Archive of Our Own ^beta

A Boy & a Village

Cade huddled against her mother. The ship rocked violently from the waves outside, almost throwing them to their sides but her mom held steady. Thunder rumbled overhead. Lightning flashed through the small portholes with no signs of stopping. Both reflected the anger that was burning inside of her. When one of the pirates passed their cell she glared at him. He flashed her his dirty, and a couple missing, teeth and said, "You're going to make someone a nice little slave some day soon, little fishy."

"Shut up!" Cade snapped. "Or I'll feed you to the sharks! I'll never be anyone's slave!"

The pirate laughed. "I like 'em spunky. Too bad you're just a child. If you were a little older I'd keep you for myself."

Growling, Cade lunged forward but her mom's arm tightened around her shoulders, stopping her from attacking. Not that she could attack. Their chains clanked from the movement. She had forgotten about the chains.

"Cascade, hush. Behave yourself."

"Yeah. Be a good little fishy and do as mommy tells you!" The pirate laughed. He kicked the bars of their cell before walking off.

Cade stuck her tongue at his back. Her little brother whimpered in his sleep. He rolled over, the blanket falling off him. Cade pulled it back around him and patted his shoulder. He fell back into a peaceful sleep. She shifted on the hard wood floor of their cell. "I hate this. Why are they doing this to us? We've done nothing wrong."

"I know, my love." Her mom hugged her. "Unfortunately this is the way of the human world. But do not blame all humans for the actions of a few. Not all humans are bad. You will see."

Cade snorted. "Sure they are."

"One day you will learn that there are more humans nicer than those who are not. Remember our friends back on Cobalt Island. For now hold your tongue, my child. We will be fine," Serenity said. "Your father won't let them get away with this."

Cade rolled her eyes. "You don't even know where he is. He cares nothing for us."

"Do not say that, Cascade." Her mom ran a hand over her hair, trying to smooth her unruly curls Cade got from her dad. "He loves us very much."

Cade hugged her knees to her chest. Her collar bit into her skin but she did nothing to stop it. There was no point. It wouldn't move no matter what she did. She had been wearing the collar for almost a week now. She was almost starting to forget it was there. Almost.

Or she thought it had been a week. She had lost count of the days at some point. Her stomach grumbled, reminding her that they hadn't had a decent meal since they had been caught. They only got scraps from the pirates when they felt like giving them to the fishmen they were carrying. Someday soon they were suppose to arrive an island to be sold, as often her kind were.

Though she had thought they might had been safe on their small island, Cobalt. The small island that held very few humans that did like them. But that was dashed when this pirate group arrived on their island. The pirates killed anyone who fought against them. Many were hurt. Many died.

The vision of the massacre was fresh in her mind still. The blood hammered her nose so hard that she could still smell it. And the bruise her mother got when a pirate snuck up behind her was still on the woman's forehead. Cade thought the black and blue bruise would mar her mother's beauty, but it didn't. Her mom still looked as beautiful as ever. It actually matched well with her mother's light purple skin. The same skin tone her brother had.

Cade sighed. None of this would have happened if only her father had kept his promise. But nope. The one time they needed him the most he wasn't there. Clenching her fists, she hoped she never saw him again. At this rate that was going to come true.

A clank brought her from her thoughts.

"Come on, fish." Another pirate opened the door of their cell. "Captain wants you on deck. You have to walk around. Don't want you getting too weak before we can sell you." He saw her brother sleeping. Grumbling he walked into the cell and kicked him. "Get up!"

A wail rang out from her brother's mouth.

"Stop it! Don't kick him!" Cade lunged at the pirate. She grabbed onto his leg and sunk her sharp teeth into his flesh. Iron wafted in her nose and spilled into her mouth.

"Ouch! You rotten brat!" He grabbed her hair and tried to jerk her off him. When she didn't budge he slammed his fist onto her head.

"Cascade! Stop it!" Serenity cried.

"You brat!" The swung his foot again, nailing Cade in her stomach.

Air rushed from her lungs. Cade's teeth released from the man's leg just before something hit her cheek. The world around her spun before she collided with the floor. Her cheek stung. Then came the familiar shiiing of a sword being pulled from its sheath.

"Please. Do not harm her." Her mother rushed in between them. "I promise she will not attack you like that again."

The pirate scoffed. "She had better not. If she does it again, I will kill her. I don't care how much you fish might be worth on the market." He sheathed his sword and pointed to the door. "Get out."

"Come." Cade's mother picked up her brother then grabbed Cade's wrist. They left the cell, walked up the stairs, and stepped out onto the deck.

Several pirates were on the deck, some snarled at them while others just smiled with hidden intent. Cade looked up at the sky. The dark clouds were rolling away from the ship, leaving a thin layer of grey clouds behind. She took a deep breath of the salty and fish smelling air. Her fingers twitched with the longing to dive into the water and swim away from here. But that didn't look to happen for a long time. With a snarl she wondered if her master would let her go swimming at all. Probably not. Water was her element after all.

"Mommy." Kale rubbed his tired, wet eyes. "Can we go swimming?"

"I'm sorry, my sweet." Serenity kissed his cheek. "We cannot."

Kale pouted with a whimper.

Cade clenched her fists. Her brother was so young. Only three years old. A few years younger than she was. He should be swimming around in the ocean. Playing in the ocean. Having fun. Not being shipped off to some noble nut or spoiled Celestial Dragon with nothing better to do than make someone's life miserable just because they were different.

"Calm yourself, Cascade." Serenity placed her hand on her shoulder.

Only then did Cade realize the amount of hatred and murder she had inside of her. She wanted to rip out the throats of all these pirates then fed them to sharks. First she would have to get this collar off her neck. She wouldn't be able to do anything if her head was blown off. Stupid explosives collars. Whoever invented them should be shot.

The only way to get it off was to have the key. And the captain had the keys. She hadn't seen him in days. She shook her head. They were only allowed a limited amount of time on deck. She wasn't going to waste it. Breaking away from her mom, she jerked her chain from the pirate holding it and ran across the deck before flipping hand over feet. Bending her knees she shot herself up to the upper deck, ran across the railing, and then jumped to the figurehead. She stood there, looking out at the horizon. No ships or islands appeared in sight.

"Hey, you brat! Get back down here!" a pirate called. "You're not suppose to run off like that!"

She ignored him.

"Leave her alone," another one said. He chuckled. "This is the last bit of freedom little fish girl is ever going to get."

The pirates laughed.

Cade clenched her fists. Rage flared in her chest. Gritting her teeth, she mumbled, "Stupid humans. I hate all of you. You are a horrible race."

She sighed, wishing she were older, stronger with better control over the water. If she had half the strength the elder of her people had then she would be able to get them out of this. But no. She was still just a child. She wasn't strong enough to get herself and her family out of this.

Her dad could. He was strong.

She shook her head. She wasn't going to think about him. She didn't need him.

"Time to go back, fish!" someone hollered.

Cade turned to find her mom and brother weren't on the deck anymore. She jumped back to it and looked around. "Where're my mom and brother?"

"Captain wanted to see your mom," a pirate said. Everyone chuckled.

A chill ran up and down her spine. A strange gleam was in their eyes. Something wasn't right. She could feel it. Suddenly there was a loud bang. Wood snapped before thunder boomed above. Pieces of wood and water rained down on the deck. The pirates scrambled to get out of the way. Cade looked up. She gasped. Her mom had jumped from a hole in the captain's quarters. Her mom's flawless pale purple skin was bleeding. A bruise was swelling on her cheek. And her clothes…her clothes had been torn and ripped. Her mother's breasts were partially exposed. A shattered, yet determined, look was in her eyes. Her arms were tight around her brother as they fell to the deck. "Mama?"

Her mother landed on her feet then and fell to her knees. Her arms tightened even more to keep the young boy safe.

"Mama, what happened?" Cade grabbed her mom's shoulders.

"Hold still, my love." Serenity brought up a ring of keys.

"Mama, you…" A click and the collar fell from her neck. A rumble of thunder hid the clank of the collar and chain on the deck. Before she could utter another word her mother grabbed her up and ran for the railing. Next her body was hurling through the air. Following her was the shell shaped locket her mother wore everywhere. She grabbed it and pressed it to her chest.

The world slowed to a painful crawl. She watched as her mom tried to throw her brother over the side as well. But the pirates grabbed her mom's arm and her brother before he could be freed.

"Cascade!" her mother screamed. "You must survive! Find your father! He will help you!"

"Mama!" Cade reached out in vain for her mother. A gun blasted. Blood splattered through the air from her mother's chest. Her mom's eyes filled with pain then lifelessness. Cade screamed before plunging into the dark water. Her blood turned to ice. Her limbs numbed. Her instincts screamed at her to get away but her body wouldn't listen. She sunk farther into the ocean until everything around her went black.

…

Cade groaned as the hot sun beat down on her dry skin. Rolling onto her side the sand rubbed against her, irritating her skin and gills more. Her head pounded as she started to wake up more. A drop of wet, warm water dropped onto her cheek. She sniffed the air, expecting to smell rain but smelled only the ocean, trees, and some flowers. She exhaled.

Another drop of water hit her cheek. A grumble of a hungry stomach hit her ears. Her eyebrow knitted in confusion. She wasn't hungry. Another grumble forced her to open her eyes. She squinted them shut for a moment so her eyes could adjust to the sun then opened them again. Staring down at her were black eyes. Drool poured from his open mouth. She started, rolled away, and then scrambled to her feet. A young boy stood before her. "What the heck?! Where did you come from?!"

"Meat," the boy said, more drool poured down his chin. He took a step towards her.

"What? Meat?" Cade blinked. What was this boy talking about? She looked around before noticing he was talking about her. "What?! I'm not food, you idiot human!"

"You're fish! I'm hungry!" The boy dove for her.

Cade scrambled from his reach just before his open hands could grab her. "I said I'm not your food!"

"I'm hungry!" He charged at her again.

"You idiot!" Cade pulled back her fist. She threw it at him, nailing him on the cheek. The boy went flying back. He hit then rolled on the beach, knocking up sand, before coming to a stop.

The boy sat up. He touched his swelling cheek. "Ouch. Meat's not suppose to fight back."

"I'm not meat! What's wrong with you?!" Cade demanded.

"I'm hungry!" he said.

"That's not what I meant! Were you dropped on your head as a baby or something?!"

"Who cares? I'm hungry and I want meat."

"Will you stop with the meat thing?!" Cade rubbed a hand down her face. This boy had to be the stupidest she had ever met. "Whatever. I have nothing to do with you." She waded out into the water. "I'm out of here."

"Wait!" he called out. She didn't. She dove under the surface.

Cade kicked her feet, propelling herself away from the boy and the island. She swam for about a minute before stopping. She glanced around. Seaweed flowed in the current. A single fish swam alone, paying no attention to her. She blinked with the realization she had no idea where she was.

Her heart jumped. One hand went to her dagger on her belt while her other hand went to the locket her mother gave her. It was in her pouch. She must have put it in there at some point after falling into the sea. She thought she might have lost them, or that someone had stolen them while she slept. But they were still there. She exhaled with relief.

A thought flooded her mind of why the pirates hadn't taken her dagger away from her in the first place. They never gave her an answer but she got the feeling they were taunting her with her. Saying she could keep it because nothing she could do would save her family. They were right. There was nothing she could do.

Tears swelled in her eyes. Her mother's blood spurting through the air flashed through her mind. Her heart ached. Her lungs seized up. She grabbed her head. Tears stung her eyes, mixing with the salt water around her.

The painful reality came back. Her mother was dead. There was no way her mom could have survived. She watched the lifelessness leaving her mom's eyes.

And her brother. Her sweet baby brother could already be a slave now or even dead. She was completely alone.

Cade sunk to the sandy floor. Wrapping her arms around her legs, she cried and cried into her knees.

She had no idea how long she had been crying. But when she was finally cried out she swam up to the surface. The boy was nowhere to be seen. And the beach was coated in the setting sunrays.

She crawled out of the water. Cool air brushed her wet skin, causing her to shiver. She ignored it and headed inland. With that boy here there had to be some village or town or city. Maybe she could figure out where she was and if she could swipe a log pose.

She didn't know where she was going to go but she wasn't going to stay here. Maybe she could find her way to Fishman Island. Or at least to some other fishmen who might help her. Maybe with their help she could find out what happened to her brother. Maybe she could save her brother.

She walked up a hill. Reaching the top she looked down to a small town below her. It didn't look like a bad place, with the exceptions of all the humans living there. Still she worked her way down to the village.

She stayed at the edge of the town, hidden by a tree until the sun had fallen completely below the horizon, casting night shadows over the village. With crickets sing around her she made her way into the village, keeping to the shadows so no one would see her. Coming to a building she crawled upon a barrel near a window and peeked inside. A family of four was inside. The mother was at the stove, cooking. The father reading a newspaper while the kids played with wooden blocks on the floor. They didn't look like the type who would sail the ocean. She jumped back to the ground.

Looking at the small town she wondered if anyone here were sailors or even navy men. The thought made her head for the harbor. Maybe a ship would be there, unguarded. She could steal a log pose from it easily.

Her lips turned into a frown when she got to it. It was small. The only ships moored there were actually boats, small boats that were only used for fishing locally. And that meant no one would have a log pose since they wouldn't venture far from the island.

Voices made her jump. She dashed down the small set of stairs that led to the dock. Pressing her back against the small wall she listened to the voices, heart pounding and hoping they didn't come her way.

"Man, what a hard day," a man said.

"Yeah," a second man said.

"I could use a drink."

"So could I. Let's go to the Party Bar."

"Sounds good to me."

Party Bar, Cade thought. If anyone knew of a ship or possibly the whereabouts of a log pose it would be in there. She ran back to the houses. Plucking a sheet off a clothesline she wrapped it around her, making sure to hide her fishman qualities. Once she made sure she was covered enough she made her way into the town.

A few townspeople were on the dirt roads talking. None of them paid her any mind. Still her pulse hammered. Anyone of them could notice she was a fishman with one little slip up. Then it would be over. They would turn against her. She tried not to think about it and focus on the Party Bar. She passed a few buildings before finally finding a building with the name over the door. With a deep slow breath she forced herself to go inside.

Her nose was hammered with unwashed bodies and booze. She forced back a gag and looked around. Many were inside but not all the tables and chairs were taken. Her pulse jumped when she saw the boy from the beach sitting at the bar. She pulled the sheet more over her face. It was over if he noticed who she was. Turning away from him she moved to the far corner of the room. She pulled herself into a chair and listened to the conversations around her. When she got the chance she would break into a conversation. It came when both men paused to drink their beer. "Excuse me. Do either of you know where I can get a log pose around here?"

"Huh?" The men looked at her. Their cheeks and noses were rosy from drinking. She hoped that meant they were drunk enough not to notice her child size body. "Who are you? You look like a kid."

Cade swallowed. So much for being so drunk they couldn't tell she was a kid. "Can you just tell me where I can get a log pose or not?!"

"Don't get so snappy, kid," the second man said. "There are no log poses around here."

Cade's heart sunk.

"The only ones who have those here are pirates and navy soldiers," the first one said. "Or the Celestial Dragons, royalty, and nobles. But there's no way you can get any away from them. They're too guarded."

Cade shivered. She didn't want to go around them three types of people anyway. Fishmen slaves were some of their favorites to own. But if she didn't have a choice she might just have to risk it. One man leaned closer to her. She jumped.

"Hey. You are just a kid. And you look a bit funny." He blinked a few times as if to clear his vision. "You kind of look like-"

Cade jumped from off her chair and ran for the door. She cut behind the bar and ran back up the hill and to the beach before diving into the water. If she were followed being in the water would be her best chance. As long as she was in the water she could handle any human that came after her even if she was still just a child. She stayed under the water for about hour or so before swimming back up to the surface. Carefully poking her head out of the water she saw no one was around.

With no one around Cade allowed herself to relax. She floated on her back and stared up at the night sky. The stars shimmered above with their happy glow. Something she didn't want to see. Happiness didn't exist anymore. Her mother was dead. She had no idea if her brother was dead too or if he was still going to be sold into slavery or already was. She had no idea where she was. And some crazy human child was trying to eat her.

She closed her eyes, tears leaked down her cheeks before mixing in with the ocean water. A vision of her dad came to her from long ago. She was sitting on his lap on a night like this one. The stars were shining brightly after a storm had vanished.

"My sweet little Starfish," he said. She looked up at him. His body was so big compared to hers. His black hair even darker in the night. "You're growing up so fast and strong. I'm proud of you, my child."

"I strong like you, Papa!" Cade pumped her fists into the air.

"Yes, you are." He nodded and patted her head. "And you are also strong like your mother. Unlike other fishmen you were born with a gift of controlling water like no other."

"Mama does too."

"That's right. Your mother is gifted in water control too."

"I'm like both of you."

He chuckled and ruffled her hair. "That you are, Starfish."

"Look!" Cade pointed to the sky. A shooting star shot across it.

"You like looking at the stars, don't you?"

"Yes!" Cade nodded.

"I do as well. They have a strange ability to make you feel like you're never alone. And you never will be. I will always be there for you. No matter what happens I promise that I will always protect you. When ever you feel alone just look up at the stars and remember I am always with you."

"Idiot," Cade whispered to herself when the memory faded. "You said you'd always be there for me. You're such a liar." She covered her eyes with her arm. "You're not here for me at all. Mama is gone now because you weren't here to protect us. I hate you."

…

Author's Note: Never done a fishman OC before. So let me know if I'm making Cade too weak or too strong. I'll be working on individual arcs at a time and may take a break between them. Lastly, if anyone has suggests on how to fit Cade into future arcs I'm open to hear them. I'm not sure how to handle Cade in some.

Monkey D. Luffy

Cade's feet pounded on the ground as she raced across the island. Pumping her arms she did her best to get away. "Will you leave me alone?!"

"No!" the boy called after her. He was close on her heels, reaching out his hands for her. "I want meat!"

"For the last time! I'm not something you can eat!" Cade said.

"But you're a fish!" he said.

"I'm a fishman! Fishman! Not a normal fish people eat! What about that do you find so hard to understand?!" Cade asked. Bending down she launched herself up towards a tree. She landed on a branch and glanced back down at the boy.

"Hey! That's not far! How can you jump that high?!" he asked.

"That's none of your business," Cade said.

"Come on. Who are you? Why can you talk when you're a fish?"

Cade rubbed her throbbing temples. Hadn't she just told him she was a fishman? Was this kid really that stupid?

With a heavy sigh she looked up to the sky. Fluffy clouds floated against the crystal blue background. She wished she were a cloud. Then she could float away from here, from this crazy kid.

It had been almost two weeks since she landed on this island. And almost every day this black haired idiot came after her. She wanted to use her control over water to discourage him from coming back, but she didn't want him to give anymore reason to possible tell anyone else about her. Though from what she could tell he never told anyone about her in the first place. She had snuck into town a few times, at night, but no one seemed to be talking about a fishman girl. Still she wasn't going to risk it.

When she slept she always slept out in the ocean. When she went into town she went at night. And for food she was lucky enough to have hunting and cooking skills from her mom. She wasn't the best hunter or cook but she had enough skills to get done what she needed to survive.

And during one of those hunts she learned that a sea king had made his home in the bay of this island. So far the sea king didn't notice she was there. Of course she stayed well out of his way. She didn't want him making a meal out of her.

"Hey!" The boy's voice broke through her thoughts. "I'm talking to you!"

Cade sighed. She wondered if this boy would ever leave her alone.

"Will you come down here and talk to me?!" he asked.

Cade really didn't want to. But if it would get him to leave her alone then maybe she should. "Will you promise not to try and eat me anymore?"

"I promise." He waved his hands in the air. "I won't try and eat you!"

Cade hesitated. Very few humans could be trusted. This one had tried many times to eat her. With an inhale and exhale she leaped from the branch and landed in front of him.

"Wow!" he exclaimed. "That was so awesome! You're really strong, aren't you?"

Cade eyed him carefully. "Maybe. So what do you want?"

"Well, since you won't let me eat you, why don't you be my friend?" His eyes beamed at her.

"What would I do that?" Cade crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him. "You humans are nothing but trouble."

"What? I'm not trouble?" He pointed at himself. "I'm Monkey D. Luffy. And I'm going to be king of the pirates!"

"D?" Cade's stance loosened. She had heard that before but couldn't remember where. Then the rest of what he said came clear in her mind. "King of the pirates? You?" She snorted. "Yeah. Right. You're nothing but a puny little human. You can never be king of the pirates."

"I can too! And I will!" Luffy stomped his foot.

"Whatever." Cade walked away from him with a wave of her hand. "I'm done with you. So go away and leave me alone."

"Hey!" Luffy followed. "Why are you out here living on the beach?"

"None of your business."

"Where are you parents?"

"None of your business."

"What's your name?"

Cade whipped around. She planted her hands on her hips. "What part of none of your business do you not understand?"

Luffy didn't reply. He only stared at her and drooled.

"Stop doing that!" Cade punched him on the head. "I'm not your meal! And you promised me you wouldn't try and eat me!"

"I'm sorry." Luffy's stomach growled. "I'm just so hungry."

"Then have your mom get you something to eat." Cade turned and marched away.

"I don't have a mom."

Cade flinched and paused. The pain came back at full force. She didn't have a mom either. Biting back her tears she said, "Well…then…have your dad cook for you."

"I don't have a dad either."

Cade looked back at him. His face showed no pain what so every. He seemed just as happy as any other time she had seen him. She opened her lips to ask what happened to his parents before reminding herself that she didn't care. She started walking again.

"They're not dead." He followed. "Or I don't think they are. I don't know anything about them."

"I don't care." Cade sat down on the beach. She stared out at the glittering water, seagulls cawing overhead, until Luffy sat down beside her. "What are you doing?"

"Sitting with my friend."

Cade looked at him. He was smiling at her. She scoffed. "I'm not your friend."

"Then can I eat you?"

"No!" Cade punched him again. "Stop breaking your promise!"

"Ouch!" Luffy held his head. "Okay! I'm sorry! I'm just so hungry!" His stomach growled again. "And you're a fish."

Cade sighed. This boy really was an idiot. "If I get you something to eat will you seriously stop trying to eat me?"

"Yes!"

Cade didn't believe him. Still she pushed herself back to her feet and dove into the ocean. Swimming downward she pushed a few rocks aside and pulled up her spear she had made. With it in hand she swam off into the water. Several fish of all sizes swam around her. She had no idea how many she should get. The boy was so skinny she wondered how often he ate. Maybe three fish? Or four? Maybe two if they were big enough?

Her own stomach grumbled. She should get some for both of them. If she got too much she could smoke the leftovers and eat on them over the next few days. She spotted some bass. Sinking down behind a rock she waited for them to come closer. When they did she speared two in a row. Blood flowed up in red swirls. She dug into the pouch on her belt for some string. Pulling it out she thread the string through their gills she attached them to her belt then went back to hunting. Four more bass ended up on the menu. She attached them to her string and decided that should be enough. The bass weight about ten pounds each. She was about to head up to the beach when her hairs stood on ends. Turning she saw a large mouth with several sharp teeth bearing down on her. She shot herself way before the teeth could dig into her. The sea king swam in front of her, showing her just how big he really was. He looked like he would extend over at least half of the island. "Just great. I guess I made too many kills at once. All the blood must have lured him here."

The sea king turned to her. His red eyes eyed her then the fish hanging at her hip.

"You're not getting my meal. I worked hard for this. And it's going to buy me freedom from an annoying brat that won't leave me alone."

The sea king charged at her.

"Water Swirl!" Cade held out her hand to the sea king. The water began to swirl like a whirlpool, propelling her back from the sea king. "And curve!" On her command the swirl curved upward. It propelled her towards the surface.

The sea king followed.

Seconds later she broke through the surface and shot into the air.

"Whoa!" She heard Luffy somewhere below. "So cool!"

"Water Swirl!" Cade broke off her first swirl and created a second one. This one hit the sea king on his neck. She flew backwards towards the beach. With a back flip she landed on the sand.

"Awesome!" Luffy clapped.

The sea king roared before disappearing beneath the surface. The surface water rocked before settling into place.

"That was so amazing! You're so strong! I bet you could have killed him!" Luffy said running over to her.

"Don't be such an idiot," Cade said. "That's a sea king. I'm no where near strong enough to kill it."

"But you did that thing with the water." Luffy spun his arm around, mimicking her Water Swirl attack.

Cade rolled her eyes. She took the fish off her belt and handed him half. "Here. Take this and leave me alone." She walked away from him but paused when she noticed he wasn't leaving." Glancing over her shoulder said asked, "What? Aren't you going home?"

"I would. But there's no one there to cook for me," Luffy said.

"Cook yourself."

"I don't really know how to." Luffy tilted his head.

Cade sighed. Clearly getting him food wasn't going to make him leave. She was going to have to cook for him now, too. She walked back over to him and grabbed the fish. "Fine. Get some firewood. I'll cook for you."

"Yeah!" Luffy ran off towards the trees.

While he did that Cade got to work cleaning the fish. She scraped off their scales with her dagger and removed their insides with practiced precision. About that time Luffy returned with arms full of wood. He dropped them on the beach. She rearranged them before reaching into her pouch.

"What's that?" Luffy asked when she pulled out a light orange piece of coral.

She pushed the top inward. Fire lit from the other end.

"So cool!" Luffy said.

Cade rolled her eyes. She touched the fire to a leaf still hanging onto one of the branches. It caught. She moved it under the logs and waited for it to catch. A minute later it did. The fire flared up, wafting heat over her skin, and the wood snapped. Grabbing some smaller sticks she cut them into sharp points before sticking the fish on them. Next she stuck the other ends of the sticks into the sand so they hovered over the fire.

While they waited Luffy stared at the fish, drool pouring down his face.

"Must you always drool like that?" Cade asked but he didn't answer. His attention was on the fish. She sighed. Why did she even ask that? She didn't care about him at all.

Several minutes later the fish was done. She passed him one of them and took one for herself.

Luffy bit into the fish, ripping the meat off with his teeth. "Yummy!"

Cade mindlessly ate her own fish. Her eyes stared into the fire until she was no longer able to see it anymore. Her mind drifted back to a day when her mom started to teach her how to cook. They were learning on an open fire like this one she had made.

"Why are we cooking outside?" Cade asked.

"Because you won't always have a stove to cook on," her mother said as she arranged the wood. "Learn how to cook on an open fire you'll be able to cook anywhere."

Cade didn't realize how much her mother was right about that. Cooking on an open fire did come in handy. A warmth pressed against her cheek. She jumped and found Luffy had placed his hand on her cheek.

"You're crying," Luffy said.

Cade jerked away from him. She brushed her arm over her eyes, removing the tears.

"What's wrong?" Luffy asked.

"Nothing."

"You cry for nothing?" Luffy tilted his head.

Anger flared inside of her. She wanted to punch him so hard that he flew to the other side of the island. Instead she jumped to her feet and ran away from him. She ran up the beach until she came to the forest and leapt into the branches. Looking down she found Luffy didn't follow her this time. She was glad. Sitting down she wrapped her arms around herself and cried.

She spent the whole day there, crying. It wasn't until the moon was high in the sky when she finally jumped down from the tree. Instead of going back to the beach she dropped right in front of the tree and tried to sleep. But sleep wouldn't come to her. She spent hours tossing and turning.

Suddenly warmth wrapped around her body. She looked up to see Luffy and the blanket he laid over her.

"You're crying again over nothing," Luffy said.

"Idiot." Cade wiped away her tears. "I'm not crying over nothing. It would be stupid to do that."

"Then why are you crying?"

"Because I miss my mom." Cade's voice cracked. She drew in a deep breath before slowly releasing it. "My mom died last week saving me from becoming a slave. I don't know if my little brother is alive or dead."

"You were going to be a slave?"

Cade nodded. "Some pirates attacked our island. We were taken because we're fishmen."

"Fishmen?"

"A race of people who look like fish. We're whale shark fishmen." Cade spread out her hands to show him her webbing.

"So cool! No wonder you're fast in the water!" Luffy smiled.

Cade cocked an eyebrow at him. That wasn't a reaction she was use to.

"So why are you here on this island?" Luffy asked.

"I some how landed here after my mom threw me overboard," Cade said.

"Don't you have somewhere else to go? Where's your dad?"

Rage flashed across her face and flooded her body. "I don't know where my dad is and I don't care. He abandoned us. He said he would always be there for us but he wasn't. He let us get taken."

Luffy tilted his head and said, "Do you know his name?"

"Jinbe," Cade hissed. "He's the first son of the sea. He's supposed to be well known among the fishmen."

"You going to look for him?"

"No."

"Then what are you going to do?"

"I'm going to look for my brother. But first I need to find other fishmen to help me. And I must get stronger." Cade looked down at her body. She tightened the blanket around her. "I'm not strong enough to venture out on the sea yet."

"So cool! You can sail with me!" Luffy grinned.

"Why would I do that?"

"Because I'm going to be king of the pirates! And I'm going to have the best crew ever! You're already strong! With more practice you'll be even stronger! You have to join my crew! You're my friend!"

"I'm not your friend." Cade frowned. "Even if I were I'm not joining your crew. You're just a kid."

"We are friends! And you will join! I'm not going out to sea just yet! We have time to get stronger!"

Cade shook her head. There was no way this idiot would survive on the sea.

"Come on, Fish," Luffy said.

"My name's not Fish!" Cade snapped. "It's Cascade! But call me Cade!"

"Cade!" Luffy nodded. "You can stay with me until we set sail!"

"You're really dense, aren't you?" Cade smirked then shook her head. "You won't leave me alone. And now you're harassing me to be a pirate on your nonexistent crew. I'm not staying with you. Humans hate fishmen."

"I don't hate you. And the people who live here are really nice." Luffy grabbed his ankles and leaned forward. "You'll see."

"I'm not coming with you." Cade looked and waved at the sea. "That is my world. Not-" She turned back to find Luffy fast asleep on the ground. "You really are an idiot! Who falls asleep in the middle of a conversation?!"

Growling, Cade turned back to the sea. She watched the stars glittering on the surface until she fell asleep. Her fingers tightened around the blanket.

…

Teeth gritting she whimpered as her mom's death paraded through her mind. "No…stop it…Mama!"

Cade gasped and shot up. Panting she looked around, expecting to see the pirates coming for her. They weren't there. She was still at the forest with Luffy sleeping beside her. Tears leaked from her eyes. She closed her eyes and tried to force the nightmare away. A hand brushed across her cheek. She jumped and grabbed the wrist. She turned to attack whoever had touched her. Her hand grabbed her dagger before she registered it was Luffy.

"You were crying," Luffy said.

Cade paused and stared at him. It was startling to see the concern in his eyes. Why did he care so much? She pulled away and brushed her tears off her face. "I'm fine."

"Does something hurt?" Luffy asked.

"No."

"Something must hurt if you're crying."

"I'm not hurt!" More tears streamed down her cheeks. She spun away from him. Why couldn't he just leave her alone? "Idiot." Minutes passed. She glanced over her shoulder to find him still sitting there. "Don't you have something better to do than sit there and stare at me?"

"Like what?" Luffy tilted his head. "My friend is hurting. What else would I be doing?"

"I'm not your friend." Cade attempted to yell those words at him but she was too exhausted to fight. "Just go away. I want to be alone."

"Let's get something to eat," Luffy said.

Cade sighed. Her stomach growled.

"You're hungry too. Hey! I know where we can go." Luffy grabbed her wrist.

"Hey!" Cade pulled against him but he managed to pull her to her feet. "I don't want to go anywhere with you!"

"But you're hungry! It's breakfast time!" Luffy smiled back at her.

"Where are we going? It better not be into town."

"Of course it is."

"No!" Cade dug her heels in. Her sudden movement jerked Luffy backwards. He landed on his back and stared up at her.

"What?"

"I can't go into town."

"Why not?"

"I just can't!"

"That's not a reason."

Cade growled. "I'm a fishman, you idiot!"

"So?"

Cade rubbed her temple. "Don't you know anything? Humans hate fishmen."

"I don't hate them." Luffy sat up. Holding onto his ankles he stared up at her. "And I really like you."

Cade sighed. Clearly she wasn't going to get rid of this idiot any time soon. She untied her makeshift cloak from her waist and pulled it over her shoulders then her head. "Fine. Let's go. But only for a short time."

"Yes!" Luffy leapt to his feet. He grabbed her hand and headed down the beach.

A spark. Her eyes fell to their connected hands. Did she imagine that? No. It was still there. Something about him holding her hand was…she didn't know what to call it. All she knew was something was there between them. She was so distracted by it she didn't even noticed they had entered the small village. Her hand tightened around his.

Luffy smiled back at her when she did this.

The people looked at them as they passed.

Cade swallowed. Any second now they would notice she wasn't human. Then it would be over. They would capture her and turn her into a slave, or sell her off to become a slave.

"There it is!" Luffy's voice pulled her attention.

Cade glanced upward just in time to see the Party Bar sign before he pulled her into the building. Her nose was hammered with the scent of booze for the second time since she had been on the island.

"Good morning, Luffy."

Cade turned to find Luffy pulled her towards the bar. A woman with shoulder length green hair and a kind smile stood behind it.

"Makino!" Luffy climbed upon a barstool.

"I see you have company today." Makino looked at Cade.

Cade pulled her hood closer around her face.

"This is Cade." Luffy waved his hand at her. "She's a fishman."

"Luffy!" Cade snapped. So much for keeping her identity a secret. The jerk. Moron. Bonehead. Idiot.

"A fishman?" Makino eyed Cade closely.

Cade tensed.

"Don't be silly, Luffy," a man from the bar said.

"Fishmen don't live around here," a second man said.

"They do now! And Cade is my friend!" Luffy said.

The first man stood from the table and walked over to them. He reached for Cade's sheet. "Well, let's see if she really is a fishman."

"Stop it!" Cade slapped his hand away. Instantly she regretted it. Her webbed hand hung out in the air for all to see.

A stunned gasp filled the building.

"She is a fishman."

"I don't believe it."

"What's a fishman doing all the way out here?"

"I've never seen one before. They're supposed to be really strong, aren't they?"

Someone screamed. "We're all going to die!"

Heart pounding, Cade gritted her teeth. Hand on her dagger she prepared herself to fight and to run. This was a bad idea. She shouldn't have come here.

"Shut up!"

Cade looked to find Luffy standing on the barstool beside her.

"You all be nice to her! She's my friend! I won't let any of you hurt her!" Luffy's eyebrows narrowed at the people in the bar. "So be nice!"

The people paused and stared at the young boy.

Cade gapped at Luffy. He was serious. She couldn't believe it. He really saw her as his friend after such a short amount of time. And it didn't matter that she was a fishman.

Luffy looked at her and grinned.

"So what can I get you for breakfast?" Makino's voice sliced through the silence. Everyone went back to their own business, no one saying another word to or about Cade.

Dazed Cade crawled upon a barstool beside Luffy. She didn't hear him ordering them something to eat. She didn't even notice when the food was brought or when she had even picked up the fork. It was hard to comprehend. This young boy stood up for her. They didn't even know each other, not really. Yet he did it anyway.

After eating Cade wandered out of the bar and down to the small dock. Luffy's words continued to run through her mind. She had made a friend. With a human no less. And she was surprised to find she believed him. But how? Why? Pausing she turned to the water. "Luffy?"

"Hm?"
"About earlier."

"Earlier?"

"When we were still near the forest. I was crying."

"What about it?"

"I lied. I had a nightmare about my mom being killed. It hurt." Cade sat down and hugged her knees to her chest. "I miss her so much."

"Well, next time just tell me. I'll chase that nightmare away!" He squatted down beside her and smiled.

Cade looked at him. Did he always have to smile like that? So bright, happy, and carefree? She watched him for a moment longer before pressing her lips to his. "All right, Luffy."

"What?! What the heck was that?!" Luffy, arms spinning like pinwheels, fell back onto the sand.

"I don't know." Cade blinked rapidly. Confusion swirled in her mind. She had never kissed anyone like that before. "I just felt like giving you a kiss. And, if you really do become a pirate, I will join you."

"Yes!" Luffy leapt into the air.

"However, my first and foremost mission with traveling with you is to find my brother," Cade said.

"Of course!" Luffy nodded. "I'll help you find him! I promise!"

Cade nodded. It was set. Whatever happened she was joining this idiot to sail the seas when, if, he really became a pirate. She sighed. Now she was the idiot.

Pirates

Friend & Foe

"Red Hair Shanks?" Cade paused mid-punch to look at Luffy.

"That's right." Luffy nodded from his spot on the ground. "He stops by here once in a while."

"Huh." Cade turned back to the tree branch. Taking a relaxing breath she pulled back her hand and brought it down on the branch. The wood cracked and snapped, splitting into two.

"I keep asking him to take me on his ship but his answer is always no." Holding onto his ankles he leaned back and looked up at the sky. "I hope he comes back soon. I want him to meet my new friend."

"How about you help clean up instead of just sitting there?" Cade chopped the branch again with her hand then picked up the pieces and carried them over to a pile she and a few others had started. She dropped them on the pile then brushed her arm over her forehead, brushing the sweat away. Her eyes drifted around the island. The storm that had blown through last night had caused a lot of damage. Trees had been ripped from their roots, walls and roofs had been torn away from some buildings, and some sea life had landed on land and died.

Thankfully no one was injured. And the damage that was done could easily be taken care of.

"You're working hard." Makino walked up to them with a picnic basket in her hand.

"Well, someone has to." Cade shot a look at Luffy.

"Did you bring food?" Luffy leaped up and started digging through the picnic basket.

"Luffy." Cade huffed. "Slow down. It's not like the food is going to get up and run away."

"It's all right. Here." Makino pulled out a canteen. "You need to keep hydrated. Its rather warm today."

"Thanks." Cade took the canteen and chugged down some water. While doing so she took a moment to stare at the green haired woman. Somehow in the three weeks that she had been here Makino managed to figure out what her weakness was. Since she was a fishman she was prone to dehydration if she didn't drink enough or get in the water on hot days. And the woman always brought her water to drink despite it being unnecessary. Being close to the water it made it easy to keep hydrated. Still she had to admit, to herself at least, that it was nice of Makino to care.

"Cade, I've been meaning to ask," Makino said.

"Hm? Ask what?"

"How old are you?"

"Eight."

"So you're a year older than Luffy."

"I guess so." Cade looked to Luffy. The boy had a half eaten sandwich in his hand. "He seems a lot younger."

"I suppose he does." Makino giggled.

"Look out!" someone screamed.

The three turned to find the side of a house, which was being rebuilt, was falling towards the people trying to fix it.

Dropping the canteen Cade dashed for the wall. The weight landed on her up stretched hands. Vibrations from the hit radiated through her arms. With a grunt she pushed the wall back into place.

"Grab those boards! Get it stable!" Men scrambled to grab boards to prop up the wall. Boards thumped into place. The weight lifted off Cade's hands. She stumbled backwards and dropped to the ground. "Hey, thanks a lot."

"Yeah. You really saved us. I mean I heard fishmen were strong but I never would have imagined a kid could hold up a wall on her own."

Cade looked to the men surrounding her. They beamed at her with smiles. She rubbed her neck. "Uh, yeah. Whatever. I just reacted. Beside the wall isn't finished. It's only the skeleton of the wall. So it's not really all that heavy."

"It's still amazing. You won't find any human kids doing something like that bare handed."

"Cade! You're amazing!" Luffy ran over to her and hugged her.

"Shut up." Cade shoved him off her then stood up. She dusted herself off and refused to look at anyone.

"She's just being modest," Makino said. "I think she's starting to like all of us."

The men nodded in agreement.

Cade scoffed despite Makino not being far off. She grown to trust the people in this small village, a little bit, but she still refused to let her guard down. They had royalty and nobility on this island after all. They lived on the other side of the island so she hadn't seen them in person yet. And from what she could gather they never came to this side. Still she refused to let her guard down. She wasn't going to get caught again.

"I know!" Makino clapped her hands together. "We have a lot of unused wood now. Why don't we have a bond fire?"

"Yeah! A party!" Luffy threw his hands in the air. "With lots of meat!"

"It's amazing you're alive with how much meat you eat," Cade said.

"Meat is good," Luffy said.

Cade shook her head. Luffy was by far the most stubborn kid she had ever met. And the most obsessed with something.

"I'll get started on the fire," Makino said walking away.

"My wife and I have some potatoes we can donate to the bond fire."

"I have some fish."

"I've got plenty of tomatoes and corn on the cob."

"Party!" Luffy jumped around. "Party! Party!"

"Calm down." Cade grabbed his shirttail and drug him away from the house. "We still have a lot of work to do before we can party."

"Aw." Luffy pouted. "Working's no fun."

"Then think of it as training." Cade glanced back over her shoulder. "You said you wanted to get strong, right? That won't happen if you sit around on your butt all the time." She deposited Luffy beside her woodpile. "Build up your stamina by carrying these heavy tree limbs over to Makino."

"Right!" Luffy scrambled to grab some of the limbs. With an armful he stumbled his way over to where Makino was getting the fire ready.

Cade crossed her arms and watched him. "Well, at least he's doing something now."

…

An hour later the salty air was replaced with smoke and spices being used for their party food. While there were still three hours of light left everyone started putting up their tools and headed over to the bond fire.

"Hey, Cade!" Makino called. "Why don't you call it a day?"

Cade sighed. She wasn't ready to call it a day yet. There was still a lot of work they could do before the sun went down.

"Cade!" Luffy waved to her.

Cade abandoned her tree limb clean up to join her friend when he called. Luckily they sat away from everyone else. She wasn't ready to become completely integrated with everyone.

Luffy already had a pile of food for them so she ate off the plate while everyone chatted on about whatever they felt like. It didn't take long for their party to be filled with drunken men. They danced around the fire, singing songs she had never heard before.

A smirk pulled across her face when one of the drunken men almost fell into the fire. The mayor ranted at them for a few minutes about being careless. But the men laughed and continued to have fun without a care of the dangers they were putting themselves in by getting drunk.

Cade bit into her roast and slowly chewed it. Her mind wandered to her brother. Surely by this time he was an official slave. She hoped he got someone who would be kind to him. If that was possible at all. Most likely it wasn't. He was still so little. How bad would they beat him for not being able to work like an adult? Would there be other fishmen slaves? If there were maybe they would help him, keep him safe and unharmed until he could work…until she could save him.

The wood crackled. Her eyes lifted to the night sky. Hold on, little brother. I promise I will come for you. I will find you even if I have to sail to the ends of the sea.

…

Cade settled into the hot water with a content sigh. The fire below the barrel crackled. Her tense muscles relaxed. "This feels nice. I guess I worked a lot more than I though today."

The bathroom door flung open. Luffy ran in, naked. "Bath time!"

Cade huffed, glad she was a fishman instead of a human. If she were human Luffy entering the bathroom with her would have been very awkward. She eyed the boy as he climbed in the barrel with her. Well, maybe it wouldn't have been awkward. Luffy didn't seem to notice the physical difference between them. And this wasn't the first time they had bathed together. She blinked. Maybe he did and just didn't care. "Hey, Luffy?"

"Hm?"

"Do you know the difference between boys and girls?"

"Of course I do! Girls don't have family jewels."

Clearly he didn't care. She shrugged. She didn't really care either. It was becoming abundantly clear that she didn't mind Luffy seeing her naked. Neither had romantic feelings for the other. So it really didn't matter. It never would. And they had no parents to stop them. They lived alone in a small house close to the mayor's house. She had learned not long ago that Luffy had turned down living with the mayor. He had even turned down living at Makino's.

