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Two Year Timeskip Part 4
Day 183
Yuuto was at the clearing waiting for Hancock to show up. She was going to train him in archery today. He was looking forward to her training regimen with a bow. Her sisters had praised her ability for the bow a lot while Hancock didn't say anything lost in thought. He was kind of curious to see how she would look while she was using her bow.
Was it going to be a look of ease or disinterest?
He knew he could already aim and have the correct posture. It was just that he needed to fire and aim faster. He wasn't blessed with Usopp's natural talent but felt he had worked hard to get to a respectable level. He was sure he could hone his skills to the next level. It just mattered how fast he could do it.
He felt an unfamiliar presence approach him.
"You are the man called Yuuto correct?" He heard a feminine voice and turned. He squinted to see a long blue haired woman wearing typical Amazon attire exposing her chest. She was also dark skinned and had chocolate colored eyes. He gazed at her never really seeing her around. Most of the women in the island stayed around 25 feet away from him.
Yuuto liked the lack of attention. It was better that way to keep focus. He was sure that there were plenty of attractive women on this island to distract him.
Just like this one was.
He shook his head not wanting to be distracted. This one wasn't his type though. He had a preference for long black haired and tall woman.
Realizing that he was taking longer to respond and that it would have been interrupted as leering at her (in normal society), he quickly responded. "Yes."
She laughed, and he had to admit that she had a nice sounding laugh like bells. "So man reply very slowly." He looked at her confused. She looked at her as if annoyed. "You seem slow. Did Hebihime not tell you?" There was a sense of animosity in that voice.
Tell him what. He shook his head.
She sighed wondering why she accepted this. Then again, she, like all the woman on the island, was curious about this man. "My name is Delphine. I will be training you in the way of kyudo." Yuuto was a little crestfallen hearing that realizing Hancock was too busy. He shook himself. It was probably better that way for him to focus. "Do not expect me to go easy on you." He nodded ready to focus on training.
He couldn't be distracted over his feelings.
Yesterday
Hancock had been discussing with her sisters, Elder Nyon and Salome about what to do.
Salome and Nyon were facepalming. Well Salome would if she had hands. It seemed obvious what to do. Mate with him.
Nyon sighed. "Please explain." It seemed that Hancock had fallen in love with two people at the same time. This never happened in the history of all the Empresses.
"I'm serious. Yuuto must have cast a love spell or given me a potion distracting me from loving Luffy." Hancock paused. She didn't care at all that he was a former Chaser. That didn't matter to her. Maybe it was the food she ate with him.
What really mattered was her feelings for her first love Luffy.
Marigold asked. "Can men do that?"
Sandersonia asked a valid question. "How come only Hancock is affected? Why are we not affected?"
Nyon sighed. "Men cannot cast love spells." She spoke with experience. "It's not a love potion. He cooks using the same ingredients that you use right?" She continued. Hancock nodded at that. She elaborated. "Then, he should be under the same effects as well?"
Hancock blushed at the possibility of Yuuto having feelings for her. "No. That can't be it." She played with her fingers. "He's not in love with me." She said the last point disappointedly; she couldn't remember whether Yuuto talked about his feelings. It was just that he was pretending to be her boyfriend to make Luffy jealous.
No one heard Salome sigh at that. And they said animals are dumb.
"Well, you have to do something?" Nyon offered.
"Then what do you suppose I do?" Hancock inquired of her. She was desperate.
"Choose one over the other." Nyon said simply.
"I choose Luffy of course." Hancock said without a moment's hesitation. Even though her heart beat as if confused, her rational mind was sure she wasn't in love with Yuuto. After consulting the book, it seemed that to get rid of a fake boyfriend would be to dump him.
However, the book also explained dumping a boyfriend would cause the boyfriend to be depressed and break his heart. She couldn't imagine doing that to him.
It would have been easier to do that to Yuuto when they first met. But she wasn't that person anymore.
"What should we do? Should we send him away?" Marigold offered.
Hancock nodded as if she approved that idea. That seemed a better alternative. However, her heart began to hurt at that idea. It felt like a familiar pain.
Nyon refused. It was too risky. What if lovesickness happened again? "No. We shouldn't. We have to train him. We still got more than a year and a half left."
"Can we send someone else to train him?" Hancock whined. "I don't want him to influence me anymore." Her mind and heart were confusing her.
"That's fine. You can avoid him." Nyon said.
Sandersonia offered. "I'll train him in my sister's place. I'm one of the best archers here."
Hancock didn't like that idea. "No. I don't want him trapping you as well." She thought carefully. Who was someone could train Yuuto? Who was someone she didn't care about in case that person fell in the same trap? She smiled when she remembered. "I have someone in mind." It was one of her bitter rivals who could have become Queen of the Amazons. "Delphine."
Marigold and Sandesonia both nodded at that. She was a fearsome warrior. Her reputation as one of the most beautiful women in the land was only exceeded by her skill as an archer. She always continued training that skill. The two other sisters didn't voice it, but she could be a better archer than Hancock right now. Hancock had practiced archery less.
Salome smiled as she had a feeling what Hancock was trying to do. There was a slight problem with Hancock's plan.
Day 187
Hancock had not talked with her 'practice' boyfriend the last four days. She didn't even ask him to teach her about Luffy anymore. She purposely avoided Yuuto whenever she saw him. However, that didn't mean she didn't think about Yuuto when she was alone.
Whenever her mind was led astray by him, she focused back on Luffy and his charming smile and how he trained his elbow and shoulder strikes on a tree.
She mentally slapped herself. That was how Yuuto practiced Bajiquan, a style similar to her Piguaquan.
She quickly thought of a defining characteristic of Luffy. Like how Luffy ate.
She sighed. It was cute to see Luffy eat without any manners. If only Luffy could pay attention to her.
Hancock went outside to the balcony for a breath of fresh air and plotted how she would make Luffy become her real boyfriend.
It was hard because she felt that her relationship with Luffy did improve when Yuuto was helping her. Now, she resolved to do this by herself.
She thought to herself. Shouldn't boyfriends check up on their girlfriends? They hadn't talked at all the last four days.
She shook her head. If Yuuto did that, that would only complicate her affections more.
She could figure this out herself. She could learn about love without him.
She then looked over down and saw Delphine training Yuuto. Even though she had been avoiding him, she felt compelled to stay and watch the progress they both had.
Maybe Delphine was under his spell now.
With eyes closed, Yuuto had been facing his back toward 2 targets spread around the clearing wherever Delphine had set up. He opened his eyes and suddenly turned around. He quickly fired in the span of two seconds. The arrows hit each target in the center. Delphine threw a disk in the air which Yuuto promptly fired at also hitting the target.
Hancock smiled and marveled at the skill shown. She didn't expect that. He had improved from what she had last saw him. It wasn't enough to beat her.
Maybe she should challenge him just to make sure.
She reminded herself that would be useful for Luffy. Yuuto would improve facing a challenge.
Just as she was about to leave, she saw something.
Delphine was smiling at Yuuto and was too close (in her opinion) to him.
What made it worse was how Yuuto gave a smile at Delphine before bowing before her.
Hancock gripped the railing so hard until she heard a small crack. She immediately let go of the railing confused. She checked where the sound came from. There was a small crack on the railing that wasn't there before.
She stood perplexed. What happened? What was this feeling? Did she do that?
