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Summary:
Ever since he came back, he suddenly longed for the shadows… the smell of the forest… and a specific soup based dish. But Marco knew that finding their crew and be confronted by the aftermath of that fateful day wouldn't be that easy. Or so he hopes it would.
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Of Flaming Feathers and Bloodstained Furs
By: Zelga Lim Li
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Part 35
Life does go on to some people.
Others… well, they continue to cling unto the past causing unexpected worries to everyone surrounding them. One would say pthat living that way is totally unhealthy. To those who exists just for the sake of living… those who always feel regret… they might never find happiness even if it walks straight towards them.
So it is up to a select few to keep them grounded. To make them feel they belong. That they are worth something.
That's possibly the reason why he have all these opportunities.
Marco's eyes widen in realization ignoring Thatch's curious gaze beside him. Smiling to himself, he scanned the horizon and leaned closely to the edge of the crow's nest, feeling more optimistic than before.
Perhaps he never stopped believing. That the emptiness of his own heart has already been filled. It was definitely oyaji's doing.. the said pirate's influence in his life. That Naruto and Ace… aah.
He will make sure they'll both see their worth. Even if he has to sacrifice himself again for their sake.
"He totally lost it…"
"Maaa, we don't even know what's keeping him occupied, Thatch-san." The silver-haired jōnin noted with a tilt of his head as he set aside his perverted book in favor of observing the abrupt change on his reaction.
"Huh?" Kabuto huffed and tugs the fisherman's hat away from his bespectacled eyes to study him better. Strangely enough, their attention isn't as annoying as before (usually happens when the two men gossip like old women especially if he is the main topic).
"Ahoy there!"
Looking down, they saw a young man waving his hand in their direction.
"Boss wanted to talk to you. Something about one of Shirohige's crew member spotted in Yakkyoku, the next island where we are enroute." Brightening up, the pompadoured haired pirate laughs and gave him a fist bump. Jumping down and almost squashing the unfortunate fellow (if only for a few millimeters), his friend started to bombard the messenger with questions.
Humming a tune of an old pirate song, he stood to his full height and feel the wind breezes softly against his skin (thankfully enough, he is starting to gain those lost inches). And despite his earlier worries, Marco the Phoenix never felt more resolute.
"Yep. He definitely lost it." The medic hummed agreeably in response to the other shinobi's comment.
Idiots.
.
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Yakkyoku Island, several hours later…
Izo never felt so irritated. Except for that one time when Thatch accidentally lit her favorite kimono on fire. Eyes glazing minutely, she took a deep breath to compose herself. Even in death, the man never fails to annoy her.
She missed him so much.
Though for the life of her, she cannot understand why she needs to wait for her purchases (ignoring that time when she's still with Oden-sama and the others back in Wano). Ever since she took Oyaji's mark, she was prioritize upon her entry in every establishment. Not that she is monopolizing this particular store as there is another customer being assisted by the other attendant.
Tapping her manicured nails on top of the counter, the female commander sighed in slight frustration and eyed the rest of the merchandises displayed in the shelves with slight interest.
When the other customer left with their own acquisitions, the attendant disappeared by the back door. Thinking nothing of it, the female pirate places a wild strand behind her ear and played with her earrings when the door opens signaling a new buyer. Izo's hand freezes when she smelled a familiar scent and then there are voices…
"Izo, thank God! It really is you…"
"Stop! Let me talk to her first…"
…without preamble, she releases her gun from under her sleeves and fired.
.
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Arriving in Yakkyoku, the two pirates and Kabuto disembarked along with a few crewmen who will accompany them to find this nakama of theirs. The second-in-command of the Maelstorm looks back at him distrustfully before following the others. There are a few left behind to prep the ship for their next departure. Kakashi closed his book when he felt a very familiar presence standing beside him.
The only woman he thought painstakingly he'd never see again.
"Seems like I'm right…" Her voice whispered beside him. And since when did she get too close?
"About what?" Kakashi asks plaintively.
