" How … ? " Cried Saya. " It's the truth ? "

" For the third time, yes. " Swan assured her.

While everyone had returned to the bus so that Swan could show them the way to enter the protected area, the man had explained to Saya what had happened on his side. When it came to Saya's parents' fate, the high school girl sighed in relief, realizing that they were still alive.

" Taking advantage of their influence, they even managed to encourage a lot of survivors to set up a refugee camp. "

" Yeah ? " Sanji wondered, turning his gaze to Swan's mate.

Still unconscious, the man lay at the back of the bus, as Swan almost had to beg the passengers to let him board with them. It must be said that the man had not shown an ounce of charity, especially by shooting them.

" I don't think we have the same definition of a refugee camp. " Takashi retorted, looking at him in turn.

" Don't pay attention to him! Okame is just the king of assholes! A guy who has fun putting the discord in the camp, every time he occasionally! That's why he found himself staying outside almost all the time, to stand guard! We really need it, with all these monsters around! His only specialty is knowing how to handle a firearm! But … "

He turned his gaze to Luffy, and looked at his shoulder again. Other than a small hole in his jacket, nothing could tell that the boy had just been shot there.

" … Usually, his shots succeed in seriously injuring his victims. "

" In fact, I ... " He boy began.

Usopp and Nami suddenly put their hands over his mouth, in order to assert, with an awkward smile.

" In fact, Luffy's skin is very thick ! He was saved because of that. "

"The high school students have already had a hard time believing us. " They noticed. " So what will be with a bunch of adults who will surely have no desire to welcome people with powers like Luffy? "

" And how did he stretch his arm ? " Swan insisted. " I did not have the berlue! This guy managed to reach Okame when we were quite a distance from you! Also, can someone explain to me why your group includes a robot, a skeleton and a raccoon ? "

" It's not a raccoon. " Cried Toshimi.

" Exactly. " Chopper asserted.

" He speaks ? " Swan wondered.

" Me too. " Brook said.

Looking at them then, as Usopp and Nami hit each other on the forehead, the man finally sat down in a seat before taking a deep breath.

" Ok, I think you better stop that bus and explain to me in detail who you are before we go to camp. "

" We really have to ? " Takashi asked him.

" I think so. "

A minute after the start of the explanation that Luffy's crew had been able to finish, to the bodyguard, the soldier was still staring at them, dumbfounded, by what he had just heard.

" He doesn't move. " Franky remarked.

" Hum, strangely, I would have bet this reaction. " Sanji confessed to him.

Staring at them then, Swan pointed at them before asking the high school students.

" But from which asylum do they come ? "

" Don't ask us. "Tsunoda begged him.

" But what they say is the truth. " Hisashi asserted. " At least, to believe what they can do. "

" You really believe in this story of pirates ... treasure ... and these strange fruits that give powers ? "

" This is the only way to explain that this guy can stretch his arms. " Mizusu explained, pointing to Luffy with her thumb.

" And again, it's Brook who is the strangest. " Takuzo remarked.

'' And even if all of this is true, do you really think those in the Takagi house are going to accept you like this? wanted to know the guard! No sooner will they meet your skeleton than they will mistake him for an enemy! After all, he too is supposed to be dead. "

" Hey, don't compare me to those monsters. " Cried Brook. " My only flaw is my perversity, nothing else. "

" It's already too much. " Cried Nami.

Preferring to sigh, Saya wanted to know.

" Sorry to ask you Swan but, would it be possible not to tell my parents anything about their powers? They are strange, I grant you! But it's thanks to them that me and the others are still alive. "

" What ? " Wondered the bodyguard." Are you really going to let them into the camp and pass them off as a bunch of normal adults? It will never work! Maybe the robot can do it, but the reindeer and the skeleton can't. "

" For Chopper, we can pass it off as a stuffed animal or hide it somewhere. " Saya assured him. " As for Brook… "

She suddenly grabbed Swan's helmet, before throwing it at the skeleton.

" We just have to hide his bone parts under clothes! This helmet and a pair of gloves will do the trick. "

" But ... but … " Stammered the guard.