Scooping water in her hands she splashed it on her face.

After bathing the two dressed and crawled into their shared bed. Luffy instantly fell asleep, snoring as always. Cade laid there in the moonlit room, thinking about her brother and how she could find him. Nothing definite came to mind. The world was a big place. What could one little fishman girl do to find another fishman in this world? She didn't even have a clue of where to start. Maybe it didn't matter in the end. Maybe all she had to do was just go and let the waters bring them back together.

She rolled onto her side. Her eyes met Luffy's sleeping face. A smile came to her lips. She wished she were more carefree like him. Tears swelled in her eyes. Before she knew it Luffy was awake and pressing his hand to her cheek.

"You're crying again."

"Sorry. I'm thinking about my brother. I have no idea how I'm going to find him."

"You will. I'm going to help you. Together we will find your brother. That's a promise. And I never break my promises."

"You're a bit too optimistic, Luffy."

"Because I know we can do it!" Luffy grinned.

Warmth spread through Cade's head. Leaning closer to him she kissed his lips. Luffy chuckled at their lips connecting. Maybe she was crazy but in that moment she felt like they would find Kale.

"Now sleep." Luffy patted her cheek before taking her hand in his. "And remember that you will always have me. I'm your brother now, too."

"Thanks, Luffy." Sleepiness washed over her. With a content sigh she closed her eyes and fell asleep with her hand still in his.

…

Eyes closed, Cade exhaled. Arms out to her sides, palms up to the sky, she slowly brought her hands together above her head then pressed them together and lowered them to her face like she were praying. She held that pose for a few seconds before tilting her fingers away from her and stretching out her arms. Parting her hands she opened her eyes. A bubble of water appeared in between her palms. Once it was big enough to cover her palm she spun around. The water trailed her movements until the ends connected together. She remained in the center as the water sped up.

"So cool! What is that move?!" Luffy ran up to her.

Cade's eyebrows rose. It was amazing he had noticed her at all. The whole time she had been training this morning he had been playing around on the beach. "Current Deflect. It's a defense move to keep someone from punching or kicking you. The water moves so fast no one can get a hit through."

"Really?" Luffy eyed the running water.

"Go ahead and try to hit me."

"All right. But I have to warn you. My punches are like two pistols." Luffy punched the air.

Cade rolled her eyes. Flies had more power behind their punches than Luffy did. "Just do it."

Luffy nodded. He pulled back his fist and swung.

Cade watched Luffy's punch fly towards her. The second his skin came in contact with the water it shot his fist away from her.

Luffy spun from the pressure of the water moving him. Facing her his eyes blinked rapidly before widening. "That was so cool! I knew you would be a great addition to my pirate crew!"

"Whatever you say, Captain." Cade smiled.

"Well, well, well." The two whipped around to find several men surrounding them. "Isn't that cute. A little boy who thinks he's a pirate captain and a freak who's following along with him."

Cade glared. The swords at their hips and the bandanas around their heads were a clear indication they were pirates.

"Who are you?" Luffy asked.

"I'm a real pirate captain." The man leaned closer to them. "My crew and I are here to claim this island as our own."

Cade waved a hand to push away his foul smelling breath. Apparently he didn't know about oral hygiene. His black teeth backed that truth up.

"Hey! You can't claim this island! It doesn't belong to you!" Luffy shouted.

The pirates laughed as the captain said, "It belongs to me now. My boys will raid this place as soon as we put you two in your place."

"What's that suppose to mean?" Cade crossed her arms and faced the pirates.

"It means that you two are going to be my personal slaves." The captain grinned.

"I am no one's slave!" Rage erupted in Cade's chest. She spread out her water currents. Trapping the pirates inside of them she threw them into the air then banished her water. The pirates landed hard on the beach.

"You little brat!" The captain coughed sand from his mouth. "Attack! Put them in their place! But don't kill them! I want them alive!"

The pirates jumped to their feet, pulled their weapons out, and stalked towards the kids.

Luffy lifted his fists.

Cade brought her hands together to call on her water again. Just as she spun around a pirate grabbed her wrist. He jerked her towards him while another pirate grabbed onto Luffy.

"Let go of us!" Luffy kicked and wriggled but the pirate held strong.

Cade snapped her sharp teeth at the pirate's arm.

"Hey!" The pirate released her.

Cade brought her hands together again but two other pirates grabbed her arms and pinned them behind her. They pushed her to her knees and held her in place. "Let go of me!"

"You brat!" The pirate she tried to bite stepped towards her. He took her a hold of her hand then brought his elbow down on her arm between her wrist and elbow.

The sharp pain snap and vibrated through her body. White sparks flashed through her eyes. A scream ripped from her mouth.

"You jerk!" The rage in Luffy's voice was clear. He flailed against the pirate holding him but they were too weak, too small, too inexperienced to over take a group of adult men, of pirates. "You'll pay for hurting her!"

Cade dropped to her knees as the pirates released her. She cradled her broken arm to her stomach.

"Let me go! Let me go! Let me go!" Luffy cried, kicking wildly.

"Well, this is a very unpleasant sight," another man said. "Are you seriously attacking children?"

Cade lifted her eyes. Dark shapes swayed in her vision before clearing enough to see. Another group of men stood gathered together. At the front of them was a man wearing a straw hat and had red hair. One of his hands held onto his belt.

"Shanks!" Luffy shouted.

"Shanks?" Cade glanced at Luffy then back to the red haired man. This was the man, the pirate captain and crew, that Luffy had told her about?

"Captain," one of the attacking pirate crew said, "that's Red Hair Shanks."

The captain scoffed. "I don't care. This is our island now. They're not allowed to set foot here unless they pay me four hundred million berries each. Attack!"

Cade watched as the pirates raced for Shanks and his crew. Fists flew. Swords were swung. Feet struck out. Grunts. Blood. Gun shots. All of it mixed together as the two crews fought. Then, as quickly as it started, it was over. The pirates that attacked Shanks and his crew were on the ground. She blinked in amazement. It was hard to believe how quickly the fight had ended.

"Are you two all right?" With a confident but cocky grin Shanks walked closer to them.

"That was so cool! You beat them so fast! But how dare you interfere! We could have taken them!" Luffy's eyes bounced between sparkling and a glare. "I mean Cade is hurt! They broke her arm!"

"Really?" Shanks bent down and reached for her. "Let me see. I have a good doctor who can fix you right up."

"Don't touch me!" Cade snapped and pulled away from him. She forced back a wince when the movement shot more pain through her arm. Her head swayed but she refused to show weakness. "I don't need your help!" She growled when Shanks's smile remained in place.

"You're a feisty little thing, aren't you?" Shanks said.

"And you're an idiot human," Cade snapped.

"It's good that you're strong and have some bite to you," Shanks said with a glance behind her. He nodded then returned his eyes to hers. "But you need to be careful with that. It could get you into trouble."

Cade parted her lips to replay when suddenly a pressure came to her neck and the world went black.

…

Cade opened her eyes, the wooden ceiling above her swayed before settling in place. She breathed in. Sea salt and antiseptics flooded her nostrils. Her mind was fuzzy as she tried to piece together what happened and where she was.

Then she remembered. She and Luffy were fighting against some pirates before Shanks and his crew showed up. The newly arrived crew had easily defeated the other pirate crew. Luffy then told Shanks that her arm was broken. Shanks had knelt in front of her and reached for her arm. He looked behind her and nodded before something pressed against her neck and she blacked out. She sat up with a growl. "That idiot human knocked me out."

"Technically, I had my first mate knock you out."

Cade turned to find Shanks leaning against the doorframe with his cocky grin still on his face. She glared at him. "Why did you do that?"

"Because your arm needed attention and you clearly weren't going to come willingly. Quite stubborn you are."

"Are you kidding me? You had your man sneak up behind me and knock me out! I didn't have to come with you! And that's called kidnapping!" Cade growled.

"He didn't sneak upon you. He moved normally. If you had paid better attention to those around you then you would have noticed him coming. And we didn't kidnap you. We're still docked at the island. We never left."

Cade snarled. He was right. How she hated that he was right. She had a long way to go before setting out to sea. She was completely helpless against that pirate crew and against Shanks and his crew.

"Besides I couldn't let a friend of Luffy's go off injured." Shanks walked over to her.

Cade stiffened and reached for her dagger. It was gone.

"Don't bother. I had your dagger removed." Shanks reached out and picked up her right hand.

Cade flinched as pain shot through her arm.

"It's broken but should heal just fine. I had my ship doctor set it for you," Shanks said while inspecting the cast around her arm.

Cade followed his glance. She didn't even notice a cast had been placed on her arm. "You…helped me?"

Shanks nodded.

"Why?"

"I told you. It's because you're Luffy's friend." Shanks smiled at her.

Cade inspected him. He did it just because Luffy was her friend?

Shanks expression softened as he straightened up. "I can understand your hesitation in trusting people. Luffy told me about your mom and brother."

"That idiot," Cade said through gritted teeth. "He just doesn't know when to keep quiet."

"Did you tell him to keep quiet?"

Cade flinched. She didn't. So she had no right to blame Luffy.

"I know it's going to be hard for you to believe me because of what's happened to you but a lot of humans like fishmen." Shanks patted her head. "And my crew are part of those who do like your people. You have nothing to fear from us."

Grandpa

Bending her knees Cade shot herself up to the roof of a near by house.

"Hey! Looking good, Cade!" The man below waved at her.

"Thanks!" Cade waved back before landing on the roof. Kicking off again she launched herself into the air. Bringing the heels of her hands together she formed a swirl of water. "Water Swirl!" She flew into the sky. Low clouds roamed overhead. They brushed her skin as she passed through them. It was the first time she had touched clouds. They were like walking through fog only without the eeriness.

Her body slowed its ascend. Going as far she should could, she allowed her body to fall backwards. A dark spot caught her eye. She turned to see a ship heading towards the docks. And it wasn't an ordinary ship. It was a navy ship. Its large white flag was full of wind, showing off the navy symbol with pride. "What's the navy doing here?"

Back flipping, Cade righted herself and landed on the ground then bolted for the docks. Half way there Luffy appeared. "Hey! Cade! My grandpa's here!"

"Your grandpa?" Cade slowed to walk with him.

"Yeah." Luffy nodded. "He stops by here once in a while to see how I'm doing." He chuckled, pulling Shanks's hat down over his eyes. "I can't wait to tell him Shanks gave him his straw hat."

"Is that such a good idea? I mean your grandpa's a navy man." Cade's eyes locked onto the straw hat. It had been a little over a month since Shanks and his crew left. She wondered where they were. Nothing about them had been mentioned in the newspapers lately. She hoped that didn't mean anything bad.

"It'll be fine. I've told Grandpa before that I'm going to be a pirate." Luffy started swinging his arms.

"Well, I can't wait for this meeting. I get the feeling it's going to be interesting." Reaching the docks they found several of the townspeople had come as well. They watched as the ship pulled up and dropped anchor. A gangplank thudded into place before a broad shouldered man with grey hair and beard appeared. With a wide grin he walked down the gangplank.

"It's him! Hero of the marines! Vice Admiral Garp!"

"I still can't believe after all these years he comes to our village!"

"He's really that big of a deal?" Cade asked.

The two villagers looked at her. "What? Of course he is! He's the only navy man to have cornered the king of the pirates multiple times!"

Cade turned her eyes back to the navy man. At first glance he looked nothing more than another human to her. But as he walked close to her she could feel a danger emanating from him. Her hands trembled, feeling exposed. She should have worn her cloak.

"Hm?" Garp's eyes landed on her.

Cade's instincts screamed at her to run. She took one step before Luffy's hand latched onto hers. Her eyes met his. Her promise to Shanks came back. She wasn't going to run.

Luffy smiled.

Cade smiled back. She tightened her fingers around Luffy's hand and faced Garp with determination not to be afraid or untrusting. It wasn't as easy as she thought it would be.

"What's a fishman child doing here?" Garp asked.

Cade took a deep breath and exhaled.

"This is Cade. She's my new friend," Luffy said.

"New friend, huh?" Garp's eyes turned to his grandson.

Cade watched as the man's blue eyes lifted to the hat on Luffy's head, instant recognition shown in Garp's eyes. Her body tensed. How angry was he going to be that Luffy was wearing a pirate's hat?

"That hat…where did you get it?" Garp asked.

"Shanks gave it to me!" Luffy patted the hat smiling. "I'm going to return it to him when I become a great pirate!"

"What?! You're not going to be a pirate!" Garp pulled his fist back and punched Luffy on his head.

Cade's heart jumped in her throat. She moved to grab her dagger but halted when Luffy's body squished and bounced back into place.

"What the heck?! Why did your head just bounce like rubber?!" Garp's eyes widened.

"Because I'm a rubber man now." Luffy pulled his cheek away from his face.

"What have you been doing since I've been gone?!" Garp picked up Luffy by his shirt and shook him.

Cade refused to let his hand go so his arm stretched out. "Stop it! Leave Luffy alone! He's done nothing wrong!"

"Hm?" Garp's eyes dropped down to her.

Cade tensed.

"Hold on. Calm down. I'll explain everything." The mayor stepped up. "Let's go back to my place. Luffy. Cade. You two come as well."

"Okay." Cade nodded. She expected Garp to put Luffy down but he didn't. Still holding the boy Garp followed the mayor. She had no choice but to follow as well.

Only when they entered into the mayor's living room did Garp drop Luffy on the floor. He sat down in a chair and crossed his arms and legs.

Cade knelt down next to Luffy as the mayor sat down and started to explain everything that had been happening since her arrival.

"I see." Garp stroked his chin. "You're mother has been killed and your brother could be anywhere."

Cade nodded.

"Then it's decided. I'll have to take you both up the mountain to Dadan," Garp said.

"What?!" Luffy yelled. "I'm not going anywhere!"

"Yes, you are!" Garp yelled back. "My grandson isn't going to become a pirate!"

"I am too!"

"Isn't that a rash decision?" Cade asked. She flinched when Garp looked at her. With a gulp she continued, "You've only arrived here."

"Girl, my grandson has been going on and on about becoming a pirate. As his grandfather it's my duty to make sure he grows up to be a fine marine," Garp said.

"I'm not going to be a marine!" Luffy said before falling asleep.

"Respect your elders, boy!" Garp grabbed the front of Luffy's shirt again. "Don't fall asleep when I'm-" His own head tilted back as his snoring mixed in with Luffy's.

"Are you kidding me?!" Cade snapped.

The mayor laughed, pulling Cade's eyes to him. "They are a lot a like. You'll get use to it. Garp cares about his grandson even though it might not seem like it. I know you have trust issues with humans but Garp is one man you can trust."

Cade twisted her lips. That didn't make since considering she and Luffy were suppose to be on the path to becoming pirates. That would make Garp their enemy. Or it would in the future when they set sail as real pirates.

Garp woke up. "What was I saying?" He looked at Luffy and started shaking him. "Hey! Don't fall asleep in the middle of my lecture! I'm going to beat some sense into you! You and Cade are going up the mountain with me! I'll be able to keep a closer eye on you there!"

Cade tilted her head. She couldn't figure out how he was going to do that when he was an active navy officer. Maybe this Dadan person was really close to Garp. Maybe he, or she, would be the one to actually watch them. "Who is this Dadan person?"

"Huh? She's an old friend of mine. She and her group of mountain bandits live up in the mountains. They'll keep a close eye on you and Luffy while I'm away," Garp said. "But don't get lazy. They're not an easy bunch to live with. You'll have to learn to survive on the mountain."

"Survive on the mountain," Cade mumbled. While she was still unsure about this training on a mountain might actually be a good thing. There wasn't many ways to get stronger here in the village. The mountains and forests up there would give her a lot of unfamiliar terrain and animals to survive against.

Luffy growled. "I don't want to live with a bunch of stinky mountain bandits! I hate them!"

"Get use to it! You're going!"

…

"Don't worry," Makino said. "I'll come visit as often as I can. And you two are always welcome here any time."

"Thanks, Makino," Cade said. Despite Garp saying they were going up to the mountain yesterday he gave them one more night in the village. Now it was time for them to leave.

"No! Let me go! I'm not going!" Luffy kicked and flailed but nothing he did released him from his grandpa's iron grip.

Her instincts to free him, to protect him, tapped at her mind. But she didn't.

"Let's go, Cade." Garp headed away from their group.

"Take care of yourselves." The mayor smiled.

"You too." Cade waved to the villagers as she rushed to catch up with Garp.

The walk was a long one. Garp carried Luffy the whole way. And the young boy didn't stop kicking and scream. "I told you, you old man! I don't want to be a navy man! I want to be a pirate!"

Cade sighed when Luffy grabbed a hold of a tree. His body stretched out as his grandpa kept walking. If Garp noticed he didn't show any signs of it. The tree curved to Luffy's hold then SNAP. The tree's roots gave way and slammed into Luffy and Garp. "Mister Garp, are you sure about taking Luffy up the mountain to mountain bandits? Do you honestly think he'll stay there?"

"Mister?" Garp smiled at her from over his shoulder. "Call me Grandpa. We're family after all."

"I never agreed to that!"

Garp laughed.

Cade huffed. "I see where Luffy gets his eccentrics from."

"It's okay, Cade." Luffy glanced back at her. "You can call him Grandpa. You're my sister after all."

"I don't recall agreeing to that either," Cade said though a happy thrill ran up and down her spine. She had another little brother to look after. And this time she wasn't going to let anything happen to him. "Fine. I'll call you Grandpa."

"Great!" Garp laughed again. "All right, Granddaughter, Luffy will stay. You two are going to have an older brother now. His name is Ace."

"I don't want an older brother! I have Cade!" Luffy said.

"Tough! I never should have left you in that village!" Garp said.

Cade went quiet after that. She listened to Luffy's complaints and arguments with his grandfather while scanning the jungle that surrounded them. There were a lot of trees she could climb. And in those trees hung some snakes. A few of the snakes were small but some were big, big enough to swallow them whole. This place was going to give them a lot of survival skills. She hoped they helped survive out on the ocean.

"There it is," Garp said a couple hours later.

Cade looked ahead. Sitting in a small clearing was a simple wood house with an open tower in the middle and a flag flying over it.

"Hey! Dadan!" Garp banged on the door.

Cade pulled out her cloak and pulled it on.

"Hm? Cade, I told you that you don't have to hide anymore," Luffy said.

Cade ignored him. She had gotten better with the villagers but not anyone else.

Feet thumped behind the door before it opened. A large woman followed by two men stepped out. The woman had curly hair, full lips, and a scowl on her face.

Cade tensed, wondering if these people were going to attack them.

The woman looked at Garp and said, "Garp! You have got to do something! Ace is ten years old now! Do you have any idea how much trouble he's been causing us?!"

"I'm not going to be able to handle much more of this! Take him back already!" the shorter of the two men said. He wore a turban around his head, a curved sword on his back, and spotted pants.

The taller man stayed silent. He had a red rooster comb on his head where his hair should have been and a thin black beard. Or maybe it was his hair. Cade didn't know for sure.

"Huh? Who are those two brats?" Dadan looked at Cade and Luffy.

"This is Cade and Luffy." Garp pointed at them. "They'll be staying with you from now on."

"What?! You're bring me two more?! Garp's…Huh?!" Dadan screamed.

"That's right. So choose," Garp said with a laugh. "Live the rest of your lives behind bars, or raise these two. I'm keeping all their eyes close to your crimes, which number more than the stars, I might add."

So that's it, Cade thought as the older two keep talking. Since these guys are criminals Garp is blackmailing them into taking care of us. And from what the two of these people said before Garp did the same thing with Ace.

"Eh! Gross!" Luffy's whine pulled her out of her thoughts.

Cade cringed as he wiped spit off his cheek.

"Hey, Ace!" Garp said.

Cade followed the old man's gaze. A boy was sitting on the carcass of a buffalo with one leg crossed over the other and a pipe in his hand. Though the freckles on his cheeks gave him a look of innocent the scowl he wore told her he was anything but innocent. Dirt and wounds, fresh and old, marred his skin. He even had a bandage on his forehead above his left eye. She wondered if he got those injuries from the buffalo.

"That's Ace. He's three years older than you, Luffy. And two years older than you, Cade," Garp said. "You're going to live with him from now on, so you better get along, got it?"

"Older than us yet has poor manners." Cade crossed her arms and glared at Ace. "You shouldn't spit on people. It's not nice."

Ace glared. He slipped off the carcass and walked over to her. "Don't tell me what to do."

"Don't be a jerk and I won't tell you what to do." Cade stood with her spine straight. She saw Ace's eyes flash with anger before his fist swung towards her. She threw up her covered hand, stopping his fist. Though her feet skidded half an inch back. This guy's got some power behind his punch. Light glinted in her eyes. The pipe he was holding swung towards her head. She moved to throw up her broke arm to block it but stopped and ducked instead. Flipping backwards she landed a kick on his chin, sending him flying backwards.

Ace hit the ground. Growling he sat up and shot her a heated glare.

"Wow. She's strong," the short man said. "She's just took out Ace with one hit."

"Cade's not human. She's a fishman," Garp said.

"A fishman?!" the bandits shrieked.

With a sigh Cade pulled off her hood. No point in hiding now.

"Wow. She is a fishman child," the short guy said.

"Hold on! You can't dump them on us!" Dadan said. "Especially not a fishman child! We don't know anything about them!"

"They're no different than human children. Got a problem with that?" Garp gave the bandits a look that sent then cowering down. "Good. I'm off now. Be good you two."

Cade watched Garp head back down the mountain. Apparently he wasn't going to stay any longer.

"Well, come on in," the short man said. "I'm Dogra. And that's Magra."

Luffy ran threw the door.

Cade looked back at Ace. The boy had gone back to his kill. From the looks of it he was starting to skin it. With a huff she headed inside. She walked down a short hall before stepping into a larger room. Twelve more bandits were sitting inside around a cut out square in the middle of the floor. Burnt wood sat in the square. She glanced up to find a hole in the roof. The tower she saw outside. It was to let the smoke out and keep rain out. She assumed that mean they didn't have a kitchen like the villagers did.

"If you'll come with me I'll show you two where to put your stuff," Dogra said.

Cade and Luffy followed the man down another short hall and into a room. A single bedding was lying on the floor.

"This is Ace's room," Dogra said. "Luffy will be staying in here with him. Cade, you'll be sleeping in-"

"Don't worry about it." Cade dropped her bag on the floor. "This will do."

"What? But you're a girl!" Dogra said.

"So? I've been living with Luffy for weeks." Cade took off her cloak and laid it down.

"Yes!" Luffy nodded. "Cade and I are staying together!"

Dogma sighed. "Fine. Do whatever you want. We'll be eating soon."

…

"I hate mountain bandits," Luffy said.

Cade took a gulp of her water. Roasted buffalo floated in the air but all she and Luffy were having were rice and water. She didn't mind. She wasn't really hungry anyway. But she knew Luffy wasn't enjoying their meager meal. It was surprising that he hadn't said anything about it yet.

"Shut it, brat, we're already tired with the likes of you! If you don't like it here, get out and starve to death!" Dadan said.

"Take it easy, Boss," Dogra said.

"This is too little. I want that meat too." Luffy drooled at the meat in Ace's hands.

"This meat is from the buffalo that Ace captured. It's a hard life out here. We don't just hand over food. Nothing is free out here. You will have a lot of work tomorrow. If you want to eat you will clean, do the laundry, polish our shoes and weapons, as well as rob, steal, swindle, and murder people. And you will not tell Garp what we are doing," Dadan said with a mouthful of food. "A bowl of rice and a cup of water a day. That's all you'll have. Anything else you have to get and grow up on your own."

"Getting our own food is growing up on our own," Cade said. "I've been doing that for weeks now."

"Fine with me," Luffy said.

"You two agree with that?! You were supposed to cry!" Dadan smacked her head on the floor. "What's wrong with you two?!"

"My Grandpa abandoned me in the jungle once before. I can eat worms, frogs, snakes, and mushrooms as long as I want. If I'm going to become a pirate I must be able to do that by myself! And Cade's a fishman. She's already caught us lots of fish." Luffy smiled at her. "Right?"

Cade nodded.

Ace got up and left the house without a word.

"Where's Ace going?" Luffy jumped up and followed the freckled boy.

"Where are you going? Did you just say pirates?!" Dadan asked.

"That's right. Luffy wants to become king of the pirates," Cade said.

"And what about you?" Dogra asked. "Have you always wanted to be a pirate?"

"No." Cade dropped her eyes to her cup. "I kind of fell into it."

"How did a fishman child end up way out here anyway?" Dadan asked.

Cade didn't answer right away. Her instincts to hide what happened to her rose to the surface again. But so did her promise to Shanks. This would be good practice for her. With a relaxing breath she told them. "Pirates caught me and my family. They were going to sell us as slaves. My mom managed to get me free of the explosive collar and throw me overboard before they killed her." She gritted her teeth. "They still have my brother. Or they did. I'm sure he's been sold by now. Luffy agreed to help me find him. That's the main reason I'm going to sail with Luffy. I have to find my little brother."

"That's so sad," Dogra said wiping his tears away.

"I never meant to make friends with Luffy," Cade continued. "But he manage to win me over. And somehow we became close in the time we've spent together. I'll do anything to protect him now."

…

Hours past. Luffy had not come back yet. Staring at the small hall leading to the front door, Cade wondered if she should go out to look for him. I never should have left him in the first place. Who knows what kind of trouble he's gotten into out there?

Then Ace walked back in.

"Ace, why are you back, alone?" Dogra asked.

"Weren't you with Luffy? Where is he?" Magra added.

"Who knows?" Ace shrugged.

Rage burned inside of Cade's chest. She knew Ace knew where Luffy was. Luffy had followed him. She leapt towards him and grabbed his shirt. "Where is he?!"

Ace stared at her, defiance rolling off of him.

Cade growled. He was purposefully not answering. She shoved him aside and ran out of the house.

"Wait! Cade! Don't go out there alone! You're not familiar with this place!" Dogra called.

Cade didn't stop. She had to find Luffy. Pausing outside she let her eyes drop to the ground. Luffy's footprints stared back up at her. She had never tracked anyone before. But she had to try. So she followed Luffy's prints into the jungle. For hours she tracked his footprints, almost losing them a couple times when the ground turn to rock or when Luffy climbed over something.

A thump made her pause. Holding still she listened for whatever made the noise. Goosebumps rose on her arms when she noticed the jungle was silent. The birds had vanished. Something was hunting. Whatever it was she hoped it wasn't hunting her. At dinner she had heard some of the mountain bandits talking about giant tigers living around these parts.

Cade moved forward, keeping her eyes and ears open, both on whatever was hunting and the direction she was going. It wouldn't do her or Luffy any good if they couldn't find their way back to the bandits' home. She stepped over to a tree. Dark green moss ran over its trunk. "Okay, so the bandits' home will be east of here. I think I can get us back."

She continued on. A couple minutes later she felt something charging at her. She ducked it. A large tiger landed in front of her. It roared, almost busting her eardrums in the process. Wincing she looked at the creature. "Wow. You sure are loud."

A low rumble rolled from the tiger's mouth. It slowly walked around her, eyeing her with hunger.

Cade shifted her feet so she kept herself facing the tiger. Fighting this thing with a broke wrist was not going to be easy. Running wasn't going to be any better. "Guess I got no choice."

The tiger charged.

Cade planted her hand on the ground and shot herself into the air with a swirl of water. Her foot landed on a branch. She slipped. Flailing her arms she managed to get her holding. "That was too close."

The tiger roared then jumped to the tree. Its large claws dug into the bark as it climbed towards her.

"Sorry, kitty," Cade said. "I don't have time to deal with you right now."

Cade looked to the next tree over. One of its branches was ten yards away. Easy enough. So she jumped. The tiger roared, unhappy she had gotten away. She gave the tiger a glance before jumping to the next branch then the next and the next, occasionally glancing back at the beast following her. It ran along the ground, keeping its piercing yellow eyes locked onto her.

Glancing back again she saw the tiger was gone. She was about to turn around when something slammed into her, stinging pain shot through her upper right arm. Her body flew threw the air and landed hard on the ground. Groaning she pushed herself up and found three tigers was surrounding her. Pain shot through her arm. Blood dripped from deep gashes. "Wonderful. If I didn't know better I'd think you three planned that."

The tigers growled and charged.

Cade shot herself into the air again. White spotted her vision. Her head swam. She had to get out of there. She couldn't fight when she couldn't see straight. Now it was going to beyond possible. Her feet collided with a branch. Steadying herself she looked down to multiple swaying tigers. She exhaled then focused as much as she could. Holding out her uninjured hand, she gathered as much water as she could. "D…drenching Blast!"

A gully wash of water rushed down on the tigers. They roared a sharp roar at the water rushing over them.

Huffing Cade turned to the tree. Palm facing it she fired again. "Water Swirl."

Cade went flying through the air. Branches and leaves scrapped across her skin multiple times before her back collided with a branch. Air rushed from her lungs. As she fell she grabbed onto a branch. Her body swung. She gasped for air, refilling her lungs. When she stopped swinging, and gasping, she jumped her way down to the ground. "Hopefully that'll keep the tigers from following me. Still…" She splashed herself with water and forced herself to her feet. Every so often she would splash water onto herself, hoping she was masking her scent enough.

An hour past. The sunlight started fading from the sky. She needed shelter. Looking around she spotted a small cave. She stopped at the mouth of it and peered inside before looking at the ground. Finding no animal prints she slipped inside and sat down. Huffing and puffing for air she took a minute to gather herself. Once her breathing settled down she pulled out her first aid kit and started cleaning up her cuts.

"Good. Looks like the cuts aren't as deep as I though they were." Cade tied off the thread, cut it, and put her kit away. She sat there a while longer before pulling out the last few pieces of smoked fish she had on her. "I hope I find you soon, Luffy. We're going to have to smoke more fish soon."

…

The next day Cade continued her search, pushing her way through bushes, walking around trees, climbing over roots and rocks, dodging more wild beasts that wanted to eat her.

Hours into it she was starting to question if she would ever find Luffy, or if he had already gotten back to the house, or if he was dead. She swallowed hard and pushed the last thought away. No way Luffy would die. He had told her once that this wasn't the first time his grandpa had thrown him out in the jungle. He'd be fine. And she would find him.

Just then a scream ripped through the air, coming up from a ravine.

"Luffy?" Cade ran over to the ravine and looked over. And there he was. Luffy's hat was easy to spot against the ground. And so was the pack of wolves chasing after him. "Crap! Luffy!"

Cade picked out her a path down the side of the ravine and jumped. Once close enough she leapt into the air and brought her fist down on one of the wolves. It yipped and blacked out. She leapt to the next one and the next one until they were all knocked out. She threw her arms around him and kissed his cheek. "Luffy! Are you okay?!"

"Of course I am!"

Cade pulled back and eyed his cuts and bruises. While she wouldn't call his current state okay she was grateful he was still alive. She sighed and took his hand. "Come on. Let's go back. Seriously, Luffy, with all the crap you get yourself into and survive you must have been born under one lucky, very lucky, star."

Son

*I decided to change the title of the story.*

"Ouch!" Cade looked at the drop of blood oozing out of her finger before putting it in her mouth. "Stupid needle. I can sew up Luffy's wounds easily. Why is sewing clothes so hard?"

"You'll get the hang of it soon," Magra said. "Keep trying."

Cade's eyes dropped down to Magra's own sewing. The man was mending some of his own clothes close by her. And he was a lot better than she was at it. The holes he was sewing up magically disappeared with the fabric around it. She had wanted to give up on sewing but her stubbornness wouldn't let her. It would help them out on the ocean since they had no idea how much money they would have at a given time. They might have to wear the same clothes for a long time. So learning to make and mend clothes was going to be well worth it, no matter how much blood she lost in the process. "Ross would laugh at me for this."

Magra chuckled. "Would you like me to help?"

"No. I don't need help." Cade, determined to master this skill, poked her needle through the fabric.

Magra sighed. "You're still so stubborn. You know, there's nothing wrong with asking for help."

"I don't need help!" Cade snapped.

"Okay!" Magra jumped then went back to his own sewing while grumbling. "Sheesh. Why is she so stubborn?"

The day had been rather quiet. Most of the bandits were out in the jungle somewhere while a few were still inside of the house. Dadan was one who remained inside. She was lying on her side, head in her hand, smoking a cigarette. Luffy and Ace had disappeared an hour ago but she figured they'd be back soon enough. The rubber boy was still determined to make Ace his friend no matter how many times Ace was mean to him. At least Ace hadn't ditched Luffy in the jungle again.

"Of course we're going to be pirates! Cade is my lifeguard and my first crewmember!" Luffy said walking into the main room.

Right on cue.

Cade looked up to find Luffy's eyes beaming with pride. A few new cuts and scraps told her Ace had hit Luffy again.

Ace was in front of Luffy, scowling as always.

"You two? As pirates? Don't make me laugh." Ace smirked. "You're too weak."

"We are not!" Luffy said. "And Cade has already kicked your butt!"

Ace growled.

A spark of pride flashed inside Cade. She smirked when Ace looked at her.

"That was only a lucky hit." Ace grabbed his pipe from the wall.

"Oh? Really?" Cade gave him a challenging look. "Want to fight again?"

"Fine." Ace spun his pipe. "I'm sick of your superior attitude."

"If anyone has a superior attitude it's you." Cade threw down her sewing and followed him outside.

"Boss, shouldn't we stop this?" Dogra asked.

"I don't care what they do." Dadan waved her hand. "Let them kill each other. Less work for me."

Cade stepped outside and faced Ace.

"Kick his butt, Cade!" Luffy cheered.

"Oh." Magra pressed a hand to his cheek. "Should we step in?"

"Maybe it's best to let them get this out of their system," Dogra said.

Ace rushed towards her and swung his pipe.

Cade sidestepped him, spun, and nailed him on the back with a solid kick.

Growling, Ace jumped up from the ground and swung his pipe at her.

"Or maybe not," Dogra said.

Cade knocked the pipe away with a flick of her wrist then brought her other foot up and kicked Ace in the stomach.

The boy coughed, air releasing from his lungs.

"You are strong. I won't deny that." Cade tilted her head. "But I will always be stronger. I am a fishman after all."

"Shut up!" Ace lunged, tackling her to the ground. "I don't care if you're a nasty fishman or not!"

Fire flared in Cade's chest. His words brought back all the horrible name calling the pirates and other people shouted at her and her family. She slammed her head into Ace's, drawing blood from both their foreheads. "Shut up! Fishmen aren't nasty!" Pushing him off she pinned him to the ground and started punching him in the face. "Take it back!"

"Cade!" Luffy shouted.

She didn't hear him and kept punching, not caring about the cast on her wrist. Blood spurted from Ace's nose.

"That's enough!" Two large hands grabbed her arms and hauled her off Ace.

"Let me go! If he wants to call us nasty then I'll show him nasty!" Cade gnashed her teeth like she was going to bite Ace. Her feet shot out at the boy in hopes for contact. But Magra had pulled her too far away.

"You can't do that!" The shorter of the two men grabbed onto her legs. "Garp will have our heads if you kill Ace! Besides, if you keep punching him then you'll damage your wrist more!"

"Cade, stop it!" Luffy jumped in front of her to block her view of Ace. "Ace is our friend!"

"He's not!" Cade spat. "Stop being so naïve, Luffy! Ace hates us! He doesn't care about anyone else but himself!"

"Settle down, Cade," Magra said. "You don't want to kill him."

"I'll decide that!" Cade continued wriggle in the bandits hold. "Let me go, Magra! Dogra, if you don't release me right now I'll put worms in your bed then force you to eat them!"

"Just calm down," Dogra said.

"Ace," Magra looked at the boy, "you shouldn't have provoked her like that. We told you about her family."

"I couldn't care less about her or her family." Turning on his heels Ace marched into the jungle and disappeared.

"Jerk!" Cade shouted. "Come back here and finished what you started!"

"You both started this," Magra said as he pulled her back inside the house. "Settle down now. Let it go. It's not worthy it. You can't let people upset you like that."

Cade scoffed. "What ever."

"Cade." Luffy took her hand. "It's okay. Ace didn't mean it."

"He did too!" Cade snapped.

"Come on. Smile again." Luffy grinned. "You're much nicer when you're smiling."

Cade sighed, her anger slowing to a shimmer. It was becoming abundantly clear that Luffy had that effect on her. "Fine. I'm calm. Let go."

Magra and Dogra released her, but they didn't go far in case they had to grab her again.

The group headed back inside. Cade plopped down beside her pile of clothes and continued sewing. With each poke of her needle into the fabric she imagined she was jamming it into Ace's head.

Luffy laid on his stomach beside her and started fiddling with a shirt she was going to mend.

"Hey! The newspapers here!" A bandit came inside waving the newspaper. He handed it to Dadan and sat down with some of his friends.

Cade flickered a glance at the newspaper. She was about to go back to her mending when the front page of the newspaper caught her eyes. Dashing across the room she snatched it from Dadan's hands.

"Hey, you brat! I get the newspaper first!" Dadan said. "I'm always first! Well, when I want to read the paper that is."

Cade ignored the large woman. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. But there it was, right on the front page for the world to see. Her dad was now one of the seven warlords of the sea.

"What is it, Cade? What's wrong?" Luffy looked over her shoulder. "A fishman? Do you know him?"

"Y-yeah," Cade whispered. "That's Jinbe. That's my dad." The newspaper crinkled under her fingers. "I don't believe this! All this time! That's what he's been doing?! Becoming a dog of the navy?!"

"That's your dad?" Dadan asked.

Cade nodded. Her fingers tightened around the newspaper again.

"Stop that! You're going to rip it! I want to read it!" Dadan snapped.

Cade tossed the woman the newspaper, spun on her heels, and dashed outside.

"Cade!" Luffy called but she didn't stop. She needed time to herself. Time to think about what her dad had been up to.

Cade dashed into the jungle, scarring some birds as she ran. She had no idea where she was going. She just ran and ran and ran. All the words her mother spoke to her about her dad came hammering back into her. "He would always be there for you." He loves you very much." "He will come for us." Yet he didn't. Instead he became a warlord. He was now serving the government and navy.

Tears blurred her vision.

Did he even remember her at all? Did he even look for her, for her mom and brother? Or did he really not care about them?

With a frustrated growl Cade launched herself into the air. She kicked off one tree, punched a limb off another, and shattered part of another's trunk with a kick as she worked her way through the jungle.

…

Cade dropped to her knees. Her lungs drew in breath after breath. The raging inferno inside of her had simmered down to the size of a candle flame. Her muscles ached for a hot bath. She stood to go back to the bandit house when voices reached her ears.

Looking up she had found she moved farther through the jungle than she had intended. Lying out before her was a wasteland. Beyond that large walls concealing a city. "Goa Kingdom and Grey Terminal."

The mountain bandits have spoken of them before, but she never had any intention on coming to this place. Goa Kingdom was where this island's royal and nobility lived. Two types of people she wanted nothing to do with.

She hadn't realized they were so close to it. She turned to head back when familiar black hair caught her eyes. Ace was heading into the mountain of junk. Though she didn't care what Ace did, curiosity flooded her. She headed down the hill and into Grey Terminal. The wind shifted, bring a foul smell to her nose. With a gag she recoiled.

"Disgusting." Cade untied her cloak from her hips. Slipping it on she held the fabric to her nose and worked her way through the mess. Garbage of all kinds was lying around in piles. Flies buzzed rotted foods. Some people were climbing around on the piles looking for…salvageable parts she assumed. "Gross. Why would anyone want to go digging through this garbage? Are they really that bad off?"

A few minutes later she found Ace. He was standing with three rough looking men.

"It's you," a man said. "You're the kid who keeps asking about the pirate king having a kid."

"What?" Cade asked herself. She slipped closer to the small group and ducked behind a pile of broken wood.

"Why would you ask something like that?" the second man asked.

"If the pirate king had a son then the son should be kill immediately!" the third one added before the men laughed. "Dirty rotten pirates!"

Ace clenched his fists.

A move that Cade couldn't help but notice. It didn't make sense. Why would Ace care if the pirate king had a kid or if people wanted that kid dead? Ace didn't know Gol D. Rogers.

Or did he? Her eyebrows knitted while her brain tried to remember what the pirate king looked like. It's been so long since she had last seen his bounty poster she couldn't remember. All she could recall was he had black hair, like Ace.

Ace shouted in anger, making Cade jumped. She didn't stay to listen anymore. She rushed away and headed back to the mountain bandits' home.

"Cade!" Luffy waved and smiled when she had returned.

"Hey, Luffy."

"You feeling better?"

"Yeah." Cade nodded.

"I'm glad. I was worried about you."

"Sorry about that." Cade ruffled his hair before entering the building.

"Where're you going?" Luffy followed.

"No where in particular." It was a lie. A small one, but a lie nonetheless. She felt guilty as she headed down the hall into the main room. A few of the bandits were still there. Dadan was lying on her side smoking a cigarette again. No one said a word. Cade head on down another hall and into a small storage room stacked with old wanted posters, unused crates, and newspapers.

"Why are you coming in here for?" Luffy pushed over a stack of papers. They scattered. Dust rose into the air making him cough.

Waving her hand Cade started going through some bounty posters. "I'm looking for Gol D. Rogers bounty poster."

"Why?" Luffy asked.

"No specific reason." Another lie. But this one she didn't feel like correcting. She must have gone through a hundred bounty posters before finding the right one.

"You found it." Luffy leaned over her shoulder. "Isn't he the coolest? Think I should grow a mustache like that?"
"It wouldn't suit you," Cade mumbled.

"What?! I think it'd look cool!"

Cade tuned him out as he went on about mustaches and how cool Gol D. Rogers was. She studied the poster. The pirate king's hair was indeed a lot like Ace's. Their facial structure was similar too. But could it be? Did the pirate king have a son? Ace would be close to the right age. Or she thought he was. She knew how old he was and when the pirate king had been put to death, but she didn't know when Ace's birthday was. So was Ace the pirate king's son? If so how did he come to live here? "Garp…"

"What about Grandpa?" Luffy looked at her.

"Nothing. Just talking to myself." Cade placed the bounty poster down and left the room. They went outside. Luffy started throwing out punches and kicks into the air while she sat down on the ground to try and figure this out. Ace asking questions about the pirate king's son. Garp bringing Ace to live with mountain bandits. Gol D. Rogers.

Garp had fought Rogers multiple times. Garp had brought Ace to this place. But why would someone of the navy pick up a random kid and drop him on a small island in the middle of nowhere? If Ace were the pirate king's son why would any navy man save the kid? Pirate kids were blamed for their parents' crimes. And Garp had come close to capturing the pirate king many times. So if anyone would know about the pirate king having a son then it would be him. Wouldn't it? Would that be why Ace was asking about the pirate king having a kid? Or was Ace genuinely curious?

Cade scratched her head. She wasn't sure of anything, but it was possible that Ace was Rogers' son.

…

Cade opened her eyes and spun her hands in the air. "Aqua Twisters!"

Water gathered around her hands. A tornado formed over her palms. Lowering her hands out in front of her she moved the tornados away from her. The water wobbled then vanished.

Cade groaned, tilting her head back. "It vanished again. I still can't handle two twisters at once."

"At least you can form them now," Magra said. "You're doing fine. Remember when you couldn't even form one?"

"Thanks." Cade rubbed her neck. "I hope I can get enough attacks to actually help Luffy when we set sail. At this rate that won't happen."

