I'm so sorry for the late update. I know how it feels to wait for the new chapter, so I'm really sorry. I'm looking at the computer almost all day on my job, so I was taking a slow lately since my eyes were starting to hurt a little. I was still going to update more early, but then my headaches began, and in the end, I ended up with a new friend on top of my nose. It's called glasses, but I'm calling it blackie (It's a joke, I didn't name my glasses... yet.) Well, my headaches are gone, and I'm getting used to this now, so I really hope the next chapters won't be this late.

I don't think I will drop this story, but if I got bored and want some time or get a writer block, I will definitely tell you guys so you don't have to wait

I wanted this chapter the end when they finally arrived at Water Seven, but I already made you guys wait long, so the training and the water seven will be in the next chapter.

I hope you enjoy the chapter

The Blue Pheasant and Bounded Dreams
'

On the island of Jaya, while the people on the Eastern side were deciding to follow a new romance, the people on the Western shore were gathered around as they were looking at the scene with fearful expressions.

The crowd was gathered in front of a certain pub, to witness a fight to the death between comrades.

''Run or you'll be caught up in their fight!'' one of the people yelled out as he look at Bellamy and his vice-captain Sarquiss.

As the people yelling out similar things, Bellamy and Sarquiss were facing each other while looking breathless. Sarquiss was holding his big knife that has Bellamy's blood on it.

''Please!'' Sarquiss shout out as he wasn't looking happy at all, ''Please stop this! Why do you have to...-'' as the people were watching and questioning what's going, and why Sarquiss looking as if he was suffering

''Why?'' a man's sinister chuckling voice cut off Sarquiss as he was moving his fingers, ''Why you ask? Sarquiss, Bellamy...'' he suddenly slammed his hand onto the mark that was on the wall behind him. It was the mark that Bellamy was carrying ''It's because you painted a black stain upon my symbol. What other reason is there? Fuffuffuffu!'' he laughed as he turned to them. He was sitting on a barrel. He had a light pink feather coat and thin white sunglasses, which appear to serve as his eyesight with red or purple lenses.

''Whether sky island exists or doesn't, whether the city of gold is a mere fantasy or not... I could care less about such questions. You see, Bellamy... Different opinions can always be used and twisted around.'' as he was going on, the crowd gathered around were still watching with fearful expressions.

''Donquixote Doflamingo...'' one of them said as he was sweating with fear

''Holy shit... Ain't that one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea?!''

''A pirate with a former bounty of over 300 million... What's a guy like him doing here?!''

''While you were paying attention those stupid things... You miss the most important thing. Didn't I told everyone to open their eyes for her and let me know if anyone of you saw her?'' Doflamingo asked as he frowned

''I never saw her!'' Bellamy immediately answered as he was panting for breathing while bleeding on the head

''Right, you didn't see her, because you were focusing on useless things...I have no need for a stupid weakling underling, you little brats!'' as he started to wiggle his fingers.

Sarquiss suddenly rose and held up his weapon against his will, looking like a little puppy as he was yelling, ''Ahhh! Damn it! My body...Nghhh!'' he was trying to go against it but not managed to do it, he was forced to swing his big knife towards Bellamy, who's standing there wide open

As he fell on the ground while more blood spraying all over, Bellamy crawled on all fours and get in front of Doflamingo.

''Pl... Please... give me one more... chance..'' he panted as he started to beg ''I... I will follow you no matter what!'' as his crew was yelling his name and telling him that's enough, Bellamy continued, ''I didn't notice her and may have lost... But I never intended to go against your wishes! I swear upon your symbol! This is... just my own way of handling things!'' he looked at the man he was begging with bloodied eyes, ''I'll exterminate every pushover as needed to reach where you are someday!''

''Ohhh!'' Doflomingo let an amused sound as he looked down on Bellamy ''This is very thoughtful of you, my obedient little lackey.'' he got up from the barrel he was sitting up until now and start to walk away, leaving the begging Bellamy behind ''Bellamy, I really do like that part about you! Fuffuffuffu! The New Age is already right before us! Do as you wish. However,'' He turned his head to look down at him as he wiggled his fingers again ''I don't need you as one of my men.''

''Dofla-'' Bellamy's words cut off with Sarquiss's shout as he suddenly appeared behind him with his big knife once more.

While he was listening to the screams he left behind, Doflamingo start to chuckle with a dark look on his face

''Even Bellamy, the 55 million bounty hotshot rookie, was like a baby in front of him!'' one of the men who was watching shout out in fear

''Fuffuffuffu! It' here at last! Hurry! Prepare yourselves! A world in which only real pirates will be able to survive dawns before us! Those without strength are better off fleeing! All will be swept away before the powerful and the New Age they herald! Fuffuffuffu!'' Doflamingo declared with wide-open arm and a big smile on his face as he walked away

x

As the people on the Western shore were still in fear even after the 'Heavenly Demon' Donquixote Doflamingo left, people in the bar of the Northern side were looking like it was a typical day.

''You think we should tell her about this?'' asked a short-haired girl with a lot of tattoo on her as she let a puff from her cigarette

''There is no way she doesn't know that he is looking for her'' the old man with half of his body had burn marks said with his deep and husky voice

''I'm more worried about the reason he is looking for her though...'' Molly said as she was looking thoughtful while exhaling the smoke

''The reason doesn't matter'' Old man Aaron said as he took a gulp from his bottle of rum. His eyes were focused on far away with an unreadable look on his face ''No matter what, they have bad blood between them. She might become a pirate now, but she is still related to the Underworld. So, there is no need to tell her anything or worried over things like this.''

Molly let a sigh at her father but trusted his decision anyway as she let go of the issue.

Meanwhile, the Going Merry was falling from the sky at a very high speed and violently landed on the Blue Sea, splashing waves everywhere and getting everyone soaked. Everyone was laying or sitting on the deck as they were fell with the impact.

As the octopus that was now very small was also falling, Nami coughed some seawater, ''That was a shock!'' while panting for air, ''Who knew the octopus would shrink so suddenly..?''

''What happened?'' Zoro asked as he also was trying to catch his breath

''Perhaps it ran out of air'' Robin suggested as Luna also agree with her

Luffy, on the other hand, was laughing as he was pulling the octopus that was landed on his face ''Haa... Even so, we managed to get down alive'' before he looked at the little octopus ''Thanks, little guy!''

''The sea is blue...'' Usopp said lowly while Luffy was throwing the octopus to the sea. The south bird has already flown away while they were floating on the air, much to Luna's disappointment as she wanted to use it as a living compass.

After Zoro asked if everyone was okay and confirmed that they were all fine, Sanji lit a cigarette ''I gotta say...'' he looked up at the sky as he let out a puff from his cigarette ''We came back from one hell of a place.''

''Looking above after falling, it truly was a distant place'' Robin agreed with Sanji as she also looked up

''It's almost as if it were all a dream...'' Nami also said as she looked up along with Chopper

''A real dreamland'' Little reindeer had a big shiny smile on his face ''I wonder if we'll ever be able to go there again...'' with a dreamy expression

''Maybe you'd go there if you died?'' Zoro said with a teasing smile on his face, ''Or close to it, at least.''

''Zoro, do you actually think you can get into heaven?'' Usopp asked seriously, looking actually surprised that Zoro even said that

''I'm sure there is already a reserved place in the hell just for Zoro'' Luna said with a slight smile on her face

''And I'm sure you have that, way before me'' Zoro answered back with a smirk, causing Luna's smile to fade as she frowned

''Hmph'' she snorted before she made a smirk too ''At least, I never thought I would ever go to the heaven...'' just as they were about to start bickering at each other

''Alright then!'' Luffy suddenly shouted out with a big, shiny smile ''Raise the sail! It's time to set sail for the next island!''

''Hang on, Luffy!'' Usopp shout out with panic, ''Give us a little time to rest at least!''

''Don't be naive!'' Nami called out from the upper deck as she was looking down on them with a smile on her face ''If you could simply rest whenever you wanted in the Grand Line, no one would have difficulty sailing it! The waves are acting a little odd''

''Yeah, I know but-'' Usopp said with a sigh as he was sitting on the deck with an exhausted expression, but he couldn't go on

''Everyone on your feet!'' Nami yelled out without even care of Usopp ''See, it's here!'' as she looked behind of her with her not gone smile

While Chopper was screaming out with shock and fear mixed face, Usopp already began to run around the deck while yelling out, ''Turn at full speed! It's a huge wave!'' As enormous waves were coming towards them, Usopp add with another yell ''And there is something inside the waves too!''

''Oh, sea monkeys'' Luna said nonchalantly as she was looking at the big monkeys inside the waves

x

After running from the sea monkeys, they were now sailing on calm waters

''See, I told you it was impossible, Hahaha!'' Sanji was laughing from the upper deck as he was watching the coughing Luffy and Usopp, who's pulling him on the deck

Once Luffy was on the deck, he had tears in his eyes as he was soaked with seawater ''Even if I couldn't do it on the White Seas, I thought I might at least be able to ride it here..'' Luffy murmured with a sad tone before he fell on his face, causing Chopper to start calling out for a doctor, only to realize after minutes later that he is the doctor

Meanwhile, Luna now was trying to ride the waver after Luffy's failed attempt.

'It's like a jet ski... Not that I have ever ride it though...' Luna mused as she was trying to ride the waver. She had a serene smile on her face while riding it, 'What a nice breeze...'

''What are you, an old lady?! Even turtle would be faster than you!'' she startled as she got out of her own world with Nami's teasing voice

''Shut up! It's the first time I'm riding it. I'm trying to get used to it first...!'' Luna yelled back as she turned to look at the waver with a little pout on her face 'Old lady... Now that I think about it, I was twenty-two when I've died. Doesn't that mean I'm actually forty years old now...?' She turned to look at towards ship 'For now, I'm the oldest member in the crew.'

''What's with that smile?'' Usopp asked with a frown on his face as he and Nami were watching Luna, who's smiling with a somehow mature look on her face

''You can call me big sister!'' Luna said as she was smiling proudly somehow, looking completely satisfied with her shiny eyes

Nami and Usopp, however, were looking at her like she had two heads

''No way!'' Usopp yelled out, absolutely objecting and not wanting to call her like that

''We are at the same age, idiot! Just came back already!'' Nami also yelled out, causing Luna to sulk as she was going towards the ship with the speed of a turtle

After Luna come back, this time Nami went to ride the waver, which she was flawlessly riding it while Usopp was now checking the dials he brought from the sky island. Except milky dial's that could create clouds, they were all perfectly fine. Robin guessed that it was probably the atmosphere of sky island is required to make clouds. Zoro, on the other hand, was saying that he still had plenty of different strange and rare dials, so it was good while he was also eating breadsticks, causing Luffy to yell at Sanji as he wanted to eat too.

While Usopp and Luna were discussing how to improve Nami's Clima-Tact with dials, Nami also came back onboard. ''Should we divide the treasure now?'' as she had a big smile on her face, obviously, she was thrilled that they had a lot of treasure

As everyone perked up with this, Luffy, Luna, and Usopp standstill with neutral faces

''Actually...'' Luna began, getting their attention ''Before that, there is something we have to talk about'' causing them to look at her with confusion as she was looking serious and gloomy

When they were inside of the kitchen, Sanji put a large plate of sandwiches and a cup of tea for everyone as they all sit around the table

''So, what is it?'' Zoro asked as he took a bite from his sandwich, causing Luffy, Luna, and Usopp to let a sigh at the same time

Everyone look at them as they could see whatever they were going to say, it wasn't good news.

''Remember when Usopp and I repaired the Merry on sky island?'' Luna asked as she looked at them

''Yeah, you two maniacs were get up in the middle of the night and repaired her'' Zoro said as he look at Luna and Usopp weirdly, not understanding why this subject come up now

''Well, we weren't actually got up for that...'' Usopp said as he was looking somber

''I woke up after I heard some hammering voice and go to check on it'' Luna said with a sigh

''I was going to look where Luna went, and I also heard some hammering sounds'' Usopp add after Luna, confusing the rest except Luffy, but before anyone can say anything

''Why were up anyway?'' Luna asked as he looked at Usopp. She wasn't thinking about it before, but what was Usopp doing in the middle of the night anyway...?

''I was...!'' He was saying while looking depressing before he suddenly flushed in red and got out of his cloudy mode instantly, ''I-I was up for...'' He stuttered with a red face

''Oh!'' Luna smirked at him as the realization hit her, ''You have grown up, Usopp. Going into the scary dark forest in the middle of the night, all alone... Just to piss.'' She said before starting to nod with a small smile ''I'm proud of you.''

Usopp gasp at her with a full red face as others snickered at him, except Chopper, who's looking at Usopp like he had done something great.

''You're so brave, Usopp!'' Chopper said with a big smile on his face, in his mind, he couldn't go as he would be scared

''That's right, I would expect that you would at least woke me up'' Zoro said mockingly, causing Usopp to yell at him to shut up with his blushing face

''I thought since Luna is up, she would come to save me if something were to happen...'' Usopp muttered to himself as Luna was frowning in disgust

''Like I would come to save a guy who's pissing. Do you want me to have a trauma?'' Luna asked as she was weirdly looking at Usopp, she had a disgusted face while Usopp was gasping once again

''So what?! You would let me die?! The great warrior of the seas killed by ghosts while pissing... It sounds too dishonorable and pathetic!'' he yelled out while he was holding his head with a terrified look on his face now

''What ghost?'' Luna asked herself while shaking her head before she add ''Then you should learn how to fight while pissing'' as a matter of fact with a neutral look on her face, but before they could continue, Nami suddenly put the teacup on the table harshly with a loud sound

''Enough with the piss!'' She shouted out with a deadly face as she glared at Luna and Usopp ''You both are disgusting! We are eating and drinking here!'' causing both of them to gulp down and go silent while averting their gazes. Robin was also nodding calmly, agreeing with Nami while the rest of them stopped laughing as well.

''So, you both heard hammering sounds..? Was there someone else before you?'' Sanji asked as he put another plate of sandwich on the table and start to stand there while lighting a cigarette

''Yeah... It was Merry'' Usopp said as he became sad once again, confusing everyone as they look at him weirdly, like trying to understand what he just said

Usopp and Luna start to tell what they saw that night, and Luna told what is a Klabuatermann. With every word they were hearing, they all stopped eating and drinking.

''Merry is alive..?'' Nami whispered after Luna and Usopp finished talking. She had a look like saying she can't believe it. If it weren't the fact that both Luna and Usopp saw the same thing, she would never believe it.

''She is dying..?'' Chopper asked as he had tears gathering in his eyes, and he wasn't alone as Usopp had also tears in his eyes too. There were a lot of things he wanted to say, but no matter what, he couldn't forget what Merry and Luna said that night, and he knew how hard must be for the Merry either.

Everyone had sad eyes after what they heard. The fact that Merry had a spirit and she was dying felt like their friend was dying. Even Zoro and Robin, who's usually calm and indifferent in situations like this, had sad eyes that they couldn't hide

''We are not shipwrights, but the keel is the core, the heart of the ship, and it's cracked...'' Luna said with a low voice in the silent cabin as they were still trying to sink the news they heard, and they could finally understand why Luna and Usopp were looking like that in that morning

''That's why we are going to look for a shipwright and be sure of it. '' Luffy said calmly while looking serious. No one was even surprised at his serious attitude as they could understand him. Though they all deep down knew Merry was dying at this point after everything Luna and Usopp told them, as Luna said, they weren't a shipwright. They needed to be sure that there is nothing that could be done before they say their goodbyes.

''And while we're at that, we will also get a shipwright for our next crewmember.'' Luffy add, causing them to get off from their thoughts and look at him, ''This has happened because we didn't have a shipwright. Our journey still has a long way to go, and the ship is also our home, and we're going to need a shipwright.'' causing them to look surprised now

''He..'' Sanji muttered with a surprised look as he was blinking dumbly

''Sure, he does know how to hit the point right on the mark at times...'' Usopp murmured after Sanji

After a moment silence later, Nami sigh ''I understand... Since we don't know, dividing the treasure will wait until we found a shipwright.'' they didn't know if Merry could be repaired, though they could guess she can't, and they didn't know how much a new ship would cost. Nami dismissed the thought of the new ship immediately. There was no need to think about it now, especially right after they heard about the Merry. Everything had a time...

''What was she looking like?'' Chopper suddenly asked with curiosity, getting their attention

''It was looking how the legend says...'' Luna trail off as she remembered that night

''She was looking like a child, wearing a sailor's raincoat, and she was carrying a small wooden hammer.'' Usopp said with a face was clearly saying that he was remembering that night too ''There was thick fog, so it wasn't much clear though''

''When she talked, it was like she was talking right into our minds...'' Luna add after Usopp

''I'm surprised you didn't scared and run, Usopp'' Zoro said half-jokingly half-serious, causing Usopp to look at him with a frown but before he could say anything

''He was about to faint before he learned that it was Merry.'' Luna nonchalantly said before she add ''Not that I can blame him though... It wasn't a devil fruit or something, it was a spirit. If it would be an enemy, even I would be scared...'' She had a thoughtful look on her face as she went on ''I doubt we could even touch it...I still had goosebumps...'' she was talking mostly to herself

As everyone was looking at her and blinking with the thought of it ''How is it even possible..?'' Robin asked with a thoughtful look as there was also a glint of curiosity in her eyes

''I don't know...'' Luna said slowly as her eyes were closed ''According to the legends, a Klabautermann is a quite unique kind of water spirit, a fairy that lives on ships that are loved and cared. It's basically the incarnation of the ship itself. So, if I would guess, I would say it's because of the love?'' as she wasn't sure at all

''A spirit born from love...'' Usopp repeat lowly while tears were gathering in his eyes again

''Well, the world is truly mysterious'' Luna added as she opened her eyes, which they were sparkling ''I wonder how many legends are also true'' she had a look like she can't wait to go and discover it

''That right~~ The sea is mysterious'' Luffy also add after Luna, looking dreamy and also want to go the new adventures to discover it

''Indeed it is'' Robin also agreed with them as she was also looking like she can't wait to discover the mysteries of the world.

She wasn't the only one to agree. Even though their eyes weren't sparkling like the three of them at the moment, they couldn't help but agree, as the depressing air around them slowly starting to disappear.

''Whew... Things calmed down al last...'' Luffy let a tired sigh before he came back to his usual self as he made a big smile

''Actually, the wave just now was due to the sea monkeys.'' Usopp said as he look at Luffy with a sweatdrop

''They really followed us...'' Luna also let a sigh with tiredness. The sea monkeys were followed them as suddenly popped out of nowhere and following them for hours now. They were only left after they sink the other ship that also came out of nowhere.

''Both the temperature and humidity have stabilized for a while now.'' Nami said as she looked around the sea with a serene smile ''I think we may have already entered the climate region of the next island''

''Hey Robin, can you see something?'' Usopp asked as he look up to see Robin, who's on watch

''Yes,'' Robin aswered as she put down the binoculars and looked down from the crowns nest ''I've been seeing an island for a while now''

''Tell us that earlier!'' Luffy and Usopp said simultaneously as they sweatdropped at Robin before they start to tell her that she should yell when she spot an island. Ignoring them ''There's quite a thick fog.'' Robin continued

''Fog?'' Nami respond after hearing Robin ''That can be dangerous. Chopper,'' as she turned towards Chopper with a smile ''Can I trust you to keep a close eye ahead of the bow?''

''Sure thing!'' as Chopper start to go to look ahead, Luffy was asking Robin if she had any idea how much they were looking forward to the next island. He completely let go of the issue and forgive her the moment she said sorry, and she will be more carefull next time.

''By the way... Aren't you guys concerned about the ship earlier?'' Usopp suddenly spoke as he get everyones attention ''They didn't have a captain or a navigator. No flag, no sails, no motivation, no coordination... They had nothing to qualify them as a pirate crew!''

''They must have had a battle with some other pirates and lost.'' Zoro suggested ''They must have lost their captain in that fight, as well as a lot of other things...'' he was looking like he didn't actually cared at all

''No, that's the thing! I took a close look at their ship! There wasn't a single sign that they'd been in a fierce battle!'' Usopp stated as he tried to make sense ''And yet there weren't any of the essential items or crew needed for a pirate crew on that ship!''

''Maybe they fight on the land and survivors took a ship to run'' Luna made a suggestion as she looked like she could careless about them. In the end, when Luffy warn them about the sea monkeys, they tried to stole their treasures

''They must not even be pirates...'' Sanji said with the same atitude with Luna as he let out a smoke from his cigarette ''Don't sweat it''

''Mn..They definitely looked like pirates though...'' Usopp muttered himself before he shivered as he went on murmuring, saying that he's getting bad feeling about this.

As Sanji was saying it's always the same to Usopp, they begin to go to the front side of the ship while Luffy was asking if there is a town on the island and it would be great if there is a dockyard.

''Luffy, you can't just disembark carelessly as soon as we get there!'' Nami was saying but Luffy ignored her as he told that he saw the shore and get ready to lower the anchor

''Ugh... Guys, listen to me..'' Usopp suddenly began to say as he was shivering all over

''Chopper,'' Sanji called out Chopper, who's looking at the island that they were coming close while murmuring if a good shipwright would join them ''Looks like Usopp's 'Can't land on this island' is acting up again.'' getting Chopper's attention as he go beside Sanji and look at Usopp

''I can't cure that'' he said bluntly

As Chopper was inocently smiling, 'Wasn't this dissase the reason that Buggy couldn't set a foot on Laugh Tale...?' Luna mused while looking at Usopp in pity. ''Be brave Usopp!'' as she start to encourage Usopp with a determined look on her face, Usopp was sweatdropping at her

Moments later, they heard Luffy's voice ''The island becoming visible!'' causing everyone to go infront of the ship as they sailed through the mist, but they left surprised when they saw the island

For a moment silence later, ''There is nothing!'' Luffy scream out

There was nothing but grass and trees stretching on for miles around them.

''What is this place?! Whoaaa! It's just plain as far as I can see!'' Luffy was looking at the island with a big smile as it didn't matter that there was nothing. He was still in the mood of finding an adventure on a new island.

Sanji, on the other hand, let a sigh ''What a boring looking place'' he was already looking bored

''I wonder if any humans live on this island...'' As Robin was curiously looking at the island, Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper already jump off the ship and started to expolering the island.

They were rolling on the grass when Nami also let a sigh but for a different reason from Sanji ''Jeez... How can they just go out recklessly onto an island we don't know anything about?''

''It's empty plains in every direction.'' Zoro said as he was dropping the anchor ''What kind of dangers could there be?''

''Dont jinx us now, Zoro'' Luna said also with a sigh before she look around with a satisfied smile ''This place is looking good... Having nothing is good for trainning.'' getting everyones attention who was on the ship

While Nami was looking at Luna's evil smirk with a spectucal eyes, Zoro and Sanji had a certain grin, and Zoro was murmuring 'finally' as Robin was looking at them with a slight smile

The trio who left the ship, on the other hand, were looking ahead of them with shocked faces

''Wha..?!'' Chopper shout out with shock before he suddenly tilted his head with confusion ''A human?'' as he look at the human-looking but thick furry creature. It was so long as he was walking by upright

''Don't be stupid!'' Luffy shout out as he turned to Chopper while pointing at the creature ''How could there be such a furry human?! That's a bear!''

''I-it's so long! The bear is so loooonnnggg!'' Usopp stated in shock

As they decided to discover more, they noticed that everything was so long, even the apples on the long trees were long. After Usopp look around with his google that he pulled down over his eyes, he discovered a house and the three of them began to walk towards there.

After they passed the strange and long animals, they finally reached an unoccupied house. As Luffy barging in as he usually did while Usopp trying to stop him, Chopper went looking around the house and called to the others, saying that he had found a giraffe. Or that was what he thought until he talked with it and learned that it was a horse with her limbs and neck stretched out.

While Luffy was saying it was a pretty horse as he was looking at the white horse ''She says her name is Sherry. She is a girl'' Chopper translate for them as she lowered her head to nuzzle his cheek while Chopper was laughing with joy as he hugged her.

''If she as a saddle, there must be someone here'' Usopp stated while Luffy was sternly staring in one direction, and noticing this, he asked what's wrong

''Usopp...'' Luffy seriously said as he pointed out the direction he was staring at, ''You see that bamboo tree growing there?''

''Yeah...'' Usopp answered in confusion as he didn't understand, but he looked anyway before he made a surprised face ''Whoaa... I can't even see the top! How tall is this tree?!''

''No, look carefully. This bamboo tree...'' Luffy was saying, but just at that moment, it started moving, causing Usopp and Luffy to scream out in shock.

Luffy was yelling that it had to be another long creature when the second bamboo tree hit Luffy on the face and sent him sprawling in the grass while Usopp was freaking out, yelling a bamboo attacked Luffy.

While Usopp was yelling at Luffy to watch out, Luffy launch towards the bamboo ''As if I'd lose to a tree!'' Luffy yelled out before he kicked the tree with his 'Gum Gum Whip!' causing the tree to break in half with his kick.

Both of them were celebrating with laughs, but their victory was short-lived as something came falling from the sky, and crashed on the ground. After a moment later, Luffy and Usopp heard Chopper

''What happened?!''

''Well, I...'' Luffy slowly said as he looked at the small elderly man, with wrinkles and a round white beard, which he was looking back at him with nose blood ''I split a bamboo tree in half, and a spirit came out of it'' Luffy finally said, but he wasn't looking sure at all

''A spirit?'' Chopper started to walk towards there in wonder

Meanwhile,

Straw Hats were looking at the enormous ship with a giant fox head at the bow. There were two paws attached to chains that were serving as anchors. At the moment those claws were made hold the coast of the island, and the Merry was trapped between the huge ship and the island as it's besides were closed with the paws. Seeing it's jolly roger with fox ears and some unique nose, with the word 'FOXY' written on it, they could easily say that they were pirates.

While they were looking at them, Zoro was questioning who they were while Sanji was saying if they want a fight, come down and get some

''Our ship's been, confined'' Nami slowly said as she looked at the scene with a surprised expression

''Come down! I'll take any of you!'' Zoro shout out, looking quite angry

''We're the Foxy Pirates!'' one of the men on the ship finally spoke, ''Don't get hasty. What we seek is a match!'' confusing the Straw Hats as they asked what are they talking about

'Foxy?' Luna pondered for a moment before she turned her back to leave

''Hm?'' Nami blinked as she saw Luna was leaving ''Where are you going?''

