I don't like you!

by BloodyMarryMe

By pure chance and unluckiness Miyako finds herself at the Sabaody auction house as a slave. And of all the people, the one interested just had to be the most smug, egoistical and sadistic pirate she has ever met. So at least she can give him as much trouble as possible, right? LawXOC

35. Chapter 35

I don't like you by BloodyMarryMe

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Waaah! Finally, finally, finally! Sumimasen minna-san! I'm sorry you had to wait so long. ^^' My exams aren't completely over but I found some time to write and finally finished the new chapter. Ah~ I feel so guilty that you had to wait so long. :/

It's finally here, though! ^^At first I thought I'd make this a one-chapter story but it would turn out really long and I wanted to update soon for you guys (you've been waiting enough) so I decided to split it into two parts. Hopefully I'll be able to write the other part as soon as possible now that I have some time on my hands before I have to study for exams again.

Also, thank you everyone for the best wishes with the exams. They're going good so far and I'm passing them nicely, so yay! :D

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Okie so before we start let's see if there's any questions/comments I should answer:

SeveredReality: About the finals; well I'm pretty sure that depends which country you're from since every country has their own system. And ours pretty much takes away our whole summer. -.-

Ugh, Oda is definitively stalling with this Punk Hazard Ark, it's making me so annoyed cause I just feel like I only get more questions and no answers after every chapter. *sigh* Well I think he'll finish till' September, but then again, you never know….

Yes, for example I was thinking about making a very long chapter out of this one, but decided to at least devide it into two parts because it would be waaay too long and it'll take even more time to write even though I already needed to update soon and didn't have time to write at least a twice as much as this chapter. Also I think that people would get bored if the chapter had no end and was too long. So if it's just short one shots similar to the one with the summer resort it's ok, but for more detailed and longer adventure, I'd have to cut it in a few parts after all; if only two or three. I agree though, it's harder to make short chapters cause you need to make it interesting and not shallow, but also not too detailed so that it wasn't too long. It think I'll reserve one chapter-stories for my more light-hearted chapters with humorous characters' adventures, not the serious ones. :)

What will Miyako do when she reaches Wano? is The Big Question in this story and I think a lot of people are wondering that. But you'll just have to read and find out cause I can't tell you. ;P Also, it is unclear if Law reached Wano already or not; most of his New World trip is still unclear but I hope we'll find out soon. :/ Also, I have no intention getting rid of Miyako's 'bad' side since she would just be boring as a Goody two-shoes, so it's not going anywhere. It's not that Miyako is evil though, or likes to kill and torture when she's like that…she's just pissed off. That's why there has to be something to piss her off first before she goes over to the 'evil side.' I won't get rid of her sarcastic and teasing side either, which is still present, but since she's much closer to Law and his crew now, so her level of being obnoxious towards them just to irritate them (especially Law :P) decreased, which I think is natural.

And yes I like to make my characters have different kinds of layers. :) Shachi is a good guy but a bit on the perverted side and a gambling addict, Josh acts like everyone annoys him but actually really cares for his friends; and even though he fights with Miyako all the time, he still worries for her when she gets into trouble. Cody seems like your typical nice guy who is cheerful and relaxed, but he has a more dark side to him, that is almost like Laws, when he gets angry. His veeery scary when pissed and loses his temper, that's why Josh and Miyako always stop fighting when they see he is about to lose it. Also girls seem to always like him, which was shown in a few occasions. The only one I'm not sure about is Penguin, since I still need to find something characteristical for him.

Well I understand about Law, it was more like one of those fast scenes that just pop into your head whether you like it or not when someone mentions something. Not like a fantasy that he was mentally drooling over or anything. ^^'

Haha aww, poor Shachi XD Don't hate him, he's still a good guy. :P

In my opinion it'll take some time before the fight an admiral. Since they are somewhat of their highest nemesis. For example I know Luffy will certainly fight Akainu at some point but I think it's too soon for such a serious and big fight. I don't know what will happen with Kizaru though, but Aokiji seems like a guy that wouldn't even bother fighting Luffy and his crew now that he is no longer a marine cause I don't think he has anything personal against them. He was pretty lenient when they had that whole Robin thing.

Ah~ Miyako's epiphany. I already have it pretty much figured out but I can tell you it won't be so soon. There's a lot more that needs to happen before that. :)

Yeah, though it's really hard to make some fruit power that isn't too week, too powerful and that Oda didn't mention or make it already for another user. ^^' For example, I was thinking of giving Azuma Reiji (the puppeteer) a devil fruit of using such strings at first but then I remembered Don Flamingo has something very similar if not the same so I had to give up on that.˘-˘'

True, but Law/Chopper makes more sence to me than Zoro/Chopper. Since, both Law and Chopper are both doctors so they already share that connection. Somehow I always thought that Usopp and Chopper were more like older/younger brother or best friends (where Usopp always influenced Chopper, be it in a good or bad way. XD)

I'm thinking it's Big Mom too. After all she has been mentioned several times already and Luffy kind of already declared war to her over the den den mushi on fishman island. As you said, Kaido was barely mentioned in the whole manga so I don't think that would be it. And since Luffy made a promise to meet Shanks when he becomes a great pirate so he can return the hat, I don't think he'd want to meet and fight him now. And yeah, it's too early for Blackbeard since he's one of those main nemesis like Akainu and also I'm not sure if he's even considered a Pirate Emperor. O.o

Haha yes, Luffy just charging in and saying he'll kidnap Cesar is completely like him isn't it? XD But I think Shanks is a different story. I don't think Luffy would act too rash and so carelessly if it was Shanks. I think the main reason why Luffy asked Law which emperor he wanted to take down before agreeing to the alliance was exactly because he wouldn't say yes if it was Shanks.

But in any case, Law will really need nerves of steel to stay with Luffy in this. The two are complete opposites XD But I think Luffy will have some of his influence on Law…after all he influences everyone he meets. ^^ *gasp* I didn't know Kid attacked Big Mom o.O How did I miss something like that? But that explains his metal arm instead of a real one on that picture Oda made…

Heh, as I said…Miyako just needs something to piss her off.

Well I think it was time to Law lose his patience and make this the last straw. He was lenient enough with her previous trouble-making.

Ah, Miyako's master is already dead. She mentions it in chapter 17 when he speaks about Wano with Law. Too bad we won't have the appearance of her master then, it would be interesting. ^^'

About the last part, it was more like impulse. Law just felt like doing it so he did it, that's all. However he does understand that he likes Miyako, it's just that he's not the type to immediately turn into Romeo-mode and can't stop thinking about her or behave normally when she's around. He's pretty much the same old Law who'll just take his time, go with his pace and do what he wants whether Miyako likes it or not. XD

Also, just because he realized he likes the girl doesn't mean his also in love with her. It's too early for that, so talking about Law would be way too soon and inappropriate. Though when he finally thinks/says it, I'll have to make it in Law-style...but I still have to figure out what would the Law-style of saying someone you love him be? XD

Though I'm surprised you say it seemed too early to you. The truth is I had a feeling people were starting to get impatient and were waiting for more action between Law and Miyako.

Tsukii-ai: Thank you! :D I'm glad you like the plot and the characters. I really try not to make it too long and boring, but also not too short and shallow. ^^' Also, it seems a lot of people were waiting for something like the last scene to happen already; it's been 34 chapters after all. :P

LetheanMe: Thanks. :) I don't like the whole fast romance either, it just makes the story look shallow and too fast-going.

And yeah, it seems a lot of people likes Josh, I'm glad. ^^

Ah, now I feel bad cause you said I update fast and it took me so much time to update the last chapter. I'm sorry. ^^' I promise I'll continue with my quick updates as soon as the exams are over. :)

I proofread my story and try to fix any mistake I can find, but I'm sure I still miss a lot of them. In that case if you want, you can just warn me of the spelling error I made and I'll go fix it. :)

Yes, Reiji was kind of an obvious suspect from the start but I also tried to make it more interesting by adding some other elements of surprise and clues. I hope it wasn't boring to read then. ^^' Yep, I plan to make her even stronger as the story continues.

Unfortunately, she won't remember anything since she was drunk senseless and asleep but you'll find that out soon anyway. ^^'

Zoro et Robin: Haha XD Everyone seems so excited because of the kiss; I'm glad. ^^ Hehe, and I might even learn some French while writing this story, so yay for me! Free French lessons! XD But I had to google these. XP

MangaFreak55: The way I see it, if she was awake she would probably scream and fall off the bed. Then after realizing what happened she would either pass out from the embarrassment and shock or attack Law with katana for taking advantage of her while she's asleep. XD

I always try to put some cute Law/Miyako interactions in my chapter and stories, even if their more serious-like, and I guess I'll gradually start working on Miyako's feelings evolving for Law. :P

SeaDevil: Ah, then it was a success…I wanted you guys to get a bit suspicious of Muso when he started acting strange all of a sudden. :P

Haha, then I'm sorry you couldn't read it for so long. ^^' I hope this chapter will make up for it some. :) But I'm really glad people are enjoying my story. When I started writing it I never thought I'd get this many reviews and that people will get so interested, so I'm really happy. ^^ Also, thank you for the best wishes! :)

Star03: Yes, I always saw Law as the one who'll make the first move since Miyko is way too embarrassed and not honest with herself to do something like that. She's someone who needs to be pushed and pressured in these things to react and acknowledge what she is feeling. ^^'

AceIsTheOnly: Thank you! :D I know I've made you people wait long enough so it was time to write at least something like this. ^^'

Izzie: Haha Glad you liked it. XD And yeah, that's what I couldn't wait for and I was really interested in the reaction of you guys to it. :P Though it felt a bit embarrassed to write it. ^^' I need to get used to writing such scenes, since they'll only get more serious as times goes by. ^^' Hehe I wonder how she would react if she really did kiss Law and said "Ah, this is my first kiss…" And then Law would go; "Weeell, actually…" I think at that point she'd try to slice him up whether he is her captain or not. XD Though, Law is not the lovey-dovy type so I doubt he'll start sighing and get restless just because he likes the girl…But he'd definitively want to make Miyako his. ;) Yep, I'm kicking the exams' butts so far! :D

Itinerys: Well it's evolving little by little, and Miyako is slowly going from Tsun Tsun to Dere Dere too. ;) I think I'd be in such a state of shock if Law kissed me I'd simply stare there completely blank and unable to think. ^^'

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Okie, I guess that was all folks. So let's finally go and read the story! And I'm going to go rest my brain after I post this since I've been working on this chapter most of the day. ^^'

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Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece or any of its characters but I do own the OC Suzune Miyako.

CHAPTER 35

„Ow...ow...double ow..." Miyako murmured while rolling on the bed in a feeble attempt to stand up and get dressed. However that only resulted in her falling back on the bed, with her legs tangled together with her washed out jeans and getting an even bigger splitting headache than she previously had. No, a hangover was definitively not fun. Especially when she realized she couldn't remember anything after beating the crap out of Josh, which she couldn't help but snicker at the delightful memory. She was even more surprise to find herself in her room and bed even though she couldn't remember how she got there in the first place.

With a small grunt Miyako sat up on the bed and battled with her pants once more before managing to slip them on. „Well one thing's for sure in any case...I am never drinking again."

After finally being able to get herself ready for the work in the galley, Miyako walked or rather strutted towards the kitchen.

„Gah!" She suddenly heard a voice of surprise and then curses of annoyance on her way in the hallway and it didn't take her long to realize the sounds were coming from the laundry room. Miyako flinched at the noise that made her headache even worse but still walked over to the big room filled with washing machines and dryers humming loudly as they worked.

Miyako peeked inside to see Shachi drowning beneath a heap of big jumpsuits. The girl blinked a few times in confusion, before helping her friend out of the heap of dirty clothes.

„Shachi-san! What happened?"

„Ugh...don't ask. The captain put me on laundry work on the worst day ever! Everybody knows Friday is known as Laundry Day of Hell! What did I ever do to him!" The man complained before kicking the heap and a few jumpsuits in anger. „And to make it worse I gotta go work in the engine room afterwards. No break today at all!" Then the man looked at the girl and sweat-dropped. „Though you look even worse than I feel. You ok?"

The girl was hunched a bit, pale as a mop with big dark circles around her still tired eyes, a pained expression of headache and nausea clear on her face. Her heir was tied with her red ribbon in a messy bun, the best she could do in this short time since once again she was late for work and had to hurry if she didn't want extra work hours…or worse; laundry duty on Friday.

The girl rubbed her eyes a little. "Yeah just…not feeling so great. What happened last night?"

Shachi grinned. "Oh, you got drunk! It was funny…but also kinda scary. You're mean when you're drunk." Shachi noted as if just realizing it.

Miyako tilted her head and raised an eyebrow. Even those small actions made her tired at the moment. *What exactly did I do last night..* Shachi's reaction completely puzzled her. *Or more importantly; what did I do to them!*

"Anyway, in the end Captain carried you back to your quarters."

