Back to Training,

Back To Work

Law, arms crossed and leaning against the bathroom door, watched Neo as she fed their son. Another yawn escaped her pretty lips as she rocked the rocking chair back and forth with her toes. Ever since they had brought Cora to their room their son had gotten even stronger. And that meant more times when he would wake up throughout the night wanting to be fed, changed, or held. Neo was being a real trooper though the whole thing, but it was abundantly clear that she was starting to wear down from the demands of motherhood. On top of that her fingers itched all day to clean the sub from top to bottom. He managed to head her off the majority of the time when she got that way. He insisted she rest when Cora was sleeping. She needed to be at the top of her game if anything happened and when the Straw Hats arrived, which should be any day now. He hoped. Even he was a little concerned about the missing Straw Hats, mostly for Neo's sake. She kept asking, "Where they still in Big Mom's territory? Did Big Mom capture them? Should I send out some elementals to check for them?"

They had no way of knowing. And Law felt it best that all the elementals stay with them.

Cora finished eating. Neo brushed some milk from his lip with her thumb.

Pushing off the door frame, he walked over to her. "Neo, let me take Cora from here."

"What for?"

"You're tired. You need to sleep."

"I'd like to argue with you, but you're right." Neo covered another yawn. "Sorry. I didn't know I'd be this tired." She placed Cora in Law's arms. "Make sure to burp him."

Law brought Cora up to his shoulder and patted his back until their baby burped.

"You know, women really do get the short end of the stick when it comes to babies." Neo closed her eyes.

"Well, you're getting a break now," Law said. "I'll watch Cora while you get some rest. We still have some stored breast milk to feed him. So sleep as long as you'd like."

Neo opened her eyes and watched Law sway with Cora. "I might take you up on that. Well, that is if my mothering instincts will let me. I know when I heard Cora cry or fuss I'll want to go to him immediately."

"Then I'll make sure to keep him out of here if he's fussing or crying." Law nodded at their bed. "Now get to bed."

Neo stood. She kissed Cora's head then Law before climbing into their bed. She pulled their cover up to her shoulders and closed her eyes.

Law felt her fall into a deep sleep the second she closed her eyes. He stayed in the room for a few minutes before heading for the galley in case Cora started fussing. To his surprise Tero was still in the sub. Fresh coffee coated the otherwise stale air. "I thought you'd be off by now."

"I'm heading that way. There was something I wanted to talk to you about," Tero said from his chair.

Law sat down. "What is it?"
"If it's all right with you and Neo, I'd like to restart her training," Tero said. "I won't be much, just enough to get her going again. Mostly I want her to get better at using her observation haki since I've advanced in my own observation haki."

"When did you get that type of haki?" Law knitted his brow.

"About three weeks ago." Tero shrugged. "I didn't think it mattered if I told you about it since you and Neo have been busy. I can help Neo get better with hers now."

Law thought for a moment about how distracted he had been from his crew. It bothered him a little bit, but then he shook it from his mind. Tero was right about him and Neo being busy, especially with Cora here. If it were something important then Tero would have told him. He couldn't come up with a reason to say no to Tero's request. Neo's body had completely healed from giving birth thanks to her solar crystal. And she had settled into the role of being a mother much easier than he thought she would. Getting her and Cora out in the forest for a few hours a day would do them both some good. "All right. You can start this afternoon. Neo should be well rested by then. But only for about two hours. If she becomes too tired I expect you to stop her."

"Aye, Captain." A pause. "Captain, do you ever think Neo will obtain conqueror's haki?"

Law's eyebrows rose. "Why would you ask that? Have you seen her showing signs of that type of haki?"

"No, but I believe it's possible. And I don't mean by the fact that all creatures have the ability to waken haki," Tero said. "Neo is a royal of her people. I know that doesn't automatically mean she'll get conqueror's haki. But I believe she has the quality of a king, or in her case, a queen."

Law hummed. His subordinate had an interesting point. And with the threat of the navy possibly going to hunt down her people… he didn't know what Neo would do.

"And if the navy attacks us or her people because of their nature," Tero continued, "it's possible she could awaken that power."

