KamenRider Caucasus: Thanks, I just realized that I could have a lot more fun with the story this way and then my imagination went into overdrive.

Wheattus: Oh god, yeah, like I could ever forget? What did Erza even use any of that crap for?

Glad you love the story; I was really unsure about how to handle a one piece fic but this is turning better than I ever expected. But yeah, I'm finally figuring out a plan for the paramount war. I was struggling about how to handle Ace's situation because I really do like his character but in the end, I keep coming back to the same plot. Since Miguel being there wouldn't really change anything, I'm probably going to have to talk about Marineford in flashbacks. But I'm definitely going to have the crew talk about the two years and be supportive for Luffy, because it genuinely bugs me that this never came up even once. I get it, the story is about action and adventure but I think it would've been really nice to have a bit of a different perspective.

Anyway, I have Miguel's mentor and location thing settled. It's not going to be one of Shanks' crew but thanks for the idea, they're much appreciated.

Nami didn't bother looking up from the Log Pose ''Is he still grumbling, Robin?''

''I'm afraid so.''

The 'he' in question being Zoro, who just as Miguel predicted, had been quite irked at the notion of the islanders treating them like heroes.

''Oh, just knock it off already.'' Usopp was of the firm opinion that it was much better than being chased around and dismissed as nothing but criminals, even though they'd essentially been doing the marines' job for quite a while now. But of course, the swordsman would never listen.

Relieved as he was that the entire mishap on the island was behind them, Miguel couldn't help think back to that mansion. He'd only come across magic that twisted once and he hoped it would've never happened again. Like his friends, he really didn't want to know what happened in the place to cause that…

'Don't let the world taint your light.'

The fleeting memory left him reflective. 'That's what you really meant, I think I understand more than ever…'

Chopper's next words gave Miguel pause ''…a bunch of people back in the island told stories I heard on Drum. I thought Doctorine made them up but I guess not.''

''Yeah, somehow, she doesn't strike me as the sort who'd just sit down and do that to begin with.'' Sanji would never badmouth a woman but the idea of Kureha actually doing that was quite strange.

''What kind of stories?'' Robin wondered.

''Oh, they talk about a mystical fox who traveled all over the world!'' Chopper's eyes were bright ''She learned all sorts of things and had a lot of adventures; the stories give her a lot of bizarre powers. It's almost like she's magic!''

Oh…they were talking about…

Robin smiled back ''I think I've heard of those. It's interesting how that even with the exaggerations and fantastical spins, much of the details and background were actually factual.''

Exaggerations…right…

Miguel wondered if he should tell them…

''Mm! I always thought it'd be amazing to be like that. So strong and wise, being able to rely on yourself and learn so much…''

''Well, there's no reason you can't make it happen.'' Miguel bopped his nose ''Look at what you've done so far. In the end, it's up to you.''

''Yeah!''

Sanji almost smiled ''Although, it's interesting that he mentions the fox being magical. You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?''

''Well…''

A cry brought their attention to the sky, both immediately sidestepping just as an object fell onto the area they just left. It turned out to be Luffy, who bounced into the mast before Miguel halted him with Telekinesis. Sanji scowled, looking back at Usopp ''What the heck are you shitheads doing?!''

''Sorry, sorry! Come on, Luffy, you could've done better than that!''

''I was listening to you!''

''No, you weren't…!''

Rolling his eyes, the cook ignored the growing squabble as he looked back at his companions. This brought the notebook in Miguel's hold to his attention, remembering seeing it before ''Oh hey, isn't that…you finally fixed it?''

A nod ''I sent it to my friends and they put the final touches. I've been reading the notes we put together…I think you'll be interested in this.''

''Haki?''

Miguel nodded, his eyes back on the notebook as he began to read ''Haki is a mysterious power dormant in every living being, but not many ever realize its presence. Born from a person's spiritual power, Haki can be awakened through proper instruction and intense training. A person can make their Haki grow stronger when they push themselves to the limit.'' He turned the page ''Haki has three types, observation, armament and supreme king.''

''And those are?'' Zoro prompted.

