Nojiko watched in amusement at the teen who was more than slightly annoyed. They were still waiting for Commodore Pudding Pudding to arrive and after they had finished a meal that Nojiko had made for them, Johnny and Yosaku immediately wanted to get more acquainted with their new weapons. Nojiko herself didn't know much about weapons, ever since she was a kid Arlong had forbidden any weapons on the island. Genzo had done his best to arm them at times, but every effort had been thwarted at every turn by the Fishmen.
But as she watched the two bounty hunters attempt and fail to handle their new weapons without the slightest hint of grace, much to her amusement, it was clear that Ichigo was clearly irritated at how they were handling them. To the point that he got up and showed them proper stances. It was clear he had a better idea of how to help Johnny with the large sword Arlong himself was famous for, but he did his best to help Yosaku as much as he could.
"Wider." Ichigo growled at Johnny who shifted his feet into a wider stance, lowering his body slightly. "A weapon of that size is best used with a firm stance, trying dancing and flinging around with it will just result in whatever you were doing before." Ichigo sighed recalling Johnny trying to be clever and utilize some twists only to be thrown on his ass by the sheer size and weight of the weapon.
"Yes Big Bro!" Johnny shouted.
"Once you start to build some muscle, you should be able to handle it better, it'll take time and practice." Ichigo added getting a nod from Johnny as Ichigo gestured for him to try swinging it. Johnny did so, and while not a perfect swing, it wasn't out of control like his earlier ones. Ichigo figuring he had a good idea glanced over at Yosaku only to watch him smack the bottom of the trident into the side of his face, having been spinning it about, trying to be cool no doubt.
He didn't know why Yosaku had picked a trident of all things, but he seemed adamant of picking something new instead of a sword. He at least knew where the pointy end was, that was a start. Seeing Ichigo's gaze Yosaku sheepishly grinned before taking the stance and went to thrust it.
A trident was certainly different from a sword and Ichigo didn't really know the proper way to wield one. Ichigo hesitated a moment before walking to Yosaku.
"Pass it here a second." Ichigo instructed, causing the bounty hunter to nod and immediately handed over the trident. Ichigo looked it over, honestly it was nothing but a hunk of iron shaped in a unique way, if Yosaku truly wanted to use a trident as a weapon there was no doubt in Ichigo's mind that he'd have to get something crafted much better. It seemed not every weapon in Arlong's armory were great pieces.
Yosaku watched as Ichigo looked over the trident in his hands, he'd been helping Johnny get a handle on the massive weapon that was Kiribichi, but had yet to fully instruct himself on the way of the trident. He'd never seen Ichigo himself fight personally, so didn't know what the teen was capable of, despite the fact he took on Arlong's whole crew and won.
Yosaku was surprised when Ichigo took a deep breath, raised the trident up and closed his eyes, focusing. He didn't really know what the teen was up to but jumped slightly when a whisk of green light sparked from his hand, seemingly tracing along the side of the staff of the trident before seemingly sinking into it.
Ichigo noticed something when he had attached the soul of Kiribichi to his own during his fight with Arlong. He didn't truly understand it until this moment, but reading the soul gave an insight into the weapon. He figured if he could do that to this trident, he could at least understand the way the weapon was handled. Focusing on the connection between his soul and the weapons he began to feel it.
Opening his eyes he glanced down at the trident, noticing some of it's more refined features after having been connected with it's soul. The three prongs were sharp, even on the outer sides, giving it the ability to slash, just as well as stab. While slightly worn in places, that was due to overuse, and the deterioration of time without proper care. Even the pole, it's worn and tattered wrappings show large indents, no doubt the previous wielder was a Fishmen.
"Ever seen someone fight with a spear?" Ichigo questioned, turning his attention away from the trident to the bounty hunter. Yosaku thought for a moment, recalling a few times that he had and nodded. "While not exactly the same, it's the same type of premises." Ichigo told him. "A spear's primarily a thrusting weapon, but with this particular trident, you can also use it as a pu dao." Ichigo explained only getting a blank stare from Yosaku. "It means you can slash with it."