Day 188
Hancock was in the library, reading all of man's culture from the books she had from the outside world. She had to find out what she was feeling. She dismissed the words jealousy and envy. She was sure that she was not really in love with Yuuto. However, she found out what was the reason this sudden infatuation she had for Yuuto.
According to one book she found, saying the moon is beautiful to a man was another way of saying I love you. She remembered saying that to him on the night after her nightmare. When she showed him her vulnerable side.
Here Hancock was admiring the moon because of the traditions she heard when she was young. In Amazon Lily, full moons were beautiful because you could reflect how far you have grown since the last full moon. It was a symbol of hope and a custom to pray to the moon for the next lunar cycle wishing good fortune for your life.
Now, there was this new secondary meaning that must have been around for thousands of years.
She couldn't believe how naive she was not knowing this. She trapped herself. That must have been when it first started.
She didn't mean to cause herself this trouble. She was angry and scared that night when Yuuto caught her. To show her vulnerable side, her real side.
Yet, as she replayed the event, Yuuto never made fun of her for it. He silently acknowledged it and comforted her as if it didn't exist. Yuuto was helping her emotionally and she was grateful for Yuuto's encouragement. She didn't blow up at him like she would have before.
The look in his eyes that night showed he understood her.
The way he touched her was a source of warmth and comfort.
Her heart seemed to beat even faster recalling that night.
And then her rationale came again. Reminding her about Luffy. Luffy accepted her first.
Her irrational part answered that Luffy didn't understand her the way Yuuto did.
Hearing that voice for the first time in her mind scared her. She needed to continue reading the book for ways to undo this curse fast.
"Hebihime? You wanted to see me?" She looked and saw Delphine. That interrupted her concentration.
"Yes, Delphine." Hancock remembered how much Delphine envied her position and always annoyingly challenged her. Unfortunately Hancock had to be as cordial as possible. Making sure there was no animosity in her voice, she primly asked. "How is your training with the man Yuuto?" She gave her a cold stare.
Delphine gulped and turned a little red. Hancock wasn't happy about that. It seemed that she had a rival for Yuuto's affections.
Wait a minute. She didn't really love Yuuto. She reminded herself.
"It's going great." Delphine stammered out truthfully feeling the pressure of her stare. Delphine turned a little red as if caught by someone having a crush.
Ugh. Hancock wasn't sure how to feel hearing that.
"He's improved a lot. I'm happy that I was able to teach him." Hancock looked colder at that. Delphine nervously stammered. "I mean. He was the first man I ever ..." She froze a little at Hancock's stare.
"What?" She barked out. Reading some of those books had given her a few ideas. She felt angry hearing that. When did they kiss?
She wasn't sure if she was angry because Luffy or Yuuto hadn't kissed her yet.
"First man I ever met and talked to." Delphine let out timidly. She knew her place here.
"Oh." Hancock paused with some relief. Right, Delphine didn't know about kissing. The Kuja culture had no idea what kissing was. When Hancock had first seen it in the books, she didn't think it was interesting until she read that was one way how couples showed affections for each other. Only couples kissed. She became more curious about Luffy's lips after that. "Is that all?" She asked.
She then started imagining Yuuto's lips and compared the two.
Delphine looked at her. She recomposed herself and nodded. "Yes. Hebihime." This was the most they had talked since they last dueled 3 years ago.
"What do you think of him?" Hancock called out, focusing back on her conversation and not on lips.
"He's kind and diligent." Delphine pointed out. "Not like the stories they told all of us about man. He's different from Luffy. He's too serious." Delphine said the last part as if it was a flaw.
That wasn't a bad thing Hancock mentally defended. Hancock was expecting more. After a long pause, Hancock was becoming annoyed at the lack of description. "That's it?" There was more to Yuuto than she described.
This girl didn't know how sweet and charming he was. Yuuto would say the right things to say to encourage her. The way his eyes would shine whenever he explained to her about how Luffy's mind works. It really showed how perceptive he was. The way he looked at her every time she felt insecure and afraid to reassure her.
This girl didn't know how much strength radiated from his body when you hugged it. It only made her feel stronger.
Hancock shook her head, remembering what her original goal was. Delphine nodded to confirm. "That's it." Nothing more.
Breathing in, Hancock thought of another question to interrogate her. Oh yeah one question came to mind. "Why were you so close to him yesterday?" She looked as if she could kill her with her gaze.
Delphine gulped. "What do you mean? I was always outside the 20 feet radius."
"You were within 10 feet when you were testing him." Hancock remembered yesterday when Yuuto approached her while she stayed in place.
Delphine looked afraid. "Oh. No. I forgot. I might have caught the infectious disease he has. I'm already infected." She started to cry.
Hancock was about to smile but realized that it was not the same sickness they were thinking of. Seeing Delphine's frantic state, she sighed. "No. You didn't catch it." She was sure of it. That's not how she acted when she found out she had the disease. The disease was a curse but also made her happy.
"How do you know?"
"Just trust me." Hancock reassured her one more time.
"Phew!" Delphine paused. "Hey! That means he's cured. You know. a lot of the women are curious about him."
Hearing that struck a chord in Hancock. "No. That's a bad idea." She said too quickly.
Delphine asked. "But why?"
Hancock gasped and stuttered not wanting to properly explain that. Especially when she wasn't sure of the reason herself. "N-Nevermind that." She paused before asking. "Do you think he's cute?" She didn't know why she asked that. His facial expressions were cute.
Luffy's facial expressions were cuter chimed in her rational side.
Delphine paused and blushed. She shook her head. "He's not cute." She then blushed a little. "You're cuter." She said too quickly.
Wait what? Hancock looked at Delphine confused.
Salome who had been nearby looking through the pictures of the book to help Hancock could only shake her head.
After her archery skills and beauty, the third thing Delphine was known for was that she was one of Hancock's famous fan girls. That's why Salome knew her plan wasn't going to work.
Delphine nodded. "It's true." She blushed before adding. "Yuuto thinks so as well."
Hancock could only blush at that. Did that mean-?
"Say. Do you think you could-?" Delphine took a chance to challenge her again. She wanted to impress Hebihime. That's why Delphine had practiced until she was sure she could beat her.
Hancok interrupted not wanting to hear what she had to ask. "Leave. I'll oversee his training from now." Maybe she should spend time with him.
Her rational mind spoke up again about Luffy.
"Yes Hebihime!" Delphine said with hearts in her eyes. She was happy to be of use to her. Maybe there would be another time to challenge her some other time.
Hancock sighed. She did not see that coming. She then massaged her eyebrows wondering what to do next. [1]
Day 194
Franky smiled at his two new projects he had finished planning out.
He could only look forward to the astonished faces of everyone when he unveiled them this project. Everyone, even Nami and Robin who didn't appreciate robots or vehicles, was going to be impressed.
This would help Luffy become Pirate King.
He smile even broader at the super vehicles he had planned out. These two vehicles he planned out would have a special purpose.
One vehicle had a drill ready to dig for treasure and could withstand hot temperatures. It also had a metal detector to see if there was surrounding metal around it. It could carry up to 20 tons worth of whatever they found and had plenty of cargo space
Franky smiled predicting how Nami's eyes would turn to beri signs hearing that it's perfect for treasure hunting.
The same vehicle could also be used to excavate ruins to help Robin look for her Poneglyphs.
The archaeologist would smile with her eyes closed. That's how Franky would know she would appreciate the gesture.
