Heed The Call
"We made it!" Luffy announced once they stepped on land. "The Marine base city!"
Akata jumped off the boat, his eyes excitedly wandering around the place as he stood beside his captain. Himari and Koby remained behind to dock the boat properly.
The former could see why he called it 'the Marine base city'. The largest building at the center of the island was the base after all. Apart from that, the city itself was peaceful. Her eyes landed on the various stalls selling food, and quickly took notes mentally on what to buy for their trip.
Someone tugged on her clothes.
"Riri-chan!" Akata called out as he pulled the woman towards a certain direction. "Come on! I wanna buy something!"
It's food again, isn't it?Himari teased, her eyes closed as she smiled.
"Ah-" The kitsune fell silent, mouth opened, stumped. "Well-"
Come on, then.The kunoichi ruffled his hair and started walking forwards.Luffy-san.
"Hm?"
You and Koby-san go on ahead. Akata and I will be buying our supplies for the travel. We'll catch up to you two later on.
Luffy grinned. "Okay! Let's go, Koby!"
"Ah! Wait!" Koby rushed forward, trailing behind the excited teenager. "Luffy-san!"
Himari shook her head.Come on, 'Kata.
The kitsune jumped in joy. "Yay!"
We will have to change our appearances first, however,she informed as the duo made their way towards a dark alleyway.Lest the Marines might notice us.
"Right!"
A few minutes passed before two unknown figures emerged from the narrow alley. One of them was awomancovered from head to toe with a white hooded cloak. Not forgetting the black mask covering her face, of course. The other one was a...demon...of some sort.
Himari turned to talk to her partner, only to jump in fright at the sight of the hellish creature standing beside her. She looked around, seeing nobody, and quickly ushered the kitsune back into the alley.
What are you doing, 'Kata?she asked, critically scrutinizing his appearance.
"I thought it'd be fun!" he answered with a huge grin.
To what? Scare people?
"Yeah! Seeing people's reactions if they see me like this would be so exciting!"
Absolutely not.The (actually) bluette locked eyes firmly with the demonic creature's own, and despite his taller figure, he cowered under her gaze.I will not be having us running around from Marines if they see you looking like that.
The disguised kitsune pouted. "Spoilsport..."
But another look at the stern golden eyes of his disguised partner, he instantly took back his words.
Smoke covered the boy's body following the handseal, before he reappeared as aboywith black hair with a maroon-coloured streak at the side. He wore a simple, casual, red hoodie, jeans, as well as a pair of red-laced white sneakers.
"Better now?" Akata asked with a small boyish voice sounding close to his own.
Himari nodded approvingly. Now come.We cannot waste anymore time.
For the next few moments, Himari and Akata went around buying food supplies for their upcoming journey (it was really just Akata doing the talking). They took into account the fact that their captain had a black hole of a stomach and that they might gain a possible new member of the crew. That was...ifRoronoa Zoro agreed to join them, but knowing Luffy, he might just take the guy without his consent anyway.
In the end, Himari wasn't even sure that everything they bought would fit inside the boat... A crate full of apples, oranges and pears; a mountain of meat (as per Akata and Luffy's request); and a whole number of other things just in case anybody requested for them.
I think these would be enough, Himarisaid as she placed all the items inside their boats with her kitsune's help....I hope...
"Don't worry, Riri-chan," Akata assured as he jumped off the boat. "I'm sure we'll manage until we get to the next island! We bought a lot already!"
But this is Luffy-san we're talking about. And then there'syou. Meat is your favorite, too.She gazed at the crates thoughtfully.And there's Roronoa-san...
"Eh, we'll be fine, Riri-chan." The boy gave her a thumbs up and another grin. "Definitely! You just worry too much!"
Himari looked at the boy sceptically before sighing.Perhaps...
Akata stared at the woman for some time. He then reached out for her wrist. "Come on, Riri-chan! Let's go find our captain!"
The kunoichi let herself be dragged away from their boat, leaving Akata to lead the way and find Luffy on his own. He started sniffing the air around him as he ran past stall after stall, column after column, shop after shop, they even went past the Marine base up ahead where a rampage seemed to have happened inside with all the noises coming from behind the gates, until he finally halted in front of a shop..which was situated just a few shops away from their boat.
