The calm night was interrupted by a little uniformed group of people strolling along the shore arguing loudly and shushing each other. Among them stood out a huge brown-skinned man with big teeth carrying a polar bear on his shoulder in an obvious state of drunkenness. Behind him a couple of young men in distinctive hats were offending each other.
—I can slap your other cheek to make them look even and we'll say you're flushed by alcohol. —The boy in a monochrome cap with the word penguin written on it scoffed.
—YOU JUST WANT TO HIT ME! —A brown-haired young man wearing a killer whale shaped cap complained, gnashing his teeth.
—Oh, beautiful and fleeting memory of Mimi-chan you have earned… You're a champ! —He teased elbowing his partner who was red as a tomato.
—STOP IT ALREADY!
—Shhhhhh
—Abble vinegal, id alway wok —The bear pronounced with difficulty as his tongue refused to return to his muzzle.
—WHAT KIND OF HOME REMEDY IS THAT?! —Both shouted
—Shut up Bepo! You don't have an opinion since you're covered by fur, bruises don't need to be covered.
—Dorry.
—Quiet you three, if the captain finds out you're not on the Polar Tang, you'll be in big trouble. —The big man complained loudly.
—Sorry —Said the three of them in unison.
All Might saw in the distance the group of people in white uniforms, unknowing their origin he related it to a group of researchers remembering Keto-san comment about the travelers and their greater knowledge about the vast sea. The limited information left no choice but to approach them to start a conversation.
—You need to stop harassing the waitresses Sachi, it never ends well. —The pair of boys with curious hats kept arguing.
—At least not for Bepo. —Whispered the young man wearing the monochrome cap.
—The scend of alohol, cand desisd id.
—GOOD EVENING, NOBLE CITIZENS, EXCUSE THE INTERRUPTION.
The uniformed men looked indifferently at the proud blond in front of them.
—NOBLE CITIZENS... DID YOU HEAR THIS GUY? —Complained with a high tone the young man with the penguin cap seeing how the stranger in front of them reacted astonished.
—Oi Penguin don't talk so loudly... We are supposed to be stealthy. —Sachi said nervously with his finger on his lips, then turned to the stranger.
—What do you want? —He complained modulating his voice so that only those present could hear it.
—Is it bad timing? I just wanted to know if you're explorers. —Yagi softened his voice a little.
The big dark-haired man was observing without any emotion the situation that was unfolding, something was bothering him, so he looked away at the submarine just to see a silhouette standing above him, causing a few drops of sweat slide down his messy hair due to his nerves.
—Wait a second, I didn't recognize him without his shitty leotard, It's the idiot who destroyed the bar! —The brown-haired man pointed desperately at the blond, cracking his voice.
—You! You ruined my chances with Mimi-Chan!
—No... Sachi, you didn't have a chance. —Corrected his nakamas while waving his palm to the side in disapproval.
—Hey! What do you mean by that?...
—Yooooouuuuu! YOU! —Sachi was angry being hold tightly by Penguin so he wouldn't throw himself at the stranger.
—Sachi stop, this guy sent an entire crew flying with an indirect hit, he's dangerous!
—As for your answer, we are pirates… Not explorers. —Replied the huge dark-haired man, still expressionless.
The hero changed his look from uneasiness to displeasure, these men were part of the criminals that were at the bar, he wondered how dangerous this group could be? What kind of villains were they?
He proceeded to analyze the situation before acting just as his friend David always reminded him. Nearby he could distinguish the silhouette on the submarine with an individual standing on top of it.
From the 4 people present, the one who seemed most intimidating had his hands full, and the behavior of the 2 small ones showed him that they were aware they could not win a battle against him, so they would not seek it. But he did not know if they possessed the power of a devil fruit.
His thoughts were interrupted by the comments of the animated group in front of him bragging about themselves.
—That's right, the fearsome Heart Pirates. —They celebrated by striking poses.
_They have a cute name and an adorable pet_ A drop due to the awkwardness ran through his hair watching the scene.
—We are heartbreakers, —Sachi said proudly.
_Definitely stalkers, but they don't look like a threat_
—Dhe ondy bdroken heart is youds Dachi.
_THE BEAR CAN SPEAK!_ Each time the situation became more bizarre, the hero only thought it was better to retreat.