Now that brought Miyako right out of her thoughtful daze. "What?" The high pitch of her voice and her head shooting back up to look at Shachi, immediately delivered a nasty pain in her head. "ow…" Miyako whined and put a hand on her head, closing her eyes for a second to get over the pain. However today was not her day from the start as the sub's siren went off and started wailing together with blinking red lights on the hallways. Sai's voice that sounded louder than usual to Miyako, alarmed everyone of the upcoming marine attack over the speaker.

The sub started shaking as the shooting cannons stirred the water around it, making it move on the waves. Just at that time, Shachi was carrying a large heap of freshly washed clothes that ended up on top of him when the sub swayed to the left.

Miyako was able to hold her ground but the swaying of the sub didn't help with her hangover one bit. She cursed and headed out the laundry room and towards the deck.

"Come on, Shachi!" She called for the mechanic to hurry before running up the stairs towards level one of the sub and out the doors.

~…..~

Law was currently reading the newspapers, deep in thought about the whole After-war situation. It seemed Sengoku's plan didn't quite go as great as the marines thought it would. True, Whitebeard, one of the four Emperors died and was out of the way, but that only made new pirates find their courage to take over the territory which was once under Whitebeard's peaceful command. It seems the number of pirates roaming the seas increased, which wasn't a surprise to Law, especially after Whitebeard's last words about One Piece. He had to admit; those words encouraged even him to go after One Piece with even more determination than before. But now that the great pirate was gone, others fought for his territory bringing more destruction and chaos to the four seas. If the marines knew this would happen, it meant they decided to sacrifice all the civilians on those territories and their safety just to take down one man. How much of men, women and children already died from the pirates' plundering? Not that Law cared about them, or the whole situation. Still, it only proved the marines' hypocrisy and gave him one more reason not to like them.

It seems the marines weren't doing that well either. Sengoku resigned, and even Aokiji, after losing the battle for the new Fleet Admiral and finally the title went to Akainu. Sengoku and Aokiji leaving must've been a big hit on the marine power, which brought a smirk to Law's face. However the thought of Akainu being the new Fleet Admiral didn't go well with Law at all. He had a bad feeling about it. Perhaps because Akainu was a merciless man who would stop at nothing to bring his opponents down. Law was certain about one thing; He didn't want to meet with the man in the near future. Last time he fought an admiral was on Saobody when he barely got out alive from a fight with Kizaru. True, he was much stronger now than he was then, but he couldn't exclude the possibility that the admirals are stronger now too. And he didn't find any information about the two new admirals that would replace Akainu and Aokiji, which only made him more cautions of the situation.

The pirate captain put down the newspapers with a sigh. His bounty was still on 300,000 000 Beri, the same as the bounty that a certain kid with a Straw Hat had before this whole mess. Speaking of Monkey D. Luffy, there was still no sign of him. He just disappeared after the whole spectacle of returning to Marineford and paying respects to his brother. Law pondered on that for a while. He didn't really know Straw-hat well but that action seemed strange and uncharacteristic for him. Law was sure there was something more behind it but didn't know what.

He didn't have much time to think about it as the sub shook violently and not a second later, the red lights and the alarm for danger went off. The captain stood up quickly, almost knocking the chair behind him and rushed to the control room, taking his nodachi in the process. They were currently on the surface because Bepo was once again complaining about the heat and stuffiness, so who knows what was going on out there.

Law walked into the control room with a slightly hurried pace and saw Jean Bart maneuvering the helm and Sai pushing buttons and pulling levers as he informed the navigator of the stats and condition of the sub.

"Mister Sai, what is going on?" Law walked over to the front, focusing his vision out the front open screen which showed the vast sea up ahead. Too far away to see clearly, Law saw small dots on the sea, coming forward. He looked at the radar on the control panel which indicated three objects coming at them at a steady pace.

"Three ships, approximately one kilometer away, but steadily approaching, sir. They have already started firing but we're not in their range of fire yet, they're still too far away. The cannonballs that are splashing around are causing big waves so we're being thrown around a lot." Sai explained while staring at the radar and pulling a few more levers to decrease the sub's speed .

"I'm handling it, sir." Bart called out to Law as he battled with the waves to keep the sub on course.

"Marines?" Law muttered.

"If they are; from their speed of sailing and size on the radar, I'd say battleships." Sai muttered before scratching the top of his head along with the simple brown knit cap he wore. An action he always did when nervous or thinking deeply and that told Law that nothing good was up ahead.

Soon it was clear that indeed it was three marine battleships and the navigator handled the sub as he dodged the cannonballs, which were hitting a bit too close for anyone's comfort. The marines were close enough to hit now.

"It must be the ones that the villagers from Kyonin called. Since Captain is one of the pirate rookies and becoming a great threat to them they probably don't want any risks. They won't to take us out before we start causing more trouble." Bart said in a deep thoughtful voice, then gritted his teeth and turned a sharp left to avoid another cannonball.

"We could submerge and shoot torpedoes…" Sai shrugged but knew Law won't agree with that. Torpedo's weren't cheap nor easy to find, just like all the other submarine parts, so Law never wasted them without a very good reason.

Law looked at the window screen once again before resting his nodachi on his shoulder. He smirked but it soon turned into a grin, showing Bart and Sai that he obviously has an idea in mind already. "No…steady as she goes, Mister Sai. If the marines are so afraid of us as Mister Bart says, why don't we give them a better reason to be afraid." The head and second navigator looked at each other in wonder but just shrugged as their captain was already out the doors and going for the deck. Sai slowed down the sub more and watched as his captain left the control room.

~…~

Law raised an eyebrow when he saw a familiar figure not far ahead from the deck's doors. The samurai was holding her head in her hand, while resting the other on her new katana. She had a grumpy expression on her face, which bordered with painful, but the captain could easily guess why.

"Miss Miyako." He greeted as he passed her and motioned for her to follow him. He noticed Shachi and Penguin stumbling in the back, trying to get to the deck as well, but the swaying sub was making it hard for them.

The four of them stepped on the deck, just as Bart made a hard left and the pirates were lucky to be quick enough to grab the doorframe, or they would have been of the deck in a second.

"What are we doing here captain?" Shachi scratched his head as he saw the flying cannonballs, which luckily missed the sub each time due to Bart's and Sai's navigational expertise.

Penguin whistled in awe, when he saw the three giant marine battleships coming their way. They were close enough to see the marines aligned on the deck. On each ship there was a man standing at the tip, their big white coats fluttering in the wind. "Wow, they went to all this trouble for us? They're really serious about taking us out, huh?"

Law smirked at the mechanic's comment, no worry written across his face. "Then we shouldn't disappoint them Penguin." As usual, Law didn't put any formal honorifics when talking to Penguin, Shachi or Bepo, since they were his childhood friends. They were always the exception.

"Captain! I'm sorry, I'm late!" the pirates turned in interest at the new, but familiar voice of their first mate. The bear ran up to the group a little out of breath, and in no time took a fighting stance. The pirates walked onward, Law in the middle and his two mechanics, Bepo and Miyako at each side. They ignored the splashing water around them and stopped at the front of the deck; Bepo taking his kung-fu pose, Penguin standing there with a grin and folded arms on his chest, Shachi's hand on his hips but equally wide grin on his face, Miyako with a still grumpy and annoyed expression, resting one hand on her katana and finally Law with his infamous smug smirk and slightly narrowed eyes; all of them staring at the approaching marines.

Suddenly the marine standing on the ship in the middle pulled out a megaphone and his voice rang through the air, all the way to the sub. "HEART PIRATES! SURRENDER IMIDIATELY OR BE OBLIGERATED ON THE SPOT!"

"Heeh? Isn't he all serious…" Penguin tilted his head and looked at the marine with a slightly bored expression.

"Ow…why so loud…my head…" Miyako put her free hand on her forehead and closed her eyes tightly, trying to tune out the loud voice coming from the marines.

"Aaaah, Captain! That guy over there!" Shachi pointed at the marine holding the megaphone with an expression as if he just got an epiphany. "That's Rear Admiral Yukimura! He is reputed as a man who killed over 1000 men."

The pirates looked at the tall man standing there on the tip of the battleship. He had a dark-blue suit under the marine white coat like all admirals and rear admirals wore. He had slightly long curly brown hair with a high forehead showing, and stern lines on his face, which was already emphasized enough with his tick lips. There was a dark look in his eyes, showing he was serious and not to be taken lightly…however the pirate captain had a similar look of his own, which showed no fear in front of the marines. Law smirked and tilted his head to the side, looking at the marines.

"Captain?" Bepo blinked in wonder, seeing the look in Law's eyes. *What is he planning now?* Whatever it was, Bepo knew Law was about to bring destruction upon the marines very soon.

"I was wondering when I'll be able to test the result of my training with the Ope Ope Fruit…isn't this just a perfect chance?" Law took a few steps forwards and lifted one of his hands. "So let's see…." The hand traveled pointing at the middle battleship but then moved to the one on the left. "Let's start with that one. Room." He moved his fingers as a giant blue sphere enveloped the ship on the left completely.

"Whaaa! I've never seen one that's so big before!" Penguin exclaimed as he looked at the sphere.

"Yeah well…Captain said we were staying in the first half of the Grand Line to train. He's gotten pretty powerful, huh?" Shachi explained looking at the enveloped ship as well.

"Does that mean we'll be going to the New World soon?" Bepo asked with some anxiety in his voice. He would follow his captain anywhere but he heard some nasty stuff about the New World and didn't like it one bit.

"I hope so…." Miyako mumbled thinking of how long she was waiting for the day they went to New World and finally start heading closer to Wano. She knew they would get there eventually after sailing through the New World. She tried to ignore the annoying bad feeling that was building up inside her, reminding her she still had a lot to think about concerning that plan. But even when she would lay in bed for hours thinking about her leaving the crew in Wano, she didn't find a satisfying decision nor answer. A lot has changed since she first decided that plan. And she had to admit the decision seemed much harder now than it was at the beginning. She glared at Law's back. *It's all his fault!* She didn't really understand why she was blaming Law, maybe it was just a matter of habit already, but somehow she had a feeling he influenced her decision and thoughts a lot these few months.

Meanwhile, as the Room completely enveloped both Law and the battleship, the pirate captain unsheathed his nodachi and swung it one time diagonally. At first everything seemed unchanged, but then the ship started screeching and the wood cracking before the whole thing split in two. The marines screamed in surprise as they started losing their footing and falling into the sea.

Law smirked at their reaction, especially after seeing Yukimura's surprised face. But he didn't intend to finish it there. Law sheathed his nodachi again and lifted one hand, with two fingers in the air. He had a grin on his face that promised nothing good. "Tact."

The ship creaked again before both parts lifted in the air. The rest of the marines that were able to stay onboard after the first strike, were now falling from the ship and into the sea with piercing screams. Law waited for all the men to fall down under the battleship, before releasing his hold on the two parts and letting them fall right on the marines. The pirates could hear screams and pleas before the large battleship fell down on the men, smashing them or drowning. The waves caused by the fall shook the submarine as it swayed on the big waves.

Law tilted his head again with a small smirk on his face. One eye closed as he stared with the other at the Rear Admiral. "Something wrong Yukimura-ya?" He just couldn't help but tease the man, especially when he saw how furious the marine was. Yukimura had a face of both shock, pain and sheer anger. He cared for his men and this must be killing him inside. Law knew this would only make the rear admiral angrier but that was the whole point anyway.

"Y-You….How dare you! How dare you do this to my men, you pirate scum!" Yukimura didn't even need his megaphone anymore, since his angry loud voice was enough for all to hear.

Law lifted one eyebrow, his smirk disappearing. "We are enemies, are we not? You would do the same to my men if you could. If you're not prepared to make sacrifices than don't go attacking the enemy."

Yukimura gritted his teeth. Law was right…this was a war between pirates and marines so one shouldn't be angry for the other defending himself or trying to destroy the enemy. But that didn't matter to the rear admiral right now. All he could think about was his men dying under that ship and even if there were survivors, he couldn't save them before defeating Law and his crew. The marine clenched his fists tightly and gave Law one final glare before he raised one arm, as a sign to both remaining battleships. "Prepare the cannons! At this distance, they can't dodge and we can't miss!" He quickly lowered his hand as both ships shot four cannonballs at them. It was rare for ships to have two cannons on their front but these battleships were obviously well prepared for battle.

Four cannonballs flew right towards the submarine. Law didn't even have to give the order, before his crew ran forwards and jumped into the air. Miyako unsheathed her katana in one swing and slashed the cannonball vertically; the two split sides flew past each side of the submarine and smashed into the sea behind it. Bepo did a round-kick, knocking the cannonball to the side with a "Ha-ya!" Penguin clenched his fist and hit the flying cannonball, smashing it into dust. Shachi hit the cannonball as well, but with an open palm, making it fly backward towards the battleship. The cannonball flew right at Yukimura and the marines started yelling words of warning. The rear admiral didn't seem shocked at all though. Instead he just pulled out a long katana from the sheath on his back and slashed with great speed until the cannonball was in pieces.

The four pirates landed back on the deck, next to their captain. "Guess this guy isn't just some weakling after all." Penguin noted looking at Yukimura.

"Well, he is a rear admiral after all." Shachi shrugged and tilted his head.

