A/N: New chapter. Happy Holidays!
I sighed in relief at seeing my brother triumphant against that ugly split head by using the older man's power against him
Split head? He goes by Foxy the Silver Fox. Current champion of the Davy Back fight. The Davy Back Fight is a competition between pirate crews to compete against the other in non-lethal ways. The winner gets to pick crewmates and they have to be a part of the crew. Honor code really. I don't like being forced away from a group of people you got along with, but I guess those who value only power would like it.
Split head has an annoying power that slows down his victims. Gotta watch out for that.
I bet you're wondering how we got here? After the Luchador business we were out at seas for close to three weeks. During that time, we participated in a secret race among pirate crews called the Dead-End Competition. Did we win? Sure, but we had to abandon the prize money because we were chased by Marines again.
Then there was the time our memories somehow got stolen by a strange sea horse, but that got resolved too. After that, we came across an island where my brother found old man Tonji and his horse on a pair of stilts and then Foxy.
Luffy, in all his craziness, agreed to this stupid game to help old man Tonjit and his cute horse. I wanted to win solely to spite that split-head.
We engaged the five rounds with the Foxy Pirates. Five rounds of insane rules they keep coming up with and tricks that ticked me off. We lost the first round which was a race around the island and they got Chopper-kun. I wanted to strangle that long nose hussy for cuddling Chopper-kun. That's MY cute doctor not hers! We lost the second round and they called out for Robin. If they were to call me, I would threaten usurp him if he won. I imagine they throw insults at me like they usually do.
We won the others of course. Twas nothing. The final battle was a one on one between captains. The battle between them was intense. Foxy kept using his Slow beam when given the opportunity. I admit, the guy came up with cleaver ways to use his powers.
He used a piece of broken mirror he found to reflect that power against Foxy and then punch him in the face. Seeing Foxy's face slowly react to the punch was awesome.
"The winner is STRAWHAT LUFFYYY!"
The cheers from the crowd were pretty awesome and ironic… I think. Throughout the match they were inspired by Luffy's desire and will. He wanted to win so that he won't lose us nor give up his desire to be the King of Pirates. That's who Luffy is; he draws people in somehow and you can't help to back him up.
"Someone has to grab the boss!"
"I'll go!"
"No, me!"
I suddenly felt dread as the amount of people a scrambling to get Split-head put a dent in the stands and… collapsed in… itself… heh heh.
We managed to bring my brother to shore where Chopper immediately started to do his doctor stuff.
"You're so crazy Luffy!" Usopp chuckled as he rapidly poking him. "This guy right here."
"You jerk!" Chopper shouted at him. "He's injured don't do anything to injure him further."
"Sorry." The sniper replied. "I'm just excited."
"Me too." I smiled brightly. "No slowing down now."
"Puns aside, do you seriously think this was all the power of the afro." said Nami
"Nami-san." Sanji sighed at her. "Don't diss the power of the afro."
Oh and Luffy wore an afro throughout the entire fight. I admit I did not believe in the power of the afro, but after today I believe in the power of the afro. Never doubt it's funk and coolness. Rest in power or something. I hope we get a crew member with an afro.
"Huh?" Luffy muttered as he started to wake up. His eyes shot up as he sat up quickly and looked around in panic. "THE GAME! WHAT HAPPENED!"
"You won, calm down." Zoro smirked at him.
Luffy stared at us one by one before collapsing on the ground with a sigh of relief.
"That's good."
"Honestly if you did lose, I would've made my promise and usurp control." I said. "And then disband the Lavender Pirates."
Usopp snorted humorously. "Lavender huh?"
"You or Luffy," Zoro spoke out. "No reason to be a pirate if I was on that ship."
"You wouldn't mind Miss Lancer being charge?" Robiin turned to him coyly.
"T-that not what I meant!" growled the swordsman.
Huh, wouldn't mind me to be his Captain eh? That's sweet
Luffy snorted at the idea. "Don't take Zoro."
"I won't because you won."
Luffy chuckled. "Yep."
"HEY! STRAWHAT!"
