Stay away. I do not want to get infected with your obnoxiousness. – She replied indifferently.

-I would like it if you ceded this time, Ishizu, Ferran. – Vidar Ray unexpectedly replied with the same confident and serious air as ever.

Ishizu stared at him skeptically.

-Albeit it is you, it is not unlikely you want to do this for personal reasons, Vidar. I cannot let you. – She replied sharply.

He smiled.

-You also get quite personal when it comes to Yuriko, Ishizu. – He responded, still confident.

Ishizu Visser narrowed her eyes in offense, but it was offense she could not talk back to because it was true.

-While I admit I am taking this personally, and I am sure all of you can understand, my intentions of capturing her are the same as yours. – He continued.

-Why, Vidar?! You don't have to do it! Why would you want to face her after what she's done to you?! – Madeline objected fervently, reddening her face further with emotions.

-I wish to face her and see for myself why she's done this, Madeline, Ishizu. I ask you to let me have just this request. – He asked looking determined.

It is now noted that Ray D. Vidar's way of requesting something was never humble-sounding; it was always stated in the tone of an order while retaining enough politeness to not feel overbearing to the majority.

His eyes were the most surreal possible shade of blue, very bright like the sky on daytime and easy to see even in dark places, almost phosphorescent. Looking at his handsome face, contrasting black hair, and his calm demeanor that never failed to show leadership, he was quite popular, though, because he always occupied himself with several missions and projects, he could not spend as much time becoming popular with the ladies as Ferran Lustgarten, who was the easiest to approach.

Madeline and Ishizu reluctantly gave up and complied.

-I do not need support for this assignment. – Claes objected most unexpectedly with her composed low voice.

The entire Council turned to her. Her objecting such requests was an unprecedented event until then.

Vidar locked gazes with her, blue versus black. Whenever dealing with her, part of him lost some confidence because he knew her unbending nature well. Since they met to date, he could not say whether she was a supporting ally or an enemy even if both wore the same logotype on their uniform.

-Claes, your strength is recognized as superior to Yuriko's. However, it does not hurt to be too cautious when it comes to her. She's annoyingly resourceful even when cornered. – Egger said.

-Are you implying you have attempted cornering her before, Chief? – Claes defended, again, unexpectedly.

Egger scowled deeply and trembled from indignation.

-The two of you are going together. It's an order!

Claes replied nothing nor changed her expression yet. He knew she'd comply if he ordered it, but it was the first time he had to go that far rather than her accepting what she was told.

The meeting was adjourned.

Back at the Thousand Sunny, the subject of said meeting sat on the railing, such that she faced the dark fog she disliked. Her crimson eyes did not see anything in her front because they were too busy observing her own thoughts, her own confusion regarding the reason of her feelings, and the smile the ship's Captain gave her earlier in the morning.

She had not realized it had already been close to two hours since she left the kitchen until Usopp and Franky greeted her, catching her off guard. She was surprised at both the event and the event occurring to her; it was one of those rare times when she remembered that although she was already able to supervise the training of others, she still needed to further her own.

It has been a while since I last did nothing but think like this…

-Yo Miss Shinigami, fancy us surprising you. You don't look like the type that can be caught off guard. – Franky said to complement her thoughts.

-We're about to start our project with kairoseki after much thought. – Usopp announced eagerly. – Wanna join us?

-What did you decide to do? – She asked authentically interested.

-A multiuse weapon. – He said while rubbing his finger alongside his long nose.

From excitement, Franky stroke his trademark pose with both his huge arms together.

-Ow! It's the moment everyone's been waiting for.

Usopp played along and stroke a sidekick-like pose next to him.

When the dynamic duo ventured to look at her, they were surprised to find her smiling. It was not just a regular smile, but a very wide one that even made her eyes shrink, and her cheeks exposed inklings of blushing, as if she were seeing something that made her that happy. It was the first time either of them saw such expression on her face. Although unexpected, it was by no means unwelcome, especially seeing how the situation had been earlier. Mentioning anything about her leaving soon was starting to feel like taboo.

She walked with them to Usopp's factory. She marveled at how vast his collection of tools was and recognized a few of them. Usopp told her a number of them were Franky's. She did not know the functions of every one of them but figured it was the shipwright's version of Robin's dream coffee sets. Several ongoing projects were also appreciable on the large table that was twice as big as the dining room's. The room itself was quite spacious.

-We intend to make this something simple so it can turn into dozens of useful weapons. – Usopp said.

-Have you already worked out how it will be done?

-Yeah, we stayed up until late last night thinking about it at Franky's weapon development room.

-There's no better place for concentrating, yeah. – Franky felt obliged to add. - We wanted to start right away, but then we would've gone to bed too late and… It would've been no good.

Franky was about to say "and Curly Cook gets angry at us when we miss breakfast", but he thought better of bringing up a landmine.

-I cannot tell for sure if I'll be of help, especially considering I cannot touch the kairoseki. – She expressed.

-It's fine if you simply watch and hand us some tools when needed. – Usopp encouraged.

They began setting up silently. The pair noticed Riko looking around curiously, a side they did not think she had until that moment.

She then took notice of a large oven with several types of fuel containers around it. She could swear the fuel looked like cola but shook her head in disbelief at such nonsensical idea.

-I remember telling you kairoseki has the highest melting point among known metals. For example, tungsten's melting point is over 3400 degrees Celsius. You are not planning to melt it yet while in the ship, I assume…?

-We are. – Usopp grinned excited. – Riko, that oven over there can melt anything if its melting point is below 5000 degrees.

-You don't need to worry about the ship either. – Franky complemented. – It seems you haven't noticed, but Sunny-go is made of nothing less than Adam wood. – He finished smirking proudly.

Riko turned to him surprised.

Adam wood… - Riko pondered with some awe. - He doesn't seem to kidding. It can only be found in the black market and its price isn't a joke… This crew has only 9 members including the Captain; I wondered how they could have done all they're known for with few numbers, but now it makes sense. Luffy's potential is unquestioned. So is Zoro's. The shipwright and sniper are both capable inventors and additionally seem useful in combat. Brook talked to me about his own sword being concealed. Robin's reputation among the Navy seems inaccurate, but the potential her power has is not to be underestimated. She told me about Nami's power controlling the weather, and I still find that too much too believe, but it should be true. Her intuition is also quite sharp, even for a navigator. Chopper is not just a doctor; he showed me his Rumble balls. Most likely, his low bounty is the result of the Navy misunderstanding, thinking he's only a pet. Lastly, there's the jerk. Attitude aside, I felt the power of his kicks myself. Each member is not only capable in their position in the crew but also resourceful, and I've witnessed their unity all these days… Yes, it only makes sense they're strong. That's a relief…

Franky inspected the different pieces of kairoseki to determine which would be most suiting to start with, but it was darker than usual because there was no light coming from the window.

-Let's turn on another light. – Franky suggested as he reached his arm to pull a string from the ceiling. – It's this one, right, Usopp?

-Sure. – Usopp said without even looking, too absorbed in his inspection.

However, when he glanced at him, he noticed he answered erroneously.

-Wait! That one…!

He was too late. Franky pulled it. One of the walls was lifted mechanically. Inside the closet-sized compartment were several containers. Some from the top shelf fell on top of Riko. She was showered in oil since they were too many to dodge them all, and she was off guard, caught for the second time in a row.

Usopp shrieked. Franky gulped before hurrying and giving her a towel with dried oil spots for her to at least wipe her head.

-Are you alright?

-Yeah. – She replied as she wiped her face and neck.

-S-Sorry… – Franky stuttered, still shocked.

-Yeah, I was at fault too. – Usopp replied.

-Don't worry about it. It was an accident. – She assured them.

To their surprise, they swore they saw her smiling lightly at that moment.

-Was this all the oil you had? – She asked after a pause.

-Unfortunately, though it's the least expensive one... Are you sure you're OK? – Franky asked almost perplexed as she continued grinning.

-I said it's fine. – She insisted in the same way as before and then looked as if she were suppressing giggles.

-Riko, are you laughing? – Usopp questioned.

-Ah, that's right. It's strange, isn't it? – She blinked as if she had just realized that.

-Yes! Are you not mad? – Usopp felt he couldn't believe or even understand her.

-Why would I be when it was an accident? Besides… This is the second time. – She said before she retired, presumably to clean up, taking a degreaser in the way.

They followed her with their eyes until she was out of sight.

-What was that? – Usopp wondered. – I don't understand her sometimes, or, rather, very often.

