A.n I own nothing

Part 2 of Double Chapter Day. Enjoy

Please Review.

Luffy and Ezio were sitting on a ledge on the higher levels of the city, overlooking Water 7 and watching the sun set. It was rather peaceful. Luffy was happily munching on about four Mizu meat skewers that Ezio had bought him, and the Yagara was tied up not far away. Ezio had his own skewer, but it was only one.

"You were right, Ezio, these are good," Luffy said happily. "I am going to miss these when we sail,"

"Can Sanji not just replicate the recipe?" Ezio suggested.

"Hmm... oh, I bet he could. I'll ask him to learn it before we leave," Luffy agreed and started on his second skewer. "So, what did you want to talk about?"

"Connor," Ezio answered seriously.

Luffy stopped eating for just a brief moment before he started again. It was only for a second, but Ezio noticed. He also noticed the change in body language and tone that Luffy used next.

"What about him?" Luffy asked. His carefree attitude and tone were gone, replaced by one of caution while still trying to present that he was not concerned. However, Ezio could tell the difference.

"Did you never wonder why I was with him at the top of the Courthouse?" Ezio asked. "Or why I stepped in to defend him from Blueno, why I followed you into the Tower of Justice, and why I made sure to stay with him and keep him from fighting CP9 with the rest of your crew?"

"I thought you were just being a nice guy," Luffy claimed.

"Well... yes, I was for the most part. However, that was only part of the reason. The real reason is because when I first encountered him running through the streets of Enies Lobby, I noticed his eyes," Ezio explained.

"His eyes?" Luffy asked worriedly.

"Yes, they were gold. Despite a child being on one of the top 3 most heavily staffed and guarded Islands in the world, I have to assume he had never been to Enies Lobby before. He was able to navigate it perfectly without encountering any form of government resistance," Ezio said seriously.

"Maybe he was just lucky," Luffy claimed.

"No, he wasn't," Ezio said. "Connor has a special second sight, doesn't he?"

Luffy's eyes narrowed. Ezio knew about Connor's gift, Edward's warning to him, Zoro, and Robin flashed into his mind. He remembered Edward telling them that people would hurt Connor or kill him on sight simply for having the gift that he did.

"If you hurt him, I will kick your ass," Luffy threatened.

"Do not worry, Captain Luffy. I mean Connor no harm," Ezio assured. "It would be very hypocritical of me to bring harm to someone with such a special gift,"

"How do I know I can trust you?" Luffy demanded.

Ezio turned and faced Luffy, and his eyes flashed gold. Luffy recoiled back in shock. "Because he and I share that very same gift,"

"You have it too?"

"Yes," Ezio said, and his eyes switched back to normal. "It is a very special gift, not seen often. Those who have it are truly special. You are lucky to have him on your crew,"

Luffy felt a bit guilty for accusing Ezio of wanting to hurt Connor.

"I did want to ask why is he with you?" Ezio continued. "He mentioned being on a previous pirate crew. I can think of a few reasons, and none of them are good ones as to why a child like him is with a band of pirates and not with his parents,"

"That's... complicated," Luffy responded.

"Oh, do tell," Ezio said.

"I can't. Connor doesn't want people knowing," Luffy said.

"Hmm... I figured as much," Ezio sighed and leaned back a bit. "Then, would you have an issue leaving Connor with me?"

"WHAT?!" Luffy shouted.

"When you leave Water 7, leave the boy behind in my care," Ezio repeated in a no-nonsense tone.

"LIKE HELL!" Luffy shot back and jumped up. "CONNOR IS MY NAKAMA, YOU'RE NOT TAKING HIM!"

"Calm down, let me explain myself," Ezio tried. "Once you know everything, I am sure we can come to some kind of arrangement,"

"I WILL NEVER PART WITH ANY OF MY CREW, AND THAT INCLUDES CONNOR!" Luffy declared.

"Even if his life is at stake?" Ezio asked seriously.

Luffy stopped and stared at Ezio. "What?" he asked.

"Connor, if his life were at stake, would you still refuse to part with him?" Ezio repeated.

"What do you mean? He's fine," Luffy said.

"He is... for now, it seems," Ezio agreed.

"ARE YOU THREATENING HIM?!" Luffy demanded.