We all immediately turned to face the Slow-man. I reached for my spear to prepare for a fight. The tense was there, seemed to be thick. After a few moments the man sighed and held out his hand. "Well done, brother."
I see, is this the bond to between men forming? Luffy reached out to shake his hand, affirming the bond between men, captains, friends.
"SIKE! SUPER VENGEANCE SHOULDER THROW!"
Like an idiot he tried to toss my brother over his shoulder, but ended up stretching Luffy's arm and comically falling on his own head.
"That's sad." Sanji looked in annoyance.
"It's his own fault." Nami facepalmed at the scene.
Foxy stood up angrily and told him to pick what he wanted. Right, the winner gets to choose who or whatever they want. Since Merry is need of repairs we figured to get a Shipwright. There were a few to choose from, but in the end my brother chose the Jolly Roger. Everyone was surprised and dismayed, Sanji included because one of the Shipwrights was a woman.
The Jolly Roger is a symbol of pride as a pirate. Take that away and you take away a crew's worth. It's a pirate's reason to keep going.
"You're really taking our sail and flag?"
"Not your sail or else you can't go to sea."
"Strawhat is kind!"
"The coolest guy!"
"The best friend you can ask for!"
"But… it's our symbol! You can't just take that away from us."
"Alright, I'll draw you a new one. How does that sound?"
One minute they were thrilled about how great he is about drawing them a new symbol and then their happiness dropped off a massive cliff at seeing the Luffy's poorly drawn Jolly Roger. They begrudgingly accept it, really, they can probably design one later. The announcer shouted the conclusion of the event, ending it until next time for whoever wants to accept the challenge. Bye.
After that the crew piled onto the ship. I don't know, they were lively in their own stupid way.
"CHAPPY! One last hug."
I'm sorry? Do my hussy senses tingle! Is she chasing my cute doctor? I immediately stood in front of the blue haired, long-nose WOMAN as Chopper-kun ran by. She halted in front of me as I delivered a nasty glare at the woman.
"No." I simply said. "Mine." I smiled while showing all my teeth.
She glared back at me. She muttered what I assumed was something insulting as she walked off and flicked her hair aside. I think she tried to mock me and my short hair. I've been keeping it short for a while… but maybe I should grow it out? Should I?
Anyway, they board their ship with the new Jolly Roger and took off to new horizons. Bye. Our prize was the sail with their jolly roger. The reason why we participated was to help old man Tonjit and his cute horse, Shelly. So that's done. Now there is the case of getting the old man to his family. We all approached the old man near his house, looking thankful for all we done.
"It's no problem." Tonjit smiled at us. "Shelly and I will be patient when the time comes." He got up and walked to the front of his house. "You and your comrades came a long way. You're welcome to come inside."
We followed him as my brother asked if there were more cheese. I'm a little puckish myself though. As he walked around to the front door, he bumped into something. Actually, it was a someone as we got a better look at who he encountered. We see a tall well-dressed man in white standing before us... sleeping. Who does that? Who sleeps while standing up... me sometimes... my brother too and... but that's besides point! Interesting thing is that bump managed to wake him up.
"Who are you?" as he took off his sleep mask over his eyes. Huh, I see the face and I don't recognize it. Hmm.
"Ah!" I heard Robin gasp. I whipped around to see her fallen on her butt at the sight of him. My eyes widen at her demeanor, which promptly made me reach for my spear and faced the tall man. In y short time knowing the woman I have not seen her look terrified in her life. She usually calm, even Enel did scare her that much and he seemed unstoppable. But this man in front of us? He scared her so much she lost all feeling in her legs, I assume.
The rest of us were just as tensed at Robin's change of demeanor.
The tall man looked to her and he smiled, recognizing her as well.
"You've turned into pretty woman, Nico Robin."
He knows her too!? Who is this guy? Everyone else was on edge as well. Luffy demanded to know who he is, Zoro gripped his swords, Sanji was ready to attack, Usopp took out his sling shot, Nami was just as startled as Chopper. He mentioned encountering her in the past. Who is this guy?
