Here is the chapter 8 rewrite! If y'all are Boku no Hero Academia fans, I recently uploaded the second chapter of my new story: Reticent. Check it out if you like!
My answer to the last Question of the Chapter is: Would it be cheating to say I love both? I remember loving tire swings, but I rarely ever got to play on them as a kid. Normal swings are easier to find and they've never let me down, so they'll always be my favorite, so I guess technically I'd say they're better only because it's been over ten years since I've been on a tire swing, and I'm afraid that my memory of it won't live up to the actuality.
As always, any Authors Notes and the next question will be down at the bottom. I don't own One Piece, but I do own my original characters. Please enjoy!
Recap:
"Merry? I heard you yell, and then there was banging, it woke me up. Merr- Why is it so dark in here? Merry? Merry!" Standing in the doorway, Kaya looked at me and her voice twisted in shock, then rage. It only took me a second to realize how it must look to her, my hands bloodied and Merry lying on the ground, severely hurt. "You! You're from earlier! Why did you hurt Merry?! Leave! Get out now!" She didn't leave much room for debate, and I was already getting worried about the Straw Hats, so I obliged.
Standing, I made sure that everything needed to finish dressing Merry's wound was there before addressing the injured man. "Be sure not to strain yourself, Merry-san." Pausing, I considered asking for a ship, finally deciding it wouldn't hurt to lock in that favor early. "If you really want to repay me, please supply a ship for Luffy and his crew." Going to the window, I open it and look down. It's not that bad, Luffy flung us higher this morning.
"Repay you?" Kaya asked, and I waved it off. "And aren't you part of his crew?"
I stopped at the question. Is it a bad idea? Maybe. But... maybe not. I don't want to be hurt, but this might be the thing I've always hoped for. I knew my answer. Glancing back at her, I gave a sly smile and a wink. "Technically, I was just a person they kidnapped for the hell of it, but if I'm honest… Not yet." Pulling myself onto the windowsill, I swung my legs over the edge, preparing to jump.
"Wait! This is the second floor!" I looked back to see her wide eyes and worried face and I smiled. Even when she believes I attacked Merry, she's still worried for me. There aren't many who value human life like her, she'll be an amazing doctor one day.
"You truly are a kind-hearted person, worrying for a monster like me." She opened her mouth to respond to that, but I turned back, looked down, and jumped.
Chapter 8: I tell myself one little lie, and the pain don't phase me - One Little Lie by Simple Creatures
(Tsukino's Point Of View)
Touching down with a hand to stabilize myself as I landed on the stone pavement outside the window, I had to look around to orient myself. I jumped out of what could've been a dining room. Kaya's window is to the right of here, so the exit will be to my right. Straightening up, I did a quick catalog to make sure I had everything I needed before looking at the sky. The first beams of light have broken the horizon. Taking a deep breath, I flare my senses one more time, taking a step back at the presence of Kuro near the front of the mansion. That's right, he just waits for his crew to show up. I can't leave through the front gate doors. Turning to go to the hedge, I gave one last glance at the window I'd jumped from before searching for the secret entrance that Usopp had made.
"Here we are." Crouching, I crawled through the hedge like before, careful of my injury, but also a little surprised at the lack of intense pain. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth, Tsukino. Kneeling in front of the hedge, I returned the 'door' to its place and sighed. "Now, how to go past the entrance of the house without Kuro noticing me…?" I looked in the direction I needed to go and pinched my nose. "I can't very well just walk in front of him and the gate, why did he choose to wait outside of the stupid mansion?" Also, why did he run away, he could've very easily killed me. Trying not to dwell on it, I focused on the problem at hand. I'm going to have to swing wide around the back of the mansion. Damn it, if only I didn't fall asleep. Sighing, I turned and ran, focusing on the beat of my footsteps as I ran. I need to hurry. Stopping for a second at a crossroad, I huffed. The battle took place on the slope, right? The one with the shore we landed on. Or was it this one here. Looking at the sign, I tried to search my brain. No, it had to be the shore we landed on, because Nami is afraid her money would get stolen. Nodding, I ran to the north, praying that I chose the right direction.
The sun was fully in the sky now, though it was still crisp morning air, and worry twisted in my gut. Hurry, hurry, hurry. As the view of the slope came into view, my heart sank for a moment when I didn't see anyone. I chose wrong! Stopping, I cursed, making to turn back around. "Shit!" But then a single silhouette appeared and I paused in my turn. Stepping closer, one silhouette turned into four, then I recognized two figures, both laying on the ground, Nami, looking like the wind had been knocked out of her, and Usopp, who looked pretty beaten up. A man with tan skin and white-blonde hair stood over him with what looked to be a makeshift hammer made with a giant stone. This isn't any better than I had hoped, honestly, but I don't see Luffy or Zoro, so at least I made it here before them.
Further down, I heard talking from what looked to be Jango, but I was too far away to hear him. Whatever he said seemed to strike fear into the troops and they began to run in my direction. Unclipping my good tessen, I stepped forward, just in time to see a pirate in blue kick Usopp in the face, and my blood boiled. As a horde of pirates ran directly at me, I took a centering breath and held my fan in front of me, moving into a defensive position. There's about twenty, and they're coming fast. Launching myself forward, I snapped my fan open, the sound distracting several and I struck. Dragging the war fan across one pirate's chest, I spun around, roundhouse kicking another into the group behind them, knocking them off guard. Flicking the blood off my fan, I closed it and swung down, trapping a man in a striped shirt by hooking the fan under his knee pit and pulling up, forcing him to fall onto his back. Feeling the hairs on the back of my neck stand up in alarm, I ducked, my eyes widening as several men sailed over my body.
Looking behind me, I watched as Luffy and Zoro walked up, both looking more than a little irritated. Did I ever mention that they look badass? Straightening up, I blinked as they came to stop on my right, me on Luffy's left, and Zoro on his right. The pirates who had previously run forward without a care had either fallen or backed up. "Boss, you never told us there were guys like those three in the village."
"What were those unchallenging guys right then?" Bandana tightened around his head, Zoro stood, eyes shaded and a single katana resting on his shoulder. Next to him, Luffy was stretching out the muscles in his arm, his hat also tipped low, menacingly.
"Don't look at me, I'm not satisfied at all."
I flicked open my fan, bringing it in front of me to cover the lower half of my face. "It seems I rushed here for no reason, I thought that my opponents would be worth my worry." With the white metal in front of my face, I felt a little badass, too. I hope I look as cool as Luffy and Zoro right now.
Turning his head towards where Nami had sat up, Zoro yelled, "Nami! How dare you kick me down there!" I hid a smile behind my fan as I recalled why Zoro was so upset. At the other slope, didn't they put down oil? And then Nami used Zoro to get back up when she slipped.
"Usopp, you jerk! You didn't tell me which way north was!" Glancing to my right, I noticed that Luffy had been sweating. Was he just running aimlessly, hoping that wherever he was going was north?
Shutting my fan in the palm of my right hand, I shrugged. "Maa, I have no complaints, I got here fine." At that, both Luffy and Zoro looked over at me and I winked at them before looking at the two who had fought up until now. "You two did well, holding them off until we could arrive." At the grateful looks both Usopp and Nami gave me, I let out a gentle chuckle. "Now, should we kick some pirate ass?"
