Chapter Twenty Two: Coby No Swiping
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Alabasta had been as hot as he had expected it to be; the climate so unbelievably hot, and the land just full of grainy sand.
Eustass Kid grumbled under his breath as he waltzed through the streets of Alabasta. His bad mood caused bystanders to part in slight fear. Or perhaps it was because he had quite a hefty bounty on his head already (nearly 200 million berries). Whatever it was, they did not seem to want anything to do with him.
"Let's just hurry up so that we can leave," Kid mumbled, pulling out your Vivre card with care. He put his thumb over your unique handwriting. He studied it all; the way you looped your letters together to form your name, down to the small little smiley faces you drew on the paper.
He neatly folded the Vivre card back up and tucked it into his pocket.
"I got some questions to ask Y/n."
Killer walked beside him, head turning to stare at all the vendors, noting the abject terror upon their faces. His gaze shifted over to his Captain, watching him as he stomped up to a food stall, and demanded for supplies. He let out a sigh, eyes scanning their surroundings.
They were docking at Alabasta in order to restock some of their supplies. It wasn't like some of their usual pillaging- killing civilians and looting -but it was fairly the same like all the rest. Killer watched as Kid grinned triumphantly as the food vendor shakily handed him bags upon bags of food.
"Ha, you're not that bad," Kid sneered. The man quivered under the pirate's gaze. "You should be thankful that I'm sparing your pathetic life. Killing everyone would be a waste of time." Time he would not rather waste.
Slinging the sack over his shoulder, Kid gestured to Killer.
"Come on Killer, let's get out of here." Killer made a move to walk by Kid's side before he paused, head turning around to stare at the newcomer.
"Eustass Kid." The newcomer spoke his name in disdain. Kid's eyes gazed hard at the man, narrowing his eyes as he noted the locks of red hair and 'x' mark on his chin. He recognized who the man was; it was X Drake. "Sparing civilians, are we?"
"Tch." Kid gritted his teeth. "None of your business. What the hell are you even doing here, Drake?" Drake tilted his head, raising a brow.
"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" he spoke, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "Last time I checked, you were causing havoc near Water 7. Why did you suddenly turn back?" Kid's face scrunched up to one of irritation, narrowing his eyes at the ex marine.
"Didn't I just tell you that it was none of your business?" Turning around, Kid waved to Killer. "Oi. Killer, let's get going. I don't want to waste any time on a weakling. We got more important things to do."
The pirate made a move to leave, before he paused, eyes glaring down at a man holding a wooden stick who Kid could only assume to be part of Drake's crew. His eyes scanned the man's body, noting that there wasn't a shred of metal in sight. He let out a big breath of hot air out of his mouth in annoyance.
So Drake was aware of his Devil Fruit abilities. How annoying.
"You really trying to pick a fight with me, huh, Drake?" Kid turned around, glaring hard at Drake. Killer stood beside Kid, hand moving for his scythes. All around them, they began to see that they were surrounded by pirates.
"No," Drake put his hands behind his back, "not a fight. I just had a few simple questions I need you to answer for me." He waved his hand in the air, and his men backed down, waiting for the two pirates to move in anticipation.
"Oh?" Kid spoke, intrigued. "And what would those questions be?" Drake's eyes grew dark as he narrowed his eyes. There was a murderous glint in them as he stared the other Captain down.
"I overheard you speaking earlier, and I couldn't help but wonder... How did you get her Vivre Card?"
Kid didn't need to be told twice about who he was talking about, it was obvious. His face morphed into one of displeasure and he glared Drake down with equal intensity. Killer's hands tightened at the sound of Drake's words.
It was clear to both pirate crews. They both knew you somehow.
"And why the hell should I answer you, huh?" Kid snarled. Drake let out a sigh. He wasn't going to get an answer, was he?
"It doesn't matter then," he spoke calmly. "I'll just kill you before you hurt her." At that moment, Drake activated his Devil Fruit, morphing into a huge Allosaurus.
The sun was hot as it beamed down upon Killer and Kid, and Kid felt as if he were on fire. There was adrenaline in his veins as he stared up at the large Ancient Zoan type user, and he let his own Devil Fruit activate immediately as well. He chuckled under his breath.
"So it's going to be this way, huh?" He grinned. "Fine by me then." His eyes shifted over to his partner. "Oi, Killer. Take care of those weaklings while I deal with this overgrown lizard." The aura surrounding him became murderous.
"He's getting on my nerves."
Hawkins' eyes were shut as he felt the vibrations of the ground tremor over and over and over again. He let out a sigh, opening his eyes and shifting his gaze towards the flaps of his tent.
He never really thought it was much of a big deal when he landed on the island and pitched up a tent. Nor did he think much of it when he decided to make a little money off of his fortune telling skills because he was feeling rather bored with nothing to do. It wasn't a big deal; all his customers were always left satisfied (or unsatisfied) with whatever fortune he gave them.
One of such was a famed shichibukai.
Crocodile was his name, and the shichibukai had stumbled upon his little tent when the man had been investigating new businesses in his area. You could imagine his surprise when he opened the flaps and saw a large bounty rookie pirate sitting with a crystal ball on the table.