''I heard of them, so I'm going to warn Luffy'' Luna said as she fastly walk towards the direction Luffy, Usopp and Chopper went before, confusing Nami and few of them more as they turned them to explain what they were talking about once more.

Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper, on the other hand, were looking at the old man that fell from the sky.

''I told you, I kick a bamboo tree, and he just appeared.'' Luffy answered Chopper's question while he was still looking at the old man ''...Hey, you. Say something'' causing the man to suddenly sat up.

They look at each other in silence for a moment before the old man suddenly began to talk ''Yes, of course, I remember. It's been a long time. Have all been well?''

''Huh?'' Usopp turned to look at Luffy with surprise after this ''Do you know him?'' but Luffy said he doesn't, as well as Chopper also said the same

''Ahh, no wonder I thought your faces looked unrecognizable'' Old man said with a smile, causing Usopp to gasp in shock

''Talk about changing your mind on a whim! Just who are you!'' he demanded as the old man now stand up,

''My name is Tonjit.'' the old man said as he was rubbing his nose and wiping the blood ''Let me say my thanks. You're the ones who brought me down from the stilts, right?'' causing them to looked at the broken bamboo trees to see that they were indeed stilts, and Luffy said they didn't realize that he was up there because they couldn't see him. Tonjit didn't seem surprised at this as he said that he was standing right at the very top.

''Oh, so you're not a fairy that appeared from inside the bamboo when I split it, but just an old man on bamboo stilts who fell?'' Luffy said everything he heard and understood the situation ''So why were you walking on such high stilts?'' and asked the thing he didn't understand

''I've loved walking on stilts for a long time... So, using the tall bamboos on this island, I wanted to try walking on the world's highest stilts!'' the old man calmly explained ''Getting on them was the easy part... But it was so high up that I was afraid to get down,''

''What're you, stupid?'' Luffy asked with a surprised look

''So I was stuck there,'' the old man continued as he ignored Luffy's question ''For 10 years...'' he admitted

''Holy cow, you are retarded!'' Luffy yelled in shock

''You were walking on stilts for ten whole years?!'' Usopp also yelled in shock, his eyes almost bulged out

''Yes, and during a time, the bamboo continued to grow and grow, making it even scarier and scarier to try to get down!'' the old man said as he looked at far away ''Ahh... Such frightening times...'' causing Usopp to sweatdrop

''That's all you're going to say after 10 years of being up there?!'' as he was looking too surprised

''Still, thanks to all trees on this island as all as my stilts, I managed to survive on a diet of fruits'' old man went on with a smile, causing Usopp to sweatdrop once again

'''You sure paint a lazy picture about your harrowing experience...'' as he let a sigh, ''You're pretty laid back, aren't you?''

''Speaking of long thing,'' Luffy suddenly spoke, ''Why's everything so long or tall on this island? Both the trees and animals!''

Tonjit said that he could guess that the foreigners would wonder about that, and there was a reason for that. The island was covered with peaceful plains, and since they promote a lifestyle where one doesn't need to worry and hang-loose, everything there was growing long.

''That's one heck of an explanation'' Usopp murmured with a facepalm while Tonjit was giving some examples as he was showing the long-limbed animals, and apparently, their names were also getting long, like it wasn't a dog, but 'doooogg'

While Usopp was having a shock at this, Tonjit invited them into his house, saying that he will give them some food for saving him, which Luffy and Chopper happily followed him.

Tonjit offered some milk after they were all inside the house, but the milk turned out to become a cheese over time as he was up on the stilts for ten years. Tonjit ate it anyway but ended up with food poisoning. After that, he said that he was part of a village of nomads. The island they were on was their home, Long Ring Long Island. The island was actually part of a chain of ten islands in a ring shape. The paths between the islands that surfaces once every year become connected as one. Using that particular low tide, they were moving from one island to the next, once every three years.

''Oh... So you were left behind during the move'' Usopp stated the sad fact,

''Accidently left behind?! Shihihihi! You're great! I loved that slow-witted part of you!'' Luffy was laughing while holding his stomach

''So if your people move once every three years, it'll take thirty years to complete a full lap.'' Usopp said, thinking it all over and calculating everything ''So even if you did spend a decade on stilts, you still need to wait twenty years before you can reunite with your people...''

''...Yes, I suppose so.'' Tonjit grimly said as he was already aware of this fact, but he made a smile, ''If I at least had a single hooorrrseee, I can then move every year to the next island to catch up with the others within five years.''

''Hooorrrseee?'' Chopper repeated as Tonjit shut his eyes and made a more peaceful smile

''Yes, it's the most beautiful animal on this island. Its form as it gallops across the plains is indescribably graceful. It's almost impossible to move from one island to the next without a hooorrrseee.'' as he also went on and explained that with its strength, it can carry all their belongings during the move, and trying to cross the island by foot would be too slow, and you'd be drowned by the incoming tide.

''Then how about traveling by boat?'' Luffy asked

''None of us have any sea navigational skills...'' Tonjit sadly answered, ''Moreover, a log pose would only point at the next island. After all, the ten islands here are technically one single island.'' He sighed as he made a hopeful smile ''It's fine, I will just wait another twenty years here.''

''Won't it be... lonely?'' Luffy asked in a low tone as he sadly looked at the old man, looking like he wished he could do something to help

''Could a hooorrrseee be the same thing as a horse?'' Chopper suddenly asked

''Hm?'' Luffy looked like he didn't understand what Chopper was saying before he suddenly brightened up, ''Ah, you're right!'' he then turned to look at Tonjit ''If it's a horse we're talking about, then there's one outside!''

At these words, they all went outside. The moment the old man saw the white horse Sherry, a big smile formed on his face, and he happily hugged her head. Saying that she was grown up while laughing and sounding sad while he was saying she must be lonely as she waited for him all these years. Sherry was also looking happy as Tonjit was saying thank you to her, and promising that he would never leave her again.

Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper watched them with smiles on their faces, and soon, the old man went for a ride across the green fields with smiles on their faces.

''So that horse was waiting for that old man all these years...'' Usopp said with a sigh, but there was a smile on his face as he was watching the horse and the old man.

''What a nice horse'' Luffy also comment as he was laying on the grass

''I'm sure she likes him very much...'' Chopper cheerfully add after them with a big smile on his face

As they were watching the two of them, Luffy was soon saying that it was so fast, and he wants a ride too while Usopp was saying that it was really graceful as it was running, but shortly, they all startled by the sound of a gunshot. Sherry also stopped running as all of their heads turned to the direction of the gunshot sound came, only to see that Luna was standing there with her right hand held up.

As Luffy, Usopp and Chopper jumped up on their feet and running towards there to understand what happened.

''Hoy, hoy hoy! What do you think you're doing?! That horse was my catch! How could you block my way?!'' a stout man with skinny arms and legs shout out as he was looking angry somehow while holding a smoking gun in his hand.

He had almost a cleft lip-like mouth and a unique hairstyle, with his hair split into two spikes pointing upwards. He had thick, triangles-like eyebrows. His nose was also colored red, and it was long just like the nose of Usopp. With his characteristics, he was looking like a fox.

He was wearing yellow-orange pants, held up by suspenders, with large, rotund buckles on the edges, tucked inside black boots, which were white on the front part of the legs and have orange strings. Under his pants, some sort of strange indument was circling his waist, which is light-green with leaf-like motifs on it, and had orange laces on the front. It looked like some sort of belt. In front of this, threaded in his pants, he was carrying a short wooden sword. He had an elaborate necklace hanging on his chest, with many circular orange and yellow pendants, and a blue, bigger and more elaborate central one, with ears on it resembling those of a fox. He was also sporting a fur-lined, silver coat with a large collar and big buttons on the right side.

''That's right! That horse belongs to our boss! How dare you block his way!'' a slender young woman with dark blue hair, blue eyes, and a long pointed nose said with an arrogance tone as she pointed out Luna.

She was wearing a pink jumpsuit with extremely puffed pantlegs, which was unzipped on the top to reveal a bikini top beneath it. Her outfit was adorned by several large, white puff-balls, the most notable one being the one hanging from her hat. She was also wearing a black face mask.

There was also a huge gorilla-like human man beside them, standing there with a smiling face. He was wearing some dark blue pants and boots. He was also wearing a mask and long-sleeved gloves along with a leopard patterned scarf.

''What kind of idiot just go around and randomly steal a horse?'' Luna asked as she ignored their remarks

''Hey, Luna!'' Luffy finally arrived there with Usopp and Chopper just behind him ''What's going on? Was he shooting at the horse?'' Luffy asked as he heard what they were saying while wildly glaring at the three of them

''Well, I don't know about the horse...'' Luna stated as she blinked a couple of times, looking like she doesn't understand what he was talking about ''I just came because his crew and ship trapped the Merry'' Luna indifferently said as she pointed out them

She didn't remember any of this, but she heard of the Foxy Pirates. She was checked every pirate on the Paradise since they were traveling there. She knew they were going around and playing Davy Back Fight, as well as they were cheaters. She was trying to find them before Luffy accept it since it wasn't time for this. She already could feel the strong presence on the island, and she didn't want them to waste time with games for no reason.

''Trapped the Merry!?'' Usopp asked/yelled out in outrage

''What?! Who the hell are you?!'' Luffy also yelled out as he stared at them

''Who am I?'' The man repeated before he opened his arms wide, ''Don't tell me you don't recognize this face!''

While the dark blue-haired woman was saying how rude of them with a confident smile on her face, ''How the hell should I know you?!'' Luffy asked with a frowned expression, causing the man to fall onto his knees in depression, and a dark cloud could seem over his head while the woman was now trying to comfort him. Gorilla-like man, on the other hand, was laughing as he was hiding his face.

''What's wrong with those weirdos?'' Usopp murmured with a sweatdrop

''Who knows...'' Luna slowly said as she also sweatdropped

The man slowly got back on his feet, ''My name is Foxy! I'm a man who gets whatever he wants!'' he declared, and he was looking like he will continue, but before he could

''Yeah, right.'' Luna said with a blank expression ''I remember you're known for cheating in Davy Back Fights'' causing him to fell over once again

''Davy back fight?'' Luffy and Chopper asked in confusion while Usopp eyes were getting wide as he also repeated

''Ahhh!'' he suddenly shouted out with big, widen eyes ''Isn't that the game pirates lose their crewmates?!'' his mind was wandering on the ship they had come across

''Yeah,'' Luna casually said ''And I heard the Foxy Pirates know as cheaters.''

''So they are cheating to take someone else's crewmates?!'' Chopper asked in shock. Even though they didn't know what kind of game is that this much he understood.

Meanwhile, Foxy was getting more depressed as the other two were also looking depressed after they heard what they were saying,

''They probably wanted to play with us too,'' Luna added as she looked at Luffy, asking as if he wants to play, but she was looking like she clearly didn't want to play.

''He was trying to shoot the horse, right?'' Luffy asked with a slight frown, looking like he would beat them for that

''Horse?'' Luna asked as she glanced at the horse and the old man on it. She didn't understand but, ''The horse looks fine but if you want to play...'' she let a sigh before she continued ''Well, I was actually planning we would finally start to training but,'' causing Luffy to gasp with realization ''I think we don't need to hurry... We can start on the next island...''

''So, you're accepting the challenge?!'' Foxy suddenly was up, showing three coins as he was holding his gun. He had an evil smirk as he was looking at them.

While Usopp was panicking and telling Luffy not to accept, ''No,'' Luffy's eyes shadowed with his hat ''We don't play with cheaters!'' he bluntly said, causing Foxy to fell once again, looking much more depressed, but ignoring them, Luffy turned to Luna with a big smile and fired up eyes ''Let's start the training!''

''Wait!'' Usopp suddenly shout out, ''The Merry! We have to save the Merry!'' causing them to made a face as they remembered it now

x

When they came where the Merry was, they saw the rest was arguing with the Foxy Pirates

''Hey, guys!'' Luna shout out, waving her hand

''Finally!'' Nami said with a sigh as she saw the four of them came back, before she frowned with anger and look at Luffy ''You didn't accept the Davy Back Fight, right?''

The Davy Back Fight was a traditional Pirate game held in homage to the mythical Davy Jones, meant to challenge - and conscript - members of opposing crews. It must be initiated by mutual agreement between the captains of the participating crews. This agreement would be sealed by each captain firing a gun skyward.

Taking crewmates with a game... If you lose the game, you lose your friend. It was a scary, foolish, and meaningless in Nami's opinion.

''Hmm?'' Luffy looked confused for a moment before he casually said ''No, I didn't'' causing Nami to sigh in relief

''Why not?'' Zoro grumbled ''They'll think we're afraid of them or something.'' he turned and looked at Luna then ''Why did you go to stop him anyway?'' he would rather die before they laugh at them because they thought they were running

''They're known as cheaters'' Luna nonchalantly said while waving her hand

''Cheaters?'' Sanji repeated with a frown, ''And they acted so confident for cheaters?'' as he bit his cigarette. He was thinking, if they run away or play tricks, they would become the laughingstock of everyone in the world... But they were the cheaters?

''Besides,'' Luffy jumped in with an excited expression, ''We're going to start training! We don't have time to play a game!'' he was smiling happily, looking like he doesn't care about the game or doesn't even know the game,

''Hey! Stop insulting us!'' someone yelled out from the ship,

''If you're scared, just admit it!'' another one yelled out

At that moment, Luffy, Luna, Zoro, and Sanji glance at each other, and their minds met at the same wave line. Four of them turned towards them.

''f you want to fight...'' Luffy's eyes shadowed by his hat as he held up his fist,

''We will take you all.'' Zoro's hands were on his swords and a little unsheathed one of them as he had a wicked smirk on his face.

''But we won't gamble our friends against some cheap cheaters'' Sanji was tapping his leg on the ground, looking ready to kick some ass, while exhaling his smoke as he glared at them with an intense gaze.

''I don't think you guys could have cheated in a real fight...'' Luna's hand was also on her katana, looking ready to unsheathing it while she was similarly glaring at them.

The Foxy Pirates look at them in silence now. Some of them were even sweating since they were glaring at them as if they were about to jump on and beat the crap out of them. Well, in the end, their acting worked. They quit demanding a match and pulled away from their ship, causing Usopp and Chopper to celebrate Merry's freedom.

The ship of Foxy Pirates landed somewhere else, and few of them jumped from the ship to find their captain and go. There wasn't anyone else on that island they could play Davy Back Fight, and soon, the Foxy Pirates have left the island to find another prey.

Meanwhile, the Straw Hat Pirates were all walking toward Tonjit's house. They decided to look at the old man before they started training.

'Who is it?' Luna mused as they were walking towards the house. She could feel a strong presence on the island for a while now, and there wasn't much of a people that strong. Especially on Paradise. Eliminating a lot of people, 'An Admiral...?' Luna suddenly remembered that they would come across with an Admiral before they reach to the Water Seven.

'So this island was where they had met with Kuzan?' Luna mused as she made a troubled face. She really didn't want to see any of them as they would only make her remember the bad memories. Though she didn't have anything against Kuzan, 'As long as it's not necessary, I'm just going to ignore him.'

After the Straw hats finally headed towards Tonjit's house, just for a brief of moment, Luna's cold eyes slide to the incredibly tall, slim, yet muscular man, who's standing in front of the house, looking like he was sleeping. The rest of the crew, however, wasn't noticed him as they were talking with Tonjit.

''Why don't we take you to your people on our ship?'' Nami asked him as she heard of his story

''No... These ten islands are actually the same one. The log pose won't point to them individually.'' Usopp told Nami with a thoughtful look, but Tonjit just smiled at this, saying no problem

''I'm an easy-going man, and I'm not in hurry'' he said with a smile before he got up from where he was sitting ''Let's see... There must be your friends?'' as he look at Luffy before he suddenly started to ran ''Since you're all here, allow me to treat you with something nice!''

While Usopp was asking if he was going to give them that cheese again, Tonjit suddenly bumped into the man in front of the house, causing everyone to finally notice the man.

''Wha! What.. is that?'' Luffy asked in surprise as he looked up at the tall man

''It's a person?!'' Usopp asked in shock while Nami was asking that if he was there the whole time as the man made a questioning sound

''Who the heck are you?'' The man asked as his eyes were still closed with the sleeping mask on them.

''That's what we were asking you?!'' All the straw hats except Luna and Robin yelled out at him

''I thought you were a tree'' Usopp add as the man removed his sleeping mask and placed it on his forehead with another questioning sound he made

He had a black, curly hair cut to chin length that fans out at the tips, tanned skin, and an altogether lean, long build. He was wearing a white buttoned-up vest with a standing collar over a long-sleeved navy blue shirt, with matching white trousers and black dress shoes as he was also holding a white suit jacket on his right arm.

As soon as Robin saw him, she fell on the ground while looking up at him with a fear-filled expression

''Eh? Robin?'' Luffy asked with a frowned face as he look at the extremely scared Robin, while Zoro's hand quickly moved to his sword

''What's wrong, Robin-san?'' Sanji asked after Luffy as he also a similar expression with him. All three of them were looking ready to fight as it was the first time that they had ever seen Robin this afraid.

''Ararara...'' the man made a smirk as he looked down at Robin ''You sure have grown to a fine woman, Nico Robin.''

''Robin, what's wrong? Do you know this guy?!'' Luffy asked as look back and forth between the man and Robin, who's panting with a terrified expression, looking like she can't even talk

''We met once before...'' the man said monotonously as everyone except Robin and Luna was now gripping their weapons, looking ready to attack at any moment

''To terrify Robin to this extent... who is he?'' Nami asked as she was also looking scared now

''Ararara... Chill~ Chill~ Little boys shouldn't be so aggressive'' the man said in a carefree manner, trying to calm them down as he shook his hands in front of him ''It's not like I was ordered to come here. I'm only here for a walk.''

''Ordered?'' Zoro asked with a frowned face ''Who do you work for?!'' he demanded before he turned to look at Luna, clearly believing she might have an idea ''Hey, Luna do you know who is he?'' but left surprised when he saw that Luna wasn't even looking at the man.

Everyone look at Luna for a moment with frowned faces, except Robin and the man. She was looking like she is totally ignoring the man, confusing and tensing them more with this.

''The marine.'' Robin answered as she saw Luna's attitude, getting everyone's attention ''He is an Admiral of the Marine Head Quarters'' with a rather shaking voice

''Admiral?!'' everyone shouted out with shocked faces

''Ad... Admirals... As in the highest-ranked fighters of the marine...?'' Sanji stuttered as he was looking shocked to his core

''In the entire marine navy, there are only three people with the title of Admiral.'' Robin was explaining as she was looking like the words she was saying were panicking her more ''Akainu, the Red Dog; Aokiji, the Blue Pheasant; Kizaru, the Yellow Monkey. The only superior to them is Sengoku, the Fleet Admiral. Those three men are crowned the title 'Ultimate Assault Force' by the World Government, and he is one of them!''

''What is someone like him doing here?'' Usopp suddenly hid Zoro's back, not pointing his weapon at the man after he learned he is an Admiral ''...There are plenty of pirates worth more than 100 million. Go get them! Just leave us alone!''

Completely ignoring Usopp ''Ohhh!'' the man suddenly exclaimed and looked at Nami, or more specifically, her chest, ''What do we have here? Another sexy lady! Are you free tonight?'' causing Nami to back away as she was startled

Sanji, on the other hand, was fuming with anger as he yelled out with shark teeth, ''What the fuck do you think you're doing?!''

''Pay attention to what I say! Damn it!'' Usopp also yelled out after Sanji

''I told you to chill, kids...'' as he waved his hands defensively ''You are the ones who should learn to listen. I told you I am only here for a walk. No need for such hostility'' he scratched his head, looking like he doesn't know what to do for a moment ''What I'm trying to say is that you guys are... I forgot. Oh, well...''

''You're not making any sense!'' Sanji and Usopp yelled out simultaneously, looking irritated now as Usopp also turned to Robin and asked if she was sure that she's not mistaken and if he was really an admiral

''I uphold the model of 'Lazy Justice''' the man said in a monotone voice one again, causing Usopp and Sanji to also yelled out once again, saying that they could see that

''Hey, hey... Don't judge people by the cover. Just like her'' as he pointed out Luna ''If anyone saw her they would think an innocent girl, no one would believe she was called a demon.'' causing them to frown as he looked at Luna and went on ''By the way, just how long are you planning to ignore me?'' but Luna didn't look at him as she also didn't say anything

''You know him too, Luna?'' Luffy asked as he was looking at Luna, which he couldn't even saw her face since it was shadowed

''This is the first time I have ever see Kuzan or an admiral...'' Luna nonchalantly answered as her voice sounded empty, only confusing them more as they thought then why was she even ignoring him like this

''Kuzan?'' Usopp asked with a confusion

''Also known as Aokiji, the Blue Pheasant'' Robin made it clear what Luna was saying before she also shortly glance at her with a little glint of worry in her eyes

Aokiji, who's staring at Luna, let a sigh ''Oh well...'' he then made a face like he realized something ''Oh, my legs are tired from standing. Time to rest...'' as he laid down on the ground, using his hand to support his head as he still faced them while Usopp was asking then why he was sleeping while standing. Ignoring Usopp's question ''Anyways, I do not intend to arrest you... So chill. I'm only here to confirm the whereabouts of Nico Robin after the Alabasta incident. I thought she would be with you.'' he was looking way too laid back as he spoke

''You're really not here to pick fights?'' Sanji asked as he was looking calmed down now

''He just doesn't look like an 'Admiral' to me'' Usopp muttered as he was looking Aokiji

''I'm only going to report the discovery. So they can recalculate the bounty for your group... One more person will increase it by... 240 million plus 79 million would be...'' He stopped for a moment and looked away before he looked at them again ''...Too hard to count. It's roughly the same amount.''

''Too lazy to count?'' Zoro asked with a sweat drop as he thought that the man was looking too lazy to speak.

''Gum Gum...!'' suddenly Luffy's voice heard

''Wait, Luffy! Don't do it!'' Usopp shout out as he and Sanji run towards Luffy and hold him by both of his sides, getting Aokiji's attention

While Luffy was yelling at them to let him go ''Don't start an unnecessary fight!'' Sanji yelled out

''He's an Admiral for God's sake!'' Usopp also yelled out after Sanji while they were trying to hold Luffy and restain him

''So what?! I still won't let him take Robin!'' Luffy also yelled out, trying to attack Aokiji

''You're mistaken.'' Aokiji said as he held up his hand with a sweatdrop ''I already said that I don't plan to do anything...'' while Luffy was yelling that he was going to send him flying...

After a moment later, when Luffy calmed down ''Go take your walk elsewhere! You're not welcome here!'' he yelled at him, pointing out somewhere else while Robin now was watching them with an unbelieving look on her face

As Aokiji was telling that Luffy was overreacting with a sweatdrop, ''Why does it feel like Luffy is winning the argument...?'' Nami asked herself with an also sweatdrop

''Okay, okay... I will leave.'' Aokiji said with a sigh, ''But I overheard something while I was napping...You...'' as he pointed out the forgotten Tonjit, startling the man as he looked at him with a questioning gaze ''I wasn't in a deep sleep, so I heard what you said. Pack up and get ready to move.''

''No. Don't listen to him!'' Luffy suddenly yelled out, pointing an accusing finger at Aokiji, ''He's from the marines! The marines!'' causing a silent to fell over for a moment as Luffy and Tonjit look at each other with shocked expressions for a moment

''Why not?'' Tonjit asked, breaking the silent

''Oh!'' Luffy looked like he realized it now ''That's right. You can listen to him. Normally the marines are the good guys, and we're the bad guys.'' causing Usopp to chop him while saying it's not the time for a joke while Luna was trying to hold herself not to say anything about it.

While Luffy was saying that he will help the old man Tonjit with a smiling face now, Usopp was looking like he can't believe it as he was saying that's impossible to do when Aokiji started to talk again ''Basically, you want to catch up to the people who moved when you were stuck here... You plan to rush to the third island after this one, and that you need to wait until low tide to ride your horse across?''

''But there is still time for the low tide, so it's impossible for now to go'' Usopp said after he heard Aokiji

''It'll be fine'' Aokiji said in a relaxed attitude, causing Usopp to sweatdrop

''That doesn't sound convincing at all...'' he murmured, though everyone heard

''It's true...'' Robin suddenly said as she was still sitting on the ground, getting everyone's attention ''With his help, it's possible.'' causing Luffy to look at her with a surprised look as he was also looking like trying to understand what Robin meant

After Tonjit pack up everything, they all come to the shore

''The tide will subside once a year, and a road will appear when it does, right?'' Aokiji asked, and after they confirmed him ''It sure feels good to work out once in a while'' though he was looking too lazy to work and even too bothersome for him

''It sure is!'' Luffy was laughing as he was talking with him in a friendly manner now ''So, you're a nice person after all!''

Meanwhile, Tonjit was trying to give some cheese to Usopp as a thank you while Usopp was rejecting it as he was saying that if the old man was trying to poison them

''Now they're acting like friends...'' Nami murmured with a sweatdrop when Luna sat on the grass and watched them

''So...'' Luffy look at the sea as he had a curious look on his face ''What now? Are you going to pull everything along while you swim across?''

''Now that is impossible...'' Aokiji said as he started to walk towards the sea ''Move away for a little bit please...'' he said when he crouched down and put his hand a little bit into the sea and look for a moment, looking like he was thinking how much power he'd have to release to do it

Just at that moment a sea king suddenly came out of the sea and move towards Aokiji. Luffy and Usopp shout out at him to get away from it and watch out, but Aokiji didn't even budge as he coldly said ''Ice Age'' and in an instant, as far as they could see, the ocean turned into ice along with the sea king

All of the Straw hats along with Tonjit, except Luna and Robin were looking shocked at the frozen ocean that was shining under the sun

''Devil fruit?!'' Zoro asked in shock

''The sea... froze over...!'' Luffy said after Zoro as they were still looking shocked

''Logia class, the freezing power of the 'Ice Ice Fruit'.'' Robin said as she was sweating and fear was still visible on her face ''This is the extend of the power of a Marine Admiral.''

Aokiji pulled his hand out of the ice, and his body that was frozen in some places turned back to normal as he started to walk up to the old man and Straw Hats

''That should hold for about a week... You can take your time. Good luck in locating your village. It's a little cold, by the way, you should wear more clothing...'' Aokiji casually said, but the old man Tonjit was still looking at the frozen ocean while wondering if it was a dream

''The sea became an ice land... Sherry, we can cross the sea now!'' getting over his shock, the old man was now looking happy ''After ten long years, we can finally reunite with our friends!'' as even the horse was now looking happy, Tonjit turned towards Aokiji ''Thank you! Thank you so very much for this miracle!''