"Don't worry I'm not here on orders. The weather was nice and I was taking a stroll."
A stroll and what does he mean by orders? Who does he work for?
"Who is he?" asked Nami.
"He's Admiral Aokiji from Marine Headquarters." Started Robin.
Shit… an Admiral. AN ADMIRAL! Gramps told me enough about some of the big dogs in the government. At least those important enough to talk about. Gramps told me he's a Vice Admiral and this guy above him? How strong is he? Is he stronger than gramps? Not to mention there are two more like him, Kizaru and Akainu. Above them is Fleet Admiral Sengoku and above that is some Supreme Commander Kong and they get orders from the old geezers called the Five Elder Stars.
If there was someone higher than the Elders I would not be surprised and I think people would be upset by that. Too many people are lied to. Never mind that, why is he here? They should be after people like the Emperors or Revolutionary Dragon.
"Ah… a cutie." He looked at Nami. "Are you free tonight.
"WHAT A MINUTE!" shouted Sanji. "How dare you?"
"Don't get riled up!" shouted Usopp. "He's an Admiral."
"Anya." I froze as he mentioned my name. His face didn't hold the same look as he gave Nami, he looked at me as if he knew me, like we met before. I think. "You've grown into a pretty woman since I last saw a picture of you."
I couldn't help, but blush at his compliment. My instant response was to turn away from him while crossing my arms. "Flattery won't get you date me."
"Aren't you a little too old for her?" growled Zoro.
"You know him?" shouted Chopper.
I sighed and glanced at Luffy whom seem freaked out. I think it's more that the guy knows our grandpa or thinking about gramps training may have given us ptsd. I think he's more worried Aokiji will tell gramps where we are than the knowledge of our relation to a marine. "Our grandpa is a… marine."
"WHAT?" they shouted.
"He's a marine?" shouted Nami. "How come this hasn't come up?"
"You didn't ask." responded Luffy. Everyone around facepalmed at the answer.
"As much as I would like to learn about the twins' background, this guy is still in front of us." Responded Sanji
"He's right." Zoro growled.
"Yeah." I groaned. "Are we going to fight?"
"Woah." Aokiji raised his hands up in defense. "I'm not here to fight any of you. I said I was just taking a walk."
"A walk?" Usopp shouted. "I don't see a boat and you call sailing out on the ocean a walk?"
"I rode a bike."
"HOW DOES THAT WORK!?" Zoro, Nami, Chopper, Sanji, Usopp, and I shouted at him.
He sighed. "There's going to be a lot more of this if I stray off topic. Besides there something about you all… but I forget."
I smacked my forehead again as the others groaned or shouted.
"Are you sure about this Robin?" Usopp face the dark-haired woman. Is THIS guy really an Admiral?"
"You should not judge someone you haven't met, much like a book. A fantastic story can come from it." He smiled again. "I have a motto, it's… Lazy Justice."
The hell is that? What exactly is that? The lazy man sat down as if he was tired. He explained to us about not going to capture us and he went to verify Robin's location after she vanished from Alabasta.
"My next step was to inform headquarters, since you added another member. Increasing your total bounty to…. 100 million, 80, 60, 79… eh it's a big amount."
He is too lazy to add up everything. What kind of people does Marine Headquarters employ? Is he so powerful he decides to take it easy and sleep all the time? Around this time, Luffy tried to attack him. Fortunately, Sanji, Usopp and I were able to hold him back. I don't want him to take Robin, but we should get more information before attacking a higher up who might be stronger than us. Luffy started calming down, but still accusing the man of things and Aokiji was just… letting the insults come. This guy is too laid back.
Aokiji yawned before speaking. "All right, I'll go, but before I leave, I listened to your earlier conversation." He looked toward the old man. "As a light sleeper I heard everything. I'll help you move immediately."
Luffy turned to old man in panic. "Mister! Don't listen to the guy, he's a marine."
We all sat there processing the information. It felt surreal for some reason. Too surreal that I started laughing how dumb it was. The old man seemed confused by it.
"Isn't that… a good thing." said the old man.