"Oh… cool!" Yosaku grinned as Ichigo handed him back the trident.
"I don't know that much about it, but as long as you get a proper stance, you'll get the hang of it eventually." Ichigo explained as Yosaku nodded.
"Thanks Big Bro." Yosaku grinned as Ichigo nodded, Yosaku taking a wide footed stance, probably similar to the spear users he had seen and tried to thrust with it before resetting his stance to something that he deemed more comfortable. Ichigo watched Yosaku and Johnny for a while as they practised on their own before heading back over to Nojiko.
"What'd you do with the trident?" Nojiko questioned as Ichigo leaned against the side of the house, watching as the two trained on their own. Ichigo glanced at the blue haired woman before shrugging.
"I just connected my soul with the weapons to get a better understanding of it." Ichigo simply told her, Nojiko blinking at such a blunt answer.
"You can do that? Wait, the weapon has a Soul?" She asked after a few moments of silence. Ichigo simply nodded slightly.
"Everything has a soul." Ichigo told her. "Honestly, not that long ago I wasn't aware of it myself. It varies from object to object, and the one actually pulling on the object's soul." Ichigo explained a little. "For example, with the trident, I was able to gain a better understanding of it due to the experiences that it has had." Ichigo reached for his badge and held it up to her. "For this." Nojiko watched a spark of light erupted from the badge before it was suddenly transformed into a sword. "Since I have a high affinity with the badge, I'm able to manipulate its shape."
"That's insane." Nojiko breathed out as Ichigo let the badge return to its natural state before attaching it back to his pants. "No wonder Nami thought that it would catch a high price." She laughed as Ichigo's eyebrow twitched. "You talk to ghosts, do weird things with souls of objects… just what else can you do?"
"That's what I want to know." Ichig thought to himself, still curious of what his capabilities were. He had already used a Cero, and a Gran Rey Cero, not to mention whatever he had used to block Arlong's attacks. There was still much he was finding out about his own powers.
The marching of footsteps brought Ichigo and Nojiko's attention to the path coming from Cocoyasi Village. Even Johnny and Yosaku stopped what they were doing as Pudding Pudding and a few Marines followed him up the track. Ichigo headed from Nojiko's house and stood on the track as he waited for the Commodore, Yosaku and Johnny flanking him on either side.
"Ah, I see this is the orchard you spoke of." Pudding Pudding started looking around at the surrounding Tangerine trees. "Arlong's death has been confirmed and with affirmation from Genzo, the Village Sheriff that you were the one to defeat Arlong." Ichigo nodded.
"That's right Big Bro's stronger then an entire crew of Fishmen Pirates!" Yosaku applauded.
"Yeah, no bounty's too big for Big Bro to take down!" Ichigo just wanted the two to shut up. They were just prolonging whatever the Commodore was going to say. The Commodore held his hand out to Ichigo and Ichigo took a step forward, taking the offered hand.
"You have my sincerest gratitude for dealing with this scum. It's been far too long since Arlong and his crew arrived here. Despite us being Marines, we were unable to do anything against the crew." Pudding Pudding spoke. "It's come to our attention during investigating the documents in Arlong Park that there was underhanded treachery among our own ranks as well." He continued on with.
"Yeah, figured as much." Ichigo nodded before gesturing to the orchard with a nod of his head. "About twenty feet into the orchard you'll find them no doubt." Pudding Pudding was surprised but ordered his men to go look into the orchard. "They were here when we got here."
"Why would they come here?" The Commodore asked.
"Said something about a thief burying treasure here." Nojiko spoke up, surprising Ichigo. "Apparently the Cat Burglar Nami, the infamous thief buried her loot on the island somewhere."
"I've heard the tale of such a thief, stealing from pirates and the like." The Commodore started rubbing his chin before locking eyes with Ichigo. "No reports of her coming to this island, and I highly doubt Arlong would allow a human into his ranks. Probably a rat chasing false information." He continued. "Please, should you ever find the stolen goods, report them immediately."