Luffy and Usopp were smiling at the happy old man while Aokiji was turned his back and waving his hand, like saying it's not important.

All the straw hats were saying goodbye to the old man, who's now wearing some coat while Luna was looking at the ice with a thoughtful face. For a moment, she wondered just how many years would take her to freeze the sea like this.

They all look at the old man and watch him until he finally lost in the horizon and started to walk to the shore after they noticed how cold it really was. As Usopp and Luffy were literally shivering ''It became winter all of a sudden...'' Luffy was saying with a shivering voice when he noticed Aokiji's look.

He was sitting cross-legged on the grass and his head on his hand before he let a sigh and scratched his head, looking like he doesn't know what to do and trying to figure out

''What?'' Luffy asked him curiously with a slight frown on his face

Aokiji was silent for a moment before he slowly started to talk ''How should I say this... You and your grandfather are really alike, Monkey D. Luffy.'' causing Luffy to flinch as he went on ''Or maybe I should say... You're just as reckless and hard to figure out''

Luffy gasped at this, looking anxious as he began to sweat ''You know...my grandpa?'' he choked out

''Luffy's grandpa?'' Usopp asked as he looked curious but when he turned to look at Luffy he was surprised ''Eh? What's wrong, Luffy? Why are you sweating so much?''

While Luffy was quickly waving his hands in front of him and saying it's nothing, Luna look at Luffy for a moment. 'He must have it hard...' She mused before she suddenly remembered Dragon's warning over Grap and couldn't help but to sweatdrop

''Long time ago, your grandfather helped me out once'' Aokiji went on, not care about Luffy's nervousness ''Even though I only came to see Nico Robin...Maybe all of you should just die here and now.''

As everyone was now looking at him with frowned faces ''The government isn't taking you seriously, but after carefully analyzing the situation, it has become obvious that you are a very determined group of individuals...'' Aokiji stated calmly, looking at all of them but his eyes lingered longer on Robin and Luna, who's still ignoring him. ''Your group currently consists merely of a handful of rogues, yet judging from the degree of trouble you've been causing, there is little doubt that as time passes you will become an acute threat...''

While everyone was listening to him quietly but frowns on their faces, he went on ''In the time between the issuing of the first bounty on a member of your party to the present time... your growth, so to say, has been quite extraordinary...And though you have so far limited yourself to fighting other pirates, I'm concerned with what the future holds once you grow tired of your prey and search for a new game...'' he let a sigh and slightly shook his head as he remained serious ''I fought outlaws for most of my life, but thinking about how you'll turn out scares the crap out of me.''

''Hey, wait a moment!'' Usopp cried out while waving his hands in front of him ''Wh...Why are you saying all of this?! Aren't you only here to check things out?!''

Luna snorted at this, causing them to turn to her ''You really didn't think that we would come across with an admiral in Paradise just like that, or Admirals would just come to check things out by themselves, did you?'' she asked as she was still determined not to look at Aokiji while she was standing close to Robin

While some of their eyes widen and some had deeper frowns, ''Well, I was also quite curious'' Aokiji said as he turned to look at Luna ''Before I came here, Tsuru-san told me something...'' causing Luna to flinch for a moment

''Tsuru?'' Nami asked as she saw how Luna reacted

''One of the big names in the marines, 'Great Advisor' Vice Admiral Tsuru'' Robin explained besides Luna

''Vice Admiral...'' Luffy muttered as his grandfather come to his mind once again

''One of the things she said was 'Her anguished waiting was like that of an animal rather than a human being.' Made me only more curious as to what are you really thinking...'' as everyone turned to him once again while trying to understand what he meant, Aokiji continued ''Three years ago, after that incident occurred, seeing your similarity to Luca, we all thought that you would kill your father after you have become the queen, just like how your father had done in the past, and declare war against World Government unlike him.''

Except for Robin, everyone was looking confused with the mention of the incident since they didn't know what he was talking about, but their eyes widen for a moment as they heard that Luna's father also killed her grandfather.

''Well, like father like daughter... You indeed killed Luca but the thing we didn't wait was, instead of becoming a queen and eventually declare war against us, you just gone and destroyed your own country, leaving behind nothing but a hole... Not just that but you even made a deal with 'World's Worst Criminal' Revolutionary Dragon and God knows what that deal was...''

He let a sigh as he deeply looked at Luna, who's still not looking at him ''But then again, we thought that it was normal and start to think that you joined to the Revolutionary Army, and go against the World Government along with them. That was where we think you were all this time until Smoker reported that Grant D. Luna is alive and become a pirate...After that, based on reports from Navy soldiers and civilians, we learned that you were in the East Blue for nine months...'' everyone was silently listening Aokiji with complex faces since they didn't understand why he was constantly implying that Luna would go against the World Government

Aokiji, on the other hand, calmly continued ''Three months' disappearance between the time of Diyu's destruction and your arrival to the East Blue... Well, we guessed that you were with the revolutionaries in that time...Judging by your attitude, I can say that you're still hating from the World Government...'' at these words, everyone except Robin thought why would Luna hate from World Government. She wasn't even someone hated from something or someone that easily and Luna wasn't looked like she hated them when she talked about them before ''So, I'm quite curious as to what are you really thinking...''

Luna let a sigh as Aokiji kept looking at her ''Last time I saw that old lady Tsuru was almost two years ago...Two years could be quite long...'' As she looked thoughtful for a brief of moment

Aokiji waited for her to say more, even the Straw Hats, but that was all Luna said as she didn't budge from anything and keep ignoring Aokiji after her short not so answer. Seeing that Luna wasn't going to say more, Aokiji let a sigh and turned his gazes towards Robin this time, looking more serious

''Then there is you, Nico Robin.'' causing Robin to flinch this time

''So you're here for Robin after all!?'' Luffy yelled out, looking angry as he also add ''Now I'm really kicking your ass!''

Aokiji didn't look bothered by Luffy's words as he just ignored him and went on like he didn't even hear ''While the princess is quite dangerous for various of reasons, she is bound to die soon,'' causing Luna to slightly frown with the word of 'soon' as he continued ''You on the other hand... The size of your bounty does not only reflect the threat your combat abilities pose. It also gives to show how dangerous you are to the government, and even though you were only eight years old, you had such a high bounty put on your head.''

Luna scowled at this 'He talks as if he doesn't know anything...' she was hardly holding herself for not to say anything

''As a child, you were a true survivor. Betraying your partners, using them as tools... You sidestep and escaped from everyone in your path and then found yourself a new partner to make use of.'' He calmly stated, as if he was talking about weather ''You survived in the underworld by being quick to switch sides, and now, after the recent feat of survival you have undertaken... Are these the new tools that you have chosen to manipulate to achieve your goals?'' Aokiji asked as Robin's eyes momently widen as if he had just given her a deadly threat

''You freaking asshole!'' Sanji suddenly yelled out, looking enraged ''Don't you dare say things like that! What kind of ridiculous grudge are you holding against Robin?!''

While Usopp was trying to hold him back, preventing him from launching himself at Aokiji, ''I don't have anything against her'' Aokiji calmly answered ''The only thing is that I let her escape from me one time... but that was a long time ago.'' He glanced at everyone for a moment, as if wondering their reaction ''You will all learn soon enough that protecting this woman leads to nothing but regret.''

Aokiji start to stood up as he went on ''If you need proof, know that every group that Nico Robin has ever associated with has ended up completely annihilated.'' he walked a few steps closer to Robin ''Always leaving her as the sole survivor... Why is that so, Nico Robin?'' as he directly looked into her eyes

Robin was sweating as she took a few steps back and seeing how scared she looked, ''Shut up, jerk! What happened in the past doesn't matter!'' Luffy yelled out as he was looking completely angry. Everyone was agreeing with him, even Zoro, though he didn't say anything, his face was showing he was angry as he was glaring at Aokiji

''That's right!'' Usopp also yelled out as he pointed an accusing finger at Aokiji ''If it did, we wouldn't have a dangerous former pirate hunter, a conniving ex-thief woman or a former underworld princess on our crew, would we?!'' causing Nami to bonk him on the head as she snapped at him

''Who we are now more important than who we were!'' Sanji also added after Usopp as he also looked angry

''Yeah, that's right!'' Chopper also yelled out while angrily waving his arms, not looking scared now ''Don't you dare to badmouth about her!''

As Robin was looking stunned after their words, ''I see...'' Aokiji said with a glint of disappointment in his eyes before he turned to look at Robin ''You have already earned the trust of these people...''

With those words, something inside Robin seemed to have snapped as she suddenly shouted out ''What are you trying to do?! If you want to arrest me, then why don't you just do it already?!'' she held up her arms and crossed them in front of her chest ''Treinta Fleur!'' Robin said as she sprouted thirty arms and hold each part of Aokiji's body

''Robin! Don't do it!'' Usopp shout out as he was literally freaking out

''Arararara...'' Aokiji said indifferently, looking at Robin and her shaking arms ''It seems that I have said too much. How disappointing...I thought you would be smarter than this...''

Not listening to him ''Clutch!'' Robin said and an instant, Aokiji completely broke right in half and his body shattered like glass

Luna look at Robin in surprise 'I haven't seen her like this since the time I kidnapped her...' as she mused to herself and looking too surprised to react at the moment, Usopp and Chopper were freaking out

''Uwaaahhh! He died!'' Chopper shouted out while Usopp was also shouting out, saying that they have to run and get out of there, but just at that moment, Aokiji began to reform himself. First an arm, and then his head and upper body began to emerge from the shattered ice on the ground.

''Hmm... That was harsh...'' Aokiji slowly said as he was crouching down with his ice-covered body, and even he was crouching down, he was still taller any of them

''Giyaaaa!'' Usopp yelled out while freaking out. He was sweating as his eyes were bulged out ''It didn't work! We're screwed!''

They were looking at him as they were tensed when Aokiji reached down to pull out a handful of grass before he threw them into the air and blew on them with an ice breath that froze them into a large, jagged ice sword.

''Ice Saber!'' Aokiji help up the ice saber that looked like it was quite hard and sharp ''I wasn't planning on killing you, but...''

Just as Aokiji swing the ice saber like a bat, Robin shut her eyes and held up her arms, looking like she was ready to die while fighting as Luna's hand was holding her katana and unsheathing it, Zoro suddenly came and stopped the blade before it fell down

While Zoro was deadly glaring at Aokiji, Sanji also came running and jump into the air before he kicked the saber out of Aokiji's hands. Luffy was also running into the fight. He threw his arm back ''Gum Gum...!'' but before Luffy's hand come back and hit him, Aokiji suddenly grab a hold of Sanji's left leg and Zoro's right arm ''...Pistol!'' just the moment Luffy punched him right in the gut, all three of them frozen. Sanji's leg and Zoro's arm that Aokiji was touching and Luffy's punch that also touching Aokiji were all frozen in an instant.

Covered in a thick coating of ice, they fell to the ground as they screamed in agony.

''Gyaaaa! He froze them!'' Usopp yelled out as he was freak out more now

''He took down the three of them with one strike!'' Nami was also freaking out as she yelled out, looking scared when she saw the three of them were writhing on the ground, holding onto their limbs with pained faces

''This... This is bad!'' Chopper shout out as he was still freaking out ''We have to treat them immediately or their hands and legs will never heal!'' but he was looking completely lost as to how to help

''You've got some good friends this time... But, you're still yourself, Nico Robin,'' Aokiji said with a smirk as he look at Robin, who's breathing hard

''You're wrong... I have...'' Robin was saying between her heavy breathings, but before she could finish what she was saying, Aokiji suddenly towered her and start to fell on her, looking like he was going to embrace her into a hug

''Robin! Get away from him!'' Luffy yelled out in horror from where he was fell as well as Sanji was also yelling out her name while Zoro was looking like he was about to run towards there as they all had horrified look, except Luna

Before Aokiji came in contact with Robin, Luna suddenly grab Robin's wrist and pulled her behind her as the blood-red flames surrounded all of the Straw Hats. Not waiting, Luna swing her flaming katana towards Aokiji

''Huh...?!'' Luffy look at the scene with surprise as his eyes, along with Zoro and Sanji, were wide open while the ice on them was slowly melting down with the warm and harmless flames

Luna's katana never landed on Aokiji as he held up his arm and thrust his right palm forward at the incoming attack from Luna. It was as if an invisible wall was put down between them as Luna's sword wasn't touching Aokiji, but stopped with something invisible, and all the flames that were targetted Aokiji were gone beside him before they disappear.

It was like he had an invisible shield around him

Luna clicked her tongue with irritation as Aokiji suddenly spoke ''Hm... So this is the hellfire that is rumored to be the hottest and the strongest fire that only you can use.'' as he was looking mildly curious and interested, he moved his other hand to touch the flames ''I heard it's said that as long as you're willing it... regardless of the coldest winds or heaviest rains, the flames of hell will never extinguish,''

The moment he put his left hand inside the flames, Luna suddenly pulled back his katana ''Those damn haki users...'' and kicked his left arm from his shoulder with her flaming leg, so hard that his arm flew away as it broke apart from his shoulder with a shattering voice ''Don't stick your hand into my flames!''

Aokiji took a couple of steps back from the flames with a slight smirk on his face ''Ararara... Don't be so aggressive. I was just curious...'' he said as his left arm already starting to regenerate itself as if nothing happened

Robin's body was now clearly relaxed even if it's a little, but her eyes that were looking at Luna had filled with worry as her anger and fear was disappeared. She knew none of them, including Luna couldn't win against an Admiral but they had a chance to run, but that was what Robin was thinking as Luna had no intention to run at that moment since she knew that wasn't neccaseery

Nami, Usopp, and Chopper, on the other hand, were much more relaxed than Robin as they were standing inside the flames. In their mind, the fire should be able to win against ice, but they didn't see how Aokiji stopped Luna's sword unlike Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji, which that was why the three of them were slowly getting up, and preparing themselves to fight as the three of them also had the same question in their mind 'That was haki..?'

As they were tense more than ever, Aokiji stared right at Luna into the eye. ''Finally, you're looking at me...'' he slowly said as he didn't take his eyes off her

However, Luna snort at this, ''Well, up until now, I didn't have any reason to look at one of the people's faces who's responsible for my brother's death, did I?'' Luna asked with a slightly tilted head. She was still looking calm as how she was until now, but her voice and eyes were so cold that one could believe the flames around them could freeze.

Everyone except Robin looked stunned at what Luna said with a bewildered, dumbfounded look on their faces.

''what..?'' Luffy muttered as he was get up and ready to fight but froze where he was after what Luna said

''Hey, hey... It's not like I went and killed him...'' Aokiji said slowly with a slight frown on his face now ''Besides, didn't you already kill everyone who had his blood on their hands?''

'He is doing it again... Talking as if he doesn't know anything...' Luna mused before she talked ''I already know about that meeting.'' and she knew Aokiji also knew that she knows if he talked with Tsuru ''I know that when that five bastard elders talk about their plans to kill Leo, Borsalino agreed in a heartbeat. Sakazuki also agreed as he also wanted to attack Diyu but declined. I know Kong, Sengoku, Tsuru and you stayed silent. But... silence also meant agreement in that room.''

Just because they didn't go and killed Leo didn't mean they weren't the ones who killed him. Luna didn't know why Tsuru told her about that meeting. She knew it was her who asked, but Tsuru had no reason to answer her. She thought that maybe that old lady was felt sad or pitied her, which was more irritating, but that didn't matter because when she met with that old lady, it was already too late.

She let a sigh before she continued ''Well, it doesn't matter after all this time now. I have nothing against the ones who stayed silent, but it doesn't mean I wanted to see any of you either.''

Aokiji was looking at Luna with a blank look on his face ''There was nothing one could do... He, in the end, committed to the most unforgivable and the greatest sin.'' he then narrowed his eyes ''You should also stop uttering his name'' as his eyes slide to her right forearm tattoo, he continued ''Out of everyone, you, imprinting that name on your arm like a reminder to the rest... It's like you're giving them an excuse to chop your arm before you're killed.''

''What the hell is he talking about..?'' Sanji asked, sounding mostly to himself as he was also looking angry at what he said about chopping Luna's arm and killing her

''The most unforgivable and the greatest sin?'' Nami also asked while she was blinking with a still dumbfounded look on her face

''Why shouldn't Luna spoke her brother's name?'' Luffy also asked with a frown but Luna and Aokij were looking at each other in silence. His eyes turned to Robin, who's also looking at Luna and Aokiji ''Robin?'' believing that she knows since she wasn't looked surprised any of this

Robin's eyes slide to Luffy for a moment, and looked like she was debating what to say at the moment ''Talking about Le-'' she stopped for a moment and glance at Aokiji, who's also stared at her, causing her to get nervous and avert her eyes ''Talking about him, especially his death is a taboo'' as she was looking highly tense. She knew a lot of people killed for just this reason, and they were in front of an Admiral right now

''T-taboo?'' Usopp stuttered with his shaking voice, but for a moment, Nami, Zoro, Usopp, and even Luffy remembered way back when they were in Alabasta, in that cage.

At that time, they were in shock about a lot of things and didn't pay attention much, but now they think about it, Smoker and even Crocodile looked tensed when Luna's brother came up and Crocodile was changed the subject right after that. While Luffy was thinking about what kind of ridiculous thing that was with a frowned face,

''What's the greatest sin?'' Chopper asked as he looked like an innocent child who doesn't know about the world, but he wasn't the only one as none of them knew except the three of them there.

Aokiji let a sigh ''So you don't know...'' he looked each of them as he thought that Luna or Robin, both didn't told anything to them. After looking thoughtful for a moment, as if he was thinking what to say ''Killing a World Noble.'' he finally said, but his voice was cold, completely something new for all of them since he was talking more calm and bored tone up until now. ''That is the most unforgivable and the greatest sin.''

That wasn't the all story, but that was the only thing Aokiji said.

''World Noble..?'' Zoro asked with a confused look, not just him but everyone was looking like they didn't know. Sanji was looking like he knew though since his eyes got widen for a moment but he also didn't know much about them. The only thing he knew about them that they were the highest nobles in the whole world.

Aokiji looked every one of them with a disappointed gaze, as if saying how could they not know this, but his eyes remained on Robin's scared and worried face. For all he knows, that worried look was something he didn't expect to see

''Why do you protect a woman like her?'' Aokiji asked as his eyes turned to Luna, there was a slight annoyance in his eyes ''I get the rest doesn't know, but surely you would know who Nico Robin is... I thought you would be the most warry of her...Or is it really what I thought..?'' he asked slowly with a thoughtful look, causing a questioning look came on Luna's cold and calm face

''When I thought Nico Robin would be with this crew after Alabasta, suddenly something came to my mind and I just go and look at the old reports...'' Aokiji said before he narrowed his eyes in suspicion ''Toroa Island...'' causing Robin to flinch for a moment, as the Straw Hats looked at this with questioning gazes

''That was the last island Nico Robin had seen in the West Blue.'' Aokiji went on as he looked both Robin and Luna's reaction ''When the reinforces came to arrest Nico Robin, they found both the organization that she was in at that time and the marines were killed with cuts and bullet scars. It was thought that Nico Robin escaped when both groups were fighting. After that, her traces found in here, but then she disappeared until Smoker reported that she was working with Crocodile...''

''So... what?'' Luna asked with a confused face, but she knew what's coming

''After that incident, there was a time 80th Branch marine base in the West Blue reported that they caught a woman. It was reported she had raven hair and blue eyes and she was suspected to be Nico Robin'' Aokiji said. Since Robin's wanted poster was a picture from her childhood, they wanted a confirmation

''But before anyone can confirm who that woman was, that marine base completely burned down.'' Aokiji continued with his calm voice but suspicious eyes ''There was no survivor and civilian reports said that it was done by some young girl who wears an eye symbol. That report was tossed away since it was a known fact that it was a punishment to get caught and that woman believed to be someone from the Grant Kingdom in the end.'' Aokiji stated as he now began to look at Luna while the straw hats were frowning as to where this was going

''Then again, after that incident, suddenly a marine ship sailed through the Calm Belt with no order given and disappeared after getting in the New World. It was the exact time when you also get in the New World.'' As he was keep looking at Luna with suspicion, Luna was actually quite amused with the fact that lazy Aokiji was tried to figure out this much as she thought that this man was quite obsessed with Robin

''Reports says that you were spotted with a person they couldn't identify'' Aokiji continued with his calm voice ''After that, you, Grant D. Luna, suddenly wanted to get through the Red Line from the Holy Land Mary Geoise and the girl who travels alone all the time had a woman with her... According to the reports, she was a guard for the princess... A blond woman and her name were Rosalyn as you were calling her Ro.'' causing the Straw Hats eyes to widen with realization as they all thought that, she was definitely Robin.

''But that woman wasn't with you the next time you have seen. You were alone when you went to Kuraigana Island or the Sabaody Archipelago...'' Aokiji's narrowed eyes turned to Robin ''You couldn't have possibly been with her all that time and that person with Grant D. Luna couldn't possibly be you now... Or was it you, Nico Robin?'' Fear washed over Robin's face once again at Aokiji's threatening tone. ''To think that you were right there...'' his narrowed eyes slide to the Luna next ''I guess you really enjoyed with what you had done at that time''

While everyone was thinking what's wrong if that person was Robin and they already could guess it was Robin,

''You really have a good imagination, you know?'' Luna said as she looked highly amused while looking up at Aokiji

''Firstly, I have no idea what happened in that Toroa Island you're talking about...'' Luna said as she had a slight smile on her face that was showing her amusement ''Secondly, you should trust that reports... Like you said... While my kingdom was a place for any crime to be free, getting caught was considered a high crime for our citizens, and the penalty was death.''

''There is no way the princess would go and clear the mess'' Aokiji said in annoyance, looking like he didn't like Luna was denying the facts as all of them were listening to them with surprise

'Just what kind of place was that county...?' was their thoughts after they heard getting caught was ending up being dead.

''She was one of the people who knew a lot...'' Luna shrugged it off like it was nothing before she went on ''About that ship... I can't believe an Admiral is here and nagging about a ship...'' She really looked like she can't believe it ''I've been sent to a mission, and my father told me to go and swim over the Calm Belt as a training... Is it wrong that I didn't want to become food for sea kings and stole a ship?'' she harshly look at Aokiji as she also remembered that her father really said that while everyone, including Aokiji, was now sweatdropping at this firm question.

''And Rosalyn...'' She looked thoughtful for a moment before she let a sigh ''Well, you're right...Ro wasn't my guard.''

'So it was really Robin...' everyone thought the moment Luna spoke again

''She was someone from our country and sent for a secret mission... It's not like we had never lied'' Luna shrugged almost cause the Straw Hat's to fall over after their thoughts wronged again ''But she was screwed up... That's why I went to Sabaody anyway'' She casually said before her amused, but still, cold eyes look directly into Aokiji's eyes ''You shouldn't accuse people without any proof, you know..?''

For a moment, everyone believed what Luna was saying, but they all knew that everything Luna said was a lie.

'Luna is a good liar' Luffy thought as he was staring at Luna with a frowned look. If he didn't know about Luna and Robin, he would believe everything Luna said just now, but except Robin and Aokiji, no one there didn't understand why Luna was always lying about this

Aokiji also knew it was a lie. Smoker was said that Nico Robin helped Grant D. Luna and that was the cause for him to look over the old reports to find out if they knew each other, but he could understand the reason with this lie. If it would be known they knew each other, the World Government would suspect if Grant D. Luna told anything to Nico Robin and eventually, she would share the same end with Luna as her bounty poster would also be turned into Only Dead.

''If it's over, why don't you leave now, Kuzan'' Luna suddenly said with her cold voice again, causing Nami and Usopp to gasp at her with fear as Luna went on ''You're not here because you're ordered. If they would be sent an Admiral, it would be Borsalino, and if you wanted to kill us, you would have already done it. Since you saw Robin and confirm the things you wanted...'' she trial off, clearly saying get the hell off

After what Luna said, Aokiji looked at her eyes that looked colder than his ice. He knew what she meant with these statements as he thought she is indeed smart.

As they were looking at each other in silence, everyone got tensed up, holding their weapons to be ready to fight any moment now.

But at that silent moment, an old woman's voice came Aokiji's ears.

'Grant D. Luna?... If I would say anything about her, I would say that...Her anguished waiting was like that of an animal rather than a human being... If you ever saw her, remember two things, Kuzan... She is a rose. She might look beautiful and innocent that attracts people, but if you touch her, she will show her thorns, and, she might be young, but she probably saw worse than what we saw... Don't fool yourself that she become what she is now just because of Grant Kingdom. It was also us, and the World Government... So, if you ever see her, look at her carefully, Kuzan... Look what we had caused...'

At first, Aokiji thought that Tsuru-san was being empathetic, but as he was looking at that said girl's eyes at the moment, he could understand what she meant. Like how one would sink and sink deeper into the ocean, he felt like he was sinking in her eyes, and as he sank, he could finally see more than coldness. He saw the resentment, but it wasn't pointed at him. He saw the anger and grief. He saw how tiredness was there along with madness. And like how some could finally hit the bottom, he saw it ends and saw that anguished waiting there.

The marine Admiral Aokiji, one of the three-man who has the highest rank in the marines, filled with the urge to kill Grant D. Luna right there, right that moment as he suddenly felt that it would be dangerous to let her live. At that moment, he felt like he was looking at something that shouldn't exist.

But Aokiji couldn't do anything, and Luna knew this.

Luna wasn't matched against an Admiral. Aokiji knew none of them was.

From the countless reports, they knew Grant D. Luna's powers and her weapons. She was strong. She might even be one of the strongest that was staying on Paradise. She had sea stone weapons that might be dangerous, and Observation haki that shouldn't be known as a rookie pirate. And, just like she said, if they were to send an Admiral, it would unquestionably be Borsalino, Kizaru.

She had weird powers, and she could use fire that reported to could be even hotter than magma. Her abilities were opposite to him, and after he checked on them just before, he was sure his ice powers would be useless if he doesn't use haki. He was somehow confident that even Sakazuki, Akainu's abilities would be ineffective. It didn't matter that much at this point though. She wasn't that strong compared to them. They knew she couldn't use her powers without a sword, and not just any sword. So, the only thing he had to do, was to make her let go of her katana.