"Guys, stop chit-chatting needlessly. They're gonna shoot at us again! We gotta do something!" Bepo reprimanded the pirates and complained as he nervously looked at the marines. Yukimura was once again getting ready to give the signal as soon as the new cannonballs are ready.

Miyako sighed and she stepped closer, next to Law, with one arm still resting on Yawarakai-Te. Her eyes were closed as if concentrating or just trying to tune out the ruckus, though her expression seemed less annoyed and in pain. As she stopped next to Law, she opened her eyes with another sigh that sounded somewhat troubled. "Honestly…You could've just flung that battleship in the other ones and save us the trouble."

Law looked at the girl sideways and smirked evilly. "But where would the fun be in that?"

Miyako returned his sideways glance with her own as she smirked as well. "Oh well…I was meaning to try out Yawarakai-Te anyway."

Shachi, Penguin and Bepo looked at each other confused, then back at Miyako. "What do you mean? Didn't you fight with it on the last island?"

Miyako sighed again. "Yes, but I haven't been able to try out its full power…Or rather my more powerful techniques with it. Anyways, just shut up and watch…you're talking is giving me a headache again."

Shachi and Penguin leaned closer to each other as Shachi whispered to his friend. "She's not only mean when drunk, but when hungover too." Penguin nodded in agreement.

Miyako stepped forward and took out the katana slowly. She raised it in the air, the sunlight shining and reflecting from the bright blade. *Ittouryu Secret Technique; Bamboo Grass Dance* She moved her katana in an arch and downwards until it was sideways, slicing the air horizontally in a slow motion. Everything seemed peaceful with no reaction, though a small wind rushed through the air. Then suddenly a sharp gust of wind appeared in front of the battleship on the right of the main one and sliced through the ship. The half top slid from the bottom one and fell in the sea with a large splash. It didn't take long before the lower half started sinking as well.

"Whaaa?" Shachi and Penguin yelled in unison with their jaws slightly open, while Bepo just blinked at the sight with his round black eyes. "What was that?"

Miyako sheathed back her katana. "It's a technique that transmits an attack through the wind. The attack is literally in the wind so it can't be seen like when I slice the air with haki and send it flying."

Bepo blinked. "But how do you do something like that?"

Miyako turned around and smiled at the bear. "Well if I told you that, than it wouldn't be a secret technique, right?" She winked at her first mate playfully, but as usual the bear responded with an apologetic bow and "I'm sorry." Miyako sweat-dropped at the sight but then turned back towards the last remaining marine battleship with a sigh. *Maa, whatever.*

Yukimura clenched the longer-than-normal katana in his hand and glared at the pirates. "That's it….you pirates think you can do anything you want. But not under my watch!" He turned to his man and started barking orders. "Men, shoot the canons! Prepare the linking chains! Everyone get ready for combat!" He raised his katana in the air as he yelled and the marines cheered with some enthusiasm, their moral returning a little. The cannons shot at the sub once again, and at the same time, big chains shot and linked themselves to the sub so the marines could cross over. Men in white uniforms started crossing over to the sub, while the battleship came even closer, allowing some to jump from their ship to the sub's deck directly.

The pirates smashed and sliced flying cannonballs but there was still the problem of at least a hundred marines coming on the sub any second now. Some already jumped over, but Bepo took care of them with his kung-fu.

"Damn, how many of them are there?" Shachi gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, taking his kunfg-fu stance.

"Did someone ask for reinforcements?" A voice echoed behind them and the pirates turned to see most of the Heart pirates on the deck, led by Josh, Cody and Jean Bart at the front.

"Actually we didn't…" Penguin and Shachi said together calmly as they saw everyone.

Garry's vein popped out on his forehead in anger. "Shut up, you pervy mechanics! Can't you see we're trying to be cool here!"

Josh sucker punched him on the head. "If you actually say it, how can you be cool?"

Miyako sweat dropped as she watched the quarrel among the pirate men. If it continues the Heart pirates will start fighting among themselves and the marines will win without having to do anything. Just as she was about to say something to shut the crew up, Law cleared his throat behind her, and miraculously that was all it took for the crew to shut up and pay attention. Well there was no arguing with Law's authority after all. The crew looked at their captain and saluted at him, when the man pointed with his thumb behind himself at the incoming marines.

"Leave everything to us, Captain." Jean Bart exclaimed as he sent three marines flying with one punch.

"Oy, Jean Bart! Don't steal all the spotlight! You're still under me in ranks!" Bepo exclaimed and kicked a few marines as well, complaining as usual about their navigator stealing his thunder.

"TRAFALGAR LAW!" Everyone turned at the loud voice. It was rear admiral Yukimura who just stepped on the sub and was defeating the pirates around him, looking for Law. Law stared at the sight for a second before turning and casually walking towards Yukimura, Bepo watching his back and clearing his way as usual.

Law created another Room and slashed with his sword, cutting into two more marines around him. Finally he cleared the way to Yukimura. It seemed like these marines were endless. For a second he wondered how many there would be if they didn't destroy those two ships. But his main focus was on Yukimura, who just sliced one of his men across the chest with his overly long katana. Law's eyes narrowed at the sight.

"I know all about your ability Trafalgar Law. You won't be able to do that little trick on me." The rear admiral took a stance, with his katana over his head, pointing at the pirate captain. The captain stood before a man who was at least three heads bigger than him, but Law made no sign of fear.

Law's smirk disappeared about the time when he saw his subordinate getting sliced and it didn't return but instead a dark look in his eyes and a thin line made with his lips replaced it. "Room." A blue sphere once again started appearing, enveloping the whole sub. But before Law could slash at the man, Yukimura dodged the attack, which instead cut some marines behind him. Law smirked at Yukimura's irritated face. The marine had to keep dodging his attacks but when he did, he endangered his men. However, Law wasn't very amused. He wanted to finish this quickly and with as less casualties on his part as possible. His expression returned into a serious one as he slashed again, but Yukimura was fast and dodged again, all the times coming closer to the captain. Finally, Law had to block an attack from the marine's katana and a sound of steel clashing traveled through the air.

Law gritted his teeth as the two swords fought, the owners trying to overpower each other. Their physical strengths seemed equal, so they were left in a standstill. Yukimura managed to push Law back and swung his katana and Law made a quick step backwards. A slight cut appeared on his left cheekbone. Law wiped the blood off with the back of his hand and glared at the rear admiral.

Yukimura just returned the glare and clenched his katana. "There's much more where that came from!"

"Does it make you that happy?" Law tiled his head and looked at the marine with a somewhat bored but still serious look.

Yukimura's eyes narrowed. "What?"

"Does this little meaningless scratch make you that happy?"

Yukimura gritted his teeth and made a new stance. He moved the katana's point downwards and sideways, holding the hilt with both hands. "Damn you….Don't make fun of me, you blasted pirate!"

Law prepared his nodachi as well, grabbing the hilt with both hands and preparing for a swing. "I will make you regret…giving me such a wound!" He swung the nodachi and Yukimura was forced to jump in the air, to avoid the slash. The pirate captain smirked. He lifted his two fingers and suddenly all the weapons lying around from the defeated marines rose and flew at Yukimura. The rear admiral's eyes opened wide in shock but pulled himself together quickly. With a few slashes, Yukimura cut the weapons or sent them flying back at the pirate. However, it was too late when he realized that Law wasn't standing there anymore, but instead one of his men was. The young marine wasn't able to say anything before the marine sabers pierced him. "NO!" The rear admiral yelled but there was nothing he could do anymore.

But there was an important question in his mind now; Where was Law? Yukimura scanned the scenery but he only had time to turn around when he realized where Law had to be…behind him. He didn't have time to dodge as the cut slashed through him, leaving him in two pieces.

Law stood there before the two-pieced marine and rested his nodachi on his shoulder for a while, before sheathing it. "You marines never learn."

"Shut up! If you want to kill me, just do it already! Swing that sword and finish me!" Yukimura glared at Law with all his might, no fear of death in his eyes. Law respected that...however, he couldn't forgive the fact that this guy was trying to order him around. He had no right to make any demands in his current condition.

Law's eyes narrowed. "Don't order me around Yukimura-ya. You are in no position to tell me what to do right now…or ever for that matter."

Yukimura didn't say anything but the look on his face said it all anyway. He was irritated by the fact that he was helpless and there was nothing he could do about it. His men were dying around him and his mission was a complete failure. Law didn't blame him for wanting to die right now, though to Law such thoughts seemed exaggerated and foolish. Law lifted his arm and the marine's two body halves moved. In an instant, Yukimura found himself above water. He wasn't a fruit user so he could swim, but that would be nearly impossible for his separated body.

"The rest will your fate decide…if you believe in such a thing." Law moved his arm and Yukimura fell into the sea. The pirate captain looked around. His crew had finished off most of the marines. He could hear some of the marines calling out for their rear admiral and they jumped in the water to save him. Once again Law looked around at his crew. There weren't many casualties on their part, most of them done by Yukimura. As he gazed at the battlefield, his eyes fell on a certain samurai. She was fighting a group of armed marines at the moment but didn't seem too bothered by the difference in numbers. She had just crouched to dodge a slash at her head and swung her new katana upwards, getting up at the same time, and slashing the marine across his stomach and chest. Three of them came at her at the same time, and for a while, she disappeared form Law's view but then he could see the flash of the steel as she made a sideways slash, taking out all three marines at the same time.

"Captain!" Law turned to see Cody and Josh running towards him. "We need to take care of the injured." Cody exclaimed.

Law nodded. "Tell Jean Bart, Garry and Jin to assist you. Take all the injured in the infirmary and start the treatments. I'll be there shortly." The two medics saluted with a "Hai!" and nodded before turning around and heading to help the others.

~…~

A marine knocked on the big office doors in haste before almost slamming them open. "Fleet Admiral Sakazuki-san! There's trouble!" The marine saluted as soon as he saw the big man in a red suit, sitting at the large oak-wood desk.

"Hnn? What is it ensign?" The formal Admiral Sakazuki, nicknamed Akainu, looked at the man from under his hat, one eye still closed while the other pierced at the smaller man.

The ensign gulped at Akainu's stare, not finding any words for a moment, before pulling himself together and saluting again. "The small fleet of battleships we sent to Akai no Shima a few days ago led by Rear Admiral Yukimura has been destroyed, sir!" he pulled out some papers and looked over them before handing them to the tall man at the desk. "It seems they met the Heart pirates yesterday, but got completely obliterated. The number of casualties are still unknown. We sent a rescue ship as soon as we heared the news but….it seems in the recent reports they say Yukimura-san has yet to be found. He might have…." The ensign didn't need to finish that sentence. The ominous word stayed at the tip of his tongue, but the thought behind it hovered in the air, clear to both of them.

Akainu clenched one of his big fists and gritted his teeth, the shadowy look under his hat getting even darker. "Dammit! I should've sent someone stronger after all. I thought Yukimura would be enough for one rookie pirate, but it seems I underestimated the Heart pirates…And Yukimura was a disappointment, huh?" The last statement sounded a bit disgusted, as if he resented the rear admiral for failing. The ensign didn't say anything, but there were anxiety and nervousness clearly written on his face. Sakazuki opened one of his drawers and shuffled through some papers, wanted posters to be exact, until he found one with the name "Surgeon of Death" on it. It had a picture of Trafalgar Law, a smug smirk on his face, but a dangerous dark look from under his fuzzy hat. "Trafalgar Law…I knew those rookie pirates were going to be a major problem. We should've gotten rid of them a lot sooner!"

Akainu closed his eyes for a second and sighed before opening them, seemingly calmer now. "Let me know as soon as Yukimura is found. Also, I want a full report of everything we know on Law and the Heart pirates, and find more information about his devil fruit. I want to know everything. This man has proved a more serious threat than we even thought and I don't want him to take us by surprise ever again!"

"Sir, yes, sir!" The smaller marine saluted.

Akainu looked at the poster once again, glaring at the man on it. "If I remember correctly, Trafalgar was the one who saved Monkey D. Luffy in the war…I knew he'd be trouble as soon as I heard that." The man muttered more to himself than the ensign. Then he looked at the marine standing in front of him again and handed him the poster. "We will rise this man's bounty to 310, 000 000 Beri! His powers and strength were already proven dangerous enough! Also, rise all the bounties of his crew by 50 000 Beri!"

The ensign saluted once more, clicking the heels of his boots together, before turning around and rushing out of the doors. As soon as he was out he felt somewhat more relaxed now that he wasn't in the presence of that man. Akainu was a great marine, but also a ruthless and scary one. The ensign had heard some rumors that he almost killed one of their own in the War 9 months ago. Just thinking of the man's fruit ability, which was so powerful that Akainu was even able to beat Aokiji, was enough for the marine to shudder with fear and awe at the same time.

~….~

Miyako was standing in the control room, looking at Law and the others who were leaning over a desk in a circle, over some maps, discussing which route would the log pose take them and what island next are they about to visit. But at the moment Miyako wasn't really focused on their discussion nor the charted maps on the desk. She blinked a few time, still staring at one spot.

"So from the information I gathered in Kyonin village, there are three possible islands where we could end up on." Sai continued to explain.

"What about the climate? Have you seen any changes?" Law asked.

