Two is Company
Luffy, in an act of desperation, manages to save Nami from being separated on Sabaody; and now joins him on Amazon Lily and beyond. Impel Down, Marineford; none are ready for this company of two.
This story is a Redux of the work Search the Wind by Shadowonthewall6. Link can be found in the post-script.
Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece. I may own Dragon Ball though. I'll consult my lawyers about it.
Chapter Seven: The Mark On A Back-Story
"We're sorry, Big Sister!"
"Not only did we lose, but we were also saved by the enemy. We… have shamed you."
Hancock merely remained silent as her sisters peppered her with apologies, all of which were drowned out by the storm raging in the recesses of her mind. The outcome of this affair had opened the abyss beneath her feet, and she and her family had come so close to the absolute worst-case scenario. To be spared by this… man. Nothing damaged her pride more.
And yet, she couldn't tear her eyes away from him as he gently inspected the statues, poking them with interest. Something in Hancock's stomach twisted and churned as the man turned his attentive eyes to his orange-haired companion.
"She's okay!" Luffy's happy tone filled the arena, and Nami smiled brightly back in response. However, it didn't take long for the pirate captain to notice he was being watched; he slightly turned toward Hancock and caught her hawk-like gaze from the corner of his eye, but it was evident that his focus was on the Pirate Empress. "What? You wanna fight next?"
His scoff forced Nami's jaw to drop as the navigator noticed how Hancock's eye twitched before her face morphed into a scowl of open hostility. The orange-haired pirate's rebuke came out in brief panic, not particularly keen on engaging a Warlord in fisticuffs. "Idiot! Don't go picking fights with more people!"
Luffy frowned, tilting his head at her and not sparing a second thought to the Snake Princess' odd stare before a shout emerged from his lips. "Huh?! Weren't you trying to pick a fight with her like, five minutes ago?"
An argument began to break out between the two, but the clearing of Hancock's throat marked the end of the exchange. "That… is enough."
Both Straw Hat Pirates rounded on Hancock in perfect unison, a sight that annoyed her more than it unnerved her. Her glare matched the feeling, yet she couldn't help but be truthful to the two foreigners despite everything. "I have no intention of fighting the two of you."
Her bitter tone was clear as day and matched her mixed feelings of relief and anger. How could she be both indebted to and hate the two before her? Hancock could barely decipher those feelings, let alone the ones that surfaced when a smile appeared on Luffy's lips.
"Then, you're gonna fix them right?" The Warlord felt her brain twist and turn at the words, her eyes widening in disbelief, matched by the gasps from both Sandersonia and Marigold.
To command her, of all people?
"What… did you say?" Hancock's murmur did not do her anger credit, as it was slowly turning from a stifled flame into a raging inferno once again.
"Luffy… I wouldn't do that." Nami advised, yet the navigator didn't really properly attempt to dissuade her captain. After all, their options were rather limited in getting Margaret and Kikyou turned back to normal, and Luffy's direct approach was one of the few ideas that came to mind. Still, she didn't particularly trust Hancock. She would trust Franky to one day try trousers more than she did the Snake Princess.
Luffy, sensing her subtle agreement, pressed on. "They were only trying to help us! Please, turn them back to normal!" Hancock clenched her fist, feeling her Haki rise in waves, calling for her to crush the peons beneath her. How dare he attempt to control her, after he had saved Sandersonia from the abyss? Men… they were all the same. They all demanded the same control over her.
She would have to wrench such control from him by force.
A small smile crossed her lips. Yes, that was what she would do. That was how she would get the man to reveal his true nature.
"I do have the means to turn the two back to their old selves." Hancock could have laughed at the way her two prisoners' faces lit up. Yes, she would show them. "However, you said that there was a place you wanted to sail to, did you not?"
The man's smile widened, yet Hancock saw the girl's face fall instantly. Oh, Hancock could bask in the feeling for days—watching the moment the pirate's hope turned to despair. The man, idiot that he was, seemed to miss the growing implication. "Yeah! Our friends are scattered and we need to regroup!"
His gestures and hopeful tone to his quiet companion allowed Hancock's grin to widen to an almost sickeningly large size.
"Is that so?" Her voice was smooth, calculated, and in control. "I'm afraid that I will only do one of those things you have asked of me." The gasp that escaped the man's lips almost sent pleasured shivers up Hancock's spine.
"Do you choose to have these two statues returned to normal, or do you choose to leave this island in peace? Select one of these goals, and abandon the other."
"Can't we make a deal or something?" The orange-haired tramp's words infuriated Hancock. While her tone didn't seem desperate—in fact, Hancock would assess that the woman had already made up her mind—it was still impudent. This lesser girl, this stray cat who twisted her insides like no other woman had ever done; how dare she believe she was capable of negotiating with the leader of the Kuja.
Hancock would put her in her place.
"I believe I asked the man for his choice, not you for yours."
The snapping noise of the orange-haired woman's mouth shutting in response to Hancock's glare sent shivers down the Warlord's spine. Her heart rate finally steadied. Control, she was in control once more.
And yet, it seemed the woman was waiting for the man to make a decision regardless. Perhaps she had interjected out of stupidity? Or absentmindedness? Hancock was quite sure the woman had nothing between her two ea-
"Really?! Thanks! Then, you're gonna save them right?" The man's happy yell ripped Hancock from her internal reverie, eliciting a gasp as she watched his forehead hit the floor in a bow. The navigator followed with a similar bow after being prompted by the man, relieved but not surprised by the Straw Hat captain's decision. "Thank you so much!"
What… that wasn't…
He…
The two pirates prattled to one another about his manners, and all Hancock could do was stare, biting her lip so hard it could draw blood. Everything she knew and held true had been shattered in a single day—the very principles that had ruled her life since escaping from…
No, this wasn't possible.
Who the hell was this man?
"Who would have thought that a man could actually defeat the Snake Sisters?"
"To think our island has been shamed. Defeat at the hands of a man…"
The chatter amongst the Kuja women was rising in volume, loud enough to reach Aphelandra's ears and make her wince. She and Sweet Pea, after the ordeal at the arena, had been subdued into silence. Perhaps in grief, perhaps in contemplation, or perhaps a combination of both, with an element of shock mixed in.
"Don't blame the Snake Sisters. The man… he must have cheated. Used some kind of trick with that witch of his!"
"You think so? What I saw was a defeat of two of our strongest warriors, at the hands of two strangers no less. The Island of Women… fat lot of good that did us…"
"How dare you! This is a proud nation, a strong nation!"
They had allowed Kikyou to sacrifice herself on their behalf. Or rather, they had allowed Kikyou to stand alone with Margaret to face the judgement of their Snake Princess. Aphelandra couldn't help but wonder if, in another life, she would have been braver. That she could have stood up for her friend and what they believed in. But Kikyou had compelled her into submission, the greater warrior that she was, and all she could do was watch and cry.
"A proud nation who just lost. Think about that. Two of the fiercest we have to offer, veterans of the New World, brought to heel by a boy and a spy. Our island means nothing now…"
"Nothing? Think of the Snake Princess, you tart! How dare you disrespect her that way."
It was… pathetic. The shame she felt was deserved, Aphelandra knew. Sweet Pea likely felt the same, given her downcast expression as she focused on a rather fascinating patch of dirt on the floor.
"I am thinking of the Snake Princess! That disgusting man beat her sisters right in front of her, our Empress! The shame that has been brou-"
They were pathetic. Aphelandra bit her bottom lip, fists tightening in anger as she listened to the prattle of her compatriots. Why were they focusing on something as stupid as pride? Margaret and Kikyou had nearly died. If not for the man, they would have experienced execution alongside their eternal damnation. In fact, it seemed the Snake Sisters were the bad guys here, attacking her friends who couldn't fight back. Since when…
Since when had the Kuja lost all their honour?!
"Aphelandra, Sweet Pea, you both seem troubled." The calm yet eloquent voice that cut in made the two women jump. Turning while trying to stabilise their breaths, they gazed down at Belladonna, who maintained a calm and comforting exterior. Little did they know of the storm that raged in the Witch Doctor's heart.
It was anger—not at herself, not at the man, not at Nami; no, it was something far more treasonous.
For Belladonna battled a deep-seated anger towards her Snake Princess. She did not suffer an existential crisis like the two warriors she had just addressed—no, Belladonna was too wise for that. The practice of medicine allowed for no errors of that kind; after all, if a doctor faltered, then the eternal battle against sickness and mortality would be lost.