A tic mark appeared on Himari's temple.So why were we running around this island like mad again?
"Oh, w-well..." The boy nervously laughed. "A-anyways, we're here now! Luffy and Koby are in there!" He sniffed again, and this time, his eyes shone. "There's someone else with them!"
The (actually) brunet made to enter the shop but Himari stopped him by holding onto his shoulder.Not so fast, child. Be patient. Luffy would not recognize us in this disguise.
"Oh, right!"
But he ran inside anyway, as a puff of smoke covered him as he passed through the door. Himari shook her head in exasperation. Her eyes warily swept around the vicinity, finding very few people lounging around save for the busy vendors.
It would be okay, I think...
Just before she opened the door, her figure reverted back to her usual appearance of a woman with light blue hair, ocean blue eyes, and the all black outfit she was wearing earlier. A bell tinkled as the door swung open before closing shut behind her.
"HI-MA-RI!!"
"AH! LUFFY-SAN, WAIT-!"
Bam! Crash!And down Himari went in a tangle of elongated legs and arms. Yet her expression remained impassive, already used to her captain's routine.
"You said you'd meet me at the Marine base!" The noiret's muffled voice came as he squished his face on her shoulder. "You two were late! We already got Zoro as our new crew member!"
Pardon us, captain.The kunoichi patted the male on his back for him to release her, which he did.It turns out we had to buy a lot of supplies for the journey. It took quite a long time for us to settle things up before we ran in search for you and Koby-san.
"Oooohhhh!" His eyes sparkled, and...was he drooling? "Did you buy a lot of meat?!"
"You just ate, Luffy-san!" Koby's voice came from beside them.
"We did!" Akata jumped onto Luffy's back. "We boughtlotsof meat, cap'n!"
The teen cheered. "You're the best, Himari!"
Akata took note of Koby sweatdropping at their actions and words. "Hey, Pinky! Luffy didn't bring you trouble, did you?"
"N-no... No, he didn't."
"Aw, come on! Spill! What did you guys do when we were gone?!"
"Ah! Listen to this, Akata! We-!"
What ever did they do, Himari never knew for she slipped away from the loud and energetic conversation to sit at a table nearby and escape from their tiring energy. Only then did she notice the person sitting right across from her. And the way he looked at her... She internally sighed. She was used to that.
The green-haired male spoke with narrowed, distrustful eyes, "My suspicions were correct. Luffy spoke of you often, mentioned you ever since he came to me back at the Marine base. I thought it would be somebody else. But I would never have expected thattheKiyomizu Himari is finally out and about after all these years."
The two stared each other down, a tense silence hanging over them.
"So why did you finally decide to make a comeback?" he asked, leaning onto his fist. "Why did you join a newbie pirate crew instead of those big names out there?What are you planning, huh, Messenger?"
Himari remained silent, blankly staring into the other's eyes.
"Well? Aren't you gonna answer me?"
He raised an eyebrow at the sudden appearance of the multiple water droplets that floated in front of his face.
What is your dream, Roronoa-san?
He fell silent, eyes wide after reading the message.
Yes. I know you. I have heard of you even inside the 'cave' people assume that I live in.Himari clasped her hands in front of her, leaning on the table similarly to the male in front of her.Answer my question first, Roronoa-san.
The greenet frowned. "You-"
I am Luffy-san's first mate. I am aware that once he desires someone to be on his crew, he will have that person no matter what. And I am aware of the risk that comes with that attitude.
Even without a voice, Zoro can clearly detect the firmness behind her mask of indifference. Yet, he can see the mask fall, bit by bit the more she spoke, to be replaced by another fiercer persona.
So I worry. I worry for my captain, that is all. Which is why, even if he has already recruited anybody, I will make it my responsibility to be completely sure that that person does not bring harm to him in any way.
It was as if it was only the two of them speaking to each other, a steady right-hand and the newly appointed member of the unit. When it was Zoro who seemed to have placed pressure on the woman earlier, now...he knew why she was such a renowned person even after years of disappearance.