-But she's interesting, isn't she? – Franky noted while grinning and fixing his sunglasses in place.

Usopp smiled with an arched eyebrow.

-If I've learned anything after traveling this far from East Blue is that Luffy has a knack for finding unusual people. – He said while scratching his head yet unable to stop smiling at how true that was.

-Aren't you glad she's not the type that makes a fuss over these things? – Franky commented.

-…So very much. – Usopp replied, thinking about how dangerous it would be to get her to attack them like Nami would if that had been her. – What do you think she meant by 'second time'?

-Beats me.

Nami and Robin walked in the same hallway as Riko and looked at her astonished.

-Riko-Chan! – Nami exclaimed. – What happened to you?! Why are you covered in oil?

-There was an accident at the factory. – She replied.

-It'll be hard to wash your clothes. – Robin observed worried.

-No worries; I know how to handle this. – She replied in a laidback manner before moving on.

Nami followed her with her sight like Franky and Usopp had when she heard Robin laughing softly.

-Robin? – Nami asked surprised.

-Riko is getting along well with many of us, isn't she?

-True. – She smiled momentarily. – If only Sanji-Kun…

-She will join. – Robin stated while grinning firmly. – If Sencho wants someone to join, he will not let them say no.

-That is also true. – Nami laughed.

Riko entered the kitchen in her oily condition. Sanji, Luffy, Brook and Chopper were still there.

-Riko?! – Chopper and Brook exclaimed in perfect unison.

-Why are you covered in oil, Shinigami Riko? – Luffy asked curiously.

-There was an accident at the factory. – She repeated.

Like the others, they noted she didn't look angry in the least, which was good.

-Oi! You bastard! I just cleaned the floor! – Sanji complained. – And why are you opening and staining the cabinets?! Stop it!

-Where is the olive oil? – She asked him, talking to him for the first time in 4 days.

-What do you want to do with it? – Sanji demanded with his arms crossed.

-Here. – Brook handed her the large bottle that was close to where he was sitting.

-Thanks, Brook.

-Oi! Where are you taking the whole bottle? That's an expensive one! – Sanji yelled angrily.

Riko turned to him.

-Do you have another that is cheaper?

-Tell me already what you want it for!

-In order to remove this oil from my clothes, I need to first use some light oil like this, then degrease it and later wash it with hot water. The quality of the olive oil is not very important.

Sanji's face changed from demanding to annoyed but said nothing before quietly and, without moving his eyes or face, had his hand reach a jar with cheaper oil and gave it to her.

Likewise, she took it without a word, gave him the bottle with the finer one, turned on her heel and left.

He clicked his tongue after she left, frustrated.

The others observed with interest.

-What? – Sanji asked annoyed after he noticed.

-Nothing. – The trio said in unison.

After exiting the kitchen, she passed by the corner where Zoro was weight training. Unlike the others, he only looked at her and asked nothing. By then, she already understood he was not the type that asked for details, and she liked that about him.

She headed to her room, which had its own bathroom, and her train of thoughts that had been interrupted before resumed while she showered.

I feel odd today, and I cannot understand why.

She thought about how everyone besides the jerk cook showed concern over something so trivial, though admittedly unusual, as being wet with oil. It had been quite a while since anything of that nature occurred to her. She remembered the survival test she did at Perpetual Night for her final Hunter examination. Her clothes had gotten so dirtied with mud, rain, plants, bugs, sweat and blood that she had to throw them away. Since then, blood and other things had dirtied her clothes often as part of her job.

More than that unusual event, she mused about all the things she had done aboard that ship those days. Listening to someone play music so cheerfully, observing people eating meals as if celebrating a feast, looking around a workshop, laughing, taking it somewhat easy. It feels as though I hadn't done any of that in 5 years… - She pondered.

Suddenly, her habits of keeping guard kicked in. She could feel G.H.O.S.T. approaching.

She had no time to get dressed, so she wrapped a towel around herself, took and unfolded her staff and ran outside, leaving water footprints and drops on the wooden floor.

She was right. There were three that were getting close to Zoro, who kept on swinging up and down the absurdly heavy weights nonchalantly.

She jumped and stuck her staff in the three consecutively because they were lined in a row, and the result was three eerie balls in a stick, a horrifying version of dango.

They shrieked loudly, such that everyone aboard noticed and went over to watch. Then they disappeared.

Riko turned to look at Zoro, who had not stopped his own thing.

-It seems you are alright.

-Yeah. – He affirmed without pausing.

-You should've called for me sooner if you had noticed them.

-It is your job to keep watch on the ship and detect them without needing us to tell you. – He replied, still not pausing.

-I try my best, but remember I'm human. – She replied in the same tone he used, a very normal one that indicated she felt no indignation for his reply because she acknowledged that as true per se.

-A human who is scared of relating to others?

After that one, she reacted and looked at him with widened eyes. She did not know how to respond.

-You pervert! – Sanji yelled.

Riko ignored him and continued looking at Zoro, who did not look at her, standing at his right with her face naked like her body to show her emotions.

-I'm talking to you! – Sanji shouted while grabbing her shoulder to ensure her attention.

She turned to him in a daze with everything her thoughts were processing; she did not even notice him approaching her.

-Nami-San and Robin-Chan are looking! What do you think you're doing wearing the towel like that?! Are you trying to show your nasty balls to the whole world?!

-Eh? – She blinked in confusion.

Before she could ask anything, he pulled down the towel from her chest all the way to her waist.

-This is how a man must wear the towel! – Sanji scolded indignant.

A wave of gasps was heard on the Thousand Sunny.

Because of the angle, the rest of the crew could only observe her bare back, but Sanji and Zoro could see the rest.

Riko was shell-shocked and frozen. That was the first time in her life any man directed any action of that nature to her. Plus, she realized he had just called her a 'man'.

Zoro finally put down the weights. His eyes widened momentarily, mainly staring at Sanji in utter disbelief. Once he recovered within 2 seconds, he grasped Sanji's wrist tightly.

-Let go of that towel. – He commanded with an authoritative air he so rarely used that Sanji effectively let go.

Riko recovered her senses once he let go and quickly lifted the towel to cover her breasts.

She trembled slightly, almost losing her balance but refusing to fall. She took a step towards the blond cook while her head was still facing down.

-Why…Did you do that? – She questioned slowly and softly.

-Because a man is vulgar when wearing the towels like that, especially in the presence of ladies! – He exclaimed, thinking back on how in his dreaded days in Kamabakka Kingdom he would see men doing just that.

-Man? – She asked in the same tone.

-Yes! What? Are you also going to do like the rest and say you're a girl yourself? A man who calls himself a woman is a disgrace, an enemy of men! It's not like I'd believe you now that your flat chest was exposed anyho…

She at last made him finish by punching him in the face so strongly she almost broke his nose. Then she kicked him in the stomach, grabbing one of his arms, pulled and threw him to the ocean.

This made the rest regain the motion they had lost, for they had been as shocked as Riko.

-A-A-A-AH! Sanji! – Chopper shouted before jumping to save him.

-Chopper, fool! – Zoro scolded him before jumping to save him.

Sanji swam by himself to the surface.

While he was at it, Riko stared blankly at the place where she threw him. Her face was red with anger.

Since the others approached her, she turned to them and demanded an explanation since she did not have the patience or mood wait for him to climb up.

-What is with him?! – She exclaimed. – That was not just sexual harassment! It was so disrespectful, even for him! That was way past the line! What's with him calling me a man after he pulled my towel like that?! What is going on?

She had to catch her breath.

The Straw Hat pirates knew not how to answer this. It was one of the few occasions where someone with an authoritative/frightening aura made them feel they had to comply and answer.

-R-Riko… Well… - Brook attempted. – S-Sanji-Kun is…Er…

-Mentally-troubled? – She demanded.

-N-Not exactly, though almost… - Usopp said.

-Stop stalling already and say it. – She crossed her arms, and although she was wet and cold, she did not look any less threatening or upset.

-W-Well… - Nami began trying. – You see, Riko-Chan… Sanji… When he kicked you, he did not know you were a girl, and… And…

Robin touched her shoulder with her warm hand, making her face change to surprise and her arms fall to her sides.

-His policy is to not hurt women. – Robin explained with a serious face. – Even if his life depends on it, he will not kick a woman.

-So when he found out that you were a girl, he fainted, remember? – Franky continued cautiously. – But when he woke up next, he did not remember.

