A morbid silence paired on the air as each crewmember gathered around the table to discuss an urgent matter brought by their captain. Nami, Sanji, Zoro, Usopp, Franky, Brook, Robin and Luffy were all sitting at the dining room table, each one of them reacting on their own accord to the situation.

Nami never saw Luffy behaving so serious like he was at the moment, almost as if he had his own doubts about what they were going to discuss. The navigator noticed how each of her nakama was clearly uncomfortable with the current development.

"So….what you guys think?" Luffy said, his voice carrying that heavy tone of when he meant serious business. "Should Monet be our new nakama?"

Again another nerve cracking silence went through each one of them, at least if felt like such for Nami.

Usopp's eyebrows were visibly twitching, if caused by hard thinking or nervousness it was hard to tell. He did complain a lot about having Monet in the ship with them, solely for the fact she worked for Doflamingo, but seeing how friendly the harpy has been on the last hours he couldn't help but think she does deserve a chance among them. Besides he could easily see how powerful she was, especially if she stood her ground against Zoro and Luffy, having her in the crew would increase their chances of survival dramatically.

Zoro was apparently calm, but on the inside he was one of the most conflicted about this decision. His opinion on the subject mattered greatly as he was the second after Luffy. He did not trust the harpy, but he had to admit she's a strong opponent, to think she could improve further was a good thing, their adversaries would be the strongest of this part of the seas, Monet was clearly more than capable of taking into a fight, especially on her own. Still her way of fighting bothered him, it was rather dishonorable.

Thinking over it a lot on the last hours, Zoro finally concluded that Monet did all she could to last the longest possible even with great odds against her. She held ground against Luffy, himself, Robin, Nami, Usopp, Chopper and Tagashi. It was, at the very least a remarkable feat, the last time someone fought almost the whole crew at the same time and lasted that long was when they fought against Oz. While fighting she never let apparent any sign of exhaustion, but once severely injured it affected her greatly, but her pride didn't allow her to show any weakness. Monet may not have his trust, but has his respect.

Both Franky and Brook seemed to be very inclined on accepting the harpy among them, but it was because they saw very little of what she did, and her time in the crew went without any incidents. Considering the harpy actually helped them rescue Caesar they favored her to stay since she proved herself able to handle difficult tasks.

Sanji was calmly watching each one of his nakama's expressions, looking for any signs of what they could be thinking. The cook was ready to accept the harpy, having a personal conversation with her before he could guess how much support Monet needed from people she could trust. Besides, she's being a great friend for Chopper from the few times the cook saw both together, at least she would help the reindeer on having a bigger vision of the world as it is.

Robin was fairly decided on letting Monet join them, more likely she would ask for Monet to stay. The harpy proved to be top for their level, considering the dangers that would lay ahead, Monet is more than capable of handling herself and helping them when necessary. She enjoyed the few conversations she had so far with Monet, it was nice to have someone with a similar personality. Even if the harpy made Chopper quite uneasy most times, as far she observed there was an incessant amount of flirting when it came about Chopper coming from the harpy. Robin was still not sure why Monet was so playful around the reindeer like that, perhaps a way to express her gratitude for saving her? Only time would tell.

Nami stood quietly while thinking on what to say to her captain. She had several reasons for both wanting and not wanting Monet in their crew.

The fact she was loyal to Joker and tried to murder them a day ago being the biggest against the harpy staying. What favored Monet was her friendly behavior while in the ship so far, and the fact she helped them when requested, even if not directly at her. She was surprisingly easy to talk with, having always a cool attitude when discussing things with the crew. But more than anything she wanted Monet to stay because her presence was improving Chopper's personality, and the fact she was always around the reindeer reinforced her suspicion that maybe Monet did have a likening for Chopper.

Luffy stood quietly waiting for any of his nakama to say something about, he knew how delicate this would be, he just recently saw Monet kill Breed while they were rescuing Chopper. Judging by Law's behavior at that same very moment the young captain imagined this is how things would go from now on. It was either kill or be killed.

He may not like it, but taking into consideration the amount of deaths at Punk Hazard, this was a situation they have to deal with. Luffy felt apprehensive about the moment when they reach Dressrosa, he couldn't just wait until the events at that island to unfold so he finally can take Monet into account.

