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A snort came from me as me and my siblings took a seat in the limo. My suit was suffocating me and my hair felt heavy from all the gel Sab put in it. I hate this! All of it! Why did I have to be the X-mark anyways? Law is so much of a better option… but of course. My hair drags me into another mess.
My fingers pulled at my red strings, the locks that have cursed my life. "If you keep making that face, you'll stick out like a sore thumb." Ann said with a hum. Luffy looked up from the pile of food she had already gathered in the limo.
After an inhuman swallow, she spoke. "Why you so down, Shanks? Being X-mark can't be that bad!" Luffy looked at the printed pout on my face and squeezed her lips together to hold her laughter. It ended up failing with her clutching her stomach from the vibrations.
My hands tugged at the blazer I wore, "is this necessary?" The plan is simple. I have to go into a rich people party and pretend to fit in to gather information about the man hosting it. I have to because the daughter of the man hosting likes guys with red hair. This is going to suck; I just know it.
On the ride to the manor, topics of conversation were thrown around. First, Luffy told us her plans to go on a mission with Zoro. Sab told everyone about the guy at the coffee shop. Ann said he was from the modeling agency I go to.
I have met the man, Eustass Kid. He seems decent, hot headed though. I will have to teach him a thing or two on not to slam doors in my sister's face. "I heard he was dating Bonny." Law blurted.
Jewelry Bonney~ 5'8, pink hair, type A. She is known as the Glutton in the pirate world. She is a part of our academy, though she does not belong to any of my or my siblings' sectors. On the Grandline, she owns a bakery by Luffy's business building. A well-known bakery at that. The reason why we know her pirate identity is because she is friends with Luffia.
Sab peeked up, "hm? He is?"
I shook my head, "they aren't exclusive, only one-night stands. Last time I checked he ended that a week ago."
"Why?"
I raised a brow, "I don't know, I didn't interview him to your standards."
Sab snorted from the comment.
The ride took almost an hour, when we got there, the sky was blanketed in black. My siblings are to hide in the back of the mansion, away from security to not be seen. We have mini transponder snails hooked on top of our ears to communicate. Since my hair covers my ears, I shouldn't have a problem.
Law gave me a nod before I walked into the massive manor. The walls were pure white, and the tile was rose gold. They really went for the 'I'm rich' look. A snort came from me. By the doors were two men wearing all black, they looked like the help.
Both bowed to me, they both started saying a bunch of unimportant crap. I hate nobility. They annoy me in every way, shape, or form. It's better for me not to listen, I should start coming up with a background for my character.
After what seemed like an eternity, the help left me alone. I wandered around the halls, that is when the snail device connected. "How's it going so far?" Sab asked through the device. A hum of disappointment answered her question. "I'm sorry-"
"I don't mind Sab; it is only a little stuffy." Sab's past with nobles is far worse than mine, I rather me go instead of her. A smile printed onto my face, "I'll be ok." I assured.
Sab exhaled, "I know you're lying but ok."
My eyes wandered around the hallways when I heard footsteps approaching. The shadow over the figure grew lighter until closed toed shoes came into sight. Following up her legs, I noticed how pale she was. The more the shadow retreated, the more nervous I got. She wore a strapless, long sleeve, princess style dress. The color of the dress complemented her green locks. The strands settled on her shoulders with a few loose strings tucked behind her ears. Her eyes were large and dark, they filled with wonder when she looked at me. "Hello, are you lost?"
The woman's voice was soft and curious, something about it made me lose the reason I was here. Well, until Law came on to the mic, "say yes Shanks. Remember the mission. You got this." I nodded to Law's statement.
I cleared my throat, "hi, I am the lost." I could almost see Law slap his forehead from my messed-up words. My voice was so high, my ears hurt from listening to it, but still, the woman in front of me smiled.
Her smile made me curse myself for being so awkward. "My name is Makino." The woman shot out her hand for me to take.
"Shanks, listen. That is the daughter of the man we need to monitor! Please don't mess this up!" Ann and Law said through the snail.
My eyes kept on her hand as if it was shining treasure. She noticed my stare, "oh I'm sorry. Am I being too forward?" I frowned when she took her hand away. My eyes went back to her's, "what is your name?" Oh no… I didn't come up with one… shit. My brain tried to fill in the blanks for the background of my character, but the information kept erasing. I can't think of anything… not when her smile is shining right in my face.