"No, sit back down, Captain. If you truly care about Connor, you will listen to what I have to tell you," Ezio said.

Luffy sat back down and paid close attention to the man next to him.

"Our sight is a gift in every sense of the word, a frighteningly powerful one if used correctly. I cannot emphasize enough how powerful that boy could become... and the danger he will be in. It is quite frankly a miracle that no one has come for him yet. Normally, children with his gift do not last more than a few years with their families," Ezio claimed grimly.

"What does that mean?" Luffy asked.

"Exactly what I said... So, I am going to give you a choice. Leave Connor in my care. I will take him with me and protect him from those who would do him harm... Or you can all die trying to protect him from the inevitable," Ezio said.

"How do you know the government will come for him?" Luffy said.

"Luffy's face turned grim; he wondered who could be worse than the government.

'Others?' he asked.

Ezio nodded. 'There are far more dangerous groups out on the open sea than the government" Ezio claimed. 'And as much as I don't like the World Government, none of the other groups are as nice or merciful either.'

'I don't care. Connor is part of my crew, and you are not taking him anywhere" Luffy warned.

'You do realize I am only asking you as a formality, right?' Ezio asked. 'It would be a simple task for me to take the boy from under your noses and be long gone before you even know what happened.'

'Try it, and I'll kick your ass" Luffy declared. 'We just challenged the World Government for taking Robin away. Don't think that we won't do the same to you for Connor.'

Ezio stared at Luffy for a moment before chuckling. 'You know, you're the first person to say something like that to me" Ezio claimed. 'I wonder, would you say the same thing if you knew who you were facing?'

'I would" Luffy said. 'And I mean every word.'

'I have little doubt of that" Ezio agreed. 'Tell me then, give me one good reason why I should not just take Connor with me by force.'

'He has... a condition" Luffy said hesitantly.

'Oh?' Ezio asked, interested.

'I can't really go into it" Luffy said. 'Connor doesn't like people knowing.'

'That's not very convincing, try again.'

'But...'

'If you don't, I will knock you out right here and now, and I guarantee that when you get back to the Galley La company, both Connor and I will be gone, and you will never see either of us again" Ezio said seriously. 'Last chance.'

Luffy didn't want to do this, but he could also tell that Ezio meant every word. He just hoped it would be enough.

'Connor... Connor's a slave" Luffy said hesitantly.

'Thought so" Ezio commented.

'Huh, you knew? How? Did Connor tell you?'

'Not in words, it's more of what he didn't say. And what he did only confirmed my suspicions" Ezio claimed. 'Would I be correct in assuming his parents are either dead or suffered the same fate?'

'His mum is dead, don't know about his dad though. Connor said he never met him" Ezio nodded. That was quite common for slave children. They were either the product of a one-night fling, and the non-slave parent discarded any offspring, leaving them to a life of slavery, or they were bred to be sold off once they aged out of the toddler years.

'How can you communicate without talking?' Luffy asked.

'Easily, but your admission of Connor's status is just one more reason for me to take him from you" Ezio warned.

'You can't. He's not a normal slave" Luffy blurted out.

'Explain.'

'He has... he has a slave mark that makes him suffer greatly. It hurts him and could even kill him if he doesn't obey us. If he's apart from us, I don't know what it will do to him"

Ezio blinked and stared at Luffy for a moment as he processed this information. 'I see... that is indeed troubling" Ezio said. 'I've never heard of a slave brand that does... wait... unless... no...'

'What?' Luffy asked.

'This is important, and do not lie to me" Ezio urged. 'Tell me exactly how he was given such a mark? Was it hot iron or steel?'

'It wasn't, it's from a Devil Fruit" Luffy explained. 'He can't leave me or the crew without us giving him up or being defeated, and he wants to be with us.'

'Merda" Ezio swore and began to think. 'You sure it's a Devil Fruit effect?'

'Yeah, Connor says it is, and it seems to react to seastone and water. Plus, we found a fruit in the Encyclopedia for Devil Fruits that matches exactly what Connor's brand does to him"

'Please tell me the name of the fruit isn't the Brand-Brand Fruit" Ezio pleaded.

'Um... it is" Luffy stated.