''They seem pretty literal; observation is like a sixth sense. Users can become far more aware of the world around them, sensing presences and picking up on many things others would miss even from far away. Armament is described as an invisible armor of sorts that can power up offense and defense.'' Miguel's brow furrowed ''The one part that's vague is this conqueror haki, it just says it's about having a stronger will that can overpower others. But it's also said to be really rare so I don't think whoever made those notes actually knew much either.''

Robin hummed, intrigued ''That would make sense. But on that note, where exactly did you come across such a find, Quartermaster-san? I'm curious about who could have actually penned this at all.''

''It's a long story…'' Miguel had no reservations about telling them but it wasn't relevant for the time being ''…so, what do you guys think?''

''It sounds cool! I want to learn this.'' Luffy enthused.

Usopp didn't even blink, like the others expected such a reaction ''Of course you'd jump into things. This is pretty vague, you know. It's barely a starting point and we've never seen anything like this.''

''Yeah, we did.''

The immediate counter gave him pause but Sanji nodded ''You noticed too? I'm actually impressed.'' Luffy made a face ''Yeah, from what you guys mentioned, observation sounds like what little Aisa-chan did back in all that chaos.''

Nami's eyes widened ''Oh, you're right…it is pretty similar. She could tell what was going on even when we were in that snake. But how could she do that without training?''

''Maybe some people are just born that way? If it's a spiritual power than anyone has, I wouldn't rule it out.'' Chopper offered.

''Now that I think back, didn't we hear them talk about mantra back there? And Captain-san did mention one of those priests predicting your attacks.'' Robin mused.

''And Enel was a complete pain in the ass to fight because he was even better at it than those annoying priests.'' Sanji wondered if mantra was the name the people of the sky used for haki.

''Actually, that could be how he kept track of so much that was going on in Skypiea.'' Miguel put in, Chopper's mouth falling.

''Wow, you think it might actually go that far? This Haki stuff sounds amazing!''

''There's a couple of exercises about how to train it up and we have another one for armament. This is pretty much all the notes we managed to salvage though.'' The quartermaster informed.

''It's lucky you came across this at all. At least we have a starting point.'' Zoro assured.

Nami was inclined to agree. Even if this power was hard to master, it was better that they know about it than not at all. Information was power. ''So, what're those exercises like?''

Miguel checked the notes again ''Apparently, identifying pressure points can be a good way of sharpening observation…another would be tracking people down by your senses, excluding sight. Sharpening your power and practicing control seems to help armament haki. It also mentions that meditation is important to help in both.''

''Sounds good, there's no reason we can't work out training methods that would suit us either.'' Sanji grinned, excitement growing.

Robin smiled at their expressions ''I might have an idea, actually…''

They had little more than guesswork to start with. Observation Haki seemed like a good place to kick this off but they were confused on how to start, until Robin suggested covering the target's eyes to help make sure they would have to rely on their other senses instead.

Nami attempted to strike the captain again, Luffy ducking at the last second ''So, your eyes are still closed, right?''

''Yup! I can hear you pretty well so it's easy to dodge.''

''Hmm, that about meshes with the notes. Although, knowing you, your instincts are probably so sharp this comes second nature to you.''

''You think?'' The rubber teen cocked his head ''Then how about we switch?''

Miguel and Zoro were trying to figure out armament haki, opting to try the target practice method…

Both stopped to meditate for a few minutes, the quartermaster breaking the silence ''Your air blade needs a lot of focus on the swords, right? Maybe you can start from there.''

''Sounds good. Let's see…'' He tried firing one out on the ocean ''…hm…maybe it's better to concentrate more power.'' A pause ''This just hit me but if observation is like what you guys described, maybe that's how Hawk Eyes knew you had magic just like that.''

''Oh, yeah…'' Both found it very easy to believe that the Warlord knew his way around Haki.

Sanji grunted in annoyance ''Usopp, this really won't work if you keep panicking before anything happens. Be serious!''

''I can't help it! People freak out when a monster comes after them. Excuse me if I don't want to experience one of your kicks first hand.''

''It is training, remember? He wouldn't go that far.'' Robin put in helpfully.