It was to his luck (or fortune) that Crocodile didn't decide to do something to him. Maybe it was because the man wanted his fortune told, or maybe it was because he didn't feel like it. Whatever it was, he was grateful.
The shichibukai only wanted one fortune told. One fortune, at first. He wanted to know if he would find what he was looking for, and he answered it with a yes. He would find what he was searching for.
But he didn't mention that he wouldn't succeed.
After a bit of silence and contemplation, Crocodile decided to ask one more.
The fortune was oddly specific. Crocodile wanted to know if you would somehow stumble into Alabasta with your crew, and if you did, would you come to him.
Hawkins didn't react outwardly to this, but he was rather curious as to what was going on through the man's mind. He was familiar with your name, yes, but it was quite something for you to know a shichibukai, especially one who seemed quite smitten with you, no matter how hard it seemed he was trying to deny it.
Thinking long and hard, he had answered with a 'yes' yet again. Yes, you would arrive in Alabasta in two weeks time, and yes, you would somehow find your way to Crocodile. When relaying that information to the shichibukai, he left rather happily, and it was only then that Hawkins had a moment of realization.
You would be in Arabasta roughly the same time that he would encounter his true love.
It would be naive of Hawkins to believe that it was a mere coincidence because he just knew it wasn't. You had to be his true love. Your wanted poster came in the exact time he had made his predictions, so who else would it be? Big Mom? Eustass Kid?
CRASH!
Two figures crash inside the tent, and Hawkins sighed. Speak of the Devil and he shall appear.
"YOU FUCKING REPTILE!"
"Y/n doesn't need someone as foul-mouthed as you in her life."
The two pirate captains thrashed in each other's holds, attempting to pin the other down or at least knock the other into unconsciousness. All the while, Hawkins sat in his spot, watching them with an unamused expression.
So it seemed that the two pirates knew of you as well. He really wasn't that surprised by now.
"If you're both going to continue fighting, it would be appreciated if you both stepped outside and continued instead." They both paused, looking up and finally taking in Hawkins' appearance. When it registered in their minds, they jumped up in surprise.
"WHY THE HELL ARE YOU HERE TOO?!" Kid yelled in frustration. "What, is some other pirate like that Surgeon of Death going to show up and-"
"Eustass-ya, you're being ridiculously loud." The flap opened up and Law suddenly walked in. Kid's jaw dropped wide open.
"What the fuck?!" he yelled, pointing at the newcomer. "You!"
"You both were creating such a ruckus that it was so blatantly obvious to where you both were," Law said, twirling his nodachi in his hands. "I could have seen you both a few miles away."
Kid stomped right up to Law, hand moving to grip the man's collar. He looked contemplative for a moment, as if wondering if he should pick Law up and chuck him straight out of the tent, but he eventually let go with a huff.
"Why the hell are we all here? It can't be a coincidence that we all just suddenly showed up in Alabasta at the same time." Kid's words made them think. It was true. Why the hell were they all in Alabasta? Some of them were already way past that island, so what was the meaning of this?
Unless...
"You have her Vivre cards," Drake spoke in realization. Law raised an intrigued eyebrow.
"Oh? So you know Y/n too?" He pulled out a slip of white paper out of his pocket, waving it around. "That means that you have one too, don't you?"
"This is super seriously fucking confusing," Kid spoke irritatedly. "How is it that we all somehow know Y/n?" The tent flap suddenly flipped open and they all turned to glare at the person.
Who turned out to be Killer.
"Kid I-" He paused, realizing that there were three other pirate captains in the tent. What in the frickity frick frack was this? Kid groaned.
"I just want to kill you all."
Meanwhile, Hawkins is feeling a little left out.
---
"JUST HOW POWERFUL ARE YOU?!"
"Er... I don't know?" you answered with uncertainty. "I mean, I can't really control all of my power so..." You furrowed your brows in thought. "Probably stronger than most people in Paradise," you concluded.
"Not sure what would happen if I fought a Yonko though. I never really tried, not that I want to of course!" you said quickly, seeing the horror stricken upon Nami, Usopp, and Sanji's faces.
"Don't fight one!" You grinned sheepishly, scratching the back of your head.
"Ah... Don't worry about it! I won't do that!"
You're not supposed to hurt your friends after all... You added in your head.
Zoro crossed his arms as he studied Cactus Island. It was the same place that you described in Laboon. Something was going to occur here. His eyes shifted over to the duo who were sneakily attempting to leave the ship.
Zoro had a feeling he knew what you saw.
"Oi, they're getting away." They simultaneously swiveled their heads to look at the railing. Ms. Wednesday and Mr. 9 stood on it with a small smirk.
"We'll be leaving now," Mr. 9 spoke.
"Thanks for taking us home, honeys," continued Ms. Wednesday. Soon after, they jumped off of the ship with a 'bye bye baby', and began to swim to the shore.
"Uh..." You purse your lips as you stare at their retreating form. Couldn't they have waited for the ship to dock instead of getting their clothes all wet again? Well, to each their own, you supposed.
The ship drew closer and closer to the island, following up the river that led into the heart of the town. Usopp shook in anticipation beside you.