Luffy blinked in realization and started laughing. "Ah… that right. The marines are good and we're bad. Of course."
"I'm sorry that's just hilarious." I cackled.
"Is that irony?" mumbled Nami.
"It's stupid." Sighed Zoro.
Aokiji glanced at the old man. "The villagers moved away, and you want to reach them. The plan was for you to wait till the tide recedes to cross on your horse which will be three island hops." He observed the horse. "However, you horse is injured."
"Can you really help?" Usopp questioned him.
"He can." We all turned to Robin, who less apprehensive. "He can make it happen."
Later, we built a makeshift cart for the old man to place Shelly-chan in before going to the shore. Aokiji informed us to stay back as he approached the shore and placed one hand in the water. Okay what are you going to d- crap a seaking emerged and is about to attack. We all prepared to fight it until Aokiji did something that nearly crapped my pants.
"Ice Age."
My mouth dropped at the sight of the man freezing the ocean and Sea King in strike. Not just freezing the surrounding water a few yards away. This man froze the entire ocean around us for what looked to be miles This is the power of the Admiral, the military might of the government, a Logia to add salt to our wounds. Robin informed us this man ate the Chill Chill Fruit. He truly is an Ice-man.
Just casually as he summoned the ice, he got back up as if he was just eating a sandwich and walked away while yawning. I feel as if any progress I made pales in comparison to how strong this man is. I need to increase my training
"It will hold for a week, you can take it easy to meet with the rest of the villagers." He said as he casually walked by.
The man stared at the frozen sea while mumbling to himself about seeing his family. He turned around and thanked Aokiji for helping him. The old man loaded the rest of his supplies and thanked us for helping him. We said our goodbyes to him as he strolled down the ice toward his friends. Despite it being chilly, it did warm my heart a little.
We walked back over to the field and saw the Admiral sitting on the field with a look… a look I did not like. He scratched his head as if thinking about something. I get this feeling I should prepare for the worse.
Luffy took notice. "What's wrong?"
"How can I describe it?" He glanced at my brother. "Monkey D. Luffy, you're just like your grandpa in every way. Wild with no self-control."
Luffy flinched at the mention of gramps. Okay, I flinched to. I love the old guy, but his training was terrible. Sent us flying on balloons and dropped us in a gorge for a few days.
"You, Monkey D. Anya are more reserved, yet there is a wild streak in you as well. I guess I can thank the 'Bloody Cherry Blossom' for that.
"Oh…" I said hesitantly. "You know her?"
"I met her a few times through Garp, but that's enough about history. Your grandpa is a man I owe a debt to from years ago. The only reason I came here is to observe Nico Robin."
I gulped as I felt a 'but' coming along and I did like the feeling.
"I changed my mind, maybe you all die now."
Damn. Now it got worse. After all of that now he says we're going to die? What would gramps do? What would Master do? Would they do something to him? He respects Garp, but they both told us being a pirate is dangerous. More so gramps than Master, but did I really want to be a marine after… that incident.
"The government does not see you as a huge threat right now. But I see you all have a lot ambition than anyone else thinks." He narrowed his eyes further. "Your group is small in number, a bunch of troublemakers that would so be a thorn later on. Luffy, I know the details of how you acquired your bounty and many of your other exploits from removing Crocodile."
Well… Luffy did defeat high profile pirates in East Blue before I came along, but I guess putting Crocodile in his place was annoying to them.
"Over the many ruthless villains I face, you all scare me more."
"B-but! Why now?" shouted Usopp. "As you said you were just going for a walk!"
He explained the reason why we are are dangerous now is because of Robin. Robin's very existence is a threat to the government. He talked about the bounty is not about strength, but threat level they pose to the Government.
Bounties don't really show how strong you are, but how the government deems you be a threat. Putting a bounty on Robin at 8 years old, for whatever reason seemed okay at the time. Not.
He explained how she is a survivor since she was a child and how she betrayed groups when they took her in. At first I was cautious, still am, but Robin… how can I explain this… I feel she needs help. I didn't come to that conclusion until after we got our memories taken by that seahorse. She was the only one who did not get her memories taken. She could've left us there and taken the ship. She did not
It could have been her interest in D than her kindness… maybe. I don't know, but I feel she needs something. I don't know what.