With a smile, Uzumaki Kira tugs his mask down and kissed him. A moment's heartbeat passed, she releases his lips (even if he wanted to deepen their exchange so badly). Gently, she cupped his cheek as her eyes carefully appraised the visible changes. A finger traces over where his scarred eye is. Obito's Sharingan covered by a medical eyepatch. Breathing heavily, he took her hand and placed it near his cheek as he looked upon her face and her own scar marring her skin.
He knew that his visible eye shows all the emotions he felt especially seeing her that day. But this is…
"That you missed me?"
…this is one of those rare moments that he's thankful to be alive.
Taking her into his arms, Kakashi burrows his face into her hair… remembering her scent and another one reminiscent of the world she currently resides on. She has the same familiar shade of red that caught his attention when Kushina-nee-sama introduced them to one another. Just like his sensei, it was the hair at first - that caught his attention. Then it was overpowered by her ferocious personality and everything else in between.
"Perhaps I did. And I am very happy to know you're still alive, Kira… that you are here, with me. And I-i…"
Tapping his lips gently, the redhead replaces his mask and then took his hand to lead him towards the helm.
"I know what you are going to say. But before we tackle ourselves and there's the issue with my niece…" Breathing deeply, the woman asks the question he dreads to answer. "I want to know how my big sister died. So tell me…" Her eyes pleading, Kira's hand tugs on his vest. It pains him to see her like this. Pulling her tight against his chest, he kisses the top of her head. "…please."
His arms held her closer. "It was… an attack against the village, and then the Kyuubi…"
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With Thatch sulking in front of him, Kabuto couldn't decide if he's going to heal the bullet graze on his cheek… or the bump on his forehead… or laugh at his misfortune. The woman responsible to the commander's unfortunate injuries is being talked into by Marco himself.
In a considerable distance - in case something unexpected happens again due to that explosive temper (similar to a certain kunoichi he knew).
The Phoenix doesn't fair well at first (his youthful appearance is somewhat a suprise) especially for a long range weapon but knowing who the opponent is gave him a slight edge. It took a while since the woman knows Haki too. The weapon used is another unknown that may prove to be dangerous to shinobis as well (unless one can raise a wall to block an incoming projectile similar to kunais and shuriken but much more deadlier).
If it wasn't for the stuff he learned back home, the younger looking pirate will have a harder time convincing the woman of who they really are.
After a few minutes with the female pirate hugging Thatch and finally facing one another (without any threats whatsoever), he sits besides Marco who is healing his own injuries.
"You could have used armament you know…"
Chuckling, the pirate gave him an amused look as he explained the pros and cons of using Haki. And if it wasn't from Marco's time in Konoha and observing how a shinobi works during his downtime from pirating, he may not be able to use any variation that can help his battles. Evident on how adaptable the teen is.
"What about that one, Haoshoku was it?"
"It can be used to overpower enemies. But if they have an equal or stronger will, it may be difficult to defeat them."
"Or depending who has better stamina and a more unbreakable will, one would definitely fall and the other will be considered a victor." Thatch interjected and Kabuto did held himself from laughing out loud and pointedly ignored the hand shaped bruises decorating both of the older man's cheeks.
Marco's eyes did nothing to help… but thankfully enough did follow his lead. "Kabuto, meet Izo, she's the Sixteenth Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. Izo, meet Kabuto, one of our friends back in Konohagakure, the village that took us in."
Friends? That is something… new. But it didn't really surprised him given his current company.
It feels…
"Pleasure to meet you, Kabuto-san." The woman replied in a friendly voice that made the pompadoured haired pirate pout like an overgrown child.
…it feels gratifying.
.
.
Nami no Kuni…
Taking the last bite, Ace couldn't help but smile in appreciation for that day's meal. This boar will probably give him a few hours before his appetite may get the best of him (again).
Noticing a few small details in this new environment, seems like he doesn't have to worry about falling over the sea as majority of mass here are land unlike the blue seas where he came from.
Though he feels like some has a very familiar presence like the pirates (or marines) back home. Those who wear those fancy headbands are more than just a civilian. From what he heard, they are ninjas.
"Greetings, stranger…"
The men requested to share his bonfire (due to the downpour making it hard to start a fire which isn't a problem for someone like him) so he graciously accepted their request. Sharing his fire to the inhabitants of this particular village is the least he can do.