"Of course, Commodore." Nojiko nodded, Ichigo still trying to figure out why Nojiko had sold out her sister.
"Now, about your reward for Arlong's bounty." Pudding Pudding began. "Unfortunately, due to the large sum that it is, it's quite clear that we do not have it on our persons." He explained.
"Then what about the treasure at Arlong Park?" Yosaku questioned.
"Yeah, Arlong was sure to have treasure hidden somewhere." Johnny added.
"That needs to be seized and documented before handed over to the government and I'd like to keep this official, wouldn't you?" He questioned Ichigo.
"Probably better to do it that way." Ichigo nodded. "So, how does it work?" He asked.
"Due to the large sum of the reward, you'll need to head to one of Marine HQ's branches and give them this." The Commodore reached into his jacket and pulled out a sealed letter. "There should be no questions asked and you'll be given the bounty."
"Right." Ichigo nodded, taking the sealed letter and placing it inside of his own jacket. Just as he did so, the Marines came back through the orchard causing Pudding Pudding to turn with a look of dissatisfaction on his face as the culprits were led from the orchard by the Marines.
"Take them to the ship, we'll take them to HQ where they'll be punished for their crimes." The Commodore ordered.
"Yes Sir!" The Marines saluted before turning and walking down the track with Nezumi and his men in tow. The Commodore turned to Ichigo and the others before giving a slight nod before following after his men. Within minutes they were out of sight.
"I'll guess we'll be heading off then, right Big Bro?" Johnny questioned.
"I mean we got that bounty to collect and all. I'm sure the boat Luffy, Sanji and I got here with, is probably still around. We can use that." Yosaku added, the two already heading down the track causing Ichigo to blink a few times.
"Ah, where exactly do you think you two are going?" Ichigo questioned causing the two to stop and turn to face him. "You two seem to be thinking that the three of us are going to set out on some kind of adventure together." He accused them with a slight glare. Yosaku and Johnny glanced at one another before smiles came to their faces.
"Of course, it's an order from Big Sis Nami?" Johnny told Ichigo as Yosaku nodded beside him.
"From Nami?" Nojiko questioned just as surprised as Ichigo was at the news.
"Yeah, Big Sis Nami explicitly told us to look out for you Big Bro." Yosaku continued. "She said she'd take it out of our hides if we didn't." Nojiko smiled as Ichigo ran a hand down his face. "So let's go." He cheered as he and Johnny began to walk down the track once more.
"You have got to be kidding me." Ichigo muttered under his breath.
"Hey, that's no way to show gratitude for their help." Nojiko laughed as she walked past Ichigo, following after Johnny and Yosaku before turning to face him. "Looks like you're stuck with them till Nami let's them off the hook." She continued only causing Ichigo to groan.
"Here it is." Yosaku stated, standing proudly on the small boat that had obviously come from the baratie. The boat was a relatively small vessel without any visible armaments aboard, its outward appearance was based on a saucepan on top of a frying pan with green painted stripes over the natural brown of the wood. Currently it's sail was up and the anchor dropped.
"Once we get the bounty, then we can buy a ship worth sailing." Johnny added with a nod as he looked inside the cabin.
Ichigo honestly didn't really know what to think. Once more he'd be travelling with Johnny and Yosaku, it's not like he didn't like them but there were more tolerable people in the world. He was still trying to come to terms with the fact that Nami had told them to go with him.
"Is this some kind of payback for telling her she fit in with Luffy and the others?" Ichigo pondered to himself.
"If I'm right." Yosaku began. "The closest Marine HQ would be Loguetown, right?" He asked, turning to Johnny for confirmation.
"Yeah, they've got a shipyard there too. Two birds one stone." Johnny added with a grin. Ichigo sighed, about ready to get onboard the boat before a hand landed on his shoulder causing him to turn and glance back at Nojiko who smiled.
"Just gonna leave without a word?" She questioned with a slight smirk.