He explained letting her get away once, whether on purpose or not is between the two of them. He further tried to make us fear her by explaining how every single organization fell because of her and we're next on the chopping block.
Maybe those organizations were the same as Crocodile's Baroque Works and she had no choice, but to survive. Maybe I'm giving her the benefit of doubt because she saved my brother's life due to her own curiosity of our middle initial. Her question about the meaning D didn't make me think much, but I think she wants to stick with us based on that. Whether that's selfish or not is up to her. Plus… in some way she is one of us.
"You managed to get close to the crew, are you planning something? Nico Robin."
"What are you trying to imply?" She was losing her calm attitude. "If you want to capture me." She raised her arms. "JUST DO IT!"
That's the first time I've seen her lose her cool exterior and let all that raw emotion come out. That only increased my belief she needs help. She needs someone to confide in.
"Trienta Fleurs!"
She brought many arms around the man, surprising all of us. Is she going to kill him?
"Robin stop!" shouted Usopp.
"Are you?" I muttered as she said the word 'Clutch'. Then she broke him… into ice? Chopper and Usopp started panicking about killing him, but that doesn't seem right. Aren't Logia impossible to hurt without some kind contingency?
Then much to the shock of some he started reforming back into his usual self. Fighting Logia are going to be the biggest annoyances in my life. Crocodile and Enel were defeated through different circumstances.
"That wasn't nice." He bent down and plucked some grass and then tossed them. Then to my surprise he blew ice onto it, creating an ice blade. That's it. I took out my spear just as he was about to hit Robin with the blade. Luckily Zoro blocked it effortlessly with his blade.
Sanji then followed up with a kick that sent the blade flying away. He then grabbed Zoro by the arm and Sanji by his leg. Luffy ran forward and struck him with his Gum Gum Bullet attack. I was about to leapt in until I saw just how terrifying a Logia can be. Okay, freezing an entire ocean is bad, but the other thing? You can't put a scratch on them without having time to plan.
I stood still as I witnessed the Admiral freeze the limbs of three of my comrades… at once. The boys screamed at the pain of being frozen while they dropped down and gripped whatever body part that received the hit. I felt fear at how quickly he dealt to them. Can we beat him?
"This is bad!" cried out the panic doctor. "I have to tend to them right away! Frostbite can rot their limbs if not treated."
"You got good people, Robin. However, you're the same as you've always been."
"Shut up!" I launched my shield at him as I raced at him. Screw it, I'm going to try! I spun around three times producing 2 air waves at him. He grabbed the shield as let the air waves past through him.
"Ah, long distance won't work." He froze my shield and tossed it back to me. I moved away as I grabbed my frozen shield, then hissed at how it is and dropped it on the ground. I thought if that technique I was working on could work, but I need to practice more.
"ROBIN!"
My musing vanished and I looked up quickly. I was horrified at seeing Aokiji freeze Robin solid. Could she have survived that? Could anyone?
"YOU BASTARD!" Luffy shouted.
"You worry too much. She'll be still alive when she thaws." Aokiji sighed. "If she breaks, then she'll die."
My fear increased further when he raised his hand up to provide an example. I ran forward with my ice shield and blocked his fist with it, but my shield broke in pieces at his impact. Was this how strong his ice was?
"No more shield for you."
"Anya!" Luffy shouted as he grabbed Robin. "Good job I got her."
"I want you to pay for that with your salary." I half joked at him.
"Can't help you with that."
I scoffed and took out my spear. Unfortunately, he rushed forward before I could blink and grabbed my arm. The sensation of having your limb frozen is not something I want for anyone. It was painful, I backed away as he let go and I gripped my shoulder. That's not a good feeling at all.
He tried going after Robin again, but this time Usopp took her from Luffy before the Admiral tried anything.
"USOPP! CHOPPER" shouted my brother. "Get her back to the ship! Find a way to save her!"
"ROGER!" They shouted and raced like the world was upon them.