''Exactly! I'm using one of your bats, remember?'' Huffing, the blond to Chopper ''All right, you turn. Concentrate on your senses.''

Nodding, the reindeer braced himself. But then nothing came. The confused doctor opened his eyes, the blond nowhere in sight ''Sanji?''

He noticed Robin walking over, bringing his attention to Sanji as he was arguing with Luffy, once again outraged at the idea of him hitting Nami.

''I wasn't trying to hit her! Nami said it could work like tag. That my powers could help make up a good exercise.''

''Yeah, lay off, Sanji-kun. This was my idea.'' The navigator huffed. Sure, she might play on the idea of being helpless every once in a while, but that didn't make it a fact. Just because she wasn't as strong as the monsters in the crew didn't mean she was powerless. ''It's called training for a reason, now go back to what you were doing.''

''But, Nami-san…''

''I want to get stronger and that's not going to happen if you keep coddling me like some chauvinist. Luffy, let's carry on.'' The rubber teen appeared unsure, glancing at the blond ''It's fine, come on.''

Usopp just sighed, that may have been a bit much but he couldn't blame Nami for being fed up ''Wonder if he'll listen this time…''

In the end, they weren't really sure if they achieved much. But while there was a general mood of disappointment, no one was really surprised. It seemed quite clear that Haki was a complex power so getting it down was no simple matter.

Even when he'd expected it, Usopp couldn't help his disappointment ''Even you monsters couldn't get this down, what chance do I have?''

''Again, with the negativity, it was just the first day-we'll just have to keep trying.'' Zoro shrugged.

''Yup!'' This kind of training made Luffy feel good. There was something special about working with his crew. ''We can't just give up now. If we work together, we can pull it off!''

Nami made to speak, blinking as a growl reached their ears. Usopp made a face ''So much for the moment…''

''You're surprised?'' The navigator returned blandly, Miguel and Chopper laughing.

''Well, Sanji's already working on food. Just wait a bit longer…''

Miguel began to smile as he took in the starry night sky. It looked like he'd come in good time after all.

He took a moment to settle down, preparing to meditate. The day's events flashed by his mind's eye. Like Luffy and Zoro, he was glad they did manage to work on this. He hadn't thought the notebook would be so useful but he certainly wasn't complaining.

Although, that did bring another matter to mind. He'd been wondering ever since their talk in Skypiea. It had been quite a long time since he heard that story, but…if Robin was who he thought she was…it certainly explained a few things.

He just wanted to be sure he was right. And even if he were, this was something to be handled with care. He didn't want to leave things this way.

In moments, he let his eyes shut, opting to focus on meditating for the time being.

Finding that she couldn't sleep, Robin opted to take a walk on deck. Today had been quite lively, everyday with this crew being as colorful as the last. And she loved it.

At the same time, it scared her. She felt so at home here…more than she ever had anywhere in years. Yet every time, every time she thought she finally found her place, it was taken away. The organizations she'd joined fell apart, people cursing her name because of the government…she could go on, really.

She'd never been met with such warm welcome from this crew. Sure, they had their reservations (and frankly, Robin completely understood). Once she'd grown accustomed to her presence, Navigator-chan had quite clearly been delighted to have another female on board. She'd even proposed that they go shopping when they reach a town next time. Captain-san, Doctor-san and Long Nose-kun were quite fun. That prank idea had come out of nowhere but she appreciated what they were trying to do. Long Nose-kun dismissed himself as being a coward and maybe he was, but he was also brave for pushing his past his fears to fight, which was impressive. Doctor-san was such a sweetheart that she found it hard to imagine him not getting along with someone.

Cook-san was naturally chivalrous and flirtatious, treating girls like they were nothing short of angels. The gentlemanly behavior was nice but she did agree with Navigator-chan. She didn't care to be considered a mere flower to be protected. And yet even with his temper and language, he was an inherently kind person willing to offer anyone a meal. She liked that. Swordsman-san was the one who took the longest to warm up to her and yet he more than had her back when they fought Enel. It wasn't long after that that he truly relaxed to even take his usual naps around her. He'd clearly placed himself as a protector of his crewmates and she was touched that he considered her one too.

