I've actually already written the first couple of chapters- hence the fast uploading XD

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the story! Remember to review after you read ;)

I do not own the characters of One Piece- they belong to Oda :D

Chapter 2

I huffed, getting to my feet. I dodged the various fallen furniture that loitered the dining room floor and hurried down the long hallway. The knocking didn't cease, in fact, they got louder and harsher until I doubted I needed to get the door in the first place. Surely whoever it was will just bust it down in the next couple of seconds. I darted down the hallway, now frantically hoping whoever was on the other side wouldn't do just that. I stopped abruptly in front of the large door and yanked it open, promptly ducking to avoid a fist, the one that had been knocking, that attempted to lay me flat on my back.
"Ah... Sorry. Oh! Are you Jade? ~" My bright yellow eyes rose to meet dark ones. My eyes flicked quickly across the figure in front of me, analysing. The man in front of me had dark brown eyes, three long scars over his left one, he wore a straw hat on the top of his head, and under that his hair...
"Redhair," I whisper.
"Shanks! You can call me Uncle Shanks." He grinned at me. His grin looked so genuine I couldn't help a small smile myself. "Well, lead me to my old pal, will ya?"
I couldn't help a snicker, this was the man that going to continue on my training? I couldn't imagine this man being as close as family to Papa, Redhair was far too laid back and friendly for him. But even so, I led him down the hallway and into the dining room. He followed me closely, dodging the down turned furniture (...I really had to do something about that, shouldn't I?) and I gestured to the dining table that Papa and I had been sitting eating breakfast. Papa had all but disappeared from his chair. "Have a seat."
Redhair thanked me and gratefully fell back into one. He turned his head and opened his mouth, but snapped it shut as Papa walked in. "Ah, Mihawk. It's been too long, we haven't had a duel in a while. Just so you know, I'm free anytime."
"Indeed, although you know as well as I that this isn't a mere social call." Papa turned away from Redhair to lock eyes with me. "Jade, Mr Redhair will not be staying long. Go pack so you can leave with him as soon as he must." I nodded in reply and smiled politely at Redhair before making my way back to my bedroom.
On the way, I realised that I was still in my pyjamas. That I had met my uncle in my nightwear, my attire was not the best for formal introductions. Especially since this man will be my host for the next five years of my life. I sighed, I'm hopeless. Truly and utterly hopeless.
Before I knew it, I was at my door. I entered and closed the door softly. I stopped and stared at my neatly made bed. On it was a suitcase, my two katana, a bag of beri, a letter, and from the looks of it, some sort of folded material. Opening the letter first, I briefly skimmed over it, taking note of the important information. Then I walked over to my draws, quickly putting away various pieces of clothing or sanitary items I think I'd need in my suitcase, leaving aside one outfit for today. Whatever I don't have I can just buy on my travels, I reasoned. I stored the generously-heavy beri bag in amongst the clothes. Out of sight from prying eyes or wondering hands. Next I lightly picked up my twin katana. One black with red patterns, one red with black patterns. Previously owned by my mother. My treasures. I smiled fondly before gently laying them back on the bed. My hands wondered over to the folded material, fingers gliding over its smooth surface. According to the letter, the cloak was Papa's old favourite. He used to wear it all the time, it had been a present from someone of great importance. But in the instant of their death, he refused to wear it. Instead, Papa was giving it to me. So that a part of him would be with me on my travels and would hopefully protect me. It was too big for me now, but once I hits my growth spirt I could wear it whenever I wanted. For now I'd just keep it with the rest of my belongings. I unfolded it slowly, holding it up so I could examine it properly. Red and black, like his cloak he owned now, only the black had swirling red patterns on them and vice versa, much like my swords. They would be a perfect match. Holding it up to me now, it dragged along the floor. But give or take a few years... I smiled. Gently, I picked up my twin katana and carefully wrapped Papa's cloak around them. Then, a placed my creation in the suitcase, shortly followed by the letter. Having completed my packing, I zipped up the suitcase and proceeded to dress myself for the day. Black track pants with a matching black tank top. Oh. Almost forgot to mention. Because I've never had a rest day, ever, and because I train all day, every day, the only clothing I own is comfortable clothing that is suitable to train in. Hence, track pants and tank top.
Placing my suitcase on the floor, I pulled out the handle and dragged it to the door. Turning one last time, I face the room that had been mine for the last 10 years. Not that I was in it much, or that I had many things in it. The necessary things, such as a bed, dressing table, mirror. Walls blank, nothing to get attached to, really. But it was mine, and I wouldn't be seeing it for a few years. I smiled before leaving. Before I know it I'll be in this room again. Time will fly.