—What did you say? You idiot —The pirates continued arguing, ignoring the blond in front of them.
—Im dorry. —He answered with the little energy he had left.
—Guys, wan we go back do dhe cabtain? I'm not feewing vewy well.
—You know you shouldn't drink; your metabolism can't handle the mix of liquors.
—You had it coming for stealing our booze.
A depressive aura surrounded Bepo.
—Stop mistreating the bear.
—Maybe, we wouldn't have so much booze if SOMEONE didn't keep ordering drinks trying to woo the waitress.
—I'm sorry for stealing your time. —Interrupted All Might with his palms in front of him and a droplet running down the back of his neck as the discussion was going nowhere, this group of pirates just looked like rude travelers, not like the ones he ran into at the bar.
Before he could even turn to leave, a blue film surrounded them followed by a firm and irritated voice coming from a young man with a tall and slender figure who suddenly appeared behind the group of ruffians.
—Could you care explain to me... Why you all decided to disobey the ONLY order I gave you?
A frightening sensation ran from the soles of their feet to the last hair on the uniformed men's heads, the seconds felt like minutes until Jean Bart with a worried expression broke the silence.
—Captain, I went out to look for them when I realized they weren't on the submarine.
—Cadtain! I'm dot feewing well, am I wonna die?
The young man's piercing gray eyes only watched the scene with disappointment letting out a sigh in annoyance.
—Bepo, you crossed liquors again, didn't you? I have strictly told you not to do so. —He reprimanded with a calm voice.
The Bear glared with his teary eyes directly to his captain causing him to change his temper.
—STOP ACTING CUTE! YOU'RE STILL IN TROUBLE! —He reacted in annoyance.
—Damn, Bepo's evasive tactics didn't work this time. —Sachi and Penguin commented worriedly.
All Might observed how the subordinates reacted to the somber attitude of their captain… The scene where a comrade was murdered in cold blood for not obeying orders sprouted in his mind, refusing to repeat that situation he decided to intervene without using violence.
—CAPTAIN OF THE HEART PIRATES, IT WAS NOT MY INTENTION TO CAUSE YOU INCONVENIENCE… YOU SEE, I AM NOT FROM HERE AND YOUR COMPANIONS WERE JUST HELPING ME WITH SOME QUESTIONS I HAVE ABOUT THE SURROUNDINGS. —The young pirates kept silent. One of them recalled the scene that started the scuffle before they retreated, an old man standing on a table proudly shouting _If a Quirk brought you to this world... The power of a devil fruit can bring you back! This sea is vast and full of mysteries! To find your answer you must only explore it!_
—That's why he was asking if we are explorers. —Whispered Penguin as he was observed by his nakamas who still didn't understand what he meant.
—And you are? —The gray-eyed young man looked at him with disdain.
—TOSHINORI YAGI. —The blond introduced himself while maintaining his proud pose.
The captain was not satisfied with the answer, he could feel that he was no ordinary man, he didn't need to see his physical appearance to understand the strength that this stranger possessed... It was not his nakamas who woke him up, but the presence of the stranger, his haki did not allow him to pass unnoticed, he knew that this man was not to be taken lightly, Law was alert and so was him.
—YES! YES! Captain, our friend Yaaagi, defeated Captain Brendam and his crew with one single blow! And we were wondering if he wanted to help us on tomorrow's race in exchange for ... for... —The boys tried to broke the tension between their captain and the stranger.
—You're insinuating... That we're not strong enough to win? —He paused at that statement.
—You all are making decisions that are not your business behind my back.
The two boys were so nervous that they were speechless.
—Young men you are making things worse, just shut up. —Thought the blond, gritting his teeth, expecting the worst.
—Captain, we have the ability and the equipment to come at first place as you want, but whatever the outcome at the end of the race, may be a little more problematic for everyone. —Jean Bart tried to calm the discussion without elaborating further.
The brunet sighed exhausted of the situation and turned to stare at Toshinori, he felt him attentive, but without initiative to fight. Unexpectedly for those present the captain relaxed his body and passed his nodachi to Jean Bart conveying the message that he was not looking for a fight.
—I don't understand why you defend them, and none of you knows how to lie... —He indirectly turned to the 2 boys who were petrified to hear him, although their captain is not violent with his crew, he still tends to be very intimidating.