That of course left the two who undoubtedly had the biggest impact on her decision to stay with the crew. Captain-san with his larger-than-life personality and the ever so kind and resourceful Quartermaster-san. She still remembered barely hiding her desperation when asking to join the crew, to the point that she had no idea what she would've happened if she was refused. And yet, the thought didn't seem to have even crossed his mind. While he may not be the brightest, his energy and optimism were quite refreshing and she liked spending time with him. He made it more fun just by being himself. Having only known Quartermaster-san by name only due to family resemblance, she'd found herself intrigued to know what the child of two such renowned adventurers would be like. She couldn't forget that chance meeting in Alubarna. His stance back then was a surprise but it said a lot about his character. They'd had a number of fascinating discussions, in fact, he was quite easy to talk to. Some of the younger members gravitated to him like an older brother figure and it was sweet, he certainly was reliable like that. He was easily among one of the most compassionate people she'd ever met and given his past, he was all the more remarkable for it.

She truly did like this crew and yet she knew she'd have to leave someday…that was how it always went after all. The archeologist could never stay for long. Not with the enemies who cursed her very name…she couldn't bear to let those enemies hurt her friends…

A sight of a subtle glow pierced through her dark though, bringing her attention to the other side of the deck, finding that the source was Miguel. He seemed quite focused but his back was to her so she couldn't be sure, his magic surrounding him in silvery waves, almost as if he was controlling the lights of stars themselves.

''Oh, so that's what it was.'' She looked at the amused Nami curiously ''He's meditating-he says it really helps him get in touch with his magic especially at clear nights like this. I'm just chalking it up to a wizard thing but it does make sense, heavenly body magic seems to be all about the stars and the heavens.''

The power began to ebb away, Miguel's frame relaxing as he let out a long breath, taking note of his friends' presence then. ''Oh hey, what're you doing?''

''Just noticed the light show.'' Nami joked ''Really though, it hit me back when we were wrapping things up. If Haki is about spiritual energy, isn't it like magic that way?''

''That's what I thought too but it doesn't seem that simple. And even then, it takes us a lot of time and practice to actually control our powers. It might be as mysterious as haki though.''

''Speaking of, where'd you get that notebook again? It wasn't important before but I'm still really curious.'' Nami confessed.

''I was wondering about that too…'' Sanji walked over ''…I mean, that's some damn good luck you found the thing but…''

''I don't know if I'd call it that…I'm pretty sure it belonged to a former marine.''

Now that they hadn't seen coming. Sanji suspected he knew the answer but he wanted to ask anyway ''As in they gave it to you?''

The consequent headshake was no surprise ''Before I came to the Blues but…I'd just arrived on an island and I thought it could be a good chance to find some supplies. But everything was way too quiet and then I saw it…''

He still remembered it well, discovering the beach strewn with wreckage had been startling enough. And that was before he came across the numerous bodies…

''B-bodies?'' Nami managed, startled ''What happened?''

''I didn't know it at first but that was a marine ship. Nearly the entire crew was dead.'' The listeners exchanged stunned looks, Miguel shut his eyes for a moment as the memory flashed before his mind.

''P-please, my friends…we…weren't s-supposed to…help them…''

Even with the circumstances that way, he couldn't turn that plea down.

''I tried to help but by the time I made it…'' He shook his head ''…I only found two survivors and even then, it was a close call. So, once I patched them up, I decided to bury the others.''

Even having witnessed examples of his compassion, Robin hadn't expected this ''Why would you? After all that happened…?''

Miguel smiled mirthlessly for a moment ''He asked me that too…'' A pause ''…right, I never told you guys. That's how I met Kuma…''

Miguel leaned against the wall, taking a glance at the two marines before looking away. He'd thought they had gotten caught up in a storm or lost a battle against a powerful opponent…but the truth was much worse.

They'd just had the bad luck of being in the wrong place and time, for they stumbled across a Warlord's crew battling other pirates. He fought back his revulsion at the thought of all the lost lives back there and how the two survivors were just convinced that it was nothing. That all their deaths would be nothing off their superiors' back, just because a pirate took advantage of his position to do what he wanted.