-…And has since then continued to look at you as a man. – Nami finished with a sweat drop at the back of her head. – His mind somehow managed to deform the way he sees you to protect himself from the shock. Your uniform, face and body look like a man's to him. Even now, he still seems to see you that way…Somehow.

Riko stared at them for a whole minute. By then, Zoro climbed to the bow with Chopper and followed by Sanji, even more soaked than Riko.

She found it hard to believe such a stubbornly dumb human existed, but she saw they were not making it up, much to her displeased surprise.

-Riko? – Brook asked.

She did not answer.

-…Are you still mad?

She looked up to see him straight into his dark holes for eyes.

-Would you not be mad if someone just invaded your space like that and insulted you thus?

Brook could not reply. Nobody could because she was not the one wrong.

She turned to Luffy, who looked at her surprised and had yet to say anything. He himself had gotten mad at some who offended him too, and he did understand Sanji went too far by her standards, something which he felt he had no right or reason to dislike.

She simply looked at him, as if saying "you should understand by now that my joining this crew won't work". Then she left to finish her shower and warm up without saying anything else.

-This is bad. – Robin expressed worried.

Chopper coughed some water, but he said he was fine.

Zoro stood up and turned to Sanji, who held his nose in pain.

-That freakin' bastard! I'm gonna get him back for this! He caught me off guard then, but he won't twice!

Before he could stand up, he was trapped against the rail and Zoro's sword, which he had just grabbed. His expression was angry enough to not let him joke.

-She had every to do that, even stabbing you would have been understandable. What you did was wrong. Stop your stupid denial already and accept she's a woman, Dumbass Ero Cook!

-W-What the hell, Marimo?! Wanna go at it? You too are going to go about that stupid thing? You saw his chest; he's a man!

He stood up and turned to the others who watched him.

-Oi! Is no one going to say anything to him?

-That was your fault, Sanji. – Usopp told him, also feeling angry.

-Sanji-Kun, how could you do that to her? – Nami scolded him indignantly.

-N-Nami-San?! – He was shocked to see even her playing along.

-You're lucky she didn't do more than that, Curly Cook. – Franky noted. – And that is something considering what you did deserved more in my book.

-You have disrespected a lady in a very grave manner, Sanji-Kun. – Brook added.

-That was mean of you, Sanji! – Chopper shouted. – Even if she were a man, doing that and saying those stuff was too much! I'm not gonna look at your nose because you deserved it!

-Why are you all siding with him now?!

-Sanji-San. – Robin called him softly.

Sanji stared at her, who seldom looked at him with such a serious expression and voice.

-Riko is a woman. Even if you refuse to accept that as your reality, understand it is the truth the rest of us have. I ask you to please honor that. Never do anything like that again. If you cannot respect her, I'll take it that you cannot respect me either.

-R-Robin-Chan, w-what are y-you saying?!

Robin told him no more and retired.

-She has no reason to feel bad about throwing you to the ocean, even though it's scary in here. – Usopp said and left along with Franky.

The rest also went back to what they were doing until only Luffy was there. His arms were crossed and his face frowning.

-You aren't going to say anything, Sencho? – Sanji asked as he lit a cigarette and sighed.

-I want Riko to join the crew.

-Tch.

-I want you two to get along.

-Don't ask for the impossible.

-Nakama have to get along! – He stated firmly.

Sanji said nothing in response. They remained in silence for a minute. Luffy never stopped looking at him like that, and Sanji did not look back at him as he exhaled smoke.

-…What does it even matter if she's a woman or man?

Sanji left to wander on deck without answering even then.

Riko did not show up for lunch.

Tsk. So wasteful. He must want even more attention after the fuss he made. – Sanji thought.

Then, he could no longer insult her out loud, not when everyone directed stares at him that showed they blamed him.

Brook offered to take her a plate.

-Make it two. – Sanji offered. – He didn't eat anything at breakfast either.

The crew looked at him skeptically, except Luffy, who was busy eating a large chicken leg.

-What? – He asked them.

-So now you're being considerate. – Chopper answered.

-What do you all want me to do? – Sanji replied exhausted.

-Apologize. – The group answered in unison, even Luffy joined.

-Tch. This is going from unbelievable to plain ridiculous. I don't even understand how you can see him as a woman. It's as if he brainwashed all of you. – Sanji mumbled as he left with a tray.

-She didn't. – Brook replied to him since his sense of hearing was good.

There was a pause in which no one talked for some minutes, even though everyone's behavior showed all but Sanji were musing, and it was about the same thing.

-Do you think she'd even accept an apology from Sanji? – Chopper worried.

-He clearly feels no regret about it; he thinks we are all crazy. How could she accept an apology with such an attitude? – Zoro answered gravely before sipping from his sake cup.

-Was it not a bad idea to send her the food with him, then? – Brook asked.

-In any case cannot let much time pass with them like that. – Nami chipped in. – Even this should be better than letting them not speak for days again, right?

-Their interactions are unpredictable; anything could happen. – Robin spoke with narrow eyes.

Usopp sighed and scratched his head frustrated.

Franky gulped down an entire bottle of cola in one go and wiped his mouth with his inner small hand. He assumed a serious air as well.

-Those two have been clashing since they met. This week's mood has been overbearing because of that; it's taking a toll on all of us. Even if we want her to join, it's her call, and it's a fact that Sanji will be in her list of cons. Regardless of what happens next between them, the best thing to do is for us to not make a fuss anymore. Let's let them be to not make things between us and her any more awkward. Capiche?

They nodded in agreement and then turned to the Captain.

Luffy had yet to say a word. His arms were still crossed. He showed them his unshakable determined expression.

-Shinigami Riko will join our crew. – He insisted with strong conviction, such that the others could not retaliate. – I am sure of that. So all of you stop doubting! If you really want her to join, then ask her like you mean it!

He stood up and left, leaving them with plenty to think about.

Zoro had already decided to stay neutral, so he followed Luffy soon after.

Meanwhile, Riko had applied the olive oil and degreaser on her uniform and was scrubbing it clean zealously in her bathroom's sink. That was the best she could do to release her anger. Her face freely grimaced from excessive displeasure. She wore only the same white humid towel because she had nothing else to wear. The previous night, Nami asked her to hand over the clothes she was lent for laundry, and they were yet to be returned to her.

Such a bastard! – She repeated for the umpteenth time in her thoughts. – He's the most insufferable jerk! Even after hitting and throwing him down I feel unsatisfied. He is sick! I can't believe I thought he might be decent! He definitely is messed-up! Even if he really thinks I'm a man, that is no way to treat someone! There is no excuse to disrespect anyone to this extent! I could care less about him confusing my gender, but I will not forgive him for daring to even act offended after such harassment. How would he like it if someone invaded his space, ripped his clothes and then insulted him calling him indecent?! That stupid jerk of a cook, why do I have to deal with him? Am I supposed to just accept his ridiculous condition due to the stupidest policy I've ever heard? It's so sexist too. I've heard and noticed he's unique, but can Luffy seriously expect me to join with all the freaking crap going on?!

-I might just believe that this crew is as crazy as it is said! – She stated aloud.

Then her thoughts suddenly shifted to Robin's eager praising of the Turkish coffee, Franky and Usopp inviting her to their work room, Nami offering the day before to add their Jolly Roger to the cloak she was mending, the time she spent with Zoro in soothing silence that was anything but lonely in the crew's nest she had already taken a liking to, the antics she had seen Chopper and Usopp pull off with their Captain so far, and the songs Brook that had played during those 5 days and still reverberated in her ears.

She bit her lip.

I almost forgot about earlier. Thinking about it more closely, this kind of environment makes me feel awkward because I'm no longer used to it, but, 5 years ago, wouldn't this have been similar to what every day used to be like?

She took a minute to recall those days. Those days, her burdens were not nearly as overbearing as in the present. She was then only a Hunter trainee, always busy with the daunting task of balancing school, training, her part-time job and finding the time to shop for groceries and do the laundry. Still, those were happy days for her. Each day would start with her brother encouraging her with an energetic and confident smile that was even more effective than coffee. His schedule was even more packed than hers, but she never once heard him complain. Doing house chores was not unpleasant when listening to him sing while cleaning with her. No other sound was as soothing to her. Training under him was even more demanding than at Perpetual Night but more meaningful and gave better results. Nothing was easy, but nothing felt exceedingly hard. In the times they could be idle, fooling around, playing music and talking about random trivia was the order of the day and left her refreshed every time. It was not until that which made things bearable was removed from her life drastically that she felt for the first time that living was difficult, a thought she did not fathom even when she could not stand up. It was not until then that she began pursuing a goal instead of happiness, enduring it not with joys but with a deceitful mask acting as her armor.

