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"No, it is a clear suicide." I said under my breath to Penguin. He nodded in agreement and tucked his hands in his exposed hair. Shachi spun in my office chair in boredom. His mouth curled up to support the pen he was balancing on his lips
My office was quiet. One, everyone is off today, only leaving me and Deuce to work on any cases.
Deuce~ Masked Deuce in the Pirate world, light blue hair, wears a mask, my childhood friend. I met Deuce in my young teen years at the academy. At first, he didn't like me. He thought I was a spoiled child because of who my father was. But soon enough, he gave into my charm and dorkiness. He works jobs on his own. He sometimes works with the revolutionaries for information gathering. Deuce is a type B; he is mostly skilled at observation Haki. Me and him used to play pranks on the teachers in our classes. Sengoku too if we were feeling lucky.
Shachi stopped spinning for a moment and looked at me. "Why are we here again? Last time I checked that case was closed." He took my pen away from his lips and placed it in the mug it came from. The right-hand man had on a white jumpsuit with nothing underneath. It was zipped down to his waist with his sleeves hanging off. This showed the tattoos that inked his arms. Penguin demonstrated the same look. Both their tattoos matched Law's.
A sigh left Penguin, "that is because this crazy client tells me it is not a suicide. He says it was a murder."
"With what weapon? None." Shachi said with a scoff. This extra work is cutting into his video game time, and he does not like it. Shachi and Penguin sleepover at my house often. Law has his own residence but doesn't 'live' there. He uses it as his personal storage closet.
My fingers pulled at my stuffy blouse with a groan. "I hate wearing these things." I mumbled to myself.
"Then take it off." Both Penguin and Shachi said with a shrug. Since I walk around topless in the pirate world, both are used to the amount of skin I show. I have never liked wearing shirts, they are overrated.
I pulled off the clothing without much hesitation. I let out a relieved sigh when cold hair touched my chest. A black bikini top held my breasts together. Shachi went back to spinning and Penguin went back to looking over the case. I slumped in my chair and started to shimmy off my shoes. "I swear, I don't understand how Sab can wear so much clothing." Right now, my twin sister is at the academy. Her and Koala will be going on a quick mission.
"Maybe she likes punishing herself." Shachi suggested. I threw my top across the room with a satisfied hum. "This is much better."
"Baby Annie, should we ask Cap-tain to do an autopsy?"
"Sure why not?"
A ringing sound drew my attention. I looked towards my phone with a groan before picking it up. When I saw the number, I put the caller on speaker. "Hey Deuce! Are you heading out?"
"Hey Deuce!" Shachi and Penguin chimed in.
"Hey evil duo! And yeah, I am heading out. I wanted to tell you that there are flowers for you at the front desk."
"Flowers?" Me and the 'evil duo' said in unison.
Deuce chuckled, "yeah, check them out when you're done. Anyways, I got to go!"
When Deuce hung up, I stared at the screen. Who could have left me flowers…? And why?
0=====================================================================0
Shanks looked up at the tall mansion with an exhausted expression. The redhead started to climb the building, realizing this was a bad idea before he got to his destination. Shanks got up the wall with ease, years of endless training proved to be useful.
His feet gripped the ledge with his rubber boots to steady himself. After a few knocks on the window, a shocked expression greeted him. "Sh-Shanks!?" Makino shrieked. She unhooked her window and opened it in a swift motion.
"Yo!" Shanks waved. He stepped into her room and landed on the soft carpet. Light blue paint covered the walls and velvet sheets laid on her bed. "Wow, you weren't kidding when you said you were a princess." The redhead grinned.
Makino fumbled with her words as she tried to comprehend what was going on. "Shanks!?" She said again. She had on a pale green, long sleeve, night dress. Her short green hairs were tied back by a blue bandanna, and her curious innocent eyes scanned Shanks.
Shanks pov
Something about her adoring orbs made my smile grow. "Yes?" I took off my jacket and took a seat on her bed. She continued to stare at me, even as I scooted closer to her. "I told you I would be back. Did you think I would break my promise?"