"True," Law said. "She could awaken that power. But there's no guarantee. Is there a specific reason you're bring this up?"

"I'm a little concerned, I guess," Tero said. "Neo is already powerful. If she does gain that type of haki it puts her and her people in more danger. The navy might see her as a threat that needs to be eliminated immediately."

The corner of Law's lips pulled down. Tero was absolutely right. The navy was already cautious of Neo and the elementals. Jory leaving the navy was proof of that. Then there was the whole crystal body thing Neo developed in Dressrosa. They still had no idea what that whole thing was about. "I'll have to think about this. You go on now."

Tero nodded then stood to leave. "I'll be back around lunch time."

"I'll let her know." Then it was just him and Cora sitting alone in the galley. Law's thoughts were reeling in the silence. Yes, there was no positive proof that Neo would or wouldn't develop conqueror's haki. However, her crystals covering her body was another thing. Maybe it was time they tried again and see if Neo could cause that phenomenon to happen again. Of course he wouldn't put her in danger like they were in Dressrosa, despite the fact they were going to be in a lot of danger once the war got started here. But maybe, just maybe, he or Tero could get her to focus enough to get her crystals to react like that again.

A soft fuss drew his attention. Cora was staring up at him. Law smiled. "Don't worry, Cora. I won't let Mommy do anything dangerous with her crystals."

Cora's eyelids fell closed.

Neo stretched out then opened her eyes. Lying there for a moment she found her body and mind was completely relaxed and refreshed. "I guess I really did need that nap after all."

She lingered in bed for another minute before her growling stomach prompted her to get up. While she used the bathroom she sensed out where Law and Cora were. She found them in the rec. room then headed there after washing her hands. The sub was quiet. Something she still wasn't use to. An ache formed in her chest. She wished the crew could be in the sub again. Hopefully the remaining time in Wano would go by faster once the missing Straw Hats were back. They still had a few weeks before the war got started.

Stepping into the rec. room she found Law sitting on the couch with a book in one hand and Cora tucked into his other arm. She crossed her arms. "Well, aren't you the skilled one? Holding a newborn and a book."

Law smirked at her.

"And how are my two favorite boys?" Neo sat down beside Law. Cora opened his eyes and yawned then he looked at her while making suckling noises. She squealed while brushing the tip of her finger over his bottom lip. "Oh! So cute! Yes, you are!"

"We're having a great time. Cora's not done much. Sleeping most of the time. We even did some tummy time," Law said. "I think he really enjoyed it."

Neo nodded. "He seems to really love being on his stomach. I'll bet he lays on Bepo like that."

"Wouldn't surprise me one bit," Law said. "You like to lay like that on occasions. Oh, by the way, you're going to start training with Tero this afternoon."

"I am?" Neo forced her eyes away from Cora and onto Law. "Is that all right? He's not known for going easy on me."

"He will for the time being. Mostly he wants to work with you on your observation haki."

Neo hummed. "Do you really think I even need to become more advanced in observation haki? Nature always tells me when someone's around."

"True. But it can't help show you what an opponent's next move is."

"That's right. I forgot. Observation haki allows the person using it to see a few seconds into the future." Neo tapped her chin. "That could be useful. Will Tero be able to teach me?"

"Of course. He's been using his own for a couple weeks now."

"He has?! Since when?!" Neo's eyes widened.

"He told me it appeared about three weeks ago." Law closed his book and placed it between him and the couch arm.

Neo huffed. "I've been missing a lot. First being separated from the crew and now with all my responsibility with Cora. I think I need to do an inventory of the crew."

"Inventory?" Law cocked an eyebrow.

"I feel like I don't know them all that well anymore." Neo pouted, tears shimmering in her eyes. "My family are strangers to me now!"

"A little dramatic there." Law tapped her nose.

"Well, it's true." Neo pooched out her lips.

"Uh huh." Law pecked her pouty lips.

Warmth spread through Neo. She smiled. "That's better."

"Good. While we have a moment I wanted to talk to you about something."

"Oh?" Neo refocused on Cora when he shifted. She brushed her finger over his lip again. When he opened his mouth she slipped her finger inside. Her heart fluttered when he suckled.