Miyako blinked a few more times. "Hmmm…."

"No, I guess we're not close enough yet." Sai replied.

Miyako blinked some more and tiled her head, a troubled look on her face. "Ummm…."

"The sea is stabile for now as well. But the Grand Line is unpredictable, so we should be cautious." Jean Bart added.

Miyako folded her arms on her chest and tiled her head more. "Hnnn…." Still staring at that one spot…one spot on Law's face to be exact. And at his cheekbone to be even more exact. There, stood a band aid, under his eye. That was the first time Miyako ever saw Law with a wound of any kind, and certainly something like a band aid on.

Law closed his eyes for a while, fighting an annoyed look that almost overtook his expression. He knew the girl was staring at him for some time now but tried to ignore it as he had important business right now. But her stare only got more intense and it was breaking his focus to be honest. Finally he gave up, his eyebrows furrowing a little as he asked in a slightly annoyed tone; "What is it?" He didn't look at her, but he didn't have to; everyone knew who he was asking, and so did she.

"It really doesn't look right, after all…Just, kind of weird…I guess…" Miyako straightened her head and unconsciously scratched her own cheekbone with her index finger.

That was when Law looked at her, an eyebrow rising and disappearing under his hat.

Miyako didn't say anything to his silent question, but instead pointed at the side of her own cheekbone, where Law's was cut.

At first Law looked confused as to what she way pointing at, then his eyes blinked once in realization as he brushed the band aid with his fingertips. At the feeling and remembrance of his wound, Law narrowed his eyes slightly. "If it bothers you, don't look at it." He didn't know why Miyako was making a fuss over it anyway or why she was so focused and fascinated with the small band aid underneath his eye, but he had a feeling he would regret asking. He had a feeling it would take him to a whole new level of Miyako's weirdness. The girl was usually level headed and practical, but sometimes, just sometimes, she would focus on some smallest detail or thing and ponder over it immensely, though nobody else would even give it a second thought. What was so interesting about this band air? Law had no idea. Or was it the fact that Law was wearing a band aid that was interesting? Yep, he really had no idea.

While the pirate captain was deeply in his own thoughts, Miyako seemed to come closer without him even realizing it. He did realize it soon enough, however, though Miyako was by then already pretty close to his face, still staring at the concealed cut.

"It's just, in these 9 months, I had never seen you get hurt. Not even once. So it looks weird to me now. Was that Yukimura-guy really that strong?"

Law almost sweat-dropped at the explanation for Miyako's strange behavior. "No, just persistent….But more importantly Miss Miyako….why are you touching me?" As soon as that question left Law's mouth, he realized how weird and wrong it sounded. Still, Law was perplexed but also fascinated by Miyako's change of heart and behavior in these 9 months. Yes, more than half a year ago, she wouldn't even come close to him, and when she had no other choice but to do it, it would be accompanied with a frown or some mutter of unwillingness. Now, she was a few inches from his face, poking his check.

Miyako stopped abruptly with a look of slight surprise and disbelief on her face. What did she just do? Her finger stopped, a few inches away from the band aid. *Did I just…poke my captain? More importantly, did I just poke Law?* Miyako straightened up and moved away a step, with a sheepish smile on her face. "Ah ha ha….sorry, I just got carried away."

"Is she still drunk from yesterday, or something?" She heard Penguin whisper to Bepo, who just shrugged innocently.

The girl turned to give the mechanic a warning glare putting him in his place but the sound of someone clearing their throat brought everyone to attention. They all looked at the extremely large navigator who had an awkward but serious expression on his face. "Captain…we should really finish this…." Jean Bart looked at the charts and maps in front of them, indicating what he meant.

"Right." Law nodded, getting out of his daze and out of the sea of memory where he had lost himself in.

Miyako, who just now realized how weird she actually acted, and how everyone actually saw it, got dark red in the face and turned to face the wall, hiding the embarrassing blush. "T-Then, I'll be going to the galley! Munk probably need help!" She pointed an outstretched arm and an index finger in the direction of the galley, her back as stiff as her arm. Without waiting for anyone to say anything, Miyako hurried out of the control room with a hasty walk, trying not to look like she was running away though she obviously was. As she left and closed the metal doors behind her, the others were left to stare at the closed door for a second.

"That's one weird girl…." Sai commented and everyone nodded.

Well everyone except the captain, who strangely enough had a smirk on his face and amused, nostalgic eyes as if thinking of something…or perhaps someone. "Yes, yes she is…." He mumbled to himself so nobody heard it.

~….~

Miyako stayed outside the control room for a second, leaning on the metal doors. She sighed in relief when she was out of there. Thankfully, the redness in her face was decreasing but there was still a slight blush on her face. *But even though it looked totally weird and out of place…it kind of made him look….cute.* As the traitorous thoughts came to her mind, Miyako quickly closed her eyes shut and shook her head in disbelief. *What am I thinking? Miyako no baka!*

~…..~

"Yo Ho, haul togetha',

Hoist the colours high,

Heave'Ho~, Theives an' Beg'ars,

Neva' Shall We Die!"

Miyako was peeling some potatoes and listened to one of Munk's sailor songs as he sung out of tune and without any talent for singing. Munk would often start singing while working in his galley, and man did he know a lot of sailor songs…too many if Miyako had a say in it. Because if she had to describe Munk's baritone singing it would go something in the lines of; 'If cats could sing…even they'd hate it!'

The other workers worked without commenting on it or complaining and Miyako found out why soon after her arrival on the sub and in the kitchen. Apparently, criticizing Munk's singing was the same as criticizing his cooking…the last one who did it, ended up flying overboard. Sure, Munk was a good fellow with a cheerful attitude but nobody wanted to get on his bad side, because Munk enraged was a completely different story. That size of his and muscled body despite his age, weren't just for show.

So all Miyako could do was hope silently that she'd go deaf and be rid of the torture on her eardrums. No such luck though. Still, Lady Luck haven't abandoned her completely it seemed, because the sub shook wildly, stopping Munk's singing and everything else in the kitchen. The pirates started murmuring and talking to each other, wondering what the hell was going on as another shook came, then a sharp turn to the right, followed by an equally sharp turn to the opposite die.

"Are we under attack again?" One of the chefs asked.

"But we got rid of those marines just yesterday. They're after us again so soon?" Another added.

Miyako wondered about that as well, and that was when the alarm light turned on though it was yellow. That meant it wasn't an attack since it wasn't code red.

~…~

Meanwhile, in the control room Law was ready to curse out of annoyance. The sea was completely calm, not even any sea monsters to attack them as they sailed underwater. Then out of nowhere, underwater whirlpools started appearing, looking like a dozen of underwater tornados that tried to suck them in and send them into the depth of the sea or off course; Law didn't know what would be worse. The swirling whirlpools kept appearing randomly, giving them almost no room to sail. And the situation wasn't any better with Bepo running around like a panicked maniac, yelling that they're all going to die.

Still, Sai and Bart weren't his head navigators for nothing. Even in all the chaos, they were able to avoid the whirlpools, though the currents created by the whirlpools were still trashing them around somewhat. Bart gritted his teeth and gripped the helm tighter, his knuckles turning white as he battled to keep the sub at the right course. Meanwhile, Sai was pulling levers and pushing buttons which such speed that would make anyone dizzy just watching him.

Then suddenly, a large shadow came right at them, from one of the whirlpools and all the pirates could do was watch in surprise as there was no avoiding the big snake-looking sea king, which soon collided with the sub. It seemed the monster was pulled into one of the whirlpools and then sent flying out of it, after getting the dizziest spinning of its lifetime. Bart was able to turn a little and avoid getting hit right at the center and the main sub window; the glass was meant to withstand strong impacts but there was no point risking it. So instead the sea king smashed into the front side of the sub and sent it flying like a light piece of paper, and right into one of the whirlpools.

This time Law really did curse as he gripped the railing as hard as he could. "Everyone, brace yourselves!" He yelled, Sai saying the same think over a den den mush so that the whole crew would be warned.

~….~

A yellow submarine lied stranded on a desert beach, the sun shining and reflecting from its metal hull. Scattered on the same beach, not far away, were the Heart pirates, out of breath but lucky to be alive as they panted slightly under the burning sun.

"We..*pant*…made it *pant*…through, *pant* somehow." Bepo was the first to speak, as he fell on the sand beneath him and rolled on his back, but regretted it quickly when the sun started shining into his sensitive eyes. "But damn…*pant* couldn't we at least *pant* get stranded on a cooler island….it's too hot here!" He complained.

"Shut up Bepo! *pant* "And be happy we're all alive! *pant*" Penguin scolded, out of breath as well.

Law stood up and looked around at his crew. They had some scraps, cuts and bruises but other than that they didn't seem to have any serious injuries. Still, just in case Law called Josh and Cody over. "Mister Josh, Mister Cody, do a head count and check the crew to see if everyone is alright. Tend to the injured. Get the rest of the medical squad to help you."

"Yes, Captain!" The two medics gathered the medical team, though some had their own injuries to take care of, and went to help the crew.

Law looked at the island. It looked uninhabited and unfriendly. It seemed the whole island was a big jungle, much bigger and richer than the one they saw on the resort they visited some months ago.

"Penguin, take a few men and set up a camp here. Shachi, what's the submarine's status? How bad is it?" Law turned to the brown-haired mechanic, and Shachi walked over to the sub to examine it.

He rubbed his bare chin, deep in thought. "Well, as far as I can tell it's not that bad, but I'll need to make a more thorough check of the machinery from the inside to make sure" Then he turned to his captain and smiled, in a more cheerful state all of a sudden. "But it's not that bad. Nothing that couldn't be fixed!" As he said that, he patted the sub but as soon as he did that, a metal plate from the sub's hull fell on the sand with a loud *huff* Shachi sweat-dropped at the ironical occurrence. "I better get to work."

Law sighed, troubled with the whole situation and looked at his submarine. It looked like the metal plates were dent in some places, not to mention the yellow paint was completely gone in some places where the monster scraped it, revealing the shiny metal underneath. But if it was only outside damage, they were really lucky. There was also one more thing to worry about…and that was this island. Law didn't know how long it takes for the log pose to set on this island, so they should leave before the log pose changes. And the island didn't look like a welcoming resort either. As if to confirm his thoughts, an ominous roar spread through the jungle, making a flock of birds to leave their place in the trees and fly away quickly. Then trees started moving and swaying, some of them even falling down, as if something big was passing though, not minding the large vegetation on its path one bit.

"This is going to be troublesome, isn't it?" Law turned around at the familiar voice behind him, seeing a pair of big golden eyes staring at the distance. Law looked at Miyako's face, for a second noticing a trail of blood on the side of her face. Tracking the trail to its source, he noticed the blood disappeared under her bangs, and without a second thought Law took a hold of Miyako's chin with one hand, turning her head so he could see clearly, and using his other hand to lift her long bangs and reveal a pretty deep gush above her eyebrow.

The girl seemed stunned and surprised by his sudden movement. He didn't even offer her any warning or explanation before he started examining her, which gave her no time to prepare for Law's warm hands on her face. Miyako turned her eyes to look at him just as the captain looked Miyako right into hers. Their eyes met….and it would probably be a romantic situation if Miyako's embarrassed side didn't come out instantly. Her eyes widened when she realized Law was staring at her intensely, too intense for someone like her to handle, and then her face got dark red as usual. It was just something about the face he was making, staring into her eyes, Miyako couldn't explain it but it made her breathless and completely embarrassed at the same time.

"Ah ahhh it's ok!" Miyako tried to push him away and she started turning from Law at the same time, but that only got her to trip over her own feet and fall face-first on the sandy ground.

The captain sighed at the sight, two fingers pinching the arch of his nose. "Are you alright?"

"I fhavfe sfand in mfy moutf…" The girl answered, still lying face first on the ground.

~…..~

"How long has it been since we stranded on this deserted island?" Miyako asked in a low, tired tone as she walked the beach with a help of a big stick she found, swaying from side to side.

"Days? Months? Years? Who can even keep counting? No food or water left…What will become of us…?" Josh added, in the same tired tone, swaying as well as he walked behind the girl, and prompted with a long wooden stick of his own.

"YOU TWO STOP MESSING AROUND AND COME DO SOMETHING USEFUL!" Shachi yelled, high on the sub's hull, with a hammer in his hand, which was now warningly aiming at the two.

Miyako let go of her stick and scratched the back of her head with a sweat-drop and a sheepish smile. "Sorry, Shachi. We were just playing."

"How old are you….?" Shachi mumbled with a sweat drop.

It's been a couple of hours since they washed ashore this jungle island. The sub was still being repaired, while the pirates set camp on the shoreline. Still, even though the sub's damage wasn't critical, it seemed that more than half of their supplies were destroyed, as the crates crashed into each other in the storage room. Their food, water and medical supplies were all low and Law still had no idea how long would it take to the next inhabited island to get new ones.

"But shouldn't we at least look around the jungle for some food and water supplies. If animals live here there should be some food we can use as well, even if it's just fruit or vegetables." Miyako suggested, turning to Law who was sitting on one of the remaining crates and pondering over their next move and some map, trying to figure out their location along with Bart. Miyako's face was clean from sand and blood now, a gush cleaned and covered with a band aid that Law put on her after she was able to calm down and pull herself together. Still, that redness on her cheeks wasn't leaving throughout the whole process, and it seemed her annoying heart was beating louder than usual, beating with all its might.