Makino pulled at the sleeve of her dress, "n-no! But um…"
"So, what do you want to do?"
The princess bit her lip in nervousness as she went into deep thought. Her curious eyes warmed over my frame again, "there isn't much to do here."
I laid my back on her sheets and trailed my hands through my crimson hair. Something about this place gives me a bad vibe, almost like… how my house used to feel. My old one, before Roger adopted me.
"Then let's go somewhere else, you said you have never been outside before. Let's go." My head turned in her direction. I smiled at the look of wonder she was giving me. It was childish in a way. "Is that a yes?"
Makino's lips parted to speak, but she ended up biting them again. "W-We can't. One of my maids should be coming to check on me in a few minutes." The sparkle in her eyes dimmed.
I moved closer to her until we were side by side. She flinched from how close I was but relaxed soon after. "I'm not giving up." I murmured, starting to rub my chin. The sparkle in her eyes reappeared from my words. She looked at my face with wide orbs and a smile, "you weren't kidding."
My brow scrunched from her statement. I turned my body to the side to face her, when I did, the tip of our noses touched. I could tell she wasn't affected by the close distance, but I can feel heat rising to my cheeks. "Kidding about what?" I managed to squeeze out without stuttering.
The charming smile on her face did not help my nerves, "you told me, when we first met. You told me you were stubborn."
More heat added to my face, "you remember that?"
"It was only a few days ago silly, of course." Her laugh and soft words made my heart stop. She is so pretty and endearing, it makes me want to know more about her. "Then I have a plan to get you out of here." I gave my signature charming smile. Most girls fainted from the look, but Makino only giggled with a nod. The lack of effect made me frown slightly, but I rubbed it off.
The plan is for me to hide in her closet till her maid comes. Then Makino tells the maid she is going to sleep for the night. It is a simple ruse, one me and my siblings did all the time when we had to spend summers with Dadan.
Dadan~ age 53, 7'3, scary hag, curly orange hair. She was our caretaker when our father was on missions and when our mother was busy. She is friends with Garp, well kind of… the two have a weird connection. She is part of the Dadan family, a group of mountain bandits. They live by the far edge of the Grandline. Garp told her about our family and the powers that come with them. Then sent us to her without warning.
The maid greeted Makino before the two started talking. All I could focus on was Makino. Her smile and the way her voice can calm my nerves. Not to mention her adorable accent! If I didn't know any better, I would say I have taken a liking to the woman. But… I can't.
I must keep in mind that she is a part of my mission. Her father is the reason I met her in the first place, to make sure there is nothing illegal going on behind the scenes. If there is… she could be in danger. Though, so far, nothing bad about the man has been pointed out. And right now, I am off duty.
Once the maid left, Makino opened the closet, "coast is clear." She declared in a whisper.
"I could tell, you should change before we leave." I said as I stood up. Makino is 5'5 in height, meaning I tower over her.
She looked down at her outfit then looked up at me, "what is wrong with it?" She asked innocently. Tilting her head while her child-like eyes scanned mine. "Because people are creepy." I blurted.
A laugh escaped her, "true, this guy came through my window one time. Even though I only met him once." Makino tapped her finger against her chin. "His name was Snoopy if I recall correctly."
I rolled my eyes, "wow, sounds like a creeper." She giggled from my sarcasm and gestured for me to leave for her to change.
My back hit her bed with a small grunt. Her velvet sheets tickled my tuff skin with small chills running through the air. My head was stuffed between two of her pillows, letting me smell her scent. At first, I thought I shouldn't be doing this, getting close to her and all. But. I can't help myself. I can't imagine my life locked in doors like a sheltered princess.
The smell of tea and cinnamon filled my nose, making me forget about the small doubts I had. Even her scent is interesting.
My eyes trailed to the closet doors as they opened. Makino pulled at the long sleeves of her blue button up to make them ruffle around her wrists. She had on a long red skirt that ended at her knees and a white bandanna tied her hair back. Some of her green locks framed her face, parting in the middle so you could see her dark eyes.