Carefully explaining his own predicament, he finishes his meal and put the scraps over his bonfire and converses politely with the newcomers (Makino-san's teachings remained despite everything).
Even if he gave up being a pirate, his tattoo reminds him of the people who go to war to save him even after knowing the truth. And then there's Luffy. Covering his mark with a shirt will avoid unwanted attention on this strange new place, so he took his time to gather information before deciding on his next course of action.
"Ah, you mean Konohagakure? Old man Tazuna knows more about that place so you may want to give him a visit."
After that, he heard a tale of young children who are trained as ninjas (Luffy will have a blast knowing this story) and saved this country from a maniacal tyrant. He may have ignored the part about a teen who can transform into a flaming avian because from what he learned, Devil Fruits do not exist here. The said skill may be somewhat similar or a kind of transformation or whatnot those strange people knew. And that the pirate he knew who can transform into a phoenix already died because of him… and despite Marco's abilities, one cannot survive a hole in their chest.
Ace thinks that exploring this land may be for the best. Then once he is tired enough, he will visit this place that kind old man recommended.
Hiding the scroll securely, Ace looks a bit optimistic ever since that day. Despite the shackles tying him from his past, he finally decided to move forward.
One step at a time.
.
.
Learning that several of their crew members decided to retire didn't surprise Marco. Majority of their territories, those protected by Whitebeard's flag were taken over by the traitor whose influence have corrupted several others and some upstart wannabees. The bastard had taken oyaji's flag down just because he claimed to defeat the world's strongest.
True that the Whitebeard Pirates have lied low with their captain 'retiring' due to his illness and wounds but that didn't stop the remaining commanders to do what they can to protect the rest of their territories following oyaji's wishes.
"Oyaji have come home. So we'll be able to find him in Sphinx." Izo explained. "I was sent here to retrieve his medication."
Tapping his chin, Thatch marked their new routes. "It will take at least a month to get there… barring any unexpected disturbances, two months max."
"Maelstorm can get you there in less than a month as long as our stopovers are handled in a timely manner." The red haired woman noted and everyone looks at Kakashi who notices their hard stares. Raising one brow to question their attention, Marco sighed and eases everyone's worry.
"The Calm Belt is something we may consider knowing that some of you can use a jutsu than can emulate the wind…" Ignoring the silver haired jōnin's dark mutter, Marco pointed out a path they can take. "Alternatively, we can go on a longer route that will allow us to visit oyaji's remaining islands, gather information on what's the current situation… and inform the rest of our return."
The female commander added that some of their crew are laying low, away from the marines' watchful gaze but are ready to sail once more if asked. However, the Phoenix didn't comment any further but added that they are free to choose what they want.
"If they do want to settle down or something, surely they can do so, right?" Thatch's question is enthusiastic enough that didn't escape Izo's scrutinizing gaze especially when the two (or rather three if she includes the young medic and Marco himself) had this silent conversation amongst themselves. The other woman is chuckling amusingly and patted the other man's silver haired tresses when he groaned depressingly in response. So she asked the question because she never like not knowing things.
"Are we talking about someone in particular?" Thatch did laugh abashedly while Kakashi drops his head on top of his palm. Kabuto may have known something with that sly look in his eyes while Marco avoided her inquiry as if he didn't heard the question.
How very suspicious.
"As I've mentioned, we will be passing by our remaining territories to check with the others. They are free to choose what they want to do from here onwards. And if they prefer to stay on land, we will not prevent or take it against them…"
Tch.
If it comes to worst, she'll gut these men (Thatch most especially) for the answers she needed.
The other woman did look at her meaningfully and asks for her input about their remaining territories. Before she can answer, an explosion was heard from the outside.
"Kira-sama! Kira-sama! It's him again!" One of the redhead's crew rushed towards them in frantic worry.
Hurrying towards the largest window on the room, the Uzumaki curses out loud and Kabuto may have winced a little hearing the woman swear like a pirate (she's probably one even if there's no black flag on her ship… though he did heard one of her crewmen the other day as they introduced themselves as privateers when Thatch bravely asks).