"It's about what your crystals did in Dressrosa."

Neo's eyes shot to Law. Her crystals. They had changed. They had covered her like clothes. They had no idea why they did that.

"I think we should see if you can do that again."

"But, Law, I was… Dressrosa…" Neo's eyes fell to Law's chest then to his arm. Though he was covered with clothes she could still see the fresh wounds he obtained from Doflamingo. Multiple bullet holes. One severed arm. Her bottom lip trembled. Tears threatened to fall.

"I know." Law stroked her hair. "It won't be anything like that. All I want you to do is think about what you were feeling when it happened."

Neo stood and walked away from him. Her heart took a couple sharp beats as she wrapped her arms around herself. She didn't want to think about what happened in Dressrosa. Living through that nightmare was painful enough. She wanted to forget the whole thing happened not relive it.

Law sighed.

Neo tensed when she heard him stand. His body warmth engulfed her as he stood behind her. "No. I won't do it. I don't want to think about what happened there. It's too much, Law."

"Okay. At least, think about it. It might have been a fluke. It might not have been."

Neo closed her eyes and thought about his words for a moment. There was no real harm in considering his proposal. She could handle a little mental anxiety for his sake on just thinking about it. "Okay, Law. I think about it. But don't expect me to say yes to doing it."

"That's fine. It's your choice. You know I won't force you into doing something you don't want to do."

Neo turned to him. Wrapping her arms around his waist she leaned into him, mindful of Cora. "I know. And I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get upset with you. Those… wounds from Dressrosa are still pretty fresh. It's not something I really want to remember by choice."

Law nodded. "I know."

"Let's get something to eat. I'm starving," Neo said heading for the door. Stepping into the galley she went right over to the cabinets and started roaming through them. She found they were relatively empty. She released an aggravated huff. "I really hate when we're not living on the sub. Guess we're having a buffet of fruits and veggies."

"Like you'll complain about that." Law sat down.

Smiling, Neo summoned her earth crystals and joined Law at the table. "True. But I do miss cooking for the crew at every meal."

"And they miss you cooking for them."

Neo pulled open a banana and bit into it. As she chewed she watched Cora sleep. "I'm thinking we should have a cookout soon."

"Oh?" Law cocked an eyebrow.

"Yeah." Neo nodded. "I'm sure the crew would love it. I just wish we could feed everyone's who's starving here."

"I know you do, but we can't," Law said.

"I know, I know." Neo sighed, slumping in her chair. "At least things will get better after we take down Kaido." She paused. "I hope. That man is so huge. I wonder how we'll-"

"Don't start worrying over that," Law ordered.

"Sorry." Grinning, Neo took another bite of her banana.

After cleaning up, and changing Cora's diaper, the three headed outside to meet up with Tero. They settled under a tree to wait for the man to show up. Neo leaned against Law's side as she watched Cora. Their son had his eyes open. He was looking around his surroundings. "Do you think Cora is being over stimulated out here in nature? What did the books say? I can't remember."

"Sensing nature is like a baby's eyesight. Right now Cora only sees blurry shapes at a distance. So he can sense nature that's closer to him rather than sensing the whole island like you do. As he grows this will develop more."

Neo nodded. "As long as he's not overwhelmed by it."

Law chuckled. "Have you ever been overwhelmed by nature?"
"No." Neo grinned, sheepishly. "But still…"

"I know." Law nodded. "You're a mother. It's your job to worry."

"I'm not that bad." Neo wrinkled her nose.

"Right. You're worse. But that's expected when dealing with you elementals."

Neo looked up to find Tero, who was smirking, had joined them. Ikkaku was standing beside him. Neo tilted her head. "When did you two get here?"
"Just now."

"It's so cute when you worry." Ikkaku smiled.

"Hey, Ikkaku. What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at work?" Neo asked.

The woman shrugged. "I felt like my assistance could be helpful here."

"She got bored at work and ditched." Tero jerked his thumb at the woman.

"Hey!" Ikkaku threw a punch at him.

Tero stepped to the side, easily dodging her fist.