The other one was another submarine built to withstand pressure deep in the water. That one was equipped with a radar. It also served as an extra ship to help the Thousand Sunny fight any marine and pirate ships with the torpedoes it equipped. It also came equipped with arms in case it needed to grab treasure under water.
The good news is that the Thousand Sunny had plenty of room for these two other vehicles and General Franky. He would think of a way to consolidate space later.
This was going to be the last vehicle project. That should be enough to take care of Luffy's dreams of adventure. He looked at the next computer that held Vegapunk's weapon designs. He grinned in eager anticipation remembering some of the things he looked through. His crew was going to need as much fire power they could get to fulfill Luffy's dream.
He wondered if there was some for Devil Fruit users. They were bound to see so many Devil Fruit Users in the New World.
Seawater missiles. Seawater cannons. That could slow them down. If only there was a way to get or steal seastone from the marines.
Maybe he could upgrade some of his crew's technology and weapons as well.
Still, he needed to get started on the vehicles.
Day 203
Zoro had finished sparring with Mihawk. Mihawk was using his Yoru now.
Even still, as he laid on the ground, he could tell that Mihawk was still holding back.
Zoro laid on his back, replaying the duel in his mind. They worked on Ittoryu techniques.
They were evenly matched in the beginning.
This is his dream. To beat the World's Strongest Swordsman and claim that title.
After a couple more clashes, Mihawk then kicked it up a notch until Zoro couldn't keep parry his strikes anymore.
The scary thing was how casually Mihawk admitted that there were a few others stronger than him giving him time to reflect.
This was what the New World had to offer.
He could only hope whoever his crew was training with. They weren't fooling around and wasting time.
The New World had these monsters out there. It wasn't just the Shichibukai; it was the Yonko and their commanders as Mihawk mentioned to him. The Pirate King's crew had to be special enough to fight them.
He smiled at the thought. Luffy, Nami, Yuuto, Chopper, and Robin weren't the types to fool around. They would be working hard at honing their skills. Everyone else would fool around a little bit.
He could only shake his head at what Usopp and Swirly Brow were possibly doing. Franky and Brook were probably goofing off a little.
Still, he knew his crew was dependable.
Day 204
Kilik had gotten hold of Haredas and scheduled a surprise visit. He was going to test Nami. A warrior always had to be ready to fight at any moment.
"Are you ready for this?" Kilik challenged Nami. He wanted to see how much she practiced the Ling-Sheng Su.
Nami nodded although already expecting the outcome.
Both Nami and Kilik bowed before each other.
Kilik took out his staff, Kali-Yuga, and took his normal fighting stance.
Nami readied her Climatact and mirrored his stance. She wasn't allowed to use any of her Climatact abilities.
Kilik rushed forward to her, planning to strike her shoulder. Nami knew which move he was going to do. She dodged needed to be careful of the third upward strike.
The third strike never came only for him to side step closer to Nami.
Because of the close proximity, Nami struck him with her staff and then back with her elbow slightly pushing him away.
Kilik smiled. "Good execution of the Raging Phoenix." He then tripped her. "But you lack focus."
On the floor, Nami immediately blocked his downward smash and pushed his staff upward. She then rolled away. "You were saying?"
Kilik didn't say anything and charged toward her. Nami then tried to thrust Kilik away, stabbing her Climatact forward.
She missed, not hitting him or his staff. Kilik had gotten on top of his staff and then kicked downward her, sending her a couple feet away.
As Nami got up, she pointed out. "I still have trouble doing Heaven Monument."
"The control is in the wrists." He demonstrated one more time. "Also when you get up on top of your staff, you also have to quickly poke otherwise gravity will cause you to fall down quicker." He then leaped off his staff.
Nami stood ready to continue fighting.
"That's enough for today." Kilik pointed out. He was in better shape than she was. Nami relaxed and took a couple breaths. "It looks like you need to train some more." Nami pouted hearing that. She had also been studying the weather as well and how to incorporate her Climatact's natural abilities in her bojutsu style. "Don't lose sight of what is important." He reprimanded her as if she had forgotten.
She was training for her crew. She never forgot. Nami had her head down as if annoyed hearing that.
It implied she wasn't strong enough.
"Still," She looked up. "I'm sure if you were allowed to use your Climatact's full power it would be a different." Kilik encouraged her.
"Tomorrow, you could fight me with some of your Climatact's power."
Nami raised her fist in the air. She was sure she had a better chance of winning.
"But for the time being, show me your Heaven Monument." Nami sighed realizing the workout she was about to receive. Kilik was a harsh master. [2]
Day 205
Robin was blocking Koala's attacks.
"Very good. You're improving." Koala had been only attacking around Robin's upper body. They had been going at this for ten minutes and Robin was starting to sweat a little bit.
Robin didn't bother saying anything; she didn't want to lose her concentration.
"Is it ok we change it a little bit?" Koala asked.
Robin nodded as she continued deflecting the younger woman's attacks.
At that moment, Koala smirked and tripped Robin.
Only for Robin to disappear and become flowers.
"Hey Robin, how hard is it for you to maintain focus as two different people?" Koala asked behind her.
The real Robin was sitting behind on a rock translating one of the Poneglyphs that the Revolutionaries found. She looked up breathing a little tired. "I am getting a lot better at it. I can remember your attacks. This time, you tripped me." Her real body started developing some small bruises but nothing too serious. "I'm lucky that I can get some fighting experience as well."
"Well, seeing that you lasted for ten minutes, I thought maybe I should try a different approach. Again?" Koala appreciated a living dummy that would try and block her attacks. It made her change her attacks from particular motions.
Robin nodded and formed another Robin clone. [3]
Day 206
The last two weeks had been rough for Hancock. Apparently, word broke out about Yuuto's condition and that he was completely healed from his disease. More and more women started coming into the castle just to see or talk to him. They would approach him but most stayed outside 10 feet away from him. In her opinion, some women who were bold talked to him while they were 5 feet away from him.
She was thankful that he asked the women to stay away so he could focus on his Bajiquan and archery training.
Groaning out loud, she wondered how could she plan to win Luffy's heart if she was distracted by these fake feelings she had for Yuuto? Especially when it became more complicated just by seeing more women talk to Yuuto.
Hancock was busier this time. She had less time to resume Armament Haki training with Yuuto privately. Most importantly, she didn't have any time to ask Yuuto for a lesson. If Yuuto mentioned it, she would embarrassedly turn away from him and decline because of her duties.
She wasn't sure any more about the last part. She didn't know anymore whether that time was just so she could spend time with Yuuto or win Luffy's heart.
Her mind said one thing but her heart said another.
At least now she and Yuuto were going to see Luffy.
She was sure seeing her true beloved's face would be worth what she just went through. It would put her at peace. It would remind her of what her priorities should be.
Luffy. Luffy. Kuja. Luffy.
As soon as she saw him, she smiled. Luffy gladly took the meat she cooked for him and began eating.
"Luffy. How are you?" She asked. Luffy didn't respond focused on inhaling the meal. He was really hungry.
Undeterred, she asked in a quieter and shy voice. "I hope you like what I made you." She only saw him happily eating and ignoring her. The lack of manners were starting to annoy her.
She pouted at that and decided just to give him some space. She sat there quietly and watched Luffy eat.
Yuuto, watching the exchange, was uncharacteristically angry at Luffy for ignoring her.
He didn't spend much time with her the last month outside of training. It made sense why now.