"It's better you let her die. The world would be much better off."
Nami struck him with her Clima-Tact, made a comment about the world needing Robin than without. Knowingly, the man pushed her aside.
That's it! Now I'm mad. I can still use my good arm while the frozen one thaws. I aimed my spear at him with Sanji and Zoro ready for another go at him.
"STOP! You three!" My eyes widen at Luffy shouting at us. What? "Don't butt in. He's mine."
"Luffy!" I shouted. "But."
"Anya…" He glanced at me. "Captain orders."
"Ah!" I snapped my mouth shut and growled at him before turning away. Fine, captain first, sibling second. I ran away feeling irritated at the order. Does he want to distract him or prove something? I don't know, but as soon as my arm thaws I'm heading back.
Sanji and Zoro glanced at each other and at me. They too probably felt conflicted before we decided to run away with Nami. We were silent on the way back. I get it, I don't like, but I get it. I am peeved he used Captain's Orders on me on a situation like that. Why am I unhappy and annoyed he treated me like I'm not his sister… like an underling… no. He doesn't see me as that. He'll never see me as that. Why am I feeling negative about being told to leave him to fight a man like that?
We grew up together, we were practically inseparable except for when Sakura dragged me to train in private during our youth.
I just… should I have accepted co-captain when he first offered? No, Zoro fits that role better than me. What am I irritated about? I need to think about this.
We made it to the ship as Zoro called out for Chopper.
The doctor emerged from the ship looking panicked at us. "Why are there four of you?"
"Talk later! We're going back right away. You need to do something about our arms and legs."
"OH! Right!? Warm up the frozen parts right away…"
I ignored him after that and dipped myself in the ocean along with the boys. He informed us to rub our frozen limbs after the ice begins to melt and then board the ship while Nami helped with Robin.
In a while we boarded the ship and used towels to continue rub our limbs. Usopp seemed to pick a good time to panic yell!
"What happened to you all?! Where is Luffy? What about Aokiji."
"He wanted to duel by himself." Said Sanji
"What? Why? You left him alone!?"
"Captain's orders!"
"Even if he's the captain… Anya he's your brother why did you obey that?"
"Captain's orders idiot." I growled at him, still feeling peeved and he added more to my already increasing irritation.
"THAT SHOULDN'T OVERRIDE ANY SENSE OF FAMILY!"
"I'M NOT LISTENING TO YOU!" I got up and walked away in huff.
"Usopp!" Sanji hollered at him as grabbed him and pinned him to the wall. "One, he said one on one. You need to understand that. Two, watch what you say."
"ENOUGH! THIS IS NOT THE RIGHT TIME OR PLACE TO DEBATE!" Zoro shouted, getting our attention. "Right now, this is a crucial time for the crew. Whatever reason he has is not important to wonder about. We need to prepare for the worse scenario."
A gasp escaped my lips as I clenched my arm. "We have to hurry." I think my voice squeaked at the last part, telling me my fear of losing him never left. After making sure our limbs were better the boys and I rushed off to find Luffy. I tried clearing my thoughts, thinking about what was still wrong, but I was still worried about Luffy. The boys were spouting things I was not paying attention too.
I gasped as we seen him in sight. My heart dropped at seeing him frozen and I couldn't help, but fear if he was dead. Tears started forming at the idea of it. Aokiji did say Robin was still alive despite being frozen so he should be to. H-he has to be. At least he did not break apart… I… would hate that.
"Here he is!" Sanji called out.
"Good, he's not broken apart."
"He'll be alright when we get him defrosted." I growled at them and wiped my tears away.
The boys looked at me for the moment, before we grabbed Luffy and rushed him back to the ship. Once we arrived, Chopper immediately went to help defrost him with Nami's help. I held my breath as I went to the edge of the ship and looked out to the ocean. My mind on him being frozen, telling me to leave to him to fight some elemental user. An Admiral no less.
What's wrong with me? I trusted him before. I wasn't too worried about him before. I've seen how he fights; I've seen the result of the fights. I've heard about the people he fought. Crorocdile and Enel were both Logia and he won against them.