Ikkaku growled. "You and your stupid observation haki."

"Can we get started before more annoying women show up?" Tero adjusted his kimono.

"Do you always have to be so snarky?" The pirates turned their attention to Amara. The wind elemental had her hands planted on her hips and a glare fixed on Tero.

"Afternoon, Princess." Nina waved with a smile.

"Since your kind is always a pain? Yes." Tero glared back. "Why are you two here? Go away."

Amara growled. The wind picked up to match her mood. Leaves rustled in anger.

Neo held her hair back when it hit her face. Cora shifted with a whine, his face scrunching in annoyance. She brushed her fingers over his cheek. "There, there. It's all right."

"Okay, okay. You're upsetting Cora." Nina stepped between the glaring contest with her hands up. "We're not here to fight. We sensed the princess out here and came to make sure everything was all right."

"Everything's fine. I'm going to start training again. Tero wants to help me learn how to use my observation haki better," Neo said.

Amara and the wind calmed down.

"How's our sweet little boy doing today?" Nina stepped closer to the family of three and leaned down towards Cora. "He's so cute. Hello, sweet baby. Are you just the cutest little thing ever? Yes, you are."

Cora watched the elemental.

"He's doing great." Neo looked up at Law. "Would you like me to make him a flowerbed? Or do you want to continue holding him?"

"Go ahead and make a bed."

Neo nodded and summoned a crystal.

"Hurry up, Neo." Tero crossed his arms. "We don't have all day."

"I know." The scent of fresh daisies filled the air as Cora's bed rose out of the ground. "There you go. Cora just ate so he shouldn't be hungry for a while."

"I know, Mommy. I was there." Law smirked.

"Oh." Neo puffed her cheeks, kissed Cora's head before finally joining Tero.

"Here." Tero held out a bandana for her.

Neo blinked. "What's that for?"

"Training. Put it on." Tero thrust it into her hand.

Neo tied the bandana over her eyes. "I'm ready."

"Good. Now concentrate on your haki, block out everything else. You need to learn how to use your haki over all your other senses. Observation haki will be more reliable in a battle. Quicker than trying to talk to nature."

"I know. Observation haki, if strong enough, gives the user the ability to see into the future a little ways." Neo sighed. "This isn't going to be easy. I am nature."

"I know that. But this must be done. You'll need every advantage you can get for this upcoming war," Tero said slipping around his female captain as quietly as he could. "Now focus. Try and sense where I am."

Neo nodded as the man went silent. With a cleansing breath she focused on the nature around her. She told it she needed it to disappear for a short time. Minutes past and nothing happened. Nature was still as loud as ever. Birds sang, squirrel chattered, wind slithered around obstacles. All of it swirled around her.

It was far more difficult than she thought it would have been. Every piece of nature continued to reach out for her, beckoning her to come play. Wind teased the leaves above her. Come. Fly with us. A bird flew overhead then landed on a branch with a joyful song. Come. Sing with me. Two squirrels chased each other up and down tree trunks. Come. Chase us. One of the squirrels grabbed the other one's tail. The second one screeched, its fur shooting up in all directions as if it had been electrocuted. Neo laughed. A stick came smacking down on her head with a thwack. "Ouch! Hey! What was that for?"

"You're suppose to be focusing," Tero said with an annoyed huff.

"I was. Or I was trying to." Neo looked around for him despite the bandana still over her eyes. "But these two squirrels were playing. The first one grabbed the second one's tail. The second one's fur stuck up all over the place. It was so cute."

Tero grumbled and shook his head.

"Give her a break, Tero," Ikkaku said. "You have no idea how difficult this is for Neo."

"You don't either." Tero tapped his stick on his shoulder.

"At least I'm more sensitive towards her than you." Ikkaku tossed a handful of grass towards the man.

"And that's exactly why I'm her trainer," Tero said. "You and the rest of the crew coddle her too much."

"Give sympathy and understanding isn't coddling." A sharp bite was in Ikkaku's tone.

"I say we whack him with a stick," Amara grumbled. "The size of a tree."

"It's okay, Ikkaku. Amara, that's a bit extreme." Neo waved a hand. "Tero knows what needs to be done. I trust him."