"You're putting too much pressure on yourself. You haven't even decided when you are going to set sail." Magra pulled a shirt out of the laundry basket and clipped it to the clothesline. "By the way, where did Luffy go? I haven't seen him all morning."

"Chasing Ace. Again." Cade brought her hands to her and formed mini twisters in her palms. "He's still trying to get Ace to be his friend."

"That boy never gives up."

Cade smiled at the man's words as she continued practicing with her water manipulation. Suddenly, her peaceful practice got interrupted when she got a bad feeling about Luffy. Without a word she dropped what she was doing and ran into the jungle, calling Luffy's name. She had no idea how long she ran before she heard Luffy calling for her.

"Cade! Over here!" Luffy waved.

Relief washed into Cade's chest like a tidal wave when she saw him. He had several bruises and cuts but was otherwise okay. Rushing to him she threw her arms around him. "Luffy! What happened?! Why are you so beat up?!"

"We just got into a little bit of trouble. It's no big deal."

"No big deal!" Cade held him at arms length. "You look like you could have died! I should have been there to help you!"

"But you can't," Luffy said.

"What?! I'm your lifeguard! Of course I can!" Cade snapped.

"No, you can't," Ace said.

Cade snapped her eyes to him. "Excuse me?"

"You can't always be there for Luffy." Ace crossed his arms. "You have to let him fight his own battles when they come up."

"You stay out of this!" Cade released Luffy and walked over to Ace. "I bet this is all your fault, wasn't it?!"

"No, it was Luffy's," Ace said. "If he stopped following me around then Bluejam wouldn't have captured him." He glanced at Luffy. "Though I am surprised that he didn't tell Bluejam about our treasure."

"Treasure? You had better start explaining exactly what happened." Cade started to lift her fist when a blonde haired boy stepped in front of her.

"Hold on." The boy held up his hands. "There's no need to fight. Ace is right."

"Who the heck are you?" Cade eyed the boy. He wore a blue coat with a tall blue hair. He too, along with Ace and Luffy, was covered in bruises and cuts.

"I'm Sabo." He smiled. "You must be Cade."

"How do you know that?"
"Ace told me about you."

Cade's eyes shot to Ace. She would have guessed he never mentioned her before.

Ace avoided her gaze and dug his pinky into his ear.

"You two fight a lot," Sabo said.

"That's not important right now. Tell me what happened," Cade said.

"Fine," Sabo said before telling her everything about how they got into a fight with a pirate. "Ace and I have been saving up treasure so we can leave this island. We acquired some treasure from Bluejam. He wasn't happy about."

"You think?" Cade crossed her arms.

"Well, Bluejam grabbed Luffy and tried to get him to tell him where we hide the treasure," Sabo continued. "Luffy remained quiet. That's why he's so beat up. But he's fine. Ace and I saved him."

Cade rubbed her hand over her face. "I should have known Luffy would get mixed up with a pirate. Again."

"Again? What does that mean?" Luffy tilted his head.

"Never mind." Cade waved him off. "So what now?"

"Sabo is going to live with us," Luffy said.

Cade's eyebrows rose.

"It's true. I don't have a home to go to." Sabo smiled.

"Dadan's not going to be happy about this," Cade said. "She's still not happy with us living there."

"The old bag will get use to it," Ace said heading back home.

"Oh, yeah!" Luffy took Cade's hand and led her after Ace. "Ace and me are friends now."

"Excuse me?!" Cade looked back and forward between Luffy and Ace. "Friends?! Since when?!"

"So you have to be nice to him now," Luffy said.

"You can't be serious."

Ace tossed her a smirk over his shoulder.

Cade glared at him.

Sabo laughed. "You two really don't get along."

Cade grumbled but said nothing.

…

"What the heck is the meaning of this?!" Dadan shrieked when they got back. She held her hand out towards Sabo. "Ace! Luffy! Cade! Who is that kid?! Why is there another one of you here?!"

"Yo! You're Dadan, right? I'm Sabo!" Sabo smacked Dadan's hand.

"Sabo?! I know that name! I've heard you're quite the troublemaker!" Dadan said.

"Oh really…well, I've heard that you're an old bag." Sabo smiled.

"Don't bother collecting information you don't need!" Dadan said.

Cade crossed her eyes and leaned against the wall while Dadan argued with Sabo. "Well, at least he'll fit in here."

"Sabo's great, isn't he?" Luffy joined her.

"That remains to be seen." Cade shifted.

"Come on, Cade," Luffy said. "You can trust him."

"As I said, that remains to be seen," Cade said.

"Whatever!" Dadan shouted. "Just stay out of my way or die!"

"Hey! Let's show Sabo where our bedroom is!" Luffy said.

"Fine. He needs to know anyway." Cade pushed off the wall and headed for their room.

"Whoa! You sleep in here too?" Sabo asked looking at the three beds on the floor.

"Yes." Cade narrowed her eyebrows. "Got a problem with that?"
"No." Sabo shook his head. "Just asking."

"Cade and me sleep together all the time," Luffy said.

"I see. You two are really close, huh?" Sabo said.

"We are!" Luffy nodded. "She's my sister!"

…

Sitting on a fallen tree, Cade watched as Luffy wound up his arm and attempted to throw a punch at Ace.

"Gum Gum Pistol!"

Instead of his fist flying outward, Luffy's fist hit the ground in front of him then bounced back into his face.

"What do you think you're doing?" Ace planted his feet on Luffy face.

"And Ace wins again." Sabo updated their fighting board.

The other day the boys had decided to have battle matches everyday, and keep score, so they could gage how much they grow.

"It's our turn, Cade," Sabo said.

"Fine." Cade slid off her seat and walked towards the blonde boy.

Sabo abandoned the chalkboard and met her as Luffy and Ace left their small battlefield. He spun his pipe. The pipe was identical to Ace's. "I won't go easy on you."

"I don't care." Cade shrugged. Lifting her fists she stood ready to fight.

"All right." Sabo rushed forward and jutted out his pipe.

Cade dodged the pipe multiple times before striking out with her foot. Sabo blocked her with his pipe. She kicked with her other foot, clipping Sabo on his shoulder.

"Not bad." Sabo righted himself then lunged forward.

Cade waited for him. When he got close enough she side stepped him and threw a punch. Sabo leaned back in time to avoid getting hit.

"You're not punching hard enough!"

"Huh?" The two kids paused at the unexpected voice. Suddenly, a punch hit the ground. A burst of air knocked all of them off their feet as the ground cracked.

Cade collided with a tree then hit the ground. Shaking off the sudden attack she looked up to see Garp towering over them. "Garp? What are you doing here?"

"Huh?" Garp looked at her. "Who are you talking to?"

"You, you old man!" Cade snapped.

"Have some respect, girl!" Garp pulled her up by the front of her shirt. "I am your grandfather after all! You will address me as such!"

"All right already! Grandpa! Now put me down!" Cade gripped the man's fists but couldn't pry his hands off her.

"Now what's going on here? Are you and Ace still fighting. Siblings shouldn't fight like this." Garp looked around.

"We're not siblings!" Ace and Cade said.

"And we weren't even fighting!" Cade added.

"Who are you?" Garp looked at Sabo.

"This is Sabo," Luffy said. "He's staying with us now."

"Hello." Sabo waved. "I'm from Grey Terminal. Ace, Luffy, and Cade invited me to stay with them."

"Hey! I did nothing of the sort!" Cade said.

"Is that so? Well, I guess I'll have to teach you how to fight as well." Garp released Cade.

Cade dropped to her feet and jumped back a few feet from Garp. Before she could do anything Garp disappeared. "Huh?"
"Too slow!" Garp reappeared in front of Luffy. His fist slammed into the boy's face. Luffy went flying backwards.

"Hey!" Ace rushed forward with Sabo close behind him.

Then Garp charged her.

"Current Deflect!" Cade gathered water between her palms and spun her a current.

"You think that can stop me?!" Garp threw a punch at her.

Cade gritted her teeth as his fist flew towards her. Her eyes widened when his fist sliced through her currents. Pain shot through her cheek as his knuckles collided with her face.

…

Cade breathed in dirt and grass as she groaned. A beam of sunlight broke through the leaves and warmed her skin to the point of drying out. She would have moved if she could have. All of her muscles screamed at her. Her black and blue cheek stung each time she touched it. The size and coloring hadn't gone away at all, though the swelling had gone down a little bit. The boys, also lying on the ground with her, groaned at their own aches and pains from their sparring session with Garp.

That was two days ago. Somehow they managed to make their way back to the house. But they had barely been able to move since then. Not that they wanted to move.

Cade was so glad the old man didn't stop by often. If he did then she was sure she would die from his training. Garp had even told her an Ace to start getting alone or they'd both suffer from special training with him. The very thought of it sent shivers up and down her spine. She didn't want to even try to think about what he mean by that. Just from this normal sparring session she wanted to be Ace's best friend if they didn't have to go through it again. Unfortunately, Garp had said he'd be back again for another session when they had gotten stronger.

"Cade! Luffy!" Makino called out.

Cade turned her head so she could see the woman walking towards them. "Hey, Makino."

"What's wrong with you?" Makino asked.

"Garp," Cade said. "He was here a couple days ago and trained us."

"My hair hurts," Sabo said. "How is it possible that my hair can hurt?"

"Grandpa's just too strong," Luffy said.

"That rotten old man," Ace grumbled. "I'm going to get him for this one day."

"Oh, you must have had a hard time with him," Makino said.

"That's an understatement." Wincing, Cade pushed herself into a sitting position. "So what are you doing here?"
"Just thought I'd come say hi." Makino dug into a basket she was carrying and pulled out a shirt. "And I brought you four some new clothes. Garp said yours gotten torn."

"That jerk!" Ace growled. "He's the one who tore our clothes!"

"I also brought some clothing patterns that might help you learn how to sew." Makino put the shirt up.

"Great. I'll be able to sew again in ten years." Cade touched her jawline, right below the bruise. "I never thought I'd ever be this sore."

"You poor thing. How about I cook something for you to eat?" Makino said.

"Yes! I want meat!" Luffy sat up.

"Food sounds great," Sabo said.

Ace nodded.

A little while later Makino poured them some of the stew she made into bowls and handed them out to the kids. "Here you go. Eat up! When you're done we can look through the clothes I brought."

"Thanks, Makino." Cade took the bowl from her. She scooped some stew up and sipped it. The spices danced on her tongue before sliding down her throat. "Mmm. So good."

"Definitely better than anything these stupid bandits make," Luffy said scarfing down his stew."

"Hey! You idiot! If you don't like my food then get your own!" Dadan screamed from inside the house.

"I guess she can hear someone talking about her no matter how far off she is," Sabo said.

"So how are you two doing?" Makino said.

"We're fine. There's been some bumps along the way, but over all it's not bad," Cade said. "Though I do miss having access to the ocean."

"You know you can come back to the village whenever you wish," Makino said.

"I think we will come see you all someday," Cade said. "For now we're getting stronger here. So we'll stay."

"Yes! We're getting strong!" Luffy flexed his arm but no muscle appeared.

"That would be convincing if you had some muscle on your bones," Ace said with his mouth full of food.

"What?! I do have muscle!" Luffy said.

"Do not."

"I do too!

"Not!"

"Too!"

"They argue a lot," Cade said. "So expect it."

"And expect Cade and Ace to fight each other. They're rivals. Bitter ones," Sabo added.

"What?! I'm not bitter! Ace is just a jerk!" Cade hissed at the blonde.

"Hey! I am not a jerk!" Ace said.

"You are too!"

"I am not!"

"Too!"

"Not!"

Makino laughed at the kids arguing.

"See?" Sabo jerked his thumb at the two arguing. "But, you know, I think they secretly like each other."

"We do not!" Ace and Cade screamed in Sabo's ear then pointed at each other. "I will never like him/her!" Realizing they were saying the same thing, they faced each other. "Stop saying what I'm saying!"

"All right." Makino clapped her hands to get their attention. "Finish eating."

Ace and Cade continued to send glares at each other as they finished their meal. Once done Makino had them stand up. One by one she started dressing them in new clothes.

Cade sat back with a chuckle when Makino started dressing Ace. The boy stood quietly, but held his typical snarl on his face. "Ace, you make a very cute dress up doll. You should become a model instead of a pirate."

"Shut up!" Ace snapped. "Or I'll shut you up!"

"Sure, sure." Cade waved her hand.

"How's your wrist, Cade?" Makino asked adjusting Ace's shirt over his torso.

"Healing just fine." Cade lifted her arm, wondering how much longer she would have to wear it. She wanted it off so she could fight and use her water manipulate better. For now she had to be patient as it continued to heal.

Sister

Feeling someone's eyes on her, Cade lifted up from her sewing and scanned the room. Her eyes landed on Sabo. The boy smiled at her. She rolled her eyes and turned back to her sewing. For weeks now the young blonde boy was doing his best to try and befriend her. Something she didn't want anything to do with. But her stubbornness and refusal to associate with him much didn't deter the boy.

A cool breeze floated through the window. Rain fell down on the leaves and roof mixing with Luffy's snoring as he slept with his head on Cade's lap. It had been raining all day. Most of the time it poured so they were unable to go outside and train. So the kids and the bandits had spent the day inside, quietly sitting or working on indoor projects. It gave Cade a chance to put more effort into her sewing. The patterns that Makino had brought her really helped her. She was almost finished with a shirt she was making for Luffy.

"There." Cade put in the last stitch. Tying off the thread she held the shirt up to check it out.

"Not bad," Magra said.

Cade hummed, unsure if the shirt was good or not. "Luffy, wake up. I need you to try this shirt on."

"Meat," Luffy mumbled.

"Luffy." Cade shook him. "Wake up and put this shirt on."

"Huh?" Luffy opened his eyes. "You got me food?"

"No, I don't. Now get up and try this shirt on." Cade dropped the shirt on his face.

"Hey!" Luffy jerked the shirt off and sat up. "You made me a shirt?"
"Yes. Or I tried too. I'm not sure how well it'll fit. So I need you to try it on." Cade crossed her arms.

Luffy took off his shirt then slipped the new one on.

Cade huffed in annoyance. The right sleeve was an inch longer than the left one. The neckline hung too low. And the waistline was tighter than the chest. "I messed up."

"Looks like something I've pulled out of the trash heap," Ace said with a smirk.

"Shut up!" Cade chucked a spool of thread at him. It pinged off his head and hit the floor.

"You want to fight?!" Ace growled.

"No!" Magra and Dogra jumped between the two. "No fighting!"

"I think it's nice," Sabo said.

"Whatever." Cade tugged on the shirttail. "I'll just have to try again."

"Yes! You can do it, Cade! I know you can!" Luffy nodded. "You're going to be the best clothes maker in the whole world!"

"That's stretching it too far, Luffy," Cade said.

"You'll do fine!" Luffy cheered. "I want you to make all my clothes!"

"I'm not your maid!" Cade snapped. She then sighed and scratched her head. "Well, at least sewing will give me something to do while sailing the seas."

"You believe you're going to be bored?" Magra asked. "While sailing with Luffy?"
"Well, not even Luffy can get into trouble all of the time." Cade said while putting away her sewing supplies.

"Maybe." Magra wasn't convinced as he stared at the young boy.

"We'll have plenty of down time," Cade said.

"I hope you're right." Magra sighed.

"Well, I think I'm going to go for a walk now, Luffy." Cade stood up. She turned to invite Luffy along but he had already fallen back asleep. With a shrugged she headed for the door.

"You're going for a walk in the rain?" Sabo looked towards the window. It was still raining but it had slowed down a lot. "You sure about that?"
"No, not at all." Cade deadpanned. "It's totally dry in the ocean. And I'm not a fishman. I'm a scorpion."

"Sorry." Sabo ducked his head.

Cade rolled her eyes and left the house. The rain instantly soaked into her dry skin. Though it wasn't ocean water it still felt great. It didn't take long before her thick curls were plastered against her skin. Stepping through the tree line she took a deep breath of the rain scented air. It refreshed her. She stretched out before taking off in a run. Picking up speed she jumped from rocks to tree roots to small cliffs as she worked her way through the jungle.

Suddenly, pain erupted in her nose. Her body flew backwards until she collided with a tree. Ears ringing she heard laughter and looked up to see six guys surrounding her. Their clothing was familiar to her but she couldn't place where she had seen them before.

"Finally, we found one of you," one of them said.

"What do you want?" Cade pushed herself to her feet.

"Spicy," a second one said.

"You don't recognize us, huh?" the first one said. "The name's Jon."

"Why would I?" Cade carefully studied them.

"We're mountain bandits. Or we were until you and that little black haired brat killed our boss," Jon said.

"What are you talking about? I haven't killed anyone," Cade said.

"So where's your friend?" Jon looked around. "Now that you don't have those Red Hair Pirates here to save you, we'll have our revenge."

"Oh, that's right. You're those bandits that caused trouble with Luffy." Cade narrowed her eyebrows. "If you want revenge then you're looking for the wrong people." She waved her hand. "The Red Hair pirates took you all down. And the sea king ate your boss. Go complain to them."

"None of that would have happened if you children didn't get in our way." Jon cracked his knuckles as his friends surrounded her.

Cade gritted her teeth. "You people were the ones causing trouble in the first place. If you're such sore losers then don't pick fights with people."

"You're going to pay for that brat!" Jon said as he and his friends rushed her.

Cade jumped to her right. The sudden movement caused her vision to blur and swim. Her feet stumbled on the ground just before a fist collided with her cheek. A foot nailed her on the ribs. Another foot slammed into her nose and was followed by several punches and kicks. Her body collapsed to the ground. Sharp pain shot through her ribs with each breath. Something moved against her right hip, but the pain was too much. She couldn't look to see what it was.

The bandits laughed. "So pathetic."

"Yeah. She's nothing without her pirate friends to help her."

"This was too easy."

Cade pushed herself up on trembling elbows with a growl. Blood blurred her swaying vision. How they possible say such things when they just ganged up on a child? A gasped ripped from her when she noticed Jon had her mother's necklace. "H-hey! That's mine! Give it back!"

"You're so pathetic." The man swung her necklace on his finger. "I'll be taking this. Consider it small compensation for what you and your friend did to our boss and the rest of our friends."

Still laughing, the bandits walked away from her.

Cade cursed. "Idiots! We didn't do anything to you! Come back here! You can't steal my mother's locket!" Forcing herself to her feet she stumbled after the bandits. "Give it back!"

"Cade!" Leaves rustled before Sabo busted through a bush. "There you a-What happened to you?! You're bleeding!"

Cade's legs wobbled and gave out on her. She crashed to the ground. Mud splashed upon her.

"Cade!" Sabo knelt beside her and placed his hand on her back.

"Don't touch me!" Cade brushed his arm off her.

"You're hurt. Hold still and let me have a look," Sabo said.

"I don't need your help!" Cade pushed to her feet and started walking. She brushed the blood from her nose and face. Looking down she found the bandits footprints and started following. The rain had stopped at some point so she should have any trouble following them, as long as the rain didn't start up again.

Minutes passed. Cade continued forward with Sabo following behind. "Stop following me!"

"Not going to happen," Sabo said. "I'm going to help you or I'm going to go tell Luffy and Ace what happened. What happened anyway? It's obvious those guys were ganging up on you, but why are you following them?"

"It's none of your business!"

"Come on. You can't fight them on your own. So tell me. Did they take something from you?" Sabo ran in front of her. He held out his hands to keep her from going farther. "Tell me now what's going on? Why are you going after those guys after they beat you up?"

"How many times do I have to tell you?! It's none of your business! It's my necklace they stole!"

"So they did take something from you."

Cade gritted her teeth.

"Fine." Sabo turned from her. "Let's go. I'll help you get it back."

"I don't want you to do that! Just go back!" Cade said.

"Not going to happen." Sabo smirked at her from over her shoulder. "I'm not going anywhere. So you might as well tell me."

Grumbling, Cade walked on.

"You know, I'm not going to stop asking until you tell me who those guys are."

Cade sighed. She believed him. Sabo could be just as stubborn as Luffy and Ace. "Fine. They're mountain bandits that cause trouble back in the village. Their boss tried to pick a fight with Shanks but Shanks brushed it off, which angered Luffy. Luffy thought Shanks should have fought. The next day Luffy tried to fight the bandits on his own. Shanks and his crew showed up in time, but the head bandit managed to escape with a smoke bomb. He took Luffy out to sea and was going to drown him since Luffy ate a devil fruit. But the man got eaten by a sea king instead. I had followed. Both Luffy and myself almost got eaten too. Luckily, Shanks arrived and saved us. Though he lost his left arm in the process."

"I see. So those guys were from that bandit crew and they were seeking revenge on you," Sabo said.

"That's what they said. They took the locket that belonged to my mom." Cade clenched her fists.

"Okay. I get it. I'll help you get it back," Sabo said.

"I don't need your help."

"Whether you think you need it or not you've still got it."

Cade tossed Sabo a sideways glance. He smiled at her. She sighed and said, "Whatever."

"So, other than sentimental value, does your necklace have any other value?" Sabo asked.

"No. The shell is ordinary. You can find it just about anywhere," Cade replied. "They only took it because they could. The jerks."

Sabo nodded.

Thirty minutes later, the footprints led the two kids to a worn down shack. Vines, bushes, and weeds were choking the yard so it was obvious whoever own this place had abandoned it some time ago.

"Is that where they're hiding?" Sabo asked.

"No, not at all. The footprints didn't lead to this place at all." Cade rolled her eyes.

Sabo frowned.

Keeping low and hidden by the brush Cade and Sabo worked their way towards the shack. They ducked under a broken window then carefully peaked inside. The bandits were sitting around the living room, laughing about what they had done.

"That was too easy."

"Of course it was. She was nothing more than a child."

"Still, it was fun."

Cade gritted her teeth to keep from growling.

"Let's get away from here so we can talk about what we're going to do," Sabo said before heading away from the shack.

Cade didn't want to. She wanted to bust inside and take back her necklace. But she knew that wasn't possible. She needed a plan to ensure she got it back. So she followed Sabo back to the trees so the bandits couldn't hear them discussing what to do.

"So any ideas on how to do this?" Sabo asked.

"Bust in and kick their butts." Cade crossed her arm.

"You know that won't work." Sabo closed his eyes and thought for a moment then said, "I know! You can go in first. Attack them as hard as you can. Once they're distracted I'll rush in and get your necklace. Then we'll run like the wind."

Cade blinked when he didn't continue. "That's it? Bust in, attack, grab, and run?"

"That's it." Sabo smiled. "It'll work. Trust me. When we get far enough ahead of the bandits we'll take to the trees. They won't look up when chasing us. So we'll be safe until we can return home."

Cade sighed. "Fine. Let's just do this and get out of here."

"Right!" Sabo nodded.

Cade turned from him. She looked at her damaged arm. One handed water attacks should be able to handle this well enough, at least she hoped it did.

"Ready when you are," Sabo said.

Cade nodded then rushed forward. Once close enough she kicked in the door.

"What the heck?" The men stopped laughing and looked at her.

"Hey! It's that fish girl again!"

"Get her!"

"That's fishman!" Cade raked her fingers through the air. Gathering the moisture in the air she created a wave and threw it at the bandits. From the corner of her eye she saw Sabo rush into the room. He grabbed the necklace away from the bandit, nodded at her, and ran for the door. She quickly followed.

"After them!"

The two kids ran into the forest. Once they ran across some rocks they leapt into the trees. The bandits gathered beneath them. Cade's heart raced. Please, don't look up. Keep going.

"This way!" One of the bandits pointing to his left and they took off again.

Cade exhaled. "Good. We'll stay here for a few minutes to make sure they're long gone before heading back."

"That was fun. Oh, here's your necklace." Sabo held the chain out to her.

"Uh, thanks." Cade took it and slipped it back into her pouch.

"I want to be your friend, Cade," Sabo said out of the blue.

"Huh?" Cade cocked an eyebrow.

"We work well together." Sabo held out his hand. "So why not?"

"I don't trust humans."

"You trust Luffy, don't you?

Cade stared at his extended limb then looked back at him. "Luffy's different."

"You can trust me. I helped get your necklace back."

Cade hated to admit that he had a point. He didn't have to help her yet he did without question. She lifted her hand and took his. "I'll try to become more open towards you."

"That's all I ask." Sabo gave her a firm shake. "Shall we get going? I don't think they're coming back any time soon."

Cade nodded and jumped from the branch. Landing pain shot through her body.

"Hop on." Sabo knelt in front of her. "You're still injured so I'll carry you back."

"No, I don't think-"

"Consider it a trust exercise." Sabo smiled.

"Fine." Cade stepped forward and placed her hands on Sabo's shoulders.

Sabo hooked his arms under her knees and lifted her up. Without another word the two headed home.

…

Cade gritted her teeth. She rolled onto her side then back to her back as her nightmare took hold of her.

"Mama!" Cade ran towards her mother. But no matter how hard she ran her mother remained the same distance ahead of her. "Come back! Where are you going?! Please! Don't leave me! Mama!"

A flash blinded her. When the light cleared she noticed a young fishman boy, her brother. Her heart jumped into her throat. A whip snapped out, breaking Kale's skin open. "Stop it! Leave him alone!"

Shadowed figures stood around the young fishman. They continued to hit him with whips. Some even kicked him.

"Stop hurting him!" Cade threw a punch but her attempt a fruitless. Her fist passed through the shadows.

"Cade? Cade, wake up. Come on. You're having a bad dream." Luffy shook Cade.

Cade sat up with a gasp.

"Cade?"

Cade lifted her eyes to Luffy's worried ones. Behind him Sabo held a look of concern, too. She placed a hand on her face. "A dream…nothing but a nightmare."

"Was it really that bad?" Luffy asked.

Cade nodded. "I dreamed about my mom and brother. Mama kept walking away from me then was shot in the chest. And Kale was being treated badly as a slave."

"It's okay." Luffy patted her head. "It was just a bad dream."

"Yeah." Cade nodded. "I'm fine."

"If it wasn't that bad then go back to sleep." Ace rolled his back towards them and pulled his blanket up over his shoulders.

"Don't be like that, Ace," Sabo said. "Surely you've had nightmares before."

"Even if I had I'm not a baby about them."

Sabo shook his head. "Ignore him, Cade."

Loss & Healing

Muffled voices weaved themselves in and out of Cade's ears. Not a single word made sense to her, but the voices were vaguely familiar. She breathed in. Instantly she regretted it. Her lungs burned. It felt as if she has swallowed the sun and it went down the wrong pipe. In fact her whole body felt as if it were on fire before a cool liquid engulfed her.

She opened her eyes. A fuzzy blue surrounded her. Shadows danced overhead. She tried to lift her arms, but they wouldn't obey her. Her whole entire body felt as if it were weight down by a heavy source.

Something had happened. She knew that. But what it was she couldn't remember. Her eyelids closed. Bit by bit small flashes of her memories started to come back to her. Sabo…she remembered him yelling. Ace and Luffy were yelling too. Then several men surrounded them. Pirates, she believed. The red washed over her memories. Heat lashed out at her, drying up her skin.

That's right. Fire. She, Luffy, and Ace were in a fire. She had fallen unconscious. Gasping she sat up. Water trickled down her body. The world around her came into focus as did someone's words.

"C-Cade." Tears poured down Luffy's face.

Cade turned to her left to find Luffy's tear filled face.

"Y-yo avake! I vas so scard!"

Cade blinked. Luffy was standing on the bank of the river. She was sitting in the shallow end. That must be why she felt so heavy. Her body had been wet from the water. "What…" Her voice was scratchy, sore. "…ha'en?"

"Keep calm, Cade," Dogra said, kneeling beside Luffy. "You, Ace, and Luffy got caught inside of a fire. Do you remember?"
Cade nodded.

"Good. No memories loss." Dogra sighed.

"C-Cade!" Luffy threw his arms around her neck.

Cade patted his back.

"Sabo…S-Sabo!" Luffy cried.

"Luf-, isokay…" Cade tried to speak but with each attempt pain shot through her throat.

"Take it easy now. You inhaled a lot of smoke," Dogra said.

Cade glanced behind him. None of the others were around.

"The others are back at the house. We've been taking turns watching over you," Dogra said. "You've been out for about two weeks."

"Two weeks?" Cade mouthed.

Dogra nodded. "Listen…there's something you should know."

Cade blinked and waited for the man to continue. Her eyes widened as he told her about what had happened since she had been unconscious. "What?!" She screamed then instantly wished she didn't. It was all lies. There was no possible way Dogra could be telling the truth. Sabo wasn't dead. He wasn't.

Dogra nodded. "Dead. Killed by a Celestial Dragon."

More tears and wails came from Luffy.

It wasn't a lie. It wasn't a dream. Sabo was gone. Her chest tightened. Tears stung her eyes. Her breathing increased, hurting her even more until the pain of Sabo's dead consumed that pain, turning it into a twister of agony.

Everything had gone so wrong so fast.

"Whenever you feel better we can head back to the house," Dogra said.

Cade managed a nod though she didn't want to move. She wanted to disappear under the surface of the water and never come back up. Somewhere within the pain she knew she had pushed herself to her feet. They made their way through the jungle. Time blurred to a stop. This jungle, that was once full of live, seemed dead. It would never be the same. Not without Sabo around.

And she was right. For several weeks she, Luffy, and Ace moped around the house, doing very little. As her wounds healed her mind started thinking about Ace and the possible connection to the pirate king. For some reason she wanted to confront him and ask him the truth. One day she figured it was because of Sabo's death. Why, exactly, she didn't know. But she decided it was time for them to talk. She lifted Luffy's head from her lap, stood from her spot leaning against the wall and walked over to him. "Ace."

Ace glanced up at her from the floor. "What?"

"Outside." Cade flickered Luffy a glance. He was still asleep, snoring as always. "There's something I want to talk to you about."

"Fine." Without an argument Ace stood.

Cade led the way from the house. She ended up at the cliff over looking the ocean.

Ace stepped up beside her. "So what's this about? Do you want to fight?"

"No. It's something else."

"Well, what?" Ace asked when she didn't continue.

"There's something I want to know. And I want the truth from you," Cade said.

"And what's that?" Ace asked.

"Are you the son of the pirate king?" Cade looked him directly in the eyes. A small spark of shock lit in his eyes before vanishing, replaced with a scowl. "Are you Gol D. Rogers son?"

"Yes." Ace nodded.

Cade blinked. "That easy, huh?"

Ace shrugged. "How did you figure it out?"
"I heard you one day talking to some guys. You were asking them what they'd think of the pirate king having a son. I thought it was strange. Then I looked at his bounty poster again. You look a lot like him."

"Have you told Luffy?"

"No." Cade shook her head. "I wasn't a hundred percent sure."

"Don't tell him."

"Why?"
Ace shrugged. "You know how he is. He'd never leave me alone if he knew."

"Well, that's true." Cade crossed her arms. "Did Sabo know?"

Ace nodded. "I told him one day."

"I'm kind of surprised you admitted it so easily," Cade said.

"Whatever. I don't really care if you know or not." Ace shrugged.

Silence spread between them. Cade's eyes wandered to the ocean. Several minutes passed before she said, "So…how are you doing?"

"What do you mean?"
Cade flickered a glance at him before looking back at the ocean. "With Sabo gone. You knew him longer than Luffy and me. He was your best friend."

"I'm fine. Sabo wouldn't want us to be sad. He'd want us to continue living, to become pirates," Ace said. "And that's what we're going to do."

Cade nodded.

"How about you?"

Cade looked at him. She wasn't expecting him to ask how she was feeling. "I'm okay. It's not like I haven't lost anyone before."

"That's why…"

"What?"

"Nothing. Never mind."

"Uh huh." Cade glanced back at the water, stealing a couple glances at him. She had yet to thank him for carrying her out of the fire. She wasn't exactly how to do that. They had never been close. "So, um…Dogra told me that you carried me through the fire until he and the others got there."

"Yeah. So?"

"Nothing really." Cade shifted on her feet. "Just wanted to thank you. You didn't have to do that."

"No big deal." Ace kicked a rock. It sailed over the cliff and fell out of sight. "Luffy's not strong enough to carry you yet. I knew he'd be sad if you burned up."

"Yeah. Of course."

…

"Cade! You should make a fort, too!" Luffy said from inside of his small fort.

Cade stared at her younger brother and Ace. Both were sitting inside of small forts built completely by themselves. And it showed. Which was odd considering they build an impressive tree house together. "Are you kidding me? Those things are even big enough to sleep comfortably in." She shook her head. "I'll pass. Besides I need a place to store my sewing. If I keep it out here it'll get wet."

"Aw, you're no fun." Luffy pouted.

"Fine by me." Cade walked away with a wave of her hand.

Things had gotten back to normal. They had started up their training again. And living outside was part of that. Well, it was for Luffy and Ace. Cade didn't want to do it. Partly because it was so hot out, but mostly because it reminded her so much of Sabo. She missed him each day.

Then one day she got quite a bit of shock. Makino came to visit them and Ace asked her how to do a proper greeting.

Makino blinked, obviously shocked from the unusual question from the rough boy. "How to make a proper greeting?"

"Well, I'm Luffy…and Cade's…" He mumbled her name quickly. "…big brother, you see…and I don't want to be rude or anything." Ace shifted on his feet. "One day I'll go and thank old Red Hair for everything he's done for Luffy and Cade, you know?"

"Huh?" Cade perked up. Did she really just hear Ace call himself her big brother? True he mumbled at that point but she still heard him.

Makino smiled.

Cade felt her own lips curling into a smile. In this moment Ace looked almost…cute. Who knew?

"What's that look for?!" Ace demanded, cheeks flushed.

"I'm sorry." Makino giggles. "Well, then let's see…"

Cade leaned back against the house and watched as Makino gave Ace his lesson. She thought about how things had changed, a lot, since Sabo died. Most of that change she could see in Ace. She could also see it in herself. Her fights with Ace had fell to a small flame. They were no longer heated. It's like losing Sabo took the fight out of them, though they still had their arguments.

Then, before they knew it, seven years past in the blink of an eye. Ace had turned seventeen years old. It was the age they had decided to head out to sea. Cade was now fifteen. And Luffy was fourteen. They still had a few years to go before they left. But now was the time for their eldest brother to leave.

The walk down the mountain was a quiet one with an underlining tone of excitement. Cade had mixed feelings about Ace taking off. She knew it was coming, but she didn't think she would have trouble saying goodbye to him. Her eyes flittered up to Ace. A smile was on his lips. She wondered what he was thinking about. Probably Sabo. If their other brother were still alive he too would be setting sail on this day.

"There it is!" Luffy said.

Cade jumped. Refocusing she found they had reached the edge of the town. Only a few short minutes until Ace set sail. Just as they reached the edge of the town her feet paused. Ace and Luffy walked on ahead. "Ace. Wait."

"What is it?" Ace asked as he and Luffy turned back to her.

"I just…" Cade rubbed her arm. "There's something I want to say to you. Luffy, could you go on ahead?"

"Hm? You're not going to get into a fight with Ace, are you?" Luffy asked.

"No." Cade shook her head. "It's nothing like that. Just go on ahead. We'll be there in a minute."

"Well, okay." Luffy walked off.

"What is it?" Ace tilted his head.

"Just…be careful out there, okay?" Cade shifted on her feet, unable to look at him. "I mean for Luffy's sake. He's already lost one brother. He doesn't need to lose another."

"I see." Ace chuckled. "You're worried about me."

"I am not!" Cade snapped. Heat threated to rush to her cheeks. She pounded it down. "Luffy's the one who's worried about you!"

"Still stubborn as always. Don't worry, Cade. I'll be careful." Ace grinned. "And you don't have to fight it anymore. I think we've both done some growing up over these past few years." He placed a hand on her head. "We're siblings, too. Don't ever forget that."

Cade lifted her eyes to him and stared. His words warmed her chest. She hadn't wanted to admit it, but he was right. Their relationship had changed. They had accepted each other. Pushing upon her toes she pressed her lips to his.

"Hm?" Ace blinked rapidly.

Cade broke the kiss and stepped back. She stared at him, equally shocked as he was. "Wow. Well, that was unexpected."

"Yeah." Ace nodded. "Why did you do it?"

"I don't know." Cade collapsed her hands behind her back. "That's the third time."

"Third time?"
"Yeah. I did it to Luffy and then Sabo when…" Cade gasped. "That's it?!"

"What's it?"

"When I kissed them! I accepted them! So weird!"

"So you kiss people you accept?" Ace tilted his head.

"Well, not everyone. For some reason it's only been you three." Cade scratched her head. "I wonder why?"

"Maybe it's because we're family?" Ace offered.

"You might be right. That's the only connection between us all that I can think of." Cade rubbed her chin.

"Well, then I'll accept it." Ace put his arm around Cade's shoulders and led her into the village.

"There you two are," Luffy said when they arrived at the small dock that Ace was leaving from.

Cade was surprised to fine that the mayor and Makino were there as well. They all said their goodbyes as Ace jumped into the small boat he had gotten for his trip.

"Good luck out there, Ace!" Luffy said.

"Just you wait! I'll make a name for myself in no time!" Ace said.

"He's still waving!" Luffy laughed.

"Dear me…what will Old Garp say about this?" the mayor said.

Cade had a few guesses on what Garp would say. And none of them were good.

Coby the Coward

"Cade! I'm hungry!" Luffy whined.

"You really need to learn to pace yourself when it comes to eating." Cade looked into their empty barrel that once had plenty of apples. Well, plenty if you were anyone but Monkey D. Luffy. She was surprised they even lasted the four days they had been sailing. Now all that remained was the worn wood and a dismal grey shadow.

"Cade! Food!" Luffy threw his fists and feet in the air like a child.

With a heavy sigh Cade pushed herself to her feet. "Fine. I'll go catch some fish."

"Yes!" Luffy threw his fists into the air in victory.

Rolling her eyes, Cade dove into the water without another word to her brother. Water rushed like silk over her hot skin. Kicking her feet she started making her way through the water, looking for fish to suit Luffy. A massive yellow tailed fish swam by. It would be a great meal for Luffy, if they were on land. Being on a small boat wouldn't allow for such a meal. Turning from the fish she looked for some that weighted about twenty pounds each. Those would be more manageable.

Twenty minutes into her search a feeling of concern washed over her. Something was up with Luffy. Abandoning her search she swam back up to the surface to find the small boat and Luffy were gone. "Just great. What trouble has he gotten himself into this time?"

The water around her started pulling her. Looking to her right she saw what it was. A massive whirlpool was spinning, roaring with fury, as she got closer. "Just great. I bet anything that Luffy got caught up in that somehow. He was probably sleeping."

Cade dove. With strong kicks she pushed herself out of the whirlpool's grasp. With a quick glance around under water she found pieces of their boat but no Luffy. The barrel is missing, too. He must have gotten in that and gotten away from here.

Cade swam a few feet below the surface in the direction the current was heading.

...

Luffy hung over the side of the boat. His eyes scanned the dark shadows passing below the surface. His stomach grumbled. "Cade… Come on. I'm dying of starvation here. Hurry up."

Luffy sighed when Cade didn't appear instantly. He rolled away from the side and flopped onto his back. His stomach grumbled louder. "Cade!" He sighed. "Maybe I can take a nap. That'll make time pass faster."

A cloud passed overhead as his eyes started to fall closed. Before he could nod off a rumbling roar caused him to sit up. "What is that?"
Shielding his eyes from the sun he scanned the water. Fifty yards from him was a dark blue mass swirling and swirling, pulling him and his boat towards it. "What?! A whirlpool! This isn't good!"

Luffy stood up and grabbed an oar. The oar slapped against the water as Luffy tried to get away from the whirlpool. "What am I thinking? I can't pull away from this thing." His eyes landed on the barrel. A light went on before he climbed into the barrel. Tugging down the lid, he slipped his fingers inside. Darkness surrounded him before the roar of the whirlpool drowned his hearing. "I hope Cade can find me. All well I know she will. Time to sleep."

Luffy's eyes closed. Snoring filled the barrel.

…

Ten minutes later she came upon a ship and headed back to the surface. A ruckus greeted her when her head broke through. "Geez. Let me guess. Luffy's up there."

Cade dove once again. Taking a moment to pull her cloak on she launched herself up towards the ship. Air broke around her head for a split second before he landed on the railing with a thump. Sure enough Luffy was standing in the middle of a bunch of angry pirates and a mess he undoubtedly made. Standing half hidden by her brother was a short pink haired boy with glasses.

"Oh! Cade! There you are! I was wondering when you'd show up." Luffy smiled and waved at her.

"What am I going to do with you?" Cade crossed her arms and shook her head. "You're always getting into trouble."

Luffy laughed. "Sorry. This wasn't my fault. A whirlpool wreaked our boat."

"Yeah. I figured that when I saw the pieces at the bottom of it." Cade sighed as she eyed the pirates.

"L-L-Luffy, who are you?" Coby stammered, eyes with fear and confusion. "And who's she? Did she just jump out of the water? How did she jump out of the water?"

Luffy grinned and fish hooked his own cheek, stretching it passed his shoulder. "I'm a rubber man! And that's Cade. She's my sister. She's a fishman."

"A f-fishman?!" a pirate stuttered. The pirates gaped at her.

"Really, Luffy?" Cade sighed and lowered her hood. "How can you still not understand the point of a disguise? You're impossible."

A few pirates screamed. "She is a fishman!"

"What's a fishmen doing here in the East Blue?!"

"Do you think she's part of that fishmen crew that's been spotted in the East Blue?"
"Fishmen crew? What fishmen crew?" Cade searched for the pirates who spoke. Before she could locate them her search was interrupted.

"You!" a harsh woman voice screamed.

Cade turned her attention to a large woman with thin lips pulling herself up out of a hole. Pieces of broken wood fell from her, clanking on the deck. The woman's outfit resembled a cowboy's. She also wore a pistol in her purple sash and held a large spikey club over her shoulder where her unruly black curls hung. "Who's that?"

"Just some fat woman pirate." Luffy dug his finger in his ear.

"Who are you calling fat?!" The woman's face flushed red.

"L-Luffy!" The pink haired guy's knees knocked together. "Use her name! It's Alvida! Are you trying to get us killed?!"

"You little brats! You're going to die!" Alvida swung her club.

Luffy pushed the pink haired boy out of the way and took the club on the head. He smiled. "That won't work on me."

The pirates' mouths dropped.

"I'm made of rubber! Remember?" Luffy pulled back his fist. "Gum Gum Pistol!"

Smash! Luffy's fist slammed into Alvida's face, right on her nose. The woman went flying backwards before landing on the ground with a hard thud. Luffy then pointed at the remaining pirates. "You! Give Coby a boat! He's joining the marines!"

"This maraca is joining the marines?" Cade stared at Coby.

Coby, still trembling, nodded. "Th-that's right. I am going to be a marine."

"Okay. Good luck with that." Cade waved him off. "Are we done here yet? Or is there something else you want to beat up?"
"Yup!" Luffy nodded. "We're done here."

The enemy pirates scrambled around to get a boat ready. Cannon fire blasted through the air. The ship rocked as the cannon balls landed beside it in the water.

"Time to go!" Luffy jumped on the side of the ship and then into the boat that had been prepared.

Cade followed with a single jump.

"Wait for me!" Coby scrambled into the boat. "I don't want to stay here!"

"Then go to them." Luffy pointed at the navy ships. "They're right there."

"What?! I can't do that now! They'll think I'm a pirate!" Coby gasped.

"You've made your choice them." Cade tugged a rope.