It was with this calculated and pragmatic gaze that Belladonna saw the truth. After all, while Nami and the man (whom Belladonna could now correctly identify as Luffy) had been invaders of their island, they seemed mostly harmless. They only defended themselves when attacked, helped others in need, and held no ill will towards the people of Amazon Lily. Yet when Kikyou and Margaret spoke on their behalf and stood brave, it was the Snake Princess who punished their bravery?
Strength was respect. Strength was beauty. The Kuja Pirates were their greatest; this was true. And yet, was it not the City Defenders who ardently defended their borders? While the Kuja Pirates brought honour to their island, was it not Margaret and Kikyou who dedicated everything to making sure the Snake Princess had a home to return to? And this was how they were repaid?
Belladonna thought back to last year, to the Defectors Incident. A group of women from Amazon Lily rebelled against the Snake Princess after making a trip beyond the borders. Radicalised, they had been called. Brains filled with foreign ideas as they set up an outpost in protest on Rusukaina. They had been crushed, and it had been celebrated; after all, those who defied the Snake Princess deserved death, did they not?
And so it was that Belladonna found herself thinking a traitorous thought. One that she would suppress, at least for now.
What if they had been right?
Thankfully, before she could delve further into her thoughts, Sweet Pea's response snapped her from her reverie.
"The saga of 'we are fine.'" However, it was evident from her tone that she was not fine. Aphelandra's silence indicated the same. Their concern for their fellow City Defenders was palpable.
"Perhaps the Snake Princess will let Margaret and Kikyou go free?" Belladonna didn't know why she said it. Perhaps it was some half-baked attempt at bargaining with the universe, or perhaps a sweet lie to delude them into thinking everything would be okay despite knowing otherwise. Or perhaps, if she said it with enough conviction, it would become true?
Daisy, however, with her noticeable laugh and vacant stare, decided to interject. "Shows what you know!" The orange-haired Kuja Pirate flicked her hair to the side, laughing once again. "The Snake Princess will never forgive the insolence and treachery those two cowards displayed."
Belladonna felt a snake coil around her heart, hissing in indignation as she opened her mouth to speak, only for another voice to cut her off. "SHUT UP!"
Everyone stared in utter shock at the usually meek Aphelandra, who glared down at Daisy with such vehemence she looked ready to draw her weapon. The shock was enough to make the offending Kuja Pirate step back, with Ran stepping in front of her in a pragmatic attempt to de-escalate.
"Unfortunately, I believe Daisy is correct. The Snake Princess is fair, but also ruthless."
The two City Defenders groaned quietly and painfully, hanging their heads in the realisation that they would never see Kikyou and Margaret again.
Belladonna, however, could once again only stare at Ran. Fair? How was executing those loyal to you fair? It seemed to her that the Snake Princess had done nothing bu—
The loud creak that echoed through the area snapped the Witch Doctor out of her dangerous line of thinking, and everyone turned their heads toward the source of the interruption.
Hearts shuddered, eyes filled with tears, and gasps could be heard amidst the shocked silence For within the doorway stood a stunned yet alive duo, with colour in their cheeks and not a hint of stone in sight. Margaret and Kikyou still seemed somewhat dazed, likely a side effect of the petrification process. Still, the same couldn't be said for everyone else.
"MARGERET! KIKYOU!" Everyone called their names, but Aphelandra and Sweet Pea's wails towered over the rest, the two women in tears as they practically leapt toward their friends. The crowd followed, unable to catch up to the two women as they swept the former statues into their arms.
Their babbles and apologies were met with delighted laughter from Margaret and an annoyed protest from Kikyou (which seemed to hint at a blooming smile). The City Defenders reunited once more. Belladonna herself was stunned with relief at seeing the two alive, yet remained on the fringe of the crowd. She would express her happiness later; for now, she would let the two regain their bearings.
It didn't take long for Sweet Pea and Aphelandra to settle once Margaret consoled them, though the latter still clung to Kikyou as if she might disappear at any moment. The crowd, however, soon grew impatient.
"What's going on?!"
"How are you two alive?"
"You two really worried us after you suddenly protected that man out of nowhere!"
Margaret frowned in confusion. "Statues?" Kikyou remained silent, her memories returning to her like a distant breeze— not fully apparent, but present enough that she could make out what they were referring to. After all, she had been expecting it. Though, she was still somewhat stunned by the interaction that had taken place in the arena a few moments ago.
"You two… don't remember?" Nerine asked, unable to interpret Kikyou's internal realisation, and Margaret shook her head in response.
"No, when we came to our senses, the first thing we saw was Luffy and Nami smiling at us." Margaret hadn't even realised she had called the Straw Hat Captain by his name, instead recalling what had happened since she woke up.
"Man, what a relief, huh?" A loud voice shouted with joy right next to her ear, making Margaret flinch—and from the sound of it, someone else beside her as well.
"Luffy! Give them some space." another voice called, familiar to Margaret. Her vision gradually cleared as she gazed at the two intruders in front of her, both with large smiles as the man took a few steps back.
"It seems you two are back to normal." Nami continued, and Margaret was almost taken aback by the relief and warmth in her tone, the orange-haired woman beaming at something just beside Margaret.
The blonde-haired woman turned her head to see none other than Kikyou, who, for perhaps the first time, seemed gobsmacked, given the way her jaw slightly hung open. Margaret had never seen her express herself like that. Before she could even greet her friend, it was Luffy who grabbed her attention once again.
"I was afraid you two might have died!" His announcement came as he wiped sweat from his brow, and Margaret took that moment to look around the arena, noting the empty seats. Hadn't there been something going on? "It's good to see you two alive!"
As Luffy chattered away, beaming brightly at her, Margaret watched as the orange-haired girl lunged toward Kikyou. Both women were too dazed to react, but they still registered it as a threat, tensing in worry.
Shock overtook them once again as Nami wrapped her arms around Kikyou's neck, nearly strangling her in an embrace. Kikyou, understandably, was gobsmacked; her arms lax at her sides as she couldn't even comprehend what was happening.
"Kikyou… thank you." Nami's voice wavered, and Margaret might have blamed her mental state for what she thought was the sight and sound of tears in Nami's eyes. "I was so worried about you! I'm glad you're alive!"
The orange-haired woman seemed to regain her composure, taking a step back to bashfully clear her throat. Both Kikyou and Margaret stared at her in confusion and perhaps a bit of awe, as Luffy fondly chuckled at the exchange before turning to look at a retreating white cape accompanied by the sound of clicking heels.
"Hey you, thanks!" His call snapped Margaret and Kikyou from their stunned silence as they watched the retreating figure seemingly shudder at the gratitude displayed, or perhaps it was the man's attitude toward their Snake Princess that had caused suc—
The Snake Princess?!
Margaret and Kikyou both fell to their knees in a low bow, and given the way their ruler had stopped, it seemed they had vocalised her title aloud. Margaret stuttered, unsure of what to say, while Kikyou remained silent in utter respect. Hancock, thankfully, took the initiative, sparing them from their embarrassment as she gazed at the two from the corner of her eye.
"Please… continue to protect our island and its people." Her voice was soft and angelic before she continued to her throne. Marigold and Sandersonia both smiled at the two City Defenders before turning to face their sister…
"And that's what happened," Margaret finished with a simple shrug, Nerine nodding along with a happy smile.
"Thank god!" Her exclamation was met with murmurs of agreement from the crowd.
"It seems the petrification procedure caused some amnesia, if that's all you two remember. I can fill in the blanks later, if you want?" Aphelandra timidly cut in, evidently still shaken by the emotional roller coaster she'd been on.
"Margaret!" The voice came from someone at the back of the crowd, as if they were heckling a prestigious event. "What about the man? What happened to him?"
The crowd now seemed interested, leaning in toward the source of their previous discussion.
"Yes, Rindo has a point! Did the Snake Princess turn him and his witch into stone for their insolence?" The group seemed eager for an answer, despite the fact that by all their rules and rites, the two pirates were technically innocent under the law of execution. Perhaps a certain black-haired woman at the fringe of the crowd picked up on that thought.
Regardless, before Margaret could answer, the silent Kikyou finally graced the crowd with her words.
"No, she did not. The Snake Princess invited Nami and the man into the palace."
Pure and utter silence followed, but it didn't last long.
"WWWHHHAAATTT?!"
There had been many awkward meetings throughout history: Mamudin, the great Hero of Oltea, meeting his wife on the battlefield after long suspecting her dead; or, as Vivi had once told her, when Kahira, the conqueror of Alabasta, met the aphrodisiac-obsessed "King of the Desert." Countless moments in the world's timeline would cause one to cringe upon learning of them.