Answer me, Roronoa-san.What is your dream?
His own eyes hardened. This question, he knew he can answer with perfect confidence, for it was something he set his mind to for years on end. "To become the world's strongest swordsman. I said this before, and I'll say it again. If ever I wind up having to give up on that dream, your captain would be the one to accept responsibility and apologize to me."
Yet even after he answered, the kunoichi didn't say anything. She remained quiet, eyes staring deeply into his soul. The urge to look away was strong in him, for those mesmerizing blue eyes seemed to be able to lay bare his whole being from within, but he didn't. The two remained in, to outsiders' view, an eye contest in which neither of the two wanted to lose.
Himari became the one to accept defeat, as she closed her eyes and leaned back in her chair, hands clasped on her thighs. Zoro didn't know what it was she was thinking as she remained in this position for minutes.
Neither of them noticed that the whole room had gone quiet. Luffy, Koby and Akata, even Rika, the young girl, and her mother were silently watching the two's conversation. This was something that everyone was able to comprehend by observing the two of them, the seriousness of this conversation. Even Luffy, as a captain, didn't say a word throughout the stillness in the air although it was his first mate and new recruit speaking.
Akata noticed it first. He saw how the corners of her eyes crinkled upwards as she raised her gaze to look at the male in front of her. And the boy smiled as brightly as the stars above when the droplets of water circled the swordsman, forming the words:
Welcome to the crew, Roronoa-san.
The door of the shop opened, revealing the group of Marines standing outside. Akata stood up, as did Himari, where they both took their places beside their captain.
One of the Marines stepped forward. He lowered his cap.
"Is it true that you are pirates?!" he asked.
"Yeah!" Luffy answered cheerfully. "We gained a member just now!"
"We appreciate that you saved our base and this town from that tyrant! However, now that we know you are pirates, in the name of the Marines we cannot stand by quietly!"
The kunoichi's hawk-like eyes scanned the man before them and the others behind him. None of them were carrying weapons despite his words.
The Marine soldier finally raised his gaze, and what his eyes immediately land on was that of the familiar face of a long-lost criminal glaring at him. His eyes grew wide. His straight stance almost loosened. He would have had his knees shaking if the woman herself didn't raise her hand in assurance. Droplets of water surrounded him.
Fear not.Himari let her hand fall to her side.If you mean no harm, then no harm shall come to you or your mates. Continue.
"R-right!" he stammered before he regained his stance. "You will leave this town at once! Out of obligation, we will refrain from contacting Headquarters!"
"Hey, Marine guy!" one of the citizens spoke out from the door. "How can you talk like that?!"
"Even you guys were subdued and terrified of Morgan!" another said.
"We owe those guys our lives!"
"Yeah! Yeah!"
Himari's eyes landed on her captain. He remained silent for a few moments before...
"Well, guess we should go!" he said. "Thanks for the food, lady!"
"You guys are leaving already?" Rika the little girl asked.
Luffy hauled a sack of food onto his shoulder. "Yeah!"
Himari sent the girl and her mother a nod to which the mother returned it with a smile. Rika hesitantly waved her hand at the woman, and was pleasantly surprised that she returned it with her own wave. The girl gained confidence after that, and gave a more energetic wave to the kunoichi, to which the later smiled to under her mask.
Zoro followed behind Akata, who trailed behind Himari. The crew passed by Koby silently. Himari sent a droplet of water towards him, lightly touching his shoulder. He didn't miss that gesture.
"Aren't you part of their crew?" the soldier asked.
"Eh?" Koby grew rigid. "I... I'm..."
Luffy stopped by the door, to which Himari noticed but didn't comment anything. She passed by Akata who had now walked in front of her and placed a hand on his shoulder. She grabbed Zoro's attention in this way as well.
I will be going back to our boats first.Her blue eyes locked with Akata's hazel ones.To prepare our items and rearrange certain things. Stay behind with Luffy.She raised her gaze to Zoro's.Make sure he doesn't do anything rash.
Akata grinned. "Will do!"
Zoro only grunted his agreement.
Himari nodded and in an instant, she disappeared with a single flicker, surprising everyone else who saw excluding Akata. It only took her a few seconds to reach their boats by running across the rooftops.