She looks so kind and pretty, and her voice doesn't sound like a royal. She even has a cute little accent! "Shanks, pick a name! Any name! The closer we are to her, the closer we are to her father." Law pleaded through the phone. I could tell the man has already given up on the idea of this mission succeeding. But I didn't care, the only thing I care about is how cute the woman in front of me is.
When I saw her head tilt to the side in confusion, I panicked. "My n-name um well I have one of course!" A nervous laugh escaped me as my hand scratched the back of my neck. "Pick a name… any name!" Law shouted. This mission is important, I need to get a name fast! Think, think! What have I been doing recently, a show? Movie? Something!
"My name… it's Snoopy?" I asked in the most awkward way possible. Dammit! "YOUR NAME IS WHAT?! YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!" My frame flinched from Law's loud voice bursting out of the small snail.
Makino furrowed her brow, "as in the cartoon dog?"
Law's voice came in again, "ANYTHING BUT THE DOG!" Behind my brother's malevolent tone was laughter. Laughter coming from my three sisters.
"The dog is kind of cute though." Makino giggled in the most adorable way.
Her sweet laugh threw me into a trans, "yep, like the dog." I said without any hesitation. She thinks I'm cute… well my name, which isn't my actual name but still! She said something was cute, and she giggled! She fucking giggled! I can die now and be happy!
"Anyways, why are you here? Do you not like formal parties?" Her large eyes shimmered when they met mine. "No, I don't."
It turns out, Makino didn't like the party either. We started to chat while walking around the hallways. I learned a few things, one, Law sent Sab to go to the party. She was already dressed for the occasion, plus he had a feeling I would fail. I love the confidence my brother has in my abilities. Two, Makino's father made this party to find her a spouse. "I don't want one though." She muttered in a low tone.
Her back pressed against the wall and her eyes trailed downwards. "I have had one before, an arranged relationship. It didn't go so well." Makino gripped her forearm from the memory. It made me wonder what the woman's past was like, but I chose not to pry. My eyes trailed to the window behind her, "the sky looks pretty tonight." I muttered.
Makino looked at me, then the tinted window. "How could you tell? You can't see much from the windows here."
"I saw them when I came inside."
"I've never seen them before." I looked back at Makino from her statement. "You have never seen the stars before?" I asked. She nodded. How is that even possible? Everyone has seen the stars… unless. "Makino, are you allowed to leave your house?" The green-haired woman shook her head.
"It's not that big of a deal- What are you doing!?" The click of the window made me grin. I pulled the glass up and felt the wind flow through my crimson locks. I looked towards the princess who had been locked up in her castle. "I want to be the first one to show you." I climbed out the window and let out my hand for her to follow.
"Y-you know we could fall off…" She said while looking at my hand.
My grin grew, "and I will catch you." Her hand froze from my words, but soon enough she accepted my offer. I gripped her small hand and pulled her up. She held my hand tighter when she felt the wind push against her. "Come on, let's go to the top." Makino responded with a weak nod. We climbed to the highest point of the manor.
I helped her sit down, she grabbed onto my waist when another gust of wind hit us. Her hair went over her eyes, making it look unkempt and messy. Even so, she still looked beautiful. "I'm so sorry Snoopy." She said as she let go of me.
Her large eyes shimmered brighter when they looked up at the sky. The stars reflected in her curious orbs, she looked like an amazed child. "Do you like it, Makino?" I took a seat down next to her.
Instead of answering my question, she asked another. "What is your name? I know it's not Snoopy." She turned to me and witnessed my nervous smile. My hand trailed through my hair to move it away from my eyes.
With a sigh, I answered her question. "Shanks. I-I'm sorry I lied… I was only nervous." For some reason, I felt bad lying to the woman. Even though I met her half an hour ago.
Her almond-colored eyes seemed endless when staring at me. As if… they were filled with wonder. I sucked in my lip from her stares, "can-can you stop looking at me like that?" A whimsical giggle came from Makino, along with a heart clench smile. Sh-she is so kind… while I… I'm lying to her.
"Shanks." My eyes followed her lips as she said my name. They were soft and pinkened, thinner than mine… "Y-es."
"I wish we could hangout again."
Her statement had me furrow a brow, "why can't we." I know I sounded desperate but something about her draws me to her. I want to find out what, I want to know more things about her. Why can't she leave her house? Has she ever left her house?