She was silently angry at Yuuto for not automatically winning Luffy's heart last time. She had run out of patience. This last month didn't count because they didn't have lessons together. It was why she didn't ask for any lessons.
He mentally slapped himself for not realizing it sooner. It bugged him why she always avoided him outside of training. It explained why she turned red with anger whenever he asked about the lessons. She turned away not wanting to look at him and always mentioned about her duties to her people. She was so angry at him that she didn't want to look at him.
It really did make him angry that Luffy could spend time with her freely. Luffy didn't realize how lucky he was to spend time with her.
"Hey Luffy. Let's spar." He hoped he could knock some sense into him. Hancock was surprised to hear that. All of these trips, they never actually spared against one another. In fact, Hancock never spared against Yuuto. She had seen him practice his martial arts particularly Bajiquan.
"Shishi. That sounds fun." Luffy, who finished his meal, nodded at that. Thanks Hancock for making the meal! It's a lot better than before."
Hancock didn't hear him, lost in her thoughts about this upcoming battle between the two. She couldn't help but feel excited as if like they were fighting for her.
Maybe the one who won would really be her true love. That would put her mind to rest.
Rayleigh looked them and smiled at the idea of the fight. "It's been almost 7 months now. Let's see how far you two have gone." He would be the referee.
Hancock forced herself to cheer, following what her mind said. "Luffy. You can beat him!" They were hollow words as she said that. At that moment, Yuuto looked at her a little sad which broke her heart.
Why did she feel that?
That moment of unawareness was what Luffy needed to punch Yuuto in the head. Yuuto held his head in pain. Hancock looked in shock. Rayleigh looked surprised.
"You/We didn't even say start yet!" Yuuto, Hancock, and Rayleigh yelled at the same time.
"Shishi! Sorry." Luffy said. "I forgot." Hancock uncharacteristically scowled at Luffy a little bit before remembering who it was. She was shocked how could she look at Luffy with such an angry look.
Yuuto had some trouble walking which Rayleigh noticed. He asked, "How about you guys spar next time?" Hancock nodded, silently agreeing with that. Yuuto had gotten hurt and it was her fault somehow.
She didn't like the idea of them fighting anymore. Particularly Yuuto.
Yuuto held his head and shook. "I'll be fine. Remember I heal fast." He then did some stretches as he warmed up.
Hancock feeling guilty asked. "Are you sure?" She was going to be quiet during the entire fight and not cheer for either of them. Until the answer was clear.
Yuuto nodded feeling a little bit better now that Hancock asked about him. "Yeah." That was the first time this month she actually asked about him.
Luffy then saw Yuuto put on his gloves and gulped. "I was going to offer you a free hit, but I remember those gloves."
Yuuto laughed. "I never leave without them. You're going to need more than that to beat me." He waved his fingers before pushing his elbow and arm forward. "Ready?" He was ready to demonstrate Bajiquan on his captain
Luffy took another stance. "Ready."
Rayleigh nodded. "Start!"
Luffy jumped forward only to be met with Yuuto slamming his fist in his face. Yuuto smirked. He had the upper hand in speed.
If he had fought earlier, he would have lost easier, but that punch brought him back to reality. He couldn't get so easily side tracked. Especially when he should have expected Hancock to cheer for Luffy.
Hancock looked surprised. Yuuto was faster than she expected.
Luffy smiled and went to Gear 2 and tried punching Yuuto who dodged every attack.
Jet Gatling.
"You're still too slow Luffy." Yuuto sidestepped every attack, gauging his speed.
After five punches, he then grabbed Luffy's punches and used his own shoulder to push him to the ground.
Kyoko
Luffy quickly recovered, not really hurt by it. "You're lucky you have your gloves. If you didn't have them, you'd have a harder time actually hurting me."
"True."
Luffy stopped attacking for a bit wanting to see what Yuuto could do. Yuuto obliged his captain. Yuuto unleashed his barrage of strikes.
"Your observation Haki is a lot better." Yuuto was testing him as he continued. "The you before would have taken all the hits."
"Thanks. You're faster as well." Yuuto only smirked at his captain's response. Luffy hadn't seen anything yet.
He then changed the speed of his punches, elbows, and shoulder strikes. Luffy suddenly got punched by in the stomach before being elbowed away.
Luffy hit a rock and wiped his mouth. "Tch." He thought about it. "You made me get used to your slower speed on purpose. Then when you went to your original speed, I thought I was matching that slower speed."
Yuuto gave a knowing smirk showing him that he was right.
Luffy bit his thumb and blew air. "Let's see if you can handle this."
Yuuto smiled. He should have no problem dodging his Gear 3. Luffy didn't exactly know how to hold back.
Elephant Bazooka.
Just as Luffy punched, Yuuto was about to dodge at the last second before he realized that where Luffy aimed Hancock was directly behind that.
Even though Hancock was far from the battle, Luffy's punch could reach her.
Without thinking, he used his both fists to punch back. The force between the two pushed both of them. Luffy merely lost his balance and stumbled a little while Yuuto flew back due to the larger force he experienced.
Bracing himself for impact of whatever he hit, Yuuto was surprised when he felt that he was caught by someone grabbing onto his shirt. He looked up and felt embarrassed as they landed on the ground.
It was Hancock.
He forgot she was stronger than him and could take care of herself.
Rayleigh had watched all of it and predicted what was going to happen if the match continued. Yuuto was only going to get hurt even worse. "Enough! This match is over. Luffy wins." Rayleigh declared.
Yuuto groaned knowing he was going to feel that in the morning.
Day 207
Yuuto woke up feeling a little sore. Taking Luffy's punch head on was not a good idea. He looked at the clock and realized it was 10:35 AM.
For the first time, in a long time, he woke up past 9 AM. He had been sleeping at 2 AM – 5 AM.
He tried moving around. Some parts of his body felt sore, particularly his hips and elbows, but he could still move. This was the most damage he received in a long time.
He was sure that whatever those government scientists did, he wouldn't have healed this quickly.
His bedroom door suddenly opened and Hancock looked in. "Yuuto. Are you -?" She looked and started blushing. She immediately closed the door. Yuuto hurried and put a shirt on.
Before Yuuto could even feel happy about her reaction, Yuuto sighed reminding himself that Hancock was in love with Luffy not him. She was just embarrassed after Yuuto explained about man and woman's modesty the other time. "Sorry about that. I just woke up." He called out.
He couldn't have this thought of Hancock possibly falling in love with him. Slaves hated Chasers. Besides, she was angry at him.
He opened the door and saw Hancock with medical supplies spread around the floor. He looked around curiously and tried to not to get his hopes up. She looked down and played with her fingers cutely. He smiled at that. She was probably thinking of Luffy and probably wished it was him that she could nurse.
"I wanted to see if you were feeling better. That punch would have hurt a lot of people." She said as if to explain why she was looking after him. Her eyes looked at the floor while she kept herself calm and tried to think of Luffy. No matter what she tried, Yuuto's face would come right back as if to haunt her.
Yuuto raised his eyes at her cute gesture and calmed himself. He was getting his hopes up that maybe her feelings changed; he mentally reminded himself that Hancock was crazily in love with Luffy. "As you can see, I heal fast. Thanks though." He was grateful for the thought that she came by with medicine.
"Is that a man thing? Luffy seems to heal fast too." She pondered out loud.