But that was still not easy. Right, she was no match, but they could run. Luna could hold up him or Akainu until the rest of them run, and she also could undoubtedly run. He heard she could fly pretty fast in the end. That was the reason why Kizaru would be sent. Because he was the only one they couldn't run, and the only one her powers were useless.

On the other hand, trying to kill her or any of them there was also a bad idea. If they wouldn't decide to run and fight back it would be troublesome. Luna already could hold on, and if others would also join, they might be able to hold on quite a long time. Long enough for people to notice. Not just that but since using only his powers would be useless, he needed to use haki. An Admiral fighting seriously against a pirate from a rookie crew in the Paradise would get attention, and finally, someone who recognized Grant D. Luna would come out.

If the world knew Luna was still alive, the questions would start to rise, and it was something the World Government didn't want since they always want to be perfect with everything.

As everyone was quite tensed up, Luffy, who's looking serious, turned his eyes from Aokiji to Luna as he wasn't like what he saw, but that didn't change as he looked at Luna either. It wasn't like he didn't like what he saw, but he didn't like the fact that he didn't see anything. Luna's eyes were directed Aokiji, and Aokiji only, and it was like no one except him was able to see through.

Aokiji suddenly crouched down, making Nami, Usopp, Chopper, and Robin to flinch for a moment while Sanji and Zoro were looking ready to launch at him any moment. But Aokiji merely took his white suit jacket from the ground and looked like he was ready to go

He look each of them as they were still covered with flames, and his gazes lingered on Robin the most before he turned his back, but before he took a step, he stopped and look at Luffy.

''Let me give you a piece of advice, captain'' Aokiji said as he was seriously looking at Luffy, who's looking back at him with the same seriousness ''When they finally come to kill her, stay away and just let her die. That would be better for everyone''

From their reaction up until now, he deemed that Luna didn't tell them anything, and thought that they didn't need to die for that reason, but the confirmation that they don't know anything wasn't something he would do.

Everyone frown at this, looking angry but before anyone could say anything, Aokiji went on ''And I will remind you again... In the near future, you will suffer the troubles that follow Nico Robin. The nature of the violent fate she was born into will be a greater danger than you can imagine. More of a burden than you could ever hope to bear.'' he talked as if she wasn't even there as everyone looked at him with angry looks.

While Sanji was yelling at him how dare he talk like this about ladies, Aokiji ignored him and look at them again as he was talking ''It would be easy to send you all to the hell, but...'' he stared at Luna for a moment before he turned his gaze to Luffy ''Also, I owe you a favor...'' before he turned his back and start to leave ''You helped the fight against Crocodile, so now we'll call it even. And...'' he stopped as he scratched his head before he went on ''Never mind... Smoker's message is too stupid...Goodbye.''

As Aokiji was leaving Luffy was yelling and trying to go after him as Usopp, Chopper, and Sanji were trying to stop him. They all knew from the moment Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji fell with just one strike that they were no match against him.

While Luffy was stopped with Nami's punch as she was yelling not to try to stop him as he was finally leaving, Luna was sheathing her katana as all of her flames disappeared and her eyes met with Robin for a brief of moment. Seeing Aokiji and everything he said made them both remember the past for moment...

There wasn't much to tell about Toroa island. It was a normal, peaceful island in the West Blue. And it was a regular day on this island until the marine's ships suddenly came to attack.

It wasn't an attack for an island though. It was for some small organization that they had a large base on the hills of the island. It wasn't an important organization either. What made it the marine's to attack them was the fact that infamous Nico Robin was seemed to be with them.

'Another betray...' the twenty-five years old Nico Robin thought as she was getting ready to ran when she saw that the organization and marines start to fight.

But there was another attacker also coming close there, running like a crazy with jingling sounds. It was the third party, who had no relation either of the groups and unlike them, it was just one person, a young girl. She had no need to came there personally for a small organization like them who dared to steal from one of their ships, but as if the fate willed, she was the closest one, so it was her to send.

None of them heard of it. Men were fighting and trying to kill each other, so they didn't hear of the sound of the death that was coming close. And as if she was warned by something otherwordly, Nico Robin suddenly stopped and looked up at the wide windows that were placed on the roof. She was seeing the clear sky that was dyed in shades of orange and yellow, making notice that the sun was dipping below the horizon, the last gasp of beauty before the death of the day.

Sounds of the small bells ringed in her ears as if breaking the news beforehand, giving a warning for the death was coming. In seconds, the brilliant orange and red shattered into pieces as a girl began to fall from the shattered window, getting everyone's attention.

She didn't exactly know what made her froze at that moment, but Nico Robin was stopped and looking at the girl that suddenly fell right in the middle of the room of their base. She had mid-back length white hair with golden strands inside them, and ocean blue eyes that were looking so joyful at that moment.

She was wearing a dark blue kimono that it was looking almost black. It had white crescent moon engravings on its skirt as the kimono was coming just over her ankles. She was looking like she just woke up and worn it as it was looking loose on her, and a blue sash that gold floral engravings on it was around her waist, holding a pistol. She wasn't wearing any shoes but there was an anklet each of her ankles that hold two little golden bells of each, ringing with every move of her bare feet.

''Oh, so did I came in a party time~ ?'' She asked as she was looking quite happy. When she tilted her head, her free hair waved a little.

She held up her pitch-black katana, ready to slice them. But it was just at that moment, Nico Robin was filled with sudden fear. The girl's left hand that was holding her katana was showing the ring on her index finger

The demon eye. Robin knew them, in fact, they were the reasons she was still in the West Blue. When she was young, she had no idea, but as she grew up, she heard the whispers in the Underworld. Whispers about them knowing the Void Century. She wanted to go to the Diyu, meet them, and ask a lot of things, but she was also heard other whispers that made her stopped. She had no idea what would happen if she went there, but the mere thought that she was going to her death made her give up, yet she still listened to every whisper. That's why she knew that the girl in front of them was the newly announced princess, Grant D. Luna

Luna wasn't noticed Robin, ''First Circle,'' she said with a happy smile on her face and start held up her katana before she began to move ''Toukatsu Jigoku!'' and as if she was dancing, she started to cut the men while the jingling bell around her ankles sounded like the song of the death.

Robin watched the fifteen years old girl cut the man while looking graceful, but at the same time deadly and a little bit of crazy as she was looking like she was quite enjoying herself. She was laughing while the men were screaming in agony even if they had just a little cut on them. Robin didn't understand why the man who got just a small cut was screaming on the floor as if dying, but not understanding made her more scared.

The room that was filled with men fighting was turned into a complete massacre from the moment Luna came. The three groups were trying to kill each other and Luna was enjoying to tease both groups there. She wasn't cutting them to enough to kill and she was using the first circle of her. The Reviving Hell that made people thought they were dying over and over again with every cut they have received.

As she was looking around, her smile suddenly froze over her face. Her eyes momently widen and Robin only got more scared when she saw this. The moment their eyes met, both of them had different feelings as everyone and everything around them become a blur for a moment. But after that brief of the moment, when they suddenly came to their senses, both had the same thing in their mind

'What is she doing here?'

Fifteen years old Grant D. Luna had never, ever thought that she would meet someone from the future Straw Hat crew, let alone Nico Robin. She had just saw Corcodile almost two months ago now, and honestly, she didn't even want this... Meeting Nico Robin out of all people... She was thinking to ignore her and wait for her to escape or something, but her body moved on it's on when she saw one of the men from the organization was about to kill Robin

Robin also noticed the man when she saw Luna was coming towards her but not looking at her anymore. However, she was too shocked to move fast and use her powers at that moment, and before she even notice, the man's head was flying to the ground while blood was dripping from Luna's pitch black katana.

Just the moment Robin's eyes moved to Luna's face after her katana, they heard the warning voices of marines. The reinforcements were coming close.

Luna moved to the window that was close to them ''Her again...?'' Luna whined when she saw who's the ship that was coming ''That Hina... Did she become a marine to popped out like this all the damn time?'' she was asking to herself when her hand gone to her pistol.

It would be bad if she met Hina there now and she didn't want them to know that she was there, so, she launched to the ones still alive and started to slice them very fast now as she was also firing her pistol at the same time to the ones whose far away from her.

Robin, at that time, was come to her senses and finally could move her body. She was about to get out of the room from the door when Luna suddenly hold her up from her waist and start to carry her on her shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

''Wha... What are you doing?! Let me go!'' Robin yelled out as she was panicking. She wanted to use her powers, but Luna's skeleton bracelet that was coming in contact with her made her powerless.

''You're going to caught if you go from there'' Luna said calmly as she was running fastly, passing away the dead bodies that were laying on the ground with the pool of blood under them. The two of them were the only alive ones, and the only voices were Robin's panicking yellings and Luna's jingling anklets.

Just the moment Luna jumped off the window and start to run towards her boat that was on the other side of the island with Robin on her shoulder

''Where are you taking me?!'' Robin asked/yelled again. She was thinking Luna was there to kill her or take her to the Grant Kingdom to use her. She had a lot of bad thoughts in her mind as she was looking quite scared

''Oh, I'm kidnapping you!'' Luna said jokingly, but Robin took it real as she began to panic more and tried to made Luna let her go, but Luna just laughed at her little joke.

When they finally came where the boat is, Luna made a thoughtful face as she was thinking what to do while Robin was still struggling on her shoulder. She, in the end, decided to take the cuff bracelet from her little cabin and put it around Robin's wrist.

After she put the weakened Robin, the two paddle wheels each side of the boat start to rotate and she sat back of the wheel to steer the boat while Robin was trying to take the bracelet off. Not that she was doing good though since her hand was shaking whenever she tried to touch the cuff, and she was feeling so weak to take it off.

Luna glance at the serious-looking Robin as she was still struggling ''Oh, come on...'' she let a sigh as she also got Robin's attention, causing her to move back from Luna ''It was a joke you know?'' She asked with a tilted head as she looked at Robin ''What am I supposed to do with you anyway? I only take you because you would be caught. What were you thinking... standing like that... Did you wanted to die?''

'I was surprised because of you.' Robin mused but she didn't say anything.

Seeing Robin was staring at her and looking like she doesn't believe her ''Fine..'' Luna let a sigh ''I will let you go on the next island.'' She glanced at her ''The closest one you prefer I guess?'' but Robin didn't answered as Luna went on ''And I will take that off'' she pointed out the cuff bracelet ''But you have to promise me that you won't try to kill me in my sleep or something'' She made a big smile before she also added ''I like to sleep peacefully!''

Robin look at Luna as if trying to figure out what she was thinking, and after a while later, Robin nod her head as she didn't say anything, only causing Luna to sigh again, but she took the cuff off.

The moment it was gone, Robin felt like she could move as she wanted now ''Was that sea stone?'' she asked, looking calmer now. Though she didn't believe Luna and was still thinking to run somehow, she wasn't stupid to do something at that moment. Luna had sea stone if she guessed right, and she saw how easily she killed those men from the organization and marines.

''Yeah,'' Luna casually said with a shrug ''Is it your first time to see?'' she asked with a tilted head as she sat in front of Robin.

''Yeah... I was heard of it, but...'' Robin trailed off as she looked at Luna.

The island was now lost on the horizon and Luna was sitting in front of her. Rather too close for Robin's comfort though. She was sitting on her butt as she was hugging her legs and looking at Robin as if she was something like a rare gem or something she saw for the first time. She was literally examining her with curiosity and amusement clear eyes.

''Why are you loo...'' Robin was asking but before she continued

''Are you hungry?'' Luna asked as she suddenly got up on her feet and begin to walk towards the little cabin on the boat

''No... I'm fine'' Robin slowly said, causing Luna to shrug and say okay before she came back from her cabin with a glass and a whiskey bottle, causing Robin to slightly frown as she saw she started to drink

'I thought she was fifteen...' Robin mused as she looked at Luna. Sure there could be someone else with white hair and blue eyes but not with that ring. She was definitely the princess and it meant that she was fifteen years old

''If you really weren't there for me, why did you came?'' Robin asked, not taking her eyes of Luna and still sitting as far as away from her

''Oh... you didn't know?'' Luna asked casually, looking so relaxed. After seeing Robin's confused eyes ''That organization steal from our ship...'' causing Robin's eyes to got widen for a moment as she remembered the boss came with a huge amount of money just a couple of days before. She didn't know where that was coming though as she wasn't interested, but she remembered how he was looking sure that no one would notice and actually proud of something.

''But you didn't take the money back...?'' Robin stated as it also sounded like a question, like asking why

''Who cares about money?'' Luna asked nonchalantly, looking like she could care less about it

''But...'' Robin trailed off as she thought that then why she came to attack then

''It was just to teach a lesson...'' Luna shrugged if off as Robin just silently look at her and thought that they were really dangerous. They didn't cared but killed them anyway...

They didn't talk much after that. Luna silently watched the sea and drink her whiskey while steering the ship from time to time as she was also looking at her compass that she was using as a necklace. And Robin has silently watched her all the time.

After Luna finally slept, Robin used her powers to search around the boat for a moment. There wasn't much of a thing. From what she could say, there was a bat, a mallet, and a rifle. She had just a couple of cloths and some necessary things to sail. She also found another bracelet with three little glass orb sitting on top, and needles floating inside the middle of the orbs suspended from tops by a thin piece of wires. She also found something similiar. There were two, an hourglass-like shape with only one orb in the middle of it. There was name on them but she didn't know these names. She didn't know what these were, so she just let go of them.

She also found a little of bit money and a notebook. She thought that it was a diary or a logbook with the full moon and the eye symbol in the middle of the moon that was engraved on the diary. She tried to read it, but when she opened it, she couldn't read anything since she didn't know the language that was written. She also couldn't find anything to eat except for some chocolate.

So, having found nothing, she just keep sitting and watched the sea and starry sky all night. She couldn't even sleep as she was also occasionally checking Luna.

xxx

When the sun was starting to rise, Robin was watching Luna with a thoughtful expression. The sea was perfectly calm, like a peaceful lake. A line of darker blue marked the curve of the horizon as the waves seemed to sleep. Similar to the girl who's sleeping so peacefully for someone having a stranger on her boat. And with the first rays of sun hit her face, Luna opened her eyes with a yawn.

She was stretching her body while yawning when she saw Robin was staring at her without even blinking, and Robin was actually surprised that Luna was looking at her like she's trying to figure out what's going on and who Robin was.

''Oh... right...'' Luna said in a low tone before she made a big smile ''Good morning!''

'She forgot...' Robin mused with a sweatdrop the moment Luna's stomach growled

''Ahhh... I'm hungry'' as she was holding her stomach, she glanced at Robin as if asking if she was also hungry.

''I'm fine,'' Robin said with a flat tone, causing Luna to blink and look at her weirdly

''Well... your choice'' as she shrugged, she got into the cabin and came back full of chocolates in her hands

''For now, these are the only things I have'' she said as she tossed some chocolate towards Robin and started to eat hers while she was also looking at the map

After looking at it for a while later, ''Hmm... The closest island seems like on the east...'' she then turned to Robin, who's looking like if she should eat the chocolate or not ''It's not poisonous, you know..? Anyway, what do you think?'' as she showed the map to Robin

''Which island is it?'' Robin asked as she studied at the map. The closest island was indeed on the east, but there was no name on it.

''I don't know,'' Luna shrugged before she took a bite from her chocolate, ''We can go another one if you want?''

Robin opened the bar of chocolate as she was considering it for a moment. ''No, it's fine.'' though Luna indeed looked like she wasn't planing anything, Robin just wanted to go and didn't want a trouble

''Alright! To the east then!'' Luna said with a big smile as she made a sharp turn with the little wheel, causing Robin to hold onto the side of the boat.

x

...The flat sea stretched in all directions was signaling that they were still away from their destination. The afternoon sun was scattering diamonds across the ocean's surface. Seagulls wheeled overhead, carried by the cool ocean breeze as Robin was sitting on the boat all alone.

She was looking at the weel that become a hanger for the kimono Luna was wearing before. She said that she is hungry, and there was no chocolate left, so she decided to dive into the ocean and found something to eat. She was under the sea for close to ten minutes now, and Robin was starting to think that maybe she died. She was debating to take the boat and go when suddenly a whale as large as a ship emerged from the sea.

Robin's eyes got widen, and her body moved immediately to the wheel as she was thinking to run. Until she heard the cheerful voice...

''Woah... thanks, cutie!'' the joyful voice of Luna made her turned to look at the whale with more focused eyes, and a moment later, Luna popped out of its back. And with a blank face, Robin began to stare at Luna, who's riding a young island whale, if Robin guessed right, while holding a big fish as she was only wearing black boy short, and a black, tight, thin-strapped crop top.

Luna was also looking at Robin while blinking. She was all on fours as her one arm was reached towards the wheel but frozen as she was looking at Luna with a blank expression.

As the two of them were silently looking at each other, suddenly another whale's voice came to their ears, and an enormous whale started to emerge below the sea, causing the young whale that Luna was riding to turn towards there.

''Seems like they came to take you...'' Luna murmured with a slight smile. She jumped off the whale and landed on the boat as Robin moved to the side. She was looking at the whales and Luna, who's waving her hand, ''Thanks again!'' as the whales also made a sound as if saying goodbye and somehow looking happy

''Were you leaving?'' Luna asked after the whales gone. She didn't seem like she cared though, as she already took the dagger that was strapped in a hostler on her right mid-thigh leg and started to slice the fish

''You were underwater for almost ten minutes. I thought you were dead'' Robin said with a dull tone as she glanced at the dagger in Luna's hand

''I can hold my breath quite long'' Luna said with a big smile, looking like she really didn't care about the fact that Robin was leaving her behind.

As Robin was watching her, Luna was still cutting the big fish. She might hold her breath for a long time, but she couldn't swim like a fish. While she was trying to catch something eat, seeing Luna having trouble, the young whale caught a big fish for her and even carried her to the surface.

After cutting the fish to pieces, Luna unsheathed her katana start to put the slices on the katana's blade. She was looking like doing a long shish kebab, causing Robin to made a confused face as she was also looking at Luna weirdly, trying to understand what exactly she was doing. It didn't take long for her to understand, as the katana was suddenly on fire with blood red flames, causing Robin to get away a little with a surprised face.

''Wha... How..? You're not even a devil fruit user...'' Robin stuttered, causing Luna to turned to look at her as her flames disappeared since the fish was already cooked with the highly heated flames.

'Right, it should be unusual for the people on the four blues...' Luna mused before she shortly answered to Robin ''It's not a devil fruit, it's just a sword style'' she said with a slight smile before she took a piece from the blade and pointed to Robin, looking like she's waiting for her to take a slice too as she was already started to eat the piece she took

Robin blinked a couple of times before she took a piece of fish meat from the blade ''I can even use ice!'' Luna cheerfully said after seeing that Robin took a bite ''But not now... It didn't awaken yet,'' as she looked thoughtful for a moment. It had been two months that Luna awakened her flames, and she didn't know when the cold ones would be awakened.

Robin, on the other hand, was looking still surprised as she was slowly chewing the fish. 'Being able to use two elements...' she pondered with an unbelievable look. Robin didn't know how Luna was able to do it, but she slightly calmed down after thinking over it. She thought that it was just on her katana, so it shouldn't be that effective, but the flames that the color of blood she saw for a moment, looked indeed dangerous...

x

They could finally see the island after a whole day sailing. The sun was about to set, but for the last hour, it didn't matter since the skies were closed with grey clouds. The storm was coming. There were growling, ominous dark clouds gathering above, looming over them.

As they got close to the island and docked some empty shore ''Are you sure? We can go to another island'' Luna said as she looked at the big marine base that was clearly visible.

Robin also look there with narrowed eyes but turned her head to the other side of the island. ''It's fine, I can escape from them. I will take a boat and leave'' she said as she jumped off the boat. Luna was still on the boat and was looking at Robin's back when Robin suddenly turned to look at Luna

''Thank you.'' causing Luna to made a surprised face ''Though it was your fault that I couldn't run since your coming was quite a surprise, you still helped me, and bring me until here. So, thank you.'' She was indeed thought that Luna was there for her at the beginnning and didn't trust her. Luna wasn't asked her anything as she also barely talk and it felt good. In the short time Robin was with Luna, she felt like she could finally relaxed and take a breath after such a long time.

'So it was my fault...?' Luna mused with a sweatdrop, she thought that it would be a cool entering like that and she didn't know Robin was there, but she made a big smile ''Sure! Be careful and don't get caught!'' as she waved her hand, causing Robin to made a little smile for the first time as she turned her back and walk towards the place that was the opposite side of the marine base.

After Robin dissapeared from her sight, 'Is this 80th Branch marine base...?' Luna mused again before she looked up at the dark clouds that looked to be some evil omen. As she looked at the clouds for a while longer ''Right... it was my fault... And I'm the one who brought her here'' she talked herself as she took the blue sash from the floor of her boat, and start to wrap around her as she was wearing her kimono like a jacket up until now.

''I'm just going to be sure she's gone safely...'' Luna talked herself again as she jumped off the boat and started to walk towards the direction Robin walked before.

Most of the island was a marine base, and there was just a little town on the other side of the island. People of that town thought that they were the safest ones as there were a lot of marines there.

Luna was walking on the streets as there weren't a lot of people there since the storm was coming, but the jingling bell sound she was causing was getting the people's attention. When Luna saw some fruit seller old man that was trying to close his stand, she walked towards there.

The old man look towards her when he heard the sound of the jingling bells.

''Hey, old man!'' Luna greeted him with a big smile ''I'm looking for a woman with raven hair and blue eyes... Did you see someone like her?'' causing the old man eyes to widen with a gasp

''Why... do you look for her young girl?'' seeing his reaction, Luna slightly frowned. She held up her left hand and reach to the apples on the stand and took one while she was tossing a coin with her right hand.

''Did you see her or not?'' Luna asked with an emotionless face now, completely different from the first time she greeted the old man as she took a bite from the red apple. The old man's eyes were on her left hand from the moment Luna took the apple. More specifically on the ring on her index finger

''The marines took her'' The man answered immediately before he quickly began to close his stand

'She caught that quick!?' Luna thought as she was almost comically fell over. She looked at the enormous marine base for a moment with a thoughtful look on her face as she was biting her apple. 'Well, even though she must be good at running and hiding... there must be a lot of marines...' with a thoughtful look, she started to walk towards the marine base

x

'I should agree to go to another island...' Robin thought as she was looking down with an emotionless face.

She was sitting on the cold floor as her arms were wide open and cuffed from her writs. As she was sitting there, she suddenly felt tired. What was she even waiting for? She was running for years now, and she was finally captured. Isn't better if she would die?

She let a sigh as she lifted her head and looked at the ceiling. It was at that moment, she heard the screams coming from the upper floors. She was wondering what's going on now when she began to hear the jingling sounds. She started to look at the bars in front of her while listening to the men screaming in agony, pistols shoots, and sword clashing sounds. And she could say she was getting close as the bells sound getting more clear.

Just a little longer later, she heard the wet step sounds that were mixed with the jingling bells before she suddenly appeared in front of the bars. She has drenched in blood. Her white hair was looking red as some blood splashed on her face too, but she was smiling when she talked to Robin.

A kind smile that looked too absurd but also somehow fitting on her blood dyed form.

''I thought I told you to be careful not to get caught'' Luna said as Robin was looking at her. She was completely caught out off guard.

Before Robin could answer her, Luna suddenly held up her katana and cut the bars. She walked towards Robin while whistling and rotating a key chain around her finger, causing a clinking sounds. After she released Robin from the sea stone cuffs, she threw the keys away and began to walk out.

Robin, who's shocked, slowly followed Luna and get off there as well, but stopped and looked Luna's back with a stoic face. She could finally see the dead men on the floor. They were headless or cut very deeply. She could see that Luna walked off on their blood as her wet steps were caused by the blood on her bare feet. She was also leaving bloodstained footprints on the floor.

''Why did you come back to save me?''

Luna stopped after she heard Robin's emotionless question. There was no voice except the dripping blood from Luna's katana.

''I don't like when others touch the life I saved once'' Luna said as she sounded happy like always, but Robin frown at this

''That's not all there is'' she said as she sounded determined to learn

Everything up until now was confused her. Robin wasn't an idiot. Luna was shocked to see Robin for the first time and saved her. She was even brought her to here without waiting or asking anything. She knew that if she wanted to go to another island, even it was far away, Luna would take her. Why would she? She was the princess of Grant Kingdom, there was no way she would do something for someone else without expecting anything. And here she was, saving her again. She wouldn't buy that Luna just felt bad or responsible. There was something else, and she wanted to know.

Luna turned to look at Robin. Her smile has vanished, and for the first time, Robin saw her serious and emotionless face. She had such a piercing gaze that would make wonder people just how many men have this young girl killed to cast such a piercing gaze.

Robin was right, that's not all there was. Robin was one of the future Straw Hat Pirates. She already had a beautiful future ahead of her that Luna would never try to change. However, Luna also believed that as long as Robin didn't die, it wouldn't matter if she left Robin here or not. She believed in fate, and she thought that Robin's destiny was with them. So, no matter what, Robin would met with them.

Of course, she felt responsible and came to save Robin, but Luna's real reasons to save Robin and keep her alive were entirely different.

''A promise,'' Luna said with her emotionless face and empty voice before she turned to look ahead. ''I came to fulfill a promise that broken long ago.'' as she started to walk, not waiting for Robin to say anything

'Promise?' Robin was confused more than ever, but she knew it wasn't time for questions at the moment since she could hear the more marines were coming. She followed Luna upstairs without saying anything, and what she saw there was surprised her once again. Most of the marines were burned down instead of cut.

However, they had no time to look around as the marines already began to attack them. Luna was cutting as she was also shooting her pistol while Robin was using her powers, making a lot of them fall unconscious. With the number of marines increasing without stopping, Luna suddenly stopped fighting as she was also run out of the bullets.

''Robin,'' Luna said as she suddenly on fire now, shocking Robin, who's looking at the flames that were starting to spread around ''Why don't you go ahead? I saw some fishing boats on the shore of the town. If you want, you can take it and leave now'' she was talking while she was ignoring the marine's yelling as the close ones to her were starting to burn by her blood-red flames.