Makino patted her princess dress and tried to fix her hair. "I must go to the party, my father… he went through all that trouble." Her eyes showed sorrow once they flicked to me. At that time, a large gust of wind blew at her frail frame. Her heels didn't help her balance.
A yelp left her when her body almost fell off the roof. My hand grabbed her waist before she fell. Wind still pulled at her hair, whipping over her vision and making her hands clutch on my forearm. "Please don't let go!" Digging my shoes into the slippery roof, I pulled her up.
Slender arms wrapped around my neck, "thank you." She mumbled against my skin, her frame shaking in my arms. "It's fine, lets get down-"
"Wait, let-... lets stay like this." I felt her hands hold me tighter. I nodded and we stayed there in silence.
After another half an hour, we went inside the mansion. A sigh left me as she continued to shiver, "here." My jacket fell over her small shoulders. Makino was stunned by the action, "no, no, it's ok-"
"Take it." I insisted. I bent over her to push a few buttons in the loops of the clothing. Once the jacket was fitted, I smiled at her. Makino looked shocked, beyond shocked. It made me wonder why she was so surprised by a simple kind action, but I ignored it.
I tucked a few strands behind her pale ears. "Something about me you should remember is I'm stubborn."
Her lips parted slightly as her eyes widened further, "but, I told you I cannot see you again. I can't even leave the house Shanks-"
"Then I'll come here."
Shock added to her expression, "but Shanks. I only met you an hour ago, and how-"
My hands removed from her face, "I'll find a way." She watched me leave, speechless.
Pride swelled in me from the effect I had on her. She is so pretty and kind. Her accent is so cute! How could a noble have such a thing… I have never met one. Until now anyways.
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Glares. Deep. Hatred filled. Glares. That was all I got on the way home after the mission. I even got one from Luffy! And she doesn't know what's going on half the time! Yet, she stares. Ann and Sab too, glaring at me as if their lives depended on it.
But the worst one… Law… my brother's resting bitch face was turned to the max. At this point, his eyebrow looks as if it was about to twitch off his face. His hand cupped his chin and his eyes glued to mine.
My lips parted to say something, when I tried his glare intensified. "I said sorry! What else do you want!?" I asked, throwing my hands up in defeat as I slump into the seat of the limo.
"A better older brother." All my siblings said in unison, except Luffy. The youngest was busy devouring the food the limo provided.
I let out a gasp from their lack of hesitation, "I am a great older brother! I-I got distracted! That is all!"
Sab decided to interject before Law could, which I was thankful for. "Shanks, I'm not that mad about the mission. I know Ann and Luffy would do the same."
"Hey!" Ann hissed before smacking the back of Sab's head. Luffy only nodded in agreement to the blonde's statement and continued to eat. "But." My sister held up a finger. "It isn't like you to be distracted on a mission. You pay attention, whether it is out of excitement or to keep us in check. So, why weren't you now?"
Sab leaned closer to my face with a brow raised. I let out a nervous cough and scratched the back of my neck. "Makino… but it was because she said she has never been outside before. It got me curious. Again, I am sorry." I bowed my head a little to my siblings. Sab backed off with a look of understanding.
Ann let out a sigh and let the topic go, same as Luffy. That left… Law… of course. "Come on Law. The mission went well right? Collecting information." Sab was able to gather bits and pieces of the behind the scene events.
They figured out about Makino's arranged marriage, but I already knew that. They are called the Vermillion family. A rich family and company that lives in the light of the Grandline. They have been featured in many magazines and many commercials. But, here is where things get interesting...
Law pressed the watch on his arm. My eyes flicked to the holographic image that popped out of it. Penguin and Shachi's design of course. Law swiped his fingers on the image to make a folder pop up. "The Vermillion family tried out an arranged marriage two years ago. But, stopped it after…" Law's fingers swiped again. Showing a green-haired woman with a pointed chin, pale skin, and large eyes. She was smiling and waving to people as she walked down the street. "Stopped after she died. Layla Vermillion, Makino's mother."
"What's her cause of death?" Luffy asked, taking an unhuman swallow of all her food.
"Poison." Law answered and continued to swipe. This time it showed an image of a lemon bread piece. Must have been where the poison was. "So, it is an unsolved murder?" I pressed.
Ann shook her head, "me and Sab had this case a few years ago. The man was named Hyro. He was a part of a less wealthy organization, but still, the marriage was set."