I arrived downstairs, the suitcase that stored my belongings rolling behind me. I stood by the entrance, waiting. Redhair and Papa were still in conversation, talking with hushed voices.
Now that I could look on from a distance, I took in Redhair's appearance. Of course he had his shaggy red hair, which was mostly covered by his straw hat. He was fairly tall, and wore a long, black cape over his shoulders. His loose fitted, brown trousers were cut at the knee, and his white shirt was only half buttoned up, leaving his chest exposed to the world. His sabre was tucked into the right side of his red sash wrapped around his waist and on his feet were a pair of worn-in sandals. His body was muscular in a subtle way, and he bore no scars except for the three over his left eye. I frowned, this man was too scruffy for the likes of Papa… I wonder how they know each other...
"... Hello? Earth to Jade. You there? ~" I blinked. While I was still examining him, Redhair had gotten up from his seat, walked the length of the room, and had come to a stop in front of me.
"Yes?" I snapped. His happy-go-lucky personality was starting to get on my nerves.
"We're off! Places to be, people to see! It was nice to have a catch up, Hawks. Stay in touch, will ya?" He winked at Papa with a sly grin. Papa just grunted quietly in response, following Redhair as he skipped down the hallway to our front door, his black cape swishing behind him. Shouting a farewell, Redhair practically pranced out the door. I hesitated on the doorstep, glancing back to Papa. This all a bit sudden. Too sudden, for my taste.
"I'll see you in a couple of years. Train hard, I expect you to be far stronger when I next see you again." Papa said gruffly, standing silently in the doorway. I nodded in acknowledgement. "Redhair, make sure she stays out of trouble."
Shanks let out a deep laugh, coming to stand behind me, placing a hand on my shoulder lightly. "Aye, I'll take care of my lil' niece." He grinned.
Nodding, Papa placed a hand on the door.
"Papa." He paused in his action of closing the door. "Permission to hug?" I bit my lower lip lightly.
Staring into his emotionless face, it was hard determining what he was going to reply with. He stood silent for a couple of tense moments before answering. "Permission granted."
I sighed a breath of relief before stepping up to claim my prize. Wrapping my arms around him, I buried my face into his chest and inhaled his scent. I closed my eyes, feeling one of his arms wrap around my back and the other placed on the top of my head. I smiled, Papa was so warm but he rarely allows physical contact, only when he believes it is fully necessary will he ever allow it. I sighed as Papa pulled away, it wasn't long enough, but then again, it never was.
I hopped back outside and turned to face Redhair as Papa closed the door on us.
Redhair was staring at me, mouth agape in shock and wonder. I raised an eyebrow, confused. Wasn't that a normal thing to do? Hug a family member you wouldn't be seeing in a long time?
Redhair shook his head slightly, apologised and began walking down the path to the forest. I smirked slightly as I saw the monkey things in the fringes of the forest back away from the two of us. Huh, so they're scared of Redhair like they're scared of Papa? He must be powerful then. Speaking of the man with the straw hat, I turned to him. He wasn't looking at me though, he was staring straight ahead, eyes unfocused, seeming to be deep in thought. I cleared my throat and his eyes were on me in an instant.
"So, what was with that stare back there?"
He smiled lightly. "Ah, that. Sorry, I was just surprised. First of all, it's weird for people to ask permission to hug, you just do it on impulse. And second, it's strange thinking of Hawks doing something as intimate as hugging, even stranger seeing it happen..."
"Well, don't worry, it rarely happens. Which is why I had to ask, you see?" I reasoned.
He thought about it for a sec, placing a finger on his chin. "I guess that makes sense." He grinned at me.
I rolled my eyes and we continued down the long, windy road to the shore. It was strange hearing Redhair call Papa 'Hawks'. That will take some getting used to.