The captain looked at the girl as she spoke and rubbed the patch of hair on his chin, thinking of her suggestion. "Still, Miss Miyako we don't know anything about the things and creatures on this island. It would be too dangerous and besides, you could bring back something poisons instead of food."

"That's alright, I'll bring Josh with me so I'll feed it to him first." Miyako said completely normal, as if stating a usual, well known fact.

"Oy!" The redhead protested and Miyako could swear his teeth looked sharper than usual.

Law cleared his throat to interrupt any fight that was about to start and got back their attention. "Well, you have a point…" He started to say and saw Josh's jaw drop in disbelief. Before the medic could say anything, Law cleared the misunderstanding; "I meant, we should see what we're dealing with on this island before it comes at night and surprises us. And those growls and roars that we hear now and then aren't very promising. If you insist, I'll assign you a group so go and explore the island. If you find food or water that you are sure of we can use, bring it back."

Miyako and Josh grinned, ready for a new adventure. Honestly, they were starting to get bored here and there wasn't much to do after Josh took care of the injured and Miyako made a list of supplies that were still in one piece. "Yes captain." They said together, sounding like two kids who just got permission to go to the biggest ride in the carnival. Law sighed, already rethinking the idea and pondering was it really good to let them go, but it was too late now.

"eeeh? What about me?" Cody wailed with hands on his hips.

"Someone needs to clean up the mess in the infirmary made by the crash Mister Cody, and there are still injured men here who needs your supervision. You are my first assistant, so I can't let you just go off so easily Mister Cody.; Indeed you here in the case of an emergency." Law sighed as he explained to the pouting medic. As a reaction, Cody sighed as well. "I understand captain…" he said in a low, sad voice.

Miyako felt sorry for her friend and she really wished he could come with them. But there was no point arguing with Law; besides, she knew the captain was right. Josh, however, showed no sympathy as he grinned at Cody teasingly, which earned him a glare from the other medic.

The group took some backpacks for food and containers in them to put water in. The group that was assigned to go was Miyako, Josh, Sai and Penguin. Law hoped that at least Sai would be the voice of reason in the group and make sure they don't get lost since he was a natural at orienting. Miyako was usually a voice of reason as well, but with Josh close by the two would usually turn into children that had a bad influence on each other, and then nothing good could come out of it.

*Heh Now that I think about it, this reminds me of that time on that summer island with the resort…* As soon as Miyako remembered it her spirits went down as she remembered what they went through for absolutely nothing. *No…I don't want to think about it…*

"Hey, let's go everyone!" Sai called out for the group and they went into the jungle bravely.

Another thought came to the samurai's mind when she heard the navigator yell. *This was the first time I'm actually going somewhere with Sai.* Miyako realized she had never actually had a one-on-one conversation with the man and didn't know much about him. *I wonder what kind of person is he.* Since Miyako wasn't really a sociable type, she wasn't very close to the whole crew. Usually she hung around with Cody, Josh, Shachi, Penguin and Bepo and sometimes, though very rarely, Jean Bart but that was it. She had pretty good relations with the whole crew, and finally knew everyone's names, but there was a lot she still didn't know about them all.

Sai seemed like a level-headed and logical person like her. She had never seen him angry or panicked, and in all situations, however tough they might be, he always seemed like he had control over it. Miyako guessed that came with the job he had, which needed you to be precise, quick in judgment and always calm, which is why Miyako always respected Jean Bart and Sai for it. It wasn't easy being a navigator. Though, when you looked at his appearance, you'd never think Sai was such a responsible guy. He had curly white messy hair that reached to his shoulders, it was even stranger than Cody's, and blue eyes that would sometimes look like a pale shade of purple under certain lighting. He had a young, pale face, much like Josh, though not as boyish. Still, Miyako wouldn't give him more than 23 years. There was a tattoo on the left side of his neck with strange markings. Miyako almost grimaced at the thought of how painful it had to be to make it, since the neck was a really sensitive area. As almost everyone else, Sai too, had a hat. It was a simple dark brown knit cap that covered his forehead all the way to his eyes.

"Hellooo~ Earth to Miyako, you there?" Penguin's voice and hand that was waving in front of her eyes brought her back from her thoughts, and the girl realized they were already in the jungle deep enough to not see the shore anymore. Still she could smell the sault of sea water in the air and heard the slight sound of waves coming from the shore.

The girl blinked a few times and smiled at the mechanic in front of her. "Oh, sorry. Yeah, I was just thinking."

Penguin tilted his head as if thinking, setting his lips into a tight line, though she couldn't see his expression well from under his hat. "Well in any case, don't space out. This territory is dangerous so we gotta stay sharp."

Miyako nodded as they kept walking deeper into the jungle. Just as Penguin was about to say something else, a growl was heard somewhere in the bushes, and Miyako couldn't help but remember that sabertooth tiger not long ago they met in the similar jungle like this. The irony of the similarity in the situations was just too much. The samurai didn't know her two friends were thinking the same thing. However, it wasn't a giant tiger that appeared before them. It was something that left them speechless, with jaws hanging slightly open. Before their eyes was a dinosaur…indeed, a real dinosaur. Spinosaurus, to be exact. Miyako didn't know much about dinosaurs, but one thing was certain; they were supposed to be extinct. The creature before them was very much alive as it made a hissing sound, propped onto its two back legs, front legs useless much like with the T-Rex. However, the razor sharp teeth showing from its open mouth as saliva dripped from it, were certainly useful when catching its prey.

"N-No way…I knew there'd be some nasty creatures on the island but this? You gotta be kidding me!" Penguin exclaimed as he stared at the dinosaur in awe and fear at the same time.

"Are we supposed to stay perfectly still or start running like hell?" Josh asked, gulping in the process.

The creature turned its head towards them and hissed again as it noticed the sounds coming from them.

"How about you shut up for starters!" Sai said in a low hiss, trying to move as less as possible.

Miyako ignored the crew bickering even in this situation and instead put a hand on her katana, opening it slightly with the thumb on the tsuba, slowly and carefully so the creature wouldn't notice. However the dinosaur was focusing all his attention on Josh, which the medic didn't like one bit. It cocked its head once and blinked before opening its mouth wide, a sharp and high shrill coming from it. That was not promising. In the next second the dinosaur took a step forward as it was about to flung itself onto its prey, when out of the blue came another roar, a deep and even louder one this time. The trees rustled and swayed harshly, and suddenly an even bigger dinosaur, T-Rex itself came out of nowhere and grabbed the Spinosaurus by its neck. Both dinosaurs were big and almost equal in size but it seemed the T-Rex was slowly winning the battle as it started swaying its head to the sides harshly, still gripping the other dinosaur's neck in its big teeth.

"I think this is our queue to run!" Miyako shouted suddenly, letting the katana fall back into its sheet completely, before taking off with the rest of the pirates. She didn't know if they were chased, or how long or where they were running but they definitively didn't even want to look back.

After who knows how long they finally stopped, breathing and panting heavily. "I guess we lost them." Miyako said as she doubled over to try and relax her muscles.

"I hope so…" Penguin said, panting as well.

"Meh…I could've taken him." Josh said, all worry gone from his face now that he was safe.

The pirates rolled their eyes, even Penguin from under his hat. "Yeah, that's why you turned a new shade of white out there. I didn't even know you could be any paler than you already our, rag-face." Penguin said with a smirk, teasingly, after regaining his breath.

"Oy, I'm not like you lot! I'm actually strong, so shut up!"

"Hey, guys, would you shut up and come here for a second!" Sai called, interrupting their argument. He was peeking thought some bushes.

They all followed him and Miyako slashed some bushed with her katana for a better view. There, a few meters away was the end of a cliff, and beneath it, a completely different scenery. Down there was a large city, all the constructions made from wood and stone, surrounded with a mountain chain all around it to protect the people from the dinosaurs and anything else that could be lurking around here.

"Civilization!" Miyako exclaimed, rising her hands in the air with glee.

"So we found our new water and food supplies, huh?" Josh grinned.

"But….how do you know they're even friendly and won't kill us at sight?" Penguin asked, and at that question Josh and Miyako stiffened at the thought that didn't yet crossed their minds. As it did now, they disappointedly sighed, their heads and bodies bowed down in depression. That only made Penguin and Sai sweat drop and think of a certain bear.

"Before anything, we should return to captain with this news so he can decide what to do next. And chart our way from here to the shoreline so we have a certain map to use." Sai said in a matter of fact tone and rearranged his knit cap on his head.

"You're right. Let's go." Josh said in newfound spirit, but they only took a few steps back before hearing a familiar growl. It didn't take long for a large snout to come forth, sniffing around at their scent. The group realized they had nowhere to run this time since a cliff was not far behind them.

Miyako sighed and unsheathed her katana. "Guess we have no choice."

The T-Rex found them soon enough and growled again, opening its mouth wide for them to see the reddish insides, covered with saliva and sharp teeth.

"If this guy wants a piece of us, then let's give it to him!" Josh said and grinned, rolling up his sleeves as if preparing for some physical work.

Miyako looked at him sideways, with a mocking smirk. "That sounded so lame…."

"Shut up, Ugly!" The medic countered and prepared some of his kunai.

Meanwhile, Penguin took a fighting stance as well, and Sai pulled a riffle from his back that he always carried with him.

The large dinosaur made a loud glass shattering roar and came at them, snout first.

"In any case….Don't underestimate the Heart Pirates!" Penguin yelled as they went into battle mode.

The dinosaur tried grabbing them with its large teeth, crashing into the ground where they had just stood. But instead it only got a mouthful of dirt as the pirates quickly dodged. Josh jumped in the air, landing on the animal's snout and throwing his kunais right at the beats eyes, making it blind. Meanwhile, Penguin and Miyako dodged the blow by quickly running forwards and not even stopping as they went for the dinosaurs back legs. Penguin delivered a hard, bone shattering blow in its right knee cap, while Miyako cut through the left leg without even stopping. The creature roared in pain and agony as it was blind and unable to get up anymore. Sai was just about to deliver the finishing blow when Miyako stopped him.

"Wait! Don't shoot!" She noticed the man's confused look and thought she should explain herself. "If you shoot it would echo throughout the jungle…it would probably just bring more predators our way. Besides, the people down there could hear it too and get alarmed. We don't want them to know we're here yet." The girl explained, sheathing back her katana.

Sai nodded and put his riffle away. "Good thinking." Instead he pulled out a piece of paper and a pen, ready to chart their way back.

"So aren't we gonna put it out of its misery?" Josh said, folding his arms on his chest and tilting his head, staring at the roaring T-Rex.

"We don't want any more smell of blood than there already is here. It'll just attract more predators on this territory." Sai explained before giving everyone the signal to move out.

As they walked on, the pirates thought their excursion ended quite well, especially with the info they got. Yes, everything should've gone perfect. Too bad they didn't notice a pair of human eyes watching them hidden in the bushes.

~…~

Miyako cut the last of some annoying bushes to make a way for them. "We should be there soon. I can hear the sea!" She said excitedly and just then her stomach made a growl reminding her she hadn't eaten anything yet. That also reminded the group of one other thing….they all stopped and fell silent before Sai said quietly.

"We were supposed to find water and food.."

The pirates all bowed their heads in gloominess thinking of what will their captain do to them when they tell him they have been away for hours and returned without any supplies.

"Ah! But at least we found a place where we can get supplies!" Penguin said, rising his index finger in the air matter-of-factly.

"Yeah, if they don't decide to kill us first…" Josh muttered still suspicious of the big city they saw down there. "And I didn't even see a way to get down there, especially not without being seen."

Miyako sighed. "Let's just go tell captain first."

The group stepped out of the jungle, on the white sandy beach but as soon as they did, their expressions changed into ones of utter surprise and disbelief. "Eeeeh?" They all yelled in unison as their eyes went wide. There, before their eyes where the pirate camp should be…stood nothing. There was no one in sight. Their camping equipment and crates were still there but there was no sign of a living soul on that beach. And what was even weirder; there was no sign of their submarine either.

"Where is everybody!" Penguin couldn't help but yell in slight panic.

"They…couldn't have forgotten about us and left already...right?" Josh said a bit worried himself.

"D-Don't be ridiculous! Captain wouldn't leave us here…." Miyako started in a sure tone but somehow trailed off in less than a whisper. *If this is some kind of joke…it's NOT funny!*

"Ah! Maybe they were attacked and eaten by those beasts and dinosaurs!" Sai exclaimed as if remembering something important, hitting his open palm with a fist. A second later he got hit by a fist, or rather two fists and a sheathed katana.

"Don't say stuff like that!" Miyako yelled annoyed. Calming down she closed her eyes for a second, thinking. *There must be an explanation for this…What if-!* Then her eyes opened suddenly as she thought of something. "What if they were found by those people there and taken away…or Law made a deal with them so they went together with them for supplies!" Miyako said.

