Chapter Fourteen

"Hey, look here." Adam dropped the newspaper on the table. I put down the cup of coffee and Toshiro looked up from his breakfast. We both looked towards it. "Shiki the Golden Lion single-handedly assaulted the marine ford."

"So what?" Toshiro retorted and returned to his meal while I narrowed my eyes, remembering the familiar name.

"That's all you're going to say?" he gaped. He turned to me. "At least, tell me you're surprised by the news." I shrugged and sipped some coffee. "Well, it is interesting since he vanished when my Captain defeated him."

"See, Toshiro. This is how- wait, what?" he widened his eyes in disbelief. While Toshiro was scrutinizing at me in interest. "Don't tell me your Captain was Gold D Roger." Adam staggered and grabbed the table to stable himself. His face was in shock and astonishment.

I deadpanned. "You guys are really dumb. Didn't you guys see me at the execution?" I thought they figured it out.

Slam.

"Baka." "Stupid Cap." Both of them muttered but blush of embarrassment dusted their cheeks. I glared at them, hatefully. Wasn't my fault someone didn't use their freaking brains.

"By the way, we don't know nothing about your past." Toshiro wondered. Adam hummed in agreement. I looked at them, guilty. They have become my family. Maybe a little detail wouldn't hurt anybody.

I took a deep breathe. "I have been sailing on Oro Jackson with Roger pirates for five years. It's true that Gold D Roger was my captain. We did conquer the grand line and obtained the one piece. Yes, I did fight off Whitebeard and Golden lion pirates but never got the chance to meet their Captains."

Adam stared at me. "That's cool." I almost fell off my chair. "T-that's all you got to say?"

Toshiro snorted. "We don't care that you are one of the crew of a famous pirate." Adam smirked at me. "Just glad you told us something about yourself. Jeez it's hard to gain your trust, Captain."

I swear to god, they made their goal to make me cry every time they open their damned mouths. Thankfully no tears gathered.

The sea swayed gently forth and back. The strong breeze managed to create sounds of waves. The day was sunny and wild, a perfect match for sailing. I smiled when I saw dolphins swimming right beside our ship. The familiar sound of birds and ocean calmed my nerves. A familiar island appeared.

"Captain, are you sure you want to do this?" Adam asked me as he lowered a boat on the waters.

"We can drop you off on the island." Toshiro tried to reason. I shook my head. "The villagers would be cautious. Besides you could contact me with those transponder snails." I held one to show them. They sighted when I jumped on the boat.

"Take care of yourself, Buggy." Adam shouted.

"You too. We'll meet in two weeks!" I shouted back. They nodded. I slowly sailed towards the island. I grabbed the sails and the breeze pushed it. The ship slowly disappearing from my sight. I docked the boat and wrapped myself in a cloak. I passed the familiar road. All the villagers were outside, laughing and doing their regular routine. I stepped in front of Partys bar.

Makino was doing her regular chores as always. Taking orders, bringing drinks and cleaning tables. She has grown taller these few years. And pretty for a twelve year old. She looked around. New faces meet her. Foosha village also gained population these few years. She looked behind the bar, where her mother was cleaning glasses and pouring drinks. It was perfect life for her. Her mother was fine, the bar was well-taken, everything seemed to go fine but there hasn't been a day when she thought about her brother. Has he been taking care of himself? Was he fine or deserted somewhere? Was he even alive? She shook off the thought. No, he's too stubborn to die. He'll be fine. I am sure he'll be fine. With that thought, she returned to her chores.

A man came into the bar. He was disguised in a clock. Only half of his face and sandals could be seen. He sat down one of the bars. Mother gave me alarming look. She kept an eye over him and gave me signal. I nodded and followed her instructions.

"Hello! Mister. What is your order for the day?" I chirped, ready to take notes on my notepad.

He chuckled. "You haven't changed a bit, Omoto-chan." I freezed. I recognized the voice anywhere. Surprise and disbelief took me. He took off his entire hood. A familiar blue hair and red nose came. He grinned at my face. "What no warm welcome after all these years?"

I throwed myself on him. We fell back, making a thud sound. Immediately tears fell over. I grabbed him closer. The familiar scent made me sob. I grabbed his shoulder and I barked out questions.

"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN THESE BLOODY SIX YEARS!?" he looked away. "I THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD! DEAD, YOU HEAR ME!?" my throat hurt from screaming. I tried to stop the tears.

He sheepishly rubbed his head. "Well you see, after I left –" I cut him. How dare him, trying to explain his way out of this. This idiot.

"Just shut up."

He stopped, ashamed. He looked down as if he was ready for all the consequence of his actions. I softened up. He still didn't change a bit. I rubbed off my tears. Maybe I was acting immature. I hugged him and pulled him closer to me.

"Just promise you won't leave without telling me." I whispered to him. I waited for his response. He patted my head. "I promise."

"Hey, guys! Buggy's home!" I laughed. I lifted him to show her. My mother gaped when she took a good look on buggy. "WHERE THE HECK WERE YOU!?"

I looked to see Buggy groan. "Like mother, like daughter." I smacked him. He sent me a confused look. I pushed myself off of him and glared. "You don't have the right to be cheeky here."

He pouted. But unexpectedly pulled me into a hug. I blinked. He softly whispered. "I missed you."

I smiled warmly. Maybe things will get better.