"I-Isn't it possible that there are monsters or things like that on the island?" Usopp stuttered nervously. You brought a hand up to grip his own in reassurance, just like how he did for you. You looked up, giving him a grin.
"It's definitely possible," Sanji answered Usopp, eyeing the island. "This is the Grand Line."
"Humans count as monsters sometimes, right?"
"WHAAT?!" Zoro casted a side glance at your subtle hint. Nobody else seemed to get it, or even question why something so odd came out of your mouth. But he knew. He saw your intent behind your words. And he knew that you knew that he knew about Baroque Works.
(That was a mouthful, lol)
"Hehe, just a little joke," you reassured. "We'll be fine."
"If we come across monsters, we can just leave the island," Luffy said to Usopp happily. His eyes shifted to you. "Don't worry Y/n, I'll make sure to protect you! Shishishishi!"
"What?!" Sanji exclaimed. "No my beautiful Goddess, I'll protect you!" He pushed Luffy out of the way to embrace you tightly. "I'll be the knight in shining armor of your dreams!" Zoro rolled his eyes.
"I told you that she's capable of protecting herself," Zoro grumbled. "She said that she was stronger than most people in Paradise."
"Well you can't use your powers, right Y/n?" Luffy asked you. "So that means you're like... a lot weaker than you're usually right?" You nodded your head. "Yosh! I've decided! We're going to find a way to break those bracelets! So we gotta protect you now."
"Did you just not see what she did earlier?!" Zoro barked, thinking back on their spar. "You don't need to pamper her like some child."
"Shhh... Don't listen to that idiot," Sanji cooed, running his hands through your hair. "You'll be safe with us." He yelped in pain when Nami immediately smacked him in the head, tugging your body into her arms. She glared at him in disapproval, keeping you by her and Usopp's side.
"Stupid men..." she muttered under her breath. "Keep your hands to yourself."
"I think Sanji's acting a little weird..." Usopp mumbled under his breath, scooting closer to you and Nami. "Look at him. He's giving me the creeps." Usopp and Nami shielded you away from the heart eyes Sanji was giving you.
You quirked a brow. "I think he looks normal." You squinted your eyes at Sanji who was doing his signature noodle dance (or was it some sort of courtship routine?) with those heart eyes of his. "Hm, yeah, definitely normal."
"...Right..." The two sweatdropped.
"Oh look! We're landing!" you pointed out. "I think I can see a dock through this fog. I sense a lot of people standing there. They feel... uh.. excited."
Nami blinked when she realized you had tugged her to the railing, clinging onto her with fear and excitement. She watched your facial expression morph into one of excitement, eager to set foot back on land.
"Excited?" Nami echoed. "What do you mean by that Y/n-chan? Is because of that haki you were telling us about?"
"You'll see."
Your silence unnerved her as you continued to stare ahead, waiting patiently for the fog to disapitate. The rest of the crew slowly made their way to the railing as well, watching closely as the fog had dispersed. When it did, it only left everyone in shock.
"Welcome to the town of celebration- Whiskey Peak!"
"Welcome to the Grand Line!"
There was a huge crowd that had formed at the dock, their hands waving eagerly as the boat passed by. At the very front of it was a large man with curly platinum blond locks adorning a crisp, clean suit.
You tilted your head at him, leaning to press your stomach against the wooden railing.
Huh.
"They're not monsters. They're welcoming us." Usopp shouted in disbelief. The islanders eagerly threw confetti in the air and lifted large banners up into the air for display.
"Welcome Pirates!"
"-heroes of the sea!"
You shuffled in your spot just a tiny bit, anxiety beginning to set in the pit of your stomach. It only prompted you to hold onto Nami just a little tighter, but it was enough for her to cast you a concerned glance.
Once the ship had docked, the six of you quickly scuttled off the ship towards the crowd. You lingered behind Zoro's back, looking over at the crowd with uncertainty. It wasn't that you had a problem with the people, but it was just that you didn't like the way their cheering reminded you of the marines back at Marineford, or the people back at Loguetown.
"Stop clinging to my back," Zoro spoke up when he tensed at the feeling of your hands ghosting his back.
"S-Sorry!" The swordsmen huffed, sticking his hand out.
"If you have a problem then you should have just said something." You stared at his outstretched hand. "Oi, you're making this awkward. Just take it." Eagerly, you grabbed his hand and intertwined your fingers together, locking them in place.
"Thanks! You know, maybe you should be the first mate!"
He raised a brow. "If you're going to say that, then I think you should be the Captain instead of Luffy." You let out a bubble of laughter.
"Hey! Don't let him hear you say that!" you whisper-yelled.
Sanji stood a little ways behind the two of you, frowning immensely as he glared hard at the way Zoro's larger hands wrapped around your own. Looking down at his own hand, he huffed, shaking off his jealousy. Or attempting to at least. Of course, like always, he was bound to fail.
"Y/n-hime~," he called out, rushing to your side. "Allow me to hold your hand as well!!" You immediately stuck your hand out, unable to deny the happy man.
When Luffy suddenly took notice of all the attention that he was definitely not receiving, he pouted, immediately skidding to a stop before 'Igarappoi' and running back to tackle you. He would have succeeded had not Sanji and Zoro stopped him with their feet.