I've lowered my guard more than usual lately; they have made me feel more at ease than I've been in such a long time (except that imbecile). I…

Her door was knocked on thrice. She blinked as her mind returned from absentmindedness. She noticed her shirt was already clean, and her fingers absorbed enough water to wrinkle entirely.

-Who is it? – She asked despite not being in the mood to talk to anyone.

She heard no reply.

She turned off the faucet, put down her shirt and headed to the door. She heard another knock but did not open it.

-I'm washing my clothes, so I only have a towel on. The clothes lent to me are still in the washing machine. May I please borrow something to wear in the meantime? Something like a shirt, one big enough?

She heard no reply, only footfalls walking away. She opened the door narrowly and found on the floor a tray with pasta, chicken and a glass of iced tea.

She picked it up but felt no desire to eat it. She was in no mood to eat that cook's food despite knowing it would taste very good due to resentment. However, her belief that wasting food is inexcusable was even stronger. She put the tray on the table inside. When she turned to the door she did not close she found a hand holding a black dress shirt sticking out. She wordlessly took it, identifying the person behind the door. He closed the door immediately and walked away.

Riko scoffed in disbelief.

-You won't even bother to try apologizing, huh? – She nodded. – Alright, have it your way.

She put on the black shirt. The size was comfortable and reached her thighs. She looked at her reflection in the bathroom's mirror, and her mouth pouted slightly at the image. It was clear who the owner was. She tried to convince herself it was perfectly plausible for the guys in the crew to have a dress shirt available for some occasions although they are pirates, but the size and style were obvious giveaways. Finally, she decided not to care it was his shirt.

Pride is not something worth catching a cold over. – She concluded with a sour feeling.

Outside, Sanji walked displeased.

-Why do I have to lend my clothes to that sickening shinigami? – He muttered bitterly, frustrated his cigarette was not enough to relieve his frustration.

It became official that he is the only man in that ship with more than two or three sets of clothes. Everyone else's clothes were also in the washing machine, so much to his frustration only he had anything available to lend Riko.

-Did you apologize yet, Sanji? – Luffy, who seemed to appear out of nowhere, asked without any warning.

-He's getting dressed right now. – He replied coldly.

-You're giving her space for that even though you think she's a man? – Zoro barged in just as unexpectedly.

-Tch. And have him make a fuss about it all over again? I'll pass.

-At least it can be assumed you won't be doing that again.

-Get off my back already, Marimo. I'm tired of this pointless prank.

-This isn't a prank, moron.

-You…! – He hissed and was getting ready to charge a kick his way.

-Sanji. – Luffy called, interrupting him; his voice tone was too serious to ignore. – I want her to join our crew.

-I know. You have been saying that all week long. – Sanji frowned tiredly.

-Do you hold something against her?

-Of course I do! It's like everyone is deceived by him!

-Other than that, what else do you hold against her? – Zoro questioned. – From the very beginning, your attitude towards Riko has been unlike you. You must have another reason.

He said nothing, but neither did the other two.

-I simply dislike him. – He finally answered. – From the very beginning, I have had a bad feeling about him. Not just any bad feeling, but a premonition, if you want to call it that. It keeps repeating itself suddenly and makes my skin crawl. I keep feeling something horrible will happen if he sticks around. I do not know what, but my gut tells me it should be avoided…

The Captain and unofficial first mate stared at him intently. That was not expected from Sanji, who usually is a logical person except when it came to women, which was surprisingly not the case here.

-I do not feel any such thing about her. – Zoro responded after a pause. - Even though we cannot trust her fully yet, I sense no ill intentions in her.

Luffy remained silent.

Sanji smirked humorlessly and closed his eyes.

-I knew you would shake it off. Yes, forebodings are vague and inaccurate things. If it weren't because I myself feel it, I would laugh it off as nothing special as well.

-Even if it were to become true, one person cannot destroy our crew after all this time.

Luffy touched the top of his hat and moved it such that it shaded his eyes; it was somehow enough to convey he agreed with Zoro.

-I will hope you are right then. – He said before turning and walking away.

Zoro then turned to Luffy.

-Luffy, why do you want Riko to join the crew? Besides that you find her interesting, that is. He thinks she will bring danger with her. That is not unlikely considering she is running away from this place. The longer it has been since we met her, the more you keep insisting she'll join.

Luffy frowned and stared at him stubbornly.

-I have seen you together with her before. You two are nakama already. Robin, Brook, Franky, Chopper and Usopp too want her to stay. Nami too. There does not need to be another reason. That is good enough.

Zoro looked away, staring deeply at the fog, concentrating.

-You are right.

From a nearby corner, Sanji was still able to listen to them. He sighed heavily while exhaling a cloud of smoke that the wind carried until it was undistinguishable from the eerie mist surrounding him.

There was someone else who also heard…

Riko was unaware of that conversation.

She finished the food brought to her in an instant. Even though she initially was reluctant to eat it, she remembered she ate too little during breakfast. She was not satisfied and wished for more but dared not to go to the kitchen, fearing she'd be spotted by the others, and at the time she was not sure how to treat any of them after having lost it earlier (even if for a very understandable reason), especially Zoro. She also did not want to hear Luffy's request of joining his crew anymore.

After she finished washing her uniform, she attempted to take a nap but could not fall asleep due to the myriads of thoughts and worries she felt, all regarding her future.

Exactly 15 meters behind Thousand Sunny, emerged a small rowing boat from the fog. It was too small to be detected among that dark mist. Lady Claes Gilmore rowed it while still balancing on her head the same thick textbook she had earlier. Her face remained as blank as expected, always serious and composed, never fazed or changing even once no matter what she did. Lord Ray D. Vidar stood up and observed the giant vessel.

-Well, what do you know? Yuriko has been traveling all this time with none other than the Straw Hat crew. I would not have guessed it would be them that would end up here, never mind give her a ride. Such an unlucky catch for them; why is she giving them trouble? – He expressed while staring at the ship in deep thought.

Claes said nothing in reply as she stared at the ship.

-There's no doubt she's there. – He said before pulling out a Den Den Mushi. – We have spotted Yuriko Mellangel aboard the Straw Hat Pirates' ship, 9 km from Perpetual Sin…

Both Council members' heads were filled with several thoughts besides Yuriko's capture, and neither would have guessed correctly what the other was thinking about.

Inside the ship, for the umpteenth time that day, Riko's train of thoughts were interrupted, this time by another knock on her door.

She got up and slowly opened the door narrowly, just wide enough to peek and identify Zoro. She opened it fully then.

-Yes? – She asked feeling awkward, realizing that even if Sanji didn't see her chest as it was, Zoro had.

-I brought you more food. – He answered plainly.

She took the tray he brought and was happy to see the 6 plates in it.

He let himself in with her as she sat down to eat eagerly, recalling she was hungry.

-If you are so hungry, why don't you go to the kitchen to fetch food yourself? – He reproached without sounding demanding.

Riko did not reply. She could not think of an excuse.

Her eyes followed him as he sat down a white chair near her side.

-Ero-Cook… - Zoro began.

She paused, froze her hand holding the fork with dangling spaghetti. Her mouth was sealed. She did not want to talk about him. She did not want to say aloud all the curses she thought about him inside because she did not want the situation to be worse, especially with him, the one person aboard who she had come to feel most comfortable with.

-Isn't that one of his shirts? – He observed calmly.

-Yeah. – She decided to give short replies, the kind that would not give her away easily.

-It does not seem as though he has apologized yet, though.

-He hasn't. - She answered calmly and paused to take another bite of another meatball.

-He will soon enough. What will you do then?

-I cannot say yet. If he means it, I most likely will accept his apology.

Briefly, both of them remained silent. The only noises heard were those of her fork and plate.

-You do not know this, but he has not been himself since he met you. – He resumed.

-He hates me that much, huh? – She stated half-jokingly with a tired expression.

-I am not saying this to defend him. – Zoro clarified. – However, it seems he has not been acting that way due to denial only.

-Does he have another grudge against me? – She asked softly.

-Just now, he said he has a feeling that getting involved with you will bring bad consequences. – He paused and continued after seeing she was not going to reply. – Would you say he is not wrong? Will it still be so simple to forgive him after implying that?

She gulped down half the water in her glass. Her expression remained serious.

