"What the hell, Shanks?" Naia glared up at him, batting his hands away as they fumbled with her shirt's tie. "Stop it! What are you doing!?"
Shanks ignored her protests as he threw her shirt open. Pristine, white bandages greeted him. They were slightly wrinkled probably from the issue in town today but otherwise looked unharmed. There was no blood, dirt, or any indication her wound hadn't been treated. His fingers reached out and caressed the fabric lightly.
"Naia, what happened to you?" Shanks sat on his heels as he let the woman up. Naia hastily tied her shirt closed.
"I told you," Naia muttered, "The merchant ship I was on was attacked."
"I want the whole story."
"Why should I tell you? I was attacked by pirates. What makes you any different?" Naia's voice was cold as she glared at him.
"You've let me come this close," Shanks said, leaning closer to her. Naia's breath hitched as her cheeks flooded with color. His eyes darted to her lips as he continued to lean forward and his desire only intensified as her tongue darted out to lick her lips.
"Because of Luffy, Red," Naia hissed at him. "Don't read into something that isn't there!"
"Then tell me so I know!" Shanks gripped her upper arms tightly, giving her no room for escape. "What happened!"
"Why do you want to know so badly?"
"I can't explain it but please! I need to know!" Naia's eyes scrutinized him and whatever expression was on his face must have done something because her eyes softened.
"Their attack came without notice or any time to prepare. The moon hung high in the sky and was the only light source available," Naia explained, memories flashing before her eyes. "As far as I know, the merchants didn't have anything of particular value aboard the ship but something must have sparked the interest of whoever it was that attacked. We had decided to stop for the night so a few repairs from a bitter storm could be done on the ship and that was our downfall.
"I will admit, I had grown complacent with how long I had been traveling with this crew for. I didn't think much when subtle changes were made and I had grown used to their paranoias at that point so when someone started shouting about an attack I simply didn't listen. There was a man there I had become fond of. One who had captured my attention." A nostalgic smile graced her lips. "I awoke to his frantic pleas. He pulled me out of the cabin just as the roofing caved in. We were confronted when escaping to the long boats and he hesitated. Only for a moment but it was enough. He would hate me for all eternity but I knew what I had to do. Next thing I know, I'm staring at a fishing spear through my chest. I blacked out after that and I awoke a few days later in Marineford with Garp at my bedside. The rest is history."
"Do you know who did it?"
"Of course I do!" Naia snarled, her eyes ablaze with fury. Shanks pulled away at the sudden anger. "And as much as I would like to chase after him to get revenge, I need rest and Luffy is also counting on me."
"I could find him." Shanks narrowed his gaze.
"I know, but it won't be necessary." Naia smiled up at him. "Good things come to those who wait."
"You already have a plan don't you?" Shanks smirked down at her which Naia returned in full before sweeping out of his arms.
"Have a safe voyage, Red," Naia said, "I hope you find something extraordinary."
"I believe I already have." Shanks watched as she disappeared into the forest, leaving him to bask in the moonlight and sound of the waves. "Wait! How did you know." The words died at his lips as he realized she was already gone. The East Blue was certainly turning out to be quite interesting.
-With Naia-
Naia hid as she watched the pirate captain wander off. She had an inkling as to why the man had a sudden interest in her wound if the shift in the wave patterns was anything to go by. Her family had decided to intervene a little bit. No worries, if anything it might help in the long run. Without a second thought, Naia swept further into the jungle in search of Luffy to prepare for the pirates' departure.
The sun rose too slow for Luffy as he dragged Naia out of bed at the crack of dawn. Naia hung back, letting the boy say his goodbyes to the crew who promised to return with new stories of the adventures they went on. Shanks didn't make a move to bring her into the crowd and Naia was thankful for it but the thoughtful look on his face whenever his eyes swept over her had her worried. She hoped he would drop the whole 'who did this?' thing.
"Are you sure you don't want to say goodbye?" Luffy asked, tugging on her hand.
"I don't do goodbyes you know that," Naia sighed as she watched the pirate ship sail out of the coast. It was going to be very boring without them here but at least she would be gaining a new family member. Hopefully, Garp would take her request to heart and take the blond with him or else Ace was going to be running back and forth way too often. Luffy was bouncing at her feet, looking all too happy even though his idol had just left him behind again.
"When is he coming? Huh, Naia? When is he coming?" Luffy pestered, rocking back on his feet with every question.
"Soon, soon, Lu. Garp said he should be around by dinner time." Naia patted the young boy's head with a smile. "We should think about what to do for dinner since Garp will most likely be staying as well."
"MEAT!" Luffy declared.
"Then let's go find some!" Naia agreed. Her expression twisted as she held out a blindfold to the child. "I expect you to find one without your eyes this time."
"That's easy!" Luffy smirked at her, all his confidence radiating out of his tiny body. The sun rose slowly but was fast to set as they went about bringing in more meat than they typically did. Luffy being the winner of the nonexistent competition for who could catch the most but Naia couldn't deny seeing the gleaming happiness swirling in his eyes made it worth the gloating from him. The sun set faster than she anticipated and the sounds of a boy's protest soon echoed through the village.
"Put me down, Shitty Gramps!" the boy wailed, "I was perfectly fine with those dirty bandits!"
"I don't believe that for a second!" Garp said sharply, "You have been making a mess up on that mountain!"
"Garp-san," Naia greeted the man as he set the boy down, "You're earlier than expected."