They would need her, badly. He knew she needed them just as much, but trusting each other was a whole new issue. Luffy could tell that she has the trust of few such as Chopper, Sanji and Robin. Zoro, Usopp and Nami were a whole different matter. Brook and Franky were in fair account about her so probably they wouldn't mind having her into the crew.

It was a good thing Luffy didn't brought Law into this, especially since he's not a crewmember and his opinion on this doesn't count.

But boy….he'll be mad.

The newspaper announcing Doflamingo's resignation from the Shichibukai just came few minutes ago, along with the formed alliance between Law and the Straw Hats. Law was content so far with the development of the events. They reached half their objective, but the worst was still yet to come.

Considering this new formed alliance Luffy was wondering how Law would react once he learns that Monet joined the Straw Hats.

Perhaps the worst was just about to happen.

And yes, even if few nakama of his go against the harpy Luffy will invite her to the crew nevertheless. He was confident already she would accept, even if she hesitates at the start. Just this time Luffy felt he should gather everyone to discuss about it since Monet was a special case due the events of Punk Hazard.

"She's scary, I'll admit that," Usopp said finally breaking the awkward silence. Everyone around the table stared at him attentively. "Despite that, she's been cool among everyone else ever since she came aboard, she's quite a playful person once you get to know her better. I'm not sure what happened with her to end with Doflamingo, but I think she deserves a chance into our crew."

A short pause went by as the others considered his words.

"Monet has been through a lot, just like everyone else here, especially at childhood," This time all the eyes fell upon Robin. "She has a younger sister currently at Dressrosa, being the only family she has left I imagine she's feeling stressed by what could happen once revealed Monet is among us, she cares deeply for her sister and is willing to make a sacrifice on her behalf."

Now this bit of info was new for most other crewmembers, to think Monet has a sister involved certainly changed things a bit.

"That's right, and even if we managed to beat Doflamingo I think that Monet has doubts of what will be of Sugar after everything is over," Sanji said while walking having his arms crossed.

"What exactly Sugar does for Doflamingo that could be so important?" Nami asked while eyeing both Robin and Sanji with expectation.

"That we still don't know, we should ask her after we decided on what to do," Robin advised severely.

"She's strong, her logia powers combined with her flying abilities and physic appearance made her a very dangerous person to fight against. Besides I imagine she would have issues only against fire or electric powers. I haven't seen any haki developed on her, but if she did developed such….I rather not be the one to find it out," Zoro said surprising many of his nakama around the table. Luffy nodded slightly in agreement, he did thought about such before.

"I don't think me and Brook have much to say about her, but from the little we saw she seems fine for us," Franky said while removing his dark glasses. "From what I heard around she seems to be a good deal, the only problem being her relation with Doflamingo."

"That's pretty much it, also I would like to point it out how much her presence has been affecting Chopper lately," Nami said finally bringing attention to herself. "He seems different ever since we came out of Punk Hazard, he no longer stays on his chubby form anymore, he insist on using jumping point everywhere he goes. I really can't explain why of this, also he's always around her no matter where they go. I've been asking about it to him but he got really mad with me in a way I've never seen before."

"Wait, what are you saying Nami-swan? You think Chopper has a thing for Monet?" Sanji asked, both his eyebrows raising slightly.

"Well, I wouldn't say a thing, but I'm not sure how else to describe it, what do you think Robin?" The navigator went for the archeologist aid on the matter. Robin stood thoughtfully before answering.

"Perhaps he does, he might deny it fervently, or maybe he doesn't even realize it yet. It's not like it's a bad thing, but would be the first time such thing happens in our crew. I think the biggest question is that how we would handle it if something, indeed, happens between the two,"

This set everyone into a deep silence, which was immediately broke by Luffy.

"That can wait, right now we should decide on inviting Monet to join us," The captain said, he wasn't really worried about a possible relationship among his nakama.

"I say yes," Usopp declared raising his hand on the air.

"Yes," Said Robin also raising her hand.

"I go for yes," Sanji announced imitating their hand gestures.

"Yes from me, yohohohooh!" Brook said animatedly.

"Aye, that's a super yes from me," Franky said while making a pose of victory.

"Yes," Zoro said with great simplicity but firmly.