—You don't gain anything by covering for them... What is certain, is that you can be of use to us. —He confessed with a sinister grin.
—What are you looking for?
The captain had a completely different aura than his subordinates, even the big gummed one who looked scary seemed to be more sympathetic. Toshinori didn't want to show his concern, his instincts warned him that this person was dangerous even if he didn't present a murderous aura.
He was confused, but then remembered Keto's words. _The ones who know the seas better are the pirates, even more than the marines themselves. _ His hands were shaking due to the helplessness he felt for not knowing who to turn to, and he didn't want to help these people.
—IT DOESN'T MATTER, I REFUSE TO HELP YOU. —He said firmly without looking away.
—Weren't you looking for an answer? —Asked Penguin curiously remembering that even though they were rude, he did not hesitate to help them to avoid conflict with their captain. Sachi reacted to that comment by turning to the stranger with uncertainty.
The captain sensed the genuine interest of his nakamas on helping the outsider.
—You're still in trouble, give Bepo the usual, take the pills from the red bottle to avoid the hangover and go get some rest... When all this is over, I will see how to punish all of you. —He finished his reprimand by raising his hand creating with it a blue sphere that surrounded them, disappearing his subordinates.
The tattooed young man was alone in front of the blond, both unarmed, even so the pirate felt at a disadvantage, however he trusted the judgment of his nakamas.
—Toshinori-Ya, my nakamas don't usually show interest in helping others, I will respect their will and listen to whatever you have to say.
The day has been a roller coaster of emotions, the marine who helped him was applauding violence, for contempt someone got beheaded, and now he was being offered help from a group of pirates? So many things in his head clouded his thoughts, he did not know what would be the right decision, time was running out and no one knows when or if it will be possible to return back to his world. Perhaps he needed to clear his mind and take a precise path… or risk taking this opportunity that was presented to him _Pirates are the ones who know the seas better_.
The blond's face darkened, he looked conflicted, he clenched his fists and let out his thoughts.
—All this... it's so unreal, I doubt anyone can help me. —He softened his voice a little for the first time in front of the young man with the fuzzy hat.
—If that's all, then I'm off... —Said the captain a little disappointed at his answer waving his hand in front of him, similar to when he transported his comrades.
—I'M NOT FROM HERE! This world... Dimension... I don't understand what's going on... A weird power brought me to this place and I don't know if there is any devil fruit that can bring me back, —Confessed the hero overwhelmed, it wouldn't cause any harm to mention that information, rather than being a reason for mockery.
—You're right, I don't know the answer... —A smile of interest appeared on the captain's face, not doubting his words.
Toshinori looked crestfallen, but not surprised at the pirate answer.
—But I know someone who might be able to help you, of course that information has its price. —He expressed arrogantly with his hands in his pockets.
The blond swallowed saliva and became annoyed, of course he would want something in return, and what assured him that what he says was true.
—I WOULD NEVER HELP VILLIANS COMMIT CRIMINAL OFFENSES! —The pirate played down the blond's retort.
—Before the sun rises in Kuren Harbor, if you change your mind, we'll be there, Toshinori-ya. —The young man disappeared in a flick of his fingers.
POLAR TANG
Bepo staggered out to vomit, the motion of the sea and the alcohol did not play a good combination.
—I don't feel well guys, I think I need some fresh air.
—You should really think about NOT consuming everything that comes to the table.
—No, you really should stop calling the waitresses every three seconds.
—That wouldn't happen if someone paid more attention to me. —Sachi crossed his arms and turned his back at him.
—What are you insinuating, you idiot?
—I just didn't want to take the blame, okay?
—Since Sid came in, you've been away from us. —Bepo added, throwing up on the stern of the Polar Tang with his eyes watering.
—Sid is the new guy! I must give him instructions all time!
—Bro, we can do it together, he's monopolizing your time. —Complained Sachi drunkenly victimizing himself by hiding the tears in his eyes with his arm.
—I see you finally talk it out. —Commented Jean Bart who had returned with the meds.
—But at what cost? —Said Sachi seeing in the distance his captain talking to the one who caused the destruction of the bar.