"It took me a lot less time to find this one. Bwahahahaha!" Garp laughed. The boy glared harshly at the vice admiral. "This here is Ace, my other grandson."
"Other grandson? I wasn't aware your son had another child," Naia mused, mirth sparkling in her eyes. "I don't know if I can handle two Ds."
"If you want to go back so bad I can take you," Garp sneered, humor wrinkling his face.
"That won't be necessary," Naia refused, shaking her head adamantly. "I'm sure Luffy would love the company. He was getting lonely without someone his own age around."
"Don't even try to fool me," Garp huffed, "I know he's been keeping busy with that red headed pirate."
"You expect me to take on the whole crew while I'm still healing?" Naia raised an eyebrow at the man.
"Would that be too much to ask?"
"YES!" Naia swiped a kick at the older man, smirking when he landed on his back. "Crazy old man."
"You don't seem like you need to heal any more," Garp pointed out. Naia gritted her teeth but turned toward the child who was looking at her or was he glaring? He was staring at her with contempt but also a hit of curiosity and wonderment.
"Nice ta meet ya, Ace!" Naia grinned, "I'm sure this one told you nothing but welcome to our humble little village. My name is Naia and I am currently taking care of Garp's other grandson."
"Like I care," Ace hissed out.
"You've got passion, kid. I like it!" Naia exclaimed, making Ace jump at her enthusiasm. "Come on in. I'm sure you're hungry. Luffy should be somewhere around here-"
"Gross! Who spit at me?" Ace shouted. His eyes looked around wildly for the culprit.
"Shishishishi, I thought you would've been able to dodge that," Luffy laughed.
"Luffy! This is your older brother Ace. He's going to be living with you from now on." Garp dusted himself off. "Play nice!"
"I know! We met a couple of times!" Luffy giggled as his grandfather shattered at him.
"Bwahahaha, you really are my grandson!"
"It's you again!" Ace pointed, scowling.
"Me!" Luffy grinned cheekily.
"Great, you know each other! Now, how about food!" Naia spun on her heels and led the small party to the kitchen. The amount of food piled up would have someone believing there to be a banquet and Naia could only chuckle as Ace gaped at the sheer amount.
"Luffy eats a lot and as a trait of the Ds, I figured you did as well," Naia said, smiling warmly down at the boy. Ace's eyes widened at her statement.
"You know who I am?" He whispered.
"I know who most people are before they enter my home," Naia stated, "Now, come, let us feast but do watch your plate. Luffy has a tendency to steal from others."
Dinner was a chaotic affair. Luffy's arms stretched everywhere, grabbing onto anything. Ace was quiet for the majority of it but after a few stealing attempts by Luffy, he was slowly coming out of his shell. Naia giggled as the two boys fought over the last leg of meat only to have it stolen by Garp. Eating with this family was always so entertaining and also a little nauseating. She was considering never touching meat again. The evening progressed with little issues besides Ace's suspicion and rough exterior, Naia knew he would fit right in with them. She showed him around the little cabin and where his room would be before settling down for a nightcap with Garp.
"He's going to do well here," Garp observed. "Dadan's should've kept him hidden but much like his father, he can't stay out of the spotlight."
"I will keep him safe. You know that. I owe his father a life debt after all."
"I forgot about that. The red-haired brat wasn't there for that battle otherwise you would've been in a lot more trouble."
"He will be back," Naia hummed.
"I will leave it to your discretion of how to handle it but Ace. Ace hates his father so their meeting might be a little explosive."
"I will handle it."
"You're a good person, Naia, and even better marine. I wish I could help you."
"You are by letting me stay here. Letting me live a life outside of my cage." Naia smiled at the man who gave her such a sad look. "You needn't worry about me. I have a feeling it will all play out nicely."
"Bwahahaha, I will hold you to that." Garp gave her a grim expression. "Akainu asked about you. I managed to fend him off since your attackers are still out there but he's pressing to see you."
"Akainu?" Naia furrowed her brows in confusion. "What would he be interested in?"
"The last training session you had before shipping off," Garp grumbled, "Your fighting style caught his eye and attention."
"That doesn't sound good."
"He's known for being possessive and aggressive with his interests."
"Absolute in everything, right?" Garp nodded and they both fell into silence. This development was new. Akainu had never noticed her before so why did he this time around? They hadn't changed anything until now so what was the difference?
"Garp, did you tell him I was recovering or away on a mission."
"An undercover mission, why?"
"I'm a captain. I shouldn't be high enough for that kind of a mission." Garp's eyes widened in understanding. "His interest is probably stemming from the idea that there is more than the eye can see. A puzzle."
"One he must solve to use for his Absolute Justice," Garp said, his teeth gritting. "He is set to be promoted along with Kuzon and Kizaru. They will be informed of your standing with the Marines and World Government."
"Then this is only the beginning." A heavy air settled over them as Garp realized how his cover for her was going to affect her deployment with the Marines. 'I could use this to my advantage,' Naia thought, taking a sip of the whiskey she had been nursing. 'To get close to the man who would be the leading figure in the war would give us intel I could only dream of.' Naia shook her head at such thoughts. She would have to discuss this with Luffy before she made any moves. They passed the night telling stories of their youths and the adventures they shared. They drank to fallen family members and comrades. The moon was high in the sky by the time Garp had finally passed out. It was time to put things into motion.