Makino hurried through the streets, weaving around the rubble as she made her way to the harbor. The noise and smoke from the town had faded and Makino was certain it was a sign that Shanks had stopped Claymore's pillaging. She felt no fear approaching his ship and stared up the ladder.

"Shanks!" she called, "Benn! Is anyone there?"

"I hear ya, Makino. Come aboard." Chris appeared over the railing, wiping his hands off with a towel. "The captain isn't here yet, but you can wait for him in the infirmary. That's where Anchor is, along with the mayor."

Makino sighed in relief. "Thank goodness you found him! Is he alright?" Chris' frown made her stomach drop. "Chris?"

"He'll live," he replied, "but he's still unconscious."

Makino flew up the ladder, climbing onto the deck before Chris could offer to help her. He made no move to stop her as she passed him and went through the hatch. She knew her way well enough.

As she tip-toed into the infirmary, Makino could smell the strong antiseptic that lingered from the room's metal table. While she didn't see any of the equipment Chris might have used, her imagination flourished with thoughts of scalpels and needles. She hesitantly glanced at the floor, expecting to see blood splattered, yet it was spotless.

"Makino? Is that you?" an older voice whispered. In the corner, alongside a couple cots, Mayor Woop Slap sat in a chair, looking exhausted. "Mind your step. Luffy is still sleeping."

Joining the mayor, Makino's heart ached. Luffy was propped onto his side, a thick bandage wrapped around his torso. His cheeks were pale and Makino couldn't bring herself to picture what he must have looked like upon arriving. She sat on the floor and gently stroked the boy's face. "What happened?" she asked quietly.

"The captain had a sword." Woop Slap shook his head slowly before dropping it into his hands. "What are we going to do now? We've lost so much."

Makino shifted to place her hand on Woop Slap's arm. "We still have plenty to be thankful for. I went to the woods to tell the villagers that help had arrived. While there were still a few people unaccounted for, the majority of them were alive and unharmed. We can rebuild the town. We'll make it."

Woop Slap lifted his head. "Bless your heart, dear."

Just then, a gruff voice cut in. "Sorry for interrupting." Shanks came through the doorway. "Chris brought me up to speed about his injury. Has he been asleep the whole time?"

"He's been out cold since it happened," Woop Slap replied.

Shanks walked up behind Makino and squeezed her shoulder lightly. "He'll be alright. Our Anchor's a fighter through and through."

Despite his strong words, Makino could sense his concern. "Your crew, are they alright? No injuries?"

Shanks smiled softly down at her. "They're fine. Benn's keeping an eye on things in the town." He looked over at the mayor. "My men are doing what they can to repair the damage Claymore caused. It's not perfect, but it'll get a roof over your heads."

Woop Slap's hands tightened into fists around the fabric of his pants. "Thank you Shanks."

"Don't worry, it's-"

"No. You listen to me."

Shanks and Makino were both taken aback by the older man's authorative tone.

Woop Slap bowed his head. "As mayor of Windmill Village, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You saved us from a devastating calamity. For that, we are indebted to you. However..." He glared sharply, staring Shanks in the eye. When he spoke, his voice was low. "You must realize that this whole disaster is your own doing. If you hadn't been so careless, none of this would have happened."

"Mayor, that's not a fair judgement," Makino argued, "Shanks had no way to know he was being watched."

"And that's precisely why he was foolish." Woop Slap pointed a finger at Shanks. "While I'll agree that you're a decent man, you're still a pirate with a formidable reputation. As Blankface said, you've made a number of enemies. It was only a matter of time before someone lashed out at you or your loved ones. Instead of being prepared, you were naive and let yourself get too close to Luffy. You not only endangered this town; you've put Luffy's future and well-being at risk."

"Mayor, please. That's not-" Another squeeze of her shoulder caused her to look up. "Shanks?"

Shanks' expression was one of grave understanding. "It's alright, Makino. He's right. I didn't consider the consequences and let things get out of hand." He glanced at Luffy. "I don't regret befriending Luffy, but I accept responsibility for Claymore's attack."

Woop Slap sighed and stood. "Shanks, I know that you aren't like the other pirates terrorizing the seas. I really am grateful you came to our aid." As he walked towards the door, he muttered, "I only hope Garp can sort things out." With that, the room fell silent.

Leaning down, Shanks grasped Makino's elbow, helping her to her feet. "You should get some rest, Makino. It's been a long day. Come on, I'll walk you home."

"Walk with me to Party's Bar instead," she suggested. "The villagers will want something to eat when they return."

The two slipped out of the depressing infirmary, briefly stopping to let Shanks tell Chris of his absence. Moonlight reflected off the waves as they went along. The cool evening air almost felt peaceful, but both knew there was plenty to still worry about.

Makino leaned into Shanks and stared out at the ocean. "You're leaving soon, aren't you?" she asked knowingly.

He nodded. "It won't be long until the Navy comes to investigate the attack. The last thing the village needs is a brawl between ships. It'll be best if we're gone by morning."

"I see..." Makino paused. "Will Luffy be safe?"

Shanks' answer was hesitant. "He...Honestly, I don't know. Claymore told as many people as he could about Luffy." He ran his hand through his hair, frustration and anxiety taking over his features. "I haven't figured out what to do yet. My crew and I won't go far until we can fix this, but I don't know when that'll be."

In all the time Makino had known Shanks, she'd never seen him so stressed. This was different from the incident with the bandits, that much she could tell. Makino stopped, thinking over their situation again and again. "Shanks," she started, "I think you should take Luffy with you."

"It wouldn't be right." Shanks diverted his eyes farther down the road. "It's too dangerous."

"It's dangerous here too."

"He deserves to grow up and decide for himself how he wants to live."

Makino pulled away and stepped into Shanks' line of sight. "That's exactly why you need to take him." Before he could respond, she continued. "What do you think will happen if he stays a target? If word is out already, Garp will be here in a matter of days. While he means well, Garp has always wanted Luffy to be a marine." Makino clasped her hands to her chest. "It wouldn't surprise me if Garp took Luffy to Navy HQ with him for protection and training."

Shanks grimaced. "Luffy would hate it there."

Makino touched his arm. "He needs to live his dream if he's going to be happy. He's a free spirit." Seeing her companion's conflicted expression, she softened. "For now, let's keep going." Shanks didn't argue and the couple continued their stroll.

Neither said another word until they stood at the bar's front step. Makino began rolling up her sleeves. "Well, I better get to work if I'm going to have enough food ready for everybody."

"Do you need help?"

"No, I'll be fine. I find cooking relaxing." She smiled sympathetically. "Besides, I have a feeling you have a lot to sort through."

"I'll consider what you said."

With a kiss on his cheek, Makino was at the swinging door. "No matter what you decide Shanks, I'll still support you. I have faith in you."

Shanks smiled back, feeling a bit lighter. "Thank you, Makino. I won't let you down."

With a small wave, Makino was inside, while Shanks' thoughts raced. The sea's countless threats were listed and the image of a miserable Luffy in a chore boy outfit was formed. No matter how he spun it in his mind, Shanks feared he would make the wrong choice. All the way back to his ship, the idea plagued him.

He passed by Chris and returned to the infirmary, collapsing into the chair the mayor once claimed. A familiar straw hat sat on a small counter next to him and Shanks picked it up to examine. Despite being a bit worn and bent, it still felt new to him, as precious as the day it was placed on his head.

"Captain, what should I do?" Shanks muttered. "What would you do?"