" If I can speak… " Suddenly exclaimed Zoro. " It seemed to me that you were looking for guards to secure the perimeter. "

" Huh, yeah. " Swan approved. " For now, it's quiet! But it is certain that these monsters will end up attacking us at one point or another! People capable of fighting will be welcome. "

Zoro suddenly took out one of his sabers before smiling.

" In this case, in exchange for your silence, we will ensure the security of the premises! Deal ? "

" What ? "

'' You saw our captain's strength, didn't you? Just tell yourself that we are all good at destroying these monsters. "

" And then, Chopper is a doctor. " Toshimi assured him. " It will be what to do if your camp has wounded. "

" And Sanji is a great cook. " Yuuki continued.

" Not to mention that the robot is a genius mechanic. " Adds Miura. " Honestly, your side would gain as much strength in combat as it would be a valuable aid to the camp. "

Listening to them without flinching, Swan finally heaved a sigh, showing that the situation was making him undecided.

" I do not really know ! After what I just heard, I'm afraid to tell you that I will be wary of you every time I see you! However, … "

He ends up showing a small smile before declaring.

" If Miss Saya tells me that we can trust you, I can drive you to the residence at least! Once there, it is the masters of the place who will tell you whether or not you will be able to stay with us! In the meantime, it is also preferable, so as not to disturb the little peace that there is in the camp, that I say nothing about your past. "

Hearing this, Luffy ends up hitting him on the back, while assuring.

" Thank you very much ! At the end of the day, you really are a nice guy. "

" That does not mean that everything is working out for you. " Retorted the man. " So, are we going or not? "

'' Say, is it me or does everyone in this world have a castle instead of a house? " Usopp asked, seeing Saya's, which was just as impressive as Toshimi's mansion.

" I reassure you, I live in an apartment. " Rei confessed to him. " And Takashi lives in the one right next to mine. "

Getting off the bus in turn, Saya said.

" It's just that the Takagi have been running several companies for generations. "

Passing behind her, Yuuki asked, grimly.

" But I just wonder if their daughter will be able to inherit all this fortune or if justice will do its work. "

Saya suddenly froze, at the words of the young girl, who left quietly.

" A problem ? " Kohta asked her.

" No nothing. " Saya assured him.

Going to the gate that surrounded the residence, the high school students could see guards in front of a gate, opening it, seeing Swan, carrying Okame on his shoulders.

" What happened to him ? "

" This idiot wanted to fight these people. " Swan explained to him, nodding, in the direction of Luffy and his men. " Nevertheless, he found it stronger than him. "

Helping him to the door, another man asserted.

" Decidedly, wherever he goes, he has a knack for getting us into trouble. "

" And who are these people? "

" Friends of mine. " Cried Saya.

" Miss Saya? " The guards wondered, recognizing her.

" I do not believe it, are you alive? "

" Of course she is alive! It is indeed the worthy daughter of her father. "

" Quick, we must warn the hostess. "

While this was normal for the young girl, the others watched what was happening, in silence. Now they were sure that the girl could be considered a princess. Then glancing in front of them, they saw a real refugee camp in the courtyard of the mansion. There were about twenty tents that were all green and could hold two to three people. Circulating between them, people were organizing themselves to collect water and food, while guards ensured the good maintenance of order.

" Since we arrived here, this is the first time that I have met so many people, other than zombies. " Usopp remarked.

" This proves that humanity has not completely disappeared. " Takuzo agreed.

Approaching them, a small man, looking like a goblin, spoke, while holding a notebook in his hand.

'' Okay, if you're here, I guess you might want to stay with us. "

" Are you the one who takes care of the management here ? " Robin asked him.

" Not at all. " The man sneered. " I just have to take into account the people coming to the camp, when the person in charge of the latter is not here. "

Then looking at the members of the group one by one, he could affirm.

" What I can say is that you form a group consisting mainly of young people! However, what we are looking for the most here are adults ready to lend a hand. "

Turning to Luffy's team, he taught them.

" Here, chores are assigned to able-bodied people in order to keep things running smoothly here! Could I then have your name and your profession? This could help us establish where we can put you. "

" We are pi… " Starting Luffy.

Placing her hand over his mouth again, Nami cut him off, declaring.