"Y/n~" he whined, hands stretched out towards you with want. He wrapped them around your torso with ease, tugging you towards him. "I want to hold your hand too."
"But I only have two hands?"
"I don't care! Let me hold your hand!" Luffy lets you go to try and pry Zoro's grip apart. Unsuccessfully, might I add.
"Oi, I'm already holding her hand, Luffy," Zoro grumbled. "If anything, you should get swirly eyebrows to let go."
"WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL ME YOU MOSSHEAD?!"
'Igarappoi' could only stand in his spot in confusion as the three men began to bicker. Nami clenched her fist as they began to fight, with you the unsuspecting (well, it wasn't that unexpected) victim.
"Sh-Should we stop them or...?" Usopp trailed off as Nami began to march towards them with her fists clenched. It was only when they realized that a shadow began to tower over them did their bickering cease, fear lacing their features as they stared wide eyed at the navigator.
"Y/n-chan~" she called out sweetly. "Why don't you hold my own hand?" Sanji and Zoro immediately let go of your hands as if they were on fire, leaving only Luffy who clung to you like a koala.
You nervously let her hold your hand, internally sighing inside. If only you had a Devil fruit where you could make multiple hands, that way you could satisfy everyone's demands.
"Y/n~" Luffy whined as Nami attempted to pry him off of you. "Let me hug you for a little longer please~ Nami's being mean to me!" He slapped her hand away squeezing you tighter.
"Oi oi let her go you idiot!" Sanji growled, also attempting to pull him off. But Luffy was relentless and would not let go.
"No!"
"Let my goddess go!"
"No!"
"Luffy!"
"I said no!"
Igarappoi cleared his throat nervously, and all eyes had suddenly turned to him. Sweat began to coat on his skin as he watched the interaction before him. Their eyes drilled into him with clear displeasure (from his interruption or from their argument, he didn't quite know), causing him to clear his throat once more.
What strange people...
"A-Ah.. P-Pardon the interruption, but allow me to introduce myself." With that sentence alone he felt his courage return. He could do this. "My name is Igarappoi. Welcome to Whiskey Peak, a bustling town of ale brewing and music. We pride ourselves on our hospitality."
Luffy began to slowly detach himself as he noticed Igarappoi's long locks. Once he had fully let you go, he made a swift motion to grab your hand, grinning that he finally got his way.
"-we'd love to hear the tales of your adventures. Would you be so kind to join-" He cleared his throat. "Ahem, Mi-Mi-Mi~! A celebration in your honor?"
Sanji, Luffy, and Usopp were immediately pumped up by the Mayor's suggestion.
"YOU BET WE WOULD!" they cheered, grinning as if they had won the lottery.
You feel a chill pass through you, causing you to shiver slightly. Biting your lip, you let out a huff.
"Hey Luffy?" you called out.
"Yeah?"
"Could you let go of my hand please?" His reaction was immediate on his face, the way his eyes dulled slightly and his face pulled into a massive frown. He wasn't very happy with your question.
"Why? But I wanted to hold your hand."
You gave him an apologetic smile, moving forward to give him a small hug. "Sorry Luffy, I need to use the restroom really quick! Oh yeah, and I need to ask Zoro something, but I won't be long!" He nodded his head in understanding, giving you a big smile in return.
"Okay! Then you have to make sure to get back so that you can eat! I'm pretty sure you don't want to scare anyone again, right?" Your face suddenly felt hot, and you found yourself burying your face in your hands.
"L-Luffy!! Don't bring that up!"
"Shishishishi! Why? But it's funny!" He let out a bright, cherrie laugh, leaning in for another hug. Resting his chin in the crook of your neck, he couldn't help but feel very giddy. He's happy that you're here with him. There's so much that he wants to do with you, to experience with you.
He doesn't know if he wants to be a pirate king without his pirate queen.
"It's embarrassing!" He stared up at your sheepish and clearly embarrassed expression with a softer smile. He likes you a lot. You are a special person to him in his life.
The two of you had been two peas in a pod since you've both met. He couldn't imagine a life without you; he doesn't want to imagine. As long as you are here with him, he knows he'll succeed. Because you give him hope. You give him the drive that he needs whenever he feels the slightest negative emotion.
Luffy watches you as you quickly make your way to Zoro, speaking to him of things that he cannot hear as he is dragged into the party room.
You are his light. You are a reminder of his dreams that he would like to accomplish one day; like a beacon in the sky you shine bright with life. He would dare say that he loves you more than meat. So he will protect you. Whatever it takes.
"Zoro, do you mind if we talk for a little bit?"
---
You sat comfortably next to Zoro and Nami as they began to drink to their heart's content in the drinking contest. Luffy was by your feet, eating mounds and mounds of food, and Sanji was out flirting with some girls on another couch. Unbeknownst to you, Sanji was secretly giving you glances. Usopp on the other hand, was telling stories about his 'adventures' on the Grand Line.
You glanced over at Zoro, who was guzzling down more and more alcohol, already on his fifth glass. You would be lying to say that you were comfortable. You were feeling rather uncomfortable actually, and were occasionally casting nervous glances around the room.