—Oi Penguin, are you really interested in helping that lump of flesh? —Penguin was thoughtful at the accusation.
—He really just wanted help, and we treated him like shit... When we told him we were pirates his expression changed.
—And how's that surprising? What idiot would ask a pirate for help?
—He looked disappointed. —Bepo commented.
—Annoyed, —Corrected Jean Bart.
—And he didn't hesitate for a second to cover for us... —Interrupted Penguin.
—Why?
What happened at the bar... Maybe he thought our captain was a son of a bitch like that Brendam. —The three were silent thinking about Penguin's words.
— It reminds me of when I was lost and the captain adopted me without hesita...—Bepo's words were interrupted by the arrival of the captain, causing a sudden awkward silence.
—I think I told you to get some rest. —Law scolded with a cold glare that froze the blood of his subordinates.
The captain's still upset.
—Bepo Do you have the route ready? Theo Timoria will hit approximately in six hours, we have to be ready to set sail in five more hours.
—AYE Captain!
The gray-eyed man leaned against the rail of his ship, crossing his arms and letting out an exhausted sigh.
—How talented you three are at finding trouble. —Sachi, Penguin and Bepo reacted confused at his words.
—Captain, can I be relieved? I find no need to babysit these guys anymore. —Jean Bart complained tired of taking care of his rebel comrades.
Toshinori was standing looking at nothing on that desolate beach, he did not know how to react to what just happened, it was not the sudden disappearance of the pirate that disturbed him, but the invitation that had been proposed. He remained engrossed for a few moments being accompanied only by the cool sea breeze before coming to the conclusion to ask the former marine what he thought about what had happened.
He arrived at that house hidden in the jungle at the edge of the beach, the light was still on as he had left it, he tried not to make noise, so as not to scare the kind old man, but what disturbed the hero was the scene he found when he entered.
The room was in shambles, the chaos ran all the way to the kitchen where a smell of molten metal can be scent. The corner that caught his attention before now matched the rest of the room, dented medals were scattered everywhere with traces of blood on them, the rest were in shreds.
A shiver went through his body as he imagined the worst: _This mess was caused by Brendam's pirates rage_
He cautiously hastened to look for his host in the room on the second floor, at worst case scenario the villains would still be with him.
All Might notice the door was open, but as a precaution he waited outside trying to observe the details on the inside. Near the wall he could glimpse some empty wine bottles on a table, managing to focus his sight on them being able to distinguish the reflection of the surroundings.
In the depths of the room, with only a candle illuminating the surroundings, Keto could be noticed with his hands intertwined dripping liquid, no matter how hard he searched among the reflections he could not find more people, authorizing himself under these circumstances to enter with the old man.
Now he could see it clearly, Keto was sitting alone in a corner with only the light of a candle illuminating his sad face covered with tears that slid down his red cheeks and drip on his bloody hands.
—KETO SAN! WHAT HAPPENED? —The hero tore off a piece of the shirt that the old man had lent him _I need to stop the bleeding_.
—I couldn't stop until I destroyed everything… Everything that reminds me of my days in the navy, I couldn't stop rampaging... —He covered his gaze with his disfigured hands.
—I NEED TO TAKE YOU TO A HOSPITAL.
—Leave me here, I won't die from this, life is not that fair, it's just a few scratches. —He said as All Might saw Keto's knuckles completely shattered, they needed reconstruction.
Toshinori shook his head standing up to lift the old man against his will, Keto struggled before being lifted up, wrapping his arm in armor haki propitiating a blow to the blond's chest with all his strength.
The impact was strong enough to suffocate him, but even so the hero did not back down, he still stood proudly in the same place denying the will of the former marine.
Keto saw the blond's determination; his gaze reflected his concern and he couldn't help but break down.
—In the navy there are no heroes Toshinori... We cannot refuse orders from our superiors...I was part of the Ohara incident...that Buster Call... I've lived with that moment all my life... How many innocent families had to die? Ten warships and we are not allowed to help, we are commanded to destroy!
—IS THAT JUSTICE? —Keto shouted taking with his destroyed hands the necklace of the blond's shirt.
All Might didn't understand some of the words, but he understood what he wanted to transmit? The punishment that his past provoked him. Pirates and marines are not so different.