Their boat plummeted. Water splashed upon them as they hit the surface of the water. Movement caught Cade's eye. Turning to her left she saw a girl with short orange hair was clinging to another lifeboat beside theirs. Her boat, though, was packed with cloth sacks and treasure chests. Cade wondered who the girl was for a split second before her eyes caught her attention. The shock within the girl's eyes quickly changed to pure hatred. Cade had felt hatred from humans before. But something about this girl's hatred was different.

The sudden movement from Luffy using the oars jerked Cade's attention away from the orange haired girl before she could figure things out. Another round of cannon fire prompted her to swirl water in the air. She waited until it spun fast enough before placing her hand in the ocean. The water shot from her hand, propelling the boat forward.

"Yeah!" Luffy held his hat to his head. "Faster!"

Coby screamed and grabbed a hold of the small mast. "What the heck?! How are you doing that?!"

A few minutes later Cade lifted her hand from the water. Their boat slowed down. Cade unfurled the sail and let the wind take over.

"That… that was scary," Coby said, eyes spinning in circles. "You're insanely strong. What did you just do?"

Cade shrugged and sat against the boat's side. "I'm a fishman. It's natural that I'll be a bit stronger than humans. My people can control water."

"I'm surprised you found me," Luffy said. "I thought that whirlpool took me farther away from you."

"I followed the current. I figured it would lead me to you at some point," Cade said. "Unless you got eaten by a sea king."

"Where did you come from when you landed on the ship?" Coby asked.

"From under the surface. I was hunting for some fish when I noticed Luffy and our boat was gone," Cade said.

"Yeah. I got caught in a huge whirlpool," Luffy said. "I hid in the empty barrel. Then those pirates pulled me onboard."

"I figured that's what happened." Cade nodded at Coby. "So who's this kid?"

"He's an idiot who stumbled upon a pirate ship." Luffy jerked his thumb at Coby. "He was that fat woman's servant boy for two years."

"I was a cabin boy! Not a servant!" Coby screamed.

"You walked onto a pirate ship?" Cade blinked. "How stupid does someone have to be to do that?"

"It wasn't my fault! That's not the point anyway!" Coby sighed. "For get that. Can I ask you two a question?" The pirates nodded. "If Luffy is going after the One Piece, that means you two are going to the Grand Line, right?"

"Of course we are," Cade said. "Where else would we go?"

"That place is also referred to as a pirate graveyard, you know?" Coby said.

"I know." Cade rolled her shoulders. "Technically, I come from the Grand Line."

"Eh?! You do?!" Coby shrieked. "How did you end up here in the East Blue then?"

"Of course, as Luffy so graciously pointed out, I'm a fishman after all." Cade pointed at ears and wiggled them. "My people come from Fishman Island, which is in the Grand Line. My mom left there when she was young. I was born in the East Blue. So I don't know much about Fishman Island."

"I see. So why did you try and hide in a cloak?" Coby's eyes dropped to her cloak hanging on her shoulders.

"Because humans typically hate fishmen." Cade clenched her fists. "Luffy's going to lead us into enough trouble. I'm trying to avoid adding to the problems. Besides, I'm looking for someone. It'll best if we didn't get so much attention on us. Though I doubt that plan will last long with this idiot around." She pulled Luffy's cheek from his face then released it.

Luffy's skin snapped back into place.

"Oh." Coby nodded. "Who are you looking for? If you don't mind me asking?"

"My little brother," Cade said. "We were separated several years ago by pirates. He'll be a slave right now."

"Sorry." Coby's eyes dimmed before brightening up. "Hey! I know! Maybe I can help search for him? Well, when I join in the marines?"

"Don't worry about it." Cade waved her hand. "It's my problem. You could get into trouble if you help a pirate."

"You're right. But I still want to help."

"Do whatever you want." Cade looked at Luffy. "So where are we going?"

"To find a pirate hunter," Luffy said.

"Pirate hunter?" Cade cocked an eyebrow.

"He's going to join our crew." Luffy grinned.

"He can say no," Cade said.

"Won't happen."

"Coming from you I don't doubt that. So who's this pirate hunter?"

Coby said, "His name is Roronoa Zoro. I heard he's being held prisoner at a navy base on an island that's close by."

"An island? Is it a big island? Any slaves there?" Cade asked.

"It's big enough to have a navy base. I doubt there are slaves because of the marines," Coby said.

"Right." Cade slumped. "I forgot about that."

"Don't worry, Cade." Luffy patted her shoulder. "We'll be visiting plenty of islands. What about the fish? Did you get any?"

Cade rubbed her temple. "Are you kidding? I had to look for you."

"Aw." Luffy pouted. "At least I ate back on that pirate ship. It still wasn't enough though."

"You'll get over it. We can get food at the island," Cade said.

Luffy whined. "Cade!"

"You'll live."

"Are you two sure about adding a pirate hunter to your crew?" Coby asked.

"Of course. If he's a good guy, I'm going to ask him," Luffy said.

"You're crazy. You can't do that. He's a monster!" Coby said.

"We can't be sure about that yet," Luffy said.

"Come on, Luffy. This is a pirate hunter we're talking about," Coby pleaded. "Why would a pirate hunter join a pirate crew?"

"Let it go, Coby," Cade said. "You can't change his mind once it's set."

Coby sighed and said nothing more.

The three fell silent as they road the wind and water. Coby threw glances at Luffy all the time. Cade could imagine he was trying to find someway to get Luffy to change his mind. Yet the boy seemed to listen to her, as he never said another word on the subject. Though she expected it wouldn't last once they reached the island. Coby was definitely a coward, a coward who didn't want anyone around him to do anything dangerous. Which she found odd since Coby wanted to be a marine. But maybe that would change if he actually stayed being a marine. Despite that, she had to admit that she too was curious about this pirate hunter and what would happen once Luffy met him. Would this pirate hunter become a pirate if a pirate freed him from the marines? Or would this pirate hunter only use them to get free then turn on them?

Minutes ticked by before a dark shadow appeared in the distance.

"Looks like we're about there." Coby shielded his eyes for a better look.

Little by little the island in the distance grew closer. The darkness from the distance faded into colors of greens, whites, and browns from the trees and buildings. Soon they pulled into the small harbor and dropped anchor.

"All right then. Let's see what this pirate hunter is like," Cade said.

"Yeah." Luffy nodded.

…

Author's Notes: Decided to pick this up again and continue with it like I had originally planned. I'm going to take it slow, one arc at a time.

Dog & Lion

Cade was about finished cleaning up the small mess she had made tending to Zoro's wound when she heard a loud crash coming from outside. Dropping the towel in the sink she ran outside and back to the building where she had left Luffy. There she found a massive lion swiping his paw at the small dog from before. A painful yip ripped through the air. Cade rushed forward. The lion lifted its paw again. "Water Twister!" Throwing out her hand Cade blocked the lion's paw before it could draw more blood from the little dog. She noticed a man sitting on the lion's back. "I take it you're the lion's owner."

"Yes. Richie is with me." The man grinned. "And I am Mohji. Beast Tamer of the Buggy pirates."

Cade carefully eyed the man. He didn't look all the powerful, though it could have been because of the bear ears he was wearing. With the silly outfit she didn't deny he belonged to the Buggy pirates. "Fine. Then take your lion and get lost."

"Afraid that can't happen." The man's grin grew wider. "I have a mission here."

Without warning a bright flash shot passed Cade. Heat rose up on her back. Wood crackled and snapped as the building behind her was engulfed in flames.

The dog howled. The pain in his cry made Cade realize the building was something important to the dog. Though she had no idea why a building would be special to a creature like a dog. But now it didn't matter.

"You jerk!" Cade spat at the man and his lion. She wanted to rip them apart, but decided the store was more important. Lifting her hands she clawed the air, pulling a wave of water over her shoulder. Liquid poured over the house. Black smoke rose from the drowning flames. Her fingers curled into fists. The weakened frame of the storefront crumbled under the remaining weight. The back had been spared from total destruction, but it would take a lot to rebuild the whole thing. Tapping of familiar sandals pulled her attention from the smoking rubble. "Luffy, where were you? I came outside to find you gone and a lion with a man riding him attacking this dog."

"Is that so?" A shadow crossed Luffy's face.

"What happened?"
"That store was the dog's, Shushu, treasure. His master, his friend, owned that store. He got sick and didn't come back. Shushu has been watching it ever since."

"Oh." That was all Cade needed to know about the situation. It was obvious what her brother was going to do next.

"Where did he go?"
"That way." Cade nodded down the road.

"Let's go." Luffy lifted his chin. His eyes glinted with danger. "This guy is mine."

"Right." Cade walked with Luffy down the deserted road until they found who they were looking for.

The man and the lion turned to face them. "You! Didn't I just kill you a moment ago?"

"I can't die that easily because I'm a rubber man," Luffy said.

"Rubber man? I can understand that you may have incredibly good luck but I think you got hurt a little in the head," Mohji said. "Hearing you say those words, it's so ridiculous. Coming within my sight again was a dumb thing to do! This time I'll send you to the netherworld!"

The lion aimed a roar at them.

Luffy twisted his arms together. "You think that a lion can actually kill me?" He shot out his hands and grabs the lion's face. With a small lift the lion twisted as Luffy's arms untwisted. He slammed the lion into the ground. "Gum Gum Hammer!"

Mohji's eyes widened. "Richie! You… what are you?!"

"Did you seriously just ask that? He told you he was a rubber man." Cade rolled her eyes and spoke as if she were speaking to a child. "And that means he ate the gum gum devil fruit. You know? The strange devil fruits some people have eaten? They get special powers from them."

"Shut up!" Mohji snapped. "I know what a devil fruit is! Captain Buggy ate one!"

Cade gave him an innocent smile. "Well, you're the one who asked. Next time don't ask if you already know."

"Shut up already, you stupid fi-!" A punch to the face cut him off. Mohji's body shot backwards, a bloody tooth flying through the air, and hit the ground three times before rolling to a stop.

"Don't tell my sister what to do!" Luffy cut the man a death glare.

"Right!" Mohji threw his hands up in surrender. "I'll give you everything you want! And I'll apologize! Sorry!"

"I don't need an apology because it won't bring back Shushu's treasure. And you… I came to get payback from you!" Luffy shot out his hand and grabbed Mohji's shirt.

"Ack! It stretched again!"

"Have a taste of your own medicine!"

"H-hey! Stop it! P-please! I beg you! Stop!"

"Too late, pal. You've don't ticked my brother off." Cade crossed her arms. "Remember this the next time you want to pick on someone with our crew around."

Luffy punched Mohji unconscious. Dusting himself off he walked over to Cade. "You okay?"

"Yeah." Cade nodded.

"Good." Luffy smiled then walked over to the lion.

"What are you doing?"

"Getting this." Luffy held up a crumpled dog food box.

Cade's eyebrows rose. She didn't even notice the lion had that. When Luffy joined her side they walked back to the burnt out store. As they got closer they could see the old man and Nami standing in front of the door.

Nami turned to them when she noticed they were there. "Oh, pirates, you're still alive, huh?! I though that lion would have killed you both off by now. A shame it didn't."

"Hey, what are you saying," the mayor said.

"Before you get your pirate pals over to raid this village why don't you go to hell?!" Nami lunged at them.

The old man grabbed her under the arms to hold her back. "Stop it, young lady!

"You think that you can hurt me?" Luffy sticks out his tongue.

"What?! Okay! You want to fight me! Stupid pirate!" Nami gnashed her teeth.

"The only one stupid here is you," Cade said.

"What was that?!" Nami glared at her.

"You want to fight Luffy. You wouldn't stand a chance." Cade waved her hand. "Now stop being a brat."

"You…" Nami's face flushed with pure hatred.

Cade forced back a flinch. The hate in the girl's eyes was pure hate for fishmen. What's this girl's deal with fishmen?

"Will you three stop it?! Why are you all acting like this?! Stop fighting!" The old man continued to pull Nami backwards.

Cade turned from her as Luffy walked towards Shushu. The dog was sitting in front of the store, staring at it. Her heart sank a little for the dog.

Luffy placed the dog food box in front of the dog then sat down. "That's the only one that I could bring back. The rest was eaten up if you can believe me. It was admirable of you to fight against the lion. You fought well. Well, I couldn't see it, but I know basically what has happened."

Shushu picked up the food and walked away. Then he paused and looked back at Luffy. He barked before walking on.

"Yeah! You be strong too!" Luffy smiled.

Cade snuck a glance at Nami. The girl had calmed down. It appeared Nami had finally understood that their pirate crew meant no harm here.

Nami walked over to Luffy. "Sorry for screaming at you."

"It's okay. You lost someone important because of pirates."

Cade looked at her brother as another piece of the Nami puzzle fell into place. Did pirates kill someone she knew? Or were they taken to be sold as a slave? I wonder if these pirates she knows are fishmen. Or are the pirates and fishmen unrelated?

Luffy stood and brushes off his shorts. "You've been through a lot, haven't you? You don't need to say anything."

"I can't stand it anymore!" The mayor throws his fists into the air.

"What?" Nami asked.

Cade turned to the man as the rest of them did. Anger and frustration flooded the man's face.

"It's just so miserable, so miserable! Shushu and you youngsters are fighting so hard against these pirates! But why is it that I, the mayor of this village, can only watch our home being trampled!" The man clenched his fists and gritted his teeth.

"Wait! Calm down, Mayor!" Nami held up her hands as if it would stop the man from doing something stupid.

Determination replaced the old man's frustration and anger. His eyes drew to Luffy. "To a real man, there are some fights that cannot be avoided! Isn't that right, kid?!"

"That's right, old man." Luffy grinned.

"Don't encourage him!" Nami snapped.

"Forty years ago!" the man said. "This place was nothing more than barren wasteland. Yet we took that land and built up everything. It was a fresh start. At first it was tiny, and merely had a few small houses. But the population of villages increased little by little as ships came and went from this island. And we build more houses and stores and tried our very best to flourish. This place has now grown into a successful harbor village. This village was made by the old people. It's a village we made! This village and the villagers are my treasure! What kind of mayor doesn't protect his own village! I'm going to fight!"

A sharp whistle cut through the air before a blast of wind knocked them all off their feet. Dust kicked up in Cade's mouth. She spit it out while waving the still airborne dust away from her face.

"My house!" the mayor screamed.

Cade's eyes shot to the house she had left Zoro in. It was completely destroyed, crumbled into a broken pile of boards.

"Zoro was still in there!" Luffy said.

"Is he dead?! The kid with the waist band?" the mayor asked.

"Hey, Zoro! Are you still alive?!" Luffy called out.

Boards shuffled and clanked together as they fell. Zoro popped up from the rubble holding his head. "Yeah. That was not a good way to wake me up."

"What a relief! You're alive!" Luffy said.

"I should say so. But it wasn't us who woke you up." Cade looked around the village. "I think it was a cannonball."

"And just how did you survive that?" Nami gaped at the swordsman. "You should be dead!"

"It feels as though my chest is being scraped out!" The mayor held his chest. "Do you think I'll allow pirates to trample all over us again?! That stupid pirate captain! Buggy! He has absolutely no right to trample over our forty years of hard work! I am the mayor here! I won't leave and let this village be treated this way." Mayor marched forward towards the pub the Buggy pirates should still be at. "All right, I'm going to fight!"

Nami grabbed him. "Wait a minute, Mayor!"

"Let go of me, kid!" The mayor tried to march forward.

Nami held fast. "Those pirates are dangerous! So what's the point in going?! This is too reckless! Do you want to get killed?!"

"I know it's reckless! You just wait! Buggy the Clown! I'm coming for you!" Tears gathered at the corner of the mayor's eyes. He broke free of Nami's grip and ran towards the pub.

Cade drew in a deep breath and released it. That old man would get himself killed, if this were any other normal day. But it wasn't.

"The mayor was crying," Nami said.

"Oh really? I didn't see anything." Luffy adjusted his hat with a grin.

"For some reason this is starting to feel more fun," Zoro said with a grin of his own.

"I agree." Luffy laughed.

Cade nodded.

"How can you still laugh?!" Nami demanded.

"Don't worry. I like that old man. I'm not going to let him die," Luffy said.

"Even if that's true how can you still laugh in this kind of situation?! Where does your confidence come from?" Nami asked.

"Our destination is the Grand Line," Luffy said. "Now we're going to go steal that map again!" He holds up a hand to Nami. "Will you join us? You need the map, too, don't you? And the treasure-"

"I'm not going to become a pirate." Nami slapped his hand. "Rather than partners let's say we're cooperation for now. Helping each other to achieve our goals."

Zoro stood up.

"You're going, too?! What about your injury?!" Nami asked.

"It's all healed."

"Yeah right!"

"It's healed enough," Cade said.

"Like you would know!" Nami snapped.

"Clearly I know more than you." Cade smirked.

Nami fumed and turned away.

"More important than the injury done to my body, is the injury my name will suffer because all I did in my last fight was get hurt." Zoro tugged his bandana off his arm and wrapped it around his head. "Shall we go now?"

"Yeah, let's go." Luffy cracks his knuckles.

Cade rolled her shoulders. "I'm ready."

"I'm dumbfounded." Nami held her head in her hand.

Buggy Defeated

Reaching the pub they see Buggy holding mayor by the throat. Luffy rushes forward and pulled Buggy's hand off the mayor. "I've kept my promise. I've come to beat you."

"So you've come without a single trace of fear by your own will." Buggy reattached his hand. "You morons. You're all so dead!"

"Listen, I don't care whether you fight or not, you guys do as you wish. I'm only here for the map and the treasure," Nami said.

"Yeah, I know," Zoro said.

"All of you, what did you come back for? You four just stay out of this. This is my war." The mayor's legs wobbled as he tried to stand up.

Luffy shoved the mayor's face into a wall.

"What?!" Nami gasps. "You… you idiot! What the heck was that for?! Why did you do that to the mayor?!"

"Because he would just get in the way." Luffy faced Buggy with a grin.

"That was smart thinking. If you had left him alone, without a doubt, he would have charged in recklessly. It's safer for him to be unconscious," Zoro said.

"Don't do anything unnecessary!" Nami said.

"Shut up," Cade said. "It was necessary. The old man would have gotten himself killed. Luffy only hit him hard enough to knock him out. The worst he'll have is a headache."

"Hey you, huge, red, ugly big nose!" Luffy shouted.

The pirates gasped in horror.

"Fire the Buggy special cannonball! Fire!" Rage flooded Buggy's face. "Be gone!"

A cannon ball exploded.

Nami dove out of the way. "Are you trying to get yourself killed?! You idiot!"

"Luffy! Dodge it!" Zoro said.

"Do you think just because of a cannonball I'd move a single inch?" Luffy drew in a breath, extending his stomach. "Gum Gum Balloon!" The cannonball sunk into his stomach and he throws it back. The building crumbled.

"Could have said something sooner," Zoro said.

"You saw him getting shot with bullets. Cannon balls aren't that different. Just bigger," Cade said.

"That's true. I guess," Zoro said.

"Yay! Their number has decreased! Shall we start?" Luffy adjusted his hat.

"What the heck are you?!" Nami said.

"So much for blowing us up," Zoro said.

"Explain yourself! I don't understand this at all! From the moment you fought with the lion and came back alive!" Nami said. "This isn't humanly possible! How did you swell up like a balloon like that?!"

"Gum Gum Balloon." Luffy crossed his arm.

"I'm not asking for the name!"

Buggy's laughter pulls their attention. The dust clears, showing he used his men as shields. And a man with long black hair, partly shaven, used Richie as a shield. "You're chatting around making a lot of noise, like you're not scared."

"This is the biggest humiliation we've ever received under our pirate flag, Captain," the black haired guy said.

"I'm so mad, words fail me," Buggy said.

Behind them Mohji crawled out of the debris. "I was unconscious. What is this mess?"

"Mohji, so you're still alive," black hair said.

"Cabaji, what did you do to Richie?!"

"Ah, this kitten? I was afraid my clothes might get a little dirty. So I used him as a shield." Cabaji released Richie.

"Hey, Richie, you okay?" Mohji noticed the Straw Hats. "The kid in the straw hat! Captain Buggy, be careful of that kid! He's the one who has gained power from the devil fruit. He's a rubber man."

"Rubberman?" Nami looked at Luffy.

"Yeah, wanna see?" Luffy pulled his cheeks.

"Devil fruit… That's why he can bounce back the Buggy special cannonball. But, Mohji, if you knew that already." He fires his hand at Mohji. "Why the heck didn't you tell me so earlier!"

"But I did!" Mohji goes flying towards Luffy.

"Get out of the way!" Luffy kicked Mohji. "The fight has begun."

"Buggy's pirate fleet's commander, Cabaji the Acrobat!" Cabaji rode towards them on a unicycle. "I'll avenge the pain you've caused to my crew!"

Zoro blocked the man's sword with his own. "If it's swords, I'm all for it."

"It's an honor, Roronoa Zoro. As a swordsman I get to slay you," Cabaji said.

"Look, Zoro. I think it's better if I do it. You go take a rest," Luffy said.

"Acrobat technique, Fire Trick." Cabaji breaths fire in Zoro's face then kicked him on his injury.

"What a creep." Cade held her place, figuring Zoro would want to handle this on his own. Besides she didn't have a weapon to block a sword.

Zoro falls onto his back cursing.

"Eh, what's this? I didn't even kick you that hard, did I?"

"You dirty bastard! Aiming to the wounded area!" Nami said.

"Acrobat technique, Murder Mist Trick!" Cabaji kicked up dust with his sword until he and Zoro were covered.

Cade squinted into the cloud. Swords clashed but there was no way of knowing who had the advantage. It started to clear. The man kicked Zoro's wound again.

"That bastard did it again!" Nami said.

"What's wrong? A grown man around crying out loud is absolutely pathetic to watch," Cabaji said. "Because of your partner's odd power we've suddenly gone to pieces. Even though you're a pirate hunter, making the Buggy pirate fleet your enemy was a big mistake."

"Fighting with that injury was already too much from the start! Why are you two watching all silent and stone faced?! That guy's going to die!" Nami said.

"Must you yell so much?" Cade rubbed her ear.

"Roronoa Zoro! Go to the next world!" Cabaji charged.

Zoro knocked him down. "What an annoying guy. Do you find tearing up my wound that much fun?" He cuts himself. "My goal is to become the world's greatest swordsman. Is my condition now satisfying enough for you? Let me teach you the different in level between us."

"Whoa! So cool!" Luffy said.

"Roronoa Zoro… you impudent fool," Cabaji said.

"Ah! Just looking at him makes me feel like he's going to collapse any second," Nami said.

"Go, Zoro!" Luffy cheered.

"To anyone that calls himself a swordsman… I won't allow myself to lose even once to him," Zoro said.

"Oho… You to a strong determination there, but don't worry. Fighting me with such a serious injury, you can use that as an excuse when I defeat you."

"Nonsense! With this sort of injury, if I lose against the likes of you, my future carries an obvious fate!" Zoro stands ready.

"Hey." Nami placed her hand on Luffy's shoulder. "Behind the destroyed pub there's a warehouse. Their treasure is there. And the Grand Line map is probably still with Buggy. Since the pirates are still unconscious, I'll use the moment to slip over there, and after I acquire the warehouse's treasure, I'll make my escape. Since whether you win the fight or not, has nothing to do with me. But if you actually manage to fulfill your part and get the map… let's cooperate again when that happens." She ran into an alley. "Then off I go. I wish you a good fight."

"Okay, thanks," Luffy said.

Cade turned back to the fight. Cabaji threw out some tops then rode up a wall. Zoro sliced the tops then looked up. Cabaji angled his sword and plummets.

"Ground Runner Chop Chop Cannon! I'll grab him in place, so finish Zoro off!"

"Yes, Captain!"

Luffy stomped on Buggy's hand.

Buggy screamed.

"Don't interfere with Zoro's fight," Luffy said.

"Even without the captain's help finishing you off will be a piece of cake!" Cabaji's sword clashed with Zoro's.

Zoro dropped to the ground, blood poured from his wound. "Stop now. I'm tired."

"You're tired?" Cabaji laughed. "Are you getting anemia? You've finally given up. Well I suppose it was obvious. I mean, it's a substantial effort you make just to stay standing."

Zoro kicks Cabaji's unicycle out from underneath him. "I meant I'm tried of being the opponent of someone who has such pitiful skills!"

"Then let me finish you off now! With my real sword skills!"

"Oni!" Zoro crossed his arms then shot forward. "Giri!"

Cabaji cursed. "The word's best pirate cut down by the likes of a common thief. So shameful."

"I'm not a common thief." Zoro pulled off his bandana then crashed. "But a pirate. Luffy, I'm going to sleep now."

"Yea, you sleep. Now I'll finish this off. Cade, check his wound."

"Right."

"You mean you guys are pirates?!" Buggy asked.

"Yea. Hand over the Grand Line map!" Luffy said.

"So that was your goal. That place isn't exactly somewhere nameless pirates like you can go as they please. So what are you planning to do there? You want to go have a sightseeing tour?" Buggy asked.

"I'm going to become king of the pirates," Luffy said.

"Don't kid around! You idiotic fool! You become king of the pirates?! The person who'll get his hands on all the treasure in the world will be me! Don't even dream about it!"

"Shut up! Skip the lecture and let's start! You're being too loud, you idiot!" Luffy cracked his knuckles.

"Watch your mouth, Gum Gum!" Buggy said.

"Gum Gum? Was that supposed to be an insult?" Cade asked.

"Seeing your straw hat reminds me of a guy I knew long time ago," Buggy said. "The impudent red haired guy!"

"Red haired?" Luffy asked.

"No way. It's not possible," Cade said.

"Do you know Shanks?" Luffy asked.

"Mh? What's this? Looks like you are considerably interested. I know him, but why do you want to know?"

"Where is he now?"

"Where? Well, if I know then I know, and if I don't know then I could also not know anything at all." Buggy cupped his chin.

"What are you saying? Are you an idiot?"

"What do you mean idiot, you uncivilized buffoon!" Buggy pulled out eight daggers. "I'm saying that I'm not a nice enough guy to tell you information that you want to know. Even if it's your last wish before you die."

"Then let me make you say it by force."

"Before you hear it, you're going to be dead!" Buggy stomped his foot. A blade comes out of his shoe. "Windmill!" His legs spin through the air.

Luffy jumped over it.

"Moving here and there in the air! It's most likely impossible!" Buggy threw his daggers.

"Why not?" Luffy grabbed a pole and pulled himself out of the way.

"Oho! So, you can do thing's like that. How interesting!"

"You're an interesting person, too. Gum Gum Pistol!"

Buggy dodged. "It's an interesting ability, but an arm is stretched to its limit is full of weaknesses! I'll tear it to shreds!"

"Gum Gum!"

"Chop Chop Emergency Escape!"

"Scythe!" Luffy crashed into a building.

Buggy's head popped off. "You're not much of a threat." His head goes back on.

Luffy popped out of the debris and put his hat back on. "Separating into sections."

"Chop Chop Cannon!" Buggy's hand popped off with daggers between his fingers.

Luffy grabbed his wrist, but his hand separated more. The dagger scratched Luffy's temple and the brim of his hat. He fell onto his back. "You bastard!"

"What? So, you're pissed that your face is scarred?"

"How dare you mess up this hat!"

"What?"

"This is my treasure! I will never forgive anyone who messes up this hat!"

"Is the hat that precious to you?"

"Yeah, you bastard!" Luffy dodged a dagger from Buggy.

"If it's that precious to then why don't you protect it properly?!" Buggy goes after the hat again.

Cade threw out a stream of water and knocked Buggy's hand away. She jumped next to Luffy. "Let me watch your hat." Luffy nods and handed it to her. "Pound him into oblivion, Luffy."

"You got it!" Luffy charged at Buggy. "That's the hat I swore myself to with Shanks!"

"What's that's Shanks' hat? I thought it looked familiar! Me and that guy use to be in the same pirate ship. He was my comrade when we were still pirate trainees."

"Shanks is a great man!"

"You say that he was your comrade? Chop Chop Emergency Escape!" Buggy's head popped off.

Luffy kicked Buggy between the legs. He grabbed Buggy by the face. "How dare you treat my treasure like that! Shanks being your comrade… don't you dare repeat those words even again!"

"Even though I don't know what sort of relationship you had with Shanks, it's my own choice how I can speak of him!"

"Take this!"

"Chop Chop!"

"Stay still!" Luffy punched Buggy in the face.

They stand up. "Throughout my whole life, even until today, there has not been a single person who had made me madder than he did! I can't forgive him for what he did!"

"And that would be?" Cade asked.

"Because of him I lost a precious treasure map! And he forced me to swallow this devil fruit of mine!" Buggy snapped.

Cade rolled her eyes. "I highly doubt Shanks would do that to anyone."

"He did! I was going to sell that devil fruit for a huge amount of money! I was making plans when he snuck up on me! I had to hide it! So I hid it in my mouth!"

"Then that was your fault. If you steal something then you shouldn't hide it in your mouth," Cade said.

"I had every right to steal it! I mean I didn't steal it!"

"Yeah. Whatever." Cade waved him off. "Clearly you're an idiot."

"Shut up! I'm a pirate! I had a right to have that devil fruit and sell it! So that's why I promised myself! If I couldn't get anything under the sea then I'd settle for every treasure above it! With this devil fruit's power! Because of that who ever touches my treasure… whoever that is I never… leave them alive!" Buggy shoots towards Nami, whose carrying a full bag. "Put my treasure down!"

"You idiot! You stole his treasure then walked where he could see you?!" Cade shouted.

"Crap! He noticed me!" Nami said.

"You think?!" Cade growled.

"Since when did you think you could fool me, Nami? Let me send you painfully to the netherworld!" Buggy chased her.

"Can we just let Buggy have her? If she's going to be that stupid there's no way she can be a good thief or navigator," Cade said.

"She's already our navigator." Luffy looked at Buggy's bottom half.

Cade sighed. "You're never going to change."

Luffy brought his leg up between Buggy's.

Buggy fell to the ground. "Curse you, Straw Hat. How dare you kick my bottom half like that."

"You're opponent is still me." Luffy placed his hands on his hips. "Hey! Put that treasure down and go somewhere safer! You're going to get chased again otherwise!"

"Put the treasure down and run? I don't want to! Why should I leave my treasure behind?!"

"Because you'd be dead by now if it weren't for Luffy."

"Y-your treasure?" Buggy asked, his voice strained with pain.

"Of course! Since I'm a pirate treasure thief and I just stole from a pirate, I'm telling you this treasure is mine!"

"Ah, I see." Luffy tapped his fist in his palm.

"What nonsense! That treasure is mine! Do you think that if you steal it it's yours?! How were you brought up?" Buggy asked.

"A lecture from a pirate? Stop that nonsense," Nami said.

"What?"

"I don't think I've done anything bad enough to be lectured by a pirate." Nami stuck out her tongue.

"You're prepared for this, aren't you, Nami? Chop Chop Festival!" Buggy's body separated completely. "See if you can protect your friend now!"

"Dang it! There should be a limit to this Chop Chop. If it's like this, there's no way I can fight him. Huh?" Luffy noticed Buggy's feet. "What's this? The feet can't fly?"

"Well, isn't that interesting," Cade said.

"Give me back my treasure!"

"I won't!"

"Gotcha! You foot!" Luffy grabbed Buggy's foot. He took of the shoe and tickled it before slamming Buggy's toes on the ground, then pitches. "You're pretty tough."

"Stop it, you idiot!" Buggy said before Nami slams the bag in his face. He grabs it. "The treasure had been returned."

"Hey, let go!" Nami said.

Buggy brings two daggers behind Nami.

Luffy rushed towards her. "I told you that I'm your opponent!" He kicked Buggy on the head. "That last kick was for the village mayor."

"Thank you. Thanks to you, I'm alive," Nami said.

"Hm? Don't worry about it. Oh, yeah, the map," Luffy said.

"Ah! My treasure got scattered everywhere!" Nami said.

"All right! I finally got it! The Grand Line map!" Luffy clutched the map.

"Wait!" Buggy gets up. "Wait, Straw Hat."

"You're still alive?" Luffy faced him.

"I'll kill you once and for all! Gather up! Chop Chop Parts!" His head, hands, and feet gather together. "Eh?"

"You won't happen to be looking for these, would you?" Nami has the rest of Buggy tied up.

"My body parts!"

"A thief definitely has some cool skills! Leave the rest to me!" Luffy threw his fists behind him. "Get lost, Buggy. Gum Gum…"

"Stop!"

"Bazooka!"

Buggy goes flying.

Strange Animals

"Victory!" Luffy pumped his fists then planted them on his hips. "Now you're going to become our crewmember, right?"

"I'm just cooperating with you while it serves my purpose, remember that! I'll say okay for now, since it seems that if I go along with you guys I'll be able to earn a lot." Nami picked up her treasure and hugged it. "Buggy said that he only takes the best treasures for himself, so this bag's contents are the highest quality. This must treasure should be worth a least ten million berries. I've divided it into two bags so you hold half of it. This treasure is so heavy that carrying it alone is difficult."

"You had no problem carrying it before," Cade mumbled.

Luffy knelt down to Zoro and whacked him on the head. "Hey, Zoro, get up! Let's go."

Zoro opened his eyes and sat up. "Did you finish the fight?"

"Yeah, we also got the map and treasure."

"Ah. I don't think I can walk yet." Zoro placed his hand on his head.

"Obviously! If you guys can still walk then you're not human," Nami said.

"Why did you include me?" Luffy asked.

"You're the weirdest!"

"Oh yeah! I'll wake up the mayor!" Luffy looked at the unconscious man.

"You guys!"

The pirates turned to find people coming towards them, everyone holding some sort of weapon. "We're the people of this village. Did the pirates stir up a fight amongst themselves? If you know anything please tell us."

"Oh, so you're the villages. I think some of the pirate crew are still here," Nami said. "If you want us to tell you then there isn't anything much left to tell you."

"Ah! Mayor!"

"Goodness gracious! Please get up!"

"What happened here?!"

"If's definitely the work of those pirates!"

"Get ready to run," Cade said.

"Ah, sorry. I did that to the mayor," Luffy said.

"What?" The villages glared at him.

"Hey! Why did you tell them that kind of thing on purpose?!" Nami asked.

"You saw me do it, right?"

"I know, but still! That was because you had a good reason!"

"All of you, how dare you do this to our chief! It doesn't matter what sort of excuse you give us!"

"Who are you?! Are you pirates?!"

"Yup. We're pirates!" Luffy grinned. The villagers brandished their weapons.

Zoro laughed.

"You idiot!" Nami said.

"But it's the truth," Luffy said. He grabbed Zoro and they ran off. "Run away!"

"Hey! They're taking off!"

"After them!"

"Luffy, want me to slow them down?" Cade forms a mini water twister over her palm.

"Naw. It's okay. We can out run them fine," Luffy said.

"Let her! You made this situation worse by telling them you were pirates!" Nami said.

"This is a good village. There's no point in attacking them," Luffy said.

"What?" Nami gaped at Luffy.

"For their mayor, for just one person… they're all getting that mad. No matter what excuse we give, they'll still be mad at us." Luffy said as they dashed down an alley.

Shushu barked. They looked over their shoulders to find the dog blocking the villagers.

"We made it. Good. I was getting pretty worried. Thanks to Shushu we managed to get away," Nami said. "Why does it always end up this way?"

"Who cares what they think. We did what we came to do," Luffy said. "Is this your boat? It's cool. I envy you."

"I don't think so. I stole it from a bunch of stupid pirates," Nami said.

"We have been waiting for you, thief." Three men jump up from the boat.

"You… you guys are…" Sweat dripped down the thief's face.

"We knew you'd come back if we stayed here."

"I never dreamed that we'd see this boat again in this very harbor after you stole it."

"You won't be to say that you've forgotten us."

"You know them?" Luffy asked.

"Sort of."

"Sort of?! We have a long history! So you have a gang now? I guess we get to teach you all a lesson."

"Stealing from other is such a terrible thing to do." The guy with the hat patted Zoro on his head. "Man, don't fault like a coward. Stupid. Hey, hold your head up properly!"

"Huh?" Zoro lifted his gaze.

The three pirates shrieked. They jump into the water and swam off.

They set sail.

"Hey, that flag has Buggy's mark on it," Luffy said.

"It was those pirates' boat so of course it does. I'll erase it later," Nami said.

"Stop right there, you morons!" the mayor called. "I'm sorry! I owe you!"

"Don't worry about it! Just live happy lives!"

"Hold on. Where's the treasure?" Nami glanced around the boats.

"I left it behind," Luffy said.

"What! You left the treasure behind?! I gave you half of it, didn't I?! That's five million berries!" Nami growled.

"Yeah, but since half of the village was destroyed it will take some money to repair it," Luffy said.

"That's my treasure!" Nami grabbed Luffy and pushed him towards the water.

Cade pulled Nami's hands off him and twisted her arms behind her back.

"Ouch! Let go!" Nami demanded.

"Don't touch Luffy like that." Cade released the girl with a small shove.

...

"Share some food with us," Zoro said. A couple hours had passed since they left that island.

"What? Why didn't you get some while we were on the island? If you don't bring food and water with you, you're underestimating the sea," Nami said.

"I see something." Luffy shaded his eyes.

"It's a miracle you've survived up to now," Nami said. "That island is no good. It's unpopulated, so it's useless. Let's keep going."

Luffy paddled towards the island.

"Wait!"

"Let's see if we can find someone who would join us here," Luffy said.

"And let's look for food, too. You know, Nami was right, we seem to have no plans," Zoro said before dosing off.

...

Cade stepped out of the boat and hauled it closer to the land.

"We've reached the island!" Luffy laid down the oar and jumped out of the boat. "There's nothing here but forest."

"Like I said, this is an unpopulated island. It would be weird if you found someone for the crew here," Nami said.

"Hey, Zoro, come over here. Hey, you're sleeping!"

"Let's let him sleep. He's still recovering from his injuries." Cade checked Zoro's bandages then turned to Luffy.

Luffy nodded. "You're right. Well, let's go."

"Go where?" Nami asked.

"Towards the forest." Luffy headed towards the woods. "You never known there might be people there."

"There's no one here but poisonous snakes and wild animals." Nami cautiously scanned the ground and limbs.

"Pock. Pock. Pock." An animal walked by, cross between a fox and a rooster.

"What is that?" Nami asked.

"A fooster?" Cade offered.

"There's no such thing!" Nami said.

"Hey look! What a weird rabbit." Luffy held up a snake with bunny ears.

"It's weird all right, but I think that is a mutant snake," Nami said.

"Snunny." Cad rubbed her chin.

"Now you're just making things up!" Nami glared.

"How about that lion?" Luffy pointed to an animal crossed between a lion and pig.

"A lig." Cade smiled.

"Shut up! That's a pig. Isn't it? A weird mutant pig. This forest is really weird." Nami held her head.

"Don't come closer! Get out!" a voice called out.

"Huh?" Luffy looked up.

"What's that sound? Who are you?" Nami asked.

"Me? I am the forest guardian," the voice said.

"Forest guardian?" Luffy asked.

"That's right. If you still want to live, the leave at once. You are pirates aren't you?"

"Yes," Luffy said.

"Why did he ask that?" Nami asked.

"So you are pirates," the voice said. Listen well, don't take a step further into the forest. Or else you will face the forest judgment."

"Who cares?" Luffy harrumphed.

"What exactly is that?" Nami asked.

"What a weird guy," Luffy said.

"Hey, the brat with the straw hat, what did you just say?"

Cade scanned every shadow and tree. Whoever this was had to be close by.

"Where are you, come out!" Nami punched the air.

"Looks like the voice is come from there," Luffy said.

"Hey! I told you not to come closer! Receive the forest judgment!" A gun fired. It pressed into Luffy's body then bounced off. "Huh?"

Cade caught sight of the gun flash and backed into the shadows, sneaking around to that area.

"What a shock! That was a bullet, right? So bullets don't hurt you." Nami looked at Luffy.

"Yeah, but that surprised me, too." Luffy adjusted his hat.

Cade spotted a bush that stuck out from the bushes around it. At it's roots was a chest. Snapping out her hand she grabbed the bush and found it to be a man. "Found him."

"Hey! Let me go!" The man kicked his feet.

"Wow! So cool! It's okay, Cade. You can release him." Luffy sat down on a rock.

"As long as you don't shoot at Luffy again." Cade brought the man to her face, giving him a storm filled glare.

"I won't. I promise." The man shivered.

Cade sat him down. "Tell us your name."

"It's Gaimon." The man looked at Luffy. "It's a devil fruit, right? I've heard about that before. But it is the first time I have met someone who actually ate that kind of fruit."

"It's the first time I've met someone who's stuck in a treasure chest, too. You're like a son in a box," Luffy said.

"Yeah. My parents took care of them when I was still small." Gaimon closed his eyes.

"My parents took care of them when I was still small?" Cade crossed her arms. "That doesn't make sense."

"Wait! Are you an idiot?! I'm not a son in a box!" Gaimon shouted. "I got stuck in here and I can't get out! I've lived on this island like this for twenty years. Can't you understand what I've been going through?"

"What? Twenty years? By yourself?" Nami asked.

"Yes. It's been twenty years."

"That's really stupid," Luffy said.

"What did you say? I'm going to kill you!" Gaimon snapped then sighed. "Twenty years… It's such a long time. My hair and mustache have already grown this long. And ever my eyebrows are connected. I haven't spoken to anyone for twenty years."

Luffy grabbed the man's head and pulls.

"It hurts! It hurts! What are you doing?!"

"Why can't I pull you out?!"

"Stop! Stop! My necks going to break!"

Luffy released him.

"You're crazy! I haven't moved in years! My body and this chest have already became one! If you're going to forcefully pull me out then my body will be done for!"

"But, how did you get to this island?" Nami asked.

"You mentioned earlier that you were pirates, right?"

"Yes, there are four of us," Luffy said.

"I was once a pirate."

"Oh!" Luffy's eyes widened.

"It's nice being a pirate, venturing for treasures, it's even okay if I risk my life. Do you have any maps?"

"We have a navigational map for the Grand Line." Luffy pulled out the map. "I'm going for One Piece."

"What? One Piece? And you intend to go to the Grand Line?" Gaimon looks at the map. "Which one is the Grand Line?"

"This. Uncle Cauliflower head, you don't know?"

"I don't really know how to read maps."

"Oh, I see."

"Is that how stupid pirates are suppose to talk?" Nami asked.

"Says the one who keeps saying weird," Cade said, earning a glare from Nami.

"Listen." Nami took the map. "Do you know the Red Line?"

"I know. That's the land that separates the oceans," Gaiman said.

"Yes. There are two oceans in this world. And the land that splits the world's two oceans is called the Red Line." Nami drug her finger over the map. "Using the city of Red Line as the center, draw a line around the world across the opposite way. And that's the Grand Line. In history, only the pirate king Gol Roger has conquered this route. Also, it is the most dangerous route."

"One Piece is surely in that place. That means we need to sail around the world," Luffy said.

"Idiot!" Nami snapped. "That place is not that easy to find! It also has another name: The Pirates Graveyard. Long ago, I saw pirates that returned from the Grand Line. Everyone of them had lost their spirit and looked as if they were dead. Their facial expressions were even more painful to look at. It looked like they had met something horrid, maybe a dreadful pirate or perhaps a monster. Nobody dared to talk about it. You could see from their look, the horror of the Grand Line. I have no other proof than this, the rumors only made it more and more mysterious. It's already been more than twenty years since the beginning of the great pirate ear. That treasure might be nothing more than a legend. Now can you see? One Piece is only inside a dream."