-When it comes to short-term acquaintances, there is no reason why these things would not be simple. – She persisted stubbornly. - As for his foreboding, nobody knows the future, but I would not say he's wrong. I already said I'm being pursued by the Hunter's Council. It will not take long before the Navy gets involved due to the treatise the Organization has with the World Government. It would not be surprising if a poster with a bounty on my head were published. I am sure the Chief will do everything he can to catch me. As of now, he and the rest of the Council must be looking for me. They are all formidable, but so is this crew.

She made a subtle smile halfheartedly and narrowed her red eyes sadly. He took in that image with all its bitterness, the type that not even someone who could drink sake like water could find pleasant.

-You say 'short-term acquaintances', but did you not complicate things yourself earlier when you got mad after finding out you are not trusted?

Her red irises contracted for a brief moment. She turned to look at him with her lips slightly agape. She stopped herself when she was about to respond. "I wasn't mad. Why would I? Wasn't I the one who said I did not mind?" She was unable to lie when her gaze was held tightly by Zoro's incisive eyes that could discern false from true.

He narrowed his eyes earnestly.

-You… Have you thought of joining this crew after all?

She chewed slowly and composed. Inwardly, she was resigning herself. She drank more water while wishing it was instead the sake he had offered to her all week long but which she mostly rejected. She attempted to grin, but the result was an enhanced reflection of the bitterness she felt while uttering words, telling on herself. It was another inkling of her past, of how long it had been since she had been able to express herself openly to anybody, a question Zoro wondered about earlier that week but had yet to ask.

-This is a brash thing to say but, when I came across you, I felt relieved. I must escape for the sake of my goal, but I still did not want to involve other people and put them in danger. I was glad it was this crew out of everyone else it could have been. Considering your reputation, I know you will be able to be safe even if the Council members go after you.

She had yet to close her mouth after saying that when Zoro stood up rapidly from the chair where he sat, such that the latter fell backwards and made a loud noise when it clashed with the wooden floor. Riko turned to him; he had her full attention guaranteed then. She noted his scowl deepened. She had expected him to be mad with her reply beforehand, but he was not mad but instead, to her greatest surprised, resembled a disappointed but commanding sibling lecturing his sister.

-Are you underestimating us? – He slowly but harshly and gravely asked.

-That is not what I meant. – She did not delay her answer then. – Sincerely, I cannot know what would happen if you faced the Hunters of the Council, which side would be victorious. However, it does not matter; there is no reason that should happen because I have not joined you…

-Luffy was there when Sanji brought up his 'premonition'. – He interrupted her firmly. – Despite that, he still insists he wants you to join.

Her eyes, previously half-closed with resignation, became wide open like books.

-He looks like a perfect moron. He is in more ways than one, but when he said that, he understood the risks. His confidence is not unjustified, but it is nonetheless something he agreed to knowingly. I wouldn't say anything if you meant what you say, but you know well that is not so.

His every word was a dart that hit her bull's eye.

-Do not belittle my Captain; that is not something I'll ever allow.

Just how perceptive is he? – Riko thought while feeling cold sweat trickling from her forehead. – After only some days, he can see this deep into me? Or is it that I have always been transparent…? No, it's due to both things. I had already noticed he is a lot sharper than the average person. He is not someone I could easily trick, but I've lowered my guard around him all this time…

-You want trust?

His sudden question froze her train of thoughts.

-What…? – She barely managed to ask, very softly.

-If you want my trust, start by answering honestly both to me and to yourself. – He scolded.

She was yet to notice she was shaking, especially her lips that kept growing more agape.

What is this…? I haven't felt this vulnerable in years…

-What do you want to do?

I want to look away, but I can't. His look won't release me until I answer. So this is the man formerly known as the Pirate Hunter, the first mate of the infamous Straw Hat Pirates… I am starting to understand why the Navy takes them seriously.

With willpower, she was able to stop her lips from shaking as if cold and bit them closed for several seconds. Similarly, she managed to blink her eyes twice though not to free them from the earnest and piercing look that locked them. When she finally relaxed her mouth, her lips were pale and sore, which she did purposely to keep her control over them intact.

-That does not matter. – She finally spoke, softly but at least steadily. – What I want the most is to achieve my objective. I have time for nothing else… I cannot do it if I travel with you.

-Why not? – An unexpected voice barged in.

The effect of Zoro's imprisoning stare was released. Both of them turned to Robin, who gently pushed the door that was previously left ajar.

She walked inside slowly, clacking her pink heels on the floor.

-Robin… - Riko was surprised mostly at the fact that she did not notice her presence before.

-Before, in addition to explaining basics of G.H.O.S.T. and Hunters, you said you are running away from Scholar Island and the Hunters Organization. You are yet to tell us why, or what your objective is. – Robin spoke calmly with a somewhat sad undertone. – Are you absolutely sure you cannot accomplish it if you stay here?

For the second time in a row after many years, Riko felt weak against someone else. Robin's deep blue orbs made her want to yield, it was reaching that part of her that was feeling warm in that ship's atmosphere, which turned out to be anything but what she expected when she made the deal with Straw Hat Luffy.

Her lips parted shaking, full of uncertainty that only seemed enhanced by their dryness.

-I…

In an instance in which timing is as dramatic as it can be, the entire ship shook violently, causing everyone aboard to trip. The shrill noise reverberated all throughout.

Zoro, Luffy, Sanji and Riko were the first ones to recuperate their equilibrium.

This event at last made Zoro's patience end; he angrily opened the door and hurried outside.

Robin stood up slowly, holding her head because it hit the bed when she fell. She rubbed it softly while turning to Riko, whose gaze was fixed on the food that was spilled over the floor. Seeing her scowl reminded her she had said before she hated wasting food, the only thing she seemed to have in common with Sanji.

Riko later turned to her, and her scowl disappeared when she noticed the red scratch on her brow.

She hastily approached her and inspected the wound, saying no words or even meeting her eyes.

-I'm alright, Riko. – Robin told her.

She was feeling impatient to find out what had happened and was also thinking it too sudden a change in contrast to the mood a mere minute before.

-Yeah, fortunately this is just a scrape. – She observed with a tone that revealed she was hardly listening to her.

She dampened the hand towel from her bathroom and gave it to her.

-Use it to press for about 10 minutes. Put on some cream from a first-aid kit afterwards. – She indicated before stepping out.

Robin followed after a couple of seconds, but by then her curiosity about the ship was halved. Due to the many happenings of that eventful day that was not over yet, she had momentarily forgotten everything but the million-belli question regarding Riko's decision, forgotten the reasons Riko had come across as a desirable nakama to begin with.

She quickly decided she would wait before asking her again.

When she stepped out, she immediately noticed the fog surrounding them was different from before. It gave off the same sinister feelings, but it was not as dark anymore; it was possible to tell it was daytime.

She looked around while holding the towel to her head and found the rest of the crew looking around, also wondering about the change in their surroundings. More surprisingly, some of them were climbing down.

She walked to the rail, and her eyes opened widely. Her eyebrows arched in the process, hurting her scrape slightly, too slightly for her to care in consideration of the view she saw.

Thousand Sunny was on top of land.

-How could this even happen? – Nami expressed with a flabbergasted expression she had worn for a couple of minutes already.

Franky's expression was deadly serious as he slowly walked around and cautiously examined the damage.

-Franky! How is it?! – Usopp urged him while standing behind him.

Franky was not answering. Usopp used his own eyes to witness the ship. As an amateur shipwright, he would say the damage was not heavy, but gulped at the thought he could be wrong. Along with Usopp, the rest were also waiting for Franky's assessment.

-Sunny-go should be fine, right? – Chopper asked worried.

-Don't jinx it, Chopper! - Brook exclaimed. - I'm already nervous about it! Don't make me stress more! I don't have nerves to stress, though. Yohohohoho!

Down there, Robin also spotted Sanji smoking what seemed like the third pack in the day already. His gaze was cold and fixated upwards to her left. She turned and found Zoro with his arms crossed, taking in the situation. Next to him stood Riko, who looked more shocked than the rest. Her fist covered her mouth. Her eyebrows were frowning. Her eyes' absentminded stare hinted she was worried about the situation for reasons besides theirs.

At last, Franky turned around and faced Usopp.

-So…? – Usopp asked anxiously.

-Sunny-go is fine. – Franky replied quickly and seriously.

Some of his crewmates sighed from relief when hearing this.

-Goodness, Franky! You were looking at it from all possible angles with such a serious face! Why would you scare us like that? – Usopp commented as he let relief sink in.