Looking back at the fallen pirates behind him, Usopp looked back towards us and stuttered, "Yo-you guys are that strong?" It was a strange feeling, being lumped together with Luffy and Zoro in the strength category, especially when I knew that I wasn't nearly as strong as those two physically. Luffy just nodded and I adjusted my stance, planting my right foot behind me and balancing my weight evenly on both legs, taking another defensive stance.
"What took you guys so long?" Holding her bo staff close, Nami directed her gaze more at Zoro and Luffy than me, but I shrugged anyway. I'm not going to tell her that I fell asleep.
Zoro acted a little more upset. "You're the reason I got stuck back there!"
"That was an accident. It couldn't be helped. It's better for one person to be saved than two people staying behind." At her reasoning, Zoro snapped, pointing at her accusingly.
"Then you should have stayed behind!" I sighed and scanned the shore, taking a mental note of the number of pirates still standing while Luffy chewed Usopp out for not specifying which way north was.
"You were the one who charged off first, all confident!" Usopp shot back.
At the sound response, Luffy deflated a little. "Well, that was just because." Usopp sputtered in disbelief and I laughed at the very weak argument Luffy gave, my eyes catching the form of Jango at the bottom of the slope, near the shoreline.
"It's well past night, now. Captain Kuro is not a patient man." Looking down at the men who had fallen and rolled down the slope, laying at his feet, he sneered. "Hey men! Don't tell me that those three brats really did you guys in!" At his tone, the ones still conscious slowly pushed themselves to a stand, and Jango reached inside his long jacket, pulling out a shiny silver ring blade. "Listen. We don't have time to be dilly dallying here." Letting it fall, I found that it was attached to a string. That's right. Jango's a hypnotist. "If our enemy is strong, we just have to be stronger." Moving his hand, he made the ring blade sway like a pendulum. "Now, watch this ring closely. On 'one, two, Jango', you guys will grow strong. Your wounds will completely heal, and you will grow stronger and stronger."
Looking at the group curiously, Luffy glanced at Nami, then back at the pirates. "What are they doing?"
"It's hypnosis." Nami began. "He's trying to convince them to get stronger. How ridiculous!" I looked over at her.
"Well, not necessarily, Nami. It's only ridiculous if you aren't affected. Those who believe that hypnosis works… well, let's just say hypnosis only works on those who believe it will."
She looked back at me and opened her mouth to respond when Jango finished his spell. "Stronger… Stronger! One! Two!" He pulled his hat down over his eyes and mine narrowed at that. "Jango!" Immediately erupting in roars, the pirates lifted their weapons. One slammed his fist against the cliff and the stone shook as part of the cliff broke off, falling with the awful sound of stone grinding against stone.
"He gouged out that cliff! What power!" Zoro exclaimed, stepping forward as the rock hit the ground, making the entire slope vibrate.
"They really did get hypnotized!" Nami said in wonder and I hummed my agreement.
"It looks like Jango himself is afraid of getting hypnotized by his own ring, he averted his eyes with his hat at the last second. I don't know if I should be in awe of his dedication or wary that he believes in his hypnosis so confidently. Belief itself is a powerful thing." There's no turning back, now. Adjusting my stance and drawing my other fan, I warned them. "Tread carefully, they're going to come at us with all their might now." Why do I feel like I'm forgetting something?
Voice quivering, Usopp took a step back as the men began to turn towards us. "With that many people that strong…"
Hyping his crew up, Jango yelled to them. "Go! Crush anyone who gets in your way!" The cheers and shouts were deafening, and I flicked both of my tessen open, using more force on the one damaged by the marine's bullet. I need to find a smith who can fix that panel, it's throwing off my balance.
As the crowds ran towards us, I nodded at Zoro and he shouted to the two still on the ground. "You guys get behind us somewhere safe up the slope." Bringing the katana that was rested on his shoulder in front of him, he narrowed his eyes. "We'll handle this." I took a deep breath in, held it for a few seconds, and let it out as Nami and Usopp scrambled past us, up the slope. "Hey Luffy." When Luffy didn't respond, I remembered what I was forgetting. Luffy gets hypno- "Luffy?" Shouting just as loud as the pirates, Luffy lifted his arms as he let out a battle cry. "You got hypnotized too?!" His voice strained in disbelief as he watched Luffy run forward, eyes glazed over, winding up an attack.
"Gomu Gomu no Gatling!" I watched in awe as he single handedly pushed back the even stronger pirates. Dashing forward mindlessly, he sped right past Jango, who had flinched in fear, and I watched as he grabbed onto the bow of the ship, which ran up to the top of the boat, morphing into a black cat figurehead. It kinda looks like he's hugging their ship.
Even under hypnotism, the pirates outwardly showed their fear for Luffy, the few moments of confidence completely shattered as one pirate shouted to the others, realizing what Luffy was doing. "He's trying to destroy our ship!" Wood crackling as the bow of the ship detached from the hull, splinters of wood fell as Luffy pulled back, the bow and figurehead following as he turned. "No… He's trying to attack us with it! Jango, do something!" As Luffy reeled back to swing the figurehead at the pirates, Jango pulled out his ring blade frantically and I turned to Zoro.
"Wha- I don't know if I should laugh, or be upset Luffy took our prey." He glanced back at me and the dumbfounded look on his face told me that he agreed with me.
"On one! Two! Jango, you'll fall asleep." Jango's call brought my attention back to the action at the shore and I stepped forward in shock as Jango continued. "One! Two! Jango!" Immediately falling asleep, I watched in horror as Luffy fell, the entirety of the bow and masthead falling perfectly on top of him.
"Luffy!" Forcing myself to calm down as I watched the pirates scatter, I took a deep breath in, then let it out. It's okay, Tsukino. Luffy wouldn't really be hurt from something like that.
From behind me, Usopp's voice warbled out, shaky and concerned. "His head is underneath the bow…"
Zoro returned to resting his katana on his shoulder as he addressed Usopp's concern. "Don't worry. He won't die from that. You should focus on yourself, you're bleeding." At the words, I looked back at Usopp, scanning his body and taking note of the injuries. His head is bleeding badly, and he had several cuts. Furrowing my brow at the blood, I nodded.
"Zoro's right. You should take care of your head wound first. I don't suppose you have any first aid supplies in that handy bag of yours?" He nodded and I looked over at Nami, who was sitting next to him. "Good. Nami, can you help him wrap his head wound, I don't want him to lose too much blood." She stared at me for a moment before nodding numbly and turning to Usopp, who was rifling through his bag. I opened my mouth to ask if he needed tips when a voice down the slope interrupted me.
"Hey Buchi! Look, something's wrecked our ship's head!" The voice was immediately responded to with another, and I pinpointed the location to be somewhere on the now damaged ship.
"What!? Wrecked?! How did that happen?!" I squinted to try and see the two people the voices belonged to, my eyes locking on to two figures.
Next to me, Zoro shifted. "Looks like there's still something on that ship..." The pirates began to talk amongst themselves, their voices a faint rumble from our distance, and I vaguely remembered there being two cat-like pirates that fought Zoro. Zoro's strong, so how did they draw it out in the anime?
"We still have a trump card!" At the sound of voices on the boat, Jango's eyes brightened, and he turned away from the lying pirates to the ship. Raising his line of sight to align with the location of the boat, he called out. "Come forth, Meowban Brothers!"