For Robin, it was hard to focus what Luna was saying as Luna kept talking ''Or, you can come with me...'' getting Robin's full attention now ''I'm going to the Grand Line. It would be better for you to be there than here. I can drop you off on the road if you want'' she finished with a smiling look and not giving Robin to time to say anything ''Now, get out of here because I'm about to destroy it'' she said with a smile that looked so excited.

Robin looked at Luna for a moment before she made her way outside. With the help of Luna, there was no one to stop her. The last thing she heard before she left was the marine's questions as to why she was doing this to them, and Luna's laughings.

It wasn't even five minutes she was out. She was stopped and began to look at the base after she ran as far as she could and reached a safe distance. She was never wronged like this before, while thinking Luna shouldn't be that dangerous or powerful when she saw the flames on her katana before.

She heard people say that when you die, you will meet a robed skeleton holding a scythe. As Robin was standing under the heavily pouring rain that the storm finally brought, she thought that the Grim Reaper's scythe that would take souls would be very busy that day.

Burning inferno. The blazing hot blood-red flames were engulfing everything in its path. The enormous marine base of the West Blue was struggling to stay up, but all the sparks burst out was devouring the woods and stones hungrily, as if expressing all its rage and wrath.

That was not just fire. It was death.

She wasn't the only one who was watching. All of the civilians were also watching from afar as the bright, menacing flames were even visible from a distance. Under the sudden rain, people watched in upmost horror as they witnessed the fire swallowed the entire building. The first long low rumbles of thunder and the violent, unforgiving wind that was racing through the streets were mixing the burning inferno instead put it down. And like helping it, the thunder swallowed the screams of the dying men.

Luna slowly walked out from the flames that reminded her of one of the dearest people that she didn't even know his name. She thought the fire was the most beautiful weapon of them all. It would always shine. It was so warm, so lovely, so welcoming, and so free. She turned and looked her back to see the flames leaped and danced as they consumed, radiantly beautiful in their destruction. Blood red flames jumped and spread ever higher until the entire structure was engulfed in a blazing, explosive inferno. The sight was eerily beautiful under the raging storm.

Luna once again turned her back and started to walk towards her boat as she slowly began to sheathed her katana.

She didn't see Robin, but she saw some people from the town on her way back.

''There was no survivor,'' she said as her lips made a small smile under her left index finger.

It was a clear message for the people there. 'Don't talk about the raven-haired woman.'

Robin watched until the ferocious flames of the fire died down. The fire was left only ashes behind, grey and empty, to be blown away on the wind. She didn't know what to do. Should she took a boat and leave now, or should she go and meet with her?

'Promise...' Robin mused with a thoughtful look. She wondered what that was about, and wanted to learn. 'And the Grand Line...' She was already planning to go there for a while. Wouldn't be safer to go with her?

Her feet moved on its own as deep down, she was already decided.

x

Luna was holding the rope attached to the boat for not wanting it to go away with the crazy waves caused by the storm. She was waiting for Robin, but she wasn't sure if she would come, and she couldn't wait there for long since other marines would soon come to learn what happened. She was debating if she should go or wait a little longer when she heard the step sounds.

''Are you coming?'' Luna asked with a big smile on her face as Robin was looking at her with a blank look

''I want to learn the promise that broken long ago'' Robin said bluntly as she took a couple of steps towards Luna but she stopped and slightly frown when she saw Luna's smile is gone again, and there were barely visible glints of sadness in her eyes

Luna honestly didn't know what to do. That's why she really didn't want to meet with Robin. She knew she didn't need to feel this way, but she couldn't help it. She also knew that if they met in the future, it would be easier because she knew that Robin wouldn't care, but Robin at the moment was different from the future. What if she hated her? Blame her? Just like she blamed herself even though she knew she wasn't the blame.

Luna let a long sigh before she turned to the boat and get ready to jump on it ''If you want, I will tell you''

After Luna jumped on the boat Robin also followed her, and the two of them stared to sail away from the island on the dark sea and angry rolling waves.

When they get away from the island and finally started to sail on the more calm waters under the shining moon and stars, Luna started to talk about the past that many others didn't know. It was a long story, but Luna told Robin everything she could tell.

As Robin was listening to the story, a lot of her questions were answered. She was excited at some points and disappointment at some. She was smiled and got sad, and when the story was ended, for the first time in a long time, tears were flowing down from her eyes. She felt overwhelming at the sight of Luna was saying sorry, bowing her head while looking she was really meaning.

She had complicated feelings. She was running and hiding for a long time, and she was finally getting used to hide her emotions. But at that moment, everything came out. She was having a lot of emotions at the same time. She was angry and sad. She didn't know who to blame but she also knew Luna wasn't at fault. She wasn't even born at that time and it was all in the past now. That's why Robin smiled between her tears.

Luna was also smiled after a while later. She felt like something heavy was lift up from her heart. It was the first honest and real smile she made in the last six months after her brother's death. She felt relieved when Robin said it wasn't something Luna should say sorry. No matter what things in the past couldn't change. What happened has already happened.

After a silent moments later, ''So, Rio Poneglyph does exist'' Robin whispered to herself as tears leaked out from her eyes once again ''I had given up hope but...''

''Yeah, it does exist,'' Luna also whispered back

''If what you say is true, I need to begin searching for the rest of the Poneglyphs,'' Robin said as she began drying her tears ''The moment I get in the Grand Line, I have to go'' sounding excited now

''You need to calm down and take it slow'' Luna said as she lay down and look at the stars ''The Poneglyphs aren't going anywhere. You need to take this one step at a time if you don't want unwanted attention. Or you might end up like Mason.'' causing Robin to flinch for a moment ''And... You can't blindly go after them, you also need to see the world.''

''Don't you also wonder the rest?'' Robin asked after she stared at Luna for a moment and sit more relaxingly

''Who knows...'' Luna whispered ''I used had a dream...to see the end. You know I wanted to see the world after everything. I wanted to see how the world is going to end up when the truth came out, and everything is said and done...''

Robin looked at Luna who's slowly talking ''Why are you talking about like you don't want it anymore?''

''Not that I don't want it, but it's more like... I throw away and started to forget'' Luna murmured as she was watching the sky with an empty eyes

''I don't think it's true'' Robin said with a sigh as she also looked at the sky ''Maybe you wanted to save me for that promise, but also maybe, deep down you saved me for your dream...'' causing Luna's eyes to slide to her '' 'When the truth came out,' you're talking about the true history, right?'' not looking like she was waiting for an answer as she went on ''Don't you think that our dreams are bounded somehow?... I'm the only one left who can read the Poneglyphs, and you wanted to see afterward as someone who knows whereabouts of the Poneglyps...''

They both had similar dreams. Sure Luna's father also knew about the Poneglyphs, but he didn't have the dream Luna had. Robin was the only person who can make Luna's dream come true, and Luna was the only person who can really help Robin.

For a second, Robin thought how funny they both also give up but deep down didn't give up...

''Bounded dreams, huh...'' Luna whispered with a slight smile. Maybe Robin was right, but it didn't change anything for Luna. She had many more important things than her dream, she had priorities and she didn't think that she will ever be able to go after her dream since she didn't believe she could stay alive with these priorities.

It was better to forget about it.

She didn't say anything to Robin what she was thinking. Instead, they started to talk about other things. Luna didn't say anything about what happened in the Void Century. It was Robin's dream and she had to learn about them herself. But she talked about the other things about the Poneglyphs, like the Kozuki Clan, the ones who created all of the Poneglyphs. Robin was quite excited to go to the Wano country, but she was dishearted after she heard that place was where one of the Four Emperors, Kaido of the Beasts, lived.

Well, Luna tried to make her happy, saying that she was sure she could go there one day in the future...

x

On the other hand, marines came to see what happened to the 80th Branch marine base. They were quite shocked and baffled when they saw there was nothing left. The civilians told them they don't know anything since there was no survivor, and even though they knew that girl was the princess, the only thing they say, it was a young girl who's wearing an eye symbol.

For the people of the West Blue, there was nothing scarier than the Grant Kingdom, so they didn't even budge when they were lying.

xxx

''I can't believe we didn't take any food before we left that island...'' Luna whined while her stomach was growling

''The food never crossed in my mind while we were on that island...'' Robin slowly said. The food was the last thing she would be thinking while she was captured and watching that flames.

''The light brown-haired one is getting in'' Luna suddenly said. She was looking through a little blue telescope that weird writings and symbols on it while Robin's eyes were closed as her arms crossed in front of her chest. She was seemingly concentrating.

''I can see them all now'' Robin informed Luna,

''You know, your powers are really cool~!'' Luna said as she let go of the telescope and get ready to dive ''I'm going then!'' and with this, she suddenly dived into the sea and swim towards to the ship

And so, their 'Operation Kinnaping ver 47' as Luna called it started.

x

''Hey... Do you guys hear the bell sounds?'' one of the men asked as he look around

''Yeah, I hear it too'' another agreed with him as he also look around

Soon everyone on the deck started to figure out where the jingling sounds were coming, which it didn't take long since suddenly a girl come out.

''Huh...'' she let a tired sigh ''I really don't like the climb the ships like this...''

''What the...? Who are you?'' one of the men asked with a surprised look on his face

''Oh! Hello gentlemen!'' she waved her hand with a big smile on her face ''Sorry to disrupt in the early morning like this, but I have decided to take this ship! I hope you guys have some food by the way!'' shocking them as they yelling at her what she was talking about, but she didn't want to waste more time as she suddenly launched towards them and knock them out.

It wasn't too hard since it was a surprise attack and they weren't that strong. While she was knocking them out, a man with light brown hair was also run out of inside the cabin on the ship. He was yelling with a horror-filled look, saying that there were arms and eyes in the room and throwing every den den mushi they had out of the window, which he was fell unconscious after hands suddenly popped out of his body

After she became sure that everyone was out of cold ''Hey, Robin! It's clear now!'' she shouted out, causing Robin to put down her hands and open her eyes before she turned the wheel and sail towards the big ship.

Right... It was just after the dawn and Robin and Luna were kidnapping a marine ship.

Originally, while Luna was sailing through to go back to her home, she was suddenly decided to go and meet Hawk-Eye. It was a whim that suddenly came out of nowhere. So, she was called her father to inform him and actually get permission. Well, he didn't disagree, but since Luna was going on a long trip, he gave her missions. Like sending her to the Toroa island... He also told her to go to the New World and attend a meeting there.

Luna was wanted her ship since she was going to need to get through Calm Belt in the end, and her ship had sea stone coating like most of the ships they had. She was also going to need a ship to get through the Red Line, and she was actually excited to see the Fishman island. But, her father said no. He told her to climb the Red Line and swim over the Calm Belt. He even told her that it's a good opportunity for training. The only thing he did was to send two Eternal Poses. One for the island the meeting was going to happen, and the other was for some other mission.

She wasn't surprised at what her father told her. It wasn't an impossible feat, and Luna wanted to be stronger, so she was said okay. But, these were impossible for her to do with Robin coming along. So, she decided to change the plans. She gave up her decision to go through the Reverse Mountain for the first time to not the risk for anyone to find out Robin. Reverse Mountain was watched and she didn't want a tail.

She also didn't want to risk to get through the Calm Belt with their boats. So, deciding to steal a sea stone coated marine ship, they were watching them for a while now. Robin was actually quite shocked to find out they could get through the Calm Belt like this, and Luna was told her that it was a Government secret.

While Luna was watching them with a telescope, Robin was popped out eyes and find the Transponder Snails, and get rid of them, so that the marines couldn't communicate with anyone. It wouldn't be good for them to learn that Luna and Robin were going into the New World in the end. Luna was also didn't kill the marines since she wanted to use them to sail the ship. It would be hard just for her and Robin to do it.

After Robin also came abroad the ship, Luna pulled the boat on the deck. It took some time since it was heavy. And without waiting for the marines to wake, Robin and Luna started to sail through the Calm Belt.

It was smooth sailing. Marines were wake up at some point and were panicked when they found out they were sailing through the Calm Belt. They tried to attack Luna and Robin, but they had defeated. They were just low ranked marines, who's inspecting outside of the Calm Belt. They had never been in there, they were just close, so they were actually scared. In the end, the poor souls used to help to sail and prepare meals and drinkings. Some of them were faint when a sea king suddenly popped out, but Luna took care of it. She has burned it and eat it with them.

Thanks to the sea stone coating, there weren't many attacks like that. Apart from the daily things, Luna was teaching Robin the language she used in her diary. Robin was asked about it at some point and Luna was said she created it. It wasn't true, but she was the only one who can use that language, if it would be known, she would be known as it's creator anyway. She also explained to her about the Log Pose and the Eternal Pose, and what kind of place the New World was, which was basically a sea ruled by the Four Emperors.

They had sailed without stopping as they didn't want to get Sea King's attention, but even without stopping it took a little more than a week to finally reach the New World.

''Waah! The weather of the New World didn't change at all!'' Luna said with a laugh as her arms were wide open

As soon as they get out from the Calm Belt, a storm was welcomed them

''This is crazy'' Robin murmured as she looked around. She was holding on with her powers. It was the first time she had ever seen a storm like this

They couldn't tell where the grey skies ended and the grey seas began. Grey clouds were swirling in a tumult of stormy air above, blue-grey waves swirled below, crashing into the side of the ship. There was heavy rain, loud thunders, crazy winds and they could even see a couple of big whirlpools ahead of them

'We really are on the Grand Line!' was the thoughts of every marine. They were shaking all over with terrified expressions.

''Alright! Put out the sail and turn the...umm'' Luna took out the eternal pose and look at it for a moment ''This way!'' as she pointed out their right side

'What kind of order is that?! She sucks at sailing!' every marine thought with their mouth hanging open

Seeing that the ship didn't turn, Luna look at her back ''What are you doing? Do you want to capsize?'' She was looking unnaturally calm

''I wonder how long would it take for us to die after we pulled into that whirlpool...'' Robin said calmly and thoughtfully, causing everyone to sweatdrop

'She is scary!' marines thought again

They were all used to it somehow. Robin was saying things like this when they were sailing the Calm Belt. Like, 'I wonder how long would take us to digested' that was the first thing Robin said when they saw the first sea king, and it was just the beginning.

After Robin's morbid comment, everyone started to run over the deck and the ship finally turned starboard. They sailed under the raging storm for a couple of hours and the weather was suddenly turned into a good one, surprising everyone except Luna.

Seeing the weather turned into a normal one, she told the marines to prepare their boat and actually made them happy since they were finally leaving them alone. Though, it was short-lived happiness. After Robin get on the boat, Luna looked at the marines

''Sorry, guys... Really, it's not like I have anything against you... But, I can't take a risk'' Luna slowly said as she unsheathed her katana ''You guys were just unlucky.'' and without giving them to time to understand what's going on, Luna's flames burst out and started to burn down the ship

They were heard a lot and Luna couldn't let them report that she and Robin were together. They were really unlucky.

After Luna also get on the boat, they continued to follow the Eternal Pose that is pointing towards Birmingdurn Island.

xxx

''What are you going to do here?'' Robin asked as she look at the island that they were coming close. It was a big island and her first island in the New World

''I have someone to kill. A traitor is reported to hiding here...'' Luna answered with a thoughtful look as she was remembered what her father said ''Well, this island is under Kaido's protection, so I guess he thought it's a good place to hide...'' causing Robin's to turn towards her with an incredible pace

''Isn't dangerous?'' as she was looking worried now

''Nah,'' Luna nonchalantly said while waving her hand like it's not important ''He only took this island because they make good sake, or so I heard... There won't be someone strong from his crew...''

''I see...'' Robin murmured, but her worry was still there.

x

They were walking towards the city as Luna was quite cheerful. It was night time and after they anchor their boat, they learn that they came on the day of the festival, causing Luna to fill with energy and forget about the mission

''Festival!'' Luna said with a big smile and shiny eyes as she saw at the scene in front of her

It was truly a big festival. Apparently, they were celebrating the day Kaido took the island under his protection. The streets were colorful, music was loud, people were dancing, and there was food stand everywhere. But what took Luna's all attention was the enormous dragon puppet the people made it move. There was a huge fire and people were carrying the dragon around it while dancing.

Not just her eyes but even the air around her was shinning at the sight she saw

''Robin! Look! A dragon!'' Luna said excitedly as she was pulling Robin along while pointing the dragon. In Robin's eyes, she looked like a little child, but she was also excited. It was the first time for her to see something like this.

''Yeah, it's impossible not to see'' she said with a slight smile as she was also looking at the big dragon puppet that was twirling around the big bonfire

''Ah, right!'' Luna suddenly made a face like she remembered something ''Calling your name might get attention! How about I call you...'' she made a thoughtful face for a moment ''Hmm... Ro! Big sister Ro! How about it?!'' as she made a big smile, causing Robin to also smile

''It's good'' Robin simply said, but honestly, somehow she felt warm inside when Luna called her 'Big sister'

After looking around, Luna found somewhere selling masks. She was sweatdropped when she saw the masks though. They were all shaped beasts, like Dinosaurs or dragons, like representing Kaido and his crew. But, they bought it anyway.

Luna was completely forgotten about the mission and Robin was actually quite enjoying experiencing the things she saw for the first time. At some point, Luna has joined some competition about drinking sake

''Aren't you too young for this?'' Robin literally scold Luna as the crowd was cheering the competitors. She was drinking a large barrel of sake like a water

''Wahahahaha! Don't worry, big sis! The age of the body is not that important!'' Luna said between the gulps of sake, causing Robin to sweatdrop as she thought that Luna was already drunk.

It wasn't wrong. Luna was completely wasted that day and was woke up with a great headache. She was even messed up with the mission and the mission that should take a day was ended in two days. They were on the island for three days and people knew them as sailors and sisters somehow.

After three days later, they quickly fleed from the island because Luna ended up killing Kaido's minions too, and not wanting to caught or to be known, they were escaped.

xxx

''What do you think?'' Luna asked as she turned to Robin

It's been two weeks since they left Birmingdurn Island. They were stopped on an island as they used the log pose. Since they were run from Birmingdurn Island, they forget to take food, and Luna was said they need some clothes, so they had to stop on another island. Considering the fact that they were traveling together for a month now, they were more casual with each other and more relaxed

''You look...'' Robin look at her while blinking ''...handsome?'' as she wasn't sure.

Well, she sure looked like a handsome young boy. She was wearing some white long-sleeved t-shirt and black trousers along with black laced boots. She also had an old looking black coat that was coming under her hips. her blue sash was there and holding her katana and her pistol. She was take off her insignia ring and put it into her sash. But above anything, she was wearing a wig. She was looking like a blond young boy. She was even wearing some sunglasses to hide her eyes

''Really?'' Luna asked excitedly ''You know, I look like a carbon copy of my grandpa! Which means that I'm a prince charming right now!'' she declared while posing, causing Robin to sweatdrop

''Why are you disguising?'' Robin asked as she looked at the eternal pose that the name of 'Jolmere Haven' imprinted on it. ''Didn't you say this island belongs to the Grant Kingdom?''

While Robin was making sure that they were on course, Luna threw a cloak to Robin ''It's not completely like that... Jolmere Haven was always there and the kingdom was poor. The underworld system is mainly set in here, the New World, and we're living in the West Blue. So my father wanted somewhere in here he can use as his main base. We have allies and could use their islands, but father never trusted them...'' 'and he was right' Luna mused as her eyes suddenly got cold

Robin, who's blankly looking at Luna, wondered if she remembered Adalstienn Euseby. It had been seven months now since the prince died. Luna didn't seem sad or anything but one couldn't be sure, and seeing her cold eyes... There were a lot of rumors going on about Grant D. Leo's death, and truthfully, it was unnerving to bring up about him...

Robin's thoughts cut off as Luna went on ''He offered protection and wealth to King Malachy and he was very quick to take it. After that, my father built an underground city there. It's not known publicly and even if they know, they don't talk about it much. Though he built it, it's more like a free zone. We just use it when we're here. You can say that it's more like a business partnership...?'' causing Robin to made an understanding voice ''And I want to stay in disguise for a while to see how everything is going on'' causing Robin to look at her weirdly now.

Up until now, Robin never saw Luna act like a princess. Sure there were times Luna looked serious or even crazy, but she was more like a girl who lives freely and she was quite careless. Whatever she had done up until now, were all looked like her whims. And now, she was saying something made her looked like she is a responsible person

''Hey...'' Luna sweatdrop as she saw Robin's look ''What's that face?''

''Nothing...''

x

After they dock their ship, a man came in front of them to ask which purpose they came to the island. He was looking quite specific since Robin was wearing a black cloak and she had a bishōnen looking boy with her.

Luna didn't say anything as she pulled a golden coin and throw to him

''Welcome to the Jolmere Haven! I hope you enjoy your time here!'' the middle-aged man said with a big, satisfied smile. His attitude was completely changed

After they walk past him without saying anything ''He sure was cheap'' Robin commented. As far as she knew, most of the man like him would want more money

''It wasn't a bribe. It was just to show that we didn't come to the Jolmere Haven, but underground city'' Luna explained as they walk through the busy streets. Almost everyone who came to the underground city was welcomed because they were the source of money. And no one in their right mind would cause a serious problem.

It was a big city. For Robin, it was the first time she had come to a city this big. There was almost everything and it was a very advanced city. There was also a lot of people. A commoner or noble and they were all walking on the same street without any problem, which was quite an unusual sight to see. The culture also seemed different and they had ended up to wander all around the country.

After they eat lunch at some restaurant, they were decided to keep wandering around for a while longer, and at the moment, Robin was watching Luna in a very shocked state

''You should be more careful'' Her voice was somehow boyish now and quite kind ''If something would happen to a young, fragile lady like you, I would be devastated'' and she smiled

'Does she even notice what she's causing... did she get in her 'Prince Charming' role too much..?' Robin mused to herself. While they were walking on the street, Luna accidentally bumped into a girl and catch her from her waist with a quick reflex.

Even though the young girl was trying to hide, Robin could swear that she saw her blushing cheeks and bleeding nose after Luna smiled her. She really wondered if Luna knew what she was doing. She saw how Luna was harsh against man, not that she cared since it was disgusting how they were acting, but Luna as a boy was turned out to be completely flirtatious.

It was a kind way but flirtatious nonetheless, and this wasn't the first time it happened. She was sure that Luna winked at the waitress when they were in the restaurant.

''Luan, we have to go'' Robin calmly called out Luna, or more specifically, Luan, since it was her name as a boy.

Luna was very poor with the namings.

''Coming, big sister!'' Luna said with a big smile before she turned to the young girl and look at her for the last time ''Be careful, young lady!'' she waved her hand and leave with Robin, leaving behind a blushing girl while Robin was thinking 'Poor girl...'

''So, his name is Luan...'' She had a dreamy look as she watched the young, blond boy left with his big sister that her face wasn't looked under the black cloak

Meanwhile, Robin was glancing at Luna, who's looking around ''Are you perhaps... into this type?''

''huh?'' Luna looked at Robin with the sudden confusing question

''I mean... Are you acting like this because you like this kind of man?'' Robin asked but sweatdropped as she saw Luna was looking very oblivious, but after a moment later, Robin shortly chuckled ''You know, I really wonder about your future partner'' She said as she sounded teasing, causing Luna to get more confused, but before she could even say something, Robin's attention stolen from the store Luna's back ''Oh, a book store...'' Robin mumbled as she started to walk towards there, leaving behind a damn confused Luna

''What was she talking about...?''

xxx

Robin looked at the sight in front of her with a bewildered look on her face. They were standing on the top of the broad and long dark brown, stone stairs and looking at the city below them.

She could see the word 'Lavaldare' on the entrance, just before the direction signs. They were pointing in every direction. From what she could see, Cage, Red District, Hotels, Bar & Casino District, Port, Auction House, Back Alley, and Fun. There were also a couple of them, but from where they were standing, she couldn't see what.

It wasn't just a small place built up the underground. It was a whole new city. It was as big as the city above them, and the moment they get in there, she felt like they went to another island. The only difference would be, there was no sky, not real at least.

It was mostly a city made of stones and woods. She could see the port that used definitely for illegal tradings. She could see the houses, hotels, restaurants, and bars. She could also see shopping malls where the fun pointing at. There was also a large structure she didn't know what. And it wasn't a dark place. There were trees on the streets, and the fruits of them were actually emitting light. It wasn't natural, she could understand that. There were also a lot of long lambs on the streets, but there were lights above them too. It was actually beautiful. The lambs above them were looking like a starry night.

''The city of always night, Lavaldare...'' Luna said slowly before she also add ''They also call it the city of never-ending nights'' she was sure the reason for that calling was quite different though...

''It suits...'' Robin also slowly said as she glanced around. It was really a fitting calling, and she actually wanted to look around, but Luna talk before she could say anything

''We actually have a home here, but since I'm in disguise, let's go and find some cheap hotel and place our things for the time being!'' She said with a big smile as she started to walk down the stairs while carrying a huge backpack.

Luna said they were going to stay on this island for at least a week, and it could be even more. She had a meeting with some people she didn't talk about it much. She only said they were somehow some important people and they will take some time to arrive. Well, Robin had no complaints. There were two big and fascinating cities to discover in the end.

After they finally found some cheap hotel, which Robin was not sure why Luna was so poor while she was a princess, they were in their not so big room and resting. She could understand why Luna choose this hotel since it was the cheapest one, but it was beyond Robin's imagination why someone would name their hotel 'PeekAboo' She thought that must be the reason why it was that cheap...

x

It was four days now that they were on the island. They were having an interesting time with a lot of things going on every day.

On the fourth day, while they were at some bar/restaurant, Robin was finally asked the large building.

''It's the Cage'' Luna nonchalantly answered as she took a bite from her chicken

''Yeah, I know... I saw the sign.'' Robin slowly said before she took a sip from her cup of coffee, ''I mean, what's the Cage? A lot of people were going there today. I saw even some people from the upper city...''

Until now, she knew every citizen of Jolmere Haven knew the Lavaldare, but she was actually surprised to see the people from there to come here.

''Oh...'' as Luna looked like now she understood, she took a gulp from her beer ''It can be called 'Cage Fight' It's a place where the fights performing. There is a large cage made of sea stone and people fighting in it while others watch and bet on them. There is always some prize for the winner in the end'' She made a smirk before she continued ''Sometimes prizes are really significant, so a lot of people join. It's one of the places where the hot money flows non-stop since there is no limit. Sometimes even the nobles come to watch or bet.''

''I see...'' Robin said slowly, looking thoughtful for a moment ''There must be some big prize then because there was really a lot of people were going in,''

''Who knows, I'm not interested in the Cage...'' Luna said as she took another gulp from her beer before she glanced at Robin's thoughtful face ''Do you wanna go and take a look?''