-Oi. I made this ship with the best materials in the world. – Franky quickly defended with one arched eyebrow while pointing at himself. – Adam wood, Usopp! Adam wood! Don't underestimate this ship!

-Then what did you make all that fuss for? – Usopp replied.

-Because it doesn't make sense. – Franky stated, back to exacting mode.

-What doesn't? – Nami asked.

- It's true that the radar sensors have not been working very well since we entered the Forbidden Radius, but, even if we couldn't see a thing in the dark fog, they should have still worked fine if it was to detect land. The only land close to us was a small island 9 kilometers west from where we were.

-Eh? – Nami asked startled. – How could that be? We have stayed in the same course for 2 days already! How could we be here when we were going in the opposite direction?

-What's more, I took a very close look at the damage and analyzed the possible causes. I kept double-checking because I could not believe my own eyes, but, from the way Sunny-go shook when we landed here, you should all realize this. We did not slide here. We fell from above.

-EH?! – Usopp exclaimed shocked, followed by Brook and Chopper.

-F-Fell from above?! – Nami thought she heard wrong as well.

-Just how…? – Robin began and then interrupted herself.

She looked at Riko again, and it dawned on her why she wore that expression.

-Miss Shinigami, do you have an explanation for this? – Franky called her.

Riko closed her eyes with a resigned air, dropped her arm and walked closer to him so that everyone could hear her.

-The problem was not the navigation. – She began, speaking and looking somberly. – Franky has guessed correctly; we fell from above.

Nami brought her hand to her mouth, Chopper gasped, and Usopp gulped and assumed a grim expression

-As I said before, I am being pursued by the Hunters Council. – She continued in the same manner. – This is Claes's doing.

-Claes? – Nami questioned. – Hold on, you're saying this is a person's doing?!

-Claes Gilmore is member of the Council. – Riko explained. – She is the user of the Kanmon-Kanmon no mi, which gives her the power to link things and places and move or connect them via portals or gateways. It is within her power to move even a ship as big as Thousand Sunny.

She gave it a few moments for them to process what she said.

-This must mean they've found you. – Robin stated solemnly.

Once she had the others' attention, Sanji at last noticed she held a towel with a tiny red spot to her head. He arched both eyes surprised and almost dropped his cigarette.

-Yes. – Riko continued while talking to her in the same manner as before, pushing aside the conversation that had taken place in her room. – Claes must be observing us from a distance. It's possible someone else is with her…

-ROBIN-CHAN! – Sanji interrupted her, hurrying to where Robin stood.

He rapidly kept giving circles around Robin, squatting and standing up again from several angles. Robin remained unfazed, still thinking about the situation.

-Oi, Chopper! Robin-chan is injured; come and take a look! – Sanji called.

-It's not necessary, Sanji. – Robin finally acknowledged him and answered. – It's only a scrape; Riko already saw it.

They all turned to Riko again.

There was not much to that statement for most of them, but situations such as that added up to reasons why the crew (in its majority) was in favor of her joining them. Zoro and Robin saw more meaning to that action. Riko herself realized she was contradicting herself with her actions, but the situation they were in had far more priority; she took advantage she regained their attention.

-Headquarters must have already been informed of our location. - She proceeded.

-Speaking of which, where are we? – Nami asked. – The mist in this place is not as dense.

-This is Perpetual Sin. – She answered gravely. – This islet is often referred to as the reflection of Perpetual Mist, the islet where we met, because it's exactly on the opposite side of Scholar Island with respect to it, the islet where we met. It is divided in two parts. This part receives some daylight. The other side is as dark as the rest of the Forbidden Radius.

-This place looks inhabited around here. Are there any Marines or Hunters in this place? – Chopper took a turn asking.

-No, which is the only fortunate thing about our position, but it hardly counts. This situation is quite dire. – She deepened her scowl.

-Well, it'll be easy to get Sunny-go into water again, but it will take time. – Franky informed.

-Can't we use Coup de Burst? – Usopp suggested.

-Riko said before that using that was likely to get us lost rather than outside the Radius. – Nami replied.

-Since it has become like this, it's the best we can do. – Riko asserted.

-That is what I have in mind as well, but we will need at least 2 barrels of cola. Our supply has grown very short also. – Franky indicated.

-It will be enough if we also use the cola that was going to fuel the oven, right? – Usopp proposed.

Time froze briefly as one of Riko's eyebrows trembled.

I-It was cola after all… How does that work for fuel…?

-We'll have to transfer it into barrels again. The problem is that we already started heating the oven up. It's not going to let the containers be open until it cools down again. It'll take about an hour at least. – Franky frowned and fixed pushed his sunglasses up his metallic nose bridge. – If Riko is right about us being watched now, then the situation is indeed troublesome.

-It's only an hour. – Zoro commented. – Defending the ship that long with everyone here should not be much of a problem.

-I'm afraid it could be. – Riko opposed. – There is a reason why this islet is uninhabited.

She let the last words sink in.

-Whoever stays in this ground for a certain period of time will start hallucinating.

-Ha-Hallucinating?! – Chopper exclaimed.

-You mean we're going to go nuts?! – Brook followed.

-For real?! – Usopp panicked.

-It is not known exactly how it happens, but I assure you it's true. Something on Perpetual Sin has the ability to stimulate hallucinations in people. Moreover, they are always the unpleasant type. Most victims show scarring or enter depression after hallucinating here, saying they remembered things they did not want to… In the past, this islet was used for executions, with the purpose of letting the sentenced ones remember their sins and remorse to mentally torture them before killing them.

-Hence why this place is known as Perpetual Sin… - Robin inferred.

-Yes. Several scientists have attempted studying this place, but every one of them lost sanity before making much progress. However, they were able to produce estimates. It varies from one person to another, but, in this light part of the islet, the average is an hour before hallucinations begin.

-O-One hour…? – Nami, Chopper, Brook and Usopp freaked out in unison.

-It is not really my intention to order anybody here, but I believe this is what must be done. I don't suppose you disagree, Capt…

She trailed off when she realized Luffy was nowhere on her field of view even if she turned around. Moreover, the rest understood and seemed to have no idea either.

-Where is Luffy? – Riko asked Franky.

-I don't know everything, Miss Shinigami.

-Ah! – Usopp exclaimed. - Just when Franky started looking at the ship, Luffy also came down here but I think he later went off on his own.

Riko directed a look of disbelief at Usopp, which felt uncharacteristic of her usually composed self.

-You should've said that earlier! – She stated with blatant worry written all over her face.

-S-Sorry… - Usopp apologized feeling awkward and with a sweat drop behind his head.

Riko quickly climbed up the ship and headed to her room to fetch her weapon and put on her shoes.

Franky had already gone to stop the oven.

-I must go. If he wanders off too far, he might go to the dark side of Perpetual Sin. – She informed the rest.

-Earlier, you said it takes about an hour for our minds to start hallucinating while on this side. – Robin asked. – Then, is it not the same on the dark side?

-Over there it can start as soon as in half an hour. – Riko stated grimly.

-That idiot. – Nami declared bringing her palm to her face. – He always gets in trouble without even realizing it.

-Wait, Riko! – Usopp urged from below. – You said you're going to find Luffy? What if G.H.O.S.T. come here?! If you're away…

-Don't worry. – Riko uttered firmly and with resolve. – Of course I don't plan to leave you unprotected.

She took a deep breath. Upright, she lifted her arms and held her hands open with the palms parallel to each other.

-All of you, stay away from me until I drop my arms. Do not get close no matter what. – She warned grimly.

She closed her eyes, not giving them time to make a question. Slowly, her entire body emitted a black light, which kept concentrating between her palms. The feelings it gave to the crew as they watched with varying levels of surprise and interest were unpleasant, as if the air they breathed had suddenly turned heavy and almost sickening. They understood then why she told them not to get close. Riko's face showed extraordinary focus that even Zoro found impressive. Franky stepped out of the factory in the middle of the process and soon felt the same displeasing feelings as the rest.

Sanji's guts felt the same as whenever he had the foreboding he had talked about before. He gritted his teeth to bear with it.

After a minute, the black light of energy was entirely on her hands in the shape of an ominous sphere. She finally opened her red eyes, revealing the kind of look only someone making a move with great resolve can do. The pirates could then understand that what she was doing was taking a big toll on her body.

She threw the eerie black bundle above her head. It spread until it surrounded the ship, forming an almost-transparent barrier. The ominous feelings it caused in them then disappeared.

Riko dropped her arms wearily and took some deep breaths. She was sweating.

-What was that about? – Usopp asked with one eyebrow shaking nervously.