"All of them? And the sub?" Josh asked, a bit uncertain and suspicious of her theory.

"I examined the sub with Shachi before we left. I don't think it should've even been fixed properly yet." Penguin added.

"hmm…" Sai hummed in thought, thinking about what Miyako said. Then he walked to the end of the beach, almost standing in the water and stared at the wide, open sea. The three pirates exchanged glances at his sudden strange behavior and shrugged, indicating nobody had any idea what Sai was doing. Then before they could even ask, Sai took something from his pocket and pushed a button on it, making a small red light appeared and start blinking. Then he threw the object into the sea as far as possible and it flew a good 10 meters of distance.

Penguin whistled in awe. "That's some throwing arm there."

Miyako and Josh ignored the mechanic. "More importantly; what did you just do?" Josh asked, looking at Sai with a raised eyebrow that disappeared under his red bangs and hat.

"It's a signaling device for the sub. When turned on, it sends circular signals for the sub's radar to detect. If the submarine just happens to be in the sea, they'll notice the signal."

Penguin rolled his eyes. "I told you already, there's no way they'd let it submerge yet and-" But his sentence was cut off when not much later the water started moving restlessly and then started rising, before a yellow top of the submarine appeared and then the rest of it. "Heeeh?" Penguin yelled in complete surprise, his eyes wide as saucers.

Sai smirked looking at the sub; an expression of full gloating on his face that didn't even need any words together with it.

Suddenly, Shachi came out of the sub and rushed to the railing to see his friends better. He waved at them. "Heey, guys!"

~…~

The sub was once again docked near the shore. On the beach there was a group of Heart pirates sitting in a circle, everyone with their own troubled face in thought. Except the excursion group of four, there were additional three members now; Jean Bart, Munk and Shachi.

"So let me get this straight; You were attacked by people riding on dinosaurs so Law, I mean; Captain, ordered you to submerge the sub and they were taken by those natives?" Miyako summed up what they had just heard. It seemed not long before their return, the Heart pirates were attacked by those natives. The sub wasn't completely fixed or in any condition to resume with its travels yet, but it was fixed enough to go underwater without taking water in so Law took that chance to at least save the submarine from the destructive hands of the natives who would probably take it or destroy it without even knowing what it is. Jean Bart was able to get through and into the sub, and since Shachi was already there working on it and Munk inside, trying to clean his kitchen that was messed up from the crash, they were all able to stay in the submarine.

"It was a total surprise attack. We didn't expect it at all….And there were so many of them." Shachi said in an almost whimper, obviously regretting that he couldn't save his friends. Meanwhile, Penguin was nodding looking like he'll shed tears of pain as well, sympathizing with his friend.

"Anyway, we got no otha choice but ta sav' our crew!" Munk said in a determined tone and nodded.

"Yes, but we need a good plan. We can't just storm in or we'll risk both our and their lives…and besides, we don't even know where they took them." Bart added and sighed.

"well actually…." Miyako smirked as she, Josh, Penguin and Sai looked at each other knowingly.

~…~

Jean Bart, Penguin, Shachi, Josh and Miyako were once again peeking thought the bushes on that cliff, looking down at the big city.

They had figured out a plan of approach, waiting for night to fall so they could sneak in without being seen. Meanwhile, Sai and Munk stayed behind guarding the sub in case the natives return.

The city was now enveloped with lights coming from torches and candles. Even though it was quite big and the architecture wasn't bad, the city didn't look all that developed technologically. It didn't have electricity nor any machines, but it seemed they used herbivorous dinosaurs for labor work. Some of the people even rode the smaller dinosaurs as transportation, while others used them on construction sites to carry heavy logs and stone blocks. However, as the night fell, the city became less and less busy and now there were only a few people on the streets. At least that was a good sign for the pirates who were trying to find a way to sneak in. Still, they had one tiny problem…well, it wasn't that tiny after all.

"How do we get down there!" Penguin exclaimed, annoyance clear in his voice. There didn't seem to be a path that led directly downwards, and the cliffs were protecting it from all sides.

"There has to be a way…these people need to go in and out of the city as well." Miyako murmured, thinking about the solution to their problem as she bit her lower lip.

"Well, when they attacked there were even two of them rising on some big dinosaur bird-looking animals." Bart said, remembering the attack on their camp a few hours ago. "However, most of them came by foot."

Just as Jean Bart's reminiscence finished, a quiet sound was heard in the bushes. First it was just rustling from the leaves, but then a barely hearable yelp traveled to the pirates' ears before suddenly disappearing as if cut off. Even though it was only for a second, the pirates definitively heard it. They looked at each other in wonder, then narrowed their eyes in determination before nodding and staring back at the bushes. Miyako pushed the tsuba of Yawarakai-Te with her thumb, making a part of the blade show from the hilt, almost gleaming in the darkness. Meanwhile, the others prepared themselves as well, readying their weapons.

Jean Bart suddenly opened the bushes, leaves and vegetation flying on the ground. The rest of the group pointed their weapons at the source of the sound seeing a conspicuous shadow there. But as soon as their eyes focused better on it, they stopped suddenly, eyes wide and expressions surprised.

There, on the dirt ground sat a boy, no more than 12 years old, eyes even wider than the ones of the pirates, though his were because of pure fear. He had an expression that showed pure terror as he clutched a hunting knife in both his small hands, pointing it at the group of pirates.

"D-D-Don't come any closer! O-or else!" The boy stuttered barely able to finish his sentence. There were already tears forming in his eyes.

Josh smirked a little, putting his kunai away and folded his arms on his chest. "Or else what?"

Miyako glared at the redhead and his cocky attitude. "Don't scare him! He looks frightened enough as it is!" She reprimanded with a harsh stare, but as she turned back to the boy on the ground her eyes softened. She knelt down before him to be less intimidating. "What's your name?"

Josh raised an eyebrow. "What's this, your motherly instincts kicking in all of a sudden or something?" He just couldn't help but tease at the girl's unusual behavior.

Miyako ignored the medic, however, her attention still towards the boy who didn't look any less scared than before. So she reassured him more. "Don't worry, we won't hurt you." She gave him a soft smile, still keeping a calm gaze on him.

The boy's eyes widened again for a second before narrowing. His expression suddenly became sterner and he glared at the samurai girl. "L-Liar! I know who you are! You want to destroy our city, d-don't you!" However, his glare wasn't that scary looking since his whole body was shivering in fear and there were already tears streaming down his cheeks.

"Eh?" Miyako couldn't help but look at the boy funny since she had no idea what he was talking about. Behind her, the pirates looked at each other in wonder as well. Still, she pulled herself together quickly and raised an eyebrow. "Weren't you the ones who attacked us and the captain? So we should be the angry ones." Even though she said that, Miyako showed no anger or malice towards the boy.

The boy blinked in new puzzlement but the confusion made him calmer somewhat, forgetting his panic for a moment. "A-Attacked…? What are you talking about?"

The pirates looked as confused as the boy now. Bart was the first one to recuperate. "Boy, didn't the men from your city attack the pirates on the beach?"

"P-Pirates…?" The boy seemed even more confused. But then his eyes widened and he gasped slightly, moving further away from them even though he was still sitting on the ground. "You guys are pirates! I knew there was something fishy about you the first time I saw you?" Once again the boy raised the hunting knife straight at Miyako's face, who didn't even flinch. However her face did look more serious now, as if she was in deep thought.

But then his last sentence brought her out of the daze. "Wait. What do you mean, "the first time you saw us?" Wasn't this the first time?"

The boy gulped, feeling anxious. "I-I saw you during the day…when you were here…you, you defeated that T-Rex."

Penguin, Josh and Miyako looked surprised by this while Shachi and Bart just looked at their fellow crewmembers in silent confusion. The three realized they didn't even notice the kid, which was a big mistake on their part. Were they too busy because of the dangers around them and too consumed while discussing their further plans, or is this boy really that skilled at blending with the surroundings and sneaking? The pirates decided they didn't have the time to think about that more since there were more pressing matters to attend to.

"Then you're telling us your people really didn't attack our sub back there? But if you didn't, who did?" Shachi asked, tilting his head and putting his hands on his hips in the process.

The boy just nodded but didn't answer anything.

"Are there other people on this island as well? People that aren't from that city down there?" Jean Bart quickly figured out the highest possibility.

The boy looked at the freakishly large man behind them all, and a new shiver ran down his spine, then another, then another…He gulped once again and willed himself to talk. "W-well, there is another city...called Unk'Ar. My hometown is Unk'Ur." The boy said in a rather low, almost whispering voice still looking at the big pirate and probably imagining what the human-beast will do to him if he doesn't answer all their questions. Little did he know, Jean Bart had no such thoughts on his mind.

"I see…" Jean Bart muttered. "And where is Unk'Ar then?"

The boy hesitated but then pointed in the direction of East. At first he was silent but then after a while, he was able to get back his voice and gather up some courage to speak. "Um….Who are you people, then?….You really won't do anything to our city?" As he asked, the boy looked at Miyako with such big, pleading and expectant brown eyes, yet still kind of frightened, that it made Miyako's expression soften in an instant. She looked at the boy on the ground. He looked too short for his age and pretty scrawny. He had the same dark tanned skin like Law if not darker, and black hair tied in a short ponytail. He was still clutching the knife with one hand thought it was lowered now. His clothes looked simple; big brown cotton pants and a too big cotton shirt, but they also looked old and dirty.

Miyako made something between a smile and a smirk and closed her eyes before opening them again and looking at the boy right in the eye. "No, we didn't come here to harm you. It seems our crew was attacked by the natives so we thought it was the people from your city. But I see in your eyes that you're not lying and really don't know anything about that so I believe you. We'll need to go find that Unk'Ar city then." Then she remembered something, her expression becoming less serious and she said cheerfully. "Ah! I forgot to introduce myself! I'm Miyako, and you are?" She smiled at the boy as she saw him with a nervous face.

"Kah'An." The boy said shortly, still somewhat embarrassed at Miyako's smiling face. His cheeks had just a slight bit of pink in them.

Miyako smiled. "Nice to meet you Kah'An." She then proceeded to tell him the names of the rest of the group, the men who were still somewhat suspiciously looking at the kid.

"Miyako sure knows with kid, huh? Wasn't expecting that honestly…" Shachi whispered to Penguin.

"Maybe Josh's right. Maybe it's some maternal instinct or something…" Penguin muttered.

Miyako's eyes twitched as she heard the two guys behind her commenting. "I can hear you, you know…" Oh, how she wanted to punch them in to oblivion…alas, they had more important things to think about so she ignored Shachi's and Penguin's musings.

Josh, who was silent most of the time, crossed his arms on his chest and stared at Kah'An suspiciously. "There's still one thing I don't understand though….If you knew about us for so long, why didn't you tell any of the natives there? Why didn't you warn anybody? That just doesn't add up." Even though he was speaking to a kid, Josh's expression was completely serious. Not that he hated kids or anything, but when the lives of his crewmembers and maybe even the captain were on line, he didn't want to make any mistakes or relax in the slightest. This could still be a trap set by a natives and Josh will definitively not let anyone else get taken away. *They may be annoying at times, but all of them are still my crewmembers and friends! And I'll be damned to let anything happen to them!* And so Josh didn't allow himself to relax.

At the redhead's question the boy lowered his head and stared at the ground, cheeks even more red with embarrassment. It seemed something was bothering him suddenly and he almost looked ashamed, not willing to look at anyone. "That's because…" Hi voice was an uncertain whisper and he never finished the sentence. But Josh was still expecting the answer.

Before he could answer however, a voice of the mechanic cut him off. "I think it's fine if he doesn't tell us." Shachi said suddenly and everyone looked at him in surprise, especially Josh who was looking at the man as if he was crazy. So the mechanic explained. "He doesn't look like his hiding something suspicious…more like a personal problem, so there's no need for him to share it with strangers like us. Besides, everyone has one of two things they don't want to talk about." As he finished, the man grinned at the boy, who looked at him in surprise but also relief. There was a silent 'Thank you' in his eyes. That only made Shachi grin wider. However, he realized every one of his friends were staring at him in disbelief and wonder. "W-what?"

"Shachi-san…actually said something deep." Miyako was the first to say it, still in voice full of wonder."

"Is it the end of the world…?" Bart muttered.

"S-shut up!" Shachi yelled embarrassed by the looks he was receiving from his friends, his flushed checks obvious even in the darkness of the night.

"Say Kah'An…Could you take us to the town? We need a place to stay for the night; it'll be dangerous out here on the open and besides, we would like to talk to the person in charge there." Bart finally said, braking the awkward moment. He was the first to recover from the shock Shachi gave them.

The boy hesitated for a second, but then he turned to Miyako again and his eyes met hers for a second. Kah'An nodded. "O-Ok…."

~….~

The path to the town was so hidden Miyako was sure they would have never found it on their own. It led them through narrow pathways of the mountains and barely visible dirty roads hidden by jungle flora. But after about half an hour, they were standing in front of the town's front gates. What they didn't know was that the guards had already seen them and alerted the whole town, warriors included.