Nami was sure that if their crew made it into the history books (which they would, after all, Luffy was going to be the Pirate King), this meeting would rank up there. Nami sat cross-legged on the floor next to her captain, who beamed while rocking on his behind to let out some energy, sitting next to the two giant Snake Sisters who had only tried to execute them moments ago. The four sat in silence, though it was most definitely an awkward one, but Nami doubted Luffy saw it that way. He was likely thinking about eating and kept glancing at Marigold to his right, as if expecting her to serve them a five-course meal.
She shook her head fondly. No such luck. She suspected their purpose here was far more business-related, though Nami had to admit she had no idea what that business was. Still, she couldn't help but keep track of where the Snake Sisters were at all times.
Was this how Zoro had been around Robin when she had joined? Anxious and ready to fight at a moment's notice. She had been swayed by treasure, something she had no qualms admitting. And while she had kept an eye on Robin for some time after, she never felt she might have to take up arms at any moment. This whole situation gave her a bad feeling, and her Clima-Tact at her side itched as if it were on fire.
And yet, it seemed the four of them were supposedly friends now? At least, that's how Nami interpreted the gratitude that had been thrown their way for the last ten minutes. But that was Luffy's secret power, and this she knew. Some on the crew knew it better than others, she and Zoro especially, having watched the effect their captain had on people time and time again. Hell, he had that effect on them too.
Nami glanced at Luffy from the corner of her eye, a small smile gracing her features. He was a black hole of a person, with the way he drew all in. That's what Zoro used to say. Nami would always laugh at that, disagreeing with a strange look in her eye when the two engaged in their drinking competitions.
Luffy wasn't a black hole—far from it. He was a star, the sun at the centre of the solar system. He drew everything in but allowed them just enough freedom to carve their own paths. Lighting the way as he did.
Zoro used to laugh at her for that, but Nami knew him well enough to tell he actually agreed.
"So, what's happening now? Is this some kind of after-battle feast?" Luffy broke the silence with his impatience, shuffling around on the floor, trying to find the most comfortable way to sit. Nami watched his lips grow wet with gluttony, and a feeling of annoyance crawled up her throat. His stomach was going to be the death of her one day.
"In that case, I'll definitely join you in your celebration!" Luffy continued, eliciting a sigh from his navigator as his imagination took hold, his mouth running with endless questions, unrelenting under the Snake Sisters' stares. "What's the specialty here? Is it a type of meat? Please tell me it's a type of meat! Oh, I bet it is! It is, isn't it? I BET IT'S GOING TO BE TASTY!"
Okay, that was enough.
Nami interrupted his rant with a swift fist to his head, sending him spiralling to the ground and eliciting a cry from the Straw Hat captain. Nami had a terrible feeling she was going to be doing this for the rest of her life. "Luffy! You're drooling all over the carpet! Can't you try to be sophisticated for once in your life?"
"Huh? Why would I want to be suffocated?!" His outcry was met with Nami grabbing him by the lapels of his vest, shaking him back and forth as she lost herself in her frustration.
"I said sophisticated, not suffocated, you moron! I would suffocate you right here if I didn't think it would cause you more brain damage, idiot! Honestly, why do I put up with you half the time?" Her shaking accelerated along with the speed of her speech, Luffy's eyes growing dizzy as he tried to dissuade his navigator from shaking him further with a weak whine.
Sandersonia and Marigold laughed, causing Nami to turn to them with a confused expression, curious like a cat. She released Luffy, who fell to the floor with cuckoos and clouds floating above his head, his eyes spinning.
"You two are quite strange, aren't you?" Sandersonia had a soft smile on her face, a stark contrast to the cruel smirk she had displayed back at the arena. Still, her pride wouldn't allow her to make a bad impression, and she pointed down at her dazed captain with a lazy finger, though she didn't look away from the Snake Sister.
"Oh please, he's the only strange one here." Perhaps her words would have held more weight if not for the banter she had displayed with her captain earlier. Sandersonia and Marigold merely closed their eyes with a pleasant hum, smiling at the endearing nature of the two pirates.
"Please, do not take it as an insult." Marigold reassured, staring down at the two pirates she had so vehemently targeted earlier. "It's just that we've never seen a person so kind and… so unrefined." At that, Luffy sat up, picking his nose as a perplexed expression crossed his face.
"Unrefined?" It seemed Marigold's statement warranted an explanation, but before she could answer, Nami interrupted before Luffy could steer them away from an important discussion.
"So, what's going to happen now?" After all, they didn't actually know if they were going to be punished further or not—though only one of them really cared, Nami thought, casting a side-eye at the vacant expression of the man she had pledged her life to.
Sandersonia shrugged. She didn't seem too fussed with the situation, that much was evident. "I'm unsure. However, all I care about is that we can show our gratitude for the kindness you've both shown us."
Luffy, it seemed, was not pleased with this answer; a frown crossing his face in a petulant manner. "Huh? You don't have to do that. Besides, I can't eat gratitude or—" A fist to the arm interrupted him.
"We're glad nothing happened to either of you, but as we stated earlier, Luffy and I need to get moving. We have to reunite with our friends." She thought her reasoning might reach them, but the Snake Sisters merely laughed, rebuffing the deflection.
"You two really don't understand what you have done for us, do you?" Marigold's smile was wide and full of emotion, so different from the one she had sported at the arena. "If anyone saw the mark on our back, we would no longer be able to stay in this country. There would be nowhere for us to go. That's why your kindness has affected us so much. We are extremely grateful to you, Man. And to you, Weather Witch, for keeping our secret."
The two lowered their heads in bows of what seemed like fealty, an act that seemed practically sacrilegious, but Luffy dismissed it instantly with a shake of his head, as if it were a simple matter. To him, it was. "Come on, don't be silly! That mark on your back had nothing to do with our fight. And hey, one little rash can't be that bad, right?"
Nami stared at him, sensing there was more to the situation. She couldn't quite piece it all together, but she had enough insight to glance at her own tattoo with a frown. Lo and behold, an interrupting voice provided Nami with the information she was missing.
"Perhaps it is better if we show you…" The voice called from behind the curtain, and Nami recognised it as belonging to the Snake Princess. The two pirates blinked, turning toward the source of the voice in unison. "Come, Man, I do not have time to waste on this."
Her voice was impatient, with an edge that made Nami wince in sympathy, though she wasn't sure she should be feeling that. Luffy turned to her hesitantly, as if asking for permission to stand, and Nami stared at him in slight surprise. Oh, now he was deferring to her. Too little, too late.
Still, the roll of her eyes indicated to Luffy that he could go ahead. The raven-haired teen stood slowly, and after a small pause, stepped toward the curtain.
"You mean… you want me to open this thing?" His question elicited a frustrated "YES" from Hancock, and even Luffy could tell there was an anxiety to the situation that should probably make him just get on with it. And with that, he pulled back the curtain, the sight behind it immediately eliciting a blush from Nami.
Nami knew she was beautiful, and that knowledge often served to her advantage. But she had to admit, the naked Hancock before her was stunning. The vulnerable look on Hancock's face instantly ushered such thoughts from Nami's mind, and the navigator frowned. Her captain's dumfounded stare also caught her attention. Nami could practically hear the cogs turning in his head as he observed the Warlord and pieced together what was missing.
She knew the idiot would figure it out in a second.
"Hey, why are you naked?"
Nami wasn't particularly surprised by Luffy's lack of reaction. Not once in the year she'd known him had Luffy ever shown interest in the female form; his mind was too focused on the future and adventure to recognise the significance of it. Nami's subconscious fought itself, drowning out a traitorous thought that contradicted her theory, and the navigator thought nothing more of it.
That said, Hancock seemed somewhat displeased by the reaction. "I see you are still as impudent as ever." Sandersonia and Marigold stared at Hancock in confusion, wondering why they sensed disappointment from their sister. They knew her well enough to read the subtle micro-expressions on her face, like the small twitch of her lips that couldn't decide whether to smile or frown.
Nami stared at the woman, deadpan. Could she not just get on with it? She and Luffy didn't really need to see this, especially if there wasn't a point or money to be made. An annoyed storm whipped through her mind, but she quelled it out of respect for the mess they had found themselves in.