"Y/N! HERE! EAT!" Luffy tilted his head back to hand you a large slab of meat. "The food here's great! You should have some!" The meat hovered in the air before your face as Luffy gazed into your eyes expectantly.
From beside you, both Zoro and Nami's eyes got wide and they choked and sputtered on their beverages. Luffy sharing his food?! That was impossible! Luffy never does that.
You shook your head at Luffy, pushing his arm back to him. "No thanks Luffy. Why don't you enjoy it for yourself?" Luffy's face grew a little serious as he narrowed his eyes at you.
"Eat." You laughed nervously.
"Luffy..."
"Eat." He really wasn't going to back down was he? With a sigh, you slipped the food out of his hands and took a small bite. The flavor immediately flooded across your taste buds, and you agreed. It was good. Compliments to the chef. But you weren't feeling very peckish at the moment, and you slowly slid it back to Luffy.
Luffy clearly wasn't taking any of your bullshit because he immediately sprang up to you and forced you to eat more. Zoro and Nami's jaws dropped at the sudden action and movement, almost causing their drinks to spill.
"Luffy!" Nami gasped.
"Y/n!! You gotta eat the food! It's good for you!" He paused for a second, reeling back and grabbing a plate of vegetables. He grimaced at the sight, but held it up for you to see. "Do you want these green stuff instead?"
You pushed him off you gently, "I'll eat later. I'm just not feeling very hungry right now." He pouted at your answer, not satisfied that you weren't eating something.
You stood up from the couch. "I'll be back, I'm going to get something to drink." Moving away, you walked through the crowded room, and Luffy watched you disappear with a big frown on his face.
"Luffy, what was that?" Nami asked after drinking one more glass of alcohol.
"What was what?" he asked confusedly.
"It's just... weird to see you sharing your food," she commented, drinking more alcohol. "You're so possessive of your food, so I didn't think you would actually share with someone." Luffy made a serious expression.
"Of course I would share with Y/n!" he shouted. "Y/n's going to be my Pirate Queen, so I got to take care of her!"
From across the room, Sanji gave an annoyed shout. "SHUT UP LUFFY!"
"I've always taken care of Y/n as a kid," Luffy said, ignoring Sanji. "So I'm taking care of her now too." Nami nodded along to Luffy's words with a soft expression. Luffy looked like he really cared about you, and that just made her heart warm.
She was also curious too. She wondered what you were like as a child. Were you the same bubbly girl you were today?
"What was she like?" Nami asked. "What was she like as a child?"
Luffy was silent for a moment before he answered.
"A crybaby," he said bluntly. "But she was happy. Sometimes she forgot to eat, so that's why I had to make sure she ate. Oh yeah, she eats a lot. She eats as much as me." Nami's jaw dropped.
"WHAT?! No way!" Luffy grinned, nodding his head as he bit into a chunk of meat.
"Yeah! She eats really nicely like a rich dude when there's other people, and then when she's by herself she eats like a monster!" He laughed out loud as if it were the most ridiculous thing. "Ace was so scared he screamed because he woke up in the middle of the night and just saw her eating her cake in the corner of the room. And it only happens when she forgets to eat, and it's so funny! "
Zoro gave Luffy a raised eyebrow.
"That sounds hard to believe." Nami nodded in agreement. Luffy shrugged his shoulders.
"Go into the kitchen in the middle of the night and see," was all he said before continuing to scarff down all the food. Zoro and Nami exchanged glances, reminding each other to go into the kitchen and see if all Luffy said was true.
"Tea..." You scoured through the room looking for a cup, "or lemonade. Do they have lemonade here?" You carefully maneuvered your way around the crowded room, stepping over a passed out body.
Your steps faltered for a moment, and you were suddenly assaulted by a barrage of emotions. The room began to spin and your stomach began to feel unsettled. Squeezing your eyes shut, you took deep long breaths, calming your nerves.
You were never that good at controlling your observation haki.
As a small child, you excelled at everything: armament haki, maths, memory games; but it was observation haki that you struggled with.
You never really understood what was wrong with you. Sure, you were able to sense and pinpoint presences, but there were times where you would be assaulted with the pure raw emotions and thoughts of others.
It was always too much, to feel and know what others were thinking. That was why you felt so comfortable around people in small groups. Too many people in one place would always overwhelm your senses. Hence why you tried to mostly keep to yourself in Loguetown, though that had ended swell. Somehow you always managed to attract unwanted attention.
Slowly opening your eyes, you spot the beverages in the corner of the room.
Your face lit up, and you eagerly ran up to the table. Drinking something always makes you feel better.
"Oooh! Lemonade or tea?" Your hand lifted to cup your chin in thought. "Hmm... Such difficult decisions." Holding up a finger, you pointed to each one consecutively. "Eeny, meeny, miny, you."
It landed on the lemonade.
"Lemonade it is then!" You made a move for the lemonade before you paused, feeling a gaze upon you. Shifting your head to the side, you caught sight of the Mayor, Igaram, staring at you with an intrigued expression.
"Ma ma ma~! I have never seen someone look so serious when choosing what beverages to consume!" His smile was soft to show comfort, but you could feel his inner desires with your haki. You gave him a smile, shifting your body to pour yourself some lemonade.