"Is that so? I think that there is a better ending right?" Luffy said.

"If a person really found such a treasure, he wouldn't tell anybody. That's what a smart person would do," Nami said.

"I will surely find the treasure because I'm always lucky." Luffy grinned.

"I just can't understand where you get such confidence," Nami said.

"Now I will tell you, why I can't leave this island," Gaimon said.

"Oh, why is that?" Luffy asked.

"It's because I'm not mature. I don't know how to adapt to the changes in situations."

"What?" Luffy asked.

"It happened twenty years ago, I was a pirate and the ship docked on this island. Because we found a map that said there was treasure on this island. Two hundred men searched for three weeks. All we found was a broken treasure chest. But no one climbed up this rock formation. I decide to climb up it before we left. Unfortunately, the rock under my hand crumbled and I fell. When I woke up I was stuck in this chest. By the time I managed to crawl to the short my crewmates had already left."

"No one came back to this island in twenty years?" Luffy asked.

"Yes. People came. There were many times. They were all pirates looking for the treasure, but I used the forest judgment to scare them all away. My eyes were never wrong. I'm very sure that there's a lot of treasure in that large rock hill. But I've been stuck in this chest. I've only been able to protect the treasure these past twenty years. That treasure is all mine!"

"That's right. Those are yours, Uncle." Luffy nodded.

"Okay, Gaimon! We'll help you bring those treasures down," Nami said.

"What? Is that true? That's very nice," Gaimon said.

"Aren't you a professional thief that steals treasures from pirates?" Luffy asked.

"Don't speak such nonsense! I have principles too!"

They followed Gaimon into the forest.

"This is it." Gaimon stopped and looked up a rock formation. "It's been a long time since the last time I came here."

"But why haven't you asked anyone to help you before?" Luffy asked.

"Because I don't trust anybody." Gaimon sighed. "Anyone who sees me like this wouldn't believe me anyway. I've waited for this moment so long, today's the happiest day of my life."

"Okay." Nami patted Luffy's shoulder. "Go for it."

"You want me to go up there?" Luffy asked.

"Of course. Do you think that I can climb that?"

"Come on, Luffy." Cade patted his shoulder. "We can race up there."

"Okay!" Luffy threw up his fist.

Cade held her palms towards the ground. They launched and landed at the same time, spotting the treasure chest. All were open and empty. "Well, that's... not really a surprise."

"There really are some treasure chests up here. There are five of them," Luffy said.

"That's great! Quick! Drop them here! But don't hit me!" Gaimon said.

"No way!"

"What?!"

"What are you talking about?" Nami snapped. "Stop joking around, and drop the treasure chests, now!"

"Nope. I don't want to."

"Don't you dare come down here again!" Nami said.

"Why does she think she can order us around?" Cade shook her head.

"Forget about it! It's okay if he doesn't want to drop them here!" Gaimon said.

"How can that be okay?! That's your treasure!"

"Straw Hat kid, you really are a good person."

"What are you saying?!"

"I've thought about it before. I knew it might be a possibility. But I always try hard not to think about it," Gaimon said. "The treasure chests are empty, aren't they?"

"Yeah. Every single one of them." Luffy laughed. "Don't be disappointed, Uncle! You meeting us after these twenty years is a really good thing, too. Because if it had been thirty years you might have been already dead. Don't worry, there's still the great treasure One Piece waiting for us! Will you join us?"

"You're inviting me?"

"Are you sure you want to stay here?" Luffy asked as he and Cade jumped back to the ground.

"Yes. Thank you for inviting me. But I still want to be the forest guardian here."

"Why?"
"Because there are many rare animals in the forest."

"You're right. We saw a strange snake and pig."

"There were many people who came to this island to get those animals. And living here for twenty years made me grown to love those animals. I can't leave them behind."

"You're a rare and precious animal, too," Luffy said.

"I'm going to kill you!" Gaimon bared his teeth. "Now that there are no more treasures, I feel somewhat relieved. I can now live in this island more comfortably."

"Too bad, you are an interesting person," Luffy said.

"I'm sure you'll find good companions for your crew. And also find the One Piece, then buy the whole world."

"That's right! We can do it!" Luffy grinned.

"We better get going then," Cade said. The pirates headed back to the boats and pushed off the island.

...

While writing this chapter I noticed, for the first time, in the manga this episode happens  before  Usopp joins but in the anime it happens  after  Usopp joins.

Lying Usopp

Cade watched as the clouds floated above her. With a rope wrapped loosely around her wrist she floated along side the boat. She enjoyed the relaxing warm of the water until Nami broke into that with her typical complaints.

"We need to plan things more," Nami said.

"What do you mean?" Luffy looked back at Nami from the bow of the ship.

"Are we going to the Grand Line like this?" Nami asked.

"Oh, that's right. Although Uncle Cabbage gave us plenty of fruits, we don't have any meat on this ship," Luffy said.

Cade laughed. Typical Luffy always thinking of meat.

"I'm not talking about the food supply!"

"And we don't have any sake to drink either. How boring," Zoro said.

"Let's not worry about the problem of food and drink first!" Nami growled.

Cade hung onto the side of the boat. "Well, meat and sake are food and drink."

"That's not what I meant! The place we're going, the Grand Line is the most dangerous place in the world. Every pirate in this world wishes to get the treasure there, so we need to get a better ship first." She pressed her thumb to her chin. "We're also short on crew members and this tiny ship doesn't have any equipment. No matter what you think, we can't possibly be safe."

"Oh! What do we do then?" Luffy asked.

"We have to prepare first, and plan for the journeys ahead. There's a village due north. We should go there first." Nami unfolded a map. "First thing to do when we get there is look for a better ship."

"And eat some meat!" Luffy threw his hands up.

"You expect to find a decent ship on an island that small?" Cade asked.

"It's the best chance we have right now." Nami rolled up the map.

"And how are you going to pay for it?" Cade asked.

Nami twitched then shot a glare at Luffy. "Well, we would have some money if a certain someone didn't give it away."

"So you're planning on stealing one?" Cade kicked her legs in the water.

"We'll have to wait and see when we get there," Nami said.

"Whatever." Cade went back to floating in the water until Luffy called out.

"Wow! There's really and island here!" Luffy stood up in the boat.

"Careful, Luffy." Cade pushed her feet underneath her. "Standing in a boat this small can be bad."

"So? I have you here to save me if I fall in." Luffy grinned.

"Geez. You two." Nami shook her head. "Anyway, what did you expect? We followed the map, so it won't be wrong."

Cade pulled their boat upon the beach so it wouldn't float away. Nami anchored her own and climbed out.

"Oh. Is there a village here?" Luffy pointed inland.

"Uh huh. Looks like there's a small village." Nami looked at her map again.

Zoro crawled out of the boat and stretched. "Been a long time since I last stood on firm ground."

"That's because you were sleeping all the time," Luffy said.

"We did stop on an island before," Cade said. "We left you alone since you need to rest and heal."

Zoro nodded. "By the way, just noticed a moment ago…" He looked up at the cliff. "What are those guys doing up there?"

Cade glanced up at the cliff in time to see three of four people running away. The one who remained stood with his arms crossed. His curly black hair held tight under a bandana.

"I am the great pirate fleet leader, Usopp, who is in charge of the security of this village! I'm also known as Captain! Captain Usopp! It's best if you don't try to attack this village because my eighty billion men are not going to forgive you!" He spots Cade and screams. "Ah! Monster!"

Cade jumped upon the cliff and thumped him on the head. "I'm not a monster! I'm a fishman! Got it?! Fishman!"

"Okay! Okay! I get it!" Usopp held his head.

"So you've been attacked and not a single man has come to save you. You were lying," Nami said.

"What?! I've been caught!" Usopp's eyes bugged out.

"What is with this guy?" Cade shook her head.

Luffy laughed. "You're so funny!"

"Hey! Don't underestimate me!" Usopp said. "I am a man with high self esteem. And everyone here calls me the Honorable Usopp!"

With a roll of her eyes, Cade grabbed Usopp and jumped back down to the beach.

Usopp shrieked.

"Stop screaming. We've landed," Cade said.

"Don't hurt me! Please!" Usopp begged.

"Don't worry. We might be pirates, but we're not going to hurt you." Luffy bent down to Usopp.

"What?! P-pirates?!" Usopp turned blue.

"Chill. Like Luffy said, we're not here to hurt anyone." Cade tapped Usopp with her toe.

"We're here looking for a ship," Nami said.

"A... a ship?" Usopp looked at each one of them. "I-if that's all you're looking for..."

"And meat! I'm hungry!" Luffy said. "And crewmates!"

"Um, okay. I know where you can get something to eat." Usopp lead them into the town.

Cade pulled her hood over her head as soon as the town came into view.

"Why'd you do that?" Usopp asked.

"Humans aren't known for their kindness towards fishmen." Cade eyed the villagers.

Usopp nodded and headed inside a small tavern. They placed their orders.

"So you're looking for crewmates and a big ship?"

"Yup." Luffy ripped into a piece of meat.

"Oh! Sounds like a big adventure!" Usopp grinned. "There's only one place where you can find the stuff you want in this village. Although it's not a very big ship, but it's not that small either."

"Where?" Nami asked.

"There's a mansion not far from this village that belongs to a wealthy family. The ship belongs to the mansion's owner. Although we say that she is the owner she is a pitiful young girl. A weak and sick girl that always lies on the bed," Usopp said.

"Eh? Then how come she's the owner of the mansion?" Nami asked.

"Hey! More meat!" Luffy held up his empty plate.

"Are you listening to me?!" Usopp screamed. "I think it happened around a year ago. That girl's parents died of sickness, leaving her a large inheritance, a mansion, and over ten servants." He put his hands behind his head and leaned back. "Even if you are really rich, it doesn't exempt you from sorrow."

"Never mind." Nami whopped the table with her hand. "Let's forget about searching for a ship in this village. We'll go and search somewhere else."

"Okay. But we're not in a hurry. I still want some more meat. Let's buy some more meat for our supply," Luffy said.

"I suppose we can afford some meat for the trip." Cade dug through her wallet. "But we'll need to get more money after that."

"And about looking for crewmates?" Usopp said.

"Is there somebody who wants to be our companion?" Luffy asked.

"Let me be the captain, and I'll join you." Usopp pointed at himself.

"Never mind," everyone said.

Cade propped upon her elbow. This coward wasn't to be a captain?

"What kind of attitude is that?!" Usopp's mouth dropped open. "Anyway, I have to leave now. It's that time." He got up and left without another word.

"That was sudden. I wonder where he's going," Cade said.

A few minutes later the door swung open. Three boys rushed in. "The Usopp Pirates are here!"

"What?" Nami asked.

"I don't know. Who are they?" Luffy took a drink.

"They said Usopp Pirates. So they're friends of his," Cade said. "They must be those who ran away on the cliff."

"Hey! Captain isn't here!" the carrot hat boy said.

"It can't be that… he's been eaten up!" the onion hair boy said.

"H-hey, pirates! What did you do to our Captain Usopp?!" The boys raised wooden swords. "Give us back our captain!"

Cade rested her chin in her palm and drummed her fingers on the table.

"Yum! What a delicious meal!" Luffy sat his cup down.

"Huh?! Meat?!" The boys gasped. "He… he ate the captain?!"

"Your captain…" Zoro rested his elbow on the table and placed his head in his hand. "We just ate him."

The boys scream and look at Nami.

"Why are you looking at me?!" She turned to Zoro. "Why did you tell them those weird things?!"

Zoro laughed.

"Chill out, boys. No one ate anyone here," Cade said. "He left a few minutes ago."

"Wait. He up and left," the onion boy asked.

"Yup. He left the shop," Zoro said.

"You're friends of his. From the cliff, right?" Nami asked.

"Yup. I'm Carrot. This is Onion and Pepper."

"Oh, so it was time to go to the mansion," the pepper boy said.

"Mansion? The place where the sick girl lives?" Nami asked.

"Yeah." Carrot nodded.

"Why does he go there?" Luffy asked.

"To tell lies," Carrot said.

"Isn't that a bad thing to do?" Luffy asked.

"That's not bad! Actually, it's great!" Pepper smiled.

"Yes! It's very good!" Onion said.

"Eh?" Luffy tilted his head.

"How can letting lies be a good thing?" Cade lifted an eyebrow.

"It's to restore her spirits. He's been doing it for a year now," Carrot said.

"So to restore her spirits, he's been going for a year to amuse her with made up tales?" Nami asked.

"He just said that," Cade said.

Nami frowned.

"You got it," Pepper said.

"I like his nosiness," Carrot said.

"I like the captain's cowardice," Pepper said.

"I like his lies," Onion said

"What kind of strong points are those?" Zoro asked.

"So the lady's feeling better already?" Luffy asked.

"Yeah, and it's all thanks to the captain." Carrot nodded.

"All right!" Luffy jumped to his feet. "Then we shall go to the mansion and ask for a ship!"

"No! Didn't I just say for you to give it up?!" Nami demanded.

"Shut up. It's not your decision to make. It's Luffy's. He's the captain," Cade said.

Nami looked as if she were going to say something else but didn't.

They stood and left the tavern.

Cade scanned the town as they strolled through it. It was nice, small, and looked to not have much excitement happening as everyone went about their day. It would be a miracle if they managed to get a ship out of this place. Stepping out of the town they walked up a winding dirt path to a large gate blocking their access to the mansion behind it.

"Good afternoon. Please lend us a ship," Luffy said even though no one was on the grounds. Stepping forward he climbed up the gate. "Let's just go in."

"Then what's the use of that greeting?" Pepper asked.

Nami sighed. "We can't stop him."

"You're just now noticing that?" Cade smirked.

Nami ignored her.

"Since we can't stop him, we'll have to follow him," Zoro said.

Cade launched herself into the air with a single kick. Flipping over the gate she landed at the same time Luffy did. Once everyone was over they walked around the side of the house and spotted Usopp at a window.

"Huh? Why are you all here?" Usopp looked at them.

"We brought this guy here." The three boys point to Luffy.

"Oh! So you're the one who owns this place." Luffy looked at the blonde girl hanging out the window.

"Who's that?" Kaya asked.

"These guys heard of my reputation, and traveled far to see me here. They are the new members of the Usopp Pirates." Usopp slipped his arm around Luffy's shoulders.

"No. That's not…" Luffy started.

"This guy lies nonstop," Cade said.

"A request? Of me?" Kaya blinked.

"Yeah, we need a big ship," Luffy said.

"What are you doing here?!" A man wearing glasses and a black suit marched over to them. "You can't just barge into the mansion like this!"

"Oh no! The butler!" Usopp said.

"Klahador," Kaya said.

Cade knitted her brow. The hairs on her arms stood. Something was off about this man. Though she couldn't put her finger on it.

"Who's he?" Luffy asked.

"Listen, Klahador, these people are-"

Klahador lifted his hand to silence Kaya. "You don't have to explain. I will ask you about it later. Please get out. Or is there something you need to say?"

"I want a ship," Luffy said.

"No way," Klahador said. "You… you're Usopp. I've heard some rumors about you. The villagers talk about you all the time."

"Oh… oh, thank you." Usopp smiled. "You may call me Captain Usopp. Everyone calls me that."

"The guards said you were lurking outside the gates. What do you want here?" Klahador pushed his glasses up with his palm.

Cade wondered why he did it that way. It was the first she had ever seen.

"Er… I heard that there's a huge mole inside the mansion! So I wanted to see it for myself!" Usopp said.

Cade's lip twitched. "Really? A huge mole?"

Klahador chuckled. "I see that you can certainly lie well."

"What?!"

"I have heard about your father too," Klahador said. "You're the son of a filthy pirate. I'm not surprised that you turned out this way. But you had better stay away from my mistress."

Cade shook her head. This guy was definitely a jerk. Maybe that's what troubled her about him. He was an unfair, biased jerk.

"His dad is a pirate?" Luffy asked.

Cade leaned closer to Luffy. "Now that he mentions it, Usopp does look like Yasopp. They have the same curly hair. Do you think it's possible?"

Luffy hummed. "They do have the same hair."

"Did you say filthy?" Usopp demanded.

"You and the mistress belong to totally different worlds. Is it money that you're looking for? Name your price," Klahador said.

"That's enough, Klahador! Apologize to Usopp at once!" Kaya demanded.

"There's no need for me to apologize to this uncivilized person." Klahador waved his hand at Usopp. "I'm just telling you the truth. I feel sorry for you. You hate your father, don't you? Because he's a dumb treasure hunter who deserted his family and village."

"Klahador!" Kaya screamed.

"I won't let you say another bad thing about my father!" Usopp glared.

"Why are you so angry? You're not very smart, are you?" Klahador pushed his glass up again. "You should have just told your usual lies. And say that your real father is a traveling merchant or that you and him are not blood related."

Usopp rushed forward and punched him. "Shut up!"

"About time someone punched him." Cade crossed her arms. "Wish I had done it."

"You still can." Zoro smirked.

"Will you two stop it?! You're going to make things worse!" Nami said.

"Uh… See? You're so violent! Like father, like some!" Klahador said.

"Shut up!" Usopp screamed. "I'm proud that my dad is a pirate! I'm proud that he is a brave warrior of the sea! You're right that I like to lie! But I'm proud of having a pirate's blood in me! I don't have to pretend that I'm not! I'm the son of a pirate!"

"Oh yeah! That guy! Now I remember!" Luffy tapped his fist in his palm.

Cade nodded. Usopp is Yasopp's son without a doubt.

"You said pirates are brave warriors of the sea?" Klahador pushed up his glasses again. "Don't twist the truth. It's because you have that kind of savage bloodline that you like to lie so much. And use violence whenever you are enraged." He stood and dusted himself off. "I believe you only get close to the mistress for the money."

"What are you talking about?!" Usopp asked.

"Who cares what your motive is, the fact that your father is a pirate is more than enough reason for me to kick you out!"

Usopp grabbed the butler by his tie. "I dare you to say that again!"

"Usopp, please stop! Don't use violence!" Kaya placed her hand over her face. "Klahador isn't a bad person. He's just concerned about me. That's why he's a little extreme."

"Isn't a bad person? Good people don't insult people like he did." Cade pointed at the butler. "He's the one in the wrong. Usopp's been nothing but kind to you."

"But..." Kaya lowered her eyes.

Klahador slapped Usopp's hand off him. "Get out of here. Savages like you are not welcome here! I'll let you off this time, but I warn you… Don't come back here again!"

"Fine. I understand. I'll leave even without you telling me to." Usopp walked off. "I'll never come here again!"

"Captain! You bastard! Captain is not that kind of person!" Carrot said.

"Yeah! Stupid!" Pepper punched the air.

"Idiot!" Onion added.

"Idiot!" Luffy chimed in.

"Why are you screaming along with them?" Zoro tapped Luffy on the head.

"I'm going to kill him!" Luffy said.

"Hey, hey!" Zoro held him back.

"I agree. This butler needs to be put in his place." Cade cracked her knuckles.

"Not you too!" Nami said.

"All of you, get out of here now!" Klahador said.

The group headed for the gate. Walking down the dirt path Cade noticed Luffy slipping off from them. He's going after Usopp. Guess I'll check out the shops here. Reaching the town Cade broke off from the group without a word. Strolling at a leisurely pace she looked for sales of items that could benefit their journey.

A few minutes later she heard Usopp screaming about pirates coming. The townspeople rolled their eyes and went about their business. But Cade noticed the fear in the young man's eyes. This wasn't a lie.

She followed him.

"Hi, everyone!" Usopp waved at the pirates and his friends. "What?! How can you still be alive?!"

"Still alive?" Cade and Luffy asked. He added, "I just woke up."

"Ah! Sneak attack from a monster!" Usopp jumped from Cade's appearance.

"Will you stop that? I was following you since town. Now what do you mean still alive?" Cade punched Usopp. "I said not to call me a monster!"

"Sorry! He fell off the cliff! There's no way he can be alive!" Usopp pointed at Luffy.

Luffy tilled his head in confusion.

"He was asleep the whole time. Captain, we heard about the pirates! We've got to warn everyone!" Pepper said.

"I'm going to need a complete recap for this." Cade waved a hand. "Get to explaining."

Protect Kaya

"I see. So that's the story. I knew something was wrong with that butler." Cade clenched and unclenched her fists. "We should have pounded him back at the mansion."

Usopp suddenly laughed and shoved his hand behind his back. "Wait. What pirates? Just like all the other times, of course it was just a lie! I was just having my revenge on that butler, by making up stories about him being a pirate!"

"What?! It was a lie?!" Pepper said.

"Man! I thought something big was going to happen!" Carrot said.

"Even the Straw Hat captain helped Captain Usopp lie to us." Onion glared at Luffy.

"Captain shouldn't make up lies just because of this. That's not honorable!" Carrot said.

"Yeah, I feel the same way," Pepper said.

"Me too," Onion said. "No matter how mean that butler is… Captain, I've never thought you would make up lies to hurt others. Let's go home."

"Yeah! Go home and eat dinner!"

"Wonder what's for dinner."

"Sheesh. Those boys are fickle. Let me bandage your arm. Sit." Cade waved to a rock. Usopp sat down and held out his arm. A cool breeze rose off the ocean as the sun sank in the sky. "Explain why you lied to them."

"Because I lie all the time. No one believes a word I say now," Usopp said.

"Even so… the fact that those pirates are going to attack, is the truth, right?" Nami asked.

"They're definitely going to attack in the morning," Usopp said. "But no one believes me. They all think tomorrow will just be another peaceful day." He shot to his feet.

Cade growled and pulled him back down. "Hold still! I'm not done yet!"

Usopp winced. "Since everyone that thinks I'm a liar I'll protect this village myself and prevent the pirates from attacking! In order to protect this village, then this will become just one of my lies! Although they… fired guns at me and chased me with broomsticks… here in this village were I grew up! I love this village! I want to protect everyone!" He covers his face with his hands.

Cade tightened the bandage on his arm with a yank.

"Ouch! Careful! I'm wounded!"

"I said to hold still. It's not my fault you didn't listen."

Usopp rubbed his sore arm. "Anyway, how can I just watch everyone get killed?"

"You are a pretty good guy. You lied to your crew so that you can do this alone," Zoro said.

"Okay!" Luffy stretched out. "I'm definitely going to fight this one!"

Cade nodded. "Definitely want to ruin that horrid butler's day."

"But first things first, all their treasure is mine!" Nami said.

"Of course that's what you care about." Cade huffed.

"What? You guys… are willing to fight with me?" Usopp said. "Why?"

"Because the enemies out number you!" Luffy said.

"And out weight you in strength," Cade added.

"You also have the words 'I'm scared' written all over your face," Zoro said.

"Idiots! Me? Scared! So what if they outnumber me?! They can't compete with me! I'm Captain Usopp! In my veins flows the blood of a courageous warrior!" His legs trembled. He pounds at them. "Ah! Stop shaking! Stop it! Stop it! What are you guys looking at?! They're Captain Kuro's fleet! Of course I'm scared! I don't need your sympathy! Go away! Now!"

Cade reached out and flicked him on the head.

Usopp fell stiff as a board to the ground.

"Oh, yeah. You're definitely going to stand up to an entire crew of pirates by yourself." Cade knelt down and tapped him multiple times. "I think you're already dead."

"I am not!" Usopp sat up.

"We're not sympathizing for you. But rather we're commending you for having courage," Zoro said.

"Even if you're going to die." Cade grinned.

"You are a heartless monster!" Usopp snapped. Cade flashed her sharp teeth. He bowed. "I'm sorry."

"Why else would we risk our own lives?" Luffy asked.

"You… you guys. I'm so touched!" Tears streak down Usopp's face.

"Stop crying. We don't have much time to prepare for them." Cade stood.

Usopp brushed his tears away then lead them to a different shore.

Cade eyed the deep slope of rocks that led down to the water.

"They're going to attack from this shore because this is the only way into the village," Usopp said. "There's only one slope the rest is just cliffs. This means, as long as we guard this slope with our lives, the village won't be harmed."

Cade hummed. Maybe this guy has some good qualities after all. At this point we have the advantage over anyone coming up the slope.

"Sounds easy!" Luffy said.

"Easier said than done," Usopp said. "What are you guys good at?"
"I cut."

"I stretch."

"I manipulate water."

"I steal."

"I hide."

"You have to fight too!" Luffy, Zoro, and Nami scream.

Cade snorted. "Should have seen that coming. So what do we do now?"

"Wait here for a moment. I'm going to go get some oil." Usopp ran towards town. A few minutes later he came back with a barrel of oil. Zoro cut a hole in the side. Cade picked it up and spread the oil over the slope.

"Okay, we're done!" Usopp placed his hands on his hips. "We've spread a massive amount of oil here. Now those bastards won't be able to get up this slope. This is the most effective way to battle them. No matter what we must guard this slope with our lives."

"Just don't fall down there yourself. Or else your screwed," Nami said.

"Yeah." Usopp nodded. "Don't worry! I have a lot of confidence in myself! The sun is up. The pirates are coming soon."

Cade glanced out at the horizon. They watched and waited, only seeing the sun rising and the occasional fish jumping from the water or a bird flying by.

"Where are they? It's already morning." Luffy kicked a rock.

"You don't suppose they slept in?" Zoro asked.

"Am I just overly sensitive?" Nami cupped her ear.

"I don't think there's a shred of sensitivity in you," Cade said.

"Seriously! I can here 'Go' coming from the north direction."

"The north?!" Usopp gasped.

"I'm positive," Nami said. "I can hear it."

Usopp screamed.

"What's going on?!" Zoro asked.

"There's another entrance into the village in the north… But…" Usopp grabbed his head.

"Don't tell me you got it wrong!" Luffy said.

"They talked about the plan here! So I thought they'd attack from this side!" Usopp said.

"How could you make a mistake like that?!" Cade demanded. "We could have sent half of us there to keep watch!"

"I'm sorry!"

"Hurry! Which way are they going to attack the village from?!" Luffy said.

"Going in that direction it'll only take three minutes!" Usopp jerked his thumb to the left. "The landscape on that side is basically the same as this one. All we have to do is prevent them from coming on top of the slope."

"Oh no! That's where we docked our boats! My treasure is going to be robbed!"

"I only need twenty seconds to get there!" Luffy dashed off.

Cade followed behind, noticing he's going the wrong way. "Luffy! Wait!"

"No! I can't!"

"You're going the wrong way!"

Luffy skidded to a stop.

"Jeez, Luffy! You should be able to tell which way is north!" Cade took the lead. A few minutes later they spotted Zoro. "Ack! Not you too! How did you even get here?!"

"Huh? I thought you were already heading to the north," Zoro said.

"Just follow me!" Cade growled.

Shouts grew louder the closer they got to the north slope. Cade spotted Nami and Usopp were cowering at the top. With no time to waste she and the boys leapt over them. She shot out a stream of water. "Hydro Shot!"

Men slipped and fell back down the slope from their attacks.

"I didn't know you guys were this strong," Usopp said from his spot on the ground.

"Of course!" Luffy said.

"What took you guys so long?!" Nami asked.

"Hey! It was you who caused me to fall down that slope! Now you're blaming me?!" Zoro said.

"You fell down the slope?" Cade looked at the swordsman.

"I didn't fall. She fell and pulled me down!" Zoro pointed at Nami.

"I couldn't help it! Better one person fall down than both of us!" Nami said.

"Then you should have been the one to fall!" Zoro growled.

"Usopp, you idiot! You said to go north but you didn't say which way was north!" Luffy said.

"You should know that just by looking at the sun." Cade flicked his ear.

"It was your fault for running off like that!" Usopp said.

"I was trying to help you!" Luffy said.

"Guys, now's not the time to argue over this! That guy with the heart glasses is doing something!" Cade pointed down to the man.

"Looks like he's hypnotizing his men," Nami said.

"Hypnotizing?" Cade looked at the navigator.

"Yeah. We saw him do it before," Zoro said. "His name is Jango."

The men pulled themselves up off the ground with a hearty yell. One slammed his fist against the cliff. Rocks tumbled down the side.

"They have really been hypnotized!" Nami grabbed her head.

"If just one guy can crush the cliff…. Then that many guys…" Usopp trailed off.

Jango pointed at them and yelled, "Go! Kill those pests!"

The men charged forward.

"You two hurry and go up the slope." Zoro jerked his thumb over his shoulder. "We'll take care of this."

Nami help Usopp stand. With his arm over her shoulder they trudged up the slope. "Hey, Luffy. Luffy?"

"Yeah!" Luffy threw his hands in the air.

Cade looked at her brother. His eyes were distant. "Don't tell me."

"You got hypnotized too?!" Zoro, Usopp, and Nami said.

Cade huffed and crossed her arms. "Of course. Well, might as well us it to our advantage." She tapped Luffy's shoulder then pointed at the pirates. "Go get them, Luffy."

Luffy charged down the slope. Pulling back his fists he released his Gum Gum Gatling. Blood spilled from bodies as they flew through the air. He then bolted past the remaining men and grabbed the front of the ship. The bow snapped off in his grasp. Jango lifted his hypnotizing tool and Luffy suddenly fell asleep with the broken ship part falling on top of him.

"Geez. Luffy." Cade shook her head. "At least he's still useful like this."

"His head is squashed under the ship bow," Usopp said. "Is he all right?"

"Don't worry. He won't die from that." Zoro rested his sword on his shoulder. "First worry about yourself. You're still bleeding. Hey, Cade, why don't you give Usopp a look-see? He might need stitching up. I can handle these guys for now."

"Fine." Cade walked over to the curly haired teen and knelt down beside him.

"You a doctor?" Usopp asked.

"No. I'm only know a bit more than first aid." Cade turned Usopp's head to get a better look at his head wound. "I studied a bit with Shanks' crew's doctor."

"Shanks? Then you too know my dad. Yasopp?"

Cade nodded. "Of course, I do. He's the best sniper I've ever seen. You're going to be fine. Just some disinfectant and bandages."

"What are they?" Nami asked.

"Wow. They jumped from so high up. They're like cats," Usopp said.

Cade turned back to the pirates to find two new guys, dressed like cats, had joined the group. Instead of rushing into the fight the two cat men cowered.

"What's going on? Aren't they any good?" Usopp asked.

"I don't know," Zoro said.

"They both seem scared," Nami said.

Cade watched as the two cat men talk to the hypnotist before turning back to Zoro.

"What's going on? Aren't they supposed to be strong? Why are they making those cowards fight?" Nami asked.

"Prepare to die! My claws are really sharp!" The smaller of the two cat men ran up the slope.

"What can you do to me with those claws?" Zoro asked. "If you don't stop now, I'll attack you!"

"Just you? You can't kill me." His claw glove came down on Zoro's sword. "You must be thinking that I'm just a coward, right? I was just pretending to be a coward. If I didn't, then you wouldn't have left your guard down.

"So he was just acting scared?" Usopp asked.

"Will you stop moving?" Cade re-positioned his head.

"Zoro! Your swords!" Nami shouted.

Where'd they go?" Zoro patted his side where his swords should have been.

"You look like you might have a few skills! But you underestimate me, Sham of the Nyaban Brothers. What are you missing something? I don't know where they went." He held Zoro's swords.

"Oh no! That guy took Zoro's swords!" Nami said.

"Thanks for pointing out the obvious." Cade rolled her eyes.

"Give me back my swords," Zoro demanded.

"Give them back? Isn't your sword already in your hand? Oh right, before the battle starts I should…" He took the swords off his back and threw them down the slope. "Get this junk out of the way. Okay." He licked his claw. "Now that's better."

"Don't treat others' swords with disrespect!" Zoro sliced the cat man.

"Wow! Powerful!" Usopp said.

Zoro dashed for his swords but was stopped by the cat man.

"That guy… he's actually very thin. No wonder Zoro's attack missed!" Usopp said.

The heaver of the cat men jumped into the battle. Together they sliced their claws at Zoro.

"Oh no! Zoro can't handle them!" Nami said as Zoro could only defend. "What are you doing?"
Usopp readied his slingshot. "He can't counter with two people attacking him! I'm going to help him out!"

"No!" Cade grabbed his hand to stop him.

"What are you doing?! He needs help!" Usopp said.
"Think about it! What if you actually hit one of those cat men? They'll come after you!" Cade said. "Zoro's having trouble fighting with a sword. Do you think you could do any better with a slingshot?"

"What?" Usopp lowered his arms. "But I can't just..."

"Zoro can handle this." Cade looked back to the fight.

"Maybe so but Zoro needs all of his swords," Nami said. "I have to get them back for him. If I can he'll definitely win this fight."

"Don't be stupid. They're not going to let you get near them," Cade said but Nami was already climbing over the side of the cliff.

"In that case, let me go!" Usopp said.

"Don't overdo it, you're badly hurt!" Nami disappeared over the side.

"Idiot!" Cade followed her. As Jango lifted his circle she shot forward, pulling Nami out of the blade's way. They hit the ground and rolled to a stop. "Are you trying to get yourself killed?!" The battlefield suddenly went quiet. Cade glanced up the slope to find the butler from the mansion standing there. "Great."

Kuro started to monologue and gave them five minutes before they all died.

Cade rushed towards Luffy. "Hey, Luffy, time to get up." She lifted the ship part off him, threw it aside, and tapped his head. "Get up, Luffy. We have another guest."

Luffy woke, stood, and examined the battle field while adjusting his hat. "So even the evil butler is here now."

"Yeah. Now the real fun begins." Cade smiled.

"Three more minutes and all of you will die," Kuro said.

"What?! There's no hope left! Even though we have Captain Jango and Bushi, but only three more minutes! How can we finish off these people?!"

"Buchi! We don't have any more time! You go kill the guy with the swords." Jango said. "I'll deal with the straw hat kid."

"Kuro! Stop it!"

"Crap." Cade looked up the slope to find Kaya. She pulled a gun on the pirate captain but is clearly unable to pull the trigger. "No! What are you doing?! Get out of here!"

Usopp rushed forward and punched Kuro.

Kuro turned sharp cat like claws on Usopp.

Luffy threw out a punch, nailing the butler in the face. The butler hit the ground.

"What happened? How did he knock Captain Kuro down from that position?"

"Captain Kuro's really angry now."

"What are we going to do?"

"Here's our chance!" The Usopp pirates appeared and beat Kuro over the head with a bat, pan, and shovel.

"Those idiots." Cade shook her head. "What are they thinking?"

Kuro shouted out for Jango to kill Kaya.

"Cade," Luffy said.

"Hm?"
"I need you to do me a favor." A pause. "Protect Kaya and those kids."

Cade's eyebrows rose for a moment before lowering. "Right." She launched himself over the battle field with a water twister. Grabbing Kaya's wrist she pulled her from the fight. "Let's go, kids!"

"What are we going to do?! That guy is coming!" Carrot said.

"Don't worry. I'll handle him. Let's get you all farther inside the forest. Find a hiding place in case others get past my crew and come after you," Cade ordered.

"You're going to take him on by yourself?" Onion asked.

"Don't worry." Cade smirked. "I can handle him easily enough." She stopped running. "Now get going."

"Come on, Kaya." Pepper took the girl's hand.

"Be careful," Kaya said before disappearing into the forest.

Cade turned and faced Jango.

"So one stayed behind to fight me," he said.

"Don't expect it to be easy."

Jango scoffed. "You're a child. A child who thinks they can stand up to an adult who's been a pirate for years."

"You say we're going to fight yet you're doing nothing but talking." Cade smirked. "You and your precious Captain Kuro are no threat to us Straw Hat pirates."

"You a pirate?" Jango laughed. "Very well. You asked for it." He tossed his chakram.

Cade kicked off the ground, landing on a branch. The chakram sliced through a tree. It crashed through its fellow trees. She eyed the remaining stump. The chakram had made a clean slice. Okay, that thing could be trouble. It can go through my water unless I hit it just right. But it moves so fast. Clearly he's a long range fighter. I have to get in close. One hit will knock him out. "Come on. Surely that's not all you can do."

Jango gritted his teeth and pulled out a second chakram while grabbing the first one that flew back at him. He threw them both.

Cade jumped seconds before the chakrams sliced the branch she stood on. She flew forward and landed a kick on his cheek.

Jango flew and crashed into a tree.

Cade waited for him to get back up. He didn't. "Well, I knew he was weak but still... All well." She glanced around the forest. "I wonder where they went."

"Hey! Cade!"

Cade turned to find Zoro running up to her with Usopp slung on his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

"You stopped him?" Zoro eyed the man on the ground.
"Yup." Cade nodded. "He was easy."

"Kaya! Where's Kaya?!" Usopp looked around from Zoro's shoulder.

"Farther in the forest. I had them go on ahead and find a place to hide in case more people followed."

Usopp ran off.

"How you doing?" Cade eyed Zoro.

"Just a few scratches. Let's go back. I'm sure Luffy's done by now. No one else should be coming after them." Zoro jerked his thumb over his finger. They left the forest.

...

Cade stretched. "Well, that was fun, but I wish they had put up more of a fight."

"You're insane," Nami mumbled.

"Maybe I am." Cade smiled. After regrouping with Luffy they headed back to the tavern to get something to eat.

"Oh, so this is where you guys went." The pirates looked to find Kaya walking towards them.

"It's you." Luffy waved.

"Don't you need to stay in bed?" Nami asked.

"No. I've been sick like this for a year. Ever since I lost my parents that day Usopp encouraged me. That's why I can't be so weak now. Anyway, I heard you guys need a ship."

"A ship! You're going to give us one?!" Luffy asked.

Kaya nodded. "It's ready right now if you want to see it."

"Yes!" Luffy jumped from his seat. The pirates followed the girl to a beach where a ship and a man were waiting, both matching with a lamb theme.

"Hey…" Zoro said.

"A caravel!" Nami gasped.

"Wow!" Luffy's mouth fell open.

"Not bad." Cade rubbed her chin.

"I've been waiting for you. It's slightly old style but I designed it myself." The sheep man held out his hand. "It's a caravel and it uses a staysail. The controls are in the back. It's called Going Merry." He eyed the pirates. "So it is you all who defeated the Kuro pirates with Usopp. I thought you'd be a little bigger."

"We're only teenagers." Cade blinked. "How big did you expect us to be?"
"Sorry. I meant no offense." The man shifted. "I didn't expect you all to be so young. But I do thank you whole heartily. My name is Meri. Please accept this ship as a token of my appreciation."

Cade shrugged and moved closer to the ship.

"We can really take this?" Luffy asked.

"Yes, I insist." Kaya nodded.

"I will explain the steering system. First of all, in order to adjust the yards in relation to the crew garnet," Meri said to Luffy.

"You'd be better to tell me." Nami stepped closer to Meri.

"This ship is so cool," Luffy said.

"Definitely better than what we've been using." Cade ran a hand over the wood.

"I had everything you would need for a voyage loaded on the ship," Kaya said.

"Thanks for causing all this trouble." Luffy grinned.

"You mean for going through all this trouble." Zoro bonked Luffy on the head.

Usopp's cries pulled their attention to the slope. He came barreling down the slope. "Stop me please!"

"Well, that's one way to travel." Cade chuckled.

"Usopp," Kaya said.

"What's he doing?" Luffy asked.

"I think we should stop him. If he keeps on going like that he'll hit the ship," Zoro said. He and Luffy stepped forward. Lifting their feet they planting them on Usopp's face.

"Th-thank you," Usopp said.

"No problem," Luffy and Zoro said.

Cade jumped to the railing then to the deck while the others used the rope ladder. Usopp remained on the ground with Kaya.

"Have a safe voyage, guys! Hope to see you again on the sea!" Usopp called.

Cade walked up to the upper deck where the others were.

"Why?" Luffy asked.

"Huh. Why?" Usopp sighed with a shrug. "Why do you think? I'm going out to sea and hope to see you again."

"What are you talking about? Get on." Zoro pointed at the ship.

"What?" Usopp asked.

"We're friends, right? Get on." Luffy crossed his arms over the railing and laid his chin on them.

Usopp's eyes brightened. He leaped into the air. "Yes! I'm finally a captain of a ship!"

"Hey! I'm the captain!" Luffy said. "We have to celebrate! Let's get something to drink!"

"I'll get it." Nami disappeared through a door. A few minutes later she came out with mugs.

"To a new ship and new crewmember!" They lift their mugs together. "Cheers!"

Cooks

Cade hummed as Luffy and Usopp fiddled with one of the ship's cannons. Luffy shot once and completely missed the rock he had targeted. Usopp then took over, made adjustments, fired, and blew the rock into pieces.

"Sniper. Artist. Is there anything he can't do?" She lifted her eyes to their Jolly Roger. Usopp had painted it a few days ago after Luffy painted a horrible one. Their Jolly Roger was a straw hat on the skull and cross bone. Fitting for them to become the Straw Hat pirates since their captain wore a straw hat. She wondered what Shanks and his crew would think about it.

It didn't take them long at all to settle in to their new home. There was plenty of space for their small crew, with room to add more members. There were two bedrooms. One for the men and one for the women. But Cade decided not to sleep in the same room with Nami. They didn't get along and probably never would. So she decided to turn the storage and cannon room into her own. It gave her space to put her sewing. And allowed her to keep an eye on some of their food so Luffy wouldn't eat it all.

"Hey! We need to have a meeting!" Nami called from the kitchen doorway.

Cade jumped to the deck then up to the next level.

"I've decided you can be our sniper," Luffy said as they entered the kitchen.

Cade sat beside her brother, keeping him between her and Usopp. While the sniper had finally stop calling her a monster she still got the impression she scared him a bit still.

"All right, I guess I can settle for that for the time being. But if you ever chicken out from you duties, I'll take charge as the ship's captain," Usopp said.

"You can't be serious." Cade rested her elbow on the table and her head in her hand, peering at him from around her brother. "You know I'm the first mate. So if anything happens to Luffy I'll be the captain."

"Come on!" Usopp whined. "I'll be a good captain!"

"Keep enjoying your fantasies." Cade waved at him.

"Hey, I just had an idea!" Luffy crowed. "There's still one crucial position of a pirate crew we need to fill before entering the Grand Line."

"That's right. We do have this fantastic kitchen after all. Of course, I could do it as long as I get paid," Nami said.

"Not going to happen," Cade said. "I'll do the cooking."

"What's wrong with me doing it?" Nami challenged.

"You want to get paid. You have no right to try and drain us of money." Cade twisted a curl. "Do you really think we'll ever have enough money to pay you for three meals a day? I'm doing it. End of story."

"Cade's a great cook!" Luffy slipped his arm around her shoulders.

"Then why can you be the cook full time?" Zoro asked.

"Because I'm not a chief. I'm use to dragging or finding whatever we can out of a jungle." Cade exchanged looks with Luffy. "I don't think we've had a real balanced meal since Grandpa threw us into the jungle. We have to be careful with food on the sea. Well, you humans do anyway. It's different for us fishmen. We can survive on whatever the ocean provides us."

"Yeah, I get you. An indispensable crew member for long voyages." Zoro nodded.

"You think so, too, right? Yup, what a pirate ship crew really needs is a musician!" Luffy said.

Cade laughed.

"Are you retarded?! Did you even hear a word Cade just said?!" Usopp asked.

"And here I thought you were going to say something smart for the first time in your life." Zoro sighed.

Do you have any idea what sailing on the seas is like?!" Nami slammed her hands on the table.

"But a pirate's got to sing!" Luffy said.

"Come on out, you blasted pirates! I'm going to slaughter all of you!" a voice came from the deck. It was followed by a crash.