"Bounty hunters?" Kakashi's eye flashed dangerously when the redhead looked back at him.
She shook her head and frowned slightly when she turned towards them and answered in favor of the two shinobis. Dread filled the female commander's veins when she looked at the incoming ship herself.
"It's Garp, the Marine Vice Admiral."
Oh. W-who?!
.
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When he heard what happened in Baratie, he demanded Coby to explain everything. The poor lad is still in shock but was able to tell him who he found (along with the man they thought was long dead).
Dropping everything behind, he ordered his ship to embark right away ignoring Sengoku's questioning look.
From what he'd gathered, the pirates along with two unknowns traversed the Red Line and disappeared for a few days. It was just after they dealt with the World Pirates. However it was pure luck when one of his trusted 'spies' found Whitebeard's female commander in Yakkyoku and he was able to tail them from there.
It didn't surprise him when the ship that took the woman along was from that rowdy group of privateers he once worked with. It was Tsuru who recommended them to him for that particular mission and he dare say he's impressed. The redhead (well almost all of them are) is someone who painstakingly reminds him of his beloved wife and if it wasn't for her demeanor, he might have think that she's related to that blasted yonko. Their unconventional method of accomplishing their given tasks makes him wary for reasons unknown. Nevertheless having them under close watch is something he does need to consider knowing how the government wanted to keep a close eyes to those they deem are threats… and those pirates they want to stay out of their business.
But it was this particular pirate who gave up his life… to save his grandson that makes him want to turn his back on everything.
So when Bogard reported that their (his) target are in sight, he gave them his customary greeting and asked everyone to stay clear. He knew that they are loyal but it would be best to keep the rest of his crew in the dark just in case their new Fleet Admiral decided to be petty.
Helmeppo agreed to corral everyone along with his right-hand man but Coby is persistent. Giving in, he asked his subordinate to stay close to him, just in case.
Passing over his men who are preparing a plank for them to pass through, he eyed them incredulously and jumps over the other ship with Coby behind him.
After ensuring that everyone are on their posts (hidden), he turned to face the woman he grew to be fond of ever since they met each other.
Uzumaki Kira looks cautious (just like his previous affiliations whenever they saw each other again) but unfazed enough to approach him… something he didn't understand. Is she somewhat related to the Whitebeard Pirates without Tsuru knowing?
"Garp-san, fancy seeing you out of your office? Thought your new boss grounded you for life?"
"Hah! I would like to see that brat try." Ignoring Coby's reprimanding cough, he observed the tenseness of her shoulders. He did expanded his senses and located her crew (below deck) and a few 'others' that are hiding behind the doors she is somewhat shielding. "And I knew who you are hiding behind those doors. So I would greatly appreciate it if you allow me to see him. And there's no need to punch my way through since I did not come here for a fight." Breathing deeply, he looked at her straight in the eyes. "I do need to see him. To see for myself that the man who saved my grandson's life is indeed alive." He repeated firmly. He never begs. But… he is willing to try.
.
Raising her brows inquisitively, Kira studied the old man before her.
Monkey D. Garp did reminded her of her beloved grandfather that is why they got along so fine especially after they were introduced to one another on that first day. And that he is different from the rest of the marines she knew. Tsuru-obaa is an exception since she's family. Truth be told, there are only a handful of marines she can vouch for and she can count them in all her fingers (including her toes)… this man included. Yet his presence here is totally unexpected.
Worrying even.
But then his words started to make sense and she sighed resignedly and motioned for the older man to follow her inside. Kakashi did accompanied her and was eyeing the older man with suspicion (and his underling). She did return his look with a calming smile as she lead their visitors inside.
The pirates (Thatch and Izo) are not armed but they do look like they're ready to fight. Both stands beside the silver haired medic from Konoha while Marco himself leans near the large window (ready to take flight if needed).
She's sure there wouldn't be any trouble knowing the said pirate but she did cross her arms and patted the top of her favorite chair as she eyed the Vice Admiral.
"I would greatly appreciate it if no harm will fall on my ship. I just got her repaired the other day."