"No matter…" Hancock continued, grabbing her neck as if preparing to brush her hair aside. Nami waited in anticipation but paused when she saw Hancock quivering. Her whole body shook as her eyes squeezed shut, and the navigator frowned in instant sympathy. What… was going on? She had seen similar reactions in both herself and Nojiko over the years after Bellemere died.
What demons was Hancock seeing whenever she shut her eyes?
Salome shifted to turn Hancock's back toward them, and the small nudge the snake gave its mistress as a display of comfort spoke volumes. Still, Hancock shook, but she had seemingly found the strength to speak. "The mark… on my back. Y-you said… you had seen it before? I need to know..."
The desperation in her voice was readily apparent to all in the room. "Take a closer look."
With that, Hancock brushed her hair aside in a quick movement, desperately trying to push herself over the line. The circle with three triangles above and one below finally revealed itself. Now, in steady light and not surrounded by steam, Nami could see it for what it was. This was no tattoo or rash…
This was a brand.
Nami winced, holding back a gasp as she stared at the design permanently etched into the Warlord's pale skin. Though neither Nami nor Luffy had seen the design before, both found it strangely familiar. They remained silent, trying to figure out their feelings of déjà vu, while Hancock struggled to keep her back exposed for so long. "Where have you seen it? Are you aware of what this mark means?"
Luffy didn't reply, cupping his hand under his chin as he thought harder than he usually did, genuinely trying to relieve Hancock of whatever pain she was feeling. But the captain just couldn't put his finger on it. Why did it look so familiar?
"Answer me. Hurry up!" Nami turned to the Snake Sisters with a frown as Hancock grew more frustrated and appeared to be in pain. Sandersonia had practically collapsed inward on herself. "This is not pleasant for any of us!"
For once, it seemed Luffy had figured it out before Nami. He perked up as Hancock covered the mark with her hair again. "Oh!"
Hancock glared at the captain, irritated by his refusal to elaborate. "Oh what?"
"It's not the same one I was thinking of!" Luffy turned to Nami with a thoughtful expression, clearly seeking the navigator's confirmation. "Hey Nami, didn't Hachi have a symbol like that on his forehead?"
That opened the floodgates in Nami's memory, and her eyes widened as she recalled her own past. Luffy was right; Hachi did have that mark. And not just Hachi but… "He's right. Most of the fishmen I've met have had that sun-mark somewhere on their bodies. At least, most of Arlong's crew did."
The mention of that name was enough to make Luffy frown, causing him to briefly withdraw from the conversation, allowing Hancock to interject. "A… fishman? Arlong?" Now, it was Hancock who was curious about someone else's past. The Snake Princess stared at the navigator, who clearly had no intention of giving her a response. Still, Hancock's curiosity was clear on her face, and her tone demanded answers. Who was this orange-haired woman, and what was her experience with those of the sea?
Before she could demand answers more forcefully, a voice spoke up from behind the group, interrupting their internal monologues.
"If he does nyot know, then we should tyell him!" Nami, Sandersonia, and Marigold all turned to see the small, elderly woman behind them, while Luffy tilted his head at the old prune's presence, likely wondering who she was.
"ELDER NYON?" The Snake Sisters chorused, but Hancock didn't join them, instead glaring at the wrinkled woman in utter rage.
"HOW DARE YOU SHOW YOUR FACE HERE ONCE AGAIN!" Her yell was met with a solemn expression from the elder, who didn't falter in the face of the Warlord's anger.
"Be honest, Snake Pryncess!" The determination that Elder Nyon always seemed to have despite her age was something Nami was growing to appreciate, and she threw a fond smile the old woman's way. "You have already syeen what a byig heart this man has!" At that, Hancock softened, her bottom lip quivering. Elder Nyon approached with a sympathetic and motherly air to her presence.
"It's alright, my child. Your secret is safe with these two, good-hearted people. They both need to know the truth behind what's caused them nyothing but trouble today." Elder Nyon had now approached close enough to look both Luffy and Nami in the eyes. "You two, I'm nyot mistaken in assuming you're the notorious pirates, 'Straw Hat' Luffy and 'Cat Burglar' Nami, am I?"
The pirates nodded in confirmation, Luffy tilting his head to the side like a curious puppy. "How'd you know who we are, Snake Granny?"
Nyon merely chuckled at his confusion and the nickname he'd given her, taking a seat beside Nami. "You've caused such an uproar, anyone would knyow." The snake that formed her staff uncoiled, handing a newspaper to a confused Nami.
"Please read this, my dear," Nyon requested, and Nami nodded, opening the newspaper with a curious expression. The World Economy News Paper wasn't always the most reliable, in Nami's opinion, but it was the most widespread, able to pick up news that otherwise went unnoticed. Besides, it was the only paper one could reliably receive at sea.
She scanned the front page and, upon seeing the main article, her eyes widened. Nami quickly scanned the words, and upon finding no indication that any of the crew had been harmed or captured, let out a sigh of relief. Luffy looked at her with a puzzled yet calm expression, and Nami began to read the article aloud.
"Terror on Sabaody Archipelago! Pirate 'Straw-Hat' Luffy attacks the World Nobles!" Nami paused for a moment, long enough to register the gasps of the three Snake Sisters, before she continued.
"Yesterday, a peaceful afternoon at the Sabaody Archipelago turned into a horrific nightmare for all. At approximately half-past two, Saint Rosward and his family were violently assaulted while engaging in peaceful commerce at the Public Employment Security Office."
"It was three pirates who led this terror attack: 'Surgeon of Death' Trafalgar Law, 'Captain' Eustass Kid, and the man who appears to have been the ringleader: 'Straw-Hat' Monkey D. Luffy. Straw-Hat Luffy assaulted Saint Charloss after an incident involving gunfire, and when Saint Rosward attempted to defend his son, he was assaulted as well. "Straw-Hat, while tearing through innocents at the Security Office, encountered a snag in his vicious plan when Saint Shalria called upon the Navy Admiralty to punish the criminals. Although Saint Shalria was attacked with minimal harm to her person, both Saint Rosward and Saint Charloss are alive but in critical condition."
"It was only recently that 'Straw-Hat' Luffy attacked the heart of the World Government, Enies Lobby, laying the island to waste. As such, with these crimes in mind and his violent attack on the World Nobles, Admiral Kizaru was deployed to the Archipelago to quell the terror attack. But it seems 'Straw-Hat' Luffy and his crew have gone missing and remain at large, along with the other two pirates who assisted in the assault. Is a new pirate alliance in the works? Where will Monkey D. Luffy strike next? Read more on page 7."
Nami finished with a frown. There were some inaccuracies in the story, the embellishment of their crimes similar to the Enies Lobby report. Still, Nami didn't particularly care, aside from her annoyance at the lack of journalistic integrity. She looked up at the others, all of whom shared the same awestruck expression as they stared at the two pirates, especially the raven-haired captain. Luffy lazily picked his nose, not noticing and likely not caring, as he stared off into space.
"And myiraculously, as the paper said, in three days' time, he escyaped some of the most dangerous marines that the central authority has to offer, landing on our dyistant island with his nyavigator." Luffy sprang from his seat at Nyon's words, looking at her with an exasperated expression.
"It's like we've been telling you guys! We were fighting this Paw-Paw guy and then he just sent us flying here." His explanation was met with cynical looks from the group, and Nami felt the need to step in.
"He's right, I tried to explain this before. We were attacked by Bartholomew Kuma, and he used his power to send us here." Nami looked at the still-shocked Hancock with a slightly annoyed expression, thinking the woman would have understood if Nami had been allowed to finish her explanation back at the arena. Hancock nodded slightly, evidently knowing enough about her colleague to verify their story. Still, the Snake Princess was more focused on the Straw Hat captain.
"So… you attacked one of the Celestial Dragons?" she asked, as if she still couldn't believe it, resulting in a scowl from Luffy as he nodded vigorously.
"I don't regret it either! I only hit one of them in the face cause he was being a jerk. I think Usopp landed on the other one." Hancock remained silent, her eyes locked onto Luffy, mouth agape at his confirmatory response. He… had actually struck a Celestial Dragon? It didn't make sense… yet it seemed to answer every question she had about the man's presence here.
"So…" she managed to say, everyone in the room turning to look at her. "Another fool like him… still exists in this world." Tears began to fall now, a small sniffle escaping her lips before Hancock shielded her eyes with a shaky hand. Luffy blinked in confusion before sitting down next to his navigator, moving away from the bed to give Hancock some space. "Someone who will defy the heavens with no regard for his own life… just like he did."
"He?" Luffy asked cautiously. He had no idea what she was talking about, and now she was crying. He didn't really know how to respond to that. What did you do when girls cried anyway?