"You people party too much, it'd probably be better if I just disappear without the commotion." He explained with a half hearted smirk of his own. Nojiko shook her head in amusement.
"Just one thing, before you go." Ichigo raised an eyebrow in question, curious to know what she wanted. "How come you didn't let Nami go with you?" Ichigo's eyes widened slightly. "You know she would have, don't you? Yet, you encouraged her to go with the others."
"Nami had a dream right? Map the entire world?" Nojiko's eyes widened slightly. "I still don't even know what I'm doing, I couldn't let her risk giving up the opportunity of a lifetime, for what? Hanging around me?" Ichigo turned and walked the small dock with little more than a wave over his shoulder.
"Bye Big Sis Nojiko!" Johnny and Yosaku were crying as Johnny lowered the sail, Yosaku raised the anchor while Ichigo found a seat. Nojiko only smiled with a simple wave as they too sailed off into the ocean, leaving her to tell the others that their savior had left.
"How long till we reach Loguetown?" Johnny questioned as he and Yosaku looked over a map. Yosaku hummed in thought before looking out at the horizon where dark storm clouds seemed to be gathered causing the sky to turn dark in that area. It didn't look the slightest bit inviting but that was the direction of Loguetown, maybe they should wait it out?
"It's still a few hours away, but that storm will slow us down even further." Yosaku told Johnny to get a nod from the dark haired man. "It came out of nowhere." Both looked on at the storm, the waves around them had already started to pick up a bit and it was unlikely that their small boat would survive if they did venture into the raging storm. It was almost like the storm wasn't natural.
"Probably best to wait it out in calmer waters, I'm sure Big Bro wouldn't mind." Johnny added getting a nod of agreement from Yosaku as he rolled up the map and slipped it into his jacket. Going from there, both bounty hunters got to work, Johnny adjusting the sail while Yosaku went to the rudder to redirect their course.
Ichigo all the while was unaware of the outside world as he sat atop the cabin in the familiar position of Jinzen.
"Think he's going to be doing that much longer?" Yosaku questioned as both leaned on the railing looking up at the orange haired teen.
"He's been at it forever." Johnny nodded in agreement. "Maybe that's what makes him so strong? Meditating like that?"
"Who knows, maybe?" Yosaku added.
They had sailed into calmer waters now, the storm still off in the distance but no longer disturbing the waters around them. Yosaku was keeping one eye on the storm as he conversed with Johnny reliving the good old days when they went bounty hunting with Zoro.
"Think we'll get stronger with Big Bro training us?" Johnny asked. "I feel like we can get stronger if we're with him. We've got new weapons, a new look on life and a whole world to see." Yosaku nodded in agreement.
"I wonder what Big Bro plans on doing." Yosaku spoke after a few moments. "Big Sis Nami didn't really give us much to go on, just that he'd probably go out and see the world."
"Don't really know what she meant by that." Johnny added. "But if Big Bro is planning on heading to the Grand Line, we should probably get a bigger crew." Yosaku nodded.
"A bigger crew huh?" Ichigo's voice reached them causing both to look up to see Ichigo now standing, stretching his arms above his head. "Could be useful, especially if we have a bigger ship since I have no idea how to sail in the slightest." He added as he looked down at the duo. "You sure you want to head to the Grand Line with me?" He had at least set his mind on his general direction, the Grand Line seemed to be the place to be in this so called Pirate Era.
He had come to the conclusion that while the two had good intentions, they were slightly cowardly in some instances. While they were more courageous than Usopp and stood up for themselves like they did to that Marine back at the Baratie, he didn't want to drag them to the Grand Line if they didn't truly want to go, despite what Nami told them to do.
"If Big Bro trains us to be strong, the Grand Line won't stand a chance!" Johnny cheered.
"That's right!" Yosaku pumped his fist in the air. Ichigo glanced down at the two, it was clear that they were holding to Nami's orders, but also showing a new resolve to get stronger. He couldn't fault the want to be stronger, how many times before Ginjo and Xcution appeared had he wanted the same thing? Having given up his strength for normality it was like giving up a part of himself.