"Fine. But at least be a bit patient and let her figure out how to push passed all the nature." Ikkaku waved her arm, indicating the forest around them. "If you hadn't noticed we're in the middle of nature."

"Of course I noticed that," Tero snapped. "I'm not stupid. I wanted her out here because it's in the middle of nature. Now either you can sit there and shut up or you can leave. The captain has left me in charge of training Neo. If you keep interfering I'll have you banned from Neo's training sessions."

"Okay, okay. I'll sit here and be quiet." Ikkaku crossed her arms.

"I'll only do it for the princess." Amara mimicked Ikkaku's posture, eyes locked onto Tero's every move.

"Well, we'll see." Tero twirled his stick. "Start again, Neo."

Neo nodded.

"Okay, let's take a break." Tero rubbed his shoulder.

Groaning Neo ripped off the bandana. Light blinded her for a second. "I hate this. It's impossible. This haki doesn't suit me at all." She plopped down beside Law who had remained completely quiet through her entire training.

"Maybe we're going about this the wrong way," Law said.

"Captain?" Tero cocked an eyebrow.

"Maybe Neo needs to practice pushing nature away from her before she tries to sense where you are," Law said.

Neo pursed her lips. "I doubt that would even work."

"You're not even going to try?" Tero asked.

"Fine. Give me a moment to relax. I'm too frustrated right now." Neo leaned against Law's side, smiling thanks at Amara when she gave them a cool breeze. "Why did I have to develop this type of haki? It seems impossible. I wonder if any other elemental has haki."

"It's possible," Amara said. "Though it's equally possible that while they have it they won't use it."

"They'll use what they're use to using," Ikkaku said.

Neo hummed then looked at Law. "I bet you could do it. You can focus a lot easier than I can."

Law smirked and patted her knee.

"You done resting yet?" Tero asked.

"Fine. But I'm staying right here." Neo straightened up. Wrapping the bandana back around her eyes she proceeded with trying to block out the lively world around her. The entire island appeared in her mind's eye. She traced the outline of the island before moving inward along the forest, since it had the highest concentration of animals. Finding a bird singing she focused on it in an attempt to block out its life force.

Neo groaned as she fell, face first, onto their bed. "I never knew trying to focus on blocking out nature was so exhausting. Two hours of training and I got nowhere."

"You did fine for your first try." Law sat down beside her and rubbed her back. "Cora's asleep now."

"Thanks for putting him to bed."

"Any time, love." Law dropped his hand lower, skimming over her buttocks.

"Don't even try," Neo growled.

"Sorry. I can't help it." Law chuckled.

"Really, Law. I'm too tired and not in the mood." Neo slapped his hand away.

"Okay. I get it." Law pulled back. "How about a bath instead? I'll give you a massage."

"A bath and a massage." Neo rolled onto her back. "Promise no attempts at arousing me?"

"Promise."

"Fine." Neo shoved herself off the bed and entered into the bathroom with Law. As she stripped she filled the tub with her crystals then crawled in after him. She leaned against him with a sigh as his hands started working her muscles with practiced skills.

"I'm thinking of going back to work tomorrow."

Neo glanced back at him.

"You're stable enough in your mother duties," Law said.

Neo licked her lips. "Yeah. I am."

"If you want me to wait a few more days I can."

"No, it's okay. You won't be far away. And I'll have the others around." Neo smiled. "I'll be fine. What about you? This will be your first time away from Cora for an entire work day."

"True. But I'll manage."

"Please." Neo rolled her eyes. "Acting all brave when you know you're going to miss us both."

Law squeezed her breasts.

"Ah! Law! You promised!"

He nipped her neck. "Then don't tease me like that."

"Fine." Neo settled into him and enjoyed his massage.

Author's Notes: I'm back! Hope everyone's still with this story. I know it's been a seriously long hiatus. But I finally got some chapters to post, only one a week though. And I may skip a week here and there. By doing this I hope I won't have to go on another long hiatus. I've missed writing this story. The Wano arc is past all the flashbacks of what happened in the past so if I do go on hiatus against it should be short ones.