Nami, meanwhile, regarded Hancock with a neutral expression. She doubted the Empress wanted sympathy, though Nami had plenty of it. Still, Nami felt the need to comfort both Hancock and her sisters, given how they had practically shrunk away. Eventually, Hancock sighed, having stifled her sobs enough to continue.
"I shall tell you the truth then." Hancock reached behind her, grabbed her raven locks, and with more confidence than before (though not much), pushed her hair aside to reveal the symbol on her back. A cold chill languidly crawled its way up her spine. "This symbol you see… it's… the hoof of the soaring dragon. The crest of the World Nobles."
Nami just stared, with far more realisation than her captain beside her, the pieces beginning to fall into place.
No…
"It is burned into the flesh of those who have been bought by the Celestial Dragons. A symbol that will never disappear, forever marking the bearer as less than human. As mere property…" Hancock once again stifled her sobs as Salome draped a red cloak around her shoulders to preserve her dignity. It let out a sad hiss, and Hancock almost leaned into the snake for comfort.
Nami's mind raced, the tattoo on her shoulder burning as she stared at the Warlord.
After faltering, Hancock spoke with a shuddering breath. "We three sisters… we were…" The breath almost overcame her, nearly reducing her to collapse. But Hancock, strong as she was, regained her composure. "We were once slaves to the World Nobles."
Both Luffy's and Nami's eyes widened. Nami had figured it out as soon as Hancock revealed who the crest belonged to, but hearing the words spoken aloud was something else entirely. She... could only imagine what the three sisters must be going through.
Nami's scar burned. Perhaps she could imagine?
"It… happened when we were twelve years old." At that, Nami felt tears well up in her eyes, a sudden need to comfort the sisters rising within her despite their actions against her. Children… they had only been children. Innocent and unbroken. Nami's hand rose to her mouth to stifle her grief, not wanting to show more emotion on their behalf than was appropriate. She didn't know how Hancock would react to sympathy on that scale, especially from her. "We were abducted from a ship returning home to our land. New Kuja Pirates, foolish enough to believe ourselves invincible. The slavers proved otherwise, and… they took us. Took us to be sold into the hands of the World Nobles."
Hancock gripped her arm tightly, perhaps so tight she might have drawn blood. "Everything after that… is something I do not wish to remember…"
Hancock groaned, the memories returning regardless.
"We are warriors of the Kuja! You have no right to treat us this way!" she yelled angrily, covering the forms of her cowering sisters with her body. A glare on her face was only met with laughter from her new master.
"Pirates. Marine. Civilian. All are the same. All are cattle in the eyes of the Gods." The man paused, mockingly engaging in a moment of rhetorical thought. "And I'm sure you pirates are well aware that cattle…"
The sound of sizzling filled Hancock's ears, but her posture in front of her sisters didn't waver for a moment.
"Needs to be branded." The fat man turned to her, grinning like a maniac as he held a branding iron in his hand, its red-hot glow illuminating the room and burning itself into Hancock's retinas. At its tip, the logo resembling a hoof blazed, burning deep into her soul.
"Hold her." The command was simple, and Hancock fought. Oh, she fought indeed. A prodigy of the Kuja, she had put up more resistance than the ignorant and cruel could have ever expected. But it wasn't enough. She… was too weak.
A gaggle of unseen hands coiled around her, dragging her before the man's feet and throwing her roughly to her knees in submission. But Hancock was of the Conqueror, and those of her disposition did not submit. Her struggle continued, the firm grip almost slipping but tightening as more hands joined. "You are a feisty one, aren't you? You will be an example to the other rebellious slaves."
Hancock felt a cold chill run down her spine as he walked past her. The men turned her around, practically forcing her eyes open. "But first, you must learn."
He approached her sisters.
"Observe now, 'Kuja Warrior', the might of the heavens!" The brand came down on Sandersonia's back like a hammer.
The screams of her sisters would remain in Hancock's nightmares.
Forever.
The Warlord snapped herself out of her daydream with a shake of her head, trying to cast away the memories.
"The first men we ever saw… were nothing but monsters!" Hancock pressed on, but was interrupted by Sandersonia's wails and screams as the green-haired sister clutched her head in agony. This only reminded Hancock further of the buried nightmares, and now blood began to fall from the grip around her own arm.
Nyon quickly stood to comfort Sandersonia, wrapping her arms around her as best she could in an embrace. "It's alright. Everything's alright. You're safe here." Her voice was soothing, but more importantly, practiced.
Nami could tell Nyon had done this a hundred times, and that only made her heart wrench in two. Luffy quickly stood, throwing his hands up in front of him in response to the Snake Sister's pain. "Listen, you don't have to tell me! Don't push yourselves! I don't need to know the details!"
In the chaos and confusion, something in Nami acted. She approached Hancock gently, just enough for Salome to sense she meant no harm, and carefully placed her hand on Hancock's clenched fist. Luffy watched as Hancock looked up in surprise, then slowly released her grip on herself at Nami's gentle prompting. The two women stared at each other for a moment, the Snake Princess confused beyond belief, a swirl of conflicting emotions flooding her mind as she found herself submitting to the navigator's help. The understanding in the navigator's brown eyes—Hancock couldn't even begin to comprehend it, for she had never seen it in anyone before. Outrage was her mind's only response, a defence mechanism well-practiced over the years.
However, Nami retreated before Hancock could rebuff her, and the Warlord stared at the two pirates before her, almost compelled to explain. "I… knew nothing but despair. I used to pray for death. And yet, one day, our suffering ended after four years." A scoff of self-hatred escaped her lips. "Only four years. What right do we have compared to the suffering of those who still endure to this day?"
Nami moved to rebuff this before Luffy could, her brows furrowing in protest, but Hancock continued before she could speak. "Nobody stood up to the World Nobles, none would dare. That was, until a man who dared to climb the Red Line with his bare hands snuck into the Holy Land of Mariejois, the home of the Celestial Dragons. An adventurer who would one day command an entire crew of fishmen. Fisher Tiger."
Nami's eyes widened. A crew of fishmen… before the Arlong Pirates?
"He entered the city responsible for so much cruelty, so much hatred, and he razed it to the ground to free his fellow fishmen who had been enslaved. He, who hates humans as a species, still saved thousands of slaves without regard for who they were or where they came from." Nami's stunned silence persisted as her mind processed both the horror of Hancock's words and their implications for her own history. "We fled as fast as we could, fuelled only by desperate hopes! The debt we owe to Fisher Tiger can never be repaid!"
"It was he who released a horde of fishmen upon the seas, but they would wear the mark of slavery for the rest of their days." Nami's eyes widened, her throat tightening as Hancock confirmed her theory. Hancock's freedom had come at the cost of Nami's own A chain of events that… Nami didn't delve into, unprepared for such thoughts. Instead, she focused on what was being said, trying to disconnect herself. "Tiger was hunted relentlessly by the World Government, so he gathered every fugitive and formed the Pirates of the Sun, heading for the outer seas. To erase the trace of their bondage, the slaves turned the symbol of the Celestial Dragons… into the symbol of the sun!"
Nami was stunned beyond words, her eyes wide as she struggled to process the truth before her. The men who had placed her in bondage, who had forced her into servitude… had been slaves as well? All of them… they had understood? They had experienced it, understood it… and yet, they had the audacity to inflict that upon her?
Before Nami could lose herself in thought, she felt the weight of a Straw Hat on her head. She turned to look up at her captain, who had placed it on her without even looking at her, and Nami felt herself calm, her breathing stabilising as she practically leaned into the hat resting on her head.
That idiot…
"So… does that mean Hachi was a slave?" Luffy asked, ever concerned for his friends. Nami focused on the hat resting on her head, avoiding the implications of such a truth.
Sandersonia, now calm enough to speak, answered. "Not necessarily. All of Tiger's pirates took that mark to make it impossible to know which of them had once been slaves. But it does mean your friend sailed under the flag of the Sun Pirates at some point."
Nami thought back to her own memories now, to a conversation long ago.
Nami exited her room, shutting the door behind her with enough force to feel a small glimmer of satisfaction—a small victory in a world of loss as she walked away from her prison. Across the hallway, she looked through the open door to see Arlong writing something in his room, though Nami didn't know what.
Nami's heart coiled with malice at the sight of her captor, yet curiosity burned within her as it did all cats. The surveyor of the Arlong Pirates approached her "captain". By the time she reached the door's threshold, Nami had gathered enough courage to speak, but it vanished as soon as Arlong turned, his eyes—the same ones that had watched her mother die—locking onto her.