"I just really like tea, but lemonade is good too. Though it makes my throat dry, so I guess that isn't a good thing," you spoke thoughtfully. Sipping on the cup in your hands, you shuddered in relief. You already felt a little better. Looking back up, you gave him a curious expression.
"Is something wrong?"
Igarappoi was quick to dismiss you.
"No! Not at all! I just couldn't help but notice how you haven't touched any of the alcohol." He made a gesture towards the barrels and barrels of booze. "Is it not to your liking?"
You quickly shook your head. "Not at all! It's just-" You sheepishly scratched the back of your neck. "I'm not supposed to drink alcohol. I mean, my Master doesn't want me to drink it, so I'm listening to his orders. I trust his judgement."
You slowly began to walk back towards your crewmates with the cup of lemonade in your hands, but it seemed that Igarappoi was not done speaking with you. You looked into his eyes when he placed a hand on your shoulder, giving you a gentle smile.
"But your Master is not here. As mayor, I think you should enjoy yourself, even just a little. It's not like your Master would find out, now is it?" You bite your lip nervously, before shaking your head.
No, you still didn't think you should be drinking. The last time you had alcohol was that little sip of wine that Mihawk allowed you to have, and yet even then that had been a while ago.
"I... I don't know..."
"You should definitely drink!" shouted the girl beside you. In her hands was a large mug of beer, and she thrusted it out towards you to take. "Relax and enjoy yourself!"
You put your hands up as a reflex, nervousness beginning to settle in your stomach.
"I... I think I should listen to my Master though..." Your sentence died in your mouth as everyone around you began to chorus.
"Yeah! Drink!"
"Enjoy yourself!"
Enjoy yourself.
The voices and shouts around the room to encourage you to relax was giving you unbridled anxiety. It wasn't like how the civilians or marines treated you, and though it was nice for the new change of pace, it was also concerning. Especially with how uncomfortable you were feeling right now.
Your breath caught in your throat as your ears started to ring. You could hear their voices and shouts as everything began to blur together. You couldn't even tell who was saying what, or even register the concerned looks your crewmates were giving you.
Zoro's eyes flickered to the uncomfortable expression on your face. "You don't have to do it if you don't want to," he reassured. His words didn't register in your brain, however, as you were too far lost in thought.
What was it that Shanks said about drinking? Something about how to enjoy yourself? Something about letting loose and having some fun?
Huh. Oh yeah. Shanks. You wonder how he was doing. It's been a while since you last heard from him. Shaking your head rapidly to clear your mind, or at least try to, you finally decided.
"Okay." you muttered softly. Breathing in deeply, you calmed yourself. Parties are supposed to be a time of laughter and fun. Not something scary.
The answer from everyone was immediate. Their cheers were deafening as they hurriedly handed you a large glass full of beer. You gazed at it apprehensively, before quickly grabbing it and chugging it all down.
Enjoy the party. This was what you wanted.
The liquid burned your throat, leaving an unpleasant bitter taste. You cringed a little, wanting to spit it back out as your senses were being overloaded, but the cheers from everyone told you otherwise.
Drinking something always made you feel better, so hopefully this would dull your senses, if only for a little. Fighting down your disgust, you chugged it all down like a champ.
The effects that you felt were immediate, your surroundings growing quieter until all you could hear was only the chatter of everyone around you. Despite the taste, you found yourself liking the effects the alcohol had. Maybe Igarappoi was right, despite his and everyone's ill wanted thoughts. This would be fine.
Maybe Master was wrong about alcohol.
---
"Helmeppo-san, look at this!"
"Eh? Coby? What do you want?" Helmeppo raised a curious brow at Coby as he ran towards him at full throttle. By the time the pink haired boy was by his side, he was panting heavily with shock write all over his facial features.
"Look!" He panted. "Look at this photo!"
Helmeppo yanked the photo out of his hands, to see a young girl grinning at the camera with not only Garp, but Sengoku, and a few other well known names as well, namely a few certain Admirals.
The blondie huffed in confusion. "Coby, what are you trying to tell me?"
"Doesn't- Doesn't she look like that same girl who's in this wanted poster?" He frantically held up the wanted poster of a H/c haired girl in distress over Doflamingo's shoulder.
"The new wanted poster?" Helmeppo gaped. "Wait a moment! Where did you even get that photo?!"
Coby sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck, before hurriedly stuffing the photo into his pocket. Looking around the vicinity carefully, he pulled his friend into a corner.
"Shh! Don't tell anybody, but I swiped it off of Garp-san's desk earlier."
"WHA-" Coby slammed his hands over his mouth, anxiously looking around to see if anybody had heard. With a sigh, he let Helmeppo go, not before giving him an earful.
"What if he finds out?! I don't want to feel his fist of love any more..."
Coby face-palmed. "Helmeppo, you don't understand! This girl isn't just some random wanted pirate, she has to be something special for Garp-san to have a photo of her on his desk! Maybe the reason why he's been so grumpy lately is because this wanted poster came in!"
Helmeppo huffed. "What? So you think she's like his granddaughter or something?"