"Only certain people heal fast." He walked and picked up some of the medicine she brought. "I'm fine. Let me help you bring this back where it belongs."
Hancock blushed and thanked him. He was always helpful. Even though she could do it all by herself.
Yuuto replied. "I really do appreciate this gesture." They both walked quietly along. Each taking secret gazes at each other as they walked along. Yuuto didn't want to talk because it seemed that she was still angry.
Realizing the awkward silence, Hancock spoke up. "Why did you?" She paused unsure what to say
"What?" Yuuto didn't want her to know that he initially started fighting Luffy because of the way he treated her.
Luffy didn't know how lucky he was to have her full attention.
"You could have dodged it." She noted. She had been watching the fight and noticed that Yuuto could have easily dodged the attack. She remembered it seemed that he purposely jumped in front of it.
Yuuto didn't know how to explain that. He didn't register that she paid attention to him during the fight. "My body just moved on its own."
He didn't mind being saved by her. It was just that looking back on it now, it was pointless what he did and that he only made himself look dumb in front of her.
Hancock didn't follow. "What do you mean?"
He stopped walking and considered what to tell her realizing that she wouldn't drop it. She also stopped walking and looked back toward him making eye contact with him.
He sighed knowing that he could never lie to those eyes. "It's because you were behind where he was about to punch. I wanted to protect you." He started and added before she was confused. "Outside of the crew, I consider you as one of my closest friends." He revealed truthfully and saw Hancock's reaction.
Hancock looked shocked. It's been almost 6 months. She didn't count the first two weeks since they met because that was completely different. However, she never physically called him her friend. She called him many things but never friend physically.
There was a disappointment in her heart at that.
To her, he was an obstacle or helper to winning Luffy's love. Now she wasn't sure what he was.
"You're my friend too." She confessed although it seemed that her heart wanted more than that.
Yuuto smiled at that, feeling more peaceful with himself and happy that she wasn't angry at him anymore. It was the first time she actually called him her friend too. "I know we started out hating each other. I'm still sorry about the way I acted back then." Yuuto added. Hancock looked surprised. She was the one in the wrong back then. "But after the last 6 months, we became really close."
Hancock agreed with that realizing how much she also missed him spending time with him. She nodded for him to continue.
"You're someone I don't want to see get hurt even though you're stronger than me."
"I see." Hancock replied. She had a lot more to think about his words. Those words that he cared about her gave her joy.
Maybe, these weren't actually fake feelings.
As they made it to the medical supply closet, Yuuto realized something. "Wow. It's empty." He marveled.
Hancock was embarrassed. "I didn't know what to bring." She brought everything. She was worried what he was going to say.
Yuuto laughed. That sounded like her. "Thank you." It made him happy to know that she did care for him. It wasn't like Luffy, but it was still something.
He couldn't help but feel peace and joy seeing that. He should show some appreciation to what she did for him. Maybe also to make up the time he missed last month.
Dinner time Same day
Hancock paused and tried to control her fast beating heart. "Ok." She had repeated that many times to calm herself. She breathed in and out.
She remembered Yuuto's words after they put the medicine back. "Hancock, let's have dinner tonight. Just as friends." Yuuto emphasized the last part.
Before even thinking what to do, she found herself agreeing and quickly running away. He didn't clarify if it was a date. She was embarrassed about this.
At the same time, she couldn't help but feel so many emotions. Was she happy at being friends or eating with Yuuto? Was she excited because this could be a date with her practice boyfriend? Was she nervous and scared about this? Was she disappointed because he said as friends? This was so confusing.
She looked at the time. She knew for sure she feeling impatient because she couldn't wait for it to start. Knowing that it would be a good time.
After looking through her closet, Hancock decided to wear the outfit that Yuuto recommended. Jeans, white t shirt, black leather jacket, and black boots.
She blushed when she remembered what he said, that this outfit would be perfect for dates. If he asked about that, she would pretend that she forgot. She liked wearing this outfit.
She wasn't sure anymore whether it was actually because he said he liked it or she liked it herself. She couldn't even remember whether she liked it before she tried it on.
She opened the door and was surprised by the food already laid out. It wasn't cooked yet, but she was excited about what they were having. They were having hot pot, her favorite.
It was at that moment she really hoped it wasn't an accident or a spell that said caused her to have these feelings. She wanted to fall in love with Yuuto on her own.
At least, now, it gave her a chance to see things in a new light.
She laughed at the irony. A slave falling in love with a Chaser. Who would have thought?
But what about Luffy?
The irrational part said that Luffy was still charming, kind and cuter than what Yuuto was.
A rational part said to forget him. He didn't really pay attention to her anyway. Not after all the flirting and cooking she did, Luffy would never do what Yuuto just did now. That shut the irrational part up.
"Hancock." Yuuto appeared with the pot they were going to use. She seemed confused. "Are you ok?" He looked over at what she was wearing. "Oh. You're wearing what I recommended you to wear." He blushed at the thought. He was getting nervous even though this wasn't a date but she wore it. This was just a dinner between two friends.
"Yeah. I just really love hotpot." Hancock froze at her slight mistake. She meant to say you or Yuuto.
She froze again realizing what she just thought and her earlier thoughts.
That was when she realized the Snake Princess had really fallen for the Black Fox.
It was why she didn't want any of the Amazons to talk to Yuuto. It was why she was jealous (now that she finally admitted it) every time she saw them smile at him. It was why he was always on her mind. It was why she paid attention to his training and how he fought. It was why she felt so peaceful with herself whenever he talked to her about Luffy.
Luffy didn't stir up the same butterflies in her stomach anymore. Luffy just seemed like a hero to her.
Just as Hancock was about to correct herself and properly confess to Yuuto, Yuuto interrupted. "Yeah. I know. Make sure you declare your love to Luffy like that. He needs to get it through his thick skull."
At that timing, Hancock pouted and gripped her fists.
Yuuto took her pout to mean that she thought he was teasing him. He tried to correct himself before she got angry at him enough to ignore him. "Listen. Cheer up. I noticed yesterday how you acted when Luffy ignored you. I'm sure you'll win his love." After a while he mentally added. Luffy was incredibly dense.
Hancock didn't listen to the last sentence he said. She wanted to faint at the idea that he noticed that because he loved her. However, she remember he earlier emphasized to have dinner as friends.
Perhaps it was for the best that she didn't correct herself. The direct approach didn't work last time with Luffy.
She also remembered Yuuto's advice was that it would be best for the man to fall in love with the woman naturally by realizing the best characteristics she had.
Now that she thought about it, when she had asked Yuuto how he knew that, he turned away from her and said from experience.
It must have been experience because Yuuto fell for someone else. Whoever that person was Hancock wished it was her.
Not wanting to make the same mistake, she resolved to make Yuuto fall in love with her. Maybe this time, she would have a better chance at love. Seeing her attempt with Luffy ended as a disaster with Luffy not even acknowledging her feelings.
The irrational part in her brain spoke again. Kiss Yuuto to see how he would act. The irrational part completely forgot about Luffy.
She couldn't do that. That was too sudden. Yuuto didn't seem like that anyways.
As the two waited for the water to boil, she wondered what strengths she had. Maybe if she flaunted them Yuuto would notice her. Everyone in her country told her she was beautiful and had the largest chest.
She blushed remembering how she didn't like being groped by her sisters and her fans.
She hoped Yuuto wasn't that type of man.