At the call, I watched as two figures jumped down from the ship's deck. One has green hair and what looked to be a horribly severe case of kyphosis, and the other was heavy set wearing a purple striped cape lined with fur, and similarly striped shorts. Oof, green hair needs to get to a chiropractor stat!
"You called, Captain Jango?" Green hair said, straightening as much as he could for such a hunched back. I mentally winced at the thought of my own spine bending that way.
"You called?" The other one echoed, also straightening. They have a good deal of speed, judging from their jump. I assessed, as the two introduced themselves.
"I'm Siam!" The green haired hunched back one said.
"And I'm Buchi!" The larger one followed. "Together we are the Meowban Brothers!" They said in sync, both striking a pose. Launching themselves forward, they stopped right in front of Jango, waiting for instructions.
"Buchi! Siam! We must absolutely get past this hill," Jango began, "but as you can see," turning towards us, he lifted a hand to gesture, "an obstacle is in the way." He looked back at the pair and his tone sharpened. "Get rid of them."
At the command, the two recoiled, and my eyes narrowed. What are they playing at…? As the two began to protest, I recalled the way they jumped down from the ship. My eyes didn't deceive me. They are at least skilled enough to have such frightening speeds. Why are they faking it? Is that how they got Zoro? Surprise attack? Man! Why can't I remember!?
"Siam, get to it! Hurry!" Jango snapped back at the skittish pair and I stepped a little closer to Zoro. As the pair panicked, I glanced up. Zoro's not buying this sh- He is!
"He's in tears! Why is he making him fight!" Nami's voice from behind me had me realize that Zoro wasn't the only one who fell for it. Please… Living with Akane for years has made me a professional at picking out fake tears.
As the green haired hunchback ran up the hill towards us, I drew a knife from my forearm and focused on his left thigh. He's suddenly moving slow. That jump wasn't a fluke, I was right. Zoro's panicked voice broke my concentration as he shifted, breaking his stance. "What am I supposed to do?!" He looked over at me, and made a move to stop me. "Oi! Tsukino! Wha-"
"Don't fall for it Zoro." Narrowing my eyes, I zeroed in on his thigh and threw. The knife flew true to its target. There it is! Immediately reaching for my tessen as Green Hunchback disappeared and my knife thudded solidly into the ground, I brought it in front of me and launched myself backwards and out of the way of Siam's range. Siam clashed with Zoro, then immediately jumped back and my eyes narrowed at the two new swords he seemed to acquire.
"I'm surprised you saw through my innocent cat act!" He stood up as tall as he could, and I absently noted that despite being so exaggeratedly hunched, he still stood pretty tall. "You may have a little skill, but you shouldn't underestimate Siam of the Meowban Brothers nya~."
Scoffing at that, I glanced at Zoro before saying, "Please, those tears were so fake. Were you even trying?" As he licked his glove like it was a paw, I continued. "And I estimated you pretty correctly, I'd say."
Siam glared at my response, but before he could respond to my jeer, Zoro's gasp drew our attention as he glanced down at his waist, where his katanas would usually hang. "What's wrong nya~? Missing something? Don't look at me though…" Off in the distance, I could faintly hear Buchi and Jango calling him the 'Cat burglar.' Nah, that name belongs to Nami.
"Give those swords back!" The edge in Zoro's voice was as sharp as a katana, his glare bearing down on Siam where he landed.
"Give them back? But you already have a sword." Siam's reply was saturated with feigned innocence and I held back a gag. Taking the swords off his back, he looked at them, saying "These are just in the way, huh." before looking up at Zoro slyly and chucked the two katana behind him with a snort. Asshole. "There we go! Now I'm much lighter!"
Shifting my weight, I evaluated the distance between me and the katana down the hill. I just need to get those for Zoro. As Zoro dashed forward, I took a step to the side. "You're supposed to take care of other people's things!" I understand why Zoro had a problem with them now. Not only is he better versed in the three sword style, he's more confident too.
The sound of a pained cry drew me out of my evaluation and I narrowed my eyes at the bad acting. He didn't get hit, so why- Zoro! As Siam grabbed Zoro from behind and pinned him to the ground, I prepared myself. Gripping my closed tessen, I scanned Siam for an opening as he called to his heavyset brother. "You're up Buchi! Get 'im!"
"Right, Siam!" With incredible speed considering Buchi's size, he launched himself forward before jumping. As he aimed to land on Zoro's head, I mentally cursed. With lightning speed, I tossed my tessen in the air and drew a knife from my arm, launching it at Siam's right arm. As soon as the blade drew blood, Zoro rolled out of the way just in time and I caught my tessen as Zoro and Siam scrambled to a stand.
"Damn you! You made me let go of him!" Inspecting the shallow cut, Siam focused a burning glare at me and I met it with one of my own.
"You're supposed to hold him down, Siam!" Standing as well, Buchi turned to scold his brother and I repositioned myself as Zoro came to stand next to me. I raised a brow to ask if he was okay, and he nodded, though he looked shaken up at the thought of being crushed by Buchi. Fair enough. I personally wouldn't want to die because I was crushed by a fat cat either.
"It's not my fault! I forgot about the girl, and he's stronger than I thought!" At the words, I felt my brow twitch in annoyance. Why is it that everyone seems to forget I'm here? I adjusted the grip on my tessen as he added, "He won't get away this time!"
"Right!"
"I'm not that great at the One-Sword Style, but…" Taking a fighting stance, Zoro stepped in front of me, and I realized that it was something he did subconsciously.
"Pussy Willow March!" Charging forward, the two attacked Zoro relentlessly, and I scanned the ground for his katana. There! Just as Zoro is preoccupied with the two, those two are also occupied with Zoro. Slowly now… Taking wary steps to the side as Zoro held the two off, I made it maybe three steps past the group before I heard a familiar voice grunt and then cry out in pain. Zoro! Looking back up, I saw Zoro standing back up, blood dripping from his chest as he called up the hill.
"Usopp, you dumbass! Do you want to die?!" A small round object hit my boot and I looked down to see a lead ball. Immediately it became clear that Usopp had tried to help but instead hit Zoro. But Usopp has phenomenal aim, so how did Zoro get… As Zoro called up at Usopp, the answer became clear and I felt a rush of frustration flow through me. Zoro you idiot! I'm here for a reason, you need to stop acting as a shield for everyone, you tank!
The two brothers didn't let up, going in for another flurry of attacks, and this time Zoro was being pushed back. Okay Tsukino, change of plans. Taking out another knife, I focused on the two continuously moving shapes. Buchi is probably too strong physically for me to take on, and since I already injured Siam once, he'll be more motivated to attack me. Taking a deep breath, I zeroed in on Siam's already injured right arm and let it out. There! Eyes locked onto Siam's right shoulder, I reveled in the familiar feeling of the knife handle leaving my fingertips, the slight whistle as the metal cut through the air, and then the familiar rush of satisfaction as my aim flew true.
The screech Siam let out paired with the vibrant red blood that quickly stained his already dark shirt had Buchi faltering, and I sighed as Zoro immediately backed up. I gave him some time to prepare for the next attack, at least. "You won't get away with that!" Siam's voice had a venomous edge to it, but I didn't flinch.
Snapping my fan open quickly, I relished in the slight flinch everyone had at the whip-cracking sound it made. "Bring it, Hunchback!" I need to be wary of his speed. Resting my right hand on my waterskin, I hesitated before taking it back off. Not yet, I need to utilize every bit of surprise I can get. As Siam launched himself towards me, obviously favoring his right side, I brought my fan in front of me and braced as his claws scraped against it. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Buchi advance towards me too, only to be stopped by Zoro.