'Cazzo" Ezio swore violently. 'Quella fottuta madre, merda ha affrontato una puttana di maiali!'

'Uh...' Luffy said, unsure what Ezio was saying, but he had a pretty strong feeling the man was swearing his head off. 'Ezio... you okay?'

'Apologies for my outburst, I know of the fruit you speak of and the one who wields it" Ezio sighed and rubbed his head with his hand.

'Hold on, you know the user of that fruit?' Luffy asked in shock.

'Unfortunately, his name is Charles Lee, and before you ask, he is no friend or ally of mine. He is an especially dangerous enemy"

'Where is he? I'll kick his ass for what he did to Connor.'

'You would be wise to stay far away from that man" Ezio snapped back. 'He is not someone you can just approach.'

'But...'"

"If the Brand-Brand Fruit is involved, I suppose if I just run off with him, it would have negative effects on Connor," Ezio mused.

"I think it might... though I'm not entirely sure," Luffy agreed. "I don't know what will happen if you just take him without fulfilling the fruit's conditions,"

"And I assume you and your crew would not willingly part with him if I asked?" Ezio inquired.

"No," Luffy stated firmly.

"What if I said, 'Please'?" Ezio joked.

"The only way me and the others would part with Connor is if he wanted to go with you, and right now, I know he wants to stay with us," Luffy explained.

"I see... this certainly complicates matters... Very well, I will look into this matter," Ezio said.

"Really? You're going to help?" Luffy asked, surprised.

"Yes, and until Connor's condition is resolved, I will not make any attempt to remove him from your care," Ezio promised. "You have my word on that,"

"Really? Thanks,"

"However... should anything happen to you or if unforeseen events cause him to be separated from you, I will not hesitate to swoop in and take the boy," Ezio warned.

"If you did that, he'd be okay, right?" Luffy asked. "Connor... You won't hurt him or abuse him, will you?"

"Luffy, I am many things, but I am not a monster," Ezio assured him. "Connor would not be the first slave or child I have taken in with his gift, and I doubt he will be the last,"

"Wait... you've taken in other slaves?" Luffy asked. "And people with his sight?"

"Yes, a great number like him have come into my care over the past decade," Ezio claimed. "Slavery is wrong and a horrible practice, and I have helped each one. Though I have only met four other children with his gift,"

"But you would help him, right? Could you help him?"

"Connor would be a special case. But yes, I believe I can help him... though not the same way I helped the others," Ezio admitted.

"I don't understand,"

"Hmm... probably for the best," Ezio said. "The slaves I have helped have been... well, let's just say that compared to them, Connor is a lot further along. From what I've seen, Connor is high-functioning,"

"High-functioning?"

"It means he can think for himself somewhat. Most slaves I meet only live to please their masters and get confused and stressed when they are not given anything to do," Ezio explained. "Almost 100% are rendered mute or will only speak when ordered to,"

"Connor was like that when I found him," Luffy admitted. "He was quiet and scared. I just thought he didn't trust us,"

"How did you handle it?"

"I just acted normally. Zoro pretty much started to teach him how to defend himself as soon as I recruited him. Usopp told him outlandish stories, and once we got Sanji, he started having Connor help him in the kitchen. And now, Connor is learning how to cook, and Robin is teaching him to read and write," Luffy explained.

"That's good. As sad as it is, you can't just give a slave their freedom. They do not know what to do with it, and most do not survive it. However, giving them something to do, to focus on, helps them adjust," Ezio remarked. "Tell me, how did he come to want to learn basic skills? Surely he would not have openly stated he wanted to read?"

"He didn't. Robin offered him a book one day, and when he returned it, he told her he couldn't read or write. So she offered to teach him, and it took a bit, but he eventually accepted," Luffy shared. "This was after he started learning how to cook,"

"I am surprised fear did not stop him. It's common that slaves are ruled by fear. I've seen it in the ones I help. But if Connor was yours when this was offered, it is very surprising that he accepted without asking you first," Ezio remarked.

"I wouldn't have stopped him if he'd asked, and the rest of us knew what he and Robin were doing. We just kept quiet about it and pretended that we didn't know until Connor was ready to tell us," Luffy explained.

"Has he?"

"Yeah, he told us not long before we came here. But why would Connor's life be at risk?" Luffy asked. "Is it because of those other groups you mentioned?"