He won because they had a weakness he exposed. But what about others? What about others that had abilities that are strange and terrifying? What if he did not have access to something at the time. We ran from Smoker and the one time he got distracted was when Ace blocked his path. But that's not what irks me right now and it should irk me.
He is my brother. Ace is who knows where and Sabo… I just… do I have too much faith in my brother not to die? No, it's the Captain's Orders... or maybe just too much faith?
I don't know how long I was waiting when the cabin door burst open revealing Chopper. I held my breath at the anticipation of the news.
"THEIR HEARTS ARE BEATING! THEY'LL BE OKAY!"
I let out that the breath I felt I held for a lifetime. Him and Robin are fine… but I still don't feel joyful I looked up, seeing the others thrilled at the news. Sanji went to make something hot for the group. I left to my musings once again, still thinking.
"Anya!"
I snapped out to see Zoro standing in front of me. I looked around to find it was just the two of us.
"Hi."
"What's wrong?"
I looked at him, I felt… something about the way he looked at me. It was a concerned look. Something that made me feel like a little girl. No, focus. You don't need to act like a hopeless romantic in front of him.
"If I say nothing, are you going to leave it at that."
"If it concerns the crew then I have to know. We're not leaving until the captain wakes up."
"Yeah… Luffy treats us not like other captains."
"Yeah, one of things I'm okay about."
I sighed, yeah that's true. Maybe that's why I got irritated... but why this time? "I wanted to help, but when he said; 'Captain's Orders', it made me feel I wasn't his sister, just some underling."
Zoro scratched his head. "You know he doesn't feel that way about you. The other times it did not annoy you."
"I know that."
"There will be situations where he will have to use his position as captain to make choices… even hard ones, even if we don't like it. The captain always has to think about the crew."
I puffed my cheeks at him. "I know that." I sighed. "I was just... worried."
"We all are." He nodded. "If Aokiji..."
I shivered at the thought. "Yeah..." I don't want to think about. "Basically, I wanted to team up with him and he sent me away." She chuckled.
"It's complicated." He looked toward the cabin. "But... he may have gotten Aokiji to leave us alone somehow or the man was just too lazy."
"'I'm Lazy Justice.'" I mocked. "What does that even mean?"
"Who knows, who cares. It's their motto."
"Yeah..." I looked up at him and placed my hands on my hips. "You know what?"
"What?"
"You're right, there will be times when Luffy gives an order I don't agree with. I will have to get used to it. I agreed to follow him no matter what he chose to do. I'm using this journey to find any signs of the ancient Dragoon Order."
"Good. We all need to be at 100% to tackle all threats to the crew. If it still bothers you, talk to him."
"I will." I let my arms drop and stared at him. "Thanks."
"I didn't want you to be moody for the rest of the day. Luffy and Robin need everyone to help them recover."
I smiled at him fondly. "You're wiser than people think you are."
"I only say what matters to current situation." Zoro replied.
"I know, but you're not too much of an idiot."
Zoro smirked at her. "Someone has to make calls when the captain is not around."
"I know, thanks."
"Anytime."
"Awe, now you're losing you cool guy exterior." I leaned up to him smugly.
He leaned back. "I-I-damn it woman."
-Three days later—
We spent a few days on the island to cooperate. Luffy and Robin still needed time to rest. After spending my time on the island training, I went to the ship to find him. I discover him, Usopp, and Chopper fishing. I called out to him to join me on land. He did and we walked further away to talk in private
"Yo." He said as we got further away.
"Hi." I smiled sadly at him. "I'm sorry."
He blinked in surprise. "What for?"
"Luffy, you're my brother. I love you a lot."
"Same." He smiled widely. "But what do you have to say sorry for?"
"I guess… you pulled the 'captain's order' on me and I took it wrong way."
Luffy frowned slightly. "I did not do that to offend you nor do I think of you as a henchmen."
"I know." I grabbed his hands. "I took it wrong. I got irritated for two different reasons. One was because I was afraid for your safety. I trust you to handle opponents I can't be around for and you do the same, but when you are faced against someone like that I can't help, but worry."