"I also say yes," Nami finally said after thinking hard over it.

"Yosh! It's decided then!" Luffy said happily while jumping from his chair towards the door," Alright, let's go!"

"Shouldn't you wait a bit before jumping into inviting her so suddenly?! She's still at the med-bay! I don't think having you breaking in and yelling at her to join the crew will make her feel better instantaneously," Sanji advised while trying to block the door. Luffy seemed to ignore this and went outside anyway. "Always rushing into things, never thinks before acting," Sanji said with a sigh.

"Well, sure it will be shocking, but perhaps it does make her feel better," Robin said suggestively.

"You really think Chopper feels something about her Nami-swan? I haven't notice anything unusual aside Chopper being constantly on a taller shape," The cook asked directly towards their weather manipulator.

"You can call it woman instinct," Nami said reassuringly. "I do believe there's something going on, but not sure if they realized it yet."

"They?" Inquired Robin while looking intrigued. "You also think Monet's feeling something different?"

"She changed drastically ever since Punk Hazard, though it's not that apparent for most people. I'm not completely assured on having her around, but if she developed a likening for Chopper this might work in everyone's favor."

"Of all times to get into this kind of situation, perhaps they choose the worst. There's a lot of danger ahead of us, the last thing I want is to lose a nakama," Sanji with such seriousness that hardly anyone would forget.

"The more we have to watch each other's back the better, and Chopper is one that needs to be watched," Nami said while thinking on the less powerful crewmembers. "If she can take care of him I think we have nothing to worry about."

"Should we take her along to Dressrosa with us?" Franky said finally coming into the conversation. "If she was working for Doflamingo then it wouldn't make any good for her to be seeing among one of our groups."

"Hum, we elaborated a plan few minutes ago. Three parties will take place once we reach the island," Sanji said pointedly while setting the table for diner, the cook was already planning on making a reception party for Monet's inclusion with the crew. "If necessary she can stay at the ship as guardian along few of us."

"That would be a waste, I rather have her taking action where we need her," Zoro said with disagreement. Sanji chuckled.

"Oh, so it seems someone is being more open minded lately," The blonde commented with a smirk. Zoro remained passive about this. "I think the same to be honest, but it's not like we would keep her away the whole time, just avoiding her coming into shore so soon would spare us a lot of attention. She's like lightning falling upon the seas during the darkest storm."

"What exactly does that means?" Usopp asked not understanding that comparison.

"It means Monet would bring herself attention just as a firework show," Robin said with a more simple comparison. "She's well know at Dressrosa, and it's not as harpies are normal creatures that fly over the seas. In fact, Monet must be one of the most unique beings that many will see in their lifes."

"Ahn, so what exactly her role would be? She's well known among the people of Dressrosa, should we really risk having her there?"

"Could we use her as a spy or distraction? If she's part of Doflamingo's crew maybe she can have easy access to restricted areas, especially help us locate the SMILE factory," Zoro suggested while examining one of his swords.

"That would be a good deal, that if she agrees on taking such risk," Nami said while thinking a bit more carefully about this prospect.

"I rather not have her going alone," Sanji said clearly concerned about the harpy's safety. "She might be strong, but doesn't exactly means she should do this on her own."

"And who exactly would you send with her cook-san?" Robin asked curiously. Sanji stared away for a second before answering.

"For that we all have an answer."

Meanwhile…

A sudden knock on the door brought Chopper's ears to stand up, his attention being driven from the book he was reading towards the door.

The reindeer spent several minutes treating over Monet's injuries, being excessively cautious about anything he did. Never he took this long to treat such simple injuries before, this kind of side effect forced the reindeer to rethink about what Nami said to him on the previous night.

Did he really had a thing for Monet? Did he even realized if he did felt something towards her? Would she returned those possible feelings?

He felt this situation was going to drive him mad at any second, how he could've developed such feelings without even realizing? This what the so-called love was like?

But….it didn't make any sense! Why would he have developed feelings for her without a good reason? What Monet had on her to cause this strange effect on him?

One thing he couldn't deny. He really cared about her.

Another knock forced the reindeer to stand up from his chair and attend whoever it was. Monet was still awake at the bed, reading one of the books Chopper gave her a while ago. No longer being in pain she seemed to be contempt on resting a bit from the stressful day.