Nami squirmed. "Ah, Nami!" His deep voice never failed to make the eleven-year-old want to curl into a ball. "Have you finished your maps from your surveying trip?" Arlong's shark-like smile emerged as Nami nodded, much to her discomfort.
"I finished the map of the Goa area today she timidly confirmed. The trip hadn't been far, but it had been gruelling for reasons beyond the obvious. Nami's stay in Windmill Village had been hard to leave behind, especially after meeting the kind, green-haired bartender. The memories of that stay lingered, making the task of charting the map even more difficult.
"Good! Then, pull up a chair. The crew are partying in the middle of Gosa right now, so we have more than enough time to chat." Nami flinched at his words, but Arlong, ever perceptive, laughed—both to torment and to reassure her. "Don't worry, I've told them that if they harm anyone in that town, then I will have no choice but to punish them severely. Wouldn't want to lose our profit margins after all!"
Resisting the urge to growl, Nami pulled up a chair and sat next to the large fishman, hating the meekness she couldn't help but show. "Thank you… Arlong…"
The words felt vile to say, but Nami would persist. She had to—for everyone.
"Of course, Nami. I always look after my crewmate's interests." Nami resisted the urge to punch him in the face, as she had many times before. Crewmate? Nami despised the word, as it only reminded her of her entrapment. But Nami's curiosity, the same that had brought her into this room, pushed her to speak.
"Arlong." Her tone was emotionless, a perfectly practised mask of indifference. "That symbol on your chest, on everyone's chests. What does it mean?" Arlong tensed, and Nami mirrored him, bracing herself for punishment. But the fishman stayed silent for a moment before speaking.
"You've definitely finished your maps for this month?" His question forced a nod from the girl. "Then, it's time I give you a present, right?" Nami didn't respond, fear gripping her heart. Arlong pushed his shirt aside and tapped the symbol with one of his long fingers.
"This is the mark of brotherhood. It's the mark of resistance against the crimes of your species."
Nami blinked, frowning in confusion. Ignoring his rhetoric, she pressed for a clearer answer. "But… how does it mean those things?"
Arlong glanced at Nami's shoulder, and for perhaps the only time, looked at the orange-haired girl with nothing but honesty and understanding. A moment that would never come again. "That tattoo on your arm… it burns, doesn't it?"
Nami's eyes widened at the question. Did he… did he understand? Her mind raced. Why… why would he do this to me if he understood? Why? She watched as Arlong tapped the symbol on his chest. "This burns too, every day. A reminder of what was taken from me."
The sad smile on Arlong's face stunned Nami into silence, the two staring at each other with intent. The vulnerability the fishman was showing… Nami didn't know whether to feel sick or sympathetic. For Arlong to humanize himself—this was not what Nami had wanted.
Thankfully, the fishman seemed to sense her inner turmoil, standing and gripping her shoulders tightly, making her wince. "If you ever talk about this again, I'll have everyone in your village killed and make you watch as I crush each one under my foot." Nami's gaze instantly hardened, the mask fully returning as she nodded and shook herself free of his grip before walking out of the room.
"Whatever." Anger bubbled in her throat, rising in full force. How dare he? How dare he reveal all that to her. The man who had murdered her mother in cold blood before her eyes dared to show his humanity.
She refused.
No, whatever humanity Arlong had must have died long ago.
This was Nami's only truth.
"So, where's that Tiger guy now?" Luffy's voice snapped Nami out of her daydream, bringing her focus back to the room and those around her.
"Alas, Fisher Tiger has long since died. When he did, the Sun Pirates splyit into smaller crews." Nami tuned into that, turning to Nyon with curiosity. Well, that at least explains how the Arlong Pirates came to be. She wasn't sure if learning all this made her life in reflection better or worse.
"But that explains why you mistook my mark for that of the Sun Pirates." Hancock began, looking at Luffy with firm determination. "Ironically, the Devil Fruits that the World Nobles forced us to eat for their pleasure is what has made it possible to deceive this country and protect our secret. If you had not covered Sandersonia's back earlier, we wouldn't have been able to stay in this country!"
Tears streamed down Hancock's face, stirring a new wave of sympathy in Nami as she realised the sisters' bodies had been fundamentally altered without their consent. The very power they wielded was nothing but a reminder of the shadow of their past. "EVEN IF IT MEANS DECEIVING MY PEOPLE, I WILL NEVER LET MY GUARD DOWN! I WILL NOT LET ANYONE CONTROL ME OR MY SISTERS EVER AGAIN!"
And there it was, laid out in full before Nami's eyes—the sobbing Warlord, confirming her suspicions. The mask Hancock wore—the same mask Nami recognised from her own past—was crumbling. And with it, so did Hancock. What she had gone through, Nami didn't blame the woman for letting her stony visage consume her so. The coldness and cruelty, while an act, had become instinct to Hancock; it had become who she was.
Nami felt nothing but sympathy for her.
Yet even now, as she cried before them, Nami could see there was hope. To cry and open up like this, Nami knew, was how stone masks broke.
Luffy… help me.
Nami sighed, leaning on her palm as she stared at the Pirate Empress with understanding. Hancock continued to sob, burying her face in her thighs, cradling herself. "I'm afraid of being vulnerable to anyone! And… I always will be."
"But it syure has been a lyong time since you were sincere about your own feelings," Nyon announced, balancing on her staff with a smile. "I actually thyought that your heart might have turned to ice by nyow." Nami gave the old woman a knowing side-eye, realising she had practically mirrored Nami's own thoughts in much simpler terms. Though, judging by the glare Hancock sent her way, Nami was thankful she hadn't vocalised any of those thoughts out loud.
"Silence, you old gremlin! YOU ARE A TRAITOR TO THE KUJA!" Hancock's bellow, likely a self-defence mechanism, caused Nyon to twitch angrily atop her staff, pointing a fierce finger at the Kuja Empress.
"You are the one who shyould be silent!" Her yell was that of a mother dealing with a rebellious daughter. "When you were saved from the World Nyobles, you were just a helpless lyittle girl with no knowledge of how to return home. Who do you thyink it was who brought you back hyere? After all, you only myade it to Amazon Lily because I lived outside the kingdom!"
Hancock snarled, body coiling as if she were ready to strike. "A small kindness you will never let us forget!" Nami raised a brow at Hancock while Nyon raged in what seemed to be practise in response, though now the navigator at least understood. This poor woman had no idea how to express herself, not even to Nyon, the woman who had saved her. There were times… times when Nami had been so genuinely angry. At Genzo, Nojiko, and everyone else. Perhaps she blamed them, or perhaps it was a reflection of how she felt about herself.
But in the end, Nami loved them too much to harbour true resentment as Hancock did. Perhaps that was the difference between them? Another sigh escaped her lips, and she couldn't help but look at Hancock with boundless sympathy.
"Now… now that you know that I was a slave, do you… despise me?" Hancock's question was directed at Luffy, but Nami could feel her gaze too, despite the Snake Princess facing away. Luffy tilted his head in confusion at Hancock's question—and why wouldn't he? Nami knew he couldn't even begin to comprehend despising someone for that.
"Are you kidding me? I already told you—your past doesn't matter. Besides, I hate those Celestial Dragon guys!" Nami allowed a smile to cross her lips as she stood, brushing the dust off her knees. Hancock turned to Luffy in complete surprise, a smile forming on her lips as tears welled up in her eyes.
"As if I could hate you for something out of your control." Nami's words earned a shocked look from Hancock as well. Nami had to hold her tongue to stop herself from saying that she still thought Hancock was a bitch, even if the words would have been said fondly. The Snake Princess stared at her, as if trying to comprehend an internal dialogue she couldn't hear.
Regardless, Luffy's words washed over her, and her smile grew wider. "I like you! You said you had another request, correct? Very well, tell me where you wish to go, and I shall lend you a ship."
Okay, maybe Nami would take back the "bitch" thing (probably not). The shock of Hancock's words washed over her, and it did to Luffy too, as both were staring wide-eyed. "Really?"
Hancock nodded, and Luffy immediately let out a cheer, grabbing Nami's hands and spinning her around. "YEAH! WE'RE GONNA SEE THE CREW AGAIN!" Nami smiled just as brightly, laughing as they spun around.
"SABAODY ARCHIPELAGO, HERE WE COME!" Nami's shouts blended with Luffy's, and Hancock seemed pleased by the joy she had created in the room, her cheeks growing warm.