"I'm no teacher." Ichigo told them, causing the two to glance at one another. "But I'll do what I can."
"Yeah!" Both cheered, causing Ichigo to shake his head, before noticing a shadow in the water, sinking underneath the boat. Turning his attention, following the direction he reached out for the presence, a scowl coming to his face. It had followed them from Conomi Island.
"Heads up, we've got company." Ichigo instructed, causing the two to come alive at the words, both rushing for their newly acquired weapons as Ichigo's eyes scanned the water. It was moving, he was sure it was the same Fishmen that had been at Arlong Park, watching them. Why was it here? Did it seek some kind of revenge? If it did, why hadn't it done anything? It had plenty of opportunities up until now, so why wait?
Johnny and Yosaku stood back to back, weapons in hand looking out to the horizon for the threat, yet there was nothing in sight. Looking up at Ichigo, they saw him watching the water intently, moving as if something was circling them. Swallowing nervously both men headed for the sides of the boat and looked over cautiously.
Ichigo raised his arms up getting into a basic fighting position, hands clenched into fists, focusing as he steadied his breathing. Watching the water as the shadow moved beneath. But he pushed past just sight, sensing out for the presence in the water, since he didn't have his own enormous reiatsu to contend with he was getting the gist of picking up different signatures. It was handy.
Green sparks started to form around his right fist. Concentrenting he felt what he had when he fought Arlong, feeling the reiatsu that made up his bringer light condense, turning it from it's vibrant green to black with a crimson outline. Soon enough, the darkened condensed bringer light coated his fist. He took aim at the shadow and shot his fist forward.
The Bala shot forward at tremendous speeds, impacting the water with a massive explosion causing the boat to tilt as the waves crashed against the side. Ichigo braced himself, steading his feet as he felt for any damage from the Bala. He knew they weren't as strong as a regular Cero, but he was still in his human body. While he was stronger, he wanted to make sure that there were no negative effects.
Feeling nothing, not the slightest bit of discomfort like when he had fired the Gran Rey Cero, or the Cero from his eye. Turned out he could handle a Bala with relative ease, the training he did to attain his Fullbring probably helped.
"Something else I can add to the arsenal." Ichigo figured as he picked up on the presence in the water shot across the surface. Smirking, it'd make good target practice. "Brace yourself!" Ichigo called down to Johnny and Yosaku who were still wide eyed shocked as they tried to regain their balance from the first blast.
Both of them continued to watch as Ichigo shot forth black balls of sheer power into the water over and over alternating between fists. Seemingly following something, attacking whatever was beneath the surface. Each blast sent their boat hurdling across the surface of the ocean, waves crashing back and forth onto the deck. They barely had time to register when the next blast of water was coming from.
Panting slightly, Ichigo's Bala onslaught came to a halt, his arms feeling slightly numb after the numerous attacks. He had noticed after a while that the power of each, along with the speed was dwindling, showing just how much reiatsu he had now to what was once an endless supply. He hadn't hit the assumed Fishman, instead just keeping it on it's toes. He wanted to know why it was following him and it had given him a workout.
"I-Is it over?" Yosaku asked, as he and Johnny huddled together, both of the bounty hunters completely soaked by the onslaught of waves.
"Okay… maybe... I overdid it a bit." Ichigo mused as he saw the boat was completely drenched. Turning his attention back to the shadowy figure beneath the surface. "Come on up!" Ichigo called out, a few moments passed by before bubbles began to surface as the shadow rose up. The first thing to breach through the water was a spike of grey hair, followed by a few more before a long pink face emerged.
"It's a Fishman!" Johnny and Yosaku cried out.
"W-Wait! I don't mean any harm!" The octopus Fishman called out, not wanting to scare the two. "I just want to talk!" Ichigo remembered him, though he didn't catch his name. He was one of the ones that held Arlong back when Ichigo had emerged with Kiribichi just before Arlong had flung into a rage.