Then again, he was a man. They have different taste. She would read the book and see what it said.
What were some other characteristics that she had?
Once the water started boiling, Yuuto put the vegetables in first. She noticed that it was quiet.
"Hey Yuuto?" She paused unsure how to ask this. "Is there someone you're in love with?" She was too embarrassed to ask him what he thought were her best qualities.
She paused and saw his gaze. He had accidentally splashed some water on himself. "You mean like someone right now." He was unsure how to answer this one. She realized that there really was someone; Yuuto wouldn't have been that clumsy.
"Yeah. I just wanted to know if I could." She then played with her hair unsure. "Help you get her." She lied and paused. "Like how you are helping me with Luffy." She quickly lied. Maybe if she knew who it was, she could figure out that person's strengths. Try to imitate that person.
Yuuto froze a bit. The way Hancock was acting was a slight turn on for him with her playing her hair. "No." He forgot what she could do to him. He was uncomfortable and focused on the water bubbling as if it was the most fascinating thing in the world. He quickly scooped around looking for cooked vegetables in hopes of not answering her question. "Not right now." He lied softly avoiding her eyes.
Hancock saw a slight twitch. That was a lie. She felt deflated and wondered who it was right now. What could she learn from her?
"How about?" She fidgeted with her hair. "You talk to me about someone you used to love." She looked at him really curious about what his type was.
Yuuto turned up the heat for the hot pot in hopes of cooking faster. She was killing him with these actions. "Someone I used to love eh?" He tried to calm down. She was his first crush too. Hancock was really asking personal questions this time. He couldn't do the logical thing and tell her who it was.
"Yeah." She looked around blurting out whatever came to her mind. "I just noticed that you've always been helping me. With Luffy. You even prepared hotpot, my favorite." She paused. "I think it's fair for my turn to help you." Saying that put some things in perspective. How could he call her a friend when she couldn't think of one thing she did for him? She was a bad friend.
Training didn't really count; that was an obligation before. Giving him medicine today didn't help him at all. They cooked together, but he showed her how.
What did she do for him that he did all of this for her?
Yuuto was about to facepalm himself but didn't. He was helping her so he could redeem himself and for her to be happy. It just so happened that he was also in love with her. He tried to switch the subject. "It's fine. That's not important." He then served her some vegetables that were done boiling as if for them to start eating. He then served himself.
As this was going on, Hancock added shabu shabu to the hot pot to be helpful. "Can you tell me why you want to help me so much?" She then prepared some garlic sauce with sesame oil as dip for the vegetables.
Yuuto thought carefully. He took a bite before carefully explaining "Because I think it's a way to clear my past." Yuuto explained truthfully. "It's the only way for me to feel peace with myself." He continued eating. The fact he was in love with her was a completely different and irrelevant matter.
Hancock listened and blew to cool the vegetables. She sighed. So he was still feeling extremely guilty about what he had done in the past. "You know. I did forgive you." If he didn't know, he would now.
"You did?"
"Yeah. I forgave you after our fight. You don't remember?" She looked at him confused. She said it right? If she didn't, she meant it now.
"I don't remember." He thought back to the time. He blushed a little bit because he remembered staring at her slightly exposed chest. Not that he could do that right now.
At the same time, Hancock realizing how hot it was going to be wearing her jacket, took off her jacket. Yuuto sweated unsure of whether it was the hotpot or her timing but she looked sexy while taking her jacket off. She then stared at him. "I forgive you. You should live with peace with yourself about it." She then served him some of the meat happy that this time it was her serving him not the other way around.
At that moment, Yuuto didn't believe it but thought there was hope for him to be forgiven. "Thanks." He accepted. He continued eating unsure of Hancock really did forgive him. Maybe she was just saying that.
She nodded happy that he accepted the meat she gave him.
The rest of the evening, they stopped talking about themselves but about other people in their crew.
Hancock had to admit; this was the most she laughed since childhood. Once she became Snake Princess, she couldn't laugh. Laughter was a sign of weakness, a signal that she kept her guard up. But with Yuuto, it seemed natural to let her guard down.
Yuuto loved her laugh. The way her eyes twinkled when he shared some of the training he did with Luffy. The way she smiled when he recounted scolding at Luffy; that was surprisingly ok with her.
After the meal was over, "Wow we finished all of it." Yuuto said.
Hancock nodded. She thought there would be some left over.
"I'll clean up. You can go." Yuuto offered.
"I can help clean up." Hancock insisted. "You prepared all of this." Maybe if she helped around more, Yuuto would also pay attention to her. She wasn't taking no for an answer.
As they were about to start cleaning together, Hancock couldn't help but think whether they looked like a couple. She had read that couples shared household responsibilities. She looked at him tower a little over her before she looked away and blushed. She could still smell his scent of grass.
Yuuto had trouble breathing because of how close she was. Even after the hotpot, she still smelled like lilies.
"You wash? I rinse?" Hancock offered. Yuuto nodded at that.
Seeing it was quiet while they cleaned the dishes, Hancock decided to ask again that one question that was still bugging her. "Can you please tell me who you like? I'm sure you like someone." After a pause. "I want to help you."
Yuuto froze knowing that he couldn't tell the truth. He would have to avoid it. "It's fine. You shouldn't worry about it. I'm a Chaser remember. I don't deserve your help." How could she help when she was in love with someone else?
She looked at that. He was still going about that. He had been supporting her this entire time. "You shouldn't call yourself that anymore. If you're going to call yourself that, then you might as well call me a slave. I deserve your help even less." She was annoyed hearing that and also felt useless.
Yuuto turned the faucet off and stared at her. There was a hint of anger and frustration in that tone. Similar to how she treated him in the beginning.
It reminded him of how they first met.
Before he fell in love with her.
Yuuto wanted to shout and deny that. Chasers were despicable. He wanted to argue with her about it.
However, Yuuto couldn't go back to being the person he was when he first met her. "I'm sorry. I didn't want you to think about your past."
"I don't deserve it." Hancock cried out in self-pity before turning off the faucet. "I don't deserve it all. I'm just a slave." Yuuto wasn't letting her help him; she hated being useless.
"Yes you do." Yuuto naturally wrapped his arm around her. Although he knew she felt vulnerable, she needed to be comforted. As she felt his arm around her, she didn't recoil but intuitively leaned in. Yuuto was nervous but tried to keep calm. He looked at her in the eye before speaking. She also looked him in the eye. "It's because of our histories that I need to make it up to you. I want you to be happy."
At that moment, they both got lost in each other's eyes. Yuuto and Hancock stopped listening to the rationale they had in their head. They both leaned in and closed their eyes to kiss each other.
It was Hancock's first kiss but she was sure this kiss was always going to be a special memory to her like some of the books mentioned. The kiss sent a jolt in her being. She imagined this must have been what fireworks look like. The instant their lips made contact, she was pulled in by Yuuto. She grabbed around his neck to get a better positioning of his lips. His lips were gentle as if he didn't want to hurt her.
Just like the first time he touched her.
Yuuto was surprised. In his dreams, he always pictured her lips always seemed rough but in reality, her lips were really soft. Feeling her hands around his neck, he slowly led her away from the sink. He lowered his arms to pick her by her butt in midair. She mentally shuddered at the touch but liked the sensation of being in the air. She wrapped her legs around his legs which he didn't expect but enjoyed the feeling of her body clinging onto him.
It made him feel that she desperately needed him.