"Very well, we will arrange a ship tomorrow morning to take you to Sabaody." Hancock's announcement echoed through the room, and Luffy beamed at the older woman, bowing in thanks.
"Thank you so much for the trouble!" His voice brimmed with happiness; the relief palpable in his entire body. The joy quickly faded when his stomach growled. Luffy's face turned sheepish as he gripped his stomach. "Oops, guess I'm hungry." The rubber captain put his arms behind his head with a chuckle, and Nami leaned in toward him, but then a scent wafted into her nose, and her face twisted in disgust.
"Ugh, Luffy! You stink!" Nami groaned, and Luffy looked confused for a moment before sniffing in her direction. His eyes narrowed into a glare as he sought to defend himself.
"I STINK?! YOU STINK TOO!" The two looked ready to break into a disagreement, but were interrupted by Hancock, who had taken the time to look them both over.
"I suppose you'll need to get washed and changed before heading back to Sabaody. Mari, Sonia, call for the City Defenders to escort our new guests to the Hot Springs. Have new clothes prepared for the witch and get the man a shirt with a less… girly look. After which, they may be served dinner." The Snake Sisters nodded at the orders, turning to the two pirates with pleasant expressions.
"Come along, man, witch." Marigold walked toward the door, and Nami and Luffy shrugged at the names but followed along regardless.
"Okay… but we do have names you know…" Nami pointed out. Marigold paused at the threshold of the door, as if the matter hadn't occurred to her.
"I see. And they are?"
"Nami. And this bonehead here is Luffy." Nami said, grabbing Luffy by the collar despite his protests.
"Nice to meet you, Nami and Luffy." Sandersonia said with a smile, swinging open the door to reveal the city once again. "Welcome to Amazon Lily."
It didn't take long to reach the Hot Springs, though Nami tried to push away the memories of the last time she had been there. A blush threatened to creep up her cheeks as they looked around at the empty springs.
The two pirates had chosen to head out on their own, and the Snake Sisters had told them that the City Defenders would meet them there. But judging by the silence, it seemed the pirates had arrived first.
Nami took a moment to admire the beauty of the empty springs. The waters sparkled in the quiet afternoon sun, and the white stone beneath was almost hidden by the shimmering liquid above. It was quite amazing without the crowds of women and the constant stress of their identities being discovered.
She could finally take a moment to relax, at least for a bit.
Nami realised how foolish that thought was the moment she remembered who was with her, just as a loud splash interrupted her thoughts.
"NAMI, I'M DROWNING! HELP ME! HELP!" Her captain's frantic yells made Nami sigh, running toward the water with an exasperated glare.
"Luffy, what did I tell you about leaping without looking?!" Her tone was irritated, but that didn't stop her from jumping into the water without hesitation, uncomfortable Amazonian clothes and all. After grabbing hold of Luffy's vest, Nami wrenched him out of the water and onto the spring's edge, ensuring he was out of harm's way. It didn't take long for the raven-haired pirate to recover, smiling brightly at his navigator.
"Thanks Nami!" He laughed, completely oblivious to Nami's annoyance, as usual.
"Look at what you've done. Your clothes are completely soaked!"
"So are yours!" His retort earned him a light punch on the shoulder, though it was gentle by Nami's standards.
"That's because I was helping you! You dumbass!" Her complaint was cut short by the sound of approaching footsteps, and Nami turned to see the familiar group of women.
The City Defenders had arrived. And one in particular, after all that had happened, Nami was glad to see.
"Kikyou! Margaret!" Nami beamed, jumping up to greet the approaching women. Margaret quickly leapt into Nami's arms, relieved she no longer had to hold any animosity toward the pirate. Nami laughed, embracing her warmly. She had always regarded Margaret and Belladonna highly, and she was glad to leave any negative feelings behind. Speaking of…
"Where's Belladonna? Is she okay?" Nami asked, worried that the woman might have taken her actions to heart. Margaret frowned for a moment, while Sweet Pea and Aphelandra greeted Luffy with smiles, thinking over Nami's question seriously.
"She's fine, though she did seem a bit put off by something." Nami frowned, and Margaret quickly added, "Not because of you, I think! You should visit her before you leave. I'm sure she'd like that!"
Margaret untangled herself from Nami with a sheepish smile, leaving the navigator feeling sufficiently reassured. With that, the blonde turned to Luffy, excited to greet him. This left Nami with Kikyou, the two women staring at each other for a moment in what could only be described as an awkward silence.
Surprisingly, Kikyou decided to break the silence. "I am… glad you are okay." It seemed she was struggling to express her feelings, especially after how she had treated Nami earlier that day. The orange-haired woman sighed, quickly walking over to Kikyou and wrapping an arm around her shoulders, a grin on her face.
"No hard feelings, Kikyou." Nami's grin, cat-like and full of mischief, was meant to reassure the black-haired woman. She extended her other hand, waiting for Kikyou to take it. "Friends?"
Kikyou stared at the offered hand as if it were alien, then visibly relaxed, a soft smile crossing her face for perhaps the first time Nami had ever seen. She grasped Nami's hand with her own, providing a nod to go along with it. "Friends."
The two walked over to the other City Defenders and Luffy, the group chatting animatedly until they were interrupted by the arrival of Elder Nyon. "Are you two gyoing to get ready or continue gyossiping like old ladies? And I should knyow after all, I am one!"
Luffy and Nami blinked in surprise, suddenly remembering they had come to bathe. Luffy laughed, relieved that he had already been in the water. He hated baths! "I guess we should get ready."
Margaret smiled, stepping forward with a pile of clothes under one arm and two towels in the other. She handed them to Luffy and Nami, and the navigator nodded in thanks before preparing to undress for her bath.
Until she noticed everyone still watching her. A cat-like grin crossed her face as she turned to the group with a mischievous expression. "Unless you're all willing to pay the fee, I'd suggest you turn the other way." The warriors nodded and quickly complied, turning around to avoid her wrath. Nami almost undressed right then, but Luffy was still staring at her with a goofy grin. A quick punch to the head corrected his behaviour. "Idiot, that means you too!"
"Sorry, Nami!" Luffy said, drying himself off with a towel as Nami slipped into the hot spring with a relieved sigh, her modesty hidden by the steam rising from the water's edge. Luffy, now out of her view, chatted away with the women while he evidently changed into his new clothes, something Nami might have scolded him for if she weren't so relaxed.
Besides, it wasn't like they hadn't seen his junk before anyway.
Nami was too relaxed to even question why she cared in the first place.
Thankfully, she had only been interrupted a few minutes later when she was just about ready to exit the water. She hadn't planned on remaining in there for long anyway. "WHOA NAMI, LOOK AT MY SHIRT! IT'S AWESOME!"
Nami turned to look at her captain. He was wearing the same old vest he always wore, so she wasn't sure what he was so excited about. "Luffy… it's exactly the same as your old vest."
"Yeah… BUT I'VE NEVER HAD A GREEN SHIRT BEFORE! THIS IS SWEET!" Nami blinked at him, an annoyed yet fond smile crossing her face. Of course, that idiot would be fascinated by a new shirt colour—what else did she expect? It was probably the highlight of his day.
As Luffy resumed chatting with the Kuja warriors, Nami instructed them to turn around again. After drying herself off, she slipped into the new clothes that had been provided. She took a moment to inspect her new look, as well as Luffy's.
As always, he had his Straw Hat on his head, but now he wore a dark green vest. Nami had to admit, the green vest was quite striking when paired with his brown shorts. She wasn't so sure about her own outfit, though. She'd been given the same orange shirt she had worn on Sabaody, now repaired and clean. Her small white shorts had been replaced with a short white skirt—something Nami could appreciate, though the implications of their clothing in general still bothered her.
Nami wondered if their distinctive clothes were meant to make them stand out, as they differed so much from those of the Amazonians. If anything happened, they'd be easy to spot, but she filed that untrusting thought to the back of her mind—at least while in the company of friends.
Nami leaned down to pick up her Clima-Tact, which she had left on the ground while bathing, and Kikyou immediately took notice. After all, she believed it was the weapon that had injured her during their initial confrontation. "Nami, I've been meaning to ask, what is that staff of yours?"
Nami turned to her black-haired friend with a smile, twirling the staff around in her hands with deft fingers. "This? It's a weapon that one of our crewmates built for me."