"Well, well, looks like you're not a princess anymore." I commented with a chuckle. Makino looked up to me and tucked a few strings behind her pale ears. "It doesn't look bad?" She asked slowly.
"No, I mean… kinda? Matching isn't your thing is it?"
Her body stiffened from my words, I meant it as a joke, but it is too late to take it back. Color rose to her pale cheeks as she put on a skittish smile. "I-I should go back and change- wait! Shanks!" She squeaked when I pulled her hand. A surprised noise came from her when I opened the window to her room and stepped out. She followed at a steady pace, scared of what could happen if she fell.
"Do you trust me?" I asked her once her whole body was out of the room. Her hand gripped my wrist as mine gripped her's. Her knees were shaking, begging to find some balance while her eyes settled on mine. "Yes." I smiled from her answer.
A yelp choked out of her when my hand let go. I jumped off the roof in a swift motion. The house was five stories high; I could have died if I wasn't an assassin. Not like she needs to know that.
My frame landed me in a leaf filled bush. I looked back up at Makino, who was pressing her hand over her heart. I laughed at her relieved face and held out my arms, "jump."
The green-haired woman looked at me with wide eyes. She pointed to herself to make sure. "No Makino, I am talking to the pretty princess behind you." I chuckled with a hint of sarcasm.
She bit her lip from my laughter and pulled her arms closer to her chest. At first, I thought I would need to coax her more into jumping. But no. She leaped from the roof in one move. Her hair flew in the air and her eyes squeezed shut. A warm feeling swelled inside me from the fact she trusted me. Maybe she is as interested in me as I am in her? That wouldn't make things easier.
One of my hands found her back as the other wrapped around her waist. Her head fell on my shoulder while her chest flushed against mine. I could feel small vibrations press on my torso from her giggles. "Well, that was my first time." She said with a smile.
"Oh trust me, there is more where that came from. I will make sure every little thing on your bucket list is checked off." I assured with a large grin.
Both of us snuck off the premises until we got to the Grandline. Makino turned her head around to take in the sight. It was adorable. How her eyes flickered in awe. "Wh-Where can we go?!" She asked, her words flaring in excitement.
"First we need to go to my work so I can check out for the day. After, we can do whatever you wish."
"Wait! You have work? Shanks! That is irresponsible! You can't just leave!" Makino lectured. She waved her finger in my face like a mother scolding her child.
"Makino, I can leave whenever I want. I own the company." I said with a laugh. She stopped waving her finger and looked at me with wide eyes. "That is impressive." She blurted out. I pouted a little from her surprised tone. "Why are you shocked?"
Makino gave me a nervous look from the statement before changing the subject. She asked me about my school experience. I was not surprised when Makino told me she never had such an experience. She was homeschooled by her father or her help.
"I'm pretty sure you're smarter than me." I stated with a pout.
"Probably, Mr. Snoopy."
My frown deepened from the nickname, "can you call me Shanks?" I suggested, opening the door to my building.
"Maybe."
I gave her a tour of my building. Even though I found it boring, Makino found it captivating. The woman gasped when I opened the door to my office. A squeal got caught in her throat and her eyes shimmered. "There are so many books!"
She darted to the bookshelves decorating my walls. I don't like to read, not at all. The only reason I have them is for missions. Since missions are widespread, a lot of research is involved.
Her fingers slid across every book on the fifth shelf as she slipped around the room. Her excitement and blissful expression made me crack, "do you want to read them?" I got an immediate reply to my question when she gave a forceful nod.
I sighed and took a seat on the couch in the corner. My office had bookshelves and photos decorating the walls. A small mini fridge was by the two couches I was sitting at. My floor had a maroon tinged carpet, and my walls were a dark gray. My desk was large and cluttered with paperwork. Beside the paperwork was my personal laptop and work computer. Both shut off after I left. My black desk chair swirled when Makino knocked into it.