Luffy rushed outside. "Hey! Just who do you think are?!"

Cade followed him to find a black haired man with sunglasses going on a mini rampage on the ship.

"Who am I? I should be asking who you think you are!" the man swung his sword at Luffy. "I've killed countless of infamous pirates and yet a nameless person like you dares to try and kill me and my partner?!"

Luffy grabbed the man's head and slammed him onto the deck. "Don't wreck my ship!"

"Ugh. A-almost had him."

"Almost? What fight were you in?" Cade leaned over the man and eyed his face tattoo.

"Ack! Monster!"

Cade slammed her foot on the man's face. Her eyebrow twitched. "What is wrong with you humans?!"

"Just what the heck are you shouting about anyway?" Luffy asked.

"Johnny?"

"Z-Zuru?! I's hat 'ou, bro?!" Johnny mumbled from under Cade's foot.

"You know him?" Cade looked up at the swordsman.

"Yeah. You can let him go." Zoro nodded.

Cade removed her foot.

"Where's Yosaku? Isn't he usually with you?" Zoro jumped between the broken railing and landed on the deck with a thud.

"H-he's... sick!" Johnny ran to the side of the ship, disappearing over the side. A moment later he came back up, pulling an unconscious man on board. Zoro and Usopp rushed over to help. They laid the man on the deck. "It happened a few days ago. All of a sudden he turned pale and kept passing out. I don't know what-"

"Scurvy." Cade knelt beside the sick man. She eyed his scaly, dry brown skin before pulling his chin down to look at his gums. As she had expected they were swollen, spongy, and purple. Bleeding in a few places too. "Luffy. Usopp. There are limes in the kitchen. We need to get the juice into him."

"Right!" Luffy and Usopp ran off then returned, each carrying a small crate of the fruit. Grabbing a lime they squeezed them over the man's mouth.

"That was a quick diagnosis." Johnny looked at her. "You a doctor?"

"No, but I know what it is. He caught this because of a lack of nutrients found in fruits and vegetables. He'll be fine soon," Cade said.

"Thank you, big sis. Thank you so much!" Johnny cried.

"Don't call me that. I'm not your sister." Cade stood with an annoyed glare.

Yosaku suddenly jumped up."All right! I'm charged up now!" He and Johnny linked arms and danced around.

"No way he can recover that fast!" Nami snapped.

"Sorry for the late introductions. The name's Johnny."

"And I am Yosaku. Zoro used to bounty hunt with us in the past. Nice to meet you all. I don't know how to thank you. I thought I bit the dirt for sure." The two men stuck a similar pose with one arm under the other while touching their chins.

"Well, color me surprised. I never would have expected the infamous pirate hunter Zoro to become a pirate," Johnny said.

Yosaku collapsed.

"Let this be a lesson to the rest of you," Nami said.

"These are the kinds of dangers we'll have to face on long voyages," Zoro said.

"He would have died for sure if he hadn't come across us." Usopp leaned against the mast. "We definitely need someone to think about our diet to see to it that we stay healthy. Cade is right. What we need is a chef of the sea."

"If you think about it, that's one of the most important talents to have when you're out at sea." Nami crossed her arms.

"All right, I've decided then! Let's go look for a sea cook! Eating good food is never a bad thing!" Luffy said.

"Bro!"

"What is it, Johnny?" Zoro asked.

"If you're looking for a cook, I know just the place," Johnny said. "Of course getting one to join you is another matter all together."

"A restaurant on the seas?!" Luffy grinned.

"That's right. You should be able to reach it from here in two or three days. But that place is close to the Grand Line so you got to be careful," Johnny said. "Lot of dangerous guys around those parts. Even that Hawkeye man you've been looking for has been sighted there once before. If it's all right, I'll lead the way."

...

"We've arrived at the restaurant! Brother Zoro! Brother Luffy! Brother Usopp! Big Sis Nami! Big Sis Cade!" Johnny said.

"I told you not to call me that," Cade said looking at the fish shaped boat they were gliding towards. The word "Baratie" was painted in large letters. Movement from the corner of her eye caught her attention. She looked down to a marine ship sailing up beside them. As a man stepped out on the deck she pulled her hood over her head and listened to the ruckus below.

Johnny and Yosaku attack the marine but they were defeated easily. She continued to watch the marine until a lady came out on the deck. Cade jumped from the mast. Her eyes land on Nami. The navigator was kneeling down ,holding a wanted poster. Glancing over Nami's shoulder she noticed the pirate was a fishman. Arlong? The poster crinkled in Nami's hands, her shoulders trembled. "Hm?"

"Hey! We're in trouble!" Usopp said. "That guy's aiming his cannon at us!"

Boom!

"He fired!" Usopp shrieked.

"Must you point out the obvious?" Cade asked as Luffy jumped into action. Stretching he caught the cannon ball then sent it sailing. Right towards the restaurant, crashing into its roof.

"Luffy! Where were you aiming?!" Usopp shrieked.
"Sorry!" Luffy fell onto the deck then shot himself over to the restaurant as the navy ship continued on without another glance in their direction.

"I can already tell this isn't going to be good." Cade crossed her arms over the railing and waited to hear how much trouble her brother got himself in.

"How long is he going to be in there?" Usopp asked a few minutes later.

"Maybe we should go check on him," Zoro suggested.

"Probably a good idea." The two guys headed for the edge of the ship. Usopp turned back to Cade. "You coming?"

Cade hummed. "I don't think so. Too many people. And with the navy still here I don't want to risk them demanding me to take my cloak off."

"Okay then." Usopp followed after Zoro and Nami.

Cade watched them enter the restaurant before heading to her room to get her sewing. With it in hand she settled down under the mast and continued working on a vest for Luffy.

"You can sew?" Johnny asked.

Cade jumped having forgotten he and his friend remained on the ship. "Uh yeah. I learned when I was a kid. It's a useful skill to have."

"I guess it is," Johnny said.

"Aren't you going to go get something to eat?" Cade asked.

"No. Yosaku is still feeling a bit weak. Zoro said he'll bring us something back."

Cade followed Johnny's eyes to his friend. Yosaku was sitting against the ship wall with his eyes closed. It's amazing he's been up at all considering how close to death he was. She refocused on her sewing.

...

"He's such an idiot."

Cade lifted her eyes at the sound of Zoro's voice.

"Can't argue with that." Usopp nodded.

"What are we going to do? We can't stay here for that long," Nami said.

"What's up?" Cade asked.

"Because of the damage Luffy did to that ship he has to stay for a whole year to pay for it," Usopp said.

"A whole year? That's not possible. Luffy won't stay that long," Cade said.

"What choice does he have?" Nami asked.

"Trust me." Cade smiled. "Luffy's not fit to work in a restaurant. He'll do more harm than good. It's only a matter of time before we take off again. Oh yeah." Setting down her sewing she grabbed her measuring tape, pencil, and notepad then stood up. "I need your measurements."

"Measurements?" Usopp asked.

Cade nodded. "I already have Zoro's and Luffy's."

"Why?" Usopp lifted an eyebrow. "We can buy new clothes if needed."

"We might not have enough money for that. Sometimes it's easier to find fabrics on sale than clothes." Cade pushed Usopp's arms up like a scarecrow and spread the measuring tape over him. His body tensed at her closeness. "Besides you might not find clothing that will benefit you in battles."

"That's true. I guess." Usopp relaxed as Cade continued to measure every inch of him.

"You're so skinny," Cade said.

Zoro laughed.

"Hey! I'm not that skinny! My clothes are just big! I like them loose!"

"There. That's it. I've got all I need. If there's anything you need me to sew for you don't hesitate to asked." Cade slapped her notebook closed.

"Okay. Thanks," Usopp said. "Hey, Nami, are you going to get your measurements taken?"

"No, thanks. I'm not interested." Nami turned from them.

"She just doesn't want to get close to Cade." Zoro sat down against the ship and put his hands behind his head. "I'm sure you've noticed they don't get along."

Usopp nodded.

"Why?" Yosaku asked.

"She hates fishmen," Cade said.

"I do not! I hate pirates!" Nami growled.

"Keep telling yourself that." Cade waved dismissively at the navigator then went back to her sewing.

"You making that for Luffy?" Usopp asked.

"Yeah." Cade nodded. "He can tear up a shirt within seconds. It's good to have more on hand. Besides it keeps me busing during lulls."

"Good idea. Glad I packed some of my own tools to tinker with."

Cade glanced up at the sniper. "Tools?"
"I'm more than a pirate captain and a great sniper." Usopp pulled out his slingshot. "I made this myself. And I can make any kind of weapon you want."

"Really?"

"Yup!" Usopp nodded and jutted his thumb at himself. "So if you need any weapon I've got you covered."

"Thanks, but I doubt it. I prefer to fight with my fists and my water." Cade poked her needle through the fabric. "I do have a dagger. But I don't like to use it."

"Sounds like it's important to you."

"It is."

...

The orange sunset had faded to deep blues when Luffy finally appeared at the ship. With his arms drooping he stumbled his way over to Cade and fell face first onto the deck. "That totally sucked. I'm exhausted."

Cade patted his head. "Well, maybe you'll learn from this and think before you fire so randomly."

Luffy grumbled. "I need food! Cade! Dinner!"

"Fine." Cade placed her sewing down and headed for the kitchen. She paused for a moment when Luffy's hand landed on her shoulder. With a snap, he landed on her back. She hooked her arms around his knees. "You are so pathetic."

Luffy's stomach released a loud growl. "Food."

Cade entered the kitchen and placed Luffy at the table. He slumped on to it. She gathered up some apples, crackers, and cheese and placed them in front of him. "Start with this. I'll have the main course done soon."

"Yes!" Luffy started shoving the food in.

"How can you be so hungry when you stole so much food while you were working?" Usopp said as he and the others entered the room.

"Luffy's always hungry." Cade placed a pan on the stove.

"How are we ever going to keep food around?" Usopp asked.

"Cade fishes for us when we really need food," Zoro said.

"Oh?" Usopp looked at the swordsman.

"She did it for us before you and Nami joined. She has a higher chance of getting something when fish aren't biting," Zoro said.

"That make sense when she can breath underwater and has such strength." Usopp looked back at Cade. "By the way, how strong are you?"
"Well, by human measures I'm stronger than you'll ever be." Cade paused then added, "By fishmen measures I'm probably somewhere in the middle. I know there are some weaker and stronger than I am. Though I don't know by how much since I haven't seen any fishmen since I was kid."

"Do you think we'll meet any fishmen?" Usopp asked.

"Not likely here in the East Blue. But we will eventually run into some when we sail the Grand Line. That's were fishmen are from. They live on an island called Fishman Island. It's actually under the sea." Cade faced them. "My mother told me that relationships between fishmen and humans have been a stormy one. So if we do meet fishmen they most likely won't like you all and will probably try and kill you."

"K-kill us?!" Usopp shrieked. "And we're going to the place where they live?!"

"It's going to be so much fun!" Luffy grinned.

"How can you be so happy about that?! They're monsters!" Usopp gasped, his skin turning blue. "S-sorry, Cade. I didn't mean..."

Cade waved her hand and stepped over to the fridge. "Don't worry about it this time. There are some fishmen who are monsters. They'll kill humans for no reason at all." Pulling items from the fridge she grabbed some noodles from the cabinet and started working.

"You've been quiet, Nami. What's up?" Usopp asked.

"Nothing. Just thinking. How much longer are we going to stay here?" she asked.

"Can't leave until Luffy says so." Zoro put his hands behind his head.

"There's the whole working for the cook thing too. I guess we could just run away," Usopp said.

"I doubt that guy will let us." Nami sighed.

"It'll be fine." Luffy's grin brightened. "Cade, you should come inside the restaurant and meet him. Sanji's great!"

"I'll meet him when he comes on the ship."

...

The next day was the same as the past three. Luffy spent his time in the restaurant working as a chore boy while the rest of the crew bounced between there and the ship.

Cade sighed as she heard another crash from the restaurant.

"There goes another dozen plates or something," Usopp mumbled from his tinkering.

Cade glanced at the sniper, wondering what he was making, before looking around the ship. Johnny and Yosaku were near a sleeping Zoro playing with cards. Nami was no where to be seen.

"Might as well get some swimming in since there's nothing else to do." Cade stepped up on the railing and dove into the cool liquid.

Cade stroked through the water, watching fish and other sea life as it swam by her.

Getting lost in the underwater world she had no idea how much time passed.

She rolled onto her back and started to head back to the surface to check on things. But the ship sailing away from the restaurant.

She knitted her brow.

Something wasn't right. Luffy had too much time to serve at this restaurant for them to leave yet. And he never would have taken off without her. She headed up to see what was going on. Shooting out of the water she scanned the empty deck, spotting only Nami near the bow. What is she doing? Why is she the only one on the ship?

Cade dove back into the water, unnoticed by Nami, and followed the ship.

Six Straw Hats

Cade led the crew in the direction that Luffy went. She was sure they would run into him soon. The island wasn't that big. And there was only one thing he wanted and would get before they left. Though she didn't expect to run into Nami as well. The two were in the middle of the road. Luffy was standing. Nami was kneeling on the ground. The villagers appeared to be no where in sight.

The crew sat down, waiting and watching to see what happened between their captain and the navigator.

Nami pulled out a dagger and started stabbing her tattooed shoulder while shouting out Arlong's name in anger until Luffy grabbed her wrist.

Cade huffed and closed her eyes. Typically Luffy. Going to save Nami. I'm not a fan of hers, but since Luffy sees her as a friend I have no choice. She cracked her fingers. It was time to fight.

"Of course I will!" Luffy shouted out. "Let's go!"
The crew stood ready.

"Let's go," Luffy said. The crew march down the road with their captain, ready for the coming battle. "Cade, you sure about this?"

"I might not care about Nami but I care about you." Cade smiled at him. "I'm with you no matter what. You know that."

Luffy smiled and nodded.

Cade waited until they got to the gate to pull up her hood. She didn't want to reveal her identity to Arlong and his crew just yet. That's where they saw the villagers.

The villagers were all gathered around the gate, all armed with a weapon of sorts, but looked to be unharmed. As they moved out of the way she spotted Yosaku and Johnny. They were harmed. Several bruises and cuts marred their skin. And it appeared they were keeping the villagers out of Arlong Park to protect them.

"You two okay?" Zoro asked.

"We're fine," Yosaku said. "We've been waiting for you."

"Right." Luffy stepped up to the gate. Pulling back a fist he threw it forward. The gate crumbled. "Which one of you is Arlong?"

"That would be me." Arlong looked at them from his chair.

"I'm Luffy." Luffy marched forward, determination rolling off him.

Be careful, Luffy. Cade watched her brother and the fishmen. I know you're strong, but you are facing fishmen. And Arlong is one of the toughest in the seas.

"Luffy? I see." Arlong's lips curled into a cocky grin. "And just what are you?"

"A pirate."

"Hey, you. Stop." Two fishmen step in front of Luffy. "Where do you think you're going? We can't have y-"

Luffy slammed their heads together. "Move it."

The fishmen gasp.

"What does a pirate want with me?" Arlong asked.

Luffy pulled back a punch then slammed it into Arlong, sending the fishman flying out of his chair and crashing into the wall several feet away. "Don't you dare make my navigator cry!"

The fishmen charge.

Zoro, Sanji, and Cade rushed in.

"Geez. Running in headfirst alone like that," Sanji said.

Zoro sliced down a fishman.

Cade ducked a punch then nailed her attacker on the nose with her elbow.

"Don't worry. I ain't going to lose." Luffy flexed his fingers.

"I'm not worried! I only meant that you shouldn't hog all the glory for yourself." Sanji kicked a fishman.

"I d-don't particularly mind either w-way, Luffy," Usopp stuttered.

"Ain't you gutsy." Zoro looked back at Usopp who was still at the gate.

"Roronoa Zoro!" Hachan said. "That's him! The one who tricked me! How dare he take me for a ride! No wait! I was the one who actually gave him a ride!"

"Pirates, huh. I see. So that's how you're all related." Arlong brushed wall pieces off his shoulders. "So your goal from the very beginning was only to get Nami, is that it?" He laughed. "Just what could five measly humans do?"

"Not five humans." Cade pulled off her hood. "Four and a fishman."

"Cade? You... you're with them?" Tip said. "But why? They're humans. You hate humans."

"I hate some humans. Not all of them are bad." Cade cast a glance at Luffy.

"You..." Tip's eyes filled with rage. "You tricked me! You lied! I thought you cared about me!"

Cade tilted her head. "I didn't trick anyone. Nothing I said was a lie. And if you think I fell for you in just a couple short hours then you're more stupid than I thought."

"You..." Tip rushed forward. "You're going to pay for your treachery!"

Cade lifted her fists, ready for a fight. But with a blink Tip vanished from her sight. A heavy force slammed into her. Air vanished from her lungs as the world blurred. Her back slammed against the wall. She crumbled to the ground. C-crap. He's fast.

"How dare you treat a lady like that?!" Sanji growled.

Cade tried to call out for him to stop, but couldn't speak yet. She shot out a stream of water, stopping the cook in his tracks. Drawing air back into her lungs she stood. "Don't... I'll... fight him."

"You sure?" Sanji asked.

Cade nodded.

"How could you side with these humans?! Humans killed your family!" Tip said.

"Someone like you will never understand. So I'm not going to explain it." Cade drew in breath after breath while scanning the area. The villagers were keeping their distance beyond the gate. Good. They didn't need to get involved in this fight. Their crew, but for Usopp, were already in head to head fights. It would probably be best if I fought him in the water. The others have more than enough to worry about. She looked at Tip. "All right. Let's go."

Cade dove into the water.

"You won't get away from me!" Tip hissed behind her. "Water Knives!"

Several spots on Cade's skin split open. Hot pain exploded on her right shoulder. Looking back she saw a sharp swirl of water embedded in her shoulder. A flash of metal caught her eye. Reaching back she grabbed the water, finding something inside of it. She yanked it out. The swirl faded revealing a bloody nail laying in her palm. "So you can manipulate water and combine it with other items to make a new weapon."

"Of course. I'm not a weakling like you." Tip floated in front of her. "I would never let humans make me weak."

Cade shook her head. "You're wrong. Humans haven't made me weak. They've made me stronger." She swirled water around her fist and threw it at him. "Water Fist!"

Her fist collided with Tip's cheek. Pushing through her hit she sent him sailing through the water. She winced at the pain shooting through her shoulder. "Crap. He had to hit my dominate shoulder."

Tip kicked his feet, righting himself in the water. "Not bad. But you're far away from my own strength."

Cade braced herself as he rushed forward. She lifted her hand to form a water shield from his punch. "Water Shie-"

Tip whipped around, avoiding her shield all together.

White flashes spotted Cade's vision as his sharp toenails collided with her injured shoulder. Her flesh ripped with the contact. "Th-that was a low b-blow."

Tip smirked. "What? You thought I would go easy on you because I love you?"

Cade wanted to gag and chuckle at his words. "Now I know there's something wrong with you. You don't love me. You don't even know me. And with how you just attacked my injury tells me that you are also a weak coward."

Tip glared and gritted his teeth. "You... you're going to pay for that! I'm not weak!"

"You are weak. You haven't fired another water manipulation at me. It's very telling. You're not a real water manipulator." A flash of red appeared in Cade's vision, cutting her off. Glancing to her left she saw Luffy. His feet trapped in a large piece of concrete that pulled him towards the bottom of the ocean. She swam towards him. "Luffy! What did you do?!"
"No way!" Tip's knee landed on her back, pushing her to the bottom of the ocean.

"Let go!" Cade placed her hands on the sandy ground. Swirling the water under her palms she shot herself upwards. Ignoring the throbbing pain in her shoulder, she spun around and grabbed Tip's ankle. Holding tight she spun in a circle, spiraling water around his body, then flung him away. Panting she turned and swam back towards Luffy. She saw Nojiko and a scarred faced man had entered the water and were trying to free her brother. The man held a large hammer. He was pounding at the stone but she knew it was pointless. The human would never get a strong enough swing in the water to break the stone. "Hold on, Luffy! I'm coming!"

"I won't let you save him!" Tip's voice raged.

Cade growled and faced him again. "Just go down already!"

Tip threw a punch.

Cade blocked it with her Water Fist then swung upwards towards his chin.

Tip grabbed her wrist and smirked. "You're too slow."

Cade was jerked forward.

Tip swung her in a circle then slammed his knee in her stomach.

Air fled from Cade. Tip's clasped hands came down on her back, followed by his knee in her stomach again. Cade's vision blurred. She eyed Luffy's red vest through the water. Luffy... If she didn't act fast she would lose her brother.

Rage built in her chest.

"No..." Cade righted herself.

"What's wrong?" Tip listed his head. "Upset that I'm not going easy on you?"

"I won't..." Cade pulled in water through her gills. She pulled water around her body until it formed into a twister. "I won't let you take him from me!"

"What is this?" Tip began to get pulled into the twister. "How can you do this?"

"Never come between me and my brother!" Cade snarled. With a wave of her hand the twister pulled Tip into it. She swung her hand upward, throwing him up into the air. She shot after him. Lifting herself into the air with a burst of water, she released the twister. Tip fell towards her. She lifted her fist.

Blood spurted from Tip's mouth upon contact with her fist.

Gritting her teeth at her own pain, Cade felt his bones snap. He went limp. She tossed him aside and dove back into the water. The scarred face man was missing. Her first thought was a fishman got him, but that vanished upon seeing Luffy's neck was stretched out towards the surface.

Swimming towards Luffy she caught movement from the corner of her eye. Heart hammering she hoped it wasn't another fishman. Relief washed over her to find it was only Sanji. A few cuts and bruises littered his face, but he looked otherwise fine. He was swimming towards Luffy. They reached their captain at the same time. She pulled back her fist and winced at the pain. She had forgotten about the wound on her shoulder despite the pain throbbing there.

Sanji waved Nojiko out of the way and brought his foot down on the rock holding her brother in place. Luffy's body snapped upward. Sanji waved at the two girls and headed upwards.

Cade looked at Sanji as they swam. He had came to save her brother. Appears he is loyal already.

They broke the surface to find Luffy was already in battle with Arlong again.

Sanji and Nojiko climbed out of the water.

Cage grabbed the edge of the pool. Pain shot through her shoulder. She winced. With a deep breath she exhaled then moved to push herself out of the water with her manipulations. A hand in front of her stopped her. Looking up she found Sanji smiling at her. She looked back at his hand, hesitated, then took it with her left hand. He hauled her out of the water. "Uh, thanks."

"I noticed you were hurt. Are you okay?" Sanji's eyes fell to her shoulder.

"Fine." Cade placed her hand over her shoulder. "Nothing serious."

They joined the rest of the onlookers to watch the battle.

Luffy and Arlong ended up inside of the building. The area went quiet.

"What's on going on?" someone asked.

Then desks, papers, and cabinets busted through the wall.

"What is-" Cade paused upon noticing one of the papers falling had a map drawn on it. Her eyes drifted to Nami. Tears were in the navigator's eyes. So that's it. That must be where she drew maps for Arlong. Luffy must have learned that. And that's why he's destroying that room. Her eyes went back to the building.

Luffy's foot extended from the roof and came down. The building cracked, rumbled, and fell.

Murmurs rose up among the villagers. "Did Straw Hat win?"

"How could anyone survive that?"

Cade stepped forward then stopped. Luffy would be fine. Nothing that small would hurt him.

After a couple tense seconds, the debris shifted then fell as Luffy stood up. He threw his head back. "Nami! I'm your friend!"

Cade exhaled. Luffy had defeated Arlong.

The villagers cheered. They picked Luffy up after he made his way down to them. They tossed him up and down in the air until he noticed Nami. Luffy jumped to the ground. Nami gave him his hat back then clapped hands with him.

"That's enough celebrating! What a lucky day it is for me today." A mousy looking man walked up to them. A small squad of navy soldiers followed him. "I'd like to thank you all for showing me a most exhilarating battle. Whether by sheer luck or not, I'd have never guessed that the fishmen would actually be defeated by a bunch of no name pirates. But thanks to you, the money that I had to hand over to Arlong, as well as all the riches of Arlong Park now belong to me! So throw down your arms. I, Captain Nezumi of the sixteenth branch of the marines, shall hereby take credit for your victory."

Zoro grabbed the marine by his coat.

"Zoro!" Usopp shrieked.

"It ain't nice to be such a wet blanket when people are busy celebrating," Zoro said.

Cade rubbed her shoulder as the boys punched and kicked the mousy man.

"Goa head. Lay eben one binger on me ib yu dare. I swear yu won't ged away widdit," the navy man mumbled through swollen lips.

"Is his mouth still alive?" Sanji asked.

Nami stood back as the boys thrashed the navy man then walked over to the marine. "This is for shooting Nojiko. And defiling Bellemere's orange fields." She slammed her staff on his head, sending him skidding several times over the water like a rock before sinking.

"Thanks, Nami! I feel better already," Nojiko said.

"He still needs about a thousand more beatings," scarred man said.

Cade sighed to herself as the navy mouse crawled out of the water. Nami jumped right back in to harass the man and telling him all that treasure belonged to the people of the island.

"Cade!" Luffy ran over to her with a big grin.

"You idiot." Cade bopped him on the head. "You scared me there for a moment."

"Sorry." Luffy scanned her. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah." Cade nodded. "Just some minor injuries."

"I'm glad. Now we can party!" Luffy said.

"Yeah!" the crowd cheered, though a few looked at Cade with unsure eyes.

Cade shrugged them off. This once she could let their hatred and uncertainty of fishmen go. They had been through a lot because of fishmen.

After Nami finished up with the navy man the crowd headed back towards the town. During their walk Zoro asked Nami where the ship was. Once she told him he headed towards the ship.

Cade followed.

"You going to change clothes too?" Zoro asked.

Cade nodded. "That and check my wound."

"You're hurt?" Zoro glanced at her.

"Just a bit. Tip used some water manipulation with nails. One hit my shoulder."

"Should you see a doctor?" Zoro's eyebrows rose.

Cade shook her head. "Tip wasn't a real water manipulator. It was a weak attack. All it needs is some disinfectant and a bandage."

"If you say so." Zoro went quiet after that.

Cade jumped upon the ship as Zoro climbed up the ladder. Stepping into her room she removed her top and checked her wound. Pulling out her first aid kit she set to clean it, finding she needed a few stitches. Once done she put everything back up, pulled another tube top on, and headed out to find Zoro waiting for her on the deck. They walked back to the village together. Halfway there they heard sounds of the party having already started. Spices floated on the winds and greeted them.

Cade sat down against a house while Zoro entered the village. She watched the festivities for a few minutes before closing her eyes.

"Are you going to join the festivities?"

Cade opened her eyes to the cook as he walked over to her with food and drink in his hand. She then looked at the villagers. "They've had enough fishmen. I thought I'd give them space."

"They're not going to hurt you or fear you."

Cade scoffed. "Humans will always fear fishmen. If they get over that it'll take some time." A moment of silence passed between them. She looked at him when she felt his stare. She flinched at the softness in his eyes."What?"

"Nothing. Here. I brought this for you. Need to build your strength back up." Sanji smiled, placed the food and drink down, and then headed back to the party.

Cade watched him go and disappear into the crowds before picking up a meat pie off the plate. "What a strange guy."

...

Cade covered a yawn. For two nights after Arlong's defeat the village and pirates partied before Luffy finally said they were going to set sail.

Grabbing another crate she leapt upon the railing of the ship then down to the deck where she placed the crate. Her eyes lifted to the tangerine trees that stood on the roof of the kitchen. She had no idea when Nami placed those on the ship.

Most of the crew thought she wasn't going to come. But surely the navigator would. With how possessive of these trees Nami was Cade doubted they were a gift freely given to a crew of pirates. She jumped back down to grab the last crate.

"This it?" Zoro asked when she landed on the ship again.

"Yeah." Cade nodded.

"We must now run back to our job as bounty hunters," Yosaku said from the dock where he, Johnny, and the villagers had gathered.

"Though we must say goodbye, may we meet once again someplace else in the future," Johnny said.

"I see. Take care then," Luffy said.

"The same to you, my brothers," both said.

"Where is she anyway?" Usopp shaded his eyes while looking for Nami among the villagers. She was still no where in sight.

"Maybe she's not coming?" Zoro leaned against the wall.

"What?! Is Nami really not coming?!" Sanji looked at Luffy with tears in his eyes. "We have to do something!"

"Hey! That raw ham melon you were talking about wasn't anywhere." Luffy pointed at Sanji with a frown.

"Raw ham melon?" Cade blinked.

"You missed a lot staying away from the villagers," Usopp said.

Cade shrugged. It didn't matter to her one way or the other.

"Set sail!" Nami's voice rose among the crowd.

The crew looked out to see Nami weaving through the villagers while they called out for her to stop.

"She's running over here? What do we do?" Usopp asked.

"She said set sail. So… I guess we should set sail," Luffy said throwing a fist in the air. "Release the sail!"

Cade jumped up to the mast and released the sail.

The sail snapped, gathering the wind until it was full. The ship pulled away from the small dock. The villagers turned and scream at them to stop so they can thank them. They also continued to scream for Nami. None of them stopped.

"You sure it's okay to let her leave like this?" Sanji asked.

"It's her goodbye so let's let her decide," Luffy said.

Cade crossed her arms as she watched Nami land on the dock. The navigator hit the edge and launched into the air.

With a thump from her shoes Nami landed on the ship. She lifted up her shirt and several wallets and change purses fell on the floor. She held up a bill while facing the villagers she was leaving behind. "Take care, everyone."

"You rotten little thief!" the villagers scream.

"She hasn't changed a bit," Usopp said.

"I get the feeling she never will," Cade grumbled.

"Is she going to betray us again?" Zoro asked.

"Nami, good job!" Sanji gave her a thumbs up. Hearts then filled his eyes. "Now I have two pretty ladies to look at!"

Cade huffed. "Great. Another idiot has been added to our crew. We sure to attract the weirdoes."

Luffy laughed.

Laboon

&

Log Poses

Cade examined the small island. It held a house, a palm tree, and a lounge chair. Her eyes drifted to the old flower-headed man when he started talking.

"This whale is an island whale, found normally in the West Blue. It's the largest species of whale in the world. This one's name is Laboon," the old man said then pointed at the man and woman who tried to shoot the whale. "And these two are rogues from a nearby town. Their goal is to hunt Laboon because the meat from him can feed their town for two to three years. But I won't allow that. As for why Laboon keeps on bashing his head against the Red Line, and bellows while facing Reverse Mountain… there's a reason for that too. Long ago, while I was minding my business as the lighthouse keeper, a certain group of friendly pirates came down Reverse Mountain. And following their ship was a little baby whale. That whale was Laboon. It seemed that Laboon had accompanied their journey in the West Blue, but fearing that Grand Line was too dangerous, they left him behind or so they thought. Normally, island whales are known to swim together in pods, but to Laboon, those pirates were his pod members. Their ship was damaged when they arrived so they stayed here for several months to fix it. I became good friends with them during their stay. And so, on the day of their departure, their captain asked me if I could take care of Laboon until they returned. Understanding them, Laboon stayed here and waited for them."

"So that's why he keeps on bellowing even today, and bashing himself against the Red Line," Nami said.

"That's right." The old man nodded. "It's been over fifty years since then. He still believes his friends will come back. Follow me. I'll show you the way out."

They follow the man's island, which was a boat, and head up the waterway.

"This is some waterway," Nami said. "I'm amazed you've managed to dig out such a big hole and live inside here. Is this another one of your ways of having a good time?"

"It's a hobby of mine as a doctor," Crocus said. "Don't get the wrong idea. I may not look like much but I'm a real doctor. I even used to run a clinic at the cape long ago. Not only that, I've got a few years under my belt working as a ship doctor too."

"A doctor, really?! Then join my crew as a doctor!" Luffy said.

"Stop talking nonsense." Crocus climbed up a ladder near the wall. "I'm too old to be doing reckless things like you youths."

"So you're a doctor, huh? And you're living inside a whale?" Nami asked.

"That's right. With a whale this big, it's impossible to properly treat it from the outside." He grabbed a large wheel and turned it. "I'll open the gate now."

"One man did all this?" Cade eyed the unnatural parts of the whale. "Sounds like he's bored."

Bright light poured in through the door.

"All right! We're out! I can see the real sky at last!" Luffy stood up at the prow.

"What should we do with these two?" Zoro pointed at the two extra people on their ship.

"Just throw them over somewhere around here," Nami said.

Zoro grabbed the two and threw them overboard.

"Maybe you'll think next time before trying to make Laboon into lunch," Cade called to the two.

Luffy crossed his arms over the railing. "So who were you guys again?"

"Shut up! It's none of your business!" both say.

"No, wait, Miss Wednesday. Perhaps it is their business. As long as they're pirates, that is," the man said.

"True indeed, Mr. Nine. Our organization may have some use for you." Miss Wednesday pointed at them. "Prepare yourselves."

"Then we bid you good day. Until next time, you hillbilly pirates!" Mr. Nine said.

"And heed this, Crocus! That whale shall be ours for the taking soon enough!" Miss Wednesday said.

"So her name is Miss Wednesday? What a beautiful enigma, you are," Sanji said watching the two swim away.

"What's that Luffy?" Cade asked.

"Don't know. I think those two weirdos dropped it." Luffy held up something in his hand.

"Are you sure about letting them go? They'll be sure to come back for the whale again, you know," Nami said.

"Even if I didn't let them go, there will be other rogues who'll come to take their places," Crocus said.

The two ships pulled next to the Red Line where a lighthouse was placed. They climbed up to the land.

"But to think it's been waiting here for fifty years," Sanji said. "Does it still believe its friends will really return?"

"Those pirates sure are taking a long time." Luffy's leaning against a rock with his hands behind head.

"You idiot, this is the Grand Line," Sanji said. He, Usopp, and Zoro sat down at a round wood table with logs as chairs. "They promised they'd be back in two or three years. Yet they're still not back after fifty years. The answer's obvious. They're long dead by now. They won't come back no matter how long that whale waits."

"That would explain why he's song is so sad," Cade said.

"Why do you have to go and say such cold things?!" Usopp slapped the table. "You can't say for sure! They still might come back! Can't you even appreciate such a moving story about a whale who still believes in his friends' promise?!"

"The truth is far more cruel, however," Crocus said. "Those fellows left already. Left from the Grand Line, that is. I heard from a reliable source."

"What?!" Usopp gasped.

"So they just left the whale behind? But that would mean they left the Grand Line through the Calm Belt!" Nami said.

"Yes. That is why I do not know whether they survived or not. But even if they did survive, the would never dare to return here again. A place where the seasons, climate, currents, and winds could not be any more chaotic." Crocus crossed his arms. "A place where common sense fails to uphold. That place is this sea, the Grand Line, and it rules with fear over the faint hearted."

"So basically, those cowards were more concerned about their lives than keeping a promise, and thus left the Grand Line to never return again," Sanji said.

"So they just abandoned the whale? Even though this whale never doubted them, and has been waiting here for over fifty years?! How could they be so cruel?!" Usopp demanded.

"Humans aren't often know for their loyalty, guys," Cade said.

Sanji opened his mouth to reply but seemed to think better of it and kept quiet.

Usopp turned his eyes to the table.

"If that's the case they why haven't you tried to tell the whale the truth? This whale can understand human words, right?" Nami asked.

"I have. I've told him the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth," Crocus said. "He won't listen. Since then Laboon has been bellowing at Reverse Mountain, and bashing his head against the Red Line, as if trying to stubbornly assert that his friends are behind the wall, and that they'll return someday. I've tried telling the truth many more times since then, but Laboon still refuses to accept the truth."

"What a whale. He still keeps on waiting even after being betrayed," Sanji said.

"Even though there's no point in waiting anymore," Usopp added.

"That's exactly it. It's because he'll lose all reason, that he refuses to listen. He's afraid of losing the meaning behind his waiting above all else," Crocus said. "This whale's home is back in the West Blue, which is located on the other side of the Red Line. It's too late for him to go back. That's why his only hope, are the very friends he came along with here in the first place."

Cade looked at Laboon, studying the large wounds on his head. Stubborn whale. If he keeps bashing his head on the wall he's going to kill himself.

"But you know, as much as I feel sorry for this whale and all, you've also been betrayed by them if you think about it. So why don't you just leave the whale behind already?" Sanji asked.

"Look at the scars on his head." Crocus looked up at Laboon. "If he continues to recklessly bash his head against the wall, he'll definitely die. We've had an odd relationship but he's still my companion that I've lived with for over fifty years. I can't just stand by and watch him die."

Luffy screamed.

"Luffy, what are you doing?" Cade walked closer to the edge of the rock. She watched as Luffy ripped the mast off and ran up Laboon's side.

"What is that idiot up to now?" Sanji asked.

"Take your eyes off him for one second and…" Zoro trailed off.

"Maybe he just likes climbing things?" Sanji asked.

"Hey, is that a mast?" Zoro asked.

"Yeah, I think it's our ship's," Usopp said.

"Yup, it's our main mast all right," Sanji said.

"You guys really need to learn to pay more attention," Cade said.

Luffy lifted the mast and jammed it into Laboon's head.

Laboon gave a painful cry and shook his head.

"What the heck is he doing?!" Sanji, Zoro, and Nami screamed.

"He destroyed our ship!" Usopp cried.

Laboon fell towards them

Luffy jumped off the whale and landed on the ground. With a quick spin he punched Laboon in the eye.

Laboon snapped his head against Luffy. He set the pirate sailing against the lighthouse.

"What's he trying to do?" Usopp asked.

"Luffy! What the heck are you doing?!" Zoro demanded.

"He's being Luffy," Cade said. "That's what."

"It's a tie," Luffy said with a smile. "I'm pretty tough. I can always tell when someone wants to fight. Your friends use to spar with you, right? You've missed it. Our fight has yet to be settled, so we must fight each other again. Your old friends may be dead, but I'm your new rival. And once my crew sails around the Grand Line we'll be sure to come back here to see you again."

Tears come to Laboon's eyes.

"And we'll duke it out again!" Luffy said.

Laboon cried happily.

"Hey, Cade," Luffy called. "Do we still have some paint on the ship?"

"I believe so." Cade nodded.

"Get it for me."

Cade rushed to the cliff. She jumped over, landed on the ship, and entered the storage room. Grabbing what paint they had she went back up to the cliff and gave it to Luffy. She stood back and watched as Luffy painted their jolly roger on Laboon's head.

"And done!" Luffy placed his fists on his hips. "This will be a sign of our promise to fight again. So you can't go bash your head against the wall anymore. If you do it'll rub off. Do you hear me?!" Laboon nodded. "Good!"

"All right then, time to chart out our navigation route." Nami sat at the table.

"It's getting late. I'll start cooking." Sanji rolled up his sleeves.

"Might as well get to fixing the ship," Usopp said. "Give me a hand, Cade? I'm not strong enough to move the mast."

"Sure. I'll get it out of the water." Cade dove over the cliff. Water rushed over her skin as she hit the water. She grabbed the mast and lifted it to the ship with a water twister. She fit the broken pieces together and held it there as Usopp started hammering away.

"How could that idiot just destroy our ship?! Hey, we could use a little help here, Zoro!" Usopp said.

"I'm not a shipwright," Zoro said.

"We really need to get a shipwright quick." Cade eyed the sheets of metal Usopp hammered to the mast. "The ship had two major hits today alone. There's only so much we can do."

...

"Hey, you two, come on up and eat," Sanji called.

"Okay," Cade replied.

"Good a place as any to stop." Usopp sat his hammer down.

Cade threw the sniper over her shoulder.

"Hey! What are you doing?!" Usopp demanded.

"Going up the quick way." Cade bent her knees then launched into the air.

"Ah!" Usopp shrieked.

Cade landed and released him.

"Don't ever do that again!" Usopp cried.

Cade shrugged with a grin.

"The compass!" Nami shouted. "It's broken! It's pointing all over the place!"

"It appears you've come here without knowing anything. I'm quite amazed. Did you come here to just throw your lives away? I've said before that common sense fails to uphold in this ocean. That compass isn't broken," Crocus said.

"Then is it… the magnetic field?" Nami asked.

"Yes. There exists a geomagnetic anomaly across the Grand Line," Crocus said. "Due to many islands here being rich with various minerals. Not only that, the currents and the winds here are as unpredictable as they can be. As a navigator, you should well understand how terrifying that can be. If you venture out into this ocean without knowing anything, you'll surely die."

"True. Without a reliable way to tell one's direction, it's all hopeless," Nami said. "I had no idea."

"What?! Isn't that like really, really bad?! Are we going to be okay?!" Usopp asked.

"Ah, Nami's so cute even when she doesn't know!" Sanji gushed.

"Huh? Just what about this fish is bad?" Luffy asked shoving food into his mouth.

Cade sat beside him and filled her plate.

"You two just quiet down!" Nami yelled at Sanji and Usopp.

"This elephant trout trunk is especially delicious," Luffy said.

"To navigate through the Grand Line, you'll need a log pose," Crocus said.

"A log pose? I've never heard of it," Nami said.

"It's a special type of compass that records the magnetic field," Crocus said.

"So it's a weird looking compass?" Nami asked.

"Well, it is rather oddly shaped as well," Crocus said.

"You mean something like this?" Luffy held up the compass.

"That's what you picked up off the ship," Cade said.

"Yes, that's it," Crocus said. "Without a log pose, it'd be impossible to navigate on this ocean. Of course, it is quite hard to obtain one outside the Grand Line."

"I see, but hang on just a second…" Nami stood and pulled back her fist.

Cade blocked her punch and glared. "Don't hit him over something so stupid. If you want to ask him where he got it then ask him."

"Wow! Cade is so hot!" Sanji gushed.

"Those two weirdos from earlier accidentally left it on our ship," Luffy said as he handed it over to Nami.

"So this is a log pose. There's no marking on it or anything." Nami looked at it.

"The various islands across the Grand Line all have their own magnetic fields surrounding them. So in short, you'll have to record the magnetic field interaction between any two islands before you can progress to the next island," Crocus said. "In this ocean, where one can't use any normal means of path finding, this log pose represents the only reliable way for one to find his way. From this mountain you can choose one of seven magnetic fields to record, which will lead you to different islands. But no matter which island you start with, the paths will all converge into one eventually. And the name of the very last island one can reach in the Grand Line is Raftel, the final island. The only ones who've ever confirmed its existence in history is the pirate king and his crew. It is an island of legends."

"Does that mean One Piece is on that island?!" Usopp asked.

"Who knows. Although, that is the most likely theory, nobody has ever reached there to confirm it," Crocus said.

"Enough thinking." Luffy grinned. "We can see for ourselves once we're there! Ah. Should we get going now? I'm finished eating."

"Did you just eat everything all by yourself?!" Sanji screamed.

"Nope. I ate some, too," Cade said. "It was good."

"I'm glad to hear it, my sweet angel fish!" Sanji said.

"Agh! Even the bones are gone!" Usopp said.

"All right, log pose. I'll make sure to take good care of you. The fate of our journey is all up to you, after all," Nami said.

"Why you rubber crap head! That food was… was… for Nami and Cade to enjoy!" Sanji swung his foot at Luffy. The captain flew through the air and shattered the log pose.

"You two can just go cool your heads down in the sea!" Nami kicked at Sanji and Luffy, but Cade grabbed Luffy before she hit him and pulled him out of the way.

"Ah! Wasn't that compass, like, super duper important?!" Usopp asked.

