"What is it?" asked Chimney, her eyes wide.

"It's a cat," replied Kokoro, stroking the animal.

"Look at it, Kokoro," said Iceburg, "that's no cat. That's a bunny rabbit."

"But he has long whiskers!" said Kokoro.

"Yeah, but look these," said Iceburg, yanking on the creature's long ears, "no cat I've ever seen has ears like that."

"Nonsense!" said Kokoro, picking up the blue animal, "Have you ever seen a bunny rabbit with this colour of fur? Or a bunny rabbit that purrs?"

Indeed the animal was purring. And loudly. Chimney would later compare it often to the roar of the Puffing Tom's engine.

"But look at its tail!" said Iceburg, gesturing at the short puffy knob.

"His last owners might have docked it," said Kokoro thoughtfully.

"And attached a blue cotton ball in its stead?" said Iceburg, inspecting the fluffy knob attached to the animal's behind.

"Well, whatever it is, I like it," said Chimney holding the rabbit-cat close to her. The creature mewled and smiled happily. "Thank you for the gift, grandma!"

"Oh, you're welcome Chimney!" cooed Kokoro, stroking her grandaughter's hair. "What are you going to name him?" she asked.

"Gonbe!" said Chimney decisvely.

"But that means—"

"Guardian," said Chimney, interrupting Iceburg. "Doesn't he look menacing enough to be soldier?"

Kokoro and Iceburg could only stare at the fluffy animal, its smile wide and eyes gleaming. No. It was not in the least intimidating.

"Chimney," started Kokoro, "that's a lovely name, but wouldn't something like… Ooh, I don't know… Fluffy or Mittens be more appropriate?"

"But I think he likes it," said Chimney, stroking the rabbit-cat under his chin. "Huh, Gonbe?"

The animal perked up, and started smiling even more wide (if that was possible).

"He does like it!" exclaimed Chimney, twirling around happily, her new birthday present clutched tightly to her chest.


Lucci didn't say anything. He wanted to, but the lashings that would have followed were something he'd rather avoid. Instead, he'd just agreed quietly. With a small nod and a list of instructions from his teacher, the 6-year old assasin had set off for Kochikuni. He knew how the system worked. And he didn't mind it that much. Years ago, his grandfather had owed Cipher Pol a great favour. The organization had saved his family's noble reputation, but at the great price of the freedom of his descendants. Cipher Pol had demanded 5 generations worth of conscripts for their legions of specialized intelligence. The Rob family's aristocratic lineage would prove helpful for espionage missions. Lucci was the 3rd generation of conscripts, and he had no intention of rebelling against Cipher Pol. It was a bit unfortunate that he was missing out on his birthday, but he was working for justice. And justice was worth so much more than a birthday. It was common sense. To Lucci, who'd been training for missions since he was born, this was only natural.

Lucci arrived at Kochikuni rather quickly. The seas were clear, and the boat he was taking was hasty. The vessel was keen to arrive, wanting to sell its goods of grain and wood to the far off land of Kochikuni, where they were well desired. Lucci knew this well; it was all part of his training. He was particularly skillful at collecting valuable knowledge, and had the perfect cover to do it. No one would suspect a child, it was one of the reason Cipher Pol enlisted so many. He slipped off the boat quietly. The shipyard of Kochikuni was loud and bustling. Very much unlike Lucci's quiet and secluded hometown. It was a welcome difference.

Lucci was a well-disciplined assasin, but he could only resist the tantalizing thought of pie for so long. On his many visits to Kochikuni, the Baker's wife had always treated him with a slice. He'd helped her out once when her baked goods cart fell over, and she'd insisted on this ever since. Lucci loved her pies very much. They reminded him of his mother's, who had long passed. He couldn't resist after having that very first small bite. And so he succumbed to the flavour, dropping by the Baker's wife whene he could come around.

On this such mission, it just so happened that his route swung by the bakery. In reality, he went out of his way to visit the shop. He entered the store, and the bell on the door rung cheerily.

"Hello Joe," said Lucci, greeting the Baker.

"Hello Claudius," replied the Baker. Lucci felt slightly bad for lying to the couple, but for Cipher Pol's sake, he had to keep his identity under wraps.

"Is Maria in today?" asked Lucci. Joe sighed.

"Maria's struggling with Gattori," responded Joe.

"Gattori?" asked Lucci.

Suddenly, a white dove flew out of the kitchen entrance, and onto Lucci's hat.

"Come back here!" yelled Maria, stomping angrily out of the kitchen. "Oh! Claudius!" said Maria, noticing Lucci, "I'm so sorry. This rascal must be bothering you."

Maria approached Gattori, who was now scratching at Lucci's shoulder. She grabbed the bird with two hands, and tried to yank her off Lucci's shoulder. But the dove stayed put. Maria sighed and put her hands on her hips.

"Sorry Claudius, but do you mind just keeping her there for a second?"

At seeing how frazzled the usually calm and gentle woman looked, Lucci agreed.

"My niece's bird Fattori had chicks, and we agreed to adopt this stubborn gal," said Maria, "but I'm afraid we can't handle her for much longer. Birds don't belong in bakeries. Say, she looks like she likes you!"

"You think?" asked Lucci. Gattori nuzzled him and then nipped him gently.

"Why don't you keep her? It's your birthday afterall!"

Had Lucci told Maria his birthday? How had that happened? In any case, it was a breach of conduct.

"Oh come on!" said Maria, smiling at Lucci, "You can't see it?"

Lucci snapped back to Gattori. Indeed, the bird seemed attached. But somehow, Lucci didn't mind. Her presence was soothing. Like the comfort blanket he had been denied as an infant, Cipher Pol not wanting him to become 'soft'.

"If it's alright with you…" said Lucci tentatively.

"It's alright with us! Isn't it, Joe?" said Maria, nudging her husband.

"Absolutely," said Joe, reaching into the oven and retrieving one of Maria's pies. Lucci's sensitive nose went nuts. He could practically taste the rasberry filling, and the smooth crust. Maria probably saw it too, as she cut him a slice, and served it to him on one of the 'good' plates.

"Thank you for the food," said Lucci, breaking off a piece of pie crust and giving it to Gattori before indulging himself.


A.N.: Chimney was a lasting debate on what I should do. I ended up with this, which is something constantly debated in the Water 7 arc. It's her character to be pretty uncaring though, and not really take a side (even though it's canon that she recognized Gonbe as a cat now). I like portraying bad guys as children. Because as a child, you're still naïve, and open to everyone. Even Lucci, who is so hardened by CP9 still must have had some childhood innocence at one point, right? Reviews, Favourites, Subscriptions, Birthdays, and Requests are welcomed and much appreciated! See you on the 5th for Jabra!