"You've been following us since Arlong Park, right?" Ichigo questioned gaining the Fishmen's attention while also surprising Johnny and Yosaku, they had no idea. "Why are you following us?" He followed up. A downtrodden look came to the Fishman's face causing Ichigo to sigh, the guy was feeling guilty despite having lost his crew this guy seemed to somewhat have a conscience despite everything he probably did over the years.
"Come aboard." Ichigo told him.
"WHAT!?" It wasn't just Johnny and Yosaku that shouted in surprise, it was the Fishman as well, completely shocked by the invitation.
Ichigo noticed that with four of them aboard, the room on the small boat was scarce. He was currently sitting on the railing of the boat, Johnny was inside the cabin preparing something to drink for everyone. Yosaku had pulled a chair over to the bow of the boat to keep as much distance between himself and the Fishman while Hatchan, or Hachi as he preferred to be called, sat awkwardly on a chair far too small for him. Johnny was right about needing a bigger boat.
"So, why are you following us?" Ichigo questioned. "Want revenge for what I did to Arlong and the rest of your crew?" He continued.
"What?! No, of course not!" Hatchi said, waving his six arms. "I just…" Johnny came out with a tray and four cups of tea. Handing one to both Ichigo and Yosaku before placing one on the table for Hachi.
"If not revenge, then what?" Yosaku questioned, turning to Ichigo as Johnny leaned on the railing beside Yosaku. Hachi lowered his head slightly.
"I know what Arlong did was wrong." Hachi began. "But…" Hachi shook his head. "No excuses will make up for what Arlong or the rest of the crew did."
"We're not the ones you need to tell this too." Yosaku told him. "Big Sis may have gone off with the others, but you could at least try to make amends on Conomi Island."
"Help rebuild, help them prosper." Johnny added with a nod.
"It's not that simple." Ichigo sighed while a good notion for sure there were certain aspects that wouldn't work out, this gained the attention of the three. "Think about it, he goes to the island and what do you think would happen? Not to mention the Marine presence on the island now, it'd be like throwing his life away if he did that." Ichigo explained.
"Isn't that what he deserves?" Johnny questioned. "After everything Arlong and his crew did to Big Sis Nami?"
"We're not the ones to be able to judge that." Ichigo responded. "Unlike the other Fishmen, Hachi doesn't seem to hate humans. I was told that Arlong's crew held hatred for humans." Hachi nodded softly at the unasked question. "Hatred doesn't stem from nothing. There's probably a story behind it somewhere." He shrugged as Hachi stared at him with wide eyes. "But like I said, it's not our place to judge on what Hatchi did in the past. Sure he might be a Pirate, but he's not like the other members of Arlong's crew. The fact he's here proves that."
Johnny and Yosaku glanced at one another, unsure of what to make of what Ichigo had said all the while Hachi was staring at Ichigo with wide eyes, tears threatening to fall. Ichigo awkwardly looked away from the Fishman, why the hell was he crying? He just said what he believed was the truth. Plus what right did he have to decide the fate of another? Yes he had killed Arlong and several other Fishman, but that was a survival situation. If he hadn't fought back, he'd have died.
But there was still something that was bugging Ichigo, it was weird enough that Hachi had come to them, why hadn't he followed after Nami to apologise to her? Shrugging, it wasn't really his business to know the Fishman's doings. Clearing his throat he turned back to Hachi.
"So, what do you plan on doing now?" Ichigo questioned the Fishman.
"I don't know." Hachi admitted. "I thought about going home to Fishman Island." Ichigo blinked, there was a place called Fishman Island? Where was it, at the bottom of the ocean? He almost laughed at the prospect.
"Wait! Fishman Island exists!?" Johnny and Yosaku shouted, almost deafening the only teen on the boat, they were way too excited. Hachi nodded to the two.
"It does, I was born there." Hachi told them with a nod.
"What's so special about this place?" Ichigo questioned, probably figuring he should atleast have an idea of what the two bounty hunters were going on about.
"MERMAIDS!" Johnny and Yosaku shouted, almost deafening the teen as he winced at the loud volume.