"That is part of it. I meant what I said. Connor's sight is powerful and will only become more potent as he grows. However, if he is not taught how to handle the power, it will have consequences," Ezio clarified.

"Like what?"

"It could kill him," Ezio revealed.

"What?"

"Connor's gift, if it grows too much too fast, it may kill him before too long. That is my true reason for wanting to take him. I wish to save his life," Ezio admitted.

Luffy was left speechless. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Connor's own gift could kill him. That made no sense. How could the power to see the world differently kill him?

"How?" Luffy demanded. "How could... how could his sight kill him?"

"Our gift is like any other skill or muscle. The more we use it, the stronger it becomes. However, like our bodies, there is a limit to how much it can grow. When Connor hits that limit, his sight will either remain as it is or it will evolve into something much more powerful," Ezio explained. "This evolution process cannot be stopped once it has started, and it is excruciatingly painful. Once that happens, there are only two possible outcomes. Either Connor's sight will evolve... or it will kill him,"

"No," Luffy said firmly.

"No?"

"No, Connor won't die. I won't let him die," Luffy declared. "There has to be a way to prevent that,"

"There is. Give the boy to me, and I can ensure his survival," Ezio proposed.

"Anything but that," Luffy responded.

Ezio let out a sigh.

"Well, there is a chance his sight will not reach that level. It's not uncommon for the gift to not evolve," Ezio supposed.

"That's a relief," Luffy exhaled.

"But on the chance that it does... hmm..," Ezio pondered. Could he really take that chance, leave Connor with the Straw Hats, and risk him being discovered by the Templars or the Government? What if the Yonko found out or the Warlords? There were too many dangers as it was, and then there was the added danger that Connor's sight could evolve.

"Captain Luffy, if you will not part with Connor, might I suggest a compromise?" Ezio asked. "You do not wish for Connor to leave your crew, correct?"

"Yeah, he stays with me," Luffy affirmed.

"At the same time, you do wish to save his life, and that cannot be done without my aid," Ezio claimed. "And I do not give out that aid easily,"

"So what are you suggesting?"

"You offered me a place on your crew. I am suggesting that I send one of my people to join you in my stead. They will train Connor in using his gift and protect him from those who would wish to abuse him. Surely you must realize his status as a slave puts him in an extremely vulnerable and highly exploitable position," Ezio reasoned.

"Well, yeah, but I can't really let people join me if they don't want to be a pirate," Luffy claimed.

"Worry not, they will be loyal and follow your lead. They will fight for you; however, their primary purpose will be to train and observe Connor's gift. Monitor its growth and ensure it does not get out of hand," Ezio explained.

"And if it does?"

"Then you will have a choice to make. Surrender Connor to his appointed teacher, and he will be brought to my home where I will give him the necessary treatment and can ensure he has the best chance of survival. Or you and your crew can watch helplessly as he suffers an excruciatingly painful death," Ezio claimed.

"What kind of choice is that? How could you even think that we would just do nothing to help him?" Luffy yelled angrily.

"That is something I should be asking you," Ezio responded calmly. "Because by rejecting this offer or by refusing to allow me to take care of him, that is what you will be doing,"

Luffy had no response for that; he just looked away.

"The evolution may not happen at all. If it does, it will occur in the middle or at the end of his teen years," Ezio continued. "Though it is not unheard of for it to happen before a person even reaches the teen years or much later in life... but those are incredibly rare instances,"

"I don't want anyone on my crew who will take Connor away from me in the end," Luffy huffed.

"All I am asking is that you meet with them. You can decide if you like them or not. If you choose not to allow them on your ship, then at least let them give Connor some mental exercises and your doctor some tips on symptoms and signs to watch out for should Connor's sight start to evolve," Ezio said.

"I guess that's okay," Luffy supposed.

"Very well, I will make arrangements tonight," Ezio said. "In the meantime, I will do my best to track down Charles Lee and any other survivors from his home. But it would help if I had a starting point,"

"What do you mean?"

"I would need some information from Connor," Ezio explained.

"I told you he doesn't like to talk about it," Luffy claimed.

"I know, but it would be nothing invasive, just the name of the island where he was born and if he has any surviving family that he knows of," Ezio said.