Hancock was hanging on him for dear life. She kissed him more passionately in case she fell. When he lowered her, she took it as a sign to let go and unwrapped her feet onto the ground. As she continued kissing him, she realized it didn't have the same passion as earlier. The rush wasn't the same as before.
She needed to breathe so as she pulled slightly away from his mouth, Yuuto found his way to her cheek and then her neck. She envied his ability to keep his breath for a while. She then let out a soft moan as Yuuto apparently found a sweet spot on her neck.
Hearing that moan sent chills and brought him back to reality. He abruptly stopped kissing. Terrified, he looked at her and saw that she was panting and a swirl of emotions on her face.
Did he just take advantage of her emotional state only to confuse her?
Ashamed of himself, he didn't look at her before saying "Sorry. I know how much you love Luffy." He then ran out not wanting to hear what she had to say when she was emotionally vulnerable.
Before he left the room, he paused, wanting to say that kiss didn't mean anything. He looked at her helplessly there processing what just happened, couldn't lie to her, and continued running.
Hancock was confused as to what just happened. One moment, she was shamefully wanting more of his kisses. She wanted to feel her body pressed against his. His voice brought her out of that state.
She didn't love Luffy she mentally corrected. She loved him.
That look he gave her before running away. She recognized it. It was a look she had whenever she thought about Luffy. Did he love her? Her intuition told her that she needed to find him. She needed to clear this up now.
In a forest
Salome had been hunting her dinner in a nearby forest. She didn't want to join Hancock and Yuuto's time together. She winked at Hancock when she saw Hancock pick the outfit he recommended 2 months ago. She was hoping that something would happen tonight between her two favorite humans.
Speaking of them, she smelled both of them and decided to look around. She thought they were in the castle. Ah well, maybe she would accidentally push them together again.
As she slithered away, she found Yuuto practicing his bajiquan elbow strikes on a nearby tree. Some trees had fallen down. He needed to hit something after what happened last night. When she smelled again, she noticed a hint of Hancock's smell on him. They must have been really close to mating in order for that to happen.
She smiled when she smelled Hancock nearby who seemed to be tracking him.
She didn't know humans' mating ritual was more similar to predator and prey. That sounds fun.
Yuuto hadn't noticed her yet. He was distracted in his thoughts and couldn't use Observation Haki. Salome was obviously going to help Hancock capture Yuuto. She would wrap around his legs and prevent him from moving.
As Salome sneaked along careful not to make a sound, she heard Yuuto panic. She then pounced and wrapped around his feet.
"What Salome?" He tried to get her off. He didn't notice her until it was too late. He was too focused feeling guilty about giving in to his feelings and forcing himself onto Hancock.
He couldn't think straight knowing still focused on that kiss even if it was one sided.
Soon enough Hancock came in. "Yuuto. Why did you?" She looked. "Thanks Salome! You helped a lot." Much to his horror.
"No problem. Now mate with him Hancock" Salome hissed out to Hancock.
Not understanding what Salome said, Hancock started out "Yuuto." She played with her fingers. "Why did you?"
Yuuto still struggling. "I'm sorry. I know you're in love with Luffy but it was just an accident." Hancock seemed to shrink hearing that. Was this what that book meant by men are dense? Why else would she kiss him back? She would have beaten him to death if she didn't want him to kiss her. Or used her Mero mero powers and crushed him. "My feelings got the better of me."
That sentence sucked the air out of her lungs like the kiss earlier. Was that a love confession from him?
Outwardly, she had an impassive face, the face she had before she met Luffy. Inwardly, her head was spinning considering the possibility. Could she afford to drop her guard? Drop the act that she put on the entire country just for this man to completely demolish it?
She looked again at him. Her heart rate increased. She knew she could trust him and breathed.
Yuuto flinched saying the last sentence so carelessly. He had exposed himself slightly. Here it comes for her to declare her love for Luffy.
"I love you." Hancock boldly responded. She took a leap of faith, not caring if it was a misunderstanding or a mistake. Who cares what the book said about whether the guy or girl should confess first?
It was confusing and she needed to be free from this not knowing how to handle her emotions. If she kept it any longer, she would burst.
"What?" He stopped struggling, surprised to hear her say that. He didn't expect it all. Was she emotionally confused or hallucinating that he was Luffy?
Feeling the relief from her shoulders, she confessed again "Yuuto, I.. I'm in love with you." Even if he didn't return her feelings, she had to let him know right now. "I don't love Luffy anymore. I stopped loving him when I realized I fell in love with you."
It was true. She realized that Luffy was just a celebrity idol to her.
Yuuto paused as if he was in a dream, unwilling to believe this. "When did you start loving me? Why did you fall in love with me? A Chaser." All those months.
She slapped him loudly. Yuuto felt the sting; it was similar to their first fight. "You're not that person. Stop calling yourself that."
That slap and those words knocked some sense into him. Looking at her eyes briefly showed that she genuinely didn't consider him as a Chaser anymore. It was a look of confidence that she had when she wasn't thinking about her past. It was a look of clarity. Hancock really had forgiven him of being a Chaser. It explained why she was worried about him. Why she was angry at him earlier for thinking about his past.
"I didn't fall in love with a Chaser." He looked at her continuing. She didn't seem confused as before.
Yuuto couldn't help but inwardly smile, realizing how lucky he was. She really did love him and wanted him to move on for that. It felt that he accomplished his dream of atonement and attained something more. She didn't see him as one of her tormentors.
Seeing how dense he was, Hancock continued to lay out her emotions knowing how released she felt. It was comparable to the day Fisher Tiger freed her. "Before dinner started, I realized I fell in love with the man who's always been helping me trying to win over my former first love." She paused to take a breath. Yuuto didn't seem to be responding and looked dumbfounded.
Hancock mentally sighed; he was dense like Luffy. She expected better. "My friend who promised he would protect me from the World Nobles if they ever found me again."
Yuuto breathed again. He remembered that promise. It was the day he knew he was in love with Hancock.
"My pretend boyfriend who always tries to cheer this weak and useless slave up. Helping her accomplish her dreams which she had no hope of making." She started crying at the lack of response disappointed. Even though she was free from all of these emotions, it hurt to see the lack of response. Maybe no one who would ever love her back.
Yuuto ran his fingers through her hair. It was the first time he touched her hair in real life. It was softer than the silk-like hair he had dreamed about. He was confused about this pretend boyfriend she mentioned but knew he also had to properly respond to her feelings.
He didn't feel nervous, comforted by her declaration.
"I didn't fall in love with a slave." He whispered in her ear. She felt heartbroken at his response. She was a slave. Actually, she was worse being branded for life. She really thought she had a better chance this time. "I fell in love with a beautiful woman whose past of being a slave haunted her." She looked curious at this hearing him admit who he loved. The question he avoided all night.
"A broken lady who sets up barriers for herself trying to prevent anyone from getting too close until she fell in love with my captain." It must have been someone in the crew who was looking for Luffy's love?
She pitied the person knowing how hard that was going to be. At least, Yuuto was responding to her confession. Even though it was slowly breaking her heart. She really wanted to tell him that she could change on his behalf.
It didn't work so well last time with Luffy but she was clinging onto that hope.
Why was she cursed with such a terrible fate as a slave?
"Seeing her in love toward my captain was really cute. I loved her care and thoughtfulness. I just never thought she would fall in love with me." He looked at her in the eye saying that. She gasped realizing what he had said.