"What do we do, Crocus?! Our precious log pose is…" Nami points at the broken device on her wrist.

"Don't worry. I'll give you one as a sign of thanks for the matter with Laboon," Crocus said.

"Your hand, Miss Wednesday."

Cade looked at Sanji. He had came up from the ocean with the two who tried to kill Laboon. "I thought they left."

"Hey!" Mr. Nine said. "I have a request. Would you take us to Whiskey Peak?"

"Whiskey Peak? What's that?" Usopp asked.

"It's the name of our town," Mr. Nine said. "We've lost our ship so we can't go anywhere."

"Guess that explains why you're still here." Cade crossed her arms.

"Don't you think that's asking a bit too much, Mr. Nine? Especially considering you tried to kill the whale and all?" Nami asked.

"Just who are you guys anyway?" Usopp asked.

"I'm a king," Mr. Nine said.

"Liar." Nami pinched his cheek.

"We cannot say!" They bow. "But please! Please take us back to our town and we swear we'll return the favor!"

"We'd really rather not keep things hush-hush about everything, but mystery is our organization's motto. And so we absolutely cannot tell you anything more," Miss Wednesday said. "Please help us out from the kindness of your hearts."

"You can't be serious," Cade said.

"Don't listen to them. They're nothing but trouble," Crocus said.

"Well, we accidentally broke our log pose, but do you still want a ride?" Nami shows them the pose.

"What?! You broke it?! And isn't that ours?!" Mr. Nine said.

"How dare you try to take advantage of our misfortune when you're just as misfortune as we are?!" Miss Wednesday said.

"Oh right! I forgot to mention that Crocus here gave us another log pose," Nami said.

"We beseech your kindness, madam," Mr. Nine said while they bowed again.

"Okay. They can come along if they want," Luffy said.

"All right then. Is it properly pointing towards a place indicated on the map?" Crocus asked.

"Yup! It's pointing towards Whiskey Peak," Nami said.

"You sure about this, kid? Pick Whiskey Peak all just because of these ruffians. The only place you can choose which route you want to take is here, you know," Crocus said.

"It's fine. If I don't like the route, I can always sail once around and choose a different route," Luffy said.

"I see." Crocus smiled.

"Bye then, Flower Gramps," Luffy said.

"Thanks for the log pose," Nami added.

"See ya, then," Crocus said.

"We're going now, whale!" Luffy called.

Laboon called back.

Sick

Cade knelt down beside Nami and placed her hand on the navigator's forehead. "Her fever keeps rising."

"What?!" Sanji shrieked.

"Sanji, get a bowl of cool water and a cloth." Cade lifted Nami.

"What's wrong with her, Cade?" Luffy asked as he, Vivi, Usopp, and Karoo followed her into Nami's room.

"I don't know." Cade laid Nami in her bed.

"I've got it!" Sanji dashed down the stairs.

Vivi took the bowl of water and placed it down at the head of the bed. She wet the rag, wrung it, and placed it on Nami's head.

"Iz Nabi gunna die?" Sanji placed a cloth in his teeth and chewed on it. "Well? Iz she, Bibi?"

"It must be from the climate change. The one obstacle that all sailors who enter the Grand Line will crash into sooner or later, is sickness called by the abnormal climate," Vivi said. "No matter how famous or strong of a pirate you are, helplessly dying at the hand of such an illness is common occurrence here in the Grand Line. Even the slightest symptoms can lead to death if ignored. Isn't there anyone on the ship with some medical knowledge?"

Luffy and Usopp pointed at Cade. "Hey! Don't point at me! I'm not a doctor! I only know a little more than basic first aid! And I don't have a clue what's wrong with her!"

They then pointed at Nami.

Cade sighed. "You idiots. This is all our first time in the Grand Line. I doubt Nami would know anymore than we do."

"Oh, I'm sure she'll get better if she just eats some meat! Right, Sanji?!" Luffy looked at the cook.

"Well, I obviously plan on giving her nutritious meals that are easy enough to digest even for a sick person but, even all that only goes so far as to be called nursing," Sanji said. "It may not actually cure her. And in the first place, when it comes to preparing meals for the ladies here, I put in a hundred times more effort than for the rest of you lot. I only use the freshest meats and vegetables to cook a perfectly balanced meal for them. The leftover scraps and ingredients on the verge of spoiling are then given to you."

"What?!" Usopp turned green.

"Even so, it still tastes great!" Luffy laughed.

"Says the boy who still eats worms," Cade said.

"In any case, as long as I'm the chef on this ship, there won't be any trouble related to malnutrition or such. So if someone is still sick, then it's because of a completely different illness. And unless I know what that is, I won't know what type of meal to prepare would be best either."

"Couldn't you just eat everything instead?" Luffy asked.

"Not having enough energy to even eat is what we call sick in the first place, you idiot," Sanji said.

"Not good. Nami's temperature went up again," Vivi said with her hand on Nami's cheek. "Do you have a thermometer?"

"I think Nami put one here." Cade opened Nami's desk draw. The thermometer laid at the edge. "Here."

"Thanks. I'll keep an eye on her temperature." Vivi took the small device.

"There should be doctors in Alabasta, right? Just how much longer until we get there, Vivi?" Usopp asked.

"I don't know. But it'll definitely be more than a week," Vivi said.

"Is being sick really that painful?" Luffy asked.

"Dunno, can't say I've even been sick myself," Usopp and Sanji said.

"Come to think of it." Cade tapped her chin. "I don't think I've been sick either."

"Are you people even human?!" Vivi's jaw dropped.

"I'm not." Cade lifted a hand.

"Never mind." Vivi sighed. "Of course it's painful. Her temperature is currently a hundred and five. A fever like that almost never happens! In fact, it's enough to put her life at serious risk!"

The boys scream in shock.

"Will she die?!" Luffy asked.

"Preeze dun' die, Dabi!" Sanji cries.

Karoo ran around the room quacking.

Cade rubbed her temple. "Your screaming is giving me a headache."

"Stop making a fuss and shut up!" Vivi said.

"We have to go find a doctor and save Nami right away!" Luffy said.

"Yes, I know so just calm down or you might aggravate her condition further!" Vivi said.

"No." Nami sat up.

"Nami?" Vivi asked.

"Yipee! She got better" Luffy threw his hands in the air.

Cade studied Nami's cheeks. They were almost a sunburn red.

"No she didn't!" Usopp smacked him.

"There's a newspaper," Nami said. "In my desk draw."

"Who cares about a newspaper?" Cade asked.

"Vivi, look at it." Nami panted.

What kind of sickness is this? Cade wondered. She's having such a hard time talking.

Vivi walked over to the desk and pulled out the newspaper. "What?!"

"What is it?" Luffy asked.

"Is it about Alabasta, Vivi?" Sanji asked.

"This can't be… three hundred thousand soldiers of the royal armed forces switched sides to join the rebels?!" The newspaper crinkled under Vivi's fingers. "Originally, the six hundred thousand strong royal armed forces could contain the rebels who were only four hundred thousand strong. But now the situation is completely opposite!"

"With that, the situation in Alabasta has entered its most critical phase," Nami said. "And that was the paper from three days ago. Sorry for now showing it to you until now. I didn't want to worry you any farther since we were already sailing as fast as we could. Understand, Luffy?"

"Sounds like an emergency," Luffy said.

"That's right. I'm surprised I managed to get through to you so well," Nami said.

"But if we don't get you to a doctor soon…" Usopp started.

"It's fine. That old thermometer's broken anyways. There's no way a person would have a fever of a hundred and five." Nami crawled out of bed. "I'm sure I just caught heatstroke or something."

"Give me a break." Cade poked Nami on the forehead. "It's not heatstroke. Get back in bed and shut up."

"It's not necessary. I'll get better just fine on my own even without seeing a doctor." Nami headed for the stairs. "In any case, we'll continue to head for Alabasta as planned for now. But thanks for worrying about me."

"Sure. So is she all better now?" Luffy said.

"Of course not. She's only putting up a tough front." Usopp planted his hands on his hips.

"More like a stupid front," Cade said. "Moving around could cause harm. But if she wants to die then let her."

"What?!" Sanji shrieked. "Why would you say that?! How can you be so heartless?!"
"It's not heartless to state the truth." Cade fixed Sanji with a stern look. "We have no idea what's wrong with Nami. Perhaps its some illness she picked up on Little Garden. And, clearly, no one lived there, excluding the giants. There could be all kinds of illnesses that people don't know about on that island."

"Well, yeah..." Sanji lowered his eyes to the floor. "I'm sorry."

"It's fine. I understand you're upset, but we can't ignore the facts here," Cade said.

"If I can't stop this, then it's all over for the kingdom of Alabasta! It'll be taken over by Crocodile!" The pirates turned their eyes to Vivi. "It's not good enough to just return alive anymore. If I can't get back soon enough, then a million of my people will be killing each other for no good reason."

"There's a million people there?" Luffy asked.

"That's quite the burden," Sanji said.

"Hey, all of you! We've got work to do! Come out here!" Zoro called from the deck. They ran out on the deck. He looked at Sanji. "Take the helm and steer towards south."

"What? I don't feel like taking orders from you," Sanji said.

"Just shut up and do it! Lower the sails so we can catch the wind from port side," Zoro said.

"Got it!" Usopp said heading for the shroud.

Cade leapt to the cross mast. Untying the rope she set her side of the sail free. The sails snapped upon Usopp freeing his side.

"What is it, Nami? The seas are calm and the weather looks clear to me," Sanji said.

"Wind. I have a feeling… that there's going to be a strong wind coming from ahead." Nami steadied herself on the railing.

Luffy placed his hand on her forehead then jerk back. "Hot! Hot! Hot! We really do need to land and take you to a doctor!"

"That's just my normal temperature! Now stop wasting time and get the ropes!" Nami said.

Cade jumped down to Luffy and Nami. "You're hot all right. A hot headed jerk who doesn't know how sick she is."

"Shut up." Nami panted. "This isn't about me."

"Nami, I know this is for Vivi's sake and all but you really shouldn't be pushing yourself too much," Sanji said.

"I told you, I'm fine!" Nami snapped.

"Nami, I think you ought to-" Usopp started.

"Just be quiet and turn the ship around already!" Nami said.

"I have a request to ask all of you." Vivi stepped out on the deck. "I know that it's not my place to make such demands since you've already let me on this ship and all… but with the emerging crisis in my country, I want to go there as soon as possible. Not even a single moment can be spared anymore. That's why, I ask for this ship to head for Alabasta, at the fastest speed."

"Of course. Just like we promised." Nami smiled.

"Thus, we need to find an island with a doctor immediately," Vivi said. "We have to see to it that Nami gets better as fast as possible, and then head for Alabasta! That'll be the only way this ship can sail at the fastest speed, right?"

"Finally. Someone else talking sense," Cade said.

"You bet! Can't get any faster than that." Luffy nodded.

"You sure? Aren't you worried about the lives of a million Alabastians, being a princess and all?" Usopp asked.

"Exactly. That's why we need to get Nami to a doctor as quickly as possible," Vivi said.

"Well said, Vivi!" Sanji said. "I've fallen for you over again!"

"I like your guts," Zoro said.

"I'm sorry for making your worry, but please don't overexert yourself, Nami," Vivi said.

"Sorry… Vivi… but I think… I'm really…" Nami's leg wobbled.

Vivi grabbed the navigator.

"Ah! What is that?!" Luffy out to the ocean.

A large cyclone swirled in the direction they were heading in.

"Wait a minute!" Vivi held Nami up. "That direction is…"

"That's exactly where we were headed just a moment ago!" Sanji said. "If we had sailed straight, we'd have crashed right into it by now!"

"Talk about a close call!" Luffy held onto the mast. "All right, let's hurry it up, guys! We'll keep heading south to find a doctor!"

"Right!"

"Vivi, take Nami back to her room and keep her there," Cade said.

"Sure thing." Vivi nodded and guided Nami back inside. "Come on, Nami."

"Great. That's taken care of." Cade turned to the boys.

"Yeah. But what now?" Usopp said. "Nami's the navigator. And she did just save our bacon a minute ago."

"It'll be fine. I'll keep an eye on the ocean for now. Keep heading south," Cade said.

"Wow! Cade! You're so cute when you take control!" Sanji wiggled in joy.

"Cade is great!" Luffy grinned.

"Sanji, after Nami gets some sleep you should see if she'll eat something," Cade said. "Something not too strong."

"Right. I know just the thing. Leave it to me!" Sanji puffed on his cigarette before heading to the kitchen.

Doctors

"That can't be," Vivi said.

"What in the world? How is it possible for there to be only one doctor in an entire country?" Sanji asked.

"Hey, Nami." Luffy slapped Nami on the cheek. "Can you hear me?"
"And just what do you think you're doing?!" Vivi, Usopp, and Sanji demand.

Nami opened her eyes.

"Ah, your awake. Listen, we can't get a doctor unless we go up a mountain. So we'll be hiking up," Luffy said.

"Are you crazy?! Just what are you trying to put Nami through?!" Sanji demanded.

"It's fine. I'll be carrying her," Luffy said.

"Even so, you're still going to exacerbate her condition," Vivi said.

"What the big deal? We got to get her to a doctor as quickly as possible, don't we?" Luffy asked.

"Yes, but it's impossible as it is right now! Just look at how tall that mountain is?!" Vivi points to the window.

"It's not like we have much choice," Cade said.

"Cade and I can climb it," Luffy said.

"Maybe you two can, but it's still too much of a burden on Nami!" Sanji said.

"Well, even if she falls there's only nice and comfy snow below," Luffy said.

"A normal person would die instantly if they fell from a mountain of that height!" Vivi said. "And you're not even dealing with a normal, healthy person here! She has a temperature of a hundred and seven! Do you understand how serious her situation is?!"

"Well, I might be able to push us up with my water manipulation," Cade said. "There's plenty of moisture here to work with."

Nami coughed and pulled out her hand. "I'll leave it to you two then."

"Great!" Luffy slapped her hand. "Leave it to us then!"

"Oh lord, our navigator's just as crazy as our captain!" Usopp said.

"Do you understand just how sick you are, Nami?" Vivi said.

"Mister, give me some meat!" Luffy said.

"Meat?" Dalton blinked.

"Nami, are you really fine with this? It make take over several hours to climb up," Vivi said.

"All right, I'll be coming along too!" Sanji said.

"Letting Nami fall even once could mean the end for her, got it?" Usopp said.

"What? Even once?" Luffy asked.

"You're being dramatic," Cade said. "Nami's not going to die from a small fall. Come on. Let's get going."

"Hold on. Let's tie Nami to whosoever carrying her." Vivi looked around. "Do we have rope?"

"I have some." Dalton left the room and came back with rope.

Vivi took it and tied Nami onto Luffy's back. "Stand still. I have to tie her tightly around you. That should do it. I'll stay behind here. I'd only drag you down if I came along."

"Me too!" Usopp said.

"All right! Hang on tight, Nami!" Luffy said.

"If you're serious about this, I won't stop you but you should at least climb up from the other side." Dalton jerked his thumb at the mountain. "The route to the top from here is full of lapins. They're violent and carnivorous rabbits. If you come across a pack of them, there will be no escaping alive."

"Rabbits? But we're in a hurry. I'm sure it'll be fine. Right?" Luffy looked at Cade and Sanji.

"Yeah." Sanji nods. "I'll kick any that gets in our way."

"They won't be a problem at all." Cade flexed her hands.

"Then let's go!" Luffy ran forward. "Before Nami dies!"

"Don't say that, you idiot!" Sanji screamed.

"See you later!" Cade waved to those staying behind as she ran to catch up with Luffy and Sanji.

...

Snow crunched under their feet. It had been already over an hour since they have left the town. The mountains didn't look any closer than before. Cade huffed. Why did this doctor have to live on top of a mountain?

"It's getting pretty cold with all this wind," Luffy said.

"Why are you wearing sandals in this weather? Just looking at them is making me feel cold," Sanji said.

"That just my police," Luffy said.

"You mean policy," Sanji said.

"Oh, is it?" Luffy asked. "In any case, did you know that people in snowy countries don't sleep?"

"And why is that?"
"Because they'll die if they do."

"That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard."

"It's true. That's what a guy once told me."

"Who? Usopp?"

"Nope, from a guy in a bar."

"You two." Cade sighed. "You're talking about absolutely nothing. But I guess it is passing time a bit quicker."

A baby bunny with sharp teeth leaped out at them. It missed, landing on their other side. Cade eyed the creature as it followed them. It leaped at them again. Missing again.

"Then why was there a bed in Dalton's home?"

"Ah, you're right! Then that must be when it's time for him to die."

"That's even more ridiculous! Well, let me ask you this. Did you know that the women of snowy countries all have beautiful smooth skin?"
"Why's that?"

"Isn't it obvious? You know how when it's cold, you rub your skin together? Well that's why. Having smooth white skin is the trademark of women in snowy countries."

A bark snapped. A tree fell over their path. They hop over it without pausing. Cade caught the small rabbit creature snarling at them. It knocked down a tree?

"Why white?"

"That's because the color of the snow seeps into their skin."

"You're pretty stupid, you know."

"You're the last person I want to hear that from! In any case, would you know it off already?!" Sanji kicked the baby rabbit when it charged at them again.

"What's up with that rabbit?" Luffy asked.

"Well, Dalton did say there were carnivore rabbits around here," Cade said. "That must be one of them. Didn't you notice it's sharp teeth? I think it wants to eat us."

"I did." Sanji leaned closer to Nami. "Hang in there, Nami. We'll get you to a doctor soon."

"The snow's real thick around here," Luffy said.

"It's hard to walk in." The snow reached halfway to Cade's knees. "My calves are screaming."

"Hey, Luffy, be more careful when running or Nami's body won't hold up," Sanji said. They pause to large rabbits lined in front of them, blocking their way. "What are these things? More of those things Dalton told us about?"

"They're white and big so they got to be polar bears," Luffy said.

"I don't think so," Cade said, eyeing their sharp teeth.

A rabbit jumped and slammed it paws down on the ground between them. The pirates leapt out of the way.

"What in the world?! How can it jump like that?!" Luffy asked.

"I guess it's expected of a snow creature, to be able to move this swiftly over thick snow," Sanji said. "We're at a disadvantage here. Luffy, don't lay a hand on any of them."

"Why not?" Luffy asked.

"You may be unaffected, but the impact of every blow you deliver or receive, will be transferred to Nami. So if that happens, she'll die for sure," Sanji said.

A lapin roared.

"Got it! I swear not to fight!" A lapin swiped its claws at Luffy. "Then what should I do?"

Cade kicked the lapin away from him. "Don't worry. I've got your back."

"Let Cade and me do the fighting." Sanji kicked away two lapins. "Just dodge for now! Dodge and run! But don't run too fast!"

"That's way too hard!"

"Flanchet Shoot!" The lapin barely goes flying. "Crap. It's hard to get any good kicks in with both feet stuck in the snow."

The lapins rushed for them all at once.

"We'll cover you so run to the forest!" Sanji said. "We have to shake them off somehow. If we were to seriously fight all of them, we'd be stuck here until the sun goes down!"

Luffy lifted a foot when a lapin charged him.

Sanji grabbed him. "Stop! I told you to leave it to me!"

"Sorry!"

"This is a matter of life and death!" Sanji kicked another one.

Cade gathered water in her palms. Shooting the water towards a tree she propelled herself towards a small group of lapins. She threw out her other hand, nailing them with a sharp stream of water.

"Hey Sanji, we can climb up from here!" Luffy called.

"All right. Go on ahead."

Luffy used a lapin to jump up to a cliff jutting out.

Cade and Sanji followed him. She glanced over her shoulder. "They're still after us!"

The lapins rushed after them before managing to get ahead of them.

"Just keep running all the way to the top!" Sanji said.

"The heck are they doing now?" Luffy asked when the lapins paused in front of them.

"They stopped chasing after us, but now they're up to something else." Sanji's eyebrows knitted.

The lapins jumped up and down.

"W-wait. It can't be. They couldn't possibly be trying to cause an avalanche!" Sanji said.

"We have to stop them!" Cade swirled her water, knocking the lapins away.

"Nice!" Sanji gave her a thumbs up.

Snow crunched behind them.

"Not more." Sanji turned.

"Wait! You've been disrespecting me to many times, you little brat!" Wapol and his two men came rushing towards them.

"Great. Those weirdos again," Cade said.

"Get out of our way," Luffy said.

"Are you dreaming?" Wapol laughed. "Why do I have to let you go? That thing you are carrying is about to die anyway."

"Why you little-"

Cade blasted them away with water, cutting Sanji off. "We don't have time for this. Let's go. We're almost to the base of the mountain."

"Cade! My darling angelfish! You are amazing!"

...

"Hey! We made it!" Luffy said. "Can you lift us now?"
"I'll try."

"You'll try?" Sanji asked.

"I've never lifted more than two people before. It might not work." Cade lifted her hands.

"What?!" Sanji screamed.

"It'll be fine. Even if I can get us halfway up we'll save a lot of time doing it this way." Cade held her palms down towards the ground. "Try not to move. And stay close."

Sanji and Luffy stepped closer to her.

Cade swirled her water. Slipping it under their feet she lifted them off the ground a couple inches. "So far so good."

...

Cade winched at the icy burn against her webbing. How long had she been doing this? How much farther. She looked up only to see gray clouds.

"Hm? You okay, Cade?" Sanji asked.

"Fine." Cade schooled her features. I can't stop now.

A few more minutes passed. Numbness settled into her hands. She winced. Her water faded. They plummeted.

"Cade!" Luffy cried.

"Got ya!" Sanji grabbed onto Cade then dug his hand into the rock. Holding her close to him he caught a glimpse of the ice on her hands. "Cade! You should have said something!"

"I'm f-"

"You are not fine!"

"What's wrong?" Luffy asked.

"Cade's hands are frozen with ice! We have to get up there! Now!"

"Right! Can you climb, Sanji?" Luffy asked over the howling winds.

"Yeah! I'll carry Cade!"

"Then let's go!"

Cade tried to protest but the cold closed in around her and her eyelids fell shut.

...

Cade opened her eyes to a stone ceiling and a warm blanket wrapped around her. Glass clinked close by. She rolled her head and spotted a small child with horns and a hat beside a table. She reached for the blanket and noticed her hands were restricted. She pulled them from under the blanket to find bandages wrapped around them. "What the heck?"
"Huh?" The creature turned towards her. "Oh, you're awake."

Cade turned to find it wasn't a child, but a deer of some kind. "You... what are you?"

"A reindeer," he said. "My name is Chopper."

"Chopper, huh? I'm Cade." Cade glanced around, spotting Nami at the other end of the bed she was on. "I was with two others. Both guys."

"They're in another room sleeping," Chopper said. "They'll be okay."

"Did you help us?" Cade asked.

Chopper nodded.

Cade parted her lips to say more but Nami woke up.

Chopper screamed with the navigator noticed him.

Well, that was an odd reaction. Cade blinked at Chopper. The small reindeer was tucked in the other doorway, eyes widened with fear. He's scared of Nami but not me?

Chopper quickly disappeared before an old woman with wavy hair took his place. "So you two are awake now, huh?"

"Let me guess… that reindeer ate a devil fruit," Cade said.

"Quick diagnosis there, girl," the woman said stepping over to Nami. She lifted the navigator's shirt. "You got bitten by a bug."

Cade spotted the red mark on Nami's stomach while the woman explained what it was.

"You'll need three more days of rest."

"Three days?" Nami said. "We can't stay here that long."

A ruckus came from the other room before Chopper came running back in with Luffy and Sanji hot on his hooves.

"What are you two doing?" Cade asked.

"I'm hungry!" Luffy said.

"I'm going to cook that reindeer!" Sanji said.

"What are you two doing up?" the woman asked.

"It's you. You're the doctor that helped us. Please come with us. I beg you," Luffy said. "Please, old lady!"

"Your name is Luffy, right?" the doctor said.

"Yes."

"You'd better watch who you're calling old!" She kicked Luffy. "I'm only a hundred and thirty nine years old! I'm still young!"

"Wow! What a strong kick for an old woman," Sanji said.

She kicked Sanji then sat down at the table. "You want me to become a pirate. That's ridiculous. I don't want to waste my time. Besides, I don't care about going to the ocean."

"It's okay if you don't care. Just come with us," Luffy said. "We can have adventures, old lady!"

"Didn't I just warn you to watch your mouth?"

Luffy and Sanji spot Chopper again. They ran after him.

"Nami, my love, please wait a second! I'll cook some reindeer soup for you!" Sanji yelled as he leaves the room.

"I don't want any soup. I only want some peace and quiet," Nami said.

"With this crew? Not going to happen," Cade said. A cold wind blew in along with snow. She got up and closed the door. "Why do they allow this place to be so cold?"

"You better be careful." Chopper looked carefully around the room. "Your hands need time to heal. Both of you need time to recover." He looked at Nami. "You still have casha bacteria in your body. You need another injection and more rest."

"Thanks," Nami said.

"Huh?" Chopper blinked.

"Thanks for taking care of us." Nami smiled.

"Shut up!" Chopper snapped then smiled and wiggled his body. "I don't want any gratitude from humans! You're still human!"

"He doesn't hide his emotions very well, does he?" Nami said.

Chopper moved closer to Nami and tapped her hand. "Are you really pirates?"

"Yes."

"Really?"
"Really."

"Do you have a pirate's flag?"

"Yes. It's on our ship. Do you want to be a pirate?"

"Don't be stupid!" Chopper crashed into a bookshelf. "Who told you that?!"

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry." Nami smiled. "Anyway, do you want to come with us?"

"What?!"

"Just come and join us. How about that? If you come then I wouldn't have to stay here for three more days," Nami said.

"Don't be ridiculous! I'm a reindeer. How could I live with humans?" Chopper asked.

"I'm a fishman and still live with humans," Cade said.

Chopper stared at her for an intense moment. "Are you… aren't you two scared of me? I'm a reindeer, but I can talk and I can stand on two legs."

Nami chuckled. "You want us to be scared of you?"

"My nose is blue," Chopper said.

"I think it's a cute nose." Cade smiled.

"There you are!" Luffy and Sanji come running back into the room.

"Ah!" Chopper dashed away.

Kureha sighed and sat down. "I can't believe those kids. You're not a sweet little girl after all. While I'm not here you tried to tempt my reindeer away from me."

"Oh? Since when do I need permission to make a move on a man?" Nami asked.

Kureha laughed. "No. Just take him with you. But it's not going to be that easy. He has a wound inside his heart that even a doctor can't heal. When he was born, he was rejected by his own parents. Because of his blue nose he was forced to walk in the back of his herd. One day he ate the human human devil fruit. He was treated even more like an outsider and was forced to leave the herd. Lonely he searched for companionship among humans. But his form was not perfect. Why? It because of his blue nose. He was neither human nor a reindeer. However, there was one man. The only one that didn't see Chopper as a monster. His name was Doctor Hiriluk. He used to live here. He was just a fake doctor who gave Chopper his name and called him a son. But they didn't have a happily ever after ending. Hiriluk was going to die. Knowing this he ran Chopper off. But Chopper over heard the two of us talking. He went off in search of a mushroom he believed could cure any illness. In reality it was a poisonous mushroom."

"Chopper killed him?" Nami asked.

"No." She shook her head. "Hiriluk faced off against Wapol and his men. That's what killed him."

Chopper ran into the room. "Doctor! It's an emergency! Wapol is back!"

"Is that so?" Kurena left.

"You're not going?" Nami asked.

Cade looked at her hands. "They'll be fine. Besides I don't think I should fight right now. I might rip my webbing beyond repair. The others will be fine."

...

Cade stared up at the cloudy sky thinking about how Chopper was joining their crew. Or he was after he said goodbye to Kureha. After the crew defeated Wapol and his men, Chopper became less scared of the human pirates.

Suddenly, hooves came thundering towards them. Chopper was in his normal reindeer form and was pulling a sled. Behind him Kureha was throwing weapons at him. The crew piled into the sled and they were off.

Loud blasts made them stop. They turned back to see large pink clouds raining pink specks down on them.

Cade held out her bandaged hand. A cherry blossom landed in it. "A cherry blossom?"

Tears poured down Chopper's cheeks.

They stayed there for several minutes before Chopper started pulling the sled again. They loaded up the ship and were off, celebrating another crewmate as they headed for Alabasta.

Vivi

"We're leaving tonight?" Nami asked.

"I think this is the right time to go," Zoro said. "What do you think?"

"The marines have started to move, too," Sanji said.

"Luffy. It's up to you," Usopp said.

"Right. We should have another Alabasta meal before we go," Luffy said.

"We must go now, idiot!"

"I'm beyond ready to go. I hate this place with a passion." Cade stretched. "I need the ocean. I've been away from it for far too long."

A knock on the door. A servant walked in with a transponder snail. "You have a call from someone named Bon Bon."

"Bon Bon? We don't know anyone by that name," Cade said.

"But, he says that he's your friend."

"Is it a trap?" Usopp eyed the transponder snail.

Sanji picked up the receiver.

"Hey! Hey! It's me! Okama!"

Sanji hung up.

"Why did you hang up?" Cade asked.

"It's that idiot ballerina guy I fought with before. We're better off ignoring him," Sanji said.

The snail rings again.

"What's with you?!" Sanji demanded.

"Hey! You're that okama!" Luffy said. "What do you want from us?"

"What? Isn't this Straw Hat Luffy? Still alive? Okama is so happy!"

"Wait. Isn't this the Mr. Two guy?" Cade asked.

"Don't call me that. The marines might have tapped into this call. I might get into trouble," Bon Clay said.

"You just said it yourself," Chopper said.

"Get straight to the point," Zoro said.

"Oh, yeah. Your ship. I took it away," Bon Clay said.

"Don't joke around!" the crew said.

"You jerk! Where are you now?!" Sanji said.

"Aboard your ship, of course. Aren't we friends? Listen I moved your ship upstream of the Sandora river. Hurry up. The navy is moving in fast."

Click.

"Can we trust him?" Sanji asked.

"We are friends," Luffy said.

"Since when?" Cade asked.

"Since we met him on the ship." Luffy grinned.

"You make friends in the weirdest ways." Cade sighed.

"Doesn't matter. We still have to go. He's got our ship." Sanji stood. "If this is a trick, we'll just have to kill him."

"It's decided then. Let's pack up," Zoro said.

"Everyone," Vivi said. "Please tell me what I should do?"

"Vivi, listen up." Nami turned to the princess. "We'll give you twelve hours. When we get our ship back at the Sandora, at midday tomorrow we'll pass by the east coast. I'm afraid that we can't stop there, but forget about that. If you'd like to come with us that's the only time you can come aboard. When it's time, we'll welcome you. Because you're a princess, we can only do it that way."

"You must come, Vivi!" Luffy said.

"Luffy, don't be like that."

"What you don't expect her to come?"

"Of course not! It's her decision!"

...

Scaling down the side of the palace, they landed to find the duck squat waiting for them. Cade climbed up behind Luffy.

"This is comfortable," Zoro said.

"We're going to say goodbye to the sand kingdom, I won't forget this battle," Usopp said. "Hey, Luffy when are you going to finish eating?!"

"The food from Alubarna is great. Sanji, next time cook them," Luffy said munching on his meat leg.

"I planned to. That's why I asked Terracotta for some recipes and spices," Sanji said.

"Nami, are you okay?" Chopper asked.

Cade glanced at the navigator. Nami had been quiet since they left.

"Nami, I'll give you one of my meats. But just one, okay?" Luffy said.

"Nami, you're thinking about Vivi? I understand your feeling... but however worried you are it's still useless. Get your spirit up, Vivi didn't want to see you troubled," Sanji said.

"I thought about it. For Vivi, I forgot about the ten billion berries," Nami said.

Cade about fell off the duck. She tightened her legs to hold on.

"You are really a natural money loving witch!" the boys shouted.

"Hey! Usopp fell off!" Chopper said.

"Please don't joke around!" Zoro said.

"I wasn't joking! It's true! About Vivi I don't have to worry about it!"

"Ah! Usopp fell off!" Chopper said again.

"He deserved to, who ask him not to hang on tight?" Nami said.

"It's all your fault!" Cade said.

...

"Why did you make me wait so long?!" Bon Clay stood on the ship's railing. "Long time no see! You all are thinking about me?"

"So this is Mr. Two." Cade eyed the man and his too puffy outfit and heavy applied make up.

They take their stuff from the ducks and say goodbye.

"Goodbye! If we're destined to, we'll meet again!" Bon Clay cried. "No, that's not right! Wait a second!"

"What's wrong with him?" Cade asked.

"I think he was dropped on his head as a baby," Sanji said.

"That could explain a lot." Cade crossed her arms.

"What's this?! Old friends meeting and you don't say hi?!" Bon Clay pursed his lips.

"Who's friends with you? You're an enemy," Luffy said.

"You were calling him a friend a few hours ago!" Cade said.

"Move." Zoro walked up the stairs, passed Bon Clay.

"Ah, sorry." Bon Clay scooted over. "BW is disbanded, we all are not your enemy anymore."

"Even if you're not an enemy, I don't have to let you aboard," Luffy said.

"And that's what I get for doing a favor!" Bon Clay said.

"What are you talking about?" Luffy asked.

"Think about it!" Bon Clay pointed at Luffy. "If I didn't move this ship, what would have happened to it?"

"The marines probably would have confiscated it." Nami picked up a bag.

"Not probably, certainly! It nearly got taken away! You know what's the condition is around here?! It's totally covered by the marines! Even a goose will have trouble escaping," Bon Clay said.

"Then you took the Merry so the marines wouldn't get it?" Luffy asked.

"Really?!" Usopp asked.

"Why?" Chopper added.

"Because we are friends." Bon Clay gave a thumbs up with tears in his eyes.

"You're a really good guy after all!" Usopp, Chopper, and Luffy dance with Bon Clay on the ship.

"I'll never get use to how Luffy makes friends." Cade sighed.

"This is the last bag," Sanji said.

"I see," Zoro said. "It's because of the marines that you aren't able to get away. That's why you came to get our ship. You want us to help you escape."

"That's right!" Bon Clay said. "This is the time when enemies should get together and bust out of this situation!"

"You're pathetic!" Cade snapped.

Chopper, Usopp, and Luffy cheered.

"We thank you for the offer!" Another ship pulls up with pirates on it.

"Who cares about you all?!" Zoro growled.

They set sail. A few minutes later eight marine ships bear down on them, firing metal spears at the ship.

Cade lifted water up from the ocean, knocking as many spikes off course as she could. But a few continued to get through, knocking holes in Merry.

"Fire! Fire the cannon!" Luffy shouted.

"If these metal spears break the hull, the ship will sink in no time!"

"Okay." Cade swirls water around the ship to hide them. "I can't do this for long! We need a plan!"

"Mr. Bon Clay, bad news!" a pirate said.

"What is it?!"

"It's Black Jail Hina!"

"What does that mean?" Luffy asked.

"Black Jail Hina is the commander of the marines around here! We better run! She's a tough one! If we head south, we'll have a small chance of getting out!" Bon Clay said.

"You all go which way you want. We go this way," Luffy said.

"But why?!" Bon Clay asked.

"We have a meeting at twelve on the east coast. We have no time left. We must go," Nami said.

"So troublesome! Is there any treasure there worth waiting there? Just go and die for all I care!" Bon Clay stomped towards his ship.

"We're going there to pick up our friend," Luffy said.

Bon Clay froze.

"Mr. Bon Clay?!" his men said.

"If we run away now, we're not worthy of being okama," Bon Clay said. "If we're not able to sacrifice ourselves to help our friend we will not rest in peace!"

"What is this idiot going on about?" Cade asked.

"Don't have a clue," Zoro said.

"Straw Hat Luffy and the rascals, listen to me carefully," Bon Clay said.

...

"Three minutes." Nami checks her watch. "Go! Full speed ahead!"

"I can't believe his plan actually worked." Cade watched as Bon Clay's ship got bombarded by the marines.

"Bon Clay! We'll never forget you!" Luffy called out.

"I recently went on an adventure..."

"That's Vivi," Cade said.

"They will always be real to me. And with that said..."

"The ceremony at Alubarna," Sanji said. "Seems like she decided not to come."

"It just sounds like her, that's all." Luffy hung over the railing.

"Luffy, you have to accept it," Cade said. "It's her choice to come or not. There's a high chance she won't come."

"How can you say that? You don't know," Nami said.

"Did you forget everything Vivi did for her kingdom?" Cade faced Nami. "She went into the organization that was killing her kingdom. Do you honestly believe she could walk away from her home now?"

"Well..."

"Let's go!" Luffy said. "She's definitely over there. Let's dock and look for her."

"Hey! Bad news! The marines caught up with us!" Usopp said from the stairs.

"How many are there?" Zoro asked.

"Let's set sail now!" Nami said. "Full speed ahead!"

"Forget it, Luffy. She's different from the Vivi that was with us," Sanji said.

"Everyone!" Vivi called.

"Vivi!" Luffy smiled.

"Karoo!" Usopp said.

"Look! She came! Let's turn back!" Luffy said.

"Vivi!" Sanji gushed.

"I'm here to say goodbye," Vivi said.

"What did you say?" Luffy asked.

"I can't go with you all! Thank you for what you have done for me! Even though I still want to go with you, but right now I really love this country! So I can't come along! I... even though I want to stay here... But if there is one day where we meet each other again, will you all still call me a friend?!"

"No matter what we-" Luffy started to yell.

"Idiot!" Nami clamped her hand over his mouth. "We shouldn't answer her! The marines already saw her. If they found out we're friends, they'll mark Vivi as a criminal."

They turn their backs towards Vivi and lift their left arms.

Nico Robin

Cade scanned the horizon. Several minutes had passed since they last cannon fire sounded. The fight was over. They had escaped the navy and can no longer see the shores of Alabasta. She exhaled.

"Those marines aren't chasing us anymore," Zoro said. The others hum in depression. "Seems like we lost them." More humming. "What's with you all?"
"We're lonely," the crew whined out.

"You all really are pathetic." Cade shook her head. All except for her and Zoro were hanging between the railing posts of the ship. Their arms hung down as their faces clouded with depression. "You knew this could happen."

"If you all really wanted her to come that badly then you should have dragged her aboard," Zoro said.

"What?! You're a barbarian!" Chopper growled.

"Despicable," Nami said.

"Devil," Sanji said added.

"Three swords," Luffy said.

"Luffy, three swords isn't an insult," Usopp said.

"Four swords!"

"You just added one!"

"Whatever. Just cry for all I care." Zoro gritted his teeth.

"At least we're out to sea." Cade stretched. "I feel so much better. The air is already cooler."

The door to Nami's room opened up. A tall dark haired woman stepped onto the deck.

"Hm?" Everyone turned their eyes to the intruder.

Cade swirled water around her fists.

"You here for revenge?" Zoro grabbed his swords.

"Why are you here?!" Nami grabbed her head.

"Ah! Pretty lady!" Sanji gasped.

"Warning! Warning! Enemy on board! Enemy on board!" Usopp roared like a siren.

"Ah! Who is she?!" Chopper hid backwards against the mast.

"What? It's you. You're not dead," Luffy said.

"Don't point those dangerous things at me." The woman lifted her hands and their weapons hit the ground. "Didn't I tell you that before?"

"When did you board this ship?!" Nami asked.

"I was here the whole time in the cabin, reading a book and taking a bath." She pulled out a chair and sat down. "Monkey D. Luffy. You didn't forget what you did, did you?"

"Luffy!" Sanji grabbed the captain by his shirt. "What did you do to this pretty lady?!"

"Hey! Don't lie! I didn't do anything to you!" Luffy said.

"No, I remember clearly. You better take responsibility." The woman smiled.

"She... who... what did you do?!" Sanji shook Luffy by the neck.

"Let him go!" Cade ordered. "We're not going to get any answers with you strangling my brother!"

"Yes, my darling angel fish!"

"Geez. You're really weird. What do you want?" Luffy asked.

"Let me join your crew." Robin smiled.

"What?!" the crew gasped.

"You're out of your mind." Cade stepped forward. "You tried to kill us. You tried to destroy an entire country. You're not joining our crew."

The woman studied Cade for a moment.

Cade tensed. Was she a hater of fishmen? Why was she really on their ship? Why would someone like this woman want to join a pirate crew she tried to kill?

Robin turned to Luffy. "It's you who made me go on when I wanted to die. That's your crime. I have nowhere else to go. No where to return to. So let me stay on this ship."

"I see your problem. You can stay," Luffy said.

"Luffy!" Nami and Usopp said.

"Luffy?" Cade gave her brother a quizzical look.

"It'll be fine. She's not all that bad." Luffy grinned. "She did save me once."

"What?"
"It was after my first fight with Crocodile. I was buried in sand." Luffy nodded at Robin. "She came along and pulled me out."

"Fine. But I'm not thrilled about it." Cade crossed her arm with a harsh glare at the intruder. "You better watch yourself."

"Don't worry. It'll be fine." Luffy patted Cade on the shoulder. "My sister here isn't very open towards strangers until she gets to know them."

"I can understand that," Robin said. "Many people hate fishmen. I'm not one of them."

Cade scoffed. With a roll of her eyes she moved away from the intruder. Crossing her arms she leaned back against the ship and watched as Usopp pulled out a chair and a table. The sniper sat across of Robin and started to interrogate her. As the two exchanged words, Cade glanced around to determine the locations of her crew.

Nami was sitting at the top of the stairs seemingly distrustful of this new person on their ship, Zoro leaned against the mast, Luffy and Chopper were being entertained with Robin's extra hands and arms sprouting up from the deck. Sanji was no where to be seen so she assumed he went to the kitchen.

For the most part the crew didn't trust this new crewmember. But one by one the newbie was winning them over. Nami jumped into acceptance to this new woman with a simple bag of jewels. The navigator even had the nerve to call Robin big sister. Chopper and Luffy accepted her with in a few seconds of being entertained with her extra limbs. Even Usopp lost his distrust of Robin when she made antlers on top of Luffy's head. And Sanji... well, he was in love from the start.

It was only herself and Zoro who didn't take to this new comer. Didn't the crew care that this woman, this Nico Robin, was helping a warlord to take over a country and attempted to kill them all? Okay, she could understand Luffy doing that. He wasn't one for holding a grudge. But the rest of them?

Zoro walked past her and up to the figurehead deck.

Cade followed him. "I see you're not thrilled with her being here either."

Zoro nodded. "But there's nothing for us to do. Luffy already accepted her."

"Yeah." Cade frowned.

Both tensed when Robin walked up the steps.

Robin walked past them. Holding her hair back, she stared at the ocean. "How's the weather for sailing, Miss Navigator?"

"It's all clear from here!" Nami chirped, still eyeing her new jewels.

"You didn't even look at the sky!" Cade snapped.

"It's interesting that this crew has a fishman on board," Robin said.

Cade glanced at the woman. Was Robin trying to get information about them to use again them later? She couldn't tell. All she knew was she didn't trust this Nico Robin. How could someone switch sides so fast?

"One day I'd like to hear how that happened," Robin said.

...

Cade continued to keep a close eye on Robin as she moved about the ship over the next few days. So far the woman didn't do anything that she thought suspicious. Still she watched and watched.

"Nami, will the next island we're going to have snow?" Luffy asked.

"You want snow now?" Nami glanced at the log pose.

"The record in Alubarna said it was an autumn island," Robin said.

"Autumn! I like autumn too!" Luffy said.

"Hm?" Zoro paused in pumping his weights. He had relaxed enough with Robin around to work out, but Cade continued to catch glimpse of him watching Robin with caution. "Is it raining?"