Which was way far from ending.

"Who is-

Before Chopper could finish the door was brutally open revealing a very excited Monkey D. Luffy coming across it. The reindeer stood dumbfounded as Luffy went by him without saying anything, the boy made a straight line towards Monet.

"Oi, Monet!" He said loudly. The harpy's eyes widened, her face expressing a bit of shock and apprehension. She was worried that she would receive a reprimand for her actions towards Breed. Luffy seemed quite energetic yet, strangely, not mad at all, but his face revealed ferocious determination.

"Be my nakama!"

"W-what?"

Monet's face went pale instantly as soon she heard those very few words, the shock revealed over all her features. She stared dumbfounded at the mugiwara captain wondering if he was joking, but deep inside she knew he meant it.

Luffy stood with his arms crossed, a big smile on his face as if he just expected for her to finally say yes.

Chopper came by her side, still trying to absorb the amount of events that just transpired in a matter of seconds. When looking at Monet it surprised him to see her so visibly afraid.

"Why?" She asked as if it didn't make any sense.

Both Luffy and Chopper remained silent, it wasn't really necessary to answer that, at least they felt like they didn't need to, her answer would come along the way, eventually.

The shock of this plagued her mind with dozens of thoughts, starting from her loyalty with Joker until the so much the Straw Hats had done for her so far. She simply couldn't compare, they were much better at every single aspect.

Had she done that much to gain their trust? She simply didn't believe it so, didn't they judged her for killing Breed the way she did? Weren't they afraid or upset? How could they be so caring of someone like her?

Did she really deserved a second chance? Was it worthy to take that chance?

It was truly unbelievable, they actually meant it when they thought about asking her to join the crew, she really didn't believe it to be true, but here was mugiwara Luffy, captain of the Straw Hats, requesting for her to join his crew!

What else could she say? She simply forgot everything else at that moment, driven by the suddenness of everything, she finally decided herself on what to do.

"….yes. I want to join your crew," She said, feeling these last words driving her out of energy more than anything else had so far.

That's it, she did it, she joined their crew. Now everything was bound to change, no matter if for the better or the worst, she finally decided something for herself about her life. Whether Sugar would agree or not with this it didn't matter. It's Monet's choice, she wanted this, she needed this, more than anything.

While Luffy let out a happy laugh, Chopper finally managed to calm himself from the nerve-wrecking moment and felt relieved of her decision. The reindeer being assaulted by great happiness, which few seconds later turned into shocking horror once he realized what this sudden happiness meant.

He does like her. He does have feelings towards her. What else could he use as a clue? Chopper was afraid of Monet leaving ever since she came aboard. Nami was right, and this made the reindeer a bit ashamed for getting upset with the navigator.

"Awesome! Can you get downstairs to have dinner with us? We normally throw a party to welcome new members," Luffy asked while looking around for Chopper. The reindeer, after few seconds of hesitation, finally understood what his captain wanted.

"I'll get her up soon as I can, no worries," Chopper said once he prepared a med-kit just in case. Monet was clearly embarrassed about having a party just to welcome her, never she had any of such before, not even at her birthdays.

Luffy turned around and went back to the dinning room. Chopper took few minutes to prepare something to give Monet enough strength to put her muscles to use. Normally the reindeer would've requested for them to delay the party for another day, but giving the fact they would be reaching Dressrosa tomorrow it was better to take this away as soon as possible.

"I'm glad you joined the crew," Chopper said casually helping the harpy to get up. She chuckled a bit while using the reindeer as support.

"I'm glad they meant to take me in, I wasn't really expecting it," She confessed while taking slow steps towards the door. Chopper blinked.

"We never lied to you about anything Monet, we're just looking what's the best for everyone. We know you can be much more with us."

The harpy slowly nodded while coming downstairs with the aid of Chopper.

"I guess it was better to be expecting different, rather a nice surprise than a great disappointment, I really need good things to happen for a change."

Chopper felt a heavy weight on his heart as he heard this, never he thought he would feel so sad for someone before.

"Good things happen with those who make good Monet," Chopper said once they reached the dinner room's door. Monet laughed.

"You have no idea how familiar that sounds, even if not entirely true."