Pushing him off of me, I slashed downward with my fan before snapping it shut and trying to jam it into his chest. As he dogged to the left, I was distracted by a cry of pain behind me. Nami! Turning to see Nami fall, and Jango standing over her, my blood ran cold in fear. Red dripping from one of Jango's blades, I was overcome with a rush of unadulterated rage. A prickling at the back of my neck reminded me that I wasn't in the position to be distracted. Shit, Siam! Turning, I moved slightly enough that the claws aiming for my back barely grazed my right arm, three lines of blood flying through the air from the force. Not stopping to process the pain, my head hazy with rage, I lunged forward, snapping my tessen open with a crack, and dragged it across Siam's chest. As he fell, I felt fringe from my hair fall across my forehead. Flicking my wrist to rid my tessen of the blood, I took a step back as the stinging pain in my right arm finally registered.
Groaning, Siam slowly pushed himself up onto his knees, then his feet. The glare he sent my way faltered as a voice filled the space of the hill, drawing all our attention to the top of the hill. The way Siam flinched in fear at the sight of Kuro didn't escape my notice. "C-Captain Kuro!"
"Night is long gone now, so it seemed odd that the plan wasn't making any progress… To think that these brats have held you back…" Dropping the bag I know held his razor sharp gloves, Kuro surveyed the hill. "How the Black Cat Pirates have fallen. Isn't that right, Jango!"
"B-B-But… you said letting that kid go wouldn't cause any problems!" Jango scrambled to answer, the fear in his voice so evident I felt a little bit of pity for him.
"Yes, I did say that." Kuro began, pushing up his glasses with the heel of his hand. "But so what? We knew he was going to try and stand up to us. The only thing I didn't count on… was your guys' feebleness!" He yelled, and I clenched my teeth in anger. What a fucking coward. To be so lazy and then deflect the blame on top of that. Ohhh, I just wanna…
"Who the hell are you calling feeble!" Buchi called up, seething at his original captain.
"Watch what you say, Captain Kuro!" Siam had turned, his back now facing me, clacking the points of his claw-gloves together. "Yeah, you were strong before, but that was three years ago! It's not like we partied while you lived the easy life in this village!" He had stepped back up the hill, stopping next to Buchi as he yelled, and Buchi nodded at his brother and continued.
"That's right! We've attacked lotsa towns and sunk lotsa pirate ships!" They both has begun to work themselves up, their voices getting louder and more tense, only to be contrasted by Kuro's calm, level voice replying,
"Your point being?" It seemed to be the trigger to the Brother's explosion, and Siam screamed,
"You've done nothing for three years!"
"There's no way you can beat the Meowban Brothers of today!" Buchi finished, and then there was a rush as the two dashed up past Zoro with the speed I had first noticed as they got off their ship. It was clear that their new target was Kuro, and though I already knew how futile it was, I held no pity for the two as they slashed forward, their claws ripping through a bag instead of flesh. I could faintly register Jango calling out for them to stop from behind me, and it seemed to center me. I need to be proactive here. I can't just watch, we are in the middle of a fight. As Buchi and Siam began to realize how incredibly outmatched they were, I wiped my tessen off carefully on my thighs before slowly closing and sheathing them. As Kuro reappeared and brought his long clawed gloves around the two threateningly, I popped open my waterskin on my left hip and took a deep breath, acutely aware of the stinging in my bicep and the warm sticky blood cooling as it rolled down my arm and dripped off my elbow, splattering as it hit the concrete below.
"You're right. I do feel a bit sluggish." Kuro finally said. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath, letting it out silently as he let out a short, dry laugh. "Perhaps I have grown a bit soft during my last three years on dry land…. I'll give you five minutes." Withdrawing his claws from the pair and stepping back, he continued. "If you can't take care of things here in five minutes, then I will kill every last one of you with my own two hands!"
I bit my lip to hold in the words I knew wanted to tumble free from my mouth. They were words I knew would cut, and I only stopped clenching my teeth when I tasted the iron from where my teeth drew blood. Drawing my tongue over my now swollen bottom lip to collect the blood, I turned and spit as Jango called to Kuro nervously.
"Th-That's more than enough time! It's them! As long as we can beat those two, we can make it past this hill!"
Still standing behind Zoro and in front of Jango, I pushed the stinging from my arm out of my mind as I focused on the brothers and the hypnotist. I had angled my body so that I was parallel to the road itself, and the wider field of vision allowed me to see Nami stand, her eyes focused on the swords on the ground in front of Jango. Steeling my expression so as not to give away Nami's plan, I took two steps back, and took a defensive stance, pulling Jango's attention towards me. By the time Nami had gotten Zoro's attention and kicked the swords, Jango was too far to stop her.
Taking advantage of their lack of attention towards me, I stepped even closer to the edge of the road, watching as the pair of katanas spun past me, towards Zoro. Zoro has his katanas, I don't think he'll need assistance with these two, even as desperate as they are now. As the two brothers launched themselves down the hill towards us, I turned my gaze from where Zoro had taken a stance to where Jango stood. He's the one I need to focus on.
With a swift slice of his blades, the two desperate brothers tumbled past Zoro, their bodies both rolling, laying right in front of Jango, where I was once standing. Now isn't the time to stand by, I need to think about this tactically. Scanning the thoughts of everyone within a ten yard radius of me, I smiled. For once I'm glad to be so very forgettable. It makes planning easier that way. I stepped even closer to Jango, passing Siam's downed body and then pausing as Buchi shakily pulled himself up to his forearms, reaching out to clutch the bottom of Jango's coat.
"Please… Hypnotise me…. Captain. I'll slaughter him….. Please… Captain!" The desperation in his voice had my anger at Kuro peak. To strike this much fear into your crew…. How despicable. Watching as Jango began to swing his chakram in an attempt to hypnotise Buchi, I narrowed my eyes. It's time to move.
With a flick of my arm, salt water cut through the air in a familiar crescent shape, the sharp water snapping the wire of the chakram before returning and circling around my body. Before they could process what had just happened, the flat of my foot connected with Buchi's head, knocking him out cold. "Sorry to ruin your plans, but I can't very well stand by as you give the poor guy a second wind, now can I?" As the cool, clear water swirled around my body, I made eye contact with Nami. Trying to signal with my eyes for her to get Luffy, I continued, "Though hypnotism isn't something I'd allow to have power over me, I can't allow you to continue using that particular skill."
"Floating water?"
"She's controlling the water! Is it a devil fruit?!"
At the rumble of overlapping voices, I frowned. "I don't owe any of you an explanation." Lunging forward, I grit my teeth as Jango jumped back. Shit, he's faster than I expected. Straightening, I launched another jet of water at Jango as I made eye contact again with Nami. "Nami! Go! Get Luffy! Hurry!"
It took a half of a second for her to process my words before nodding and leaning into a sprint. That split second was too long. "Ack!" Falling to a knee from the pain, I inspected the new gash on my left thigh. You're making rookie mistakes here Tsukino. Looking up to see Jango flicking my blood off of one of his chakrams, I grit my teeth.