"I'm not making any assumptions, but it's a possibility. But that's not the only thing." Coby pulled out another photo, making Helmeppo feel like he was going to have a heart attack. What is up with him stealing stuff from Garp?! Garp, who was the legendary Hero of the Marines!
"What the hell?! Why are you stealing stuff from him?! We're going to be in big trouble if you get caught-" Helmeppo stopped when he studied the new photo Coby had pulled out. "Hey... isn't that..."
The photo was rather old, but it was easy to discern the four figures in the photo. There were three little boys: a black haired freckled child; a child with a familiar scar under his eye; and a blond boy with a small hat on his head. They had large smiles on their faces as they all gathered around one particular child; a girl.
It was you, bright and cheery like the sun.
"She knows Luffy-san!!" Coby practically squealed. "Isn't that amazing Helmeppo?! What a small world, am I right? I wonder what she's like, she has to be super cool for her to know so many people! Ah, but they should probably change the photo..."
He sweat dropped at the absolute laziness of your wanted poster. All they really did was circle your barely visible face, like, they didn't even bother to zoom in the photo.
"Oh well, she still looks good."
"Ahuh, the only good thing about her is that she's pretty."
Coby gasped, furiously hitting him in the shoulder. "Helmeppo-san! You can't say that! Didn't you see her bounty?! 500 million berries! And that's only her starting bounty! You can't deny how incredible that is!"
"What did you say about my granddaughter?" They froze, breath caught in their throat as they were suddenly very aware of the shadow that covered their forms. They cowered as they slowly turned, hesitantly looking up to face the wrath of the Vice-Admiral.
And boy was he not happy, namely at Helmeppo.
Garp's arms were crossed as he crouched down low to their heights, yet even so he still was larger.
"Ha? Are you going to answer me? You brats." He huffed. "Did you think I wasn't going to notice you stealing my precious photos?"
"I-I said that she was incredible!" Coby exclaimed. Realizing the weight of his words, his face flushed. "I-I mean she must be strong for her to be recognized as such a threat... oh."
Well this was embarrassing, considering the fact that Garp most undoubtedly didn't like you being seen as a threat. Hell, from the way he spoke about Luffy being a pirate all the time, he was pretty sure he as hell wanted you to be a marine.
"I-I mean you must have trained her well!!" he spoke, attempting to save himself. Helmeppo, meanwhile, was freaking out beside Coby. They were so dead.
A dark shadow covered Garp's face as a silence fell upon the trio. Coby could only hear the thump of his erratic heart as he and Helmeppo anxiously awaited the older man's response, and quite possibly, their deaths.
They held their breaths as Garp began to shake. They were so dead.
"Bwahahahaha! She really is something isn't she?" The duo blinked.
"Eh?"
Garp laughed, hitting his chest with his fist. "She's got guts already defying the World Government." He sniffled. "My little granddaughter is growing up!"
Coby didn't understand him.
"G-Garp-san. I don't understand. Y/n's bounty only came up because of an incident back at the Restaurant, Baratie." That was right. There had been a report that Kreig's Pirate crew had come and decimated the place. It was said that damages would have been far worse had not the shichibukai and you had shown up.
Garp rolled his eyes. "Ya think an incident like that would garner a bounty of 500 million?"
Coby was silent for a moment, before his eyes suddenly widened. "You mean it was a cover up?!" he whispered-shouted in surprise.
"A cover up?!- Ouch!" Helmeppo whined as he cradled his cranium.
"Brat, don't be so loud," Garp scolded. "But yeah, I'm not supposed to tell you this so if you go around blabbing about it you're going to get yourself assassinated."
"ASSASSIN-" Helmeppo quickly shut his mouth, narrowly dodging the fist of love. "Sorry! Sorry! I won't yell again! But really, this is just too much! Are you trying to get your new apprentices killed?"
Garp huffed gruffly. "That's one way to deal with you brats. You think stealing my stuff is fun, don'tcha?"
"Hey, that wasn't me! That was Coby!" Helmepo exclaimed, using Coby as a shield and thrusting him forwards. "Punish him and not me!"
"You'll both die like men."
"Coby! What have you done?!" he wailed.
Garp rolled his eyes, pulling out a cigar. Lighting it, he took a small puff before exhaling the smoke out. "Ya had it coming kid. You forget you insulted my granddaughter. This is as much mercy as I'm going to give you. Good luck with your training tomorrow."
"I'm sorry!! Your granddaughter is super talented! Don't kill me!! AGH!!!" Helmeppo yelped as Garp gave him another piece of love to his head.
Coby, meanwhile, was absorbed in thought. There were too many questions filtering through his head with the information Garp had so graciously given them, even if Helmeppo didn't understand it. This was private information, and he wondered what sort of motive Garp had to be giving it to them. Was it possible that Garp wanted them to help you in some sort of way?
"Garp-san, why did you tell us this? And what exactly did the World Government want to cover up?"
Garp halted in his actions, slowly turning to face Coby with a serious expression. "My reason?" he drawled before he busted up laughing. "I don't know! Bwahahahaha! I just felt like it! Ah, but I guess that I might as well tell you guys what happened, since I already blabbed about this information."
He yawned, waving his cigar around before taking a puff.