" We worked in very different sectors! Let me introduce myself, my name is Nami and I work in the weather business. "

" Meteorologist? " The guard wondered, writing it down at the same time as her first name. " Pretty amazing at your age, but I'm afraid it won't help us. "

" Don't worry, I don't mind any work. "

" Very well and you ? " The man asked, turning to Franky.

But before the latter could speak, the man asked him.

" What's the problem with your shoulders? "

Starting to swallow, the rest of the group turned to Franky, who had revised a text, along with Swan, to explain the reason his body is so large, to the rest of the locals.

" I underwent various operations. " Explained the man. " Since I was very young, I have been the victim of many deficiencies which have degraded my body! In order to keep me alive and allow me to move around like a human, I had many pieces of metal implanted inside my body! And as you can see, this managed to save me! You can think of me as some kind of cyborg. "

To Swan's head, it seemed pretty ridiculous now that he had described his problem in front of the camp guards. But the guard hadn't found anything better to help the cyborg. At least he was glad Franky hadn't mentioned his guns at all.

Astonished, the little man stared at him for a few moments. Still, he ended up nodding his head slightly before asking.

" In this case, should I classify you as an invalid? "

" No way." Cried Franky, taking it as an insult. " I can do as well as a normal person! There is no question that I will be treated differently than them. "

Usopp was about to hit him with his elbow to calm him down, when the guard said.

" I love this fighting spirit! Your name. "

" Franky! I work in the frame. "

" For houses ? "

" I can do it, but my specialty are boats! However, I can easily take care of the mechanics too and I can be a good guard. "

" Okay ! What about you, the man with the saber ? "

" Roronoa Zoro. " The man taught him. " No work. "

Before anyone had time to correct his words, the man noted.

" Unemployed ! But you don't have qualities? "

" I'm good with a saber. " The man assured him, pointing his weapons. " Monsters, like those who are outside, I have already killed a lot of them. "

Tapping his notepad a little with his pencil, listening to it, the little guard ends up noting something, the words of which nobody knows.

" Sanji. " Then the blond introduced himself. " Cook. "

" In this case, no need to specify where we will send you to work. " Noticed the man. " With all these mouths to feed, it's no wonder we're looking for people like you! Then ? "

" Usopp! I'm… Franky's assistant! He trains me to become a carpenter. "

" Okay. " Said the man, noting his name. " Who else ? "

" Nico Robin! I am an archaeologist. "

" Another original job. " Remarked the guard. " No other activity? "

" I often took care of the maintenance of the flower part. "

" Unfortunately, a florist or gardener is not a profession that we are looking for. "

" I'm Monkey D. Luffy. " The captain introduced himself.

" Monkey… D ? " The man wondered.

" He is Brazilian. " Swan explained to him. " It's a way for them to show the importance of a person there. "

" Yes, and he works as a food critic. " Sanji adds.

Looking at his captain, the little guard confessed.

" I did not see a food critic like that! To be honest, I'd rather see a man with a brand new suit and tie. "

Looking at the last person in the group, he raised an eyebrow again, seeing Brook's head, hidden under a motorcycle helmet. As Saya had advised, layers of clothing wrapped around his to give him a bit of volume, while gloves hid his hands.

" What has happened to you ? "

" Second degree burn. " The skeleton explained to him. " When I was in the city center, I found myself stuck in a real carnage, where people were having fun setting the corpses on fire. "

" It is obvious that people must have lost their minds because of all this. ' The man agreed.

" As far as my name is concerned, my name is Brook! I am a musician. "

" In case of low morale, it can always be useful. "

Noting a few last things, he finally turns to the high school kids and Alice, before starting to count them. Once written on his notebook, he taught them.

" While waiting for the response from the site manager, you will be accommodated in tents! Sorry, but this is the best we can offer you. "

" That's enough. " Saeko assured him. " We can already be happy to be safe. "

" Honestly, I preferred Toshimi's mansion. " Kawamoto muttered, before Taniuchi nudged her to silence her.

As men began to escort them to an area of the refugee camp, one of them glanced at Alice, who was hugging a strange plush toy. Indeed, as Swan had advised, the child carried Chopper while the reindeer played the role of the cuddly toy, to perfection. Nevertheless, the man finally cried out.