"Then why kill the mother?"
Law answered, "the mother didn't agree with the marriage. Since the mother didn't agree…"
"The father didn't agree." I picked up. Makino looked in pain when she thought back to the memory. It must have been bad.
Poor Makino, who and why would someone do anything wrong to her?
"So why the research on the father?" Luffy asked as she shoved a piece of meat down her throat. "I have no clue, Sengoku hasn't told us that yet." Law answered with a shrug. He doesn't care as long as he gets paid, which he will be.
We went back to Sengoku's office to give reports on the mission. Luckily, Law didn't mention my 'screw up' and left it out. The old man nodded, "Luffia, you said you wanted to go on a mission with Zoro? That is correct right?"
My little sister beamed with a nod. "Well, I have one that popped up, two person. Unless you two have already found one?" Luffia shook her head and grabbed the paper in the old man's hand. She flicked a brow, "you need us to deliver a note? That's boring!" She declared with the shoot of her tongue.
Sengoku rubbed his temple while Sab took the liberty of reading the note. "Wait, you want her, Luffia, my little sister, to visit a warlord? Have you gone insane!?"
My head snapped in the old man's direction, "A Warlord!?"
Warlords~ you know how Dr. Vegapunk has a group of guards? That is what the Warlords are to the Marines. But, instead of protecting, they are used as the Marines' ultimate weapon. The World Government hand picks these people, so far there are seven. All of them are Pirates. Some of them even have their own crews.
World Government~ It's as it sounds, the government of the world. The World Government is split into three sections. One, the pirates, which is what Sengoku controls. Two, the Marines, which is what our grandpa, Garp, controls. Three, the nobility. The five elders control the nobility status around the entire world. This includes the Celestial Dragons.
Not every Pirate lives in the Redline. There are other underground cities pirates take as their home. Fish man island can be counted as its own. Since it extends to the ocean.
"Yes, it is a dangerous mission. Don't undermine my decisions!" The old man shouted at me. I shrugged at Sengoku, it is obvious he is going crazy. Letting Luffy take on such an important mission!
"By the way, aren't you guys late?"
All my siblings peeked up from the statement with curious looks. "The walk through, it is happening in an hour." He said with a tinge of annoyance. All my siblings have heard Sengoku complain about Dr. Vegapunk. Saying he is crazy, idiotic, self-centered, childish, a dick. The man throws so many insults at the genius, he almost beats my grandpa in that right.
But, all it does is make us curious about the type of guy he would be. "Shit!" Ann cursed. She didn't wait before running out the door with Sab and Luffy following behind.
Law tilted his leopard printed hat to look at me, "I'll be going, Penguin and Shachi are already there. Are you going?"
I shook my head, "I have something else to do, I wish I could though." Law nodded and walked out of the room.
"What do you have to do Shanks?" The old man asked me.
A sigh escaped my lips, "I need to go talk to Whitebeard."
Whitebeard~ 21'10, type X, age 55, large mustache. The man is known to be the strongest man alive! Him and my father are eternal rivals. That is one of the reasons me and my siblings will never lose to his crew. Him and my dad have known each other for a long time, along with uncle Ray, my mother, Shakky, and Dragon. The man is one of the four Emperors of the sea!
Four Emperors include Big Mom, Kaido, Whitebeard, and my father. My father is also King of the Pirates. But for some reason, people refer to him as both. Whitebeard has other territories around the world, as well as Big Mom, Kaido, and our father. But, all of their main ones are here, at one of the corners of the redline. Traveling to other underground territories is simple. An underwater sea train connects them all.
"And why the hell are you going to that crazy bastard." Sengoku hissed through his teeth. Oh yeah, him and Sengoku are 'close' as well. By close I mean he is on Sengoku's complaint list. "That is what I am trying to figure out myself."
I waved goodbye to the old man before wobbling out of his office. Today is going to be stressful, beyond stressful.
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1.) The Blankes provide Vegapunk in anything he needs. Whether it's protection or tasks done for him. (btw he is obviously an OC, and he will be in the next chapter)
2.) Saying Marco was a logia type was a mix up! He is a Zoan, Zoans exist, Chopper is still a Zoan type user! Chopper will be explained later.
3.) You'll see Fisher Tiger
4.) The rest of the royal fishman family does exist, they will be in this story at some point. Yes the Gol D's know about Weakhoshi's abilities.
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