"It seems I was worried for nothing. You're just an easily distracted little girl with a few water tricks. I-"
"What the heck, Nami you jerk!" Luffy's voice echoed, cutting off whatever Jango was going to say, and I couldn't say I was really listening with bated breath anyway. Stepping forward after exchanging a few words with Nami, Luffy picked up his hat. Placing it on his head, he stopped as the Black Cat Pirates parted before him, his eyes scanning the scene before him. "Wait, that bad butler guy is here too?"
His words diffused the tension and I let out a little chuckle. He never seems to make things interesting, does he? Bringing a hand to my left thigh, I took stock of my wounds. I think my side wound has reopened, but it only stings a little, that's a good sign. The cuts on my right arm aren't deep, but they burn, that's a cause for concern. And now my thigh… This one is certainly deeper, I'll have to be careful if I don't want to tear anything. Right now what I need to do i-
"Kaya!" Drawing me out of my thoughts was Usopp's yell, and the sound of bodies falling. Snapping my attention up the hill, I couldn't see anything but Kuro's back from where I was kneeling. Kaya's up there. I've gotta stand… I've gotta- The gunshot stopped whatever I was thinking dead in its tracks. Oh god. Is she okay? Pushing myself to a stand, I grit my teeth at the pain in my leg that was demanding my attention ever so readily. Gah! Shit, that doesn't look good. Inspecting the gash in my thigh, I faintly registered Kaya trying to bargain with Kuro. It's deeper than I thought, moving is going to hurt like a bitch.
"What I want is peace of mind…. Yes, I want simple peace." The words that left Kuro's mouth had me snapping my attention to his form, faintly registering that Jango had already walked farther up the hill. "I find the villagers' trust that I've fostered these past three years to be nice and comfortable now." Blood boiling and pain forgotten, I stood tall as he finished, "So I want to have that peace of mind fore-"
"Chahahahahaha! Hahahaha!" I didn't realize I was laughing until I felt the weight of everyone's eyes on me, and the oppressive silence of everything but my echoing voice. Taking a step up the hill, I faintly noticed the pain, my blood boiling. "Peace of mind… pfft." Still laughing, I stepped even closer. "You want peace? I mean- pfft Chahahahahahaha! Oh my god that's hilarious." I'd passed Jango now, coming up close, maybe twenty feet from Kaya and Kuro, and I fought to suppress my laughter. "You want peace of mind…. Haha… I just…" Immediately ceasing any joviality I had a moment prior, I glared at him, my voice icy. "You don't get peace of mind." In the back of my mind, I patted myself on the back for making him flinch.
"Y-" I didn't give him room to respond.
He opened his mouth, but as my eyes burned with utmost hatred as I glared at him, no words escaped. "Peace of mind will never encounter a person who betrays friends and crewmates without a thought. Who uses people like tools without blinking. You don't deserve peace of mind, and it will never come to you." I tilted my head, my already icy voice taking on the ominous edge it had before. "Like a curse, your sins will crawl on your back, staining your body and mind. It will fester and boil under your skin, constantly, ceaselessly, until you begin to itch. And once you begin to itch, you will bleed. You will bleed until the screams of the damned come for you, and all you can hear are the voices of the souls of every single person who has had their lifeblood snuffed out under your order. You will languish, and suffer until you die, and once you do…" I stepped forward once more, one tiny step. "Hell will be waiting to drag you through its worst. I guarantee it."
Swiftly drawing my fan, metal hit metal with a loud clang and I felt my leg try to buckle from under me. With a grunt, I pushed Kuro back, watching as he pushed his glasses up with the palm of his hand. "I'll be sure to kill you first. Then the village-"
"Be sure to do it right this time, eh?" At my taunt, he made to attack again, but the telltale click of a gun cocking had him looking back at Kaya.
"You- you're not Kurahadol! You're not!"
"Oh… You'd point a gun at me…
"Leave! Leave this minute!" Watching as her hands shook, I couldn't help but feel for Kaya, the adrenalin slowly leaving my body as I registered the screaming pain in my thigh, and the ache in my lungs from my fight with the Buggy clowns. Poor girl… over and over, she loses the ones she loves.
"I see. You've certainly grown a lot these past years…" Voice honeyed as he took off his gloves, I mentally swore. The- the bastard! He's going to play her like a fiddle, I need to- Taking a step, suddenly the only thing I could think of was the pain in my thigh as the adrenalin completely faded from my body. I- oh my god. What was I thinking? Shitshitshitshit this hurts like hell. Ohmygod whywhywhywhywhy! Plan forgotten as I knelt to take pressure off my leg, I looked up to see Kuro step closer, still talking, and grab the gun from the now weeping Kaya. Shit! I have to move! "Do you understand?! The humiliation I've suffered?! Do you understand this man once known as Captain Kuro?!" I grit my teeth as he yelled, sick of him making himself out to be a poor victim while acting as the main predator.
A gunshot fired, and I looked up from my thigh to see Kuro behind Usopp, claws surrounding the badly beaten boy who was standing tall, gun still smoking from the shot. "I almost forgot. I still haven't paid you back for that hit you gave me." Taking off the bandage on his face, Kuro continued. "You hit me with all your might, if I recall..." Usopp! I've gotta stand, I need to get up and-
Still kneeling, I caught a glimpse of a fist flying over my head, and with a large crack, I knew Luffy's punch hit its mark as Kuro flew back, landing on his back, feet out towards me, maybe twenty feet away. Usopp and Kaya stood in front of him now, and I tried and failed to push myself to a stand, the world swaying suddenly. I'm losing too much blood.
"If you hate getting hit, I have a hundred more punches just for you!" I was dizzy and disoriented, but Luffy's voice still put a slight smile on my face. That's right… Luffy's here. I let out a puff of air and closed my eyes, trying to get the dizziness to subside. Nami got Luffy. He's here, he wouldn't let Usopp, his nakama, die. Letting myself relax, I found I was fully sitting on the ground. I still need to fix my leg, or I'll be a burden here. Wincing at the blood, I sighed. I don't suppose I could just scoop the blood back into my body, but… At another bout of dizziness, I winced internally. I need to stop myself from losing more blood, or I'll pass out for sure. What to do…. Wracking my brain for a solution, I recalled an episode of Avatar the Last Airbender I had pondered over when I was training with Terry. Blood is mostly water. If I just… Closing my eyes, blocking out the worrying sound of children, I willed the water in my blood to flow down, up, but not out. Through the veins, to the heart, and back, reinforcing the damaged muscle.
I think… Opening my eyes, I winced at the sight of my thigh, but let out a relieved sigh anyway. I think I did it, but now. Now I just have to keep my concentration. Looking up to the three kids, Usopp Pirates, I absently registered, screaming as Kuro looked down at them, glass falling from his glasses, I held back a noise of frustration. Why are these three here? I tensed as he walked towards them, the wariness not leaving even as he stepped past them, towards where Kaya and Usopp were in front of me. Usopp-! A solid kick sent Usopp flying past me, and I forced myself to my knees again, teeth gritting at the pain. It hurts, but you've had worse Tsukino. Get over yourself.
"That hurt a bit…. That's quite the strange technique you have there. I take it you have Devil Fruit powers?!" Looking down past me, I didn't need to turn to know he was talking to Luffy. Pushing my weight onto my bad leg, I brought my right knee up so that I could use it to leverage myself up to a stand.