—DON'T LET THE PAST DEFINE YOUR PRESENT, YOU MADE THE DECISION NOT TO GO BACK TO THEM. BE WHO YOU WANT TO BE NOW, DON'T RELIVE THE PERSON YOU WERE IN YOUR PAST. DO SOMETHING YOU ARE PROUD OF.
—Easier said than done...
—YOU CAN ALWAYS START BY TRYING. —Now that he had calmed down, Yagi managed to get it up.
—NOW, SHALL I TAKE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL? —Keto calmy nodded to Yagi's request
On the way to the hospital, Toshinori told him about his encounter with the group of pirates and the uncertainty of what decision to make.
—Young Yagi, this is a city for pirates, you can only leave either on a pirate or merchant ship which of course also carry criminals on board... Who did you say was the one who offered you help?
—I DIDN'T… IT WAS THE CAPTAIN OF THE PIRATES HEART
—WHAT?! THE SURGEON OF DEATH?! —His reaction caused him to spit on the blond's face.
—THAT'S DEFINITELY A NAME THAT DOESN'T INSPIRE TRUST. —He snorted, convinced of his decision not to travel with them.
—I've read in newspapers about him, he's not someone who messes with citizens, he usually goes straight to other pirates or marines, not like Kidd or Capone who are sadistic with whoever gets in front of them.
—ARE THERE GOOD AND BAD PIRATES?
—Pirates are pirates, they have a bounty on their heads for a reason, otherwise they would be explorers... but not for long.
—WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT?
—More dangerous than those infamous pirates, are the secrets hidden in this world and the merciless waters of the Grand Line. —His words left Yagi speechless, they both remained thoughtful for a moment, generating a few minutes of silence.
—Trafalgar Law, surgeon of death... from what I have heard, is a person who does not only act on a whim... he plans... investigates... I doubt he's just talking the talk. I gotta say that he may have the contact you need... But be careful... He has a bounty of three hundred million Berries and I belive his fruit is quite problematic.
PARS MAIN HOSPITAL
Keto was resting on a stretcher with his fingers splinted watching the night through the window. in a couple of hours the sun will rise and the blond needed to make his decision.
—I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. —Said the hero looking at the floor in defeat resting his elbows on his thighs.
—What you need to do is calm your volume young man, you are in a hospital... What did he ask for in return?
—It seems to be help at a race or something that will happen later. —The blond managed to modulate his voice.
—Hmmm... You're a hero, aren't you? This race is for and from pirates, they are going to destroy each other either way and as I was mentioning, he focuses on pirates... Even in his side you can help people by killing a few.
—I DON'T PLAN ON TAKING LIVES, NO MATTER HOW OBNOXIOUS THEY ARE.
—You don't have to kill them, just sinking their ship will be enough, the rest will depend on them. Every sailor goes to sea with his life at stake.
The old man looked at the starry night and sighed.
—It won't be long before dawn. You said Trafalgar's subordinates wanted to help you, didn't you? You can use that opportunity to get information directly from them.
—Take advantage of that opportunity… In the end, they will anchor in another island, if y'all get out alive HABABABABA.
His lips drew a smile as he saw the old man's sarcastic mood slowly return… At the end, he ended thinking about the proposal once more.
The cool breeze was blowing through the streets of Pars, and the crowds on the streets, rooftops and balconies were anxiously awaiting the departure of the ships. The moon was still at its peak, there was still no trace of sunlight, but that did not stop them from preparing for the big event.
It was difficult to move through the streets that had water presence, from the shore of the beach to the veins that connected with the main stream of the reverse river were surrounded by public, only leaving free space at the top of the mountain shaped as a crescent moon.
All Might jumped from roof to roof avoiding the crowd, looking at distance his destination.
The flames of the streetlights were about to be extinguished; with the little light emitted by the luminaries he distinguished a symbol similar to the uniforms of those boys. The red Jolly Roger waved on a black sail over a yellow submarine, remembering what Keto said during the stay in the hospital.
_A flag can say a lot about its crew, from its message to its color. Black flags means that this is a pirate ship, plus a red one, means they will show no mercy_. All Might swallowed saliva nervously as he knew, he was about to enter the jaws of the lion.
Sundancer here:
The previous chapter was a transition one in case it felt a little boring but it was necessary for the plot u.u
