I will try to work on uploading guys, promise.

I traipse out on deck, trying to keep the bandages from falling off, but Chopper did his work well. They didn't even loosen as I made my way to the mast where Robin was calmly reading an archeological book. She glanced at me as I sat down.

"Can I help you Rose?"

I crossed my legs carefully.

"Just wondering if you have any information on Marineford, or the marines in general that I need to know about."

Robin set her book down, dog-earing a page.

"Hmm, what has changed since you left? Nothing much. Just that the marines have had more intensive training and more brutal methods. Akainu will not allow another war to wage like last time. He is determined for the marines to have a more decisive victory then last time. Not to mention, they are expecting us and have been recruiting powerhouses from all of the Blues. This will not be easy."

I bite my thumbnail. I know that; war is never easy. So this will be a hard fight, but that hasn't stopped this crew before, and that's just this crew not the other crews we had 'invited'. We could take down the marines, but I'm not going to say that because I might jinx us. Planning would take a little thought. I smile.

"Thank you Robin, I have things to think about."

She nodded, before asking calmly.

"Rose, do you honestly believe that we can rescue Luffy?"

I froze. Of all the people, I thought Robin with her knowledge of how hard the Strawhat crew would be willing to push from Enies Lobby would be one of the first to believe that we could do the impossible and rescue Luffy. I narrow my eyes.

"Yes, I do. Do you not?"

Robin didn't look at all disturbed, or afraid, just her usual calmness.

"No, I am being practical. I do not want us to be overconfident again and lose."

Oh, I see her dilemma. Robin watched me closely.

"You seem to not have that problem Rose. How do you do it?"

I shrug, thinking. How do I do that? I think carefully, before replying.

"There has to be a medium. You have to be confident, but also have just the tiniest bit of doubt. You have to be confident to face the enemies in the first place, but the doubt that you will not be able to do the task at hand will make you more determined and the fear of failing will motivate you not to lose."

That philosophy has helped me in all of my years of racing, and it is what I think about during a fight. I would never underestimate the enemy, but I would never underestimate my friends either. I know this crew had conquered all other obstacles, no matter how hard they were, and this should be no different. I was not running on emotion and belief, but also facts and statistics. They have done it before, they will do it again.

Robin had a hint of a smile on her face as she picked up the book and started reading again without a word.

Ok, now, where was I again? Oh yes, on my way to see Usopp.

I trek across the deck to where the sniper was just putting up his fertilizer equipment. He looked up and isn't surprised to see me.

"What can I help you with Rose?"

I wink at him, already feeling playful.

"Want another shooting game?"

Usopp and I had played several more rounds of paintball and other shooting games as training over the years, and we had both won and lost our share of them. Usopp grimaced and ran a hand through his hair.

"How did I know you would ask that? Fine fine, but just regular shooting, no games."

Feeling a little disappointed at the lack of competitiveness, I shrugged and twirled my custom weapon. I need to train everything and be in top form for the oncoming battle. I trained my sword and adapting skills, now I need to work on shooting.

"You have enough ammo to share?"

Usopp nodded, holding out a few pebbles. He pointed to the mast, where a target had been drawn long ago.

"Hit the target and you win."

I smirked, bowing lightly.

"You first, sniper king."

He nodded, pulling back his band with a stone. In three consecutive shots that were so fast it was amazing, all three hitting the target.

I whistled.

"Whew, that's impressive Usopp. You have sped up your shooting time a lot."

He tapped his nose smugly.

"Well, I am the great Captain Usopp, of course I would be able to. Your turn Rose."

I flipped my weapon so that the sling shot end was right way up, loading my pebble. Take a deep breath Rose. Now just shoot naturally and then we will see what needs work. I sling my first stone and as soon as it hits another takes its place in the pouch. I fired the other two rounds, before lowering my weapon, surveying my target. The stones are spread out a little, only one finding the bulls-eye, and the other two, close but not hitting it. I sighed, murmuring to myself.

"Hmm, accuracy isn't bad but not optimal, and my reload speed needs some work."

I load up again. Usopp tapped his chin.

"Here Rose, you look a little unnatural."

He tapped my back.

"Straighten up a little."

I did so and the stance just fell into place. I felt much more secure, but not completely. I spread out my feet a little, perfecting my balance. Ah, much better. I unleashed the second volley of stones, focusing on breathing and accuracy. Accuracy first, then I can work on faster reload time with the same accuracy.

We practiced for two hours; well, I did while Usopp watched, gave me pointers, and helped me any way he could. It wasn't all serious, in fact we joked around quite a bit. It helped fill the void.

I didn't realize what a presence Luffy had on the ship until it was gone. It was quieter, much calmer, and I missed it. Usopp was a welcome replacement, but he didn't have the chaotic sporadic nature that the captain had. I miss him deeply, and I can't wait to hear him laughing and joking on this ship again.

After I had shot the bulls-eye with all three stones at least five times just as fast as Usopp was I satisfied. I would practice again tomorrow, but for now that will do. If I don't rest, then I can't get better because I will lose focus. I had also almost chopped down the mast with the amount of stones shot at it.

"Ow, Usopp bro, what are you doing to my Sunny's mast?"

I turn to see a slightly irritated Franky. I rub my head sheepishly.

"Sorry Franky, that's mostly me."

He rubbed his large hands over the dents and sighed, already pulling out his hammer and wood. Within seconds, it was completely new.

"No problem Rose sis, just be careful."

I saluted.

"Yes Franky Bro."

He retreated back down to his workshop and I followed him.

"Hey Bro, any new additions to my weapon?"

He sat down on a stool, eying a blueprint for a cannon I am guessing is for the encircling walls.

"Do you want something else on it?"

I think about it. No, not really. I have the essentials of a sword, quarterstaff, chains, and something that resembles a gun. I have all my bases covered.

"No, just curious if you had any ideas."

He shook his head.

"Sorry Rose Sis, no super ideas come to mind."

I shrug. Then I will stay with my original weapon. I grab some grease on one of the shelves, salute the shipwright, and walk back up on deck. I need to make sure my weapon is in top condition for this fight.

So I grease down the chains so they retract easily into the quarterstaff on instant notice. The slingshot, I check out the rubber band, making sure the elastic is still good, and feeling it is a little stretched out, grab a spare one from Usopp, who gladly let me borrow one. The sword I took the whetstone to, making it sharper than lightning, and the oil and cloth made it sparkle like the sea.

I hadn't realized how tired I was until I was fighting my eyes from closing and my weapon clattered to the deck. I felt the warm sun and heard the waves crashing against the ship. The rest of the ship was silent, until a thin sweet sound of a violin pierced the air. I glanced over at Brook, who seemed to be smiling kindly at me.

"Relax Rose-san, you need a break."

I nod gratefully.

"Wake me up in half an hour?"

Brook nodded and continued playing. I finally gave up the fight with my eyelids and closed them, just for…a second…