Luffy nodded with a grin, finally turning to face Nami. "Yep! Usopp's really smart when it comes to building stuff. Once, he built a gun that fired toast, and me and Chopper deci—"
"Not now, Luffy," Nami interrupted, though she knew exactly how that story ended. After all, toast wasn't now banned in the aquarium for nothing.
"When you struck me with an attack from it, it was unlike anything I have ever felt. I have heard stories of weather phenomena, and your weapon matches the description. Am I correct?"
Nami tilted her head, then realised the women had likely never experienced weather due to living in the Calm Belt. For someone like her, who lived and breathed weather, it was unimaginable. No wind, no rain... Nami didn't even want to think about it.
Evidently, the women felt the same, judging by their eager expressions at the opportunity before them. Margaret, the most enthusiastic of the group, was practically bouncing on her toes. "Really? Could you give us a demonstration? I've… always wanted to see weather. Could you show me, Nami?"
Nami didn't hesitate, considering the circumstances and her love for weather phenomena, and Luffy's encouraging smile didn't help either. A grin spread across her face. "Sure, why not?"
Kikyou nearly joined in the cheer with her fellow City Defenders. To think, they were about to witness the weather so coveted by those who left the borders of their country. Nami separated the pole into its three components, gripping two of them after a quick twirl.
She began to rotate the pieces together. "Cool Ball and Heat Ball!" The small blue poles unleashed a barrage of their respective balls, which collided in the air. Pride stirred in Nami's chest as a cloud began to form above them, and an explanation tumbled from her lips without her even realising. "You see, the Heat Balls absorb moisture from the air, and the hot air rises and collides with the cold air. The moisture then condenses, forming a cloud."
The women all nodded, fascinated, while a fond smile spread across Luffy's face. It wasn't often that he got to see others appreciate Nami for what she truly was—the best navigator in the world. He brimmed with pride, grinning at his navigator as he leaned his face against his fist. Admittedly though, he had no idea what she was talking about. Mystery Balls…
Margaret, meanwhile, recalled the cloud that had struck Kikyou, her mouth dropping open in awe. "This is… amazing!"
"Next, I stop the supply of Heat Balls and Cool Balls, and add a Thunder Ball to the mix, turning the cloud into a thundercloud." Nami announced excitedly, but a pregnant pause followed as the poles refused to stop, with Cool Balls and Heat Balls continuing to expand the cloud.
"I said, 'I'll stop the supply of Heat Balls and Cool Balls!'" Nami's tone grew frustrated as she shook the poles, but it didn't stop them, and they continued to spit out the energy affecting the weather above. Even Luffy, simple as he was, realised something was wrong when he glanced up.
"Nami… that cloud is getting huge. Can't you stop that thing?" His concern was palpable, mostly because of the worry Nami herself was showing, and he trusted her judgment.
"I… I can't… no matter what I press, the Cool Balls and Heat Balls keep being made!" Nami's voice was more panicked now, and Luffy moved toward her, but was quickly forced to dodge a Thunder Ball that shot out of the pole left on the ground.
"Nami, what do we need to do to stop it?" Luffy continued his approach, but Nami was growing more angry than worried, which was never a good sign. Despite stopping the rotation of the pieces, large amounts of Cool and Heat Balls kept pouring into the air. By now, the cloud was about twice the size of the island. And then there were the Thunder Balls to deal with, as what had been a harmless white cloud was now turning dark and ominous.
Even the women had grown nervous now, with Sweet Pea looking up in horror. These storm clouds were the kind the Kuja Pirates had often spoken of. "The saga of 'I believe we have seen enough.'"
Nami's rage took over, her teeth gritting before Luffy could react to calm her down. "I'm trying, but it won't stop! USELESS THINGS!" With that, she flung the Cool Pole to the ground in frustration. The 'clunk' echoed across the island, and the Cool Balls being emitted suddenly doubled in size and speed. Naturally, in response to the mishap, the other two poles began to speed up their production as well.
The Heat Pole grew far too hot, and Nami recoiled with a gasp of pain, dropping it as it tumbled to the ground. In response, the three poles sparked in unison, their dials working far beyond their normal output. The dials had entered a state of supercriticality, exponentially increasing the power and speed of their output in their final moments.
The Clima-Tact had become the equivalent of a runaway train, and Nami could only step back in horror as she finally took in the sky. The dark cloud now stretched all the way to the horizon, and everyone instinctively backed away. The sun had disappeared, leaving the entire island shrouded in darkness.
"Nami… I think your Clima-Tact may be broken." Luffy's whisper would have made Nami laugh if not for the sheer horror flooding her mind. The Calm Belt would only make the storm worse. A hurricane was about to form…
Nami couldn't stop the sarcastic comment from slipping out—her only way of coping with the disaster unfolding before her.
"Oh, you think?"
"Uh sir, I believe there is something you should see!"
Drake's panicked call was enough to rouse him from sleep. His eyes peered at his subordinate from beneath his feathered tricorne. The overtly violent sway of the ship reminded him of his current situation—and that he wasn't waking up in his beloved base.
He had known this was coming for a while—the approaching war with Whitebeard. Ever since the report about Fire Fist had landed on his mahogany desk, he had suspected there was more to this execution than the Navy was letting on. With some careful prying and thought, he had concluded that Fire Fist was likely the son of Gol D. Roger.
Personally, he didn't think that alone was enough to warrant execution, but the boy was a notorious pirate. He had dug his own grave.
Still, that hadn't warranted his early departure. After all, the execution wasn't for another week or so. No, he had been dispatched by CP7.
The thought made him growl as he followed Drake out of the room, still lost in his reverie about the mission. Every Cipher Pol agency had been outsourcing their work since the void left by CP9. As a result, an investigation had landed on his desk. One that, as a fellow Vice Admiral to the subject in question, made his stomach turn.
To think, the Straw Hats had taken down CP9—and so soon after their encounter. Not that he regretted letting them go.
Still, he had been ordered to investigate, and he approached it with the genius he was known for. Of course, once he devised a strategy, it was typical of Cipher Pol to make him execute it. As a result, he had to sail all the way to Impel Down.
He wasn't particularly thrilled with that, and the weather seemed to reflect his mood as he stepped through the doorway.
Wait. Weather?
The Vice Admiral looked up at the dark clouds rolling in from the ship's bow, the wind stronger than anyone aboard the Navy battleship had ever felt. Lieutenant Haberkorn stared at the sky with a gulp, while Drake's jaw dropped once more after his initial shock.
Those clouds… were they emerging from the Calm Belt? The storm front was miles away, yet the winds were already strong enough to nearly overturn their ship. Even if it hadn't originated in the Calm Belt, this was no normal storm. It would destroy most battleships travelling when it hit the Tub Current.
Vice Admiral Jonathan turned to Drake immediately, knowing time was of the essence. Or perhaps it wasn't. This storm would hinder Whitebeard's movements, after all. But then again, it would also hinder theirs. It seemed Portgas D. Ace might be granted a stay of execution after all. If they acted quickly, they could turn this to their advantage. "Get me Fleet Admiral Sengoku, now."
Another chapter, signed and delivered.
I admit, this one took me a while to write, and I apologise for the delay. I wanted to do Hancock's experience justice, and I'm still not sure I've done that. I went through so many iterations of the chapter, and at this point, I thought I'd just settle on a draft. Lest I never update.
I may start doing cover stories like Search the Wind did. But my cover stories will be actual cover stories, in the sense they'll be relevant but not story essential like the Search the Wind cover stories.
So yeah, hope you enjoyed this chapter. Thanking you, very much!
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Saramus92: You'll have to wait and see. But you know how that phrase goes. Two's a company, three's a... something. I don't know, I hadn't heard the expression until yesterday!
Vinay-kox01: Peak. Utter peak. Spit your shit indeed!
Nami4Life: Okay, thank you for the kind words. But I really need to stress a lot of things you're complimenting can be attributed to the original Search the Wind. So please, check it out if you haven't done so already! Nami and Luffy work well together, which they will showcase more and more as things get... interesting. As for Kuma, Luffy kind of forced his hand. He knew Nami needed to benefit from Weatheria, but he also was prevented by Luffy in sending her there. So, he had to come up with a unique solution. And I hope what has come next tickles your fancy!
Smiley-Nami: I am glad it is interesting. I think so too! Here is the continuation as requested!
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Right, that's all then. Don't know when the next update will be, but hopefully it will be soon.
Search the Wind:
s/6495693/7/Search-the-wind
Make sure to review if you're up to it, it does power me so. Like a spirit bomb!
This is, TheHumulisScriptor, signing out!