Chapter Three

Hopping off of his small fire-powered boat, Ace finally reached the island he had been looking for. It hadn't changed in the few days that he had spent away. The tall grasses still glowed in the afternoon sun, and the two graves at the other end of the field still stood tall, covered with many flowers.

As he walked closer, he could see his captain's cloak and spear clearly, the size of them making visitors aware of just how tall that monster of a man was. He was one to keep protecting things, even if it cost him. He was the person Ace had called his father.

A sadness welled up inside him, and tears came to his eyes. The only person who he had ever acknowledged as his father died trying to save him. Whitebeard also had so many others whom he cared about, why would one matter enough to die?

Ace shook his head to clear his mind. He knew the answer to that, and he knew that he was loved by his brother, and his family back on Whitebeard's ship. That was the reason for his actions. Those people who had come to save him made him realize that.

Turning to the smaller grave, it was equally adorned with flowers. He moved some that blocked the inscription on it, and sat down on the cool dirt in front of the grave. He had come to see this, and feel the heavy weight of its reality.

Looking around, he noticed that something was missing. He couldn't figure out what, but something had been taken away, since he had been here last. Trying to figure out what it might've been, Ace thought back to Yuki and what he always saw with her.

A sword. A really big one, that she had carried around even as a nine-year-old. She had told him and Sabo that it was given to her by the same person who saved Luffy, and he also stopped the War of the Great. Red Hair Shanks was the person who gave her it.

Ace was angry that it was gone, but he didn't suspect Shanks for taking it. He had commented about the sword the that very captain on the day she died, during the funeral. It surprised Ace, but Shanks had said that he wasn't going to take it back.

To find the sword, he thought, Ace would have to retrace its steps. Or so to speak. The first place he had to go was the Red Hair pirates, to find out what they knew on the sword and those who would take it.

Yuki sat around bored for the better part of a week, playing around with the pad of paper in her room. She had figured out how to fold it into sharp, pointed birds that flew pretty well, and drew little designs on them.

At one point, she had decided to write a short poem, trying to rid herself of the thing that she feared about free time. Boredom.

Fire is red, and roses are black.

It dances around, beauty and song.

When the roses wilt, it goes on.

But it can never get those roses back.

The next day, she heard some commotion in the hall and left to see what it was about. Yuki was hoping for something interesting, because that poem had taken all the creativity that she felt like using.

There was an argument between two people, one with long black hair and the other with a giraffe hat on. He was one of the revolutionaries here, and she couldn't see the face of the other person.

Deciding to butt in, Yuki stepped into view. "Excuse me, what's wrong?"

When the black-haired person turned around, Yuki knew that it was a mistake to show herself. It was none other than Nico Robin, the most intelligent member of her younger brother's, the Strawhat, crew. Someone that she had wanted to avoid at all costs.

"You're... someone I recognize," Robin said, looking puzzled. "Have we met before now? I think I remember seeing you somewhere."

Yuki blushed, out of nervousness, and tried to cover up. "No, I'm sure we haven't! But it's an honor to meet such a renowned person! And a member of the Strawhat crew, no less. I thank you for the chance to diffuse an argument. Now, what's wrong?"

Robin still tried to identify Yuki, but thankfully, she couldn't remember who. That was surprising to Yuki, but at least it helped her keep her identity hidden. "I have a problem that you might be aware of. Our captain showed himself a few days ago, and now I have two years that I'm not sure what to do with."

"Like I said," the other man snapped, "you could work with us! We'd help you get stronger, like you wanted!" He was adamant about it, like he thought it was easy. "I'm just saying that you might need some help from us!"

Yuki looked to Robin, and she explained. "I've never used the help of others to get stronger. I simply wish to help them, because I share some of my beliefs about the World Government. It's really too bad that all they seem to want to do is train me."

Yuki looked at her and considered the possibilities. "Talk to Dragon, if you haven't already. He's very good at strategics, and he'll know where you're needed most. I think that you have valuable skills that they could use, and it'd be a waste to try to train you with others. Like you said, you aren't used to it."

Robin nodded, smiling. "Thank you, could I hear your name?"

Yuki froze. She hadn't considered the possibility that Robin wanted to hear her name, and that would absolutely make her remember. "I... can't tell you right now. Maybe later? I have some business to attend to."

Robin nodded again, this time looking disappointed. "Thank you anyways, for your help. I shall request an audience with Dragon, and maybe we can talk later?"

Yuki considered it, and agreed. After Robin left, she rushed over to Sabo's room and did the special knock. Sabo opened the door immediately, and she walked in, looking alarmed.

"What?" he asked, concerned.

Yuki shook her head, angry with herself. "I met Nico Robin. She doesn't know who I am yet, but she asked me for my name. I told her that I couldn't at that time, but I might later. Help me! I'm in such a mess."

Sabo sat her down in a chair and ruffled her hair. "Little sis, you cause me so much trouble. We have to tell her sometime, I think she's smart enough to understand your reason for keeping your existence secret."

"You really think so?" she said, looking into his eyes for some sign of doubt. She saw none, and let out a sigh. "So, should we explain first, or tell her my name first? I think the explanation should be first, personally."

"Yeah, I agree." Sabo sat down on his bed, looking tired. "Gah, so many things to do this week. I've got a ton of paperwork, and three missions. One of them requires me to bring you along, too."

"Yay! Finally, I get to go out and do something," Yuki commented, sounding happy. He looked at her, making sure that it wasn't acting. "What?" she asked when she saw his look. He smiled and shook his head.

"Just messing with ya. You know I'm allowed to, as your older brother," he replied, teasing her. "So watch your step. I brought you back, I'm responsible for you."

Yuki nodded and left the room. When she reached her own, she collapsed on the bed and let out a groan. She would have to find out a way to make Robin understand and keep her secret.