Garp sighed and nodded taking one of the chairs to sit upon it with a promise not to break anything. The maps they used earlier are already hidden. Though she can sense a genjutsu placed on the said table. Kakashi did gave her a wink and stayed by her side to witness two of the most controversial groups in the four seas, wondering what each will do.
.
With a nod to Izo, she led Thatch out of the room (much to his refuttal) followed by Kabuto. The silver haired jōnin did hesitate but the redhead tugged him along not before giving him a stern look.
The young marine who came along the Vice Admiral may have attempted to set himself invisible but Garp motioned him to go with the others.
"But… s-sir?"
After a few minutes, the young marine left hesitantly. Marco turned his attention to study the man before him. Monkey D. Garp does look older when he last saw him back in Marineford. Even if he knew why he's here, he doesn't understand why he would personally seek him out. Just the same…
"To be honest with you, I didn't even think of saving the boy but knowing what Ace will do… my body just moved on its own…"
Giving him a bland stare, Garp shook his head and took a decanter from inside his jacket and two small plastic cups. He did eye him suspiciously after filling the cups with liquor… possibly thinking that he's too young to drink. Despite his current appearance, no one but Roger or oyaji knows his exact age. About to curse the marine, he did pause when a cup was held towards him.
"Despite your excuses, I know that you knew why you did it… why that red haired brat gave up his arm…"
Akagami no Shanks lost his arm for the same boy as well?
Laughing at his bemused reaction, Garp forego the cup and drank from the decanter itself. "It's not public knowledge… and I never reported it anyway but it happened during their brief stay back in my home island where red-hair met my grandson… left a Devil Fruit in the open that gave Luffy his ability and then he almost got himself killed after saving that boy…" With a sigh, the marine emptied his drink with an air of wistfulness in his gaze.
"A terrifying ability he may have inherited from his parents…"
No words came after that.
And for the first time since meeting the man, Marco finally enjoyed the silence with this particular marine. Perhaps he now understood why oyaji and the Pirate King is fond of this marine.
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Thatch remained in the galley overlooking the conference room. Kabuto sat on his corner making a few notes of what are Oyaji's medications using the list Izo provided while the woman herself is cleaning her guns.
The young marine that came with Garp is sitting farther away from the group and is eyeing the same door. He did look at him twice and when he notice his stares, the man flushed shyly and avoided his gaze.
Meanwhile, Kakashi is standing with the redhead who is gracious enough to accompany them on this journey. She also happens to be Naru-chan's long lost aunt and the jōnin's old flame. Well that alone is something he needs to understand. Maybe later. And thankfully enough, the Uzumaki is kind enough to humor his curiosity seeing his wordless questions.
"We are originally from the Elemental Nations. Uzushio is an island surrounded by whirlpools and harsh weathers… just like some of the islands here in Paradise so coming here isn't much of a change. And because of our affiliation to a certain village, with past grievances that happened during the First and Second Shinobi World Wars, our village was attacked when Kumo and Iwa joined forces to eliminate Konoha's strongest ally."
Kabuto added that the remaining survivors scattered across the Elemental Nations and were thought to be hunted down for experimentation because of their longevity and chakra reserves.
"Majority escaped here in the blue seas when my grandfather created those pillars and a seal to open a gateway separating the two dimensions. The remaining survivors escaped total annihilation and was able to live safely… away from those who wanted to harm us."
They learned that those who came from here can safely pass through… and for those from the people of the Elemental Nations, as long as their intent isn't against the Uzumaki clan, they'll be able to travel into the twin pillars without any issues. Others who know the purpose of the pillars did attempted to pass through (some Kekkei Genkai hunters from Kumogakure). All who tried encountered a backlash which froze their chakra that lasts for several days. Two sets of pillars were erected in the opposite ends of the Red Line which surprised the ninjas from Konoha.
They learned that these pillars also served as a portal to each other for faster travel known only to the clan who created them.
Other members of the Uzumaki clan was able to take root in each of the four seas. They flourished well in their chosen islands. Some become merchants. Others became explorers. There are a few that became pirates. While some who are trained in the ways of shinobi offered their skills and expertise to people who wanted to hire them for a price.
"So you're like a private contractors?" Interestingly, it was Izo who asked the question. The Uzumaki nodded. Similar to a pirate but don't usually go against the government regardless how imperfect they are.