"So my granddaughter happened to have offended the World Government by not answering any of their calls or letters regarding her suspected heritage."
Coby and Helmeppo sat in their spots, pale and horror stricken.
"...SHE WHAT?!"
"Yeah, what a madlad, am I right?" Garp laughed. "That's my granddaughter!"
Madlad indeed, the two of them agreed in exasperation.
"Wait," Helmeppo had a confused look on his face. "What did you mean by 'suspected heritage'?"
Garp's face immediately formed into one of displeasure. The mood had instantly changed to a sour one and Helmeppo soon realized he messed up. He had accidentally asked a very private and serious matter.
The Vice Admiral sighed, standing up. Dropping his cigar on the ground, he stomped it out, before leaning up against the building.
"You brats listen up, because I'm only going to say this once." They immediately stiffened at the seriousness in their trainer. "The World Government is making a foolish mistake."
He turned his head to look at the darkening sky.
"There are things that are never meant to be controlled; just like the way the world will repeat itself once more." There was an eerie air to his words, and they leaned in to hang on to every word.
"Now give me back my photos and give me 1000."
"WHAT?!" They froze at the stern look on his face. "I-I mean, yes sir!" With that, Coby immediately handed back the photos and immediately dropped to the floor with Helmeppo.
If they had paid attention any longer, they would have noticed the sad look in Garp's eyes as he began to walk away.
"Damn it Coby, this is all your fault."
---
"EAT THIS Y/N!" Luffy said muffledly as his mouth was full of meat. In his hands was a large platter of your favorite foods, all thrusted and presented nicely in front of you like a present. The large innocent smile on his face made your heart warm at how thoughtful he was being.
Or maybe it was the alcohol as to why you were feeling so warm and hot.
"Shank you Luffy-tarou!" you laughed gratefully accepted the platter, eyes tearing up at how good the food was. Ah, this party was going great! It felt like nothing could go wrong!
"Yowrelcom!" Luffy grinned, looping his arm around your neck. He swallowed the food in his mouth. "It's like the good old days! Dadan used to be such a hag. Oh, well, she still is one."
"That's not nice," you pouted, blinking rapidly to clear your vision. "Dadan's a good people."
"If she changed her attitude, then she wouldn't have so many wrinkles."
You had nothing to say to that except an "oh". After that it was silence between the two of you, and the occasional head pats that Luffy demanded as he ate.
Eventually finishing your food, you daintifully wiped your face off with a napkin, eyes glossing around the room until it landed on one individual. Usopp. With a grin, you stumbled, making your way towards the sniper giddily.
"Go D. Usopp~" you called out, only to stumble and fall right on top of him. "Ow... Sowwy... *hic*. Haha..."
"E-Eh?! Y/n? What are you doing?" he sputtered in surprise. Sniffing your breath, his realization was immediate. "Are-are you drunk? I thought you only had one glass!"
You tilted your head at him in confusion, squinting your eyes a little because everything was looking a little more blurry than usual. "Hah? Drunk? Bah! I'm not drwunk! You... You're being silly!"
"Y/n, are you a lightweight?" Usopp's expression was nothing but concern as you waved his question away with sluggish movements.
"Wa... What's a lightweight?"
You were clearly a lightweight.
"Heeeeeeeeyyy Sangorou!" you shouted when you spotted Sanji, making a beeline towards him and his current harem.
Sanji's eyes were wide as you ran up to him before collapsing in his arms. What in the frickity frick frack was happening right now? Has God finally answered his prayers? What was this beautiful blessing that had been bestowed upon him? And-
He could smell the pungent stench of alcohol on your lips.
Were you drunk?
"San-gorou~ I love you disss much!" You spread your arms out wide as if displaying your love to him. The girls from beside him snickered a little bit at the childish display you were giving him. "Oh. My arms aren't long enough..."
The chef felt himself shaking at the innocent and lopsided smile you were giving him. Sniffing, he wiped the tears from his eyes. What a beautiful and kind girl you were! Leave it to his beautiful goddess, his angel, to be such a great person!
"Y/n-chan!!" he cooed. "I love you too!! You're such a cute and sweet person!"
If he wasn't simping hard before, he was definitely simping now. Drunk Y/n was a very honest Y/n, and it made Sanji absolutely cry at how pure it was.
"I'll protect you forever!!" He cradled you in his arms as if you were a baby, the tears continuing to spill down from his eyes. From beside him, his harem began to give him irritated huffs.
"Sanji-kun~" one of them purred. "Can I have some of your attention please~"
"Leave the poor child and have fun with us~"
Sanji halted his cooing, eyes filled with raw rage as he snapped his head to glare at all of them. With a single phrase, he sent them all quivering in their boots.
"Shut up."
Your head shifted to the side as you caught sight of a familiar orange haired girl. Sitting up straighter on Sanji's lap, you patted his shoulder.
"I go see O-Nami now, Stealth Black!" He nodded his head happily, ushering you along to the navigator.
"Have fun Hime-sama!!" he cooed as you stumbled your way to Nami. It was only until you had reached her did Sanji realize something disastrous. He could feel everything good that just happened shatter as he gave you a wide eyed stare.
Did you just call him Stealth Black?