''But that's…'' Any possible counters died in his throat, frankly he wouldn't put it past the government either. ''…even now? They'd just let him get away with everything because he's a Warlord…?''

''Exactly.'' The speaker bit out, fighting back her tears ''Knowing that man, it's all just a big game and we're nothing but broken toys. And the higher ups wouldn't even think twice of it because Doflamingo is a Warlord! I heard them laughing when we were getting away, they dismissed us as nothing but weak, powerless pawns who mean nothing in the grand scheme of things. They've let those bastards get away with far worse.''

Miguel looked at her in horror that transitioned to the other marine, the older man merely sighing. He seemed calm but his clenched fist was drawing blood. All his hesitation about coming to their aid, memories of the people wearing the same emblem attacking his home…all the emotions and sentiment were replaced by outrage. The sheer thought of all those lives just being dismissed infuriating him ''But that's just…you're not numbers on a report…!''

''Actually, kid, I'd say you pegged it.'' The man grunted. ''Numbers. That's exactly what we are, no matter the rank, that's what it really boils down to in the end. I've seen it happen. The higher ups never did bother much with casualties. Not when they get their goals, how do you think the war against your people lasted for as long as it did?''

Miguel stiffened for a moment, averting his gaze. He hadn't ever looked at it that way before but…it did make sense.

That was just so jarring. Memories of all the grief they felt after the port battle rang strong, he still recalled seeing his aunt mourn her friends-how so many mourned their loved ones. Even his teachers…one of the leaders of Elysia had always been so strong but he remembered hearing how he'd wept with them for all the loss.

He'd felt so powerless in the midst of the port battle, that nightmare which still haunted him to this day. All that death and destruction, he didn't have nearly enough experience with healing magic to be able to do much back then. He just couldn't bear to walk away again.

He wouldn't trust the government if his life depended on it, their lauded idea of justice was nothing but a sham. But the sheer indifference sickened him.

The old marine barely lifted his gaze as Miguel healed his hand ''…Why're you doing all this? You're among the people with more than enough reason to spit on our rotting corpses and turn away but look at this. We're just marines and you…''

''When I saw all that chaos, I just started moving without a second thought.'' He shook off the memory of the acrid scent of gunpowder and death. ''But even then…I couldn't just turn away. One of your men begged me to help with his dying breath. Even when he was in so much pain, he was thinking of his friends. I can't just ignore that.''

''Even when we're part of the regime that's cause you and your people so much pain? Heck, even this mess you can say the government caused it for insisting on that thrice be damned warlord system and yet…''

''…To be honest, I was hesitant but I just couldn't leave. It's not who I am, I learned healing magic because I want to protect life. Maybe it's selfish, but this is what I chose to do. I'm just among the many wizards who despise the government but even then, stewing in those feelings…that's no way to live. Our leaders are looking for a path forward despite all the hurt and I really admire that, I want to be like them. I don't see the people who continue to look down on us, condemning us simply for existing. All I see here is people who were caught in something out of their control, just like we were. It's hard to remember with all the pain and suffering but we're all humans.''

Heading out of the small cottage, Miguel remained unaware of the man's thoughtful gaze and it slowly began to turn into one of respect…

''And THAT'S when you met Kuma? What the hell was he doing there?'' Nami blurted.

Given the man's reputation, Sanji was left with one conclusion ''Was he the one who…?''

Miguel shook his head ''If anything, he actually helped those two off the island. From the looks of it, he heard what happened and he decided to help-he was just too late.''

''That's…definitely not what I was expecting. So, what happened between you two?''

''Well…''

Miguel slumped back in relief, glad to have been done. His own issues with the government aside, leaving those people like that was simply far too cruel. He hadn't known what to think or even feel when he recognized that blue emblem that had been chief amongst the causes of his nightmares. But he did know that he couldn't live with himself if he just walked away. He had no intention of forgiving the government but that didn't mean he should compromise his own principles.