He didn't view her as a slave regardless what she thought. "Yes, I love you too Boa Hancock."
She cried happily at his response. However, her insecurities came back. "But why? I'm weak. I'm insecure. Not helpful. Worst of all..." She wiped away the tears. She turned her back to him and lifted the back of her shirt to expose her permanent scar to him. He stopped her before it was fully revealed.
"You want to love this?" She asked out loud.
Yuuto paused. He had seen that mark enough times; he used to have to bring them back to them. Still, it was his turn to show that he accepted who she was.
Just like she accepted him and his history.
"Yes." She cried hearing this as he moved her hand down to cover it. "I want to love only you. You're not a slave. You're a human being more importantly the queen here. You're not weak. You're the strongest woman I know." He said truthfully. "You're helpful in your own way." He paused. "If it weren't for those other things, I wouldn't have fallen for you. You're Boa Hancock." He looked at her. Those traits were part of what he accepted in her. "Most importantly, right now, you accepted me for who I was and am right now."
As she wiped away her tears, she cried out. "I hope this isn't a dream." Happy that she found someone who loved all the good and bad parts about her.
Yuuto only chuckled at that. He had that thought earlier. "It's not."
"How do you know?"
"Because I would have woken up when we started kissing back then." That's how all his dreams happened. "Also this." He rolled up his sleeve, showing her the marks on his arm revealing that he had been slamming his body against a couple trees. "I want this to be real too." The force he used should have been enough to wake him up.
Otherwise, those trees shouldn't have fallen down.
She looked confused as what he meant by his first sentence. Still, it made her jubilant that her feelings were returned. She found someone who loved her unconditionally for who she was.
The two talked the rest of the night, clearing up any confusion and misunderstandings they had the last months.
Yuuto was confident that he would be affected by her Mero Mero powers. It's just that she never tested him recently. Hancock didn't test it out preferring him to be alive.
He also believed that Hancock was in love with Luffy for the last 7 months. That's why he was a little dense. He was blushing hard at that accusation. He reasoned that he didn't think he had a chance.
They were both blushing when Yuuto revealed that he had dreamed of her for almost 4 months now.
Hancock admitted she was fully aware of starting to love him a month ago.
Yuuto smiled at Hancock's plan during the last month of avoiding him. He smirked and teased Hancock when it sounded like she got jealous. Hancock played with her fingers while denying it. Hancock blushed when Yuuto said she looked so cute like that.
Yuuto admitted he was relieved because he thought she was angry at him the last month. Hancock apologized.
Hancock teased Yuuto back when Yuuto revealed that he wanted to fight Luffy just because he ignored Hancock. Yuuto claimed that he wasn't jealous, but Hancock smiled at that. Maybe she wasn't going to be the only one jealous in their relationship. At least the fight made more sense now.
About the practice dating, Yuuto sighed when he had to explain that wasn't what he meant to be her practice boyfriend. However, he had to clear up that they were together now for real. Hancock nodded at that promising never to deny that anymore.
They both agreed that this ended up being a date with the way it ended up.
Salome had slithered away disappointed. It did not seem they were going to mate anytime soon. Still, as she slithered back home, she smiled. It seemed they were closer than before.
At the end, the new couple debated who was in love first.
"I didn't know saying the moon is beautiful meant I love you." Yuuto confessed. That was obscure and he never heard that before. "That doesn't count." Yuuto reasoned. It has no meaning in that case. Hancock was recounting a childhood story. Hancock dismissed his crush from earlier.
"I didn't either but that still counts." Hancock refuted. "This coming from you who had a crush on 11 year old me." She giggled saying it out loud. It sounded like she had a faithful boyfriend.
Yuuto blushed. "I agree that doesn't count when I was young." She dismissed his crush because they didn't even talk to each other; he had to agree with that. "But not knowing what it meant at the time is different." Yuuto shook his head.
"Yes it does." Hancock countered. She said it first so that must have meant something.
"But I actually knew what I was feeling." Yuuto countered. "It's just that you were in love with Luffy and I didn't think I had a chance."
"Maybe I secretly knew." Hancock didn't want him to catch her slight lie. "I was just distracted by Luffy."
With a smile on their faces, the two then bickered the rest of the night on their way back. Teasing each other about it.
As they saw it was time for them to go to sleep, they both looked at the full moon and simultaneously shared a look.
"The moon is beautiful tonight." They both said to each other. [4]
Day 207
As Sanji was being chased by the okamas, he couldn't help but feel annoyed.
"Why do I feel that I need to kill that Yuuto bastard when I see him?"
[1]
How many of you guys thought that Delphine was going to end up as a serious rival with Hancock?
I like teasing.
Still, I didn't want to make the fanfic unnecessarily long and didn't want to prolong it.
Trust me. Sandersonia was definitely considered as being a rival as well.
[2]
Keep in mind Nami couldn't use the full power of her Climatact. No lightning, no wind, just as a staff.
The next day, she does win; however, it's only barely.
[3]
I'm basically making Robin's clone power similar to Naruto's Kage Bunshin.
The problem is that Robin will only make 2 clones because she can experience the same things as the clone instantaneously which requires more focus. She's essentially multitasking.
Not like Kage Bunshin where you need the clone to go poof and then you get knowledge.
Also Robin's clone is more durable.
[4]
I definitely could have made their story longer but I needed to finish this in a reasonable amount of time with believable plot. Otherwise, I would never actually progress with the actual story.
Here's hoping I made it believable. The main romantic subplot I had focused for this story is done. There are a couple others but it will be stretched out.
Keep in mind that the Strawhats are seriously training (even though this chapter focused more on romance)
Those who may have wanted Hancock with Luffy
In my opinion, Hancock loving Luffy is really cute, but it's one sided. For storytelling, it's fine because we'd rather focus on the action and adventure aspect. That relationship would be good comedy. In real life though, not so much.
In the manga, if pairings happen, I do hope that Hancock ends up with either Luffy (because it is cute) or Bartolomeo (for laughs).
So it's officially Yuuto x Hancock. After the next chapter, I will add Hancock as a main character (she will be somewhat a main character) just to keep the surprise. This had been planned from the beginning when I created Yuuto and his past and thought which girl would fit him best. That is why I had Vivi, Kalifa, and Robin as potential love interests because I toyed with those ideas. However, when I remembered Hancock's story and how I developed Yuuto, I felt it was the best course of action for both of them. Describing Robin as a black long haired and tall woman also worked for describing Hancock. That was my tease and red herring for a long time. Sorry for the guests who kept reviewing about Yuuto and Robin.
Yeah very dragged out seeing that it took like 37 chapters to get there. But it's done!
I do recommend reading back some of the early chapters. There were lots of clues about this that I had written. See if you can find them. Even starting in chapter 1.
This chapter was the most fluff I've written, and probably will have the most fluff in a single chapter.
Next chapter, I'm wrapping up the two year training arc. Expect a little fluff next chapter but then we go back to the main story. That may take a while before being updated.
There will still be some fluff spread about throughout the story.
I promise, there will be less focus between Yuuto and Hancock once I start the return to Sabaody and Fishman Island. The relationship will be mentioned a lot but as humor. I will be poking fun at them.
After Fishman Island, I will be diverting from canon a bit before I go straight to Punk Hazard. I have a fun idea that I've been planning while I wrote this section.
Please leave a review offering constructive criticism or feedback.