Cade looked up to small dark particles falling towards them. "I don't think that's rain."

"Is it hail?" Sanji asked when one of the drops pinged and bounced off the ship.

A larger dark mass started taking the shape of a ship, casting a shadow over them.

"It's a huge galleon!" Nami said.

"Why is it falling from the sky?!" Sanji asked.

Cade stepped closer to Luffy.

"This is a dream! It's nothing but a dream! No! It's a nightmare!" Usopp flapped his arms.

"There's still more falling, be on guard, everyone!" Sanji said.

"I've got it!" Cade swirled her water, diverting the debris away from them.

"Cade! You're my hero!" Tears flooded Usopp's cheeks and grabbed onto her.

Cade wobbled, losing control over her water, allowing several piece of debris fall onto the deck. The damaged ship hit the water. Small waves rocked Merry. A skull landed on the deck.

"Ah!" Usopp's shrieks pierced Cade's ears. "It's a skeleton!"

"Why did a ship fall from the sky?" Luffy held his hat and looked up.

"Too weird." Sanji looked up.

"There's nothing there." Zoro eyed the blue sky and fluffy clouds.

Cade looked as well. For what she wasn't sure.

"What?!" Nami gasped.

"What's wrong, Nami?" Sanji asked.

"The log pose. It's broken. It's point up, not even moving," Nami said.

"That's not right. There's another magnetic field. It's changing the direction of the pose. If it's pointing up it means it must have locked onto a sky island." Robin glanced upward.

"Is there really an island floating on top of a flowing sea?!" Luffy pointed to the sky. "All right! Let's go! Everyone upward we go! Full speed ahead!"

Robin clamped extra hands over Luffy's mouth.

"It's impossible for a ship to go up, Captain," Sanji said.

"To tell you the truth I've never seen a sky island, I don't know about them much," Robin said.

"That's right! It's impossible! Floating islands and seas! The log pose is just broken, that's it!" Nami insisted.

"Yeah. Right. That's why a ship fell down from there," Cade said. "Maybe it is an island or maybe it's not. Either way there has to be something up there."

"Miss Navigator, what you should worry about right now is not the log pose, but how to get up there." Robin pointed at Nami.

From the Sky

"Cade, let's go explore that ship." Luffy wound his arm around Usopp and Cade's waists. Grabbing the damaged ship he flung them over. While the two boys dug around the debris she examined the ship.

"It's just a normal ship. Nothing special about it at all." Cade tapped her foot on the wood. The ship started sinking. "We better get back to Merry. This ship is going down. With all these holes I'm surprised it's not sinking faster."

"Okay. You're going to be surprised at what I found." Luffy turned to her. He stepped towards her, tripped on a broken piece of wood, and rolled into the ocean.

Cade dove after him. Pulling his arm over her shoulder she swam him back to the ship.

"Hey! What about me?!" Usopp called from the sinking ship.

"You can swim. Better hurry. Sharks could be nearby." Cade tossed the sniper a smirk.

"What?!" Usopp dashed passed Cade and Luffy.

"Fasht svimmer," Luffy mumbled.

"When he wants to be." Cade swam to the ship. She grabbed the rope ladder, that Zoro dropped, and hauled Luffy up to the deck.

"Hey, everyone! Look what I got! I found something really cool! Look at this!" Luffy held up the map.

Nami took the map. "A map of a sky island?! Skypiea?"
"Doesn't that mean there really is an island up there?!" Luffy's eyes sparkled.

"It seems so." Cade eyed the map.

"All right! Usopp! Chopper! There is a sky island! A dream island! Let's go for it!" Luffy said.

"Dream island?" Zoro asked.

"Don't get so worked up. It's just a possibility." Nami rolled up the map. "There are too many fake maps out there."

A depressive aura fell over Usopp, Luffy, and Chopper.

"There is. There is. There must be one." Nami waved her hand.

"Too late. You've crushed them," Cade said.

Nami punched the mast. "All I want to say is I don't know how to get there!"

"Hey! Easy on the ship!" Usopp said.

"You're a navigator, right?! Think of something!" Luffy said.

"There is something called impossible, you know!" Nami said.

"I don't care! I want to go up there!" Luffy said.

"Nami is so cute when she's yelling!" A heart floated around Sanji's head.

"We can't just go on anymore." Nami lifted the log pose. "The log pose stays pointing up. What we need now is information like Robin said. If it's possible for such a big ship to get up there, it must be possible for us too."

"First you say it's not possible and now you say it's possible," Cade said. "Make up your mind."

"Anyway." Nami gave Cade a cold glance. "We need to get our hands on that ship's router."

"But it's totally sunk now." Usopp leaned against the mast.

"If it's sunk then we'll just have to salvage it!" Nami said.

"Right!" Usopp and Luffy pumped a fist in the air. "We're going exploring."

"Is it even possible?" Zoro asked.

"Of course it is. We have a fishman on our crew after all." Nami pointed at Cade.

"I'm not searching for treasure for you!" Cade gnashed her teeth.

"Oh don't worry." Nami waved. "You're not going to go alone."

"Do I even want to know what she's up to?" Cade asked as Nami grabbed Usopp and disappeared into the ship.

Thirty minutes passed before the two came back out carrying some barrels and tubing.

"Put these on," Nami said to Luffy, Sanji, and Zoro.

"You can't be serious," Zoro said.

"Just do it!" Nami shoved a barrel at the swordsman.

A few minutes later the boys were ready.

"You guys look ridiculous." Cade eyed the makeshift suits.

"I like it!" Luffy grinned.

"Are you sure this is going to work?" Zoro asked.

"Nami! I will find the thing that will bring us up to the sky!" Sanji said.

"It's up to you now." Nami crossed her arms.

"Don't worry! My work is as good as perfection." Usopp nodded.

Cade sighed. "Let's get this over with." She jumped over the railing. Water brushed her skin. Seconds later the boys appeared. She hung close to them as they descended to the ship. "You okay, Luffy?"

"Yeah." Luffy nodded. "Getting plenty of air."

Cade swam close to him, keeping an eye on him and the device for any signs of losing air. Turning a corner they entered a room.

Luffy picked up something that looked like a tiny boat. "What is this thing?"

"No idea."

Luffy hummed then abandoned the object. They continued their search through the darkened ship. They came to a room where Sanji and Zoro were. Skeletons lay about the room. One had a hold in its skull. One had a spear jammed into where the chest would have been.

Suddenly the wall crack and snapped. A black mass broke through the woods. Air filled the ship.

"We're rising," Cade said as water ran out of the ship.

"So we can take these off." Luffy pulled off his barrel.

"I wouldn't do that," Sanji said.

"See! It's okay if we take off the barrels." Luffy jumped up on his barrel.

"I don't think that this much air could come down here," Zoro said. "But who is trying to lift the ship?"

"Could something have happened to Nami and Robin?" Sanji said. "I tried to contact them many times but didn't get a response."

"Who dares to cause trouble in my part of the sea?!" A monkey barreled into the room.

"A monkey," Luffy said.

"Eh? Do I really look like a monkey?" The creature pushed up his sunglasses.

"Yeah, you look more like a monkey than a real money," Luffy said.

"What's that suppose to mean?" Zoro asked.

"What?" The guy tilted his head.

"Who are you?" Sanji asked.

"Hey! I'm the one asking the questions! You're not from around here are you?" the guy asked.

"No. We're from the East Blue," Cade said.

"Really? You guys came from the East Blue?" The monkey man smiled.

"Yeah. You really look like a monkey," Luffy said.

"Stop! You're making me blush!" Red appeared on the monkey man's cheeks. "Hold on a second! We're not friends here! You're trying to steal my salvage!"

"Time to go! Now!" Cade grabbed onto Luffy and shot out of the sea and lands on the deck with Zoro and Sanji close behind.

"What happened to you two? Where's Luffy's barrel?" Nami asked. "Is he dead?"

"What? Of course not!" Cade pointed to her brother. "Can't you see he's right here and breathing?!"

"Zoro! Sanji!" Usopp said.

"Let's go! We have to get out of here!" Zoro said.

"That guy was a pain," Sanji said.

"You're safe! Ah! We should run away from that giant sea turtle first!" Usopp said.

"Turtle? No it was just a monkey," Zoro said.

"Must be some kind of sea monster," Sanji said.

"It was friendly at first," Luffy said.

"Only because you both are monkeys." Zoro tapped Luffy on the head.

"You guys aren't making any sense," Usopp said.

"It didn't make sense and we were there," Cade said.

"But when it saw these sacks full of stuff we found, he started going berserk on us." Zoro sat down the sack he was holding.

"What monkey are you all talking about?" Chopper asked.

"This monkey looking guy appeared down in the ship," Cade said. "He was friendly at first then started blaming us for stealing his work or something."

"He was like a crazy gorilla," Sanji said.

"Yeah, that's Masira. He's here to recover the sunken ship," Nami said. "Good job escaping from that giant sea turtle's mouth."

"Turtle? What turtle?" Luffy asked.

Cade turned around to see the giant turtle floating by the ship. "Oh, that turtle. Where did it come from?"

"You're just now noticing?!" Nami screamed.

"Huh? That's weird. The turtle has it's mouth wipe open," Usopp said. "No wonder you were able to escape."

"You mean we were inside that thing?" Cade asked.

"Whoa! What the heck is that?!" Zoro and Sanji asked.

"You're just now noticing?!" Usopp said. "That thing swallowed the ship with you guys in it!"

"Huh? Is it nighttime already?" Luffy asked as dark clouds rolled over the sky.

"Luffy! Help moved the ship out!" Usopp said.

"You! Can't leave!" Masira shot out of the ocean and landed on the ship. "You think you can just come into my territory?! Steal my treasure and just run away from me?!"

"Treasure?!" Nami clasped her hands together. "You found treasure?!"

"Yup! Lots of it!" Luffy smiled.

Cade lifted her fists.

"This is bad, if he does berserk on the ship..." Zoro pulled out a sword.

"C-Captain! D-danger!" a man from the other ship said.

"Huh? What?" Masira turned to his ship.

Five giants appeared in the sky. All with wings on their backs.

Cade swirled her water. "What the heck are those things?!"

"Monsters!" Luffy and Masira said.

The boys grabbed the oars and paddled as fast as they could. Cade dashed to the back of the ship. Swirling her water she pushed them along until the darkness faded into light.

"What the heck were those things?" Cade brushed her chin with her arm.

"Good question." Sanji puffed his cigarette. "Nothing could be that big.
What a weird day."

"A galleon fell from the say," Zoro said.

"The log pose keeps pointing up." Nami sat down and crossed her arms over her knees.

"The strange monkey appeared to recover the sunken ship," Usopp said.

"A giant sea turtle ate the ship," Chopper said.

"The sky went black." Robin rested her chin on her hand.

"Finally giant monsters a hundred times bigger than regular giants showed up," Luffy said.

"Yup. That really scared me." Masira nodded.

Everyone turned to him. The monkey man was sitting cross legged on the deck.

"Get out of here!" Luffy, Sanji and Zoro kicked Masira off the ship.

Cade shielded her eyes. "Nice kick."

Pushing aside what happened the crew turned back to the bags that held the stuff they salvaged from the ship. Luffy pulled on a suit of armor and started prancing around the deck.

"Hey, did you guys forget what you went underwater for?!" Nami yelled. "All you brought back was trash! And nothing about how we can get to the sky!"

"There was nothing else in it." Zoro shrugged.

"Yeah, that's true, Nami-swan," Sanji said. "That ship had obviously been attacked. Either that or there was some sort of disagreement that caused them to turn on each other."

"If that's so, then information is even more crucial. Don't you get it? If we went into the sky right now, whatever happened on that sunken ship could happen to us too." Nami slammed her foot on the junk pile. "The information we have can mean life and death. Look at this stuff! Rusted swords. Food ware. Octopus. What I need are things like a diary or sea charters, not this junk."

"Then you should have went down yourself. Stop blaming the guys for something they have no control over," Cade said.

Nami turned to Luffy. "And what's that?"

"Armor to protect me from harm."

"You..." Nami pulled back her fist then lowered it when Cade shifted. She walked off. "Forget it."

"Nami-swan! I brought back this beautiful shell for you!" Sanji held up the shell.

"I don't want it, you idiot!" Nami snapped as she walked up to the figurehead.

"Well, what should we do with all this stuff?" Cade looked at their finds from the ship. "Doesn't look like any will be useful."

"Okay! Turn towards Jaya! Full speed!" Luffy shouted.

"We're leaving?" Cade asked.

"Yup! Robin got another log pose from that ship," Luffy said.

"The monkey face's?" Cade asked and Luffy nodded.

"It's a long shot, but we might be able to find information there," Nami said.

"Wait a second." Usopp munched on his food. "If we just go directly to Jaya, won't the record be overwritten when we're there? In other words, we won't be able to get to sky island."

"Stop moving towards Jaya!" Luffy crossed his hands like an X in front of his face. "Hey, Nami! What's going on here?!"
"Going to Jaya was your decision, right?" Nami asked.

"Yeah. That's right. But I don't think that the situation would turn out like this."

"You didn't think, it's your fault then. The log pose has always been like that."

"Yeah you're right. All right then. Listen, I'm the captain so I'll decide where we go. I want to go to sky island."

"Sure, how will you get there?"

"The fastest way is to just asked around for information," Usopp said.

"Right. We can ask around in Jaya." Nami nodded.

"All right! To Jaya, full speed!" Luffy cheered.

"Hey! We just went back to where we were!" Usopp punched Luffy on the head.

"When we're there, the record won't be set so fast. How about if we leave Jaya before the record is set?" Robin said.

"It will depend on luck then," Nami said.

"We'll just have to ask how long it'll take," Cade said.

"Let's go! To the kingdom of meat!" Luffy said.

"Not going to happen, Luffy. There's no such place." Cade tapped his head. "Eat your food."

Cricket

"How must longer is this going to take?" Cade asked.

"Beats me. I don't see anything." Usopp moved his binoculars around.

"It should be so far away, right?" Zoro said. "That monkey man said that area back there was his territory."

"The weather has been steady for a while, we are probably in Jaya's weather area," Nami said.

"Jaya must be a spring island," Luffy said from the figurehead.

"So warm, feels good," Chopper said. "Spring is such a good season. Those seagulls seem to be feeling well, too."

Cade looked up in time to see three seagulls plummet to their ship.

"Ah! They've been shot!" Chopper held one up.

"Oh! Barbecue material." Luffy drooled.

"Look, a bullet!" Chopper pulled a bullet from the bird. "Judging from the angle of descent, it was fired from the direction in front of the ship."

Nami shielded her eyes. "Shooting from an island that we can't even see yet? Chopper, that's impossible."

"But I was watching him," Chopper said.

Usopp chuckled. "If that's true, with what kind of eye sight, using what kind of gun, and what kind of technique does that shooter have? They probably got hit before and just happened to fall down right now."

"Or the guy is just an incredible shot," Cade said.

"Hey, hey! Looks like a vacation resort!" Usopp pointed ahead.

"A resort?!" Chopper asked.

"Speed up, Merry!" Luffy called from the figurehead.

Cade, stood behind Luffy on the figurehead, placed her hand on Luffy's head. "A ship can only go so fast. Be patient."

"I feel like staying here a few days," Nami said.

The ship pulled up to the harbor.

"Uh, those ships at the dock look like pirate ships. Am I just worrying too much?" Usopp said.

"Usopp, think! How can a pirate ship openly dock in a public place?" Nami said.

"That's right." Usopp laughed.

Cade eyed the docks. People were fighting and drinking. Nothing stopped even when a voice yelled out about a murder. Her eyes drifted to Luffy, Nami, and Zoro. The three were heading into town. She thought about joining them until a flash of purple caught her attention. Robin had wandered off on her own.

Cade jumped off the ship and followed her. Keeping her hood up, she weaved in and out of the crowds, making sure to keep plenty of distance between herself and Robin.

Minutes passed as she watched Robin go into and out of stores.

Suddenly Cade got an off feeling about Luffy and headed back to the ship. As she reached it Luffy and the others came walking over. Blood and bruises decorated the boys' skin. "What the heck happened to you?"

"Nothing. Some jerks decided to laugh at us about our dreams and finding sky island," Luffy said.

Cade took Luffy's arm and pulled him to sit down. Pulling out her first aid kit she started disinfecting his wounds.

"Man, you two are a mess," Chopper said as he attended to Zoro.

"Sounds like a big fight started, did something happen?" Robin walked up to the ship.

"Ah! Robin-chwan! Would you like to eat first or take a bath first?" Sanji asked.

"Where did you go?" Usopp asked.

"I went to buy some clothes." Robin held up her bag. "I also tried to find clues about Sky Island along the way."

"Oh yeah, it was all because of you, Robin! You and your Sky Island talk!" Nami pointed a finger at the older woman. "If it doesn't exist, I'll feed you to the sharks."

"You shouldn't anger her right now," Usopp squeaked.

"Oh. It's a treasure map." Luffy looked at it.

"It's just an ordinary map," Usopp said.

"It's this island," Robin said. "The city on the left is where we are, Mock Town. On the other side... Do you see the X mark on the east coast? I heard a very special person from Jaya lives there. His name is Monblont Cricket. He was exiled because he kept talking about his dreams. We should be able to talk about similar interest."

So that's all she was after? Information? Cade blinked. Pushing it aside she jumped up to the mast and lowered the sails.

"We just set sail and we're already encountering something strange," Luffy said as another ship with another monkey like man sailed up beside them.

"Is that the same guy from before?" Usopp asked.

"No, this one clearly is different," Sanji said. "He has blonde hair. The other had brown."

"Yeah, but we can't tell if there will be trouble," Usopp said from behind Sanji. Chopper was behind him.

"But we did see him before, right?" Usopp said.

"Yeah, that salvage guy," Chopper said. "So he's from this island after all. We saw him come back here."

"Even if we meet him again it doesn't really matter," Luffy said.

"Hey you! Yeah you! Stop chatting over there." A ship with a monkey face as the figurehead, a large tree on the deck, with the name Morinohito on the sail glided over.

"You have a very strange face," Luffy said.

"Another monkey person?" Cade asked.

"I'm a human, you punks!"

"Don't mess with our captain!" men shouted.

"Forget it, forget it." He waved. "It seems like you guys are pirates. Did you know that Crocodile's seat in the seven warlord is empty now? If they judge by real strength, that seat should be mine. I am so edgy just waiting."

"Why is this guy telling us this?" Cade tilted her head.

"I know you're wondering why me?" he said.

"No, we weren't."

"I'll tell you something special about me. Even since I was born I never had a hair cut. That's twenty five years without a haircut!" The man waved his long hair.

"And we should care, because?" Cade waved a hand to prompt him to continue.

"Did I surprise you?" he asked.

"You're an idiot," Luffy stated.

"What! You surprised me!" he said.

"How dare you say that to the captain!" his men said.

"Forget it, forget it. Geez, your response really made me edgy," he said.

Cade's eyebrow twitched. Her temple pounded. She jumped upon the figurehead. "Okay. I'm done with you. You're giving me a headache with all your nonsense. Water Shove!"

The ocean pushed the ship away.

"Hey! What are you doing?!" he asked as they faded into the distance.

"There." Cade dusted her hands off. "Let's get going."

"That was quite impressive, Miss Lifeguard," Robin said.

"Cade! You're so amazing!" Hearts floated around Sanji.

...

"So is that the island?" Cade asked as the island came into view.

"That's it," Nami replied.

"What was his name again?" Luffy asked.

"Montblant Cricket," Robin said.

"The man who talks of dreams," Nami said.

"Gah!" Usopp gasped.

"That's so cool!" Luffy's eyes bulged.

A large house stood at the edge of the island.

"Is that his house?"
"Is he rich?!"

"Stupid, look clearly." Zoro tapped his sword on his shoulder.

"A man who dreams more like a man who wants attention," Sanji said.

"What are you talking about?" Chopper asked.

The ship settles beside the island. They go ashore.

"Ah! It's just a board!" Luffy gasped.

"What?!" Usopp gasped.

"This guy's house is just half a side, the rest is just plywood," Zoro said.

"Seems like a small and cheap house," Sanji added.

"What dreams did he speak about when he was exiled?" Nami asked.

"I don't know all the details," Robin said. "But he talked about a large amount of gold hidden here on Jaya."

"Gold?!" Usopp's eyes lit up.

"You mean like pirate's treasure?" Nami said.

"Well, I don't know about that," Robin said.

Nami pointed to the ground. "Dig fast, Chopper! Dig out the gold!"

"Just dig and we'll find it?" Chopper stuck his horns into the ground.

"No one is going to have gold in their front yard," Cade said but they didn't listen.

"Hello! I'm coming it!" Luffy opened the door.

"Hey! Don't just walk in there!" Usopp said.

Cade stepped into the house. It was a small rounded room with a bed, table and two chairs, and random stuff that looked to have been drug up from the ocean. "It's empty."

"Hello!" Luffy called.

"Luffy, stop that. What if he's a bad guy?" Usopp crept in behind them.

They step outside to hear Nami reading from a book about Noland.

Cade walked around. Surely the man who owned this house was around somewhere. She didn't want any surprises. Her eyes caught onto Luffy who was next to the ocean. Before she could open her mouth a hand shot out and grabbed him. Luffy went sailing into the water. She rushed over and dove in, barely sneaking a glance at the man who pulled her brother in. Grabbing Luffy she shot back to the island. "Hey! You could have killed my brother!"

The man didn't respond. His knees buckled and he crumpled to the ground.

"Oh no! We have to get him inside!" Chopper transformed and carried the man inside. The crew rushed around, fulfilling the doctor's orders. "Bring some more cold towels. Open all the windows too. This man as dysbarism!"

"Dysbarism?" Zoro asked.

"You mean he's sick?" Luffy said.

"Yes. It's various symptoms divers experience sometimes. But it's not a long term illness and should pass," Chopper explained. "It happens on a diver's descent. When excess nitrogen enters the body's blood and tissue. Then on ascent the chemicals diffuse out in the form of bubbles causing various symptoms."

"Yeah." Luffy crossed his arms over the window frame. "Weird sick stuff."

"He must have been diving everyday not letting the bubbles dissolve properly," Chopper said.

"Why would he?" Nami asked.

"I don't know why. But it's very dangerous." Chopper looked a picture with Cricket and the two monkey men. "In some cases it can be lethal."

"Are you all right, boss?!" The two monkey men burst through the door.

"Great. It's those two again," Cade said as Usopp and Chopper ran around the room screaming.

"What are you doing here?!"

"What did you do to the boss?!"

"We are taking care of his, so leave us alone," Luffy said.

"They won't listen! They're beasts! Escape through the window!" Usopp said.

"They're such great guys!" Tears poured down the monkey men's faces.

"You two sure changed speeds quickly," Cade said.

Most of the crew headed outside.

Cade chose to stay behind and held Chopper take care of this man.

"He's waking up. Cade, can you get the others?" Chopper said.

"Sure." Cade walked to the door. "Hey, Luffy, he's awake now."

"Hey, Pops, I want to ask you something." Luffy walked inside.

"Thank you for all the help and sorry for all the trouble." Cricket lit a cigarette. "It thought you were like those fools trying to steal the gold."

"Gold! You have gold!" Nami clasped her hands.

"Don't act like those fools." Usopp looked at her.

"You wanted to ask me something, what is it?" Cricket asked.

"We want to go to Sky Island," Luffy said. "Please tell us how to get there."

"Sky Island?" Cricket said then laughed. "You guys actually believe in that?"

Nami tried to punch him but is held back by Usopp. "Stop! He's sick!"

"Sky Island doesn't exist?" Luffy asked.

"I don't know either," Cricket said. "But I knew a man who said it does. He was known as a great liar though, someone who always being laughed at."

Luffy looked to Usopp.

"It's not me!" Usopp said.

"Noland, the king of liars. It's an old story," Cricket said.

"It's not me! The name is different!" Usopp said with Luffy looked at him again.

"I'm his descendant," Cricket said.

"Descendant! That story took place here on Jaya?!" Nami said.

"He was my great, great, great grandfather. It's an annoying legacy that goes so far back. But there isn't a trace of his lineage in me. The whole Montblant family was exiled to a life of shame, even now, we are still badmouthed. However, nobody hates him for it."

"Why's that?" Cade asked.

"Because of Noland, out of all things, was a very honest man. When Noland was defending his claims he said 'I know the mountain of gold sun into the sea'. The storybooks showed him with a grinning face, but he was actually shedding tears of hate and injustice when he died. The island that people went to, was really the place where Noland himself found the golden city. It was definitely not just his imagination. Noland claimed that the golden city had fallen under the sea because of shifting of landscapes from earthquakes. However, everyone thought he was making false claims and nobody believed in his gold city. His death penalty was carried out surrounded by witnesses' sarcastic laughter."

"Then you're attempting to prove Noland is innocent, by trying to find the golden city?" Usopp asked.

"Quit talking crap!" Cricket pulled a gun on Usopp.

Cade kicked the gun from his hand and grabbed it. "Don't pull a weapon on my crew."

Cricket studied her for a minute then continued. "Whether or not my ancestor was an honest person, or a great adventure, he has nothing to do with me. Just for being his descendant one gets teased by strangers. Could you understand how a kid in that situation feels?! My entire childhood was like that!" He looked out the window. "You're right, during the past four hundred years, countless members of the family came here trying to correct the family name, but none of them returned. I felt ashamed being in a family like that, so I ran away from home, and became a pirate. I didn't really want to be one. I just wanted to escape Noland's curse. But ten years ago, after a series of events, my ship reached this island accidentally. It's ironic that I, the one who hated Noland the most, was the only one to reach this place. When I was standing in front of the cliff where the gold was suppose to be, I thought this was my fate, there's no escape. I didn't care if it was true or false. I didn't really want to find the gold, to prove his innocence. This is between me and the man who ruined my life, this is a duel. Before I die I will settle this and tell the truth to everyone."

"The power of a real man!" Usopp brushed his tears away with his arm.

"What about those two? Why are those monkeys here?" Luffy asked.

"They're fans of the story," Cricket said.

"Just fans?" Usopp said.

"That's a rather simple relationship," Nami said.

"It was roughly four to five years after I started searching they came to here after hearing about me and said 'Noland's gold exist for sure'. The sea is very deep here. I felt especially lonely being under the dark, cold sea. But I had lived a lifestyle of day after day non-stop underwater search. Then they just suddenly entered my life, insisting on being my followers and fought everyday to get to the point those stubborn jerks saved my life. Understand?" Cricket jerked his thumbs at the monkey men.

"Yes! True comrades always stick together like that!" Usopp brushed more tears away.

"Yeah, enough about the monkeys," Luffy said.

"Then don't listen to it! Keep quiet!" Usopp said.

Luffy shoved him out of the way. "As I was saying... I want to go to Sky Island, mister!"

Cricket smiled and pulled a book of the shelf. "You're so impatient. I'll tell you now. The one, who claimed that Sky Island existed was Nolan, the king of liars. If you have anything to do with him, you'll end up like me and be nothing more than a joke."

"He went to Sky Island before?" Luffy leaned towards Cricket.

"Unfortunately, the book doesn't say." Cricket flipped through the book.

"Captain's log. Is that Noland's?" Nami asked.

"Yeah." Cricket handed the book to Nami. "Read that line out loud."

"Wow, a four hundred year old log book. Year of the sea 1120, June 21st, clear weather, I set sail from the lively city of Villa. Following the direction from the log pose, we went northeast-east, straight out of the dock. In the afternoon, I met a merchant ship and bought a unique object. It's a small snowboard like object called a waver. It is a strange boat that will move even when there's no wind. There seems to be a secret method needed to use it, as I could not control it well. Now it has become a popular toy among the crew."

"No way!" Luffy said. "What is it?! I want one!"

"Read! Read!" Usopp and Chopper said.

"The waver's source of energy seems to only exist on Sky Island, it said there are a lot of special items found in the sky. Speaking of Sky Island, a fellow adventurer once showed me a living sky fish, I was surprised seeing such a strange creature. With our ship it is impossible to get there, but being a sailor, I really wish I could go to the sea of the sky someday."

"Sea of the sky?" Cade asked.

"Just like Robin said!" Luffy looked at Usopp.

"And judging from the text, it is without a doubt that Sky Island still exists!" Usopp said.

Angel Beach

"Hey, you're finally awake," Luffy said.

"What?" Cade blinked.

"You passed out on us," Chopper said. "Not surprising considering there's less air up here."

"Less air?" Cade sat up with Luffy's help.

"The sky knight told us about," Usopp said.

"Sky knight?" Cade held her head. "Did I hear you right?"
"Yeah. A lot happened since you black out," Usopp said before telling her everything from landing on a sea of clouds, to the old woman who took their pictures and demanded money to enter then allowed them to pass, and about an attack from a man in a mask then to the sky night who saved them.

"I see. So that's why it's so hard to breath here." Cade pressed hand to her chest. "It feels like a thousand cannons are sitting on my chest."

"It's possible you feel this way because you're a fishman. You were meant for the land and sea not the sky," Robin said.

"Then Cade might feel this way the entire time we're here?" Chopper asked.

"That would be my guess." Robin nodded.

"Great." Cade sighed.

"I see an island," Sanji said.

"Yeah! It's sky island!" Luffy cheers as the ship pulled up to the white beach.

"It's actual water?" Cade moved her foot in the cloud like water. "That's odd. It's wet."

"The surface of this island is soft clouds!" Luffy romped around on the beach.

"Hey, what about the anchor? There is probably no bottom in the sea, right?" Zoro said.

"That doesn't matter! Hurry! Look! This beach is so soft!" Luffy called.

"It must have some kind of bottom here," Cade said. "I am standing right here. Go ahead and drop it."

Cade turned her attention back to the strange white water She dove under. The clouds and water passed through her gills."I can breath here like under the sea but it's difficult." She swam back up to find Luffy trying to bite into a fruit. "Careful, Luffy. That might not be eatable."

Sanji spun over to Cade and stuck a flower in her hair. "Here's a flower for you, my beautiful angelfish!"

"Uh, thanks." Cade fingered the flower sticking in her hair.

"Miss Nami! I have a flower for you too!" Sanji danced towards the navigator.

Nami and Chopper walked up to a pavilion with thick chairs of clouds and sat down.

"Wow! It's a little different from that soft cloud. It's a little harder," Chopper said.

Cade turned to Luffy. "It doesn't matter how hard you chomp on that thing, Luffy. It's not going to break."

Soft music floated over the air.

Suu. A fox with long muzzle and ears walked over to them.

"Is that a fox?" Zoro asked.

"Hey, there's someone over there." Sanji pointed down the beach to a cloud hill. There stood a young girl with braided pigtails, wings on her back, and a harp.

"Is it another raider?!" Usopp asked. "Whistle! Where's the whistle?!"

"Wait! That's not it! It's an angel!" Sanji said.

"Heso." The girl strummed her harp once more before turning to them. "Are you guys from the blue seas? Sue, come here."

"We flew up here from the bottom. Do you live here?" Luffy asked.

"This is the angel beach of Skypiea." She walked over to them. "That's gaunasu. You want to drink it?"

"You mean this weird fruit?" Cade nodded at the object.

"The exterior is like steel, biting it won't do anything. Must go from the bottom." She pulled out a knife and poked it through the fresh on the bottom then handed it over to Luffy. "Here you go. Enjoy." She picked up the fox. "I'm Conis."

"Yummy! It taste so great!" Luffy said.

"What?! It's that good?!" Usopp asked.

"If there is any problem, I'm willing to help you," Conis said.

"Yes, I have a problem. Your gaze burns a hole in my hear-Ouch!" Sanji flinched as Nami pulled his ear.

"There are so many things we want to know," Nami said. "To start up, everything here is unbelievable."

"Yes, don't hold back. Ask anything." Conis smiled.

"Hey, somethings coming from the sea," Zoro said.

A small dot grows towards them.

"Ah, it's my dad," Conis said.

"Conis, my daughter!" The old man waved. "Heso!"

"Oh, heso, Father."

"Er, what are you saying?" Luffy asked.

"What's he riding on?" Nami asked.

"It's called a waver," Conis said.

"Excuse me, I'm going to stop now." The old man rode upon the beach and ran into a tree.

"I thought he was going to stop." Cade put a hand on her hip.

"Is anyone hurt?" the old man asked.

"Ask yourself that first!" Zoro snapped.

"Luffy, didn't you recover that thing from under the sea?" Nami asked.

"Yeah, I did." Luffy slurped his juice.

"So that's a waver. In Noland's diary, the ship that would sail without wind," Nami said.

"Are they friends of yours, daughter?"

"Yes, I just met them, Father."

"Really? They must be really anxious about things here then. This is the white sea. Pardon me. I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Pajaya."

"Eh?! No, it's not like that. We're the ones who needs to be excused." Usopp waved his hands.

"Good timing. I had only finished fishing. I caught the most delicious food in the white sea." Pajaya held up a lobster. "They are sky lobsters. Please, come to my home. I'll treat you with the sky's special cuisine."

"Really?! Let's go!" Luffy lifted his fruit in the air.

"You're going to make sky island cooking?! Please let me help!" Sanji jerked his thumb at himself.

"Before we go, may I asked you a question first? How does this work?" Nami knelt beside the waver. "There are no paddles or sails. How can it sail on the sea?"

"Ah, you don't know what a dial is," Conis said.

"Dial?" Nami asked.

The pirates gathered around the device as Pajaya started explaining how it worked.

"Accelerator? This? Just step on this. Right?" Luffy stepped on the pedal.

"Luffy! Wai-" Cade reached out for her brother. The device rumbled and shot out into the water. Cade cursed under her breath and dashed after him the best she could with her lungs being restricted. Grabbing him and the waver she pulled them back to the beach, panting the whole way.

"Sorry." Pajaya rubbed his head. "I shouldn't have let a beginner use it. In order to fully utilize the power the hulls of the waver are made very light. So even the smallest wave will cause it to turn. Thus one must understand the sea very well, at least able to predict waves. Please pardon me."

"It's not your fault. Luffy never thinks before he acts," Cade said.

"Is it really that hard?! I wanted to try it!" Chopper said.

"I've been practicing since I was little. And I only recently succeeded." Conis pressed a hand to her chest.

"That's a long time! It would need a lot of focus and endurance!" Usopp said before the waver rumbled again. "Huh?"
Nami was sailing on the waver like a pro.

"What?! Unbelievable!" Pajaya said.

"Nami! You're the best!" Sanji said.

"What?! No fair! How come she can ride it?" Luffy whined. "Hey, Nami! We're going to the mister's house! Come back! Stupid!"

Sanji bonked Luffy on the head with his heel. "Why you..."

"You guys go ahead! Mister, can I play a little longer?!" Nami called out.

"Yes, please, but be careful."

Cade stays back a bit from the group as they climb cloud stairs. She scanned the area, wondering where others from the island are. She then spots the cloud factory. Luffy, Chopper, and Usopp play on the cloud slope beside the stairs. I wonder if any of these sky people have seen a fishman before. Might be best to keep my hood on while we're here.

"This is my home. Please, come in." Pajaya waves to the two story building at the top of the stairs.

They go inside. Sanji goes to the kitchen with Pajaya while the rest sit down.

"Here. Speak into this." Conis handed Luffy a small shell.

"Usopp is stupid." Luffy said.

"Ah! Why me?!" Usopp gasped.

"Now, press the button on the top of the shell." Conis pointed to the shell.

"You mean here?" Luffy pressed the top.
"The top of the shell." Usopp cupped his chin.

"What?! It caved it! It's soft on this spot!"

"Usopp is stupid! Ah! Why me?!"

Cade's eyebrows rose. "It spoke back?"
"Wow! Even shells look down on you!" Luffy said.

"No! Those were our voices!" Usopp said.

"It can record sounds? That shell is a dial?" Zoro said.

"Yes. That's a tone dial. It records sound and then broadcast it later. It's a special shell only in the white-white sea," Conis said. "It's mainly used to record music."

"Usopp is stupid! Ah! Why me?!"

Luffy laughed.

"There's no bottom in the sea. How does these things survive?" Zoro asked.

"We get them from the edge of the beach," Conis said.

"If this is what a dial is... I don't understand how it can power the waver," Robin said.

"That's not it." Conis picked up a bigger shell. "This is the waver's power source. Even though this one is smaller. This is the wind dial. If you put it facing the wind for half an hour, it will be able to release half an hour worth of wind."

Luffy swung the shell in a circle then pressed the button. Wind flew back on him.

"The size of the storage is dependent on the size of the dial, but by placing it at the end of the ship, it can easily power the ship," Conis said.

"That's nice." Luffy grabbed on the railing and looked out to the sea. "I want to ride on a waver too. We have one too."

"We do, but it's broken," Usopp said. "Plus, it's been two hundred years. There's no way it can still move."

"Not necessarily. The dial itself is a corpse. As long as the shell is not broken, it will retain its power," Conis said.

"Other than those two, there seems to be more types of dials." Robin pointed the the shell lamp on the table.

"Eh? Dial! This thing is one too?!" Chopper leaned onto the table.

"This one is a lamp dial," Conis said. "It's used to store light."

Chopper pressed the shell and it lit up. "Ah, it's shining!"

"Though not a direct form of recourse, sky island's culture is one that coexists with the dial power, other types of dial includes, the heat storing hot dial, the smell storing scent dial, image recording video dial and so on," Conis said.

"So interesting!" Chopper said.

"Those are important tools for living in the air," Conis said.

A crash came from the kitchen.

"Sanji sounds happy," Luffy said.

"He probably fell in love with sky island food," Usopp said.

"You got that from a crash?" Cade asked.

Sanji and Pajaya bring out the food. "It's all ready! Dig in!"

"Cade, would you be more comfortable taking off your cloak?" Conis asked.

"No. I won't. I'm fine the way I am."

"Cade's a-"

"Shut up, Luffy." Cade clamped her hand over his mouth.

"Hey. Where did Nami go?" Sanji walked over to the balcony.

"Who cares? She probably went farther out to sea or something," Cade said.

"Father, will it be all right?" Conis asked.

"Hm?" Cade turned back to the winged people. If there was something to be worried about why wouldn't they have mentioned it before?

"Oh, Conis, my daughter, I have a bad feeling about this."

"What you talking about?" Luffy asked.

"In Skypiea, there's one place where no one should ever enter. That place is very close to this island, with waver, one can reach there very fast," Conis said. "It's holy land. It's where the god lives. Upper Yard."

"A god is there? In the place that no one should ever enter?" Luffy said.

"Here we go again. Get get ready, guys," Cade said.

"Yes, this is 'god land' and it is ruled by the almighty god Eneru," Conis said.

"Hey, Luffy! Listen to what she said!" Usopp grabbed Luffy's shirt.

"Too late, Usopp. Might as well get ready to go," Cade said.

"Yeah? So nobody should go in no matter what? But even though it's forbidden, this god will forgive us right? He's really nice, right?" Luffy said.

"Breaking the rule set by him is disrespecting him," Conis said.

"Really? Oh well, it doesn't matter." Luffy grinned.

"Let's go then." Cade stood.

"Hold on a minute. I'm almost done." Luffy shoveled more food in his mouth.

"What if something happened to Nami while you're stuffing your face?!" Sanji demanded. "Put it down! We'll be back soon enough!"

"Actually, we don't know for sure if she really went there, so please don't act recklessly. If we anger god Eneru, this will become very problematic," Conis said.

"Well, if you were that worried about it, you should have warned us from the start," Cade said. "Or, better yet, not let Nami take the waver."

"That's true. But we thought she wouldn't go very far," Pajaya said. "By the by, you said you have a broken waver. If it's not too much trouble, let me check it. I will repair it if I can."

"My father is a dial boat technician," Conis said.

"Really?! Thank you!" Luffy said.

They headed back to the beach. Pajaya knelt beside the waver and examined it. Cade boarded the ship. A few minutes later men come crawling over to them on their stomachs. "What is going on with them?"

The one in the front wore a coat on his shoulders, but all wore a white beret. They all stood and placed fingers behind their heads like bunny ears. "Heso!"

Conis and her dad greeted back.

"Heso must be some form of greeting," Cade said.

"Why were they crawling on the ground?" Sanji asked.

"Dunno. Maybe they're peeping perverts," Usopp said.

"I doubt it. They look more like soldiers," Cade said.

"This is why I was telling Luffy to get on board quickly," Usopp said with a huff.

"Hey, Luffy, ignore them! Let's go get Nami!" Sanji cupped his mouth.

"You! You are those citizens of the blue sea, who illegally enter Skypiea!" the leader shouted.

"What's illegally trespassing?" Sanji asked.

"It's about the one billion entrance fee that we didn't pay," Robin said.

"But that old lady said we could pass," Usopp said.

"Clearly she lied," Cade said.

"This is an eleven class crime. All you have to do is pay the fine and you'll be regular tourists," the leader said.

"Should have said that sooner." Sanji crossed his arms. "How much is it?"

"Ten times the entrance fee. Each person is ten billion. The total will be eighty billion"

"What! That's eighty billion!" Usopp gasped.

"Berry... That's the dollar value of the blue seas. In berry ten thousand is one berry."

"Which means how much?" Usopp counted on his fingers.

"So eighty billion would mean seven million berry," Robin said.

"What?! That's way too much! We risked our lives to get here! Why do we have to pay that much money?!" Sanji said.

"Why do we have to pay at all?" Cade asked. "Sounds like robbery to me."

"If you have paid in the beginning, it would have been only seven hundred thousand berry."

"That's still a lot!" Usopp said.

"Forget it. Ignore them. Let's go get Nami. She maybe lost somewhere and crying right now," Sanji said.

"This is boring. Let's just go." Cade sighed as the white beret leader went on about a class ten crime with the broken waver.

"Please, wait!" Nami's voice said.

"Oh, look. She's back." Cade watched as Nami rode the waver onto the beach and slammed into the leader. "Well, there it is. We're really in for it now."

The berets cocked their bows. Conis screamed for them to run. Arrows flew through the air, leaving clouds behind their wake. The men surfed on the clouds. They jump into a fight and fend off the men.

"What a pain." Cade brushed her chin with her arm.

The leader chuckled. "You fools. It would have been fine if you had done as I said. We, the white berets, are the nicest law enforcers in god land. They, on the other hand, won't be so forgiving. With this, you have become second class criminals. No matter how you cry or scream the priests of upper yard will personally judge you. Heso!"

The berets left.

"We'll be right back!" Luffy waved as he, Nami, Sanji, and Usopp headed back to the house.

"Okay." Cade waved back.

"How are you feeling?" Chopper asked.

"A little better, but the pressure is still there," Cade said.

"Try not to move around much. That'll help," Chopper said.

Cade nodded.
Suddenly the ship started moving.

"What's going on?!" Chopper asked.

"A giant shrimp has a hold of the ship." Zoro glanced over the side.

"Let's stop it!" Cade jumped over. Pulling back her fist she slammed into the creature's shell. Her fist stalled. "Crap."

"I can't slice it either," Zoro said.

Chopper screamed. "We're being chased!"

"Great. Looks like we're stuck," Zoro said.

Cade's head spun. Her kneels buckled.

"Got you." Zoro grabbed her and jumped back to the ship.

"Sorry." Cade panted. "Guess I shouldn't have done that."

"Don't worry." Zoro placed his hand on her back. "Just rest. We can't do anything now anyway."

"Where do you think we're being taken?" Chopper asked.

No one had an answer.