"Of course." Ichigo muttered rubbing at his eyes in irritation, he should have put two and two together. Why else would they be excited to go to a place crawling with Fishmen? They were literally… chasing tail. Turning to Hachi Ichigo asked. "So where is it, this Fishman Island?"
"We're going Big Bro!?" Johnny questioned hopefully.
"You're the best Big Bro!" Yosaku cheered as both he and Johnny jumped up linking arms as they danced around in joy, singing about mermaids and what not. Ichigo ignored the duo for the moment and turned back to Hachi.
"On the Grand Line, I presume?" Ichigo asked, he figured since Yosaku and Johnny believed it to be a myth, despite the fact that a Fishman was sitting right in front of them, and how much mystery surrounded the Grand Line considering what Nami had told him, it was only a logical conclusion.
"Yes." Hachi nodded. "It's a long way from here, you need to make it through the first half of the Grand Line and then get to a depth of ten thousand feet below the ocean's surface." Ichigo's eyes widened in surprise. "It's doable, it's been done for decades. There's a certain process that allows ships to sail underwater." Hachi assured him. Ichigo sat back on the rail thinking it over. It's not like he had a destination and seeing a mermaid, or an island ten thousand feet beneath sea level for the matter would be a sight to see. Turning his attention back to the bounty hunter duo, both were looking at him with their equivalent of puppy dog eyes, it was sickening to look at.
"Might as well make it a destination to head too." Ichigo shrugged. "It's not like we had anything else planned but sail on the Grand Line really." Ichigo explained as he scratched at the side of his head. "Kind curious about it too if I'm being honest."
"About the mermaids." Yosaku suggested wiggingly his eyebrows, getting in close as Johnny nodded with a massive grin on his face.
"No." Ichigo shut them both down, grabbing his face and pushing him away. "Probably going to take us a while if it's at the ass end of the first half of the Grand Line." Ichigo mused. "Probably take the scenic route." Johnny and Yosaku deflated at that, they were hoping to get to Fishman Island as soon as possible. "So Hachi." The Fishman turned to Ichigo with a questioning look. "Want to ride with us to Fishman Island?"
"What!? You want me to join your crew and travel the Grand Line with you?" Hachi shouted in surprise, Johnny and Yosaku just as surprised. None had been expecting such an invitation.
"It was just a suggestion." Ichigo shrugged. "We're heading in the same direction right? Sure it might take a little longer with us. But I figured you've been on the Grand Line before right? It might be good to have someone with a bit more experience so we're not walking into this blind." Ichigo explained.
"B-But I'm a Fishman." Hachi began, Ichigo's scowl softening lightly, it was clear there was prejudice over race here. "I've done terrible things under Arlong's reign." He continued shaking his head, six fists gripping tightly as he looked up staring Ichigo dead in the eye. "Why?"
"Why not?" Ichigo questioned with a shrug. "As long as you're fine traveling me, despite what I did back at Arlong Park." Ichigo told him. "I'm no saint, and as for you being a Fishman? Trust me, I've befriended a lot worse." Ichigo added, recalling an Arrancar with a cracked mask with a fond smile. "So?" He asked. Hachi used one of his many arms to wipe his eyes before he came back with a large smile.
"Yes, I'll join you." Hachi nodded as Ichigo stood up and offered Hachi his hand. Hachi returned the favor by taking Ichigo's.
"It's up to you if you want to keep traveling with us past Fishman Island." Ichigo told him before turning to Johnny and Yosaku. "Any problems with this?" He asked the two.
"No Big Bro, we trust you." Johnny grinned.
"Plus, I'm sure Big Bro Hachi knows all the mermaids!" Yosaku added. Hachi raised a hand up and held the back of his head as he laughed. "You do know mermaids, right Big Bro Hachi?"
"You'll introduce us right!?" Johnny continued as Hachi continued to laugh. Meanwhile Ichigo glanced around, raising an eyebrow slightly.
"Why are we stopped? I thought we were heading to Loguetown?"