"Well, I don't think Connor knows that. He was 4 when he got the brand, and he said his whole island burned, and a good portion of his village was killed," Luffy claimed. "His mom was killed in the attack too, and he said he never met his dad,"

"I see... what about which sea his island was located in?" Ezio asked, his mind already committing the information Luffy was unwittingly giving out.

"He said it was in the South Blue," Luffy claimed. "But like I said, he didn't know much at the time,"

"South Blue, you say?" Ezio asked, surprised. "Truly?"

"Yeah, why is that important?"

"Ah, no, I was just a little surprised, that is all. And he is 13, correct?" Luffy nodded. "I see... thank you for that. I need to confirm something before I start my search. Despite how you may feel about me and my offer, I urge you to consider it. Should Connor's sight evolve, I give him three... four years at most,"

"Wait, he has that little time left?" Luffy asked in horror.

"To be honest, he might even have less. He is already in the age bracket for the evolution process, and it could happen at any time... especially if the early signs of evolution have already begun to show," Ezio claimed. "But I won't be able to judge that until the boy is properly evaluated... something which his teacher can do... should you choose to accept them, of course,"

Ezio then stood up. "Well, it's getting on, and I am getting rather cold. Shall we head back to Dock One?"

"Sure," Luffy said, though his voice lacked his usual enthusiasm.

Luffy and Ezio headed back to the Galley-La Company shipyard. Luffy was quiet the whole way there, thinking about what Ezio had told him. He didn't want to lose Connor, but he also did not want the boy to die. Ezio's compromise was fair, and if it meant that Connor had an increased chance to survive, he would take it. What worried Luffy was if Connor's power did evolve, he and his crew would likely never see him again. Though Ezio assured Luffy that he would not force Connor to join his organization and that it would be Connor's choice and his alone when the time came, Luffy was very wary. But Ezio didn't elaborate on what would be the alternative. One thing was for sure: Ezio would take Connor if his sight evolved.

Thankfully, from what Ezio had described, it sounded like Connor had a good three or four years before the first signs of evolution process would take place. That would give the boy plenty of time to remain with the crew and decide if he wanted to stay or not since he would be in his late teens by that stage. Luffy was also wary of whoever Ezio picked to join them. He didn't want someone who would be cruel or mean to Connor, as it could set him back, or someone who would try to isolate him from the rest of the Straw Hats to influence Connor's decision.

Luffy also wondered why Ezio didn't take up that role himself. He had the same gift, and it was already evolved. Luffy was curious how much stronger Ezio's sight was than Connor's, but Ezio refused to elaborate when asked. He did assure the rubber captain that once he organized a teacher for Connor, he would inform him and the crew, just so they had an idea of what to expect if Connor's sight did evolve.

When they got back to the Galley-La Company, Ezio had developed a slight sniffle. However, instead of going straight back to the residence, Ezio headed into the shipyard and found some workers packing up for the day. He asked them if he could borrow a Den-Den mushi, and the shipwrights were happy to let him into the office to make his calls. He was only in the office for ten minutes before he left. He thanked the Galley-La workers and then noticed a couple of them by the flagpole, looking very confused.

Ezio wandered over and found the source of the confusion: a small hole in the center of the flag. It was the size of a small bullet, and none of them could figure out where it had come from, as there had been no weapons testing, cannon fire, or even the sound of a gun since before Aqua Lagna. They were certain the hole was not on the flag when they had raised it that morning.

Ezio smiled. It looked like he owed Usopp 2000 beli.

Ezio wandered back to the residence, and once inside, he headed to the wardrobe and pulled out his Assassin robes. He then headed to the bathroom and fixed himself a hot bath. He was quite cold by this point, having stayed in his wet clothes for longer than necessary. He did ask Nami if she wanted to join him, but it earned him a kick from Sanji. He soaked in the tub for a good twenty minutes, and once he was done, he put on his Assassin robes. It was the only other clothing he had, and he also hung his wet shirt and pants out to dry. Hopefully, they would be dry by morning.

Dinner was its usual affair, but the crew noticed Luffy not stealing from the others' plates, and every so often, he would send wary glances towards Ezio, who was making light conversation with everyone else. The rest of the crew noticed, but Luffy assured them he was fine and just thinking things through. Zoro and Robin, however, noticed the wary glances. Robin didn't say anything, but Zoro did.