The pirates felt a tension as soon as they walked through the front wooden gates, and knew instantly something wasn't right. Miyako's eyes narrowed as she looked around. The townspeople dressed similar to Kah'An had them surrounded in an instant, all kinds of weapons, from spears to guns, pointed at the Heart Pirates.

"So it was a trap after all!" Josh yelled in anger and glared at the people surrounding them

"N-No I…I don't…" Kah'An looked as surprised as the rest of them as he looked around at his friends. He stood in front of the group of pirates and outstretched his arms in a protective manner. "Please, they're not bad people so you don't need to be scared! They're ok, really!" He yelled looking at the people, but their dark looks didn't soften one bit. That only made Kah'An more desperate-looking as his eyes started to glaze with tears again.

Then the crowed moved a little and made a path for a man in his forties. He had a stern look, with harsh piercing eyes which were glaring at the pirates. There was a dark aura of tension around him, telling Miyako and the others he was definitively trouble. He obviously had some kind of authority here. He wasn't built anything special, tall but not big or toned. He had short brown hair and the tanned skin as everyone else there, though noticeably lighter. He was carrying a long gun resting it on his shoulder, which reminded Miyako of a certain tan-skinned pirate captain.

Before anyone could say anything more, the tall man spoke. "What were you thinking Kah'An, bringing strangers here? And pirates none the less!" Suddenly he took out the recent newspapers and threw that towards the boy. As they opened in the air, a bunch of wanted posters came out flying and landing next to Kah'An's feet. "I recognized them immediately when we saw them coming! Heart pirates, led by that nasty, heartless Surgeon of Death!" The man yelled, his stern eyes piercing the cowering boy. The first thing Miyako noticed, however, was the rise in their bounty. *900 000 Beri on my wanted poster? It shouldn't be this much.* Her thoughts were interrupted by the cheerful voices behind her. Obviously, Penguin, Shachi and Josh basked in the knowledge that their bounties raised by 50 000.

"This is no time to be celebrating, you dolts!" Miyako yelled uncharacteristically for her, as a vain threatened to pop out of her forehead. At least that made the men settle down some.

The boy, who was staring at the posters with wide eyes suddenly looked up at the man in front of him, a certain determination in his eyes and voice. "Even so, Unak, they're not bad people! They just need our help and-"

But he was immediately cut off by just the dark look the man, Unak, gave him. "They are filthy pirates! And all pirates are the same you foolish boy! You always cause trouble Kah'An but I never thought it would come to this! Obviously I should have made you learn your lesson a long time ago, that is exactly what you need!"

Kah'An gulped at the threat that wasn't a bluff. He tried to speak but couldn't…his legs were shaking and threatened to give out on him. Miyako realized this boy was somewhat of a scardy-cat the way he kept fearfully looking at everyone and everything and crying quite often. Once again, tears had fallen from his eyes. But before he could defend himself, a woman ran from the crowd and towards Kah-An, embracing him in protective arms.

"Please, Unak, let me take care of the child. This is not the time nor the place…." The woman pleaded, but had sure, clear and determined eyes that had no fear in them. Not even for Unak. The man looked displeased and grumbled a few times, but then sighed closing his eyes as if suddenly tired.

"Fine, take the boy back to the orphanage Kahla. I will deal with him later." The man had somewhat relaxed his gaze, a sound of slight resignation in his voice.

The woman dragged Kah'An away, despite the boy's protests. The boy looked back at the group of pirates who were still surrounded by deadly weapons, a clear apology in his eyes, but Miyako gave him a barely noticeable reassuring smile so he wouldn't worry. No, the Heart pirates had no intention dying here…not when the rest of the crew was in danger. However, Miyako didn't want to cause unnecessary chaos either. They needed help from this people so they had to make them see they weren't a threat…unfortunately that didn't look possible at this moment. Miyako sighed. *What should we do…?*

Meanwhile, Unak turned towards them with a glare as dark as before. "And you pirates…I don't know why you're here but I'm going to find out! Where is your captain? Where is the rest of your crew? Are they hiding somewhere and waiting to ambush us? Is this all part of your plan to pillage the town?"

The group all remained quiet however, just staring at the man. The pirates had a fierce look of their own; Josh was practically glaring daggers at the man, but not even the temperamental redhead said anything.

"So you refuse to answer huh? Well we'll get it out of you one way or another!"

The warriors of the town came closer with their weapons. They didn't look uncertain or afraid of the infamous pirates at all, as if they were prepared for anything that could come. However they were still surprised when the group just stood still and let themselves be taken away. They expected resistance from them but it never came, and the pirates walked into their cells without a word.

They were taken to the town's jail. The path led downstairs and into the cellar, where there were a few cells there. It didn't look big or used much and there were no other prisoners there, which meant the town didn't really have a big crime rate. That, or Unak and his men simply killed the culprits, which wouldn't be strange to Miyako after seeing Unak's serious glare. Or perhaps everyone were just too scared of him to even think of doing a crime.

The group was put into the cells, their weapons taken. Miyako, Josh, Penguin and Shachi were cramped in one small cell, which wasn't meant for so many people. Jean Bart occupied the cell on the other side of the hall, and he barely fit in it even though he was alone. He was the only one that seemed to scare the town's men, even if just a little. But who wouldn't be intimidated with such a large man that could probably crush your bones in one blow.

As the cells were closed, two guards walked out of the jail room and into the room next door, closing the doors behind them. That left the pirates able to talk to each other freely without outsiders listening. As soon as the jail doors closed, Josh was the first one to talk.

"So? You mind explaining why you whispered to us not to fight back, back there?" The redhead turned to the girl, leaning on the dirty cell wall with his shoulder.

Miyako looked at Josh and sighed. He was in a bad moon ever since they found out about the attack on their sub; not that she could blame him. She was calm on the surface, but worried deep inside as well. She knew the Heart pirates were strong, and Law could take care of himself; but still, not having any clue what was going on with their friends or where exactly are they, it just left Miyako with a bad and anxious feeling. So for once, Miyako didn't want to start an argument with the medic and he looked like he could explode any minute now. "You've seen what kind of a deep, dangerous jungle this is on the island. We won't be able to find Unk'Ar without a guide, not to mention we'll need food and water supplies for the trip. Who knows how long it'll take…so we need these people's help. If we had fought back and hurt them that would just prove that we are the enemies that they can't trust…we need to show them that we just want to cooperate." The girl explained.

Josh huffed. He wasn't completely satisfied with that solution but deep inside he knew Miyako was right. The one to confirm was also Jean Bart who nodded with a murmur.

Just then they heard a sound behind them...then another. The four pirates turned and saw Kah'An out of the window. The cell had only one small window that look out on the street…well ground to be exact, since the cell was underground so the window looked more like an opening on the building's wall. Kah'An was lying on the ground and looking through the barred window into the cells. "pssst, it's me!" The boy whispered.

"Kah'An? What are you doing here?" Penguin exclaimed surprised but kept his voice low so the guards outside the jail door wouldn't hear.

The boy made a sad face, his big eyes looking desperate, like a lost puppy. Mkyako wondered if he'll cry again. The boy didn't but his voice still sounded somewhat depressed. "I'm sorry I put you into trouble. I really didn't mean to…."

Miyako gave him a reassuring smile. "It's alright Kah'An, we know it wasn't intentional. You were just trying to help us. I hope you didn't get into much trouble."

Kah'An's face saddened even more, his eyes staring at the ground. "Unak said we'll talk tomorrow…His really scary…" For a while there was a slight silence, before the boy continued. "…But he's a great warrior and always protects the village, even from the people of Unk'Ar."

"Unk'Ar? You mean the ones that took our crew? Why do you need protection from them?"

Kah'An nodded. "Actually, the cities are in war ever since I remember. Well, it's mostly just Unk'Ar trying to rob us. Both cities are isolated by mountains for protection….but that also makes gathering food and water difficult. And it's hard to hunt in the jungle cause of all the danger, even though our hunters are already pretty experienced. So Unk'Ar often tries to attack us and rob us of our supplies. Sometimes they succeed, sometimes they don't…though after Unak came to power and became the town's leader, he trained the warriors and even built better defenses. He really helped us a lot…but he's still scary." Kah'An gulped.

"Kah'An, the way you say it sounds like Unak isn't a native from this town?" Jean Bart suddenly spoke from the other side of the hallway.

The boy nodded. "Yeah, he washed up on the shore 2 years ago and we took him in."

Miyako thought about what the boy said. *Unak sounds like an experienced fighter…what was he before coming here? He couldn't have been just your everyday Joe with skills of warfare like that.*

"Anyway…" Kah'An continued, lowering his gaze again. "…I'm really sorry I messed up….I always do that. The truth is I'm not very good at anything….even though we're already training to be warriors, I suck and the other kids always make fun of me. I try to help but I always end up make it worse…Even the other kids in the orphanage say I'm of no use at all…the only one who is nice to me is Kahla, the Sister who takes care of us in the orphanage. The truth is….Miyako reminded me a little of Sister Kahla…" The boy seemed embarrassed all of a sudden, his cheeks turning slightly pink.

Miyako blinked a few times in confusion but then smiled, her eyes softening a little. Meanwhile, Kah'An continued. "When I saw you for the first time today I thought you were going to attack the village, that you are from Unk'Ar. But…I wanted to show to everyone that I am useful and a good warrior…so I wanted to beat you myself and take you to my town. I thought, if I did that, Unak and the others will finally except me and acknowledge me. But I just messed up again…"

The guys looked at each other not sure what to say. Miyako didn't know either as her eyes softened again. She felt sorry for the poor boy.

Just then a loud crash came from somewhere behind Kah'An. Before anyone could ask anything, another was heard and then voices and shouts of panic. Miyako had a bad feeling about this.

"Wha-? What's going on?" Shachi exclaimed and stepped on the bed which was placed beneath the small widow. He tried to get a better view as he looked outside. Kah'An was also staring behind with frightened wide eyes.

A whistling sound came through the air before another crash was heard. The building next to the jailhouse exploded, its wall shattered to pieces as if a projectile hit it.

"W-We're under attack! It must be warriors from Unk'Ar!" Kah'An yelped in shock and panic. He turned towards the pirates in the cell again. "I-I have to go…I have to make sure Sister Kahla and the others are ok!" Before anyone could stop him, Kah'An was already running away from the cell.

"Dammit! If they are from Unk'Ar, it's are chance to find out what happened to captain and the others! I know you said we need to earn the natives' trust but we can't let this opportunity go to waste. We need to fallow those guys or get some info out of them!" Josh gritted his teeth as he spoke.

"I agree with Josh, we need to get out of this cell." Penguin nodded.

They all looked at Bart who just nodded, understanding what they were silently asking of him. The navigator, who was sitting cramped up in the small cell, with his upper body bend uncomfortably to actually fit in the cell, clutched his big fists around the cell bars. The bars barely gave any resistance as the whole cell doors gave out and move out of the crumbling walls. Bart let the doors fall down with a loud 'Clang' before coming out and doing the same thing with the other cell's door.

Strangely enough nobody came to check on them even though the sound of metal breaking was pretty loud, but that was probably because everyone was too busy fighting outside. The pirates opened the doors of the next room; there was no sign of the guards as they suspected, but their weapons were lying not far away on a wooden desk. Miyako took her katana and hugged it with glee. "Ah~ Yawarakai-Te, I'm sorry I left you~" The guys sweat dropped but didn't comment on it. Josh took his own weapons that consisted of several kunai, lots of senbon and a kodachi he kept at his waist. Since Shachi and Penguin fought with kung-fu techniques like Bepo, they had no use for weapons, and Jean Bart didn't even really need them with his strength. As the group got ready, they ran outside to see the town in complete chaos.

Most of the town was in flames, while the stone buildings were crumbling under heavy fire from cannons. On the streets, men of the Unk'Ur fought the warriors from Unk'Ar. Some were fighting with swords and spears, while others used guns and rifles. One native tried to stab his enemy but got shot by another man who appeared next to him. Miyako looked around and even saw warriors riding dinosaurs and fighting each other. Two men, both riding on an Aardonyx of their own, clashed with each other. Their swords made a loud metal noise, while the dinosaurs grabbed at each other's throats. Not far away, Miyako heard a loud noise and saw a man from Unk'Ar riding a Ceratopsidae and making it run into a wall of a nearby house, trying to break the wall with its sturdy big horns.

They heard a loud screech and saw a man riding a Pterodactyl. The dinosaur-bird was in the air one second than rushing downwards in high speed the next, as it saw its new prey. It caught a native of Unk'Ur in its claws and rushed back up, still holding the screaming and panicking man in its talons while the human tried to break free fruitlessly. Then suddenly, another pterodactyl came from nowhere and crashed into the other one; as this one belonged to a Unk'Ur rider. The two dinosaurs started fighting in the air, hunting each other and the two riders shooting at each other with their rifles.

"Watch out!" Suddenly Penguin pulled her close to him, and out of the street as a burning figure ran by them in great speed. It was a Beipiaosaurus with its rider on its back, but both were covered in flames as the dinosaur screeched in pain and panic, running without any control. The rider was screaming too, flailing his arms but it was too late for both of them. The dinosaur suddenly collapsed after a long run and crashed into a nearby wall.