She was just about to check and double check their supplies, before a familiar bird swooped down in front of her, perched on top of the railings of the boat. Her ocean blue eyes widened in surprise.
This...
The hawk cocked its head to the side, waiting for her to untie the note that was strapped to its leg.
A note that bore the symbol of her village.
"You never really answered my question."
The crew of four had departed Shells Town early that evening with the whole town plus Marines seeing them off. Himari agreed to what Zoro said when this occurrence was such a rare sight.
It was currently night time however, and as usual, Himari volunteered to watch over their boats. Luffy had gone to sleep with Akata on the other smaller boat. She had thought that Zoro would follow their actions if he didn't choose another spot to sleep, but he wasn't in the mood for that it seemed.
The woman briefly let her eyes give him a side-eye before she continues to stare off into the dark horizon in front of her.
You should rest, Roronoa-san.The water droplets shone underneath the moonlight, making it easier for the male to see. She sent that whilenot even looking at the greenet.You would have to use the most of your energy when you sign up for this crew.
"Nah, don't feel like it," he declined. The male chose to lean against the mast of the boat with his arms crossed behind his head, where he got to see the woman with her back turned towards him. Her outfit was so black, he might have never seen her had he not paid better attention. "I'll manage myself with that guy."
If you say so.
There was silence for a moment, as the sound of waves crashing against their boats and Luffy's snores filled their ears.
"So?" Zoro began. "You gonna answer me or what?"
Answer what?
"My question earlier."
I am afraid I do not quite catch which question you are referring to.
"You were gone for five years," he stated. "You were one of the biggest threats to the world back then, yet you suddenly disappeared without a trace. But now...you're back. While being in a pirate crew, a newly formed one, nevertheless. Why? Why did you decide to return so suddenly?"
The bluette didn't answer. Yet, she moved. Her hands went to the clasp of her cloak, releasing it and pulling the jet-black cloak off her figure. Her light blue and white hair blew in the wind. Strangely enough, Zoro smelled the strong scent of the sea coming from her.
Himari rolled the cloak over in her hands, plopping it onto her lap.
Why do you want to know, Roronoa-san?she questioned as her hands moved to fold her cloak properly.
"Just curious," he replied with a shrug. "I've heard of you a lot throughout the years. Even my sensei mentioned you sometimes. Every bounty hunter alive curse your name. Some of the weaker pirates fear you. So I wondered who you really are."
Himari set her cloak aside, and reached for her bag.Which island do you come from, Roronoa-san? Is it from the East Blue?
"I dunno," he shrugged again. "My village is called Shimotsuki Village, though. Heard of it?"
Her hands stopped mid-movement. She was just about to grab her cloak again.
...I have. I've heard of Shimotsuki Village.She proceeded to arrange her cloak properly inside her bag.So, did you get the answer you sought for? About me?
"Bits of it. So I pieced them together." Zoro shook his head. "We're getting off topic here."
The kunoichi went silent again.Why did I reappear to the outside world again, you ask?
Zoro didn't say a word, to which Himari took as a 'yes'.
You asked a complicated question to answer, Roronoa-san...
"What's so complicated about it? It's a simple question."
It is, yes. But to answer it, someone like me needs to guard my tongue.She held her bag on her lap, as her head partially swiveled around to look at the 19-year-old sitting behind her.I'm sure you understand that, right?
Again, Zoro didn't answer.
Himari's gaze returned to her front.I'm sure you might have an inkling as to why I refused to appear in the public eye all these years. And I am certain that some people might have believed me to be dead.
Her hand moved to place her bag back in its place. Zoro followed her movement, and finally spotted the sword placed close against the railings in a horizontal state. The dark blue colour of its scabbard and an equally dark-coloured hilt made it hard for him to notice it. But he didn't mention anything about it, seeing that Himari had begun to answer his question.
I won't ask you what you already know about me, be it true or false.She took a deep breath.To answer your question, I came back because of Luffy-san.
Zoro raised an eyebrow. "Because of him? What did he do?"