Makino looked at the chair she bumped into, already carrying five large books in her hands. Her eyes drifted to a certain picture on my desk. "Is this your family?" I raised a brow at her. I have many pictures on my desk, most of them include Benn and Yasopp.
She placed the picture on the pile of books with care and walked towards me. She set the books on the wooden coffee table centered between the couches and picked up the frame. She sat down next to me and tilted the picture so I could see.
A nervous smile appeared on my lips, "let's forget you ever saw that." I muttered. Before I could snatch the framed photo away, she turned her body. "Is that you?" Her small finger pressed the glass where my face was located. The frame held two pictures in it, both embarrassing.
The pictures were taken more than a decade ago. Back when I was in my last year of middle school. In one, me and Law were placed in the sides of the photo. Both of us smiling and showing off our braces. Ann and Sab were kneeling down next to us. Ann sticking out her tongue while Sab pulled out her cheeks with her gloved fingers. Luffia was in the center. Her jet-black hair parted in pigtails and her hands in the air showing a peace sign.
In the second one, it was my last year of high school. All of us were in the same positions as the first, except our poses were different and we looked older. Ann and Sab now had braces and both their hairstyles changed. Ann had her hair up to her ears while Sab had hers at her shoulders. Luffia had her hair in a ponytail and Law's and mine were longer. The Gol D family is known for their embarrassing photos and poses. This picture is one of my favorites.
Me and Law had our tongues out with our middle fingers flipped up. By that time, Law had tattoos that inked his hands. Ann and Sab closed their eyes, also sticking up their middle fingers. Luffia's was the best one. Her brows were scrunched, and her nose twitched. Both her middle fingers were in her mouth. Pulling her rubbery cheeks apart with a tongue sticking out.
"You look so cute and this one." Makino commented, pointing at the one with my braces on. "No I do not! They kept cutting my lips, and whenever Luffia bumped into me it hurt for days!" I huffed out.
Makino giggled from the reply. She asked about each one of my siblings, starting with Luffia. I tried to explain to her that braces were not cute, but she only shrugged it off.
"Shanks, are you back yet?- oh it's a female." Benn said with his head peeking into the room. The way he said 'oh it's a female' made my lips purse from his obvious amusement.
"Yes Bennie, I know you haven't seen one in a while." I shot back. I know my right-hand man will tease me about Makino's presence, since I'm never with a girl this long. Dating is a hassle, so why do it? I'm not a virgin, but a serious relationship has never been checked off my bucket list. Nor is it on it…. I think.
Benn raised his brow at me before stuffing his hands into his pockets. He had on a tight short sleeved shirt with a dark blue sash around his waist. Along with dark pants to match the outfit. His long black hair was tied back in a ponytail with a swirly piece hanging over his face. "Shanks, you can't count your sisters as women you have seen." Benn said, walking over to me and Makino.
A frown formed on my lips, but before I could say anything else, Makino spoke. "Sorry, am I not allowed to be here? My name is Makino by the way." She left out her small hand to shake Benn's. When their hands touched, my eyes squinted in annoyance. Yay, now they are acquainted.
"No, it's fine. My captain wasn't going to do any work anyways. My name is Benn."
"I do work all the time Bennie!" I huffed. My voice raised from the annoyance I felt earlier.
"You know Shanks, you shouldn't lie in front of beautiful women." Benn said in his stupid smooth voice. My brain started to malfunction when he gave a wink to Makino. This can't be happening… is Bennie flirting? Is that even possible!?
"First it wasn't a lie, second, Makino likes her personal space." My hands pressed against Benn's chest with a grunt. An amused chuckle left him from my obvious jealousy.
He placed one of his hands behind his head while the other rested on his hip. "Are you sure, you two seem comfortable to me." My best friend wiggled a brow at me. "Anyways, Yasopp wanted you. I'll tell him to come up, I bet he would want to meet your little friend." Benn hummed.
"I don't think that would be necessary-"
"I would love to meet Shanks's friends." Makino smiled.
Of course she would.