Luffy responded, and the Black Cat Pirates began to shout in fear. "Jango!" Kuro's tone was flat, and I knew he was more pissed off than before. "I'll handle the boy. You take care of Miss Kaya." Moving his claws together, they made a clunking sound as they touched. "As we planned, have her write a will, then kill her!" He looked back at the three children and my heart pounded. "And those three little ants. They're an eyesore!"
From right behind me, Jango nodded. "I'm on it." He stepped forward, past me, and I grit my teeth. He walked past Zoro when I was talking to Kuro, that sly motherfu-
I began to push myself to a stand, when Usopp's voice echoed through the space, the desperation clear. "Usopp Pirates! Listen Closely! I'm giving you the most important task there is now! Take Kaya away from here! Don't tell me you can't! That was the reason we formed our pirate group: To become men who protect what's important to us!" At the words, I looked back to see Usopp's beaten down form, my own eyes widening at his smile. "That's… a direct order… From your Captain!"
"Yes Captain! Kaya-san! Hurry!"
"This way, this way!"
I almost forgot how smart Usopp is. I pushed myself up to a stand as Usopp sent a pachinko ball right into Jango's back, buying the four a little more time to run. He made running away more appealing to those kids who would've stubbornly stayed here to die. Shaking my head, I breathed in, pinpointing the pain in my body, pushing out all the thoughts and weariness as I exhaled. You can focus on pain later, just keep the blood in your body Tsukino and focus. Your opponent just ran away. Looking after Jango, I took a step, then another, determining how much more I could do.
"What should I do? My opponent just ran from me?" Looking back at Luffy, then at Zoro, I winked. "Guess it's time to go hunting, wanna join?"
"Sounds like fun." At Zoro's smirk, I smiled.
"Winner is the one who catches the prey, hope you don't mind if I take a head start!" Running forward, I barely heard Zoro's protest over the ringing sound of Kuro's claws against my tessen, his attack timed perfectly with the moment I tried to pass him.
"I didn't give you permission to go." His voice was grating on my nerves, and I leaned against my tessen, bringing my face close, and spitting.
He recoiled and I launched myself forward, muscles screaming as I rolled. I forced myself to refocus on regulating my blood as I stood. "No one needs your permission, fucking bastard." The words had none of my usual eloquence as they left my mouth, instead they were gritty and harsh, spat at him much like I had just done.
There was a bang behind me, and a flock of birds in the distance took flight. "What was that?" The question came from Usopp, and Kuro smirked, the effect lost as he used the back of his glove to wipe spit off of his face.
"Who knows? Ol' Jango is probably tearing the forest up. Why not go and see for yourself? Though it may already be too late…"
"Bastard! Don't you have a shred of pity?! You lived with her for three years!" Usopp was shaking, and though I knew that I had been forgotten for the moment, I couldn't move, my eyes transfixed on Usopp's struggling form.
"No. I already told you, Kaya is nothing more than a pawn in my plan. Once she's dead, then I'll express some gratitude." Kuro's words jump started my brain. Shit! What am I still doing here? I need to go. Turning without another thought, I ran straight into the forest, ignoring the echo of Usopp's voice. Come on come on come on! Tsukino, you wasted a little too much time. You idiot, this isn't a show, this is real life. Things have changed, sitting and watching things play out here isn't an option. Another bang shook the ground and the leaves on the trees, and I paused.
That way! Following the sound, I ran quickly, trying to regulate my blood through every step. They're close, the bangs are really loud now. Slowing as I tried to maintain stealth, I scanned the forest for any sign of the kids and Kaya or Jango.
Taking a left, I stumbled as a jolt of pain caused me to lose focus, thigh screaming at me to stop running. Okay… this isn't working. If I keep this up, I'll be too out of it to focus on Jango. Leaning against a tree, I lifted my shirt, untying the bandages from my side wound. Unwinding it twice, I cut a long strip off and re-tied the bandage. It's a little less secure, but I need to use the excess. Wrapping the bandage around my thigh and tying it securely, I winced at the hastily made bandage. It's lucky I overwrap wounds.
Another bang and I closed my eyes. Come on Tsukino, you can do this. Standing up, I smiled slightly at the throbbing in my thigh. It's a little better, but still… The smile turned into a grimace as I took a step. it'll have to do. Pushing my muscles, I hopped over a freshly downed tree. "I'm close." Reaching out my senses, just like Terry taught me, I held my breath one second, then another, letting it out as I pinpointed five figures to the East. Found you!
Brushing off the aches and pains on my body, I hopped over several downed trees and dodged between branches before Jango slamming Kaya into a tree came into view. No! Popping open the waterskin on my left, I willed the salt water outwards, watching as it enveloped Jango's head.
The effect was immediate and he dropped Kaya, stumbling backwards as he grabbed at the water in vain. It's been a minute now, should I let him go? I'll wait a little while longe- Woah- Jumping out of the way as a chakram flew wildly in my direction, my concentration broke as I stumbled on a branch, the water losing form and falling.
Landing hard on my thigh, I let out a grunt as the pain seemed to travel through my entire body. "Ack-! Gah, fu-!" Rolling off my thigh, I noticed Jango had recovered from where he was coughing and gasping for air.
"You-" The sound of footsteps took his attention away from me. Looking behind me, he yelled, "Hah! Looks like you're one step too late, Haramaki!" Without your chakram, those words seem empty. I stayed down though, waiting for the sound of pachinko whistling through the air.
"I wouldn't say so!" There was a crash as I assumed a branch fell to the ground, and as Jango looked past me in confusion, I smiled at the sound I was waiting for.
"Special Attack: Exploding Star!" Ah, it's done.
Exploding upon contact with Jango's face, Usopp's attack hit its mark, and Jango went down. He was probably too delirious with lack of oxygen to do much damage now anyway, but… I'm glad they made it. Now… Can I close my eyes for a little? Laying back, I listened as Kaya ran up to Usopp. Woah, wha-
Eyes snapping open, I was face to face with Zoro, my center of gravity displaced as a sense of deja vu came over me. "What are you doing? Put me down!"
"We have to go check on Luffy, and I don't know the way back."
"That's your own problem! Put me down!"
Zoro did put me down eventually, after I showed him the way back to the hill. Still, I wasn't as happy to be laying on stone as I was on the plish grass in the forest. It looks like Luffy's okay, and Nami has her loot, so there's no need to worry. Closing my eyes again as the group sat in relative silence, I almost drifted off before the sound of footsteps and Usopp's voice interrupted the call of sleep.
"I wanted to thank you all. I wouldn't have been able to protect the village without you guys!" Though my eyes were closed, I could easily see how we all must've looked. Luffy in the middle of the slope, arms and legs spread out in a star shape, Nami off to his side, loot in her lap, and Zoro leaning against the cliffside, leg propped up and an arm around his katanas. I was laying next to him, half of my body on the hard rock, and the other on the grassy edge of the road. From above my head, Zoro's voice sounded and I smiled softly.
"What're you talking about? If you didn't risk your own life for this, I wouldn't have done anything at all." The words were so like him that I let out a short laugh.
"That's such a Zoro response. Negative forty points for unoriginality, just accept his thanks, it isn't that hard." Opening my eyes, I smiled a little when I saw that the way I thought we all were sitting on the slope was almost exact. Usopp was standing at the top, and I could see him when I moved my neck. Closing my eyes again, I barely stopped myself from blacking out completely, Zoro's voice as he yelled halfheartedly at me was a little bit warbled.