" Hey, little one… Your teddy bear. "

Everyone then stopped to see him kneeling in front of Alice, anguished that the reindeer had been spotted.

" Be careful of her. " Suddenly cried the man, smiling at the girl. " Someone might want to steal it when they see it, so put it somewhere! Okay ? "

" Yes, sir. " Asserted the young child.

Seeing Zeko next, the man turned to the rest of the group before advising.

" This dog must stay attached! Better he doesn't hang out anywhere here. "

" Of course. " They affirmed, going away.

Sighing, Usopp asserted.

" I really believed that Chopper had been spotted. "

" You really need to have good eyesight, in this case. " Affirmed Yamada. " Looks like a real plush. "

" What do we do now? " Suddenly wanted to know Tsunoda. " I remind you that the plan was to go to the countryside. "

" The situation is different. " Takashi retorted. " Here, we will be able to have shelter as well as food. "

" But we can never be safe here. " Retorted Rei. " I am convinced that these people did not meet any lizard man, let alone a giant! Otherwise, they would be that their barriers will in no way be effective. "

" As if these monsters scared me. " Cried Zoro. " If the giants are the strongest monsters in this region, then the people of this camp have nothing to fear. "

" It is best to avoid doing anything that might scare them. " Robin retorted. " At least not in front of them! If you want to let off steam, unfortunately it will be outside. "

" No matter. "

But as the group approached their tents, a voice cried out.

" Saya. "

Turning around, the teenager suddenly saw a young woman running towards newcomer with long purple hair and matching eyes. She wore her hair so that it was pushed to either side of her face. She had a slim figure and was dressed in a style that resembled the typical aristocratic attire which consisted of a slender red dress, white fabric wrapped around her arms and mid to lower body, and a silver necklace . Seeing her come towards her, Saya suddenly felt tears form in her eyes, as she began to stammer.

" Mommy ! "

And, before anyone could understand the meaning of this simple word, the schoolgirl rushed into the arms of her mother who immediately hugged her.

" Saya! I'm so happy ! So glad to know you're alive. "

" Me too, mom. " Her daughter assured her, not being able to stop crying. " I'm happy to see you again. "

Looking at them, silently, like most of the rest of the group, Takashi eventually turned, flashing a smile.

" What's up ? " Asked Rei.

" Nothing ! It's just that it makes me nostalgic! Saya has found her mother, so maybe we too can have a chance like hers. "

" A little that we will see them again. " Hisashi cried. " And there is no question of abandoning this idea until we meet them again. "

" And do not hesitate to call us if there is a problem. " Someone assured, closing the door of a room.

Looking at each other, Taniuchi and Kawamoto finally glanced at their newly assigned room. The bedroom had two beds, as well as a wardrobe and a desk.

" I don't believe. " Declared Taniuchi. " So we're really lucky. "

" To think that we ended up staying directly in the mansion since Saya's mother considers us as guests. " Kawamoto said, sitting down on a bed . " It's awesome. "

Listening to them without really paying them attention, Yuuki ends up falling on the second bed to test the mattress. Finally, the latter being comfortable for her, she declared.

" I'm taking this one! I leave you the other. "

" What ? " Cried the two girls.

" It is not fair. " Kawamoto added. " Why are you the one who decides? "

" I guess you prefer to share the same bed since you are always glued to each other. " The schoolgirl explained to her, with a mocking smile on her face. " Unless you prefer to sleep with me! Nevertheless, I warn you that I move a lot at night. "

Beginning to growl slightly, Kawamoto asserted.

" You really like to take advantage of the situation. "

Realizing that she had earned the right to have her own bed, Yuuki stood up before turning to the room window.

"Anyway, we don't risk staying here for long. You know as well as I do that the monsters lurking outside can easily enter here at any time. "

" Thank you for reminding us. " Taniuchi grumbled, already starting to shudder. " Even if it is, I prefer it to be as late as possible! Like when there will be hardly any more in the world. "

" We don't have much to fear. " Kawamoto retorted. " As long as Luffy and Robin are with us, they will know how to protect us. "

" You forget Sanji." Yuuki suddenly exclaimed, turning to her. " Of all, he is the one we can trust the most. "

Hearing her assure this with conviction, Kawamoto suddenly whispered something in her friend's ear, who immediately began to chuckle.