Seeing all those bodies, battered and broken, so many expressions of fear and shock. Just like after the port battle…that was what stood out to him more than anything. Once he registered that, the thought of walking away was unbearable. It was hard to remember sometimes but at the end of the day, they were humans too. Flawed, vulnerable and at the very least, worthy of dignity in death.

He barely registered the wind moving not too far away, blinking at the sound of footsteps before a towering shadow drew ever nearer. Bewildered as he was, Miguel wasn't sure what to expect…thus he was understandably thrown for a loop when none other than the 'Tyrant' Bartholomeo Kuma appeared.

Miguel wasn't sure how to react, this was really coming out of nowhere. Having known Jinbei for this long, he felt that he couldn't judge the man simply for his reputation. But the question remained, what on earth was he doing here?

Kuma surveyed the area with unnerving calm, his gaze lingering on the makeshift graves before turning back to Miguel. Registering the shovel nearby as well as the dirt and blood stains on his clothes, as well as the footsteps leading to this area, he came to a conclusion ''You've been helping them all along.''

The startled Miguel nodded, wondering if he'd seen them back at the cottage.

As a matter of fact, he had. ''Why? Why go through all the trouble after all the grievances you've undoubtedly suffered?''

''…They're humans too. Just because their higher ups like to forget that, doesn't mean the rest of us have to.'' Miguel wasn't sure what was going on but he saw no reason not to answer ''I hate the government but I won't let that define me…I want something better than that…for me and my people.''

Silence reigned for almost a minute. Kuma still surveying him with that unnervingly calm stare. Had he known the Warlord better, Miguel would've picked up on the glimmer of respect there ''…Do not let the world taint your light, it is an admirable quality in these times.'' Miguel's eyes widened, the man already turning away ''Even in this world that looks down on compassion and rewards cruelty, one fact remains. In times of darkness, it is those who hold on to their humanity who shine the brightest.''

Before Miguel knew it, he'd teleported. He could see the tall shadow near the cottage, wondering if the man had actually intended to help everyone here after all.

Unexpected as the words were, Miguel felt them resonate deeply. He would do his best to keep them in mind.

''Interesting…'' Robin hummed ''…that seems quite unusual given what I've heard about him but I wonder if you earned his respect, Quartermaster-san.''

''You think? I wouldn't know…honestly, I was just relieved it was over to begin with and I didn't think much of his words. But I get what he meant now more than ever…'' Mentally shaking himself, he met their gazes ''…I left soon after that too, I used my spells to gather things faster and that's probably when I wound up getting the notebook too. I didn't even realize it until later though.''

''Damn…forget what I said about good luck. That just feels in bad taste now.'' Sanji confessed, Nami nodding in assent. While they certainly held the government in disdain, both could agree that the crew didn't deserve that.

''But you know, I think I get what Kuma meant…you're already following his advice anyway.'' The latter added, grinning after a moment ''Also, considering how you've been against people calling you a hero, you're really, really not helping your case. Just saying.''

Having hoped to inject some levity into the situation, his chuckle elevated her spirits ''Don't start that again…''

Robin felt a measure of amusement and relief, it was quite clear that recounting this terrible event hadn't been easy. And understandably so, it was good to see him in better spirits. ''Well, she does have a point. Few people would possess such strength, much less act on it.''

''I'm just doing what I feel is best. It was hard and…even if I know people wouldn't agree with my choice, I don't regret it either. Being so wary of the world, stewing in all this hate…that's no way to live. I just want something better for everyone back home.''

''Then I'd say you're on the right track, taking a stand for what you believe is never meaningless.'' That was one thing Sanji quickly learned with this crew. ''But that's enough of this heavy stuff, how about I whip us up some hot chocolate? Seems like it'd be just what the doctor ordered.''

Nami and Miguel's agreement made his smile grow but then Robin's words made his night ''Oh, I heard about your famous hot chocolate. Doctor-san certainly praised it quite highly but given your usual standards, I'd say it was quite warranted.''

''Thank you, Robin-swan! I promise you won't be disappointed!'' Sanji practically danced his way into the kitchen, they could almost the hearts in his eyes.