"Shut up Bluebrain!" What is this? I didn't open my eyes, but it looked like I did. I could see the blue sky above me, and out of the corner of my eye, Zoro was still sitting a foot or so away from my head. Opening my mouth to talk felt like I was moving slowly through molasses, and my voice sounded even more warbled than Zoro's.
"Well, if it was original, Luffy wouldn't have been thinking it too." How strange… Am I asleep? Or is this my body's way of protesting the blood loss.
"How did you know?" It took me a minute to register Luffy's voice through the haze of sound and the strangely blending colors around me, but I managed to answer.
"What did I say Zoro?" Time was going slower than usual now, and I was almost certain I must've been dreaming. If it's a dream, then what I say doesn't matter, huh? "I knew because I can read minds, Luffy." I read his mind? Shit, even in my dreams, letting my concentration break is a breach of trust. "Sorry. I didn't mean to. I must've let my focus fizzle out for a moment. It won't happen aga-"
"Cool!" He shouted, and I was overwhelmed with the sudden urge to cry. Hah… That's the first time anyone has reacted without any mental hostility, even Usopp was wary for a few minutes- Well, this is a dream, so of course my subconscious isn't going to react as badly as a real person. "Join my crew, Tsukino!" The words but a halt in my thought process. My subconscious is really working hard, that almost felt real. I didn't respond as I tried to make out the tone through the warbled mess of sound and color. His voice was cheery, but there was an underlying tone of seriousness. It's a dream though… right? I can respond with what I want then.
"You kidnapped me without even asking about what I planned for myself. You don't know me - not really…. And I don't know anything about you. Who's to say that you won't change your mind. If you knew me… you'd want to."
"What are you talking about? Tsukino is Tsukino. You can read minds! And control water! And you make yummy treats! Also, you're really nice! Join my crew Tsukino!" His voice was suddenly crisp and clear, and I blinked, my sight still stuck on the swirling blues above me.
After a moment, I realized dream-me was crying, and at Zoro's voice, I let out a quiet sob. "Come on Bluebrain, you're stuck with us." I want to. I want to be a straw hat, and go on adventures with them, and know that they consider me family. I want to say….
"Okay." I closed my eyes, and the colors disappeared, drowned in black. "Okay." It's a dream, so, at least here, I can say what I want. "I'll join your crew Luffy."
His cheers felt real and I could feel dream-me smile. I don't want to wake up. The thought was the last thing I clearly remembered as my dream faded and dream-me's body relaxed, letting my mind let go.
Waking up, I wasn't surprised to see that I was still on the slope. Pushing myself up, I grit my teeth as burning pain from my arm and thigh mixed with the duller pain in my side.
"She's up! Let's go eat some meat!" I tried not to flinch at the unexpected burst of noise, and Luffy had already begun walking up the hill, chanting, "Meat! Meat! Meat!" without any hesitation.
"How is he so energetic? I feel like my muscles are falling off." Nami helped me to a stand, and I smiled gratefully at her. "Thanks Nami." Careful not to lean on her injured shoulder or distress her arm, we both made our way slowly after Zoro, and much far ahead, Luffy.
Once we were seated back at the restaurant aptly named 'Food', I rested my head on our table as Jiji-san from before took the group's orders. When it got back to me, I waved him off, my head pounding. "If I could just get a glass of water, that would be nice."
"Tsuki, you should really get your wounds checked. You don't look so good…"
Raising my head to look up at her I smiled, and I knew that it probably wasn't too convincing. "Ah, I'm really going to be okay. Honestly, I need water and a bath mostly, and I feel a little nauseous, but… Thanks Nami."
Jiji-san returned with the food and I felt a little nauseous at the smell. As Luffy, Nami, and Zoro began to dig in, I quickly gulped down my water before returning my head to the table. It was fairly quiet as they ate, the occasional protest at Luffy stealing food off of the other two's plates popping up here and there. After what felt like a short while, Nami tapped my left shoulder lightly, waking me. I must have dozed off. "I know you said you were nauseous, but you should still eat something." Sliding a plain bowl of rice over to me, she continued, "I had Jiji-san bring a plain bowl of rice for you. It isn't seasoned or anything, but it might be a little easier for you to digest." Sitting up, my gaze moved from the bowl of rice to Nami's concerned expression, and I couldn't help the warmth that crept up around my neck.
"Thank you Nami. I'll try to eat as much as I can so you don't worry." Facing the bowl, I took a bite and inwardly sighed as I swallowed. I didn't think I'd be this hungry. Finishing off the food quickly, I set down my chopsticks and bowed slightly. "Thank you for the meal." Drinking that water was smart, and I feel a bit better after eating. Looking at the three, I tilted my head. "So, what are you guys going to do now?"
At my question, Luffy frowned and I felt a sinking in my stomach. Why do I have a bad feeling about-
"What do you mean 'you guys'? You're a part of the crew now!" What? I blinked as I processed his words.
"Huh? No I'm not." Pointing at myself, I tilted my head. "Me?" I looked behind me for a second, not surprised to see green wooden panelling instead of another person. "Did you mix me up with someone else?"
"What are you talking about, Bluebrain? You said you were going to join earlier today. On the slope." I didn't really register the stupid nickname as I looked from Zoro, who sat across from me, to Luffy, who was on his right. After a second, I began laughing. They're joking… right? Looking at Nami, I frowned, my laughter dying as no one laughed with me.
"No… I definitely didn't…" At Nami's pitying expression, I realized they all thought I did. "Are you guys all okay? You didn't mishear, or misunderstand something I said?"
Luffy shook his head before leaning forward slightly. "Oi, Tsukino, you said it! You can't take it back by pretending you didn't! You're a part of my crew!"
Pinching the bridge of my nose, I exhaled loudly as Zoro said, "Yeah Bluebrain, there's no way your words could have been misunderstood. They were very straightforward."
"...I hate to agree with them, but they aren't lying."
I looked at Nami's face before looking at Luffy. His hat was low on his head and his stare was boring into my soul. He's serious. But when did I- The pit in my stomach widened into a chasm and I knew my face was a bright cherry red. The dream- It wasn't a dream!
Burying my head in my hands, I let out a loud noise of frustration. "I thought that was a dream! I couldn't hear you all well and everything that I saw looked fuzzy so I thought…." There was a silence as I tried to push down the embarrassment, my ears burning. I agreed to be a Straw Hat…. I didn't want to join like that! Oh my gosh, how embarrassing! Another moment passed and I sighed.
Biting my lip, I unburied my face, looking Luffy in the eyes. His face was still serious, and out of the corner of my eye, I could see Nami looked worried and Zoro's expression easily identifiable as amusement. Bowing my head towards Luffy, I pressed my hands together in an apology, ignoring the sting in my right arm. "I'm so sorry!"
"You can't take back your wor-"
"I didn't want to accept it like that!"
"...Huh?" Raising my head, I processed Luffy's sentence. Oh… He thought I was going to try and get out of it.
"I wanted to ask you if I could join your crew properly." I could feel my ears burning again and I resisted the urge to bury my face again. "I want to join your crew, Luffy." I nodded, then bowed. "Please let me join your crew?"
Squeezing my eyes shut, I waited for someone to say something, the silence feeling heavier and heavier than before. I knew it, he doesn't actually want someone like me- There was a tap on the back of my head and I looked up to see Zoro's hand in front of my face. "Ow!" He flicked me!