''Is it okay? I thought your money is ending...'' Robin said as she look around. They were in the cheapest place... Again...

''It's fine'' Luna said with a shrug, ''The handler of the Cage is also the manager of the Lavaldare. She is one of our people'' Cage, in the end, one of the places the most significant problems arose. So, for the last two months, it was managed by her.

After they finished their meal, they walked towards the most massive structure. It was in the color of dark grey and made of stone. There was a big entrance, and everybody could see the big letters on top of the gate saying 'CAGE' When they come close to the gate, unlike the people whose waiting to get in, Luna and Robin moved to the other side of them and started to stand there.

''Why are we waiting here?'' Robin asked as she gazed at the people who are getting in with payment

''I'm sure she noticed I'm here, so we're waiting for her to come and get us'' Luna casually answered

'She?' Robin mused and was about to ask Luna, but just at that moment, she got shivers down on her spine at the same time she heard the sound,

''Oh my... Look who's came!'' A woman said as she claps her hands with a smile on her red lips

She was a slender woman and as tall as Robin. Her straight, black hair cut short, coming just under her ears. Her bangs that frame her face down to her nose was glowing with its neon, light blue color. She had cat-like eyes with an amber color, and they were unnaturally glowing, making notice her black vertical pupils.

She was wearing a shiny dark purple, leather jean that was looking quite tight as a golden belt was wrapping around her hips. She was wearing a light purple, shiny top-crop that was looking like a band around her big breasts and a short jacket that was also shiny but black in color. Its hood was also dark purple as the coat was loosely worn. It was falling from her shoulders. She was wearing a shiny black, very high heel boots. There was also a thick gold choker around her neck, matching with her golden belt. And it could be seen both had eye symbol imprinted on them.

She was alluring, but something about the woman gave Robin shivers.

''I thought you're not interested in the Cage'' She said as she was looking quite happy somehow

''I want a box'' Luna said with a flat tone and started to walk past her

''Ah, how cold...~~ '' the woman said with a smirk as her piercing eyes were burning Luna's back ''And you are...?'' she looked at Robin

''Don't talk to her.'' Luna said with her flat tone again before it turned to normal as she talked to Robin ''Come on, Ro'' causing Robin to also walk past the woman.

The guards didn't stop them as the woman gestured them and said they are VIP. They walked through the wide hole, walked up the stairs, and get through the dark hallway, and finally, Luna opened some door to get in someplace looked like a small terrace. There were dark red colored curtains at the sides, and two black colored, comfortable-looking armchairs, and between the seats was a round table that was gold in color.

Luna moved and pull the handle that was attached to the wall on the right side, which was the handle for the drinks and snacks. After she took a bottle of whiskey and glass, she went and sat one of the chairs. While Robin was also moving to sit,

''Is she perhaps... Nico Robin?'' the woman asked as she followed behind them, causing Robin to flinch for a moment as she sat uncomfortably ''By the way, why did you dress up like a boy~?'' sounding like she was having fun.

''Both are not your business'' Luna said in a flat tone again ''What's the prize for today?'' as she was filling her glass

''Oh, it's a devil fruit'' the woman said as if it's nothing

''Hm... which one?'' Luna also asked casually, like it was normal

''Paramecia type, Scream-Scream Fruit.''

''That's it?'' Luna asked with a slight surprise as she was waiting for something more with all of the crowd gathered

''People always come whenever they hear the word of 'Devil Fruit' They never care which one~~ Is there anything you need, princess?'' the woman asked as she still had that smile on her lips

''No,'' Luna casually said, but just the woman opened the door to leave ''Oh, Vila'' Luna called out as she turned her head to look at Vila on her shoulder ''Tell my father, I will talk with him after the meeting'' she had cold eyes as she stared at Vila

''Sure,'' Vila plainly said, but her smile faltered for a moment

Robin didn't know what's wrong between them. She thought that maybe that's how Luna was treating her own people, but her eyes got widen when she heard the woman's name. 'Vila... One of the four commanders of the Grant Kingdom?' Robin mused to herself as she glanced at the woman once again.

After the woman finally left, Robin asked if she was that Vila,

''Yeah,'' Luna casually said as if she could care less about it

''Her eyes were... different'' Robin said thoughtfully

''You don't know?'' Luna asked as she was now looking surprised since Robin knew about her, she thought she knew this, and seeing Robin softly shook her head ''It's because of her devil fruit. Mythical Zoan, Cat Cat Fruit, Model: Nekomata.'' Luna said as she took a sip from her whiskey ''She is a two-tailed cat'' she added with a shrug,

''Mythical Zoan...'' Robin murmured with a surprised look

The four commanders of Grant Kingdom were said to be so strong. She heard that they could even fight with Admirals, so it wasn't that surprising someone like her to be here and controlling the city. Grant Kingdom's people were strong, and their weapons were scary, but the four of them and Luca were the core of their strength. She only knew one of their powers though, and Vila wasn't that one. The only thing she heard about Vila was, she was a psychopath and,

''I heard people shouldn't die when she is around...'' Robin slowly said as she also took a wine bottle. Even though it was a Mythical Zoan, she didn't understand how a cat was able to scare people like that.

''Yeah, you don't want that'' Luna said with a snicker ''Thanks to her fruit, she can control corpses with her necromantic powers like puppet-masters. She can also use blue flames to some degree...'' there were other things she could do, but these were the most she used as they were the main ones.

''Controlling the corpses...?'' Robin asked in surprise as she understood now why people saying that

''Yeah, she can even create an army made of corpses in an instant...'' as Luna was looking thoughtful, she shook her head a little ''She is a creepy one, forget it.''

Robin stared at Luna after her words. From the first moment, Robin could say something happened between them, and she didn't think Luna was acting like that because she thought Vila was creepy. Well, she also didn't like her, so she didn't say anything.

At that time, Robin didn't know why she didn't like Vila until a couple of days later. She never learned the whole thing, but she had some ideas about Luna's actions...

x

''Woohh!''

''End it!''

''Hahahaha!''

''Kill him!''

''Crush him!''

''Bahahaha! Hey, Mask! Do something!''

Hundreds of people were shouting and laughing.

Robin watched the scene with a slight frown on her face.

The Cage was a round-shaped structure. The square stage was surrounded by water, with two cardinal walkways leading to the cage. It was a big cage, and from what Luna stated, it was made of sea stone, so once two people get into the cage from both sides, and it's closed by the two beautiful women there, you couldn't get out unless one is dead or beaten up. There were five levels of seating for the audience all around the cage, and there were five monitors for the participants' announcements and presentations.

There were roughly 100,000 people in the seats, watching and betting. There were also VIP seats called boxes like Luna and Robin were inside. It was impossible for people to see who's inside of these boxes as Robin already took off her cloak. It was usually used by Nobles, important people, or wanted ones.

There was no rule. You could use any weapon. You could kill or beat. Participants would be warned by the workers of the Cage, saying that they would prefer their own fighters, fighters of the Cage, wouldn't get killed so that they could fight again and again, but they wouldn't care if they're dead anyway. As long as it's a good show, everything was free.

''It's like a show for the human nature'' Luna said as she was watching the fight with a golden lorgnette.

Robin turned her eyes to Luna, who's seeming calm as if she was watching some opera.

''Just before, they were cheering for that poor man, now they want The Mask to kill him.'' Luna calmly went on ''Blood and violence. There is nothing better to bring to the surface of human nature. They are so excited, and the excitement turns into ecstasy...''

Robin turned to look around, to the people, and to the cage.

''And with the death of the man...'' Luna went on as she watched the Mask killing the begging man with his bare fists that coated in blood ''...The ecstasy will turn into a frenzied madness.''

Robin watched the people act just like Luna said with her frowned expression.

They were cheering the Mask man as the other one was punched to the death while he was begging to the beautiful woman there to open the cage. She wasn't even fazed at the sight in front of her, and never moved as her smile also never fade.

Robin couldn't help but agree with Luna. It was madness.

The next match was the last one. The finalists were exactly the ones Luna guessed. The Mask vs. Don Chinjao. Luna didn't know what that old man was doing there. She knew they were in the West Blue just a couple of months ago. Not that she had ever met with them though, and she didn't have a desire to meet anyway.

It was a heated battle, but it got more exciting after their fists connected and caused a rippling and shockwave, cracking the air. The two women who are each side of the cage was fainted along with a lot of people

''Hooo...'' Luna made an amused smile as she watched more carefully. She knew Chinjao had it, but now she wondered who was that Mask man. It was free to hide identities. There were cases people cheer for the winner and reveal the loser's identities though.

''Is that...'' Robin asked as her voice died down in her throat

She looked at the scene with a shocked face as sweat dripping from her temple. Though she hasn't fainted like a lot of them, she got shivers all over and felt like she was going to faint.

''Conqueror's Haki... It's a clash between two Conquerors.'' Luna said with a smile as she didn't take her eyes off of them.

Robin also carefully watched, ''Isn't dangerous here?''

''Nah, we're far away enough to not be affected, and they are not 'that' powerful,'' Luna said casually, causing Robin to watch more relaxed. Well, Luna wouldn't be affected even if she was close though...

After seeing black fists, swords, or other weapons that a lot of people were using, Robin was finally asked what it was. She also saw that on the first island they went, but she didn't mind it at that time. That was the moment Robin learn about haki. And she knew what Luna meant with 'that' Surely they were strong, but not strong enough to shake the island or rip the sky in two...

The fight didn't take long, and the winner was Don Chinjao. He didn't kill the Mask even though the crowd cheered him to do it. Luna could say that he clearly came there for the devil fruit, probably even sent by his kingdom. The fruit was useless in Luna's opinion, but it could worth at least 100 or 200 million berry on the black market.

''Ohh... It's finally over...'' Luna said as she was stretching her body

They were there for two hours, and the box they were in was full of snacks and empty bottles now. Robin's stomach couldn't handle after some point though

Just they were thinking to got up and go, the door opened, and a young man with a suit came in with a golden tray in his hand.

''Congratulations of your win on the bet'' the young man said with a small, business smile, causing Luna to made a big smile and the big pouch of gold from the tray with a joyful thanks

'After everything she said... She still bet...?' Robin didn't show it, but she was actually shocked

''Now we have more money, should we go and have some fun?!'' Luna asked as she turned to look at Robin with a big, shiny smile on her face, causing Robin to sweatdrop this time

xxx

After another four days later, they were now in Grant Family's house. It couldn't call as a house if one were asked to Robin though... It was a big mansion made by shades of gray stones, and it wasn't on the same street with the other houses. It was close to the Cage, which meant that it was heavily guarded. It could even be called a little castle.

They came in there at night. Luna was said all of the people she was going to meet have finally arrived. She didn't think Luna was in the condition to meet with anyone though. Last morning, Luna was poisoned by the food she ate. And even though Luna said it was okay, not knowing what to do at the sight of the blood coughing Luna, she was about to go and find a doctor, until Vila stopped her.

She was told her to do nothing and sit like a good girl. She was menacing, and Robin couldn't do anything against her, but she was also angry for some reason that didn't hit her at that time, and she didn't understand why she was stopped. Luna might be a lot weaker than Vila, but she was still their princess. How could she just let go of Luna like that?

She was waited beside Luna all night and tried to take care of her. Not that there was much she could do for her though...

And at the moment, Robin was witnessing something she wasn't sure if she should see. She didn't want to eavesdrop, she was merely coming down the stairs at the wrong time.

''You already know it's my responsibility, your highness'' Vila stated as she was kneeling in front of Luna ''His Majesty said you were away from home more than a month now, and when I asked if I should continue for your poison immunity, he said I can'' she had a weird smile on her face as she was talking

'She was the one who poisoned Luna...?' Robin mused in shock. It made sense now why she stopped her. She was also shocked that it was practically ordered by Luna's father, and it wasn't the first time. It wasn't far-fetched to think that they were doing this to make Luna gain immunity, but it didn't felt right to Robin.

''Ohh...*cough*'' Luna's laughs were mixed with coughs, and even Robin could see the blood on Luna's hand as she was covering her mouth

She was wearing another kimono. It was in a similar design to the one she wore before, but its color was just like her flames, blood red, and it was much longer. She wasn't wearing any bells either. As her sash was on the couch, her kimono was worn like a morning grown and was sliding down from her shoulders a little, showing the bandages around her waist, left mid-thigh leg, and her left shoulder that was left from the first island they visit.

''It's not that I'm angry about'' Luna said as she down a bottle of whiskey in one gulp as if trying to get rid of the taste in her mouth. Before she walked towards Vila, Luna was trying to put the bottle on the coffee table in front of the couch, but her weak and shaking hands were not successful as the empty bottle fell on the floor and break into pieces. Not that anyone cared at that moment though

''I'm angry because you know that after everything, I don't like to get poisoned by food...And you did this when I'm about to meet with our guests'' Luna said as she came closer to Vila. She didn't want to look weak, but when she looked at the mirror just before, she saw a girl with black and green mixed rings under her eyes, and a pale face as the wiped blood was left a faint trace around her nose and mouth. She was looking like a fragile, sick girl.

She bent down and held Vila's face from her cheeks, causing her face to stain in Luna's blood a little. Her free hair fell beside Vila's face as she felt their softness just for a moment, ''And these...'' Luna's fingers moved around Vila's eyes ''I don't like the joy inside them... Did you forget why I sent you here?'' Luna asked with a smile on her face as Vila was now clearly shaking, but it wasn't from fear or something

''I think you really loved to stay here'' Luna said as her slight smile was looking evil, and her cold eyes had crazy glints inside them.

Vila was shaking with the smile on her face as she looked at the Luna, who's so close to her. As she had awe and a joyful glint in her eyes, her smile was like a pleasured one. She was looking like she was high.

Luna knew Vila didn't like her because she looked so much like her mother.

The four commanders were the strongest people in their kingdom, and they were immensely loyal and respectful to her father. But it wasn't always like that. They weren't always there, and they weren't loyal from the beginning or respectful. Her father brought them one by one in time, long ago. Even before she was born.

Vila was the third one. She ate her devil fruit at a very young age, turned into a little kitten, and trapped in that form for many years. She didn't grow up knowing humans. She lived deep in the mountains and prey on other animals, such as wild boars, dogs, bears... But those weren't the only ones. She was also preying on humans. The circumstances she lived in and the nature of her devil fruit made her be able to eat humans without any feelings, and come to be recognized as a beast.

Her father found her with a pure coincidence. She attacked Luca and even tried to eat him, but her father was the one who managed to turn her into her human form again, which she was already a young woman at that time. Seeing that her devil fruit was a rare one, and she had the potential to become very strong, her father brought her to their kingdom. Even though none of the Grant family members were devil fruit users, they knew a lot about them. So her father thought her to control her powers along with the other two, and even her name was given by her father. She's indeed become strong and eventually come to be known as one of the commanders. She was more like a human, even though she still had a psychopathic side.

Not to mention she was crazily in love with her father.

Though that was the reason she didn't like Luna, Vila also liked her, and she would show respect when the situation calls. She also wouldn't object to her orders. Because as much as Luna resembled her mother, her character was much more like her father. Even more after Leo's death. Not that Vila was able to see that much though since Luna was angry and didn't wanted to see Vila for a while and sent her to the Lavaldare three months ago now.

As Vila was shaking with joy under Luna's cold and crazy glare that was so much like her father's, she finally couldn't take it anymore, and with a puff voice and a cloud of blue smoke, Luna's hands fall into emptiness.

After the smoke disappeared, what Luna saw was a black cat with two tails. It was big for a cat. She was coming to Luna's knees, and her body was as large as a dog, but Luna knew she could become much more enormous. There were neon blue furs on the top of her head, just like her hair in the human form. There were also two blue flame sparks on the tip of her two tails.

Robin had... complicated feelings.

From what she understood, there was something that happened between the two of them. And this poisoning was indeed wasn't the first, and Luna has banished her for some reason. She really didn't like Vila, and with everything she saw, she was sure something was about to happen. But this wasn't what she was expecting to see.

At the scene in front of her, which was a big, fluffy-looking black cat was purring while rubbing her head on Luna's leg with a joyful look and shiny eyes, Robin really didn't know what to think, but she also couldn't help but think '...cute'

Luna, on the other hand, had a cold stare as she bent down and grab Vila's cat neck with her two fingers, looking like she was holding some trash, and walk towards the big door.

''You're heavy.'' Luna bluntly said, causing a shocked look to form on the cat form of Vila. She was trembling as Luna threw her to the outside before she let a tired sigh ''Go and bring our guests'' Luna coldly said before she shut the door on her face.

Vila stared at the door with a blank look as she sat in front of it for a moment before a happy look formed on her face once again. She started to walk while jumping on her toes, looking quite pleased.

Luna meanwhile was murmuring ''That creep...'' as she saw Vila happily walked off from the large windows before she turned to look at Robin, who's looking like she doesn't know what to do as she was standing on top of the wide stairs ''Don't think she is cute. It's just a trick, so don't fall for it'' Luna warned her with a serious look while she was wrapping the sash around her waist. She also used to think Vila was looking cute

Robin averted her eyes and cleared her throat ''I wasn't'' causing Luna's jaw to fell on the floor and begin to panic.

x

Robin had a blank face, but her curious eyes were looking at the guests that just came.

She was relaxing on the couch on the hall at the entrance that was using as a living room. There wasn't much there though. The couch she was sitting, a coffee table, and two armchairs across the sofa. She was sitting and drinking a cup of coffee while watching out from the broad windows beside her. Luna was gone to the meeting room, saying she need to prepare something. She put the cup on the dark brown coffee table made of wood when she saw Vila was bringing six people.

The first one to enter after Vila was a rotund man with large ears, nose, and lips, and a scar between his eyes. His hair was arranged in cornrows, alternating between blonde and dark, and he was wearing a small pair of glasses and was smoking a cigar. He was wearing a vivid blue suit with a rose attached to his left breast, as well as a dark blue fur coat.

The second one was a woman with short curly blonde hair, blue eyes, red lipstick, and red-painted fingernails. She was wearing an impossibly low necklined, thin-strapped, tight drees colored wine red with a dark purple end. She also had a small white cape with pink diamond patterns on the bottom. A black, wide clergyman's hat with a flower on it, and black high heels shoes with ribbons on top. She was also carrying a black handbag with her. She was looking like a polite woman, but Robin was somehow sure she wasn't.

The third one was a large man with very puffy light hair that was resembling a lion's mane, who was wearing a metallic mask over the top of his face that had red star markings over the eye holes. He was also wearing a light yellow jacket with four pockets and the numbers "495" above them, black pants with the same pockets, a black tie, and a belt. He also had a dark arm strap with 'Death' written on it.

The fourth one came in was... looking like a bird... or a chicken maybe... He had the form of a very tall human albatross hybrid with small eyes and a large beak. His body was covered in white feathers, and he had a large tail and wings that resembled human arms. He was wearing a blue top hat with a large striped feather in it, a dark blue button-down shirt with a red bow on the top, red and white checkered pants, a black cape, and shoes that fit his bird-like feet.

The fifth one was an older man whose back was slightly hunched. He had a big white mustache and was wearing a tall striped hat on his head; no hair could be seen on the top of his head. He was wearing a black striped suit and pants. As he was holding a bottle in his hand, he was already acting jovially drunk.

The sixth and the last one was also an older man with bags and age spots under his eyes. He had long black hair, a beard, and curled mustache, and he was wearing a large bicorne with an anchor on the front and three feathers sticking out of the left side. He was also wearing a dark red coat over a ruffled white shirt, a black scarf, and wrinkled pants. He was somehow looking quite serious and angry.

They were talking at each other with death threats, taunts, and mockery, but they all seemed indifferent.

As Vila handed them over the two maids to guide them to the meeting room, which Robin wasn't even sure if they were really maids since they were all carrying some weapons, she came over and fall to the same couch with Robin, looking tired.

''Um..'' Robin glanced at Vila as she looked hesitant for a moment ''Who are they?'' they looked like some important people, and Luna was waiting for their arrival for quite some time now

Vila looked at Robin with a slight surprise. ''You don't know?'' It wasn't hard to understand Luna was found of Robin, so she was a little surprised Luna didn't tell her. Seeing Robin shook her head, Vila made a mischievous smile, and Robin could see the joy and mischievousness in them ''They are the Emperors of the Underworld'' as her sharp nailed fingers were rubbing Robin's cheeks.

Robin's face was still blank as she pulled back from her. ''I see...'' she said, but she didn't know anything about them. Not that it mattered though, she just took her empty cup and started to walk towards the kitchen to fill it again. 'I guess, no matter what, a cat is a cat in the end...' She mused as she thought that once you know Vila, she is actually very touchy.

She didn't think the rumors being her psychopath was wrong, but she definitely believed that she was sadistic, and at the same time, masochist. She didn't know if it was possible, but she was sure Vila had them all somehow, and to think that they were all gathered in a strong woman like Vila... Robin deemed it's better to stay away from her.

Vila, on the other hand, was looking Robin's back with a somehow sad look but still joyful eyes ''Is she this cold because she heard the talk this morning...?'' She asked herself before she shrugged and lay on the couch like a cat in her human form. She stared at the transponder snail on the coffee table with a dreamy expression.

''Ahh...'' As she a sigh with an enjoyment, her two tails suddenly popped put ''I hope the meeting ends quickly, so I can finally hear his voice again'' she was already in her dream world while waving her tails

x

The meeting room was downstairs. It wasn't the bottom floor though. It was a round-shaped and dim room. There was a big, round table in the middle of the room with usually ten chairs around it, but today there were seven. The table and the chairs were looking they were made of dark gray colored rock, but there were dark red colored cushions on the chairs. There were also at least twenty, medium-sized screens on the walls for the meetings done by visual snails.

The meeting wasn't for something important. It was purely for the met each other since it was the first time Luna had ever seen them. Existence of a sudden princess that no one knows... The emperors were demanding to meet her from the moment she was announced, and her father finally said okay.

Luna didn't want it, but she couldn't go against her father either. They could have a business together in the future, so it was unavoidable anyway.

Since it was a meeting to know each other, it didn't take long. They still ended up talking business though. She didn't like them all, as she didn't have to either, but she was still annoyed with the presence of Stussy. And at the moment, Luna was looking at the certain bird emperor, Morgans. While others were getting out of the room, Luna asked him to stay for a moment.

''You know... you look delicious'' Luna coolly said as she sat more relaxingly now and started filling her glass with whiskey. Morgans was looking like a bird, rather Albatross, because his Devil Fruit powers were always active, which was Bird-Bird Fruit, Model: Albatross. People didn't know how he actually looks.

''Hm...'' Morgans made a proud smile as he was sitting exact opposite Luna ''People always say I'm quite handsome'' causing Luna to facepalm before she sigh

''There is something I want from you, Morgans'' Luna straightforwardly come to the subject

''Oh'' Morgans look at Luna as she piqued his interest ''What is it?'' he had a smirk on his face, but it was the last smirk he made that day

''I don't want my picture to be in the newspaper. Ever.'' Luna said as she was looking serious now

''What?!'' Morgans asked with a shocked expression, ''Why?!''

''I like to travel freely'' Luna indifferently said as she took a sip from her whiskey. She didn't want people to know her everywhere she went, and she didn't want to disguise all the damn time.

''But...'' Morgans was looking like his dreams were crushed ''Do you have any idea what people are thinking?! You didn't be known as a member of Grant family up until now!'' he knew she was known as De Luna, but that was different ''People are even saying that you're not really Luca's daughter! Some even dare to say that you were just prince's lover!'' causing Luna to made a disgusted face as she remembered that rumor,

''Of course, there are some people who still remember Queen Anne, so some people who saw you say that you're just like her and you're indeed their daughter'' Morgans went on as he had a slight blush on his face when he remembered Mari D. Anne.

She was used to be known as the most beautiful woman, but she didn't have many pictures of her. She was only on the news once, and as the time flows, people were starting to forget about her. He was actually sad that Queen Anne never left the castle from the moment she was pregnant.

''But!'' Morgans shake his head to forget about Queen Anne and keep talking, ''There are also rumors says that you're not showing yourself because you're ugly! Some even say that you're a demon with six arm and deformed body!'' Luna's picture was never on the news yet, and he wanted to be the first one to make the news, ''And more importantly!'' he slapped his feather hands on the table, looking frantic now ''Are you planning to hide this magnificent beauty of yours from the rest of the world!?''

Luna let a sigh. Since she didn't want to look weak, she actually had light makeup on her face now. Her hand moved into her kimono and pulled out something that looked like a picture from inside of it.

''I'm sure you don't want this to be in the hands of some certain people...'' she slowly said as she put the picture on the table and push it towards Morgans

''This..?'' Morgans asked as he calmed down and took the picture ''This!'' he gasped while holding the picture with trembling feathered hands of him ''...How?'' he was looking quite scared

''It's my secret'' Luna said with an innocent smile

The picture in Morgans hand was the picture of him how he looks like in his human form.

''Fine'' Morgans said after a while silence later, looking defeated now, ''I'm not going to put your picture on the news... Ever.''

''All of it'' Luna said casually, causing Morgans to look at her with confuse ''I don't want my picture to be on any newspaper.''

''Wha..?'' he gasped again ''I can't control all of it!'' as he ripped the picture in two

''That's not the only copy... you know that right?'' she was looking so casual as she took another sip from her whiskey, ''And... of course you can'' she made an innocent smile.

Morgans newspaper, The World Economy News Paper, was the most important one, and it was distributed globally. And it's President 'Big News' Morgans was the most influential person in this specific business.

Morgans stared at Luna for a while and to the torn picture in his hands before he let another defeated sigh ''I will take care of it.''

''Fantastic!'' Luna said happily as she also filled a glass of whiskey for him, which he really needed it

They didn't know at that time, but their relationship that began with blackmail would soon develop into a weird friendship based on giving and taking information.

And in the future, no one knew, but Morgans literally cried when Luna's first bounty poster came out. He wanted to be the first person to show Luna's beauty to the world in the end...

x

Luna was resting on the couch with her head was leaning on her one hand. After the meeting ended, their guests were gone to the enjoy the cities since they traveled all the way there. Luna was sure all of them were in the Lavaldare though.