Nothing really. By chance, he just came to the island I was temporarily residing on, and in a twist of fate, I caught his interest.A small smile played on her lips.But his appearance raised some questions for me. Questions I need answers to. Answers that I will not achieve the longer I stay on that island.
So I set off, in hopes that one day, those answers will appear before me. It might not be easy, it certainly won't be easy.Her gaze drifted towards Luffy's sleeping figure on the other boat.But if all else fails, I still have something else to do.
Zoro's eyes followed hers. "You're dead set on protecting him, huh?"
The droplets of water hovered in front of Zoro.I am.
"And that's all there is to it?"
Yes.
Another stillness rang in the air.
Roronoa-san.
"Hm?"
Can I trust you?
"That depends."
Do you know what I am?
His brows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean-?"
I am a kunoichi, Roronoa-san. A ninja of the Five Nations.
"Five-" His eyes widened. "!!"
Although I am a member of this crew, my loyalty, although it lies with my captain, I still have my duties towards my village.She brought out a roll of parchment.Earlier, I received a letter calling me back towards Konohagakure, the village I came from. Only I am ordered to return.
Her blue eyes landed on Akata.Although I was given the option to bring Akata with me, I decided not to. I need someone to look after Luffy-san should I not be here. That doesn't mean I don't trust you, Roronoa-san.Her gaze darted towards the greenet.But alone, you might find taking care of our captain is a handful. You need someone else to help you.
"So...your point is...?"
A squad was sent towards Loguetown earlier to wait for me and bring me back to Konohagakure by the day after tomorrow.
His frown deepened. "Is that even enough time? I'm no expert in navigating and maps, but I know that Loguetown is still quite a distance away from here."
Correct.Himari took the male's hand in hers, forcing the parchment in her hand into his.Which is why I must set out right now at the fastest speed I can. This is a letter explaining everything to Akata and Akata only. The rest, I trust you to explain to Luffy-san. Can you do that for me?
Zoro stared into the blue-haired kunoichi's eyes, and she into his. Nobody spoke for a while until...
"Fine, then," the male gave in. "Just make sure that kid of yours doesn't give me trouble, too."
I'll make sure that he won't.
Himari sent him a close-eyed smile before she stood up.She jumped onto the other boat, seeing Akata in his fox form lying on top of Luffy's belly. Carefully, trying not to wake either of them up, she took Luffy into her arms and made her way towards their main boat. She set him down as gently as she could. He didn't wake up,and neither did Akata although he shifted a little in his sleep.
I trust you to take care of them both, then, Roronoa-san.
Zoro nodded his agreement, and silently observed Himari as she took her bag and sword. He only just noticed theoutfitshe was wearing, and sweatdropped. She really was just covered from head to toe in black.
The kunoichi untied the rope on both ends, and set it on the main boat for Akata to find the next morning.
"Will you be gone for a long time?" Zoro inquired as she set her stuff down on the boat.
I can't be sure. But I will be as fast as I can to settle whatever it is the leader of my village wants me to do. I promise I will be back.She settled the last of her items.If by chance that I am late, proceed. Sooner or later, you will reach Loguetown, and if I am not there by the time you are ready to enter the Grand Line, proceed without me.
"Then, how will you find us?"
I'll find a way.I have been there after all.
The swordsman narrowed his eyes. "You're sure?"
A hundred percent sure.The boat was drifting farther away.Good luck in recruiting the others, all right? I trust your judgement on them, Roronoa-san.
"You'll just interrogate them again, either way, so I don't see any point to that," the male sighed out.
Himari smiled despite nobody being able to see it.Perhaps. I will be going now, then.
"Yeah." He paused. "Good luck out there."
The woman would be dumb if she said she didn't notice the change in the way Zoro spoke to her. Either way, she was glad of this fact. It was nice to have someone with a mindset close to hers on the crew. Well, as close as can be anyway.
It was already too far for Zoro to see her messages. So she placed a hand on her chest where her heart would be, and bowed her head to him. He didn't reply to that, but she knew he saw it and that was enough.
The two continued to observe each other until both were swallowed by the darkness. Only then did Zoro finally decide to rest, although his senses remained alert in case of anything approaching them.