"Hey, what did you do to our captain?" Zoro demanded.

"Nothing," Ezio answered. "I bought him some Mizu Skewers, and we had a small talk,"

"Oh yeah, and what did you talk about?" Zoro challenged.

"Oh, this and that," Ezio deflected.

"I think you'd better tell me," Zoro threatened.

"Zoro, drop it," Luffy said and suddenly stood up. "Thanks for the food, Sanji. I'm done,"

He then walked away from the table and out the door, leaving an almost full plate of food behind. The whole table looked at him in shock and watched him go. Once he was gone, all eyes fell on Ezio.

"Oi, what the hell did you say to him?" Sanji demanded.

"I simply told him the truth," Ezio responded cryptically.

"The truth about what?" Connor asked.

"Ah... that will have to wait a bit," Ezio responded. "At least until your captain has made a decision,"

"What is that supposed to mean?" Nami yelled.

"Exactly what I said," Ezio responded with a shrug.

Zoro growled and headed out after Luffy. He found the captain just outside the residence, leaning against the wall, arms crossed, and looking up at the sky, deep in thought.

"You okay, Captain?" Zoro asked.

"Yeah, just processing," Luffy answered.

"Look, whatever Ezio said to you, don't take it too seriously," Zoro tried.

"Zoro," Luffy spoke seriously, "Ezio said that Connor's going to die,"

"Well yeah, we're all going to die eventually," Zoro responded.

"Not like that. He said Connor may not live to see adulthood," Luffy clarified.

Zoro stared at Luffy, realizing that the rubber captain wasn't joking.

"What?" Zoro asked in horror. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Luffy explained everything he and Ezio had talked about—how Connor's sight would evolve and how it could either grow stronger or kill him. Ezio had a treatment, but he wouldn't give it unless Connor agreed to go with him.

"So, our choices are to either give Connor up to a man we barely know or watch him die?" Zoro growled.

"Yeah. If I don't give him to Ezio, Connor may not live past the next few years," Luffy said. "He says he has a treatment that will help, but he's not willing to share it unless we give him Connor,"

"That's messed up," Zoro exclaimed, leaning against the wall next to Luffy. "What does the kid think of this?"

"I haven't told him," Luffy admitted.

Zoro looked down in sadness. He now understood Luffy's dilemma and wondered how the rubber captain would tell Connor any of this. Zoro doubted the kid would take it well.

"How long does the kid have?" Zoro asked.

"Three or four years at best, but Ezio said his sight could evolve at any time," Luffy said. "He says Connor will have an increased chance of survival if he trains it before that happens,"

"And none of us know how to train such an ability," Zoro concluded. "What about the treatment?"

"Not guaranteed to succeed," Luffy admitted.

"So, what are we going to do?" Zoro asked.

"Ezio offered a compromise. I take one of his people onto our crew to observe and train Connor in using his sight. Connor and whoever they are stay with us until his sight starts to evolve. Once that happens, Connor leaves with his teacher to be treated, but Ezio won't give him back," Luffy explained.

"Would he be safe?" Zoro asked.

"Ezio promises he will be," Luffy said.

"Do you believe that?"

Luffy didn't answer.

"Do you know who this teacher is?" Zoro asked.

"No, Ezio said he would arrange it," Luffy replied.

"So, you've already agreed to this then?"

"I agreed to meet the teacher, and I will make my decision once I've met them. However, I think this should be Connor's choice," Luffy said. "After all, his sight might not evolve, and if that's the case, then he won't have to go anywhere,"

"And he has the added bonus of being trained in how to use it," Zoro finished.

Luffy nodded.

Zoro took a deep breath, thinking over their options. He didn't like the idea of giving up one of their own, but he also didn't want to watch Connor suffer or die. And if there was a chance that his sight could evolve and he could learn to control it, that was something they couldn't offer him.

"I think we should at least let Connor know what's going on and give him a say in it," Zoro said finally. "It's his life, his future. He deserves to have a voice in this decision,"

Luffy nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you're right. But I think I'll meet this teacher first. Then I'll tell him and the crew together,"