" What ? " Wanted to know the schoolgirl.

" You really like this cook, don't you ? "

The girl's face suddenly turned red.

" HAHAHA! You are blushing. " Taniuchi sneered. " In this case, is it really true? "

" What if it was? " Yuuki asked her, without any embarrassment. " Sanji saved my life and since then he has always been helpful with me! What's the harm in wanting to bond with him? "

Looking at her tilting her head to the side, Kawamoto finally said.

" No ! Just that we must not forget that he does not come from this world! Making friends with these people can be a good thing! Still, is it really safe to start a romantic affair with one of them? "

" I do what I want. " Retorted the young girl. " And then, nothing tells us that they will be able to return home! At least nothing can predict it. "

With that, she walked to the bedroom door and left the room.

" I think she did not appreciate your last comment. " Taniuchi noticed as the high school student slammed the door violently.

" I prefer to prevent her. " Retorted the redhead. " The stronger their bond, the more complicated the moment of separation will be! After all … "

Taniuchi suddenly felt himself push on their bed, while Kawamoto began to block her arms.

" ..., unlike us, they don't come from the same world. "

" Sorry, but on our side, we are far from having common similarities. " Taniuchi observed, suddenly sticking out her tongue.

But before she could do anything, her friend suddenly took off her glasses before declaring.

" We will see that right away. "

Carrying boxes containing provisions, Zoro began to growl a little as he began a distribution within the camp.

" A problem ? " Saeko asked him, handing water bottles to a few children.

" If I had known that saying "without work" was going to force me to act as a service distributor, I would have said soldier when asked about my so-called profession. "

Laughing, Saeko told him.

" At least, this allows us to occupy ourselves a little, while making us useful! Reassure me, aren't you just fighting to keep you busy? "

" No, mainly, I train or I sleep. " The swordsman explained to her.

" It's an exciting life! But I admit that I too spent a large part of my days training kendo! If you want, we can do a workout later. "

Suddenly picking up his empty boxes, Zoro turned away before confessing to her.

" Sorry, but, despite the fact that you seem much stronger than most people on this planet, you are nowhere near powerful enough to actually be able to do one of my daily workouts. "

" Indeed, that may be the case. " Agreed the young girl, preferring not to retort the fact that she was as weak as he claimed.

Suddenly, the image of herself fighting the lizard zombie appeared in her mind. Seeing herself making a fool of herself in front of him, she couldn't help but clench her fist.

"No, there is no way I can be weaker than these corpses! Otherwise, how can I show my skill and usefulness to others?"

As the two friends went back to the mansion, a childish voice cried out:

" Mr Samurai. "

Turning then, Zoro and Saeko saw a boy of about nine years old, with slightly swarthy skin. Seeing him run towards them, Zoro had the feeling that he had already seen him somewhere.

" Who are you ? "

" You ... You are the man who killed the monsters on the bridge, aren't you? " Asked the child. " I am the boy you saved then! My name is Aaron. "

" Huuuuuuuuh…" Zoro said, trying to remember him.

Suddenly, seeing his scared face as he asked for directions, Zoro finally declared.

" Yeah, the bridge child! If I remember correctly, you left with your mother. "

" Yes. " Affirmed the child. " Right after, we managed to find ourselves here. "

Then ceasing to speak, he began to look at the man with a look full of admiration.

" What's up ? "

" You were super strong yesterday! Are you a superhero? "

Hearing it, the man suddenly smiled, in order to affirm.

" No, many even consider me the opposite of a superhero. "

" Yet, you saved a lot of people yesterday. " The boy assured.

" Aaron! " Someone suddenly called him.

Hearing his mother's voice, the boy finally walks away, declaring.

" Later I would like to become like you. "

Seeing him leave, Saeko sneered.

" I did not know that children appreciate you so much. "

Suddenly thinking of an episode of him, in Water Seven, with three babies in his arms, the man suddenly began to growl, before leaving.

" No, never again. "