-As you know, Hunters use a special form of energy to attack G.H.O.S.T. – She answered when she caught her breath. - It is formally known as Sigurd. That is what I just extracted from my body. The barrier you see will protect you from G. .T. if they approach this place, so be at ease. It should last long enough for me to find the Captain and return.

-How come you didn't do this before instead of bothering to fight each G.H.O.S.T. by yourself all this time?

-Because it takes too much out of me to do frequently. – She answered bluntly.

She then jumped down the ship and made haste to find Luffy, not giving them the opportunity to ask more about Sigurd, though they understood why she was in a hurry.

-How…? – Chopper wondered aloud. – How can she withstand this thing, Sigurd? My head ached and my nose was hot while she gathered enough to make this barrier…

-She trained in order to use it, didn't she? – Usopp suggested, feeling slightly irritated by everything that was happening.

-But she's human! – Chopper insisted worriedly. – Unless she was born knowing how to use it, it must have been very hard and painful while training. I cannot even imagine the toll it must have had in her then if even now it leaves her breathless.

-Goes to show she meant business when she talked seriously about her job. – Franky said.

-Even though she talked about it before, only now I understand. – Nami spoke with half-closed eyes and a hint of lament.

-I knew Riko is a strong girl. – Brook thought out loud. – This is not the best time to think about it, but I wonder… Seeing her go this far for our Captain, does she perhaps consider joining us after all?

-You're right; this isn't the best time to think of that. – Nami answered frowning. – We have other things to worry about.

-True. Then… How come she was wearing only a shirt? I could almost see her panties. Yohohoho…!

He trailed off when he was hit in the head both by Nami and by Robin, who used her power.

-I'm seriously worried about Riko going off on her own. – Chopper frowned. – She clearly got very tired just from putting up this barrier. Shouldn't we go with her?

-That will give her more trouble. – Robin opposed. – If G.H.O.S.T. appear before us while outside this barrier, she'll have to protect us as well as herself and Luffy, wearing herself even further.

-Still! – Chopper persisted.

-…That is why only one of us can go. – Robin continued.

-Robin! – Chopper cried happily.

-I volunteer. – She offered.

Robin turned to look at her nakama while her eyes stated she would not take objections of her going. Then she noticed she could not find Sanj, whose expression and body language she was interested in checking.

-Where is Sanji? – She asked.

-Eh? He was standing there by the rail just now. – Nami pointed at the place where he was.

-He just left. – Zoro said.

-WHAT?! – His crewmates except Robin exclaimed in united surprise.

-Shouldn't you have stopped him? – Franky asked nervously.

-No. He still hasn't apologized to her like Luffy told him to.

-This isn't the time for that! – Nami pointed out.

-It should be fine, Nami-Chan. – Robin called calmly. – Even if he dislikes her, he won't hurt her. He is reliable, so he will for sure be of more help to her than he will be a burden.

Claes Gilmore watched everything unfold on the rowing boat from a large crystal ball. The ball was on the lap of a woman. She appeared to be no older than her late-forties since her face barely had two wrinkles. Overall she was attractive and emitted a sophisticated air. Her hair was wavy, white and bright like silk and reached her chest. She wore jeans and a plain gray long-sleeved shirt. Her expression at the moment did not say much as she observed the ball. Her grey eyes, nevertheless, were always very deep and reflected wisdom and knowledge far beyond what could be imagined.

-Yuriko even performed Sigurd extraction to protect that pirate crew. – Claes observed softly.

-Five years were not enough to bury her humane side. – The older woman replied with a composed but not emotionless voice. – To throw away everything and live solely for one purpose is not an easy thing to do, even for someone as determined as her.

-Does that mean the Straw Hat Pirates have reached her? In so little time? – Claes let some interest be heard in her voice very faintly; few could have caught that despite being considered shocking from her part because few knew her well enough.

-That crew's Captain has a charisma of fearsome proportions. – The woman replied to her, closing her eyes. – Even Yuriko has been touched. It is not too surprising, however. Despite having buried herself for 5 years, all the attacks her persona withstood were futile to begin with. There was always only one way to take off her mask, and it was not until now that she encountered it. The longer she wore that mask, the harder it became to separate from it, but the louder her heart cried.

-Unexpectedly, this was for the best. The two of them would have been glad.

-Three of them.

-I have the impression Yuriko herself has not accepted this, however.

-It's only a matter of time before she does, very little time.

-KIA, you are good at predicting the future.

-I've already told you I cannot see the future. That is not required when it comes to predicting most things. Right now what I worry about is Ray D. Vidar.

-He is yet to make a move even though he's also watching them. What is his plan?

-We know his aim, but we cannot foresee the approach he'll take.

That moment, Riko was rushing towards the dark side of Perpetual Sin. She was already tired, and it did not help she had not eaten enough to compensate for all the energy she employed in creating the Sigurd barrier, but it was for circumstances such as those that training was useful for. Among the Hunters of the Council, although she was not the smartest, the most charismatic nor the strongest, she was the one with the highest endurance. Rumor had it it was due to her Devil Fruit effects despite her exhaustion not being the slightest bit cured.

She first hurried along the border of light and darkness. When she did not find him, she resigned herself to enter the riskier side with a deep sigh.

-What's that sigh for? This is all your fault to begin with.

She turned to Sanji surprised.

-W-What are you doing here? – She asked with red eyes wide open.

-You think we're going to entrust our Captain to you so easily?

-Go back to the ship. – She replied annoyed while massaging a side of her forehead with her tired eyelids almost closed; he was the last person she wanted to deal with.

-I don't follow your orders. – He replied. – You are not even a nakama!

She opened her eyes again and scowled.

-I already explained it's dangerous for you to be here! Stop being so unreasonable and go back; you're only a burden if you stay here. – She made one last attempt while struggling to remain calm after hearing him.

I would never want to be your nakama…

-I won't! You're forgetting you don't have our trust yet, just like you don't trust us either! You think I will just leave Luffy up to someone like you? I followed you to make sure you don't slack off and come back later saying you got there too late. You could try that to make your job easier! I came here knowing you have enough reason to feed me to G.H.O.S.T. willingly, but I don't care! I don't want to be protected by the likes of you!

Riko lost her serious countenance that instant for many reasons: her tired condition she was pushing while low in energy, the stress about their situation in which the pirates' Captain could at that moment be going crazy or being possessed while at the high risk of encountering other Hunters from the Council and possible reinforcements, and their strenuous and more stressful situation made worse by the hours-long incident in addition to him causing her even more trouble while the aforementioned were taking place simultaneously.

Very fast, Riko brought her unfolded weapon up close to his face as if it were knife she could threaten him with. He did not flinch or blink at the sudden movement, but he could not be entirely unfazed when his eyes met hers. Their natural red was the most suiting possible color for the glare she threw at him. It was not just indignant but also had a mix of resolve and piercing fierceness that could be both frightening and astounding with the amount of strength it conveyed, the kind that did not allow one to underestimate her even if desired. It was the embodiment of a look that kills. He was certain it could penetrate the spirits and hearts of the weak-willed, for it caused even him to become wearier and up his guard. It was astonishing she could even wear those eyes when only half-clad; in his shirt, no less.

-Kisama… 'Insufferable' is an understatement to describe how excruciatingly unendurable you are! – She spoke with an even more overwhelming voice and intent than the earful had given him days before in Robin's room. – I don't care what you think of me. I cannot care any less about how you perceive my gender or your immature mumbling behind my back. Regardless, I already warned you I won't put up with your crap. I will not let you get away with badmouthing me as a Hunter! I dare you right now to state even one occasion in which I did not comply with my duty! Pinpoint one instance that implies I do my job half-assedly! I dare you!

Sanji remained silent. Both of them knew he could not have any objections; by then she already was aware he spoke driven by his premonition instead of solid evidence.

After a moment of her attacking with her eyes and his simply defending, she continued.

-I don't know a thing about clairvoyance nor do I believe in it. I won't deny I knew beforehand I could bring you all trouble. I know this is my fault, but do you see me avoiding the responsibility yet? The only reason I still asked you selfishly for transport is because you're the Straw Hat Pirates! Knowing what your Captain has done lately and 2 years ago, I believed you all could survive even if this happened!

The way she spoke, despite being overwhelming, was such that her uttered words could only be sincere. Sanji was caught off guard by the unexpected trust she was expressing in them.