Miyako stared at the sight in shock before nodding to Penguin. "Thank you." Just then another cannon ball came their way and crashed into the jailhouse wall above them. The pirates jumped and ran away as the wall crashed down. Miyako sighed in relief. *That was too close.*

"We can't keep standing here, it's dangerous. Let's move." Shachi suggested in a hurry and the others nodded.

Before they knew it, the pirates were thrown in the middle of the war and they had no choice but to fight in it. "If we help out the natives from Unk'Ur and destroy Unk'Ar's men, we'll get their trust. Besides, we need some Unk'Ar prisoners anyway." Miyako said as she took out her katana and slashed a man who was coming at her with a spear. It seemed Unk'Ar's men attacked indiscriminately.

"We'll think about that later. For now let's just defeat these guys." Josh answered as he jumped in the air and delivered a high kick to the man riding another dinosaur. The redhead knocked the man down from the animal and the dinosaur ran away out of control, pulling the riding on the floor with it since the man's leg got stuck to the reins.

"What about the boy, he could be in trouble?" Bart asked as a rider came at him with a dinosaur. But the navigator didn't even look anxious as the beast came at him running. He simply outstretched his hands and stopped the animal in its tracks. The navigator grabbed the dinosaur's neck as it growled in pain. He crouched a little and grabbed the chest with his other hand, lifting the dinosaur in the air and tossing it together with the rider into the nearby wall. Neither the poor animal nor the man moved again.

The rest of the group stared at the scene and sweat-dropped, feeling a bit sorry for that guy and the dinosaur. "Seriously, there should be a limit as to how strong a person can be.." Shachi murmured and the other nodded in agreement.

But then Miyako remembered Bart's words. "Ah! Kah'An! You're right!" She turned to the group. "Bart-san, please come with me to find that orphanage. The rest, clean up over here please." She nodded in the direction of incoming Unk'Ar forces.

"Tche…who made you in charge?" Josh mumbled and folded his arms on his chest. Then he tilted his head with a slightly annoyed face and closed eyes. "Well I guess, just this once I'll listen to you…we need to save that crybaby after all."

Miyako smiled slightly at the medic's words and nodded. "Thank you, everyone." With that the navigator and the samurai left the scene.

~…..~

As Miyako and Bart ran looking for the orphanage on the streets, Miyako tried asking some natives as to where the building is but they just ignored her as they ran in panic, pushing her away if she came close to them. However, seeing this, Jean Bart grabbed a running man who seemed in enough panic as it is…but being held up by a man 5 times his size if not more, made him shut up in sheer shock immediately. Jean Bart narrowed his eyes. "Take us to the orphanage."

The native man nodded without a word, cold sweat running down his face and back. Miyako sighed with a sweat-drop. *It was a good choice to take Jean Bart with me…*

As they ran, the navigator didn't even put the man down in case he tried to escape and the man instructed them where to go. Not long after, they found themselves in front of a big burning building. Jean Bart dropped the man who hurried away and ran immediately. Miyako's eyes widened at the sight. There were a group of kids near the flames, and they looked like they were trying to lift something. As the two pirates came closer they saw that a woman holding onto a small child was trapped under a big wooden balk. It wasn't on fire yet but the flames were closing in on them quickly. The children were trying to lift the balk but it wasn't even budging. Among them, Miyako saw Kah'An, in tears and sweat, his hands already bleeding from splinters and slight burns.

Then Jean Bart came, moving the children away. The kids looked scared but moved away none the less, as the big navigator stood in front of the balk. He grabbed it with both hands and with one flex of his muscles and gritted teeth; he moved the balk away, throwing it into the fire. Quickly he took the woman and the child gently in both hands and ran away before the fires could get to them.

At first the kids were in too much shock to even speak. They were of all ages, both girls and boys, but they all made the same face when they saw the giant save their friend and Khala. Bart put the woman down. "The child seems ok, but the woman is breathing hard. She must have protected the girl with her own body." The navigator explained as he saw the little girl of about 5 years, sniveling near the woman. "We need to take her to a doctor immediately." Bart warned.

"I'll do it!" A voice rang behind them and everyone turned to see Kah'An standing there with a determined look even though his legs were shaking. But the tears were gone from his eyes. He had some burns, cuts and bruises on his body as well, his shirt completely destroyed.

"Kah'An, where did you get these wounds? What happened?" Miyako asked sincerely worried.

The boy looked at the ground but before he could say anything, a girl of about 8 spoke; "Brother Kah'An saved us! We were trapped inside and he was able to get us out but then the balk collapsed and trapped Sister Kahla and Min. We couldn't get them out..." The girl almost started crying at the memory.

Miyako smiled and looked at the embarrassed Kah'An. "It seems you did something right after all, Kah'An-kun. You're a hero now, huh?" She teased lightly but with no real malice or sarcasm. The statement only made Kah'An blush more.

The moment was interrupted by Jean Bart who had put the woman on his back. She was still breathing hard and was unconscious. "Let's get these kids to safety."

Miyako nodded and they all followed Kah'An who suddenly got an idea where to go. As they ran, Miyako narrowed her eyes at the sight of a warrior of Unk'Ar riding a dinosaur and coming right at them. The kids screamed in shock. "Just keep running!" Miyako yelled to them before running off ahead with great speed. She put a thumb on the katana's tsuba and the other hand on the hilt as the kept running right at the dinosaur. Just as it looked like the animal will trample Miyako, the girl moved to the side, crouching and unsheathing her katana. In one slash she cut at the animal's legs. The dinosaur yelped in pain and lost its balance, falling down hard and crushing the rider beneath it. Miyako sheathed back her katana and continued running, slowing down her pace a little so the others could catch up with her.

Soon they found themselves in front of what looked like a normal stone house. But as they went inside, Kah'An found a hidden door that led downstairs. They all went down and Miyako couldn't help but gasp a little. It was an underground shelter big enough for the whole city. There were civilians already there, holding their loved ones tightly in fear, with food, water and blankets around.

"Doctor Kash'Sun!" Kah'An yelled a bit too loudly which made everyone turn their attention to the new arrivals. The boy didn't care much as he ran towards the doctor who was treating some injured natives already. When he saw Miyako and Jean Bart the man froze in fear, especially after seeing the large man staring down at him. However they all ignored his shock and instead Bart put Khala down on the blanket wordlessly. "Doctor, you gotta help her, please!" Kah'An yelled in fear of losing the woman. The other kids followed his example and started pleading the doctor for his help. The man sighed at the sight and smiled reassuringly at Kah'An and other kids; "Of course I will help her."

*Guess our work here is done.* Miyako thought as she looked at the scene. The doctor was already starting his work on Khala. Miyako looked at Jean Bart. "We should go and help the others." She said, thinking of the two mechanics and Josh who were still fighting in the town. Bart nodded in agreement. As they turned around a voice stopped them.

"Thank you, for everything!" It was Kah'An, with determined big eyes, looking at them with gratitude. Following his example, the other kids started thanking them as well. "Thank you!" "Thanks!" "Thank you very much!" Miyako smiled at the children. *The kids are suddenly looking up to their brother Kah'Ah, hm? Well that's fine, he's a good kid even if he is a crybaby.* Miyako nodded to them with a smile and left with Jean Bart without a word.

~….~

Miyako jumped on a Camptosaurus which was carrying two riders; one shooting from his rifle, while the other used a big spear. The girl landed in the middle of them, slashing and cutting both of the men before moving to the animal's head and piercing its head with her katana. The Camptosaurus fell down without a sound from its throat and Miyako jumped off before the animal crashed on the ground.

Meanwhile, Bart was holding two grown men in each hand and threw them into a group of incoming Unk'Ar warriors.

"Heeey, guys!" The couple heard a familiar sound and saw Shachi, Penguin and Josh running towards them. Just then, a pterodactyl appeared at their side.

Miyako's eyes widened and she screamed; "Watch out!" but it was already too late. The lizard-bird took penguin in its talons and soared towards the sky. "Penguin!" Miyako shouted in worry but there was nothing she could do. Miyako started thinking of a plan in a hurry; anything that would help Penguin get down and was preparing her katana to use her haki and slash at the bird even though that could endanger Penguin as well, but just then a shot echoed through the air. The pterodactyl that luckily didn't get far in the air, screeched and started falling down, crashing in a nearby roof and rolling down to the ground.

"Penguin!" His friends shouted in unison as they ran up the groaning man on the floor. The mechanic managed to get out of the large bird's claws, with the help of Shachi and Josh. Miyako sighed in relief when she saw the mechanic was alive but Josh's next words put her in the state of worry again.

"He broke his arm!" The medic had pulled up the sleeve of Penguin's overall and started examining the swollen forearm.

"W-Well…it could've been worse." Penguin managed to say through the pain with a slight smirk on his face.

"But where did that shot come from…" Bart muttered,

Just then, as if to answer the navigator's question, Unak appeared, his rifle pointing right at the group. That made the pirates stiffen and Miyako quickly stood up in a defensive stance. Unak simply stared at Penguin and the dead pterodactyl. "I saw what you did at the orphanage…this was just to pay you back pirates, so now we're even. That's all." He said in a low, serious voice, the glare never leaving his face. Miyako was a bit taken back with his words but nodded none the less. Unak turned to leave and ran. Miyako saw he was attacked by an Unk'Ar warrior but he effortlessly blocked the man's sword with his rifle, then sliced the warrior's throat with the knife he held in his other hand. Seeing his fighting skills Miyako's eyes narrowed. *That man…He's definitively not an average person. Not when he knows how to fight like that…Where did he come from? Who is he?* Her thoughts were interrupted by Penguin's groan of pain as Josh worked to immobilize the broken arm.

~….~

By the time the first light appeared, the fight had died out. The warriors of Unk'Ur were able to defend their city and chase away Unk'Ar's men but not without a serious amount of damage and many casualties. Luckily, most of the civilians managed to hide themselves in the town's underground shelter but many warriors died in battle. Unk'Ar did a surprise attack on them, which made serious damage even before Unk'Ur's men and Unak knew what was happening and began to fight back.

Miyako sighed tiredly, sheathing back Yawarakai-Te as the fighting ceased. "Guess it's over."

"I really didn't expect such chaos all of a sudden. How did this happen?" Shachi muttered.

Before they could ponder on it, Miyako saw the rest of the Unk'Ur's warriors led by Unak coming towards them.

"heeeh? Are they here to thank us?" Penguin said with a huge grin, his face brightening up proudly.

But Miyako didn't think the same. The way Unak and the others were looking at them, something wasn't right. Her intuition or just her haki; whatever it was, something was telling her in her gut that there was trouble ahead. The tension grew in the air as the warriors walked, weapons in their hands, towards them. Miyako prepared her katana. Beside her, she saw Bart tensing up as well as if preparing for more battle. Obviously he sensed something wrong too.

When the men were already close, Shachi started walking up to them with a gloating grin on his face. He shrugged with his arms outstretched a little and his head tilted to one side. "Now, now, if you want to thank us, we must tell you it wasn't just for you. We are actually-" But before he could finish or take another step, Unak's rifle was pointing right at his face, a little click was heard as the man released the safety from it. Shachi tensed and made a serious face in an instant, a glare behind his eyeglasses. The second Miyako saw the gun pointing at the mechanic she unsheathed her katana and pointed it right at Unak's neck, a stare cold as steel in her bright, burning eyes. Josh took out his kodachi and Bart clenched his fists, meanwhile the warriors all raised their weapons and pointed them at the group of pirates.

"What's going on here? We helped you defeat the Unk'Ar's men and you still suspect us?" Miyako's voice was as cold as her expression.

Unak's eyes turned to look at the girl on his side, holding a katana at his throat, but he didn't look scared at all. He just glared at the samurai. "Don't play innocent girly! My informants had just informed me of everything a few minutes ago!"

Miyako didn't say anything but her eyes looked a bit more confused now. Unak simply continued. "I don't know why you decided to kill Unk'Ar's people but one thing is certain….this attack was your fault!"

"What?" The pirates exclaimed all of the same time in puzzlement.

"I said, don't play dumb! I found it weird how Unk'Ar's men were able to surprise attack us and break our defenses, something that they have never before managed to do in years. They would always be pushed back by my men. Yet how did our city get destroyed like this? I got the answer a few minutes ago."

Miyako didn't say anything but there was a tight feeling in her chest, like something was about to snap. She was tense listening to the man, certain that she won't like whatever he was about to say.

"The man behind this attack…The man who managed to plan this attack and broke our defenses to let the Unk'Ar men in using his abilities…was none other than your captain, Trafalgar Law!"

---

Yay, so happy I could finally update! :D I hope you liked it!

Also, if you noticed Miyako strength seemed to rise a little; well not like she miraculously became stronger because of the new katana, she knew all those techniques before, it's just what she mentioned once; A good katana that can connect with its master can bring out the full potential of the user. Also, Miyako had been in some nasty fights in those few months so of course she'll become stronger just like Law and the rest of the crew. So Yawarakai-Te is somewhat of a symbol of her new evolved strength. :)

Anyways, thank you for reading and I hope you liked it! Reviews and comments are welcome as usual so feel free to leave some. See ya (soon hopefully)!