Even so, there are still rules they strictly follow when accepting jobs. And if they deemed like it will be a harm to the clan, they will make sure to take precautions and eliminate all threats to their family no matter what.
Awestruck from all these information, Thatch observed the woman before him. And before he can control his mouth, he commented about his favorite kunoichi and why Naruto was left on her own in a village that doesn't seems to like her. That statement made Kira-san's face change slowly. Entirely different from the way she proudly introduces her clan. Weirdly enough, Kakashi disappeared from their sight.
The medic and Izo did pause whatever they are doing and frowned towards them and witnesses the Uzumaki's crestfallen reaction.
"My older sister was sent to Konoha upon the request of Mito-sama, the First Hokage's wife and my grandfather's oldest cousin." With a sigh, the woman took another photo from her jacket showing several faces, including a younger Kakashi (with his ever present mask) and a blonde man (who cannot be mistaken as the one who fathered their favorite kunoichi). "She did visited a few times with these two morons. I also knew she was expecting. And then lost all forms of communication with her when we came here after the attack…"
Izo took a peek of her own. She could have disregarded the image since she didn't know the people in it (maybe except for Kakashi-san and the woman herself)… but she did a double-take seeing a very familiar face.
"Is that Akagami no Shanks?!"
Thatch's jaw drop seeing the Yonko on the said picture. Same carefree expression. Same smile. And younger (the scars that traitor gave are nowhere in sight).
The marine's face paled upon hearing the pirate's name.
"Oh, him?" Fondly she took another photo showing three children, all bearing the Uzumaki's trademark hair color. "He's my twin brother…," The tallest boy happened to look like the pirate they met (and fought with) several times in the past. Unmarred by any traces of his current life as a pirate.
And then the realization finally hits him (more so than Marco's haki imbued kick) when he understood what that meant for everyone involved. Shanks is also Naruto's long lost relative?
Oh shit!
.
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Interlude: Izo
Izo thought she saw a ghost. Even in death, he never fails to irritate her.
God, she misses him…
So when she saw this man with the same face… with the same voice. Her rage took the best of her and attacked the imposter.
How dare they to use him against her…
But when another lookalike showed up… she just lost herself to her grief.
Damn them to hell!
However… all her bullets never hit their intended target. Only one pirate can do that. And he was one of those that were taken by fate themselves…
Just like Oden-sama…
But then, only Marco knows how to fight her back.
"Damn it, Izo, I said calm down, yoi!"
Her opponent was able to close in and regardless of the danger of close combat, the imposter was able to stop her hands. Disregarding her inhibitions, she fired her last bullet.
And then… familiar flames surrounded the wound. Gasping in shock, she stares until the bluish colored fire healed her enemy's flesh.
It can't be…
"M-marco?"
Relief can be seen in his eyes as he releases her hand. Dropping one of her guns, she tugged him closer and envelopes the teen in a one-armed embrace.
So this is what he's referring to. She can't believe it.
"Are you calm now?"
Nodding, she wipes her tears away and looked at him. Finally noticing that he's smaller… and younger?! But before Marco can explain, the other came back with the same sheepish look on his familiar face.
All Izo can do at this point is threw her handheld gun at him.
I miss you so…
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Author's note:
For the sake of whatever continuity I have for this story, I moved Uzushio's downfall on a later date. A period where Kushina and Minato were already dating. And that the red-blooded habanero may or may have gone her way to snare the Yellow Flash's commitment er engagement responsibilities with her pregnancy (with Kira and Kakashi watching resignedly from the sidelines). Quite possibly during the time Obito and Rin was introduced.
This may possibly affect the other events in our story. But I suppose I'll just wing it. Haha!
If I miss and it affected the flow of our story, give me a shout. ('_').v
Thanks again for reading. And liking. And following. Though I would greatly appreciate a comment or two. Because the idea of keeping these guys and their story to myself or share them using another platform is starting to appeal more and more. *sigh*
Anyhows, stay safe everyone. Cheers! And Happy Holidays!
Also cross-posted in AO3. Enjoy! And keep safe everyone!
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