Benn nodded his head, "I'll bring them up."
0======================================================================0
"What's wrong Zoro?" Luffy asked me through the food in her mouth. Her hands were still moving at lightning speed. Shoving everything she could into her rubber body. Her straw hat was on her back, showing her short hair.
We were at the dinner room for the royal people of Amazon Lily, in short, we were at Boa's palace. At first, I was not invited, but then Luffia dragged me with her.
Eyes attached to my body as soon as I stepped foot in this building, of course, the glares were from a certain Warlord. I have only met a few of the warlords, but may I say, she is not making me want to meet the rest.
"Nothing Luffia, only thinking. By the way, we need to leave tonight. We have already been here for a day." I looked towards my captain. She was puffing out her cheeks with her eyes twinkling. Her 'give me pity' look made me sigh. "No Luffia." My captain snorted and went back to eating. It must have not been important enough for her to continue. She could have won the argument with ease if that was the case.
Hands clapped together, "were you guys there during the red-carpet incident?" Margaret asked with sparkling orbs.
The red-carpet incident is what they are calling the event with Dr. Vegapunk. People are still talking about it, even though it has been more than a week since. But it's not everyday someone cuts off the arm of a celestial dragon.
Some say Vegapunk is going to be punished, but we all know the truth. He can't be punished. Sengoku will give him a headache from his constant yelling, but besides that there is nothing they can do.
Most people think he is a hero for doing what he did. Others think that he has no right to 'abuse' his power the way he did. All and all, no one can stop talking about it.
Ann and Sab are also carried along with the rumors. Some think Vegapunk knows Ann and Sab, that is why he protected them. Of course, that isn't true.
Vegapunk acted because one of his own was about to be touched by the Celestial. He acted to protect. That is something I can respect.
"Yep." Me and Luffy said in unison.
"Yes well, the fleet admiral wasn't pleased. He set up a meeting with Vegapunk in a few weeks. Me and some other Warlords have to guard the outside of the room." Boa said with an annoyed look. For being a Warlord, the woman hates the government. The only reason she is one is because it gives her privileges. Boa used to be a slave for the Celestial Dragons, that's what Luffia told me. Though I would never try to get further details about the subject.
Boa was freed years ago, all thanks to Fisher Tiger. Another man I have respect for. Me and Luffia have never met him, but I know Sab has. Fisher Tiger is Koala's adopted father.
Luffy continued to shove food in her mouth as Boa complained about her life. I stopped listening again and thought about what I was thinking of before.
The Pirate games. It is in four months, yet Luffia hasn't brought it up once. It isn't possible for only one section of the academy to participated. Everyone in that academy must sign up. Well, everyone that is a part of the Roger pirates. The Strawhats are included since we work for Luffia. The Revolutionaries would not since it is an information core.
"Zoro~ tell me what you are thinking about!" Luffia whined. She pulled at my cheek to bring me back to reality. My hand grabbed hers to remove it before speaking. "Are we joining the Pirate games?" I asked in a serious tone.
Everyone in the room went quiet from the question. The Roger Pirates haven't participated in years, but whoever wins, gets a huge number of points. Since we are almost tied with Whitebeard, it would be the best call to join. But, if we join, Whitebeard will.
Will we be able to beat them? Most of their crewmen have more experience. Also, that means more popularity towards Luffia and her siblings. Since they will be the stars of the show. Emperors are not allowed to compete in the Pirate games, nor is anyone from their era. That means the second division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates can't. Neither can Rayleigh and the rest of Roger's 'main men'.
The highest rank allowed in that competition is Luffia's. Which means they will be facing the commanders.
"Duh." Luffia answered, as of it was the most simplistic thing in the world. Her answer made me wince, "please tell me…. you didn't sign us up." By us, I mean… her siblings and their sectors.
My captain nodded and grew a grin, "I did it before I left! It should be fun!"
Boa clapped her hands and started to swoon over Luffia's bravery. I would call it stupidity.
I rubbed my temple with a sigh, we are screwed.
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