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Chapter Text

Reiju remembered the day she made a promise to her mother that would last a lifetime.

She had completely annihilated a platoon of superhuman soldiers for training that day. Their bodies lay sprawled across the courtyard, moaning incoherently. She didn't even break a sweat from the training but the soldiers' bones splintered easily under her punches and kicks. She looked to her father where he stood with note taking researchers for approval.

"The results are excellent, your highness," The head researcher stated. "The modifications have acclimated perfectly to her exoskeleton. I would say we're ready for the next phase."

Judge held his rigid and imposing stature as he studied her with an appraising eye, "Well?"

"This wasn't a battle," Reiju stated factually, sending the soldiers an icy glance. "They weren't opponents, they were just punching bags."

Judge nodded in approval, "It makes me proud to see you develop into a powerful soldier."

Reiju bowed her head in respect, "I am your weapon to wield, Tou-san."

Afterwards she was free to go and attend to her interests. Reiju took a detour to her room and cleaned up, being extra particular to wipe away any evidence of blood. Now dressed in a pale blue dress, she quietly traveled through the halls and to the royal infirmary.

Her mother sat reclined in her bed with shoulders slumped as she stared out the window, her small figure dwarfed by the thick comforters which coiled around her like a snake. Sora's complexion was pale, betraying the tiredness she must having been feeling which was worsened by the poison she drank. But there was still vibrancy in her blue eyes as she watched the birds fly in the sky.

"Reiju, come here. Let me look at you." Sora asked, raising her open arms to her daughter.

Reiju left the shadows of the room. Unlike when she was a small girl who would eagerly run into her mother's arms whenever she could, Reiju gingerly sat at the edge of the bed and took her mother's hands into hers. Sora let her fingers brushed her daughter's pink hair and over her cheek.

Sora smiled and said words that made Reiju blush. "You've grown up."

"I'm not a little girl anymore, Kaa-san."

"Can't I be proud of my little girl?" Sora asked and rested her hand on her swollen belly. "Did your father have you train today?"

Reiju deflated a bit. Whenever she had to admit to the violence she's committed, she felt as though she was disappointing her kind hearted mother. "Yes. It was to test out my new modifications."

"He hasn't done that one yet?" Sora asked. Reiju could sense her mother's displeasure at the mere thought of that modification.

Reiju shook her head. "No. I've been compliant and respectful so he hasn't brought it up."

No matter how much Reiju hated the cruelty her father encouraged. No matter how much she wanted to speak up against how he treated her mother. She couldn't risk it. Reiju wasn't stupid to waste the stalling her mother had achieved when it came to that modification by being disobedient. Her mother's word hardly reached her husbands ears but there were a few matters Sora could sway his opinion, even if it is only temporarily.

The tension visibly fled Sora's body as she smiled. "I'm glad. One of them is kicking, do you want to feel?"

Wordlessly, Reiju placed her hand where her mother's once was and felt a quick little bump against her hand. She let out a small gasp of surprise.

It was one of Reiju's little brothers. Quadruplets, due in several months, potentially sooner due to the modifications Judge forced upon her brothers against her mother's wishes. Those modifications would give her brother's incredible abilities like Reiju – obtained through many grueling surgeries over her eleven years of life – at birth. They would be monsters, without compassion or empathy. Perfect soldiers for their tyrannical father. Reiju shuddered to think the destruction they would wring even as babies.

A sudden fit of coughs overtook Sora causing her entire body to shake. Reiju supported her, unable to do anything until the fit subsided.

Reiju used a towel to dab away the sweat on her mother's forehead. "You should rest,"

"I'll rest later," Sora assured. The pinkette frowned, whatever her mother drank to counter the effects of the Lineage Factor was surely killing her.

"My next modification will allow my poison abilities to full develop. I could take the poison out of you," Reiju revealed, barely keeping desperation to edge into her words.

"You'll do no such thing," Sora said with a firm but comforting tone. "I refuse to allow Judge to make my children into heartless soldiers. If I must destroy my body to give my babies a chance to be saved from such a fate, then I will."

Reiju bowed her head in disappointment, for a moment she allowed herself to show weakness and held onto her mother tightly. Sora held her close, humming comforting words into her ears. She ran her fingers through her daughter's hair as they listened to the wind blowing outside and the birds chirping.

"Reiju," Sora voice whispered into her ear. "Can you make me a promise?"

Of course, anything for you Kaa-san.

Reiju nodded.

"If any of the boys have a shred of humanity. Please take them far away from here."

Reiju took her mother's hand into hers again. "I promise."

Judge may have her compliancy for now but Reiju's heart belonged solely to her mother. She would watch over her brothers and wait to see if they would become monsters or failures. Should one of her brother's keep their humanity, she would be his shadowy protector until the day he could fly free.

On