"Hahaha! Tsukino, you're already a part of my crew, you don't need to bow or anything!" At Luffy's laugh, I felt the corners of my own lips lift slightly.
"I said it before, Bluebrain. You're stuck with us." Zoro leaned back, eyes still sparkling with amusement and I gave him a weak glare before cracking.
"Ch-Chaahahahhahaha! Hahaahaha!" Laughing along with my new captain, I sighed after my side began to ache. This is embarrassing, but…. I'm so happy!
I almost didn't notice Kaya as she walked up to our table, but seeing her face, I was glad her complexion was so good. She looks well, I'm glad. I was afraid that being betrayed by Kuro would damage her more, but it seems to have served as the opposite instead.
Realizing she had been talking, I tuned back in just as she turned to me and bowed, "I deeply apologize for how I acted the last time we talked, thank you for saving Merry. He told me everything, Priestess-san."
Priestess-san? It felt strange hearing that name addressed to me and I felt my face scrunch up in confusion. "Please call me Tsukino. And about before, I don't blame you. I know what it looked like, anyone in that situation would've reacted the same."
"Still, I-" I shook my head and she paused before nodding. "Alright." Looking around the table, she smiled brightly. "I have prepared a little present for you all. I hope you accept it open heartedly!"
"It'll be at the shore right?" Kaya looked at me with a little bit of confusion before nodding. Nudging Nami slightly, she realized I wanted to get out of the booth and she stood. "Thank you." Turning to the group I smiled. If we're going to be back on the sea, we should be prepared. "You guys go ahead, I'll catch up, but I still need to get some things." I got a skeptical look from Luffy, but I smiled back reassuringly. "I promise I won't sneak away, I just need to grab a few things since I don't know how long we'll be at sea before we find land again." His skepticism lessened, and I took it as an 'okay'.
Making my way to the mansion, I mentally made a list of everything we would need, smiling as the guards at the gate easily let me past. After grabbing my duffle bag from its hiding place, I made my way to the nearest grocery store. I can't cook super well, but there are lots of meals that can be made using an oven, so we should be able to hold out until Sanji joins. After grabbing the groceries, I picked up a few things I was certain we'd run out of quickly. First aid, extra blankets, and a pair of clothes for everyone. I guessed sizes, but I should be on the bigger side, so I can take them in if needs be. Walking with grocery bags on top of my personal bags and other items wasn't pleasant, and I could practically hear my wounds thank me when I finally put everything down in front of the ship. I don't have too much money left over from Dad but it should be okay. I'm surprised Nami didn't find out I was hiding money, I have a feeling she could sniff it out like a bloodhound if she tried.
Looking up at the Going Merry, I let out a breath of amazement. How beautiful. The Going Merry was a caravel, and though it was technically a small ship, it was a lot larger than I was expecting. "Wow…." Feeling a pull in my chest, I let my eyes wander the ship's exterior as I took a step forward.
"What do you think?"
Looking over to Kaya, I smiled. "She's breathtaking. I don't think I can say thank you enough, Lady Kaya."
"No, it's me who owes you thanks. You helped Merry. You helped this village. Even after I screamed at you. This is a thank you present. For all of you." Kaya stood tall, her smile kind, and I raised my hand, rating it on her head.
"Make sure that you take care of your health, Lady Kaya. I know you're smiling right now, but being betrayed isn't something people just bounce back from. Allow yourself the proper space to heal, and know that wherever we are at sea, I'm thinking of you. There are people who love you here, they will gladly be your pillars of strength when it seems too hard to stand." Even as I saw her tears, I made sure not to waver. She needs to know it's okay to mourn a betrayal. "Please don't suffer in silence." She nodded at that, and I wiped away some of her tears before giving her a careful hug. "It'll be okay in time. You're an amazingly strong woman, Lady Kaya."
She sniffled a little before drawing back. "Thank you."
"Of course."
"It is as Priestess-sama says. We will be there with you every step of the way, Ojou-sama." Merry stepped up, and I smiled once more at the sight of him.
"Merry, I'm glad you're doing okay! How is your injury?"
Merry returned the smile with one of his own before bowing slightly. "I am doing a lot better than I would have without your assistance. Thank you very much, Priestess-sama." The address was awkward for me, but I waved it off, realizing that he wasn't going to stop, he felt too indebted.
"Be sure not to overexert yourself. Please watch over Lady Kaya, and keep an eye on those three little kids that always show up around here." He nodded and I glanced down at the bags. I don't want to take these up to the ship.
"Tsukino, you didn't run away!" Looking up to the Going Merry, I found Luffy leaning far over the edge, waving at me. I waved back, and he launched himself over to me, pausing for a moment to assess the stuff I bought. Looking back at me, he smiled brightly. "Come on, let's go search the ship. Here, I'll just grab these and then…" Without looking back, Luffy scooped up all of my bags and then stretched his arm, grabbing onto the Going Merry's deck railing. "Gomu Gomu no… Rocket!" Watching as he landed with my stuff, I stifled a chuckle. How convenient. If I didn't know better, I'd think that Luffy was the one who could read minds. Nodding towards the two, I gave them one last hug, careful of both my and Merry's injuries, and then I made my way up the rope ladder as carefully as I could. I'm about to board the Going Merry. I'm going to get acquainted with her myself!
Stepping on the deck, I could feel the rush of excitement bubble up inside of me. This is it. I'm aboard the Going Merry. I'm a Straw Hat Pirate! I held back a squeal as the sound of a sustained yell. Looking over the side, I watched as Zoro and Luffy stopped Usopp from rolling straight into the sea by planting their feet in his face. "Pfft!" I winced, but the fact that he just thanked them instead of commenting on the pain was so hilarious I had to stop myself from laughing.
Taking off his backpack, Usopp walked over to Kaya to give his goodbyes, and I smiled softly as he walked toward the ship. "You guys take care, too! I'll see you someday!"
"Why?" Luffy asked.
Usopp brought his arms up in a 'why' pose as he sighed. "Why? You're really cold, you know." Holding up a finger, he gestured, "I'll be a pirate, like you, so we'll meet on the high seas eventually."
"What're you talking about? Hurry and get on!" Zoro pointed down at the ship we were standing on and I made my way over to the railing next to them to see better.
Luffy was leaning fully on the railing, his head resting on his crossed arms as he looked down at Usopp. "We're already friends, aren't we?"
Stopping next to Luffy I waved down at him. "It wouldn't be the same without you." Winking, I brought my left hand in front of me in a peace sign. "Aren't you coming?"
There was a pause as the words seemed to sink in. I could almost see his pupils quivering as he processed everything. After another moment, Usopp shouted, jumping while punching a fist in the air, "I-I get to be the captain, right!?" Heh, typical Usopp.
"Don't be dumb! I'm the captain!" Luffy brought a leg up onto the rail as he leaned even farther forward to respond and I smiled once more. We're pirates. I'm a Straw Hat Pirate!
Whew! This chapter was like pulling teeth. I felt like nothing aligned, and I kept on just wishing I would write the next chapter instead, but I'm finally done so here you are! Happy New Year everyone! The Question for this chapter is, what was the best part of 2020 for you? I know that this year has been hard, but we have made it through. I'm so proud of all of you for carrying on! Best wishes from AsoSunflower, and I'll catch ya in the next chapter!