-Moreover, I will not let you be dragged down with me even if I fall. – She continued in a manner less intimidating and more unfaltering. – Even if it means losing all I've worked for the past five, rather thirteen, years, I would never ruin others out of feeling miserable myself, especially people like that crew!

She was leaving him speechless. His heartbeats were betraying his intent of doubting her words.

-Your nakama insist you're actually a very smart and logical person. I don't know about that, but if you do have a grain of reason within you, stop fearing what is yet to happen. Don't give up so easily to despair before even a breeze of the storm passes by! – She berated. – Zoro told me about your premonition. Even if you cannot help feeling it, even if it is something that otherworldly, Luffy does not believe it himself; Zoro told me he is confident I'm no threat to such a strongly-bonded crew.

Sanji's lower lip trembled slightly.

-Robin also doesn't seem to believe it. I bet everything your Captain won't buy it either. I am not part of the crew, so it's one thing if I don't know how to trust you, but shouldn't you have faith in them? – She scolded angrily. – Do you think I'm scum who would just watch if anyone at all was attacked by G.H.O.S.T.? Especially people like them, who you already know so well, you think I wouldn't even bother with them?!

Captured by her words, look and expression, he did not even realize she went for his collar until she grabbed it roughly and tightly.

-You think I would have exhausted myself extracting my Sigurd for your sakes if I wanted to make my job easy? You think I'll abandon them? You think I regret saving even an ass like you?! Do you have a clue how precious life is?! I would never distinguish which ones are worth saving or use my grudges as filters for who I care to save! I never thought of myself as a god who can judge that! Even if it were you, I would save you again two or eighteen times; I don't give a damn if you want me to or not! Don't talk about me like you know me; you don't one bit!

Once Riko finished talking, she felt the increased energy deficit but refused to show it; still, Sanji noticed by how her hold weakened, and her hand soon fell. He could not believe his own speechlessness; he had been utterly defeated.

How could this okama be getting to me…? …What is it about this person that is so unnerving? I'm seeing a side that could be dangerous yet I cannot doubt him now…? I knew all along I was being impossible. I could not even control myself with the uneasiness I keep getting from him; I am simply sure he's going to be trouble…Yet I can't say anything now; I can't find my voice to retaliate at all.

-WOAH! – A familiar voice exclaimed from a distance.

Both the cook and G.H.O.S.T. Hunter, who were each focused on nothing but the other in a visual battle, were harshly reminded of their situation by that interruption.

-That's Luffy! – Sanji finally spoke though a little huskily.

Riko quickly headed inside the darkness in the direction where she heard his voice from. Sanji, in the end, did not go back to the ship and hurried the same way as her.

The darker surroundings meant a reduction of the field of view, but it was still possible to see a number of skeletal remains of the past punished sinners, mountains of them. The atmosphere was instantly eerie enough to be the envy of any horror house.

Riko's exhaustion ceded when the rush she felt took over as she imagined the worst. She stopped when she no longer knew where to go.

-It was from over there. – Sanji pointed a way.

Riko followed in agreement of it being the most likely possibility. Both were too concerned about Luffy to care about running side by side.

-Sugooooii! – They heard Luffy again.

Riko hurried further north. Sanji followed at the same pace but scowled after hearing his Captain's obvious excitement. He lit up a cigarette on the way.

Effectively, they found him safe and sound. He was obliviously playing with one of the skeletons, much to Sanji's disturbance. Riko on the other hand gave up trying to remain strong and allowed herself to gasp for air while supporting her hands above her knees. Both of them felt a sweat drop forming behind their heads not being enough to cool off their anger at him.

-Sanji, Shinigami Riko! This one also has an afro, and it's blond! – Luffy said enthusiastically with stars of interest in his eyes.

Both Sanji and Riko grimaced as they paid closer attention and reckoned he was not lying. There was another skeleton besides Brook's whose afro had remained, some anonymous blond John Doe's.

Sanji almost dropped his cigarette from his mouth and barely exhaled the smoke inside his lungs instead of coughing it from shock.

Riko brought her palm to her face before turning to Luffy with an annoyed visage.

-Even if you don't know this is Perpetual Sin, how can you recklessly come here and explore when the ship landed here in such as suspicious manner?

-Franky said Sunny-go is fine. – He replied with an innocent face while poking the blond afro.

-T-That's not what I mean…

-Don't bother. He's just being who he is. – Sanji replied humorlessly.

-In any case, you need to move out of here; at least come to the lighter side. If you remain here, your brain will soon start suffering hallucinations that could make you remember particularly sensitive points of your…

She trailed off when she noticed he was too entranced with the blond afro, which had some blood stains.

-He's not listening…

-Of course he isn't. Don't you already know his short attention span and obsession with weird stuff? – He scolded before walking closer to him. – Oi, Luffy! We need to get going. If we stay here, you're going to go nuts. Not in a good way but in a way that we'll have to lock you up in a mad house. You can't become Pirate King like that.

Luffy's rubber finger stopped in the middle of its curious poking. Its owner slowly turned to Sanji with wide open eyes. It was the first time Riko observed such panic in that willful person's eyes.

-For real? – He asked softly.

-For real. – Sanji answered casually.

Luffy stood up and said no more words before marching to the other side.

I keep being unable to predict him; I suppose that's another reason to account for his high bounty. How did he ever find people who can follow him so naturally? – She thought before turning her tired but curious eyes to Sanji.

She then saw their two backs together while walking behind them. They looked like they belonged together. She had before noticed the same about the other crewmembers. They all had something unique about them and an unspoken but visible unyielding loyalty to him. She noticed them exchanging words softly but casually. Part of her wondered why she felt so curious and strange whenever she observed those pirates, but the other part of her knew she was just being stubborn.

-Oi, you were not that far from where we were before. – Sanji whispered. – You must have heard him before; anyone within half a mile should have!

-Yeah. – Luffy replied carefreely while picking his nose with a blank stare.

-Why didn't you interrupt him?! Thanks to you I'm feeling exhausted; I'm at my wit's end here!

Luffy blew away his booger and smiled confidently.

-You haven't apologized yet, Sanji. It was an order, so do it soon. I have to thank you, though.

-Thank me?

-Thanks to that, there are no doubts anymore. – He grinned. – She's joining us for sure.

Sanji grimaced but said nothing in reply. Discreetly, he looked back. He stopped when he noted Riko was again holding her hands on top of her knees and had stopped as well, standing almost at the limit of their field of view among the fog.

-Oi, hurry up! You're the one who was most eager to get out of here!

Luffy turned and instantly noticed she looked tired. He turned around and walked to her.

-Are you tired, Shinigami Riko?

Riko smiled humorlessly and tiredly.

-I guess I can't hide it.

-You can't. – Luffy answered bluntly.

Surprising her, he took her right arm around his shoulders. She stared at him with a face that screamed she had no idea how to react. Luffy in turn grinned widely.

-It's fine to lean on me. We're nakama after all.

-I'm not your nakama…

Riko suddenly felt a strong presence nearing, much like how she could detect G.H.O.S.T., except it was not G.H.O.S.T. but something else, something she could not identify. A chill ran down her spine.

Gritting her teeth, she mustered all her remaining energy and pushed Luffy aside without warning before jumping sideways herself.

Luffy turned his head in time to see a flash of light hit the ground where they were standing a second before.

Sanji also did not notice until that moment. He looked up to see where it came from and noted a cloaked form standing on midair.

-That was only a harmless greeting, but it figures you would avoid it. – The man spoke.

Riko looked up and frowned, not recognizing him.

-It's no wonder you don't recognize me when you haven't met me yet, Yuriko. – He spoke calmly but giving off an eerie sensation. – I do know you, however.

-What are you saying? – Riko's scowl deepened. – Who are you?

-For now, I am the Original Messenger.

-Don't fool with me. Who are you? What are you doing in this place? – Riko insisted due to her feeling threatened.

-Names don't matter. Yours doesn't matter either. Yuriko or Riko, you are still you, and I want you. Soon, you will accept my hand and guide.

-OI! – Luffy shouted. – She is my nakama, not yours!

-Who is this clown? He probably also lost it for staying here too long. – Sanji said.

-The Straw Hat Pirates are indeed more amusing than you're given credit for. – The cloaked man replied.

His tone of voice for 'amusing' ringed inside Riko's head.

The way he said that… It sounds familiar, but I can't quite place it. His voice sounds too distorted to attempt recognizing too…

-I will let you know this moment, Straw Hat Luffy, that you have no say in what is already written. You don't even know who Mellangel D. Yuriko is. She has a duty to fulfill, and you shall not interfere.