Robin was now sitting on the comfortable armchair across Luna, she was reading some book she found on the library of the house and drinking coffee while she was waiting for Luna. Vila was also sitting on the armchair next to Robin, but unlike calm expression but actually nervous Robin, Vila was looking ecstatic as she was looking at the transponder snail in Luna's hand.

*purupurupuru* *purupurupuru* *purupurupuru* *Clachak*

''Hello,'' a man's rough voice answered

''Oh, Klein. It's me.'' Luna plainly said while Robin was looking at the snail with big eyes as she knew the name of Klein.

''I'll carry the snail to His Majesty,'' the rough voice said as Luna sweatdrop while thinking 'Too straightforward...'

While they were listening to the sounds of walking, Luna was yawning with a tired look, Vila was looking as if she could faint, and Robin was looking nervous.

After a while later, the sounds stopped, and they heard the sounds of the big doors to open. And a moment later, they could overhear a lot of voice. They were sounding like they were discussing something, causing Luna to wonder if Klein barge into a meeting. Not that she carried though.

She could hear her father's laughing voice when Klein, the right hand of her father, spoke,

''Your Majesty, it's the princess'' Klein's rough voice sounded neutral, or maybe even dull, and they could hear her father just dismissed everyone.

After a couple of minutes later, ''My little lotus flower!'' they heard the cheerful voice of Grant D. Luca. They could see that the strict, hazel colored eyes of snail turned into crazy golden ones.

''Father... Sorry to disrupt you. I didn't know you had a meeting,'' Luna calmly said as Robin was looking at her with surprise.

Well, she could understand Luna's sudden respectful tone, but it didn't fit her as she was casually laying there with a blood-stained napkin inside her nose.

''Oh, it was a fun one, but it's fine'' Luca indifferently said before he happily asked, ''How was your meeting?''

''Oh, normal...?'' Luna said as she sounded not sure, causing Luca to laugh like always ''There is something I wanted...'' Luna said while Luca was laughing

''Is it about Nico Robin?'' Luca's question sounded like he was having fun, causing Robin to flinch

Luna's cold eyes darted to Vila with this, which she was looking at the snail with dreamy eyes up until now, but her smile faded as she averted her gaze after seeing Luna was staring at her. She already knew Vila would tell this to her father. Whenever Luna came across with someone from their country, they would always report her doings to her father. That's was the reason she usually traveled alone. She knew that everyone on the ship would watch her and report everything to their king.

''I want my ship'' Luna said after she let a sigh and ignored Vila

'She had a ship?!' Robin mused with shock as she was questioning then why they were sailing with a boat. She especially remembered the times they were almost got capsized.

''I told you to climb the Red Line and swim over the Calm Belt...'' Luca said with a sigh as the snail also let a sigh, ''Oh, well... I guess you can't do these with her...'' his thoughtful voice turned into a joyous one ''Are you planning to get through the Fishman island then?'' He was sounding like he didn't even care about Robin.

''No, that would take a long time, and there is a possibility to we got a tail'' Luna nonchalantly answered.

Sure she wanted to go to the Fishman island, but she knew her father wouldn't send a ship if she said she would get through from there. It meant that Luna had to steal a vessel, but the road was dangerous, and Luna couldn't trust anyone to travel under the sea. There was also a possibility for World Government and Marines to find out Luna pass from there and send a tail after her without she notice.

''I'm planning to get through the Mary Geoise'' Luna went on, causing silence to fall

Robin was already surprised for a lot of things, but she was visibly stunned after what Luna said. Vila wasn't that different. Her dreamy look changed into a bewildered and troubled one in a matter of seconds.

''Wait! Princess that's- '' Vila and Klein's voice's heard at the same time, but they were cut off with Luca's laughings,

''Hahhahahahaha! That's a funny idea! Hahhahaha!'' He sounded like he just heard a hilarious joke, ''Ohh! Accompanying the woman they wanted so much to their house and let her slip just under their nose! It's a very great play to mess up with them!'' He spoke with a laugh before his voice sounded dangerous, but Luna still could see the smiling on the snail ''But is this the only reason?''

''I also want to confirm something'' Luna honestly said, confusing Robin

''Luna'' Luca's voice sounded earnest now as the smile vanished ''I told you to-''

''I'm not going to do anything or something'' Luna hurriedly said, but it's only caused Luca to lost for a moment

''I told you not to interrupt my words!'' He yelled at Luna as the snail showed his anger,

Robin visibly winced at this. As she finally took her eyes off the snail, she saw Luna didn't even budge from the sudden anger and yelling, and Vila was looking at the snail with her still misty eyes, almost causing Robin to sweatdrop. They both looked like it was a normal thing to happen. 'He is really unstable.' Robin mused. She heard about Grant D. Luca was an insane man, and from the short conversation she was listening, she could say it wasn't a wrong term to describe him.

No one didn't say anything as if waiting for him to come back.

''Fine,'' Luca finally said after a couple of minutes silence later, ''I will send your ship and someone who could get you through the Mary Geoise...'' He then, sounded thoughtful ''Hm... who to sent..''

''I can go w-'' Vila's happy words cut with Luna's cold ones

''I don't want you.'' Vila's hair stood as she almost felt a sudden gust of chilly windblown by

''Don't tell me you're still angry at Vila'' Luca's voice that was sounding like he was having fun heard as they could also his smile turned back, ''You're becoming a revengeful one, Hahhahaha!''

'Isn't it normal she doesn't want...?' Robin mused, but then again, this man was the one who gave orders

Luna, on the other hand, was literally pouting ''I'm not'' she denied

''Don't make it too long, I'm going to need Vila soon!'' Luca said with a happy voice as he shortly laughed

'He needs me!' Vila mused as her dreamy expression level up, and her face turned into a scarlet color

''There is some mission we might need her powers'' Luca went on with his pleasant voice

''Fine, I will think of it,'' Luna said with a sigh, causing Vila to jump on her at the same time the snail was hung up by Luca

''You highness~~!'' She was blushing as she was looking too happy, not budged that she was actually wanted for her powers

''Ugh...'' Luna made a disgusted expression as she pushed Vila's face that was trying to kiss her ''I guess we will wait at least for another week!'' Luna said Robin with a big smile

''Is this even fine?'' Robin asked with worried glints in her eyes. It wasn't that she didn't trust Luna. She knew going through the Mary Geoise wasn't for to hand her over or something, but it didn't mean she won't feel nervous. Luna was talking about going to the people she was running all of her life.

''It will be fine!'' Luna said with a laugh,

For the first time, Robin noticed how much Luna took after her father. Luca was apparently seeing this as a game and a way to enjoy himself while they were messing with the World Government and the marines. Luna was also too laid back, and she was taking this too lightly, talking as if they were going shopping or some cafe.

They were both insane.

xxx

It took nine days for Luna's ship to finally arrive. They were on the same island for seventeen days now, and Robin sort of felt like they were leaving home now.

A lot of things have happened on this island. Two days suffering later, Luna was finally revived. After Luna's recovery, they would frequently go to both of the cities and always found something different to spent time. Robin also spent her time learning about Grand Line, especially the Paradise since she was going there. She already learned about Luna's plans to go to meet with one of the Seven Warlords, Dracule Mihawk. She was also quite nervous about going to the Mary Geoise, even more after Luna sent a request, but her nervousness was fade off with the things that happened.

Robin understood why Luna disguised herself after she saw what happened when people learn the princess was in the Lavaldare. It was just a couple of days ago, Robin witnessed how much Luna could be cruel while she was punishing someone, and she also couldn't help but to think that Luna could be quite revengeful. Well, everything had a reason. After thinking about the whole thing that happened, Robin could say that man was deserved.

She still thought that killing the man would be better though. Turning him into a prostitute and let them do to him whatever they wanted was something Robin averted her gaze. It wasn't like Luna also watched it, but Robin didn't even have the stomach to listen to what happened to him like Luna. She also had learned to avoid at some places in Lavaldare after that incident. Sure the city was fascinating for a lot of reasons, but it was still an underworld city. She couldn't help but wonder what kind of place was the Grant Kingdom.

Well, it wasn't always like that. Most of their time was interesting and actually fun.

Presently, they just woke up and walking towards the port now, and they were avoiding the crowd gathered around them. Vila was quite useful to make them stay away, but people were really interested to see Luna. Everyone was wondering how the princess was looking,

When they finally arrived at the port, Robin looked at 'Lilith' with a surprised expression.

The Lilith was a three-masted frigate. Her stern was decorated in black and crimson-red colors. Its sails were blood red, and on the front sail the symbol of this ship belonged could be seen. There were a white crescent and a white eye symbol beside it. The flag was also making notice that this ship was the ship from the Grant Kingdom as it's a black flag with a golden eye symbol on it was waving. Its figurehead was a beautiful woman. It was looking like a graceful black angel, and the only color on its blackness was the blue painted eyes. She was holding the pure white moon in her hands. The bow and the sterncastle were decorated with numerous miniature skeletons that one couldn't be sure if they were real or counterfeit.

It had an eerie beauty, but if Robin would saw this ship while she was sailing, she would run.

She wondered if the rumors Luna being a demon had any connection with this ship because it really looked like it was carrying the devil.

Robin's thoughts dissipated, and her attention taken by the man walked through the ship and landed on the shore. It was like the first time she had seen Vila. No, even more. Robin was sure this man was even stronger than Vila, and someone shouldn't be got close.

He was tall and build up man. He was a handsome man with sharp features. He had dark brown hair and strict, piercing hazel eyes along with toned skin. He was wearing black jeans and boots over his ankles. He had a white shirt that its top three buttons were open. Its cuffs had golden buttons matching with the horizontal golden line on the collar. He had a black barleycorn pattern vest on top of his shirt. There was a black leather belt that was holding a sword with a golden hilt. A black cape was waving on him. It was coming down to his knees. There were gold appliqué epaulets on its shoulder, and the gold eye symbol on it's behind

''So father send you in the end,'' Luna plainly said. She was already guessed his father would send him.

''It's been a long time, your highness'' the man bowed a little with the polite words but a calm tone

''It's been just two months or so'' Luna said with a sweatdrop before she shook her head and took her backpack

''So you're the one who's going with the princess, Klein..?'' Vila walked towards Klein with a dissatisfied expression

''I think I was a much better choice. You're too unreliable to sent to the Mary Geoise'' Klein naturally said as he stared at Vila with a distant glimpse.

''What the..?! Do you want me to turn you into a living corpse?!'' as her two tails popped out, not just the tip of her tails but the tip of her fingers were also sparkling with blue flames

''I would crush you before you could even have a chance'' Klein coolly said as he didn't even budge, but suddenly the ground under them was started to shake

''You're not fighting here'' Luna said, sounding like as if she used to this and already bored ''Let's go'' causing them to stop

While Vila was telling Luna to wait and there is something she will give it to her, Robin was studying the man who's name was Klein. She knew that name. The first commander of the Grant Kingdom, and the right-hand man of the king Luca. This man was the only one Robin knew about his powers because he was quite infamous. And she made sure about his abilities when she felt the shaking ground.

While Robin was in her own mind, Luna was in hers,

'I have a bad feeling about this...' Luna mused as she studied the cane in her hands

''I especially prepared for you, princess~~!'' Vila cheerfully said as she clapped her hands, ''I even painted myself!''

Luna checked the pure white and somehow heavy cane as its grip that made of gold was shaped like an eyeball. 'Is this made of bone...?' Luna pondered while trying to understand the feeling she was having. There was no way a gift given by Vila would be rational

''I hope you would reconsider my punishment with this~~'' Vila said with a joyful tone, looking actually pleased

'Who's bone is this?' Luna was still pondering, not hearing Vila as she was coldly staring at the cane 'Who...' her thoughts cut off as she finally noticed still talking Vila

''I will think about you once I got back to home'' Luna coolly said as she started to walk aboard The Lilith with the cane in her hand

After Luna, Robin and Klein got aboard the vessel slowly began to sail towards the exit of the underground port. There weren't many people on the ship. There were two maids, almost causing Luna to sweatdrop as she always said she doesn't need a maid on the ship, but they never listened. And six men. They were the soldiers under Klein, and Luna didn't even know them, so she ignored.

Luna started to walk to her room with Robin following her. At the aft of the ship beneath the helm, was Luna's quarters. The outer walls of Luna's cabin were also decorated with numerous skulls. Luna would want to have at least a word about her ship. It was too dark and scary in her opinion. She has already missed her little boats. The only thing she had on her vessel was her name, which she thought would fit this kind of ship.

There weren't many things in Luna's room. A really large bed, broad glasses reveal the sea, some empty bookshelves, and a middle-sized round table with four chairs around it. There was also a gold pier glass and a large wardrobe. There wasn't much of belonging either. Since the ship was still new and Luna has only used it once or twice.

After they put their backpacks, which Robin also had it now, they get out of the room and go to the deck. They were sitting around some small table and finally having breakfast under the clear sky.

x

Three days later, close to midnight,

The Lilith was sailing under the cloudy night as the waves were crashing the ship. The weather was stormy since morning.

Robin was sleeping in Luna's room while Luna was sitting around the small table on the deck. She was wearing another red kimono that worn loosely again. Her hairs were free, and her feet were bare. She was sipping whiskey as she was looking at the papers in her hands as light lambs were brightening their dark night a little

''Traitors keep increasing in number...'' Luna murmured as she also mused to herself, '...And it's all their fault.'

''This one seems to go to hide under Joker.'' Klein calmly said, but he was also looking displeased, ''Since you're going to Paradise, His Majesty wants you to go Sabaody Archipelago and take care of it.''

'First Kaido, now Joker...' Luna let a sigh before she gulp down all the whiskey and fill the glass again with a thoughtful look.

Traitors kept popping out ever since Leo's death. Her father never explained the whole story to her. He came, told Leo's dead, put her in some dark prison for four months, and announced her as a princess... However, she wasn't an idiot. She knew the World Government had something with Leo's death, and she wanted to confirm it with their reaction when she said she would go to The Holy Land Mary Geoise. Even with her father's response alone she was sure of it.

Her father wanted her to stay away from this. Luna acknowledged she couldn't do anything because she was far weak to do something. She already accepted it. But, her father wasn't doing anything either. All he saw was a game. He actually never cared or opposed to what Luna was doing, but he stopped her after Luna wanted to go and find Leo, or his body... She still didn't completely believe he was dead. And he had imprisoned her when she said she would go to take revenge.

She also knew the suspicious deaths going on for a while. There was no trace, but Luna was sure it was the World Government. They were trying to erase Leo from history while they were busy with the traitors.

''They didn't send approval for passage, nor they answered our request'' Luna calmly said, getting Klein's attention

He glanced at Luna, who's looking too calm that it was almost unnatural. He could see the shadow of her father around Luna. The man who's always insanely happy would become calm sometimes. Klein always thought it was the calm before the storm, and he was never able to understand what they were thinking. It was actually scary how similar they were. Luna was much different than her father though. She had a much more calm aura around her, especially after her first mission as a princess.

But... She changed before that. Sometimes he could still see Luna, it was a long time, but he saw her when she was with Nico Robin. Nonetheless, from the moment she got out of that prison four months ago, she was a whole different person.

''Did anyone see the ship or you when you were coming here?'' Luna went on, not aware or cared Klein's thoughts

''Marines patrolling around the Calm Belt saw us'' he was immediately answered, not even showed that he was deep in thoughts

''Hm...'' Luna hummed before a small mischievous smile formed on her lips ''Maybe I can see something fun,''

She chuckled, and it seemed too dark for the innocent-looking young girl.

x

After close to three hours later, Luna's fun has arrived.

''Go to my room'' Luna said with a cold tone ''If Robin wants to get out, make sure she wears her special cloths,''

''Yes, your highness'' the maid, not so maid, bowed her head as she got into Luna's quarters

''Release the sails!'' Luna shouted out as she walked in front of the ship.

The sails of the ship came down and caught the wild wind at the same time Luna arrived on the front. She made a small smile when she saw the sight in front of her. A fleet of twenty navy battleships was heading towards them.

'They take it too lightly.' Luna mused as she looked at the ships with narrowed eyes. Nineteen ships were full of the soldiers, meant that there were at least nineteen thousand marines. And the flagship belonged to a Vice Admiral.

Luna already guessed they would send battleships if they knew Klein was with her, but the ships and these men were nothing against Klein. Even the Vice-Admiral. She really didn't understand why they were sending their men to death. They weren't even enough to gain time.

Luna turned her back and look at one of the men ''Hey,'' she didn't even know his name ''Head below deck and be ready to use that weapon'' causing the man to run to the below of the bow.

''Princess,'' Klein calmly spoke as he came Luna's side ''There is no need to use anything. I can quickly take care of it.''

''I want to see how is it'' Luna casually said as they sail towards to the battleships

''Grant D. Luna!'' the Vice-Admiral talked through a transponder snail hooked up to speakers ''You are not allowed to get through this point! Go back quietly!''

''Hah!'' Luna let a hysterical sound, looking actually surprised 'They answer now and like this..?' she mused before she spoke ''Not allowed?! I refuse!'' she then turned her head back and looked at one of the man ''Fire,'' She said with a calm but cold voice,

''Fire!'' the man shout out to the below deck, causing an opening sound to come out below the bow

The ships were lined up in a 'V' shape. The flagship was in the middle of them, and there was one ship in front of the flagship. Nine vessels were on the right side, nine on the left side. When the spot just under the figurehead opened, the battleships on the front looked at it as if trying to understand what is that, and for the life of them, they couldn't understand what they were going to do anything with a something what looked like a cannonball. But it wasn't just a cannonball, and they learned it very soon.

As soon as the weapon resembled a cannonball came out, it began to turn red with the hotness it generated, and in a matter of seconds, a sulfurous spray spread all the fiery terror of the inferno. The dark night was brightened when the cannon spew up fire on them. Their ships on the front were was starting to burn up. Flames that were spreading around were devouring the woods hungrily as if expressing all its rage. The smoke released out of its flames and boyishly danced around the enormous ships.

''Hoo...'' Luna let an impressed sound

This weapon was added after Luna began to use flames, and she wanted to see how was it since then.

''Not bad...'' she turned her back and started to walk towards her little table ''Oh, Klein'' she glanced back at Klein from her shoulder ''Leave the flagship'' she said like it was the most common thing before she went on her way

Luna stopped before she even sat on the chair ''You know...'' she was looking like she didn't know what to say, ''Maybe... this wasn't your color,''

Robin, who's wearing her special cloths, which were a blond wig and a black cloak with an eye symbol on it, was watching the sight in front of her with a visible nervousness.

''What's going on?'' as she ignored Luna's comment

''Hmm?'' Luna looked at her before she made a face as she realized now ''Oh, they reject me'' she made a pouting face as she finally sat on her chair and filled her glass with a whiskey once again

''Then...'' Robin was saying but stopped as she looked around

She got out of the room while the flames were releasing. She was so shocked to even talk. There were ships even more than the Buster Call. Though Buster Call had ten battleships and five Vice Admiral, which made it more affected, there were twenty battleships and one Vice Admiral.

''Oh, don't worry'' Luna said as she dismissively shook her hand, ''In the time... hm'' looking around as if trying to found something. ''Oh!'' she raise her glass ''In the time I finished this, or even before, it would be ended'' She had a big smile and a pretty much a laid back attitude while Robin was internally panicking

''By the way,'' Luna said as she took a sip from her whiskey ''Stay close to me... Just in case'' as she knew she would be the most guarded

Robin blinked a couple of times before she went and stood Luna's right side, like a guard. That was their disguise. Robin was in disguise as a guard of the princess. It was definitely a simple plan.

''But, if we're not allowed...'' Robin trailed off

''We are still going'' Luna said with a tone that makes clear she won't otherwise, and Robin had nothing to do but to hope things to go according to the plan or as Luna called 'Operation Disguise ver 106' Robin didn't even know what other 105 were...

As Luna was calmly drinking her whiskey, Robin watched what's going on from where she was standing. The six men were moving like a machine as if they were already used to this kind of situations. One was on the starboard, the other one was on the port side, and there was one on the rear. They were waiting to defend the ship. Two of them were going below the deck to prepare to fire the cannons, one starboard, another port side. They were two, but they were the fastest. Two maids were standing close to Robin and Luna, their hands on their weapons, ready to attack or defend any moment.

On the front of the ship was Klein. He was standing above the figurehead as the last man was standing behind him. He remained there even after Klein suddenly jumped off the ship when they got close to the battleships. The battleships were bigger than The Lilith, but this vessel was also a battleship.

The cannons that were firing from The Lilith were damaging them more. And the men were protecting the ship so well that there wasn't even a scratch. But above any of them, Robin couldn't take her eyes from what Klein was doing.

'The Logia class, one of the strongest devil fruits out there, the Earth Earth Fruit.' Robin mused to herself as she watched with widened eyes. Klein was easily wrecking the ships made of wood without even sweat. A couple of them even turned into nothingness in a matter of seconds, and all the metal parts and marines it was carrying fell into the wild sea. He was creating a bridge made of soil between the ships, and he was walking as if he was taking a walk in a park.

He was looking as if it was nothing.

It honestly reminded Robin years ago. This kind of power was so similar to Aokiji's powers, and she felt relieved that, for once, a man like him was not after her.

She knew this man's power from the moment she heard his name. So, as much as she was nervous, she was also relaxed somehow. She knew this man was far strong. The earth was a truly great power, maybe more than Aokiji's ice. She couldn't even imagine what this man could do on a shore, somewhere made of earth.

There was also the fact that Luna was too calm and careless that somehow made Robin believe everything will be fine.

When the nineteenth ship was getting destroyed, Luna's whiskey ended just like she predicted. She got up from her seat and moved towards the front of the ship with Robin also following behind, but she stopped unlike Luna and preferred to stay on the ship

''Klein,'' Luna commonly said as Klein started to create a bridge between The Lilith and the only ship remained untouched

Luna walked on the bridge made of soil with her bare feet as her long kimono dancing with the wind. When she stepped on the ship, she saw all of the soldiers were united to the deck from their feet. The soil was coating their legs that were coming under their knees, and it was looking as if the soil was hardened, so they couldn't move. The Vice Admiral, on the other hand, made kneel by Klein powers.

Luna mentally rolled her eyes at this. He was the type to believe they should always show respect. There were hardened soils around his ankles, knees, and even his wrists, forcing him to kneel and bow.

''Huuhh...'' Luna let a tired sigh at this scene, and for a moment later, her light steps stopped just in front of the man ''You're Vice-Admiral Momonga, right?'' she asked as she crouched down to be at the same eye level with him

When the man lifted his head, both were able to see each other. Ha was a man with a black mohawk and a mustache, and he was wearing a standard marine uniform. Though he was forced to kneel, Luna could say he was of average height and a very well-built man.

''So, you are the princess'' Vice-Admiral Momonga stared at the young girl in front of him. He could say that the rumors were bullshit, and this girl was definitely King Luca's daughter.

''How could they reject me like this?'' Luna asked as she rested her chin on her hand while her elbow was on her knee as she was crouching ''I mean... I'm still counting as a 'Royal' I have every right to get past the Mary Geoise.''

Momonga's eyebrows knitted with this. The only order he has given was to warn Grant D. Luna and be prepared for the battle just in case, but it was disgracing to be in this situation at the moment.

''Hmm... I guess you're not going to say anything,'' Luna nonchalantly said before she got close to him ''Tell them I'm coming, alright?'' She tilted her head a little as a smile made on its way ''As long as they let me, I will really be quick and go... I'm a busy person in the end'' She shortly chuckled before she suddenly got up ''Let go of him, Klein'' she lightly waved her hand with a look like she can't even believe what he was doing

After Klein let go of Momonga, he rubbed his wrists while getting up on his feet back ''I will be there around...'' he looked at Luna, who had a thoughtful look on her face for a second ''...around this time of tomorrow, I guess?'' she turned to him with a big smile that made her looked like an innocent child ''Be careful on your way so you can deliver the message, okay?'' she lastly said before she turned her back to leave the ship

She was laughing while saying what a fun night as she was walking through the bridge...

Momonga look at the girl with a blank face before he made a frown and turned his now free men ''Turn the ship back to the Marineford, and bring me the den den mushi!'' he ordered as the ship began to make a turn

Some of his men were asking what about the ones who were still alive, but Momonge said they would send a rescue ship later, and they had more important things to do.

He had to report everything to the Headquarters.

x

While the Lilith was keep sailing towards The Holy Land Mary Geoise, another ship from the others side of the Red Line was also sailing towards the same place with the fastest speed

*purupurupuru* *purupurupuru* *purupurupuru* *Clachak*

Tall, fair-skinned, and muscular man with a long, braided goatee, and a mustache, walked towards the transponder snail and answered the call,

''Hello?''

''Fleet Admiral, it's Vice Admiral Momonga!'' the voice at the other side of the snail said, causing Sengoku's, Feel Admiral of the Marines, eyes to widen

''Oh, what happened?'' as he remembered Momonga sent to lead the fleet

''Our nineteen ships are destroyed...'' Momonga reported what happened, and with every word, Sengoku's grip was tightening

For the past week, from the second, Grant D. Luna sent a request to past through The Holy Land Mary Geoise, there was complete chaos on both the Mary Geoise and the Marineford. As much as it looked like she wanted to pass through the Red Line, they couldn't be sure since Grant Family members wouldn't even go to Paradise. So, they refused her request. They thought that if it was something simple, they would send some of their people, and they would go through the Fishman island.

But, of course, she wasn't making the things easy for old Sengoku. She wasn't listened and go back, but she used their fleet as a test subject for her ship's weapon that was apparently firing flames. And all of their remaining battleships were destroyed by that Klein. Not to mention they had no damage. And probably the only reason she left one ship was to make them prepare for her coming.

Like she, herself, wasn't enough, she was also bringing a monster with her.

Well, they already guessed something like this could happen. They didn't know the princess much yet, so they were preparing for anything. Borsalino, Kizaru, was already sent to Mary Geoise, and he was going to protect the Pangaea Castle, also if it's required, he was ordered to defend the Celestial Dragon Gate. All the remaining Cipher Pols were also assigned to protect The Domain of the Gods. Some Vice Admirals who were on the Marineford were also sent along with Kizaru, and they were assigned to protect the Celestial Dragon Gate along with several World Government employees.

Kuzan, Aokiji, and Sakazuki, Akainu, were left to protect and managed to Mariford as 'Hero of the Marines' Garp the Fist, and the 'Great Advisor' Tsuru was also with them.

She was just made them work too much...

xxx

A day later, they were coming close to the Red Line at the midnight, just as Luna guessed.

Robin was now wearing a black leather jean along with black leather, high heel boots. She had a purple shirt with black buttons and a black velvet vest. A black cape with a purple eye symbol on it's back, and it's inside was also purple while golden engravings were making a pattern. She had a black, shiny belt around her waist, holding Luna's black katana and her pistol was on her behind. She also had a blond wig she wore it last night. It was wavy and was coming through her mid-back, just like Luna. She also had a cop hat, there was also an eye symbol on its front.

Normally, there wasn't any guard for Luna, but she deemed that if it were, she would look like this.

She was also wearing some contact lenses, causing her eyes to look red. Seeing her red eyes, Luna gave her a new name for their 'Operation Disguise ver 106' it was 'Rosalyn' for short 'Ro,'

Luna was really poor when it's come to naming.

Luna has also changed her clothes. She was insisting she will go with her relaxing kimono, but her maids were talking too much for Luna to handle.

She was wearing a white, short, high waist shorts. A white blouse with frills on the neckline and cuffs, and the cuff frills extend beyond the jacket sleeves she was wearing. The jacket was also white. It was long, even with the high heels she was wearing, the jacket was still touching the floor. Both the jacket and the shorts had diamond-patterned. The coat was high-shouldered with stovepipe sleeves and gold appliqué epaulets and vambraces. It had gold frogging on the front and a jewel neckline. She was also wearing white, shiny leather high heel boots, and its heels were gold.

Her gold insignia ring was on her left hand's index finger, and she was still wearing her skeleton bone bracelet on her right hand. Her hair was free, and she had golden, shiny nails. She also had an oval gold at the size of her eyes that were fixed on her forehead vertically.

''Hmm...'' Luna look at the mirror while she was holding the cane Vila gave her ''I think it suits...'' she was trying to decide if she should take the cane or sent it home with others

''You know...'' Robin slowly said as she was sitting around the round desk and was reading a book while the maids were preparing Luna ''I think it's the first time you wear a shoe except for the time you dressed up like a boy.''

She already knew Luna liked to dress up with comfortable clothes. If Luna would be sure no one would be bothering her, Robin was sure she would walk around completely naked. But that was impossible, and the shoe was still necessary. She at least had to wear sandals...

''I wear shoes!'' Luna immediately denied ''It's just more comfortable like that while fighting and running, you know...'' she trailed off

Robin was about to say something at this, but just at that moment, Luna's door knocked, and one of the men told them they arrived. When they finally get outside, Robin and Luna look at the Red Line with awe. It was the first time both of them had ever saw it.

''I can't even see the top of it...'' Robin murmured before her awe turned into a nervousness again. She was able to ignore it, but now they had come... She gulped down a little

''So that's Red Port...'' Luna also murmured as she took her eyes off the enormous Red Line and looked ahead.

The Red Port was one of the two ways to cross the Red Line when traveling on the Grand Line. It was the official, legal way. There were two ports, one on each side of the Red Line. However, it is conditioned by the approval of the World Government. And there was a fee to pay for traveling through the port. Those who are granted approval are required to leave their vessel and acquire a new one on the other side, which Luna was already sent news and asked for a ship from some of their people who were on the Paradise. There were very few there. The Grant Kingdom mostly were in the West Blue or in the New World.

There were several low buildings with cylinder roofs, at least one of them was a restaurant. On its shore, there was a large ship's bow structure with the World Government symbol under its bowsprit, surrounded with smaller ports for arrived ships. The port was featuring two very huge vessels called Bondolas, made of bubbles, and was connected by wires to act as lifts back and forth from Mary Geoise at the top of the Red Line. They were large and sturdy enough to fit the big people.

With the person she saw on the shore, Luna turned to Robin ''No matter what, stay calm big sister'' she said in a low tone as she was looking earnest.

Robin was confused with the sudden warning and looked in the same direction Luna was looking just before, and after seeing that man she only saw in the newspapers before, Robin had never been this glad for what she had been through all these years. After hiding, running, get betrayed and betray for more than a decade, Robin was learned to act.

Sengoku literally facepalmed when he saw the ship that was coming closer and closer with every passing second.

'Are those real skeletons and skulls...?' he didn't know how they were even able to sleep on that ship. The king's ship was much worse though, so Sengoku shrugged it off, and looked at the people on the ship. It was going to be the first time he would be seeing Grant D. Luna. From Momonga's report, she was supposed to be a white-haired girl with gold strands and ocean blue eyes. Momonga also reported that she didn't look like her twin brother, but her features were definitely a mix of Luca and Anne.

And when Sengoku finally saw the girl coming off the ship that docked right that moment, he was able to tell that the girl in white and gold was indeed Grant D. Luna. She was definitely carrying their blood. There was no way they could find this perfect person and fake it. Her eyes were exactly the same as Lars. Her hair and her characteristics were resembling both of her parents, and it was looking like she was mostly taking after her mother. But, if those rumors turned out to be correct, then it meant the rumors about her taking her personality after her father might be right too.

Still, they couldn't be sure of anything. They thought her twin brother was taking after her grandfather until he went and...

''Oh! There wasn't any need for me to welcomed by such a man like you!'' Sengoku's thoughts were cut off by Luna's cheery voice

''It's a procedure we follow when we're having a guest that their request has not approved'' Sengoku calmly, but coldly said, causing Luna to sweatdrop

''There is no procedure like that...'' She slowly said as she thought about it. She was sure there wasn't

''There had been never a person came even after they had rejected. It's a new procedure'' Sengoku talk again with the same attitude of his

''It's bullshit.'' Luna bluntly said before she started to laugh ''Oh, it doesn't matter! I already said it but, I'm a busy person, so...'' with her smiling and tilted head, it was clear she was saying 'Let's go,'

Sengoku, however, had questions before they go anywhere ''What is your reason to get into the Paradise?''

''Sightseeing..? I had never been there! I wanted to see!'' Luna answered with a cheerful expression, but Sengoku was looking at her with a pressing expression. ''Hmm...'' she suddenly had a mischievous smile as her eyes were sparkling ''What are you going to do if I say I'm going to meet with...'' causing Sengoku to frown for a moment before Luna added with a laugh ''...with my boyfriend!''

''B-bo-boyfriend?!'' Sengoku stuttered, though it was obviously a lie, it was something he didn't wait to hear.

'She had a different way to mock from her damn father.' he cursed as he cleared his throat while Luna was laughing, ''I can't let you pass before you at least tell me your reason.''

Luna's laughs stopped as she stared him with an emotionless expression ''Since when do I have to explain myself?'' as the earth beneath their feet also started to shake as if an earthquake was about to happen.

Sengoku's eyes immediately slide to Klein, who's also looking at him with an emotionless look. He gritted his teeth and talk between them ''You will have to be quick. No stopping or going anywhere.''

Luna held up her left hand, gesturing Klein to stop ''That's my intention from the beginning.''

As Luna, Klein, and Robin were began to walk ''And she is?'' Sengoku asked, pointing out Robin

''She is Ro, coming with me'' Luna casually said, as if she was telling him the clear weather

Seeing Sengoku frowned again ''Her name is Rosalyn, the guardian of the princess.'' Klein naturally explained, stating that since the princess was going to the Paradise for the first time, she was taking a guard with her, which someone who had been there

x

'Too slow...' Luna mused while they were slowly rising as all four of them were on one of the bondolas.

'Just why the princess is going to Paradise...? Something must have happened.' Sengoku also mused as he was occasionally glancing at Luna.

Robin's eyes were watching the sight in front of them with a neutral expression, but her mind was about to blow up. 'I wonder what would happen if we fall from here...' she pondered between her worried and curious mind.

Klein, on the other hand, was quietly standing beside Luna with closed eyes. One could say that he was actually sleeping.

Sengoku looked at Luna's serious face as she was looking down on her eyeball cane, 'They had never used this way to go there... Did they notice something? Going Paradise must be a cover for their desire to get the Mary Geoise..' Sengoku's mind was working non-stop as he was creating countless theories

'Just whose bone is this anyway...' Luna pondered as she was seriously looking at the cane in her hands. She didn't want to haunt by some ghost holding onto their bone.

'But they had never acted like they knew or noticed...' Sengoku thought while he kept peeping at Luna, Klein, and Robin, aka Rosalyn.

'Is it an animal bone or...' Luna considered with suspicion as her eyes narrowed

'They must have heard something!' Sengoku suddenly convinced after he saw Luna's narrowed cold eyes.

'Is it really indestructible?' Robin pondered as her eyes slide to the Red Line 'How fascinating...'

Seeing Rosalyn was studying the Red Line 'Can Earth-Earth Fruit damage the Red Line? I knew it was a bad idea!' Sengoku wanted to bang his head on the Red Line

''Klein,'' Luna randomly called out, causing Klein to open his eyes, looking as if he never closed them from the beginning ''Did you bring that?'' she was looking too serious

'What did he brought?' Sengoku asked himself as he was glancing at them with wary eyes

''Of course, Mary said that it was ordered by you, your highness.'' Klein naturally replied, looking like he exactly knew what Luna was talking about when she said 'that,'

'What did she ordered?' Sengoku pondered with curiosity and suspicion while Robin was now examining the bondola.

''Give it now'' Luna coolly said as she extended her hand,

When Klein's hand moved into his cape, Sengoku was preparing himself to use his powers at any moment, 'They dare to do something in front of me?!'

Klein put a box on Luna's extended hand before he closed his eyes again and kept standing. Luna, meanwhile, was fondly smiling as she was looking at the small box. Sengoku has narrowed his eyes as his hands curled into fists. But he was frozen and kept looking when he saw Luna suddenly pulled out a fork,

'Fork...?' while Sengoku was questioning what she was going to do with a fork, Luna opened the box and stabbed the fork in it.

''Oh my... It's the best, especially while watching this view...'' She had a delighted expression on her face before she felt eyes on her, ''What? You want to eat too?'' Luna asked as she turned to look at Sengoku, who's gawking at her,

''No,'' he quietly answered with a flat tone while looking at her with a weird expression

Luna also weirdly looked at Sengoku, ''A man who doesn't know the beauty of the strawberry chocolate cake... You poor soul...'' she slowly shook her head with a disapprove.

Their bondola slowly kept rising with the still weird and uncomfortable silence under the beautiful starry sky.

x

'The Holy Land Mary Geoise... The capital of the World Government, where its highest rulers, the Five Elders, the World Nobles, Commander-in-Chief Kong, and that person reside and govern...' Luna slowly mused as she gazed around

The architecture of Mary Geoise was an 18th and 19th-century European style and kept in pristine condition. It is located very high above sea level, so they were surrounded by clouds and fog. There were artificially planted forests as well as rivers. There were also long staircases carved into the Red Line that was leading right to the city, and on the sides of the staircases were statues of unknown people. The city was built around the central intersection connecting both Red Ports, Pangaea Castle, and the Domain of the Gods where the World Nobles live. Each of the four directions had a large gate, considered parts of the castle wall.

They could see the Pangaea Castle that was far away from them. It was a gigantic castle where the World Government meets and works; it was also where Levely takes place. It had built in a Victorian architecture style. The outer part of the castle was stretching along the outer edges created by the moat, and on the roof is a massive outdoor space.

Though it was dark and hard to see everything, The Holy Land Mary Geoise was indeed beautiful, but it wasn't that beautiful since Luna knew the darkness in this place. For a brief moment, she thought that everything looked beautiful had some darkness underneath them.

They never stopped walking as they followed Sengoku as if they were wanting them to be quick and go. There was no one on the streets they were walking, and it wasn't looking like it was because it was midnight. Even though it had been only four months or so now that she had awakened her haki and was still not so good, Luna could feel the immensely powerful people. She didn't need to be good at haki to feel this much of power.

Luna suddenly stopped her steps when she felt burning eyes on her.

Robin, Klein, and Sengoku also stopped when they saw Luna suddenly stopped and looked at her. She was looking at Pangaea Castle with an unreadable look on her face. There was no way to tell what she was thinking while she was only looking towards there. Then suddenly, she made a slight smile. Her eyes had glints inside them, and none of them understand it's meaning.

Before Sengoku even had time to warn her to kept moving, Luna turned and started walking as her slight smile was still there. The sound of her heels and her cane echoed on the empty and silent street with every step of her.

''What are you waiting for?'' Luna asked as she didn't hear any other step sounds, but she didn't look behind her as she just kept walking

'She is a weird one.' Sengoku thought with a serious look on his face. He wasn't able to tell what she was thinking, and he didn't like it at all.

They didn't spend much time on the Mary Geoise. It was empty, but they were watched from afar, as if ready to attack any given moment. But none of it happened, aside from the fact that Luna's sudden stop and weird look, they fastly reach the gondolas that would bring them to the other side.

After another silent gondola travel later, the four of them saw the ship that came and waiting for Luna for a while now. It was a classic Grant Kingdom ship with its black color, black sails, and black flag with a golden eye symbol on it.

''Um...'' Lua made a thoughtful look and sound for a moment before she gave the cane to Klein ''Take it home,'' she decided she didn't want to haunt on the way after all.

''Yes, your highness'' Klein took the cane and gave Luna and Robin's backpacks to men that came from the ship

''Are you going to use this route when you're coming back?'' Sengoku asked but his face was saying she not welcomed at all

''Oh... hm'' Luna made a thoughtful look before she made a big smile ''Nah, I'll take another route!'' she shortly laugh 'There is a training I had to do in the end...' Luna mused as she also added ''I'm honored to guide by the Fleet Admiral, thank you for the short trip,'' Luna said with a polite tone but with a short chuckle before she got on the ship with Robin while Sengoku was watching them with a blank expression as he didn't say anything more

And just like that, Luna and Robin get on the ship and left.

x

Klein stayed there to make sure no one follows the ship Luna and Robin get on, and after it disappeared on the horizon, he also go back to the Lilith without saying or doing anything

''In the end... all this preparation was for nothing... they just really wanted to pass...'' an incredibly tall, relatively slim man talk at a very slow pace.

He was of middle age with a moderate amount of wrinkles on his face, black hair, and a very thin beard. He was wearing a yellow striped suit with a Marine coat draped over his shoulders like a cape, his arms not in its sleeves. He was also wearing pure white shoes, gold-amber tinted sunglasses, and a dark green shirt with a mauve tie under his yellow suit.

''No,'' Sengoku said with a thoughtful look ''There was something I can't put a finger...'' he remembered Luna's pause and look at the Pangaea Castle in silence with that expression he didn't know it's meaning ''That smile... That silence was weighing heavier than thousand words.''

Just a then a man came as the two man was looking at the sky on top of the Red Line

''Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Admiral Kizaru!'' the man bowed his head before he continued ''The Five Elders are waiting for you in the Room of Authority''

Sengoku let a frustrated sigh at this before he took a step ''Let's go,'' as they started to walk towards the Pangaea Castle.

xxx

Four days later,

Luna and Robin didn't stay on the ship that came to take them for a long time. When it's morning, Luna told them to prepare a boat and take the thing she asked before she left. An eternal pose to Jaya and two log poses for Paradise. She was going to Jaya after she left Robin and met with the old man Aaron, who opened his own place not so long ago, and took an eternal pose from him that shows Kuraigana Island, where Dracule Mihawk was living. Klein also gave her a piece of Vivre Card for Sabaody Archipelago, she still didn't decide when she would be going there.

After traveling for four days on the Paradise with a boat that Luna missed a lot, they were finally docked on some peaceful looking island.

Robin was facing the sea as Luna's back turned on it while they were looking at each other on the shore. Robin's little backpack was beside her, and there was a log pose around her wrist, Luna gave her after she took it before.

Both were standing there in silence as if they don't know what to say. They were together for almost three months now, and a lot of things have happened.

Luna's eyes hold her pistol that her sash was holding.

''Here, take this'' Luna held her pistol to Robin, who had a surprised look as she was looking at the gun, ''It's full, and all the bullets made of from sea stone so it can help you'' Luna add, but Robin was looking even more surprised as she didn't move to take the gun

Luna let a sigh at this, she hold Robin's hand and put the pistol in her hands ''I'm just lending to you, Ro. Once you find the place you truly belong, find me and give it back, okay?'' as she let of Robin's hand that now was holding her pistol.

Robin already knew Luna was calling her weapons as babies. She already saw she was too harsh against people who touch them. She knew she would only let people she approved to touch them. She wore them before while they were passing the Mary Geoise, but giving her weapon to her like this... Moreover, it had seastone bullets. Robin already saw a lot when they were in the New World, so she knew how helpful this could be.

Her eyes turned to Luna and stared at her for a moment. She wondered when or how it all began. At the very beginning, Luna was scary and all Robin wanted was to go. And then she came for her and saved her. It reminded her of Saul. That was the second time another 'D' saved her. Then she heard the story. That was the time Robin felt something lift from her heart. She had finally learned something that made her give another change to her dreams. That was also the time she felt some kind of bond with Luna.

She thought about how it would be if they traveled around. Luna, who knew the whereabouts of the Poneglyphs, and Robin, who could read them. Then it started to change. Luna became more like a little sister to her. It was the moment when she called her 'Big sister Ro' for the first time. She didn't notice it at that moment, but now she knew it was that moment. Her white hair and blue eyes that made Robin remember her mother sometimes made her felt like Luna was her long lost little sister. Luna was such a free-spirited girl that one couldn't help but feel happy just by watching her.

However... Robin knew. Even though she had never said anything, with all the time they spent together, she saw it. Those invisible chains around Luna and the cruel world she lived within.

Luna wasn't free at all.

She was on the seas because she was ordered to and took care of her missions, which they were all shady missions. And she had to go back to her home when everything was over. She was always hiding who she was to move freely because once people knew who she was, they were either wanted to kill her or come close to her with their fake smiles because they were afraid or they had something they want from her. The weigh on her shoulders was too much for a young girl like her. And that wasn't all,

Robin saw how cold her eyes would turn or how empty they would seem. She saw Luna spent many days without sleeping because she couldn't. It was never mentioned, but Robin knew there was something about Luna's brother's death. Luna's reaction to the traitors, her waking ups as if she had a nightmare, and her desire to go to the Mary Geoise because she wondered about their reactions. That short conversation she had with her father... There was also their reaction that Luna wondered. Robin was sure that the rumors were not just rumors. World Government has indeed involved Grant D. Leo's death somehow.

That's why Robin couldn't open her mouth to say she wanted to go with Luna. Luna had a road in front of her she chose to walk on her own, and Robin could see that there was no place for another person there. She didn't know everything, but she knew this much.

''I will give it back'' Robin said with a bitter smile on her face.

'The place I truly belong' She didn't know if there were such a place

''Alright! You already know what to do but still, be careful.'' Luna said with a big smile before she made an expression like she just remembered something ''Ohh! And don't get caught this time!'' she warned, causing Robin to chuckle for a moment

''I will wait for you to give me my baby back!'' Luna said with a big smile as she turned her back to leave

Even though she was laughing, Luna also had a bitter taste in her mouth.

She wasn't sure if Robin could find her at all.

Luna knew she could die at any given moment. There was no certainty when it comes to life. And the fact that she was a princess of a great kingdom didn't change anything. They weren't untouchable like how the people thought or how Luna thought in the past. Leo was the perfect sample for that. She had an unclear future ahead of her, so even she wanted Robin to come with her, she couldn't do that to her.

Robin's dream was to find Poneglyphs to learn the truth, and she had to travel the world and see it. That was something Luna couldn't give it to her. She just had to hold on for a couple of years, and then Robin will find the place she truly belonged to. She will be happy with her friends. Luna couldn't be selfish to stole this from her just because she was alone and wanted to be with someone.

Luna halted her steps. She didn't turn to look at her, but as if she knew Robin's thoughts ''The world is big, so there no way someone would be alone!'' Luna said even though she wasn't feeling the same for herself, Robin was different ''Go and see the world, and I'm sure that one day, you will find the place you belong and meet people you call friends!'' as she began to keep walking, Luna laughed, and she never turned to look at Robin as she jumped on her boat and left.

Robin watched the boat that was slowly leaving until it disappeared on the horizon. Her eyes slide to the pistol she was tightly holding. She made a small smile as she lifted her head to look at the horizon once more, but she knew that the tears were tracing a line down to her chin.

''See you again, little sister'' Robin murmured before she took her backpack and began to walk

For three years, Robin had never seen Luna again, but she heard things. She constantly listened to what people were saying about her. Even if those things were lies, Robin always listened, and she finally learned some truths. People might say the things they were talking about were all stories, baseless rumors, but Robin could say if these were a lie or not.

After a year later of Luna's left, Robin knew she made the right choice when she didn't say anything about going with her. Luna indeed had her own road, but she couldn't help to wish that she would be with her since she could guess how painful must be for her.

And another year later, Robin didn't even know how to react. She felt like her even heart stopped beating for a moment when she read the newspapers talking about the destruction of Diyu and the death of everyone. She never imagined, but she was glad that she was working with Crocodile, who told her that Luna was alive.

And after one more year later, Robin made an honest smile for the first time in three years after she heard the words of 'Big sister Ro,'

Even if they didn't know yet, as if everything has happened at the will of the fate, two women that bounded with dreams and broken promises met on the ship they have really belonged.

As Aokiji was standing on shore that was on the other side of the island,

He took a map after he wore his jacket ''According to the log... The next island is... Hmm?'' as he was looking thoughtful up until now, he slightly frowned ''Water Seven, the city of water..? Ararara, it seems that we're getting closer and closer to the Head Quarters.'' he climbed his bike and look at the horizon with a frowned look ''Water Seven...'' suddenly a young woman with light brown hair and white armor flashed over his mind ''Things could get quite complicated...'' before he began to ride his bike on the sea with the help of his powers.

The Straw Hat's were all still where they were but now they were sitting on the grass. For a crew who just encountered with an Admiral, they were sure looked relaxed.

Chopper was run over the trio to look at their arms and legs, checking if the frozen limbs were fine.

'Soon' and 'They'

Luna was thinking those two words as she was looking at the horizon over the frozen sea. Aokiji was clearly implied that soon someone will come to kill her, probably someone the World Government sent. She didn't know who or when though as she was thinking over that.

''So that was Armament haki..?'' Zoro asked as he was now suddenly beside Luna, causing her to blink and come back to the real world

''Yeah... He was using the Advanced form of it though...'' Luna said slowly, looking thoughtful for a moment

''So he could use haki?!'' Chopper asked, looking half excited, half scared as he looked up at Luna

''Sure,'' She smiled at his cuteness as she patted on his head ''He is an Admiral, he is master on haki'' There was no way one could be an Admiral not be mastered on haki or their devil fruits.

''But...'' Usopp said after he heard what they were saying, looking thoughtful ''He was an ice logia, right? You're using fire and you're not a devil fruit user... Couldn't you beat him?''

Luna look at Usopp as if he had gone crazy ''No way...'' she waved her hand in front of her face, dismissing the idea ''Didn't you notice? He didn't even sweat''

''Why would he sweat?'' Nami asked with a deadpan look, thinking that out of everything, why she was even talking about if the man was sweating or not, causing Luna to sweatdrop

''Well, since you're inside you didn't notice, but for him, I was heated my flames as hot as magma. As an ice logia user who's standing that close, he didn't look uncomfortable at all'' she glanced at Nami for a moment ''Or looked like he sweated. He was covered with Armament haki all the while'' causing all of them to understand that they really had no chance against him

''So, if someone uses haki, they can touch your flames..?'' Zoro asked as a smirk came on his face. The most irritating thing for Zoro while they were training, was the moment Luna used flames. He couldn't even use his swords since they would melt.

''If they have a strong enough haki...'' Luna shrugged, ignoring the evil smirk on Zoro's face, she looked at Chopper for a moment, who's now checking on Luffy's arm after Sanji before she turned to look at Robin, who's watching them in silence

''You should drink some tea, Robin'' Luna said casually, causing Robin to look at her with confuse

''Why would she drink tea now?!'' Usopp asked with a gasp while thinking it wasn't time for the tea

''Eh?'' Luna asked with a surprise after Usopp's question ''But that was the first time I saw Robin that angry'' she said with a pout before she turned to look at Sanji, ''Doesn't tea has a calming effect?'' looking like she wants a confirmation

''Of course, it does!'' Sanji agreed with Luna in a heartbeat ''I will go and prepare a tea for our beautiful Robin-san!'' as he started to run towards the ship with a pink aura around him

''Then I will go and look for a stick'' Luna suddenly said after Sanji gone as she slowly started to walk

''Stick?!'' Chopper and Luffy asked at the same time as they turned their heads to Luna with an incredible speed

''You're going to an adventure on the island?!'' Chopper asked as Luffy was also looking like he was wondering the same thing with both had shiny eyes

''No...'' Luna said as she waved her hand once again, thinking that this island doesn't have anything for an adventure as she also didn't understand why would she need a stick for adventure anyway ''We're going to need for haki training''

''Why would we need a stick?!'' Nami asked with a confused expression

''You will see!'' Luna said with a big smile on her face but what Usopp and Nami saw was nothing but an evil smile ''It's going to be so fun... For me, that is~~ '' Luna said as she began to walk, humming a joyful song on the way, causing them to sweatdrop and actually scare Usopp and Nami

''Wait! I'm going to search for a stick too!'' Luffy yelled out as he ran after Luna

''Me too! I want a stick too!'' Chopper also yelled out as he ran after them too

Robin was looking at their disappearing silhouettes with a small smile on her face. They were all looking like as if just before didn't even happened as they were all back to their usual tempo.

''Poor souls didn't notice that evil smile...'' Usopp muttered as he also watched Luffy, Luna and Chopper's disappearing silhouettes while Nami was nodding alongside him, completely agreeing.

After they were completely dissapeared, remaining ones decided to go back to the ship and wait for them to return and finally start to training.

I know I cut a lot from Robin and Luna's past, but it was just too long to put in a chapter. I might write a special chapter in the future, but actually, I'm thinking to write another fic about Luna's life before she met Luffy for a while now. Her childhood, her family, and a lot about her life. I was thinking to write there more detailed. Even the battles between the Grant Kingdom and Revolutionary Army, as well as Luna and Robin's adventures. I'm not sure yet. I don't have time for it right now, so maybe later, and I don't know if it would read.

The promise Luna and Robin talked about in the past, it will come out on Water Seven,

And about Leo and what actually happened, I plan to get in that slowly and write the full story around the time on Sabaody Archipelago.

I hope you guys like the chapter and leave me reviews!