"I get it, when I saw what Enel did to you and others I was enraged. Seeing you on the ground..." He lowered his face. "I immediately thought about Sabo."
"Mmm." I hummed at the mention of our brother. "We made a toast to be siblings. I guess that still stings."
"I..." He scratched his head. "Honestly, even though I was okay with you leaving... I was bitter for a while."
My eyes widen. "You were? I'm sorry, but you know why..."
"I know, I couldn't force you to stay, but it still stung." He looked in my eyes. "It made feel I was missing something. I imagined us leaving the island at the same time."
"... I think we had separation anxiety."
"Huh?"
"Master figured it was that when I was feeling anxious about being away from you. We were together all the time as kids, except on certain occasions."
"Yeah..." He smiled. "Still meeting you again felt like that missing piece is back again. We can travel and fight together."
"Ah." I perked up at 'fight together'. "I wanted to fight with you against him,
"I wanted to prove to him I could protect Robin and that's she's someone who will be worth the trouble." He sighed. "I'm not blind. I know he left us off the hook and next time it's going to be serious. I need to get stronger."
"That's right." I smiled. "I've been working on some moves recently ever since Sky Island. Zoro too."
"Can I see?" He stared at me with twinkle in his eyes.
"Not yet… "
"Aw." He pouted for a bit, then smiled at me. "Anya, you don't need to feel less if I do tell you it's 'Captain's Orders' or..."
"No, don't say 'you won't do that to me again'." I crossed my arms. "I am your sister and a crew member of the Strawhat Pirates. Do not treat me, the notorious Lavender Laner, differently than the others during serious moments."
"Heh, yeah." Luffy grinned widen. "Right, I won't."
-Next Day—
We continued to stay on the island with plans to leave tomorrow morning. I wanted to go see how Robin was doing. The last few times she was asleep. This time I noticed her awake in the bed. I sat down on box and spoke.
"I'm glad you're doing okay."
"Thank you," She smiled at me. "Sorry for worrying everyone."
"It's fine." I scratched my nose. "Um… listen… I know you're not completely open, but when the time appears and you want to open yourself, we're all here."
She seemed a bit startled at that. A few moments later she returned a smile. "We'll see."
I chuckled. "Maybe you can call me by my name someday. No rush."
Robin nodded. "When the time comes… I'll think about it."
-Robin P.O.V—
She walked away, looking satisfied. I can't… refer to them by their names, only by their title or by physical appearance. The moment I say their name is the moment they are more than just strangers. My existence already nearly killed them. I am still curious about 'Strawhat' and 'Lancer' since seeing them. D's in their name mean something and two of them in the same place may bring about trouble.
But… I don't want them to get in trouble because of me. Any other group would try to turn me over were very shady characters. That's why I did not care if they were trouble. The Strawhats are different. Very different.
I'm starting to feel... something I have not felt in years when I'm around them. However, I fear that the feeling may die if something happens to them. I don't want that. I don't want that good feeling to rise or else my heart will break further when darkness takes over. 'Lancer' knows about my bounty and feels I did not deserve it for being a child. But… I was born on an island erased from history and my existence is a danger… just as Aokiji said.
I don't believe they could help me, but they might try. Will I run if something happens… will I do something to make sure nothing happens to them? Perhaps if given the opportunity I will make a choice to save them, so they won't be burdened my existence.
For now, I will sail and find out the true history with the limited time I have left.
A/N: Yep, I skipped a majority of the Davy Back Fight. I thought about if she would be with Zoro and Sanji in their round or make up a round during the anime only 5 round Davy Back fight and have a dance off/wrestling. I decided against that.
Aokiji appears. His appearance signifies the strawhats need to get stronger if they want to stay alive. I mentioned in this chapter that Anya has been working on some moves since leaving Skypeia. It won't be revealed until her fight against a CP9 operative.
Next chapter may be about her first meeting with 'Bloody Cherry Blossom' Sakura and then we'll head to Water 7, perhaps one of my favorite arcs. R/R.