''So much for that moment-not that I'm surprised though…'' Nami shook her head in exasperation before she began walking ahead, keeping her eye on the Log Pose. Realizing she just checking their route, her crewmates left her to it.

''Well, this crew is certainly full of dreamers with such grand goals, isn't it?'' Robin mused.

''Including you, remember?'' Miguel hadn't been the only one who'd noticed that even now, she still talked as if she was a guest. While she had been the one to ask to join them, she clearly held herself at a distance from them. She wouldn't even call anyone by name except Luffy and even that was only on occasion. Sure, her addition to the crew was chaotic but everyone was okay with it now.

Although…given his growing suspicions about her, this attitude made sense.

Once again, he found himself thinking. Should he tell her? It seemed like it would be good for her to know and yet at the same time, he wasn't sure. And it definitely was a matter that needed to be handled with care.

''Ah, but I was mostly referring to you.'' Robin was saying. ''It's almost as if you aim to help your people find equality even after all that's happened.''

Miguel smiled sadly ''You really had it wrong then.'' She arched an eye, curious ''I'm not so wide-eyed or innocent to believe that one person can actually pull such a thing off. But…I remember my friends' surprise when I told them how I wanted to travel. A bunch of them tried to talk me out of it.''

That did make sense, wizards had learned to keep to themselves for a reason. Elysia was their sanctuary against a world that held them in contempt for something beyond their control.

''It's why I train hard, my family only accepted this when I passed the tests they set up for me. They actually wanted to come but they had responsibilities they couldn't just leave behind. My girlfriend was the one who accepted for what it was but she said she wouldn't let me go without her. I never expected that but I knew there was no way to talk her out of it…'' As much as he would've loved to travel with Sara, he knew their friends were right to worry and he didn't want to drag her with him.

Not that she ever stood for the line of thinking, of course ''…but it just wound up being me in the end. I just wanted to do something…even if it was hard, it's worth it. We needed all the help we could get back then.''

''Well, if Miss Mage's reaction was anything to go by, your efforts are very much appreciated.'' The archaeologist reminded.

''Mm, I didn't see that coming…but I'm getting off track. A lot of people think of magic and the gifts it offers but they don't' realize that it can be a curse too. The majority of us born with magic are on Elysia but there are others out there. And…I learned the hard way that they're not as lucky as we were.''

Robin thought that that was debatable. Given the struggles Elysia faced so but she could understand his point ''What happened?''

''…I was just leaving an island when I felt something really wrong, like how the magic from the mansion twisted everything.'' A pause ''A lot of the people were freaking out, they thought it was some sort of devil fruit user trying to destroy things but it was actually just a girl trying to get rid of her magic.''

Having come to gain a better understanding of the workings of magic over the years, Robin knew just how bad that was. ''She…went that far?''

''She claimed she found some sort of old ritual and it'll destroy her magic. Her magic was reacting to her emotions, she was pushed so far that it was hurting everything in sight, even her. I tried to help but…'' His heart clenched at the memory of the sheer pain and devastation in the girl's tone ''…she was so lost in despair that she couldn't see anything else. The world just beat her down over and over, driving her to such extremes. I didn't know how to even begin dealing with something like that, never mind her magic being so twisted, reaching out to someone so lost in their pain…it was beyond me.''

''You mean…?''

He averted her gaze ''…I…the magic had such a backlash that it blew us both back and…when I woke up, it looked like some time passed. I couldn't ever find her.''

Both remained unaware of the newly returned Nami staring at him in shock. The guilt in his gaze made her wish she could say something, to assure him that he had nothing to be sorry for…but the words failed her.

Fortunately, the same didn't go for Robin ''You tried your best, that's all anyone could possibly ask. I'm sorry, I can imagine how difficult that was. But I understand what you mean now. This was never about enacting change for your people.''

''Yeah…no one should feel so alone…so desperate.'' His fists clenched ''I'd love to be able to help my people find their place in the world but at the end of the day, I'm just one person. I don't want to see more people pushed to such extremes. I guess I just want to show them that…they can have their place in the world, that compassion exists for anyone, even those of us with magic. Loneliness is a truly terrible thing but they don't have to be alone.''

Robin's gaze softened, renewed admiration rising ''Your heart is in the right place. It's a noble goal.''

He smiled wanly; gratitude clear in his gaze. The latter merely inclined her head, needing no words to be spoken.

Sanji's return brought elevated the mood once again. Mostly as he all but danced in place at Robin's praise for the flavor of the chocolate. Miguel barely paid the commotion any mind, enjoying the warmth of the mug in his hands. He'd never actually told anyone the story about the girl's story before and he wasn't sure why he did today. The guilt had yet to go away and he didn't know if it ever would but it was as if a weight was off his chest.

He hadn't quite realized how cold he felt until now so this was quite welcome. ''Thanks, Sanji-that's really nice.''

''Oh-yeah, no worries.'' The cook just really wanted to do something after that story. Emotional stuff wasn't his forte-even when ladies were involved, he could admit that. Even as he made the drink, it felt like a paltry gesture.

But watching Miguel now, his lips quirking into a soft smile as he enjoyed the hot chocolate…he couldn't help thinking that maybe it was enough after all.

When it was his turn to help around Merry, Zoro wasn't surprised in the least to hear the sound of hammering away from below deck. He didn't even bother looking towards to the source to know who it was.

''…I'd say something about overdoing it but I really doubt you're going to listen.'' Usopp stiffened but didn't respond. ''I get it, yeah? We all do. We wanted things to be different too but sometimes you just have to make even the hardest choices. There's no getting around that. Merry just isn't made for this sea.''

The sniper's shoulders sagged, his gaze never leaving the hammer in his palm. Dammit, he understood that. How could he not after Merry herself appeared to talk to them? But still-!

''We talked about this; it doesn't mean the end.'' Zoro carried on, picking the hammer up. ''Merry can be our supply ship, or we can even let Miguel shrink her away for safekeeping. I thought you knew us better than to believe we'd just abandon her.''

Usopp flinched ''It's not that…I just…really wanted to go back and tell Kaya about all our adventures someday…this was her ship. And now thinking of how bad we've damaged it is…''

''Somehow, I think she'll be looking more to seeing you than Merry.'' The swordsman returned dryly, remembering their little scene before the crew's departure. ''What, were you dreaming of going back like a conquering hero or something and let her swoon in your arms like the cook does every time the girls even talk to him?''

The boy felt his warm, not willing to admit that this was actually close to some of his fantasies.

Unfortunately for him, Zoro was a lot more observant than people gave him credit ''Wow, just wow…''

''S-shut up!''

Snorting, the swordsman shook his head ''You're just lucky it's me here. Nami would absolutely give you shit for this. Of course, seeing as you're asking for it, I can get behind that…''

''…Why am I friends with you guys…?''

But Zoro had already began surveying their surroundings closely, taking the hammer from the sniper before hammering one of the nails a few times. ''…get some actual sleep this time, bonehead. I'll figure this out.''

…Right, that was why. At the end of the day, despite all the ribbing and teasing, they would always be there for each other. That was how they operated. And that was why he knew that even when things were rough, they would be okay.

Well, let's stop here.

I didn't intend on doing another training chapter this soon but I've been toying with this idea for a while now. Considering my plans, this seemed like a good time to start it off. This is just an intro to haki, having the notebook just means the crew's basically at the starting line. This is just to help them going forward, they're not going to be pulling any crazy moves out of the blue. They still need time and practice to figure haki out.

Anyway, Miguel knows more about Robin than he initially realized for reasons I'll explain in a few chapters (there's just a certain event I want to handle first). I wanted to show more about his perspective and give a deeper look into what drives him. And now you see why he's convinced that the Warlord system spells trouble, he knows fully well that Jinbei can't stand it either and he's only sticking it out for fishman island. I'm trying not to portray anyone too OOC but it's really easy to imagine the government letting stuff like what happened to those marines slide. Considering that it took Fujitora and the reverie for something to be done about the warlord system despite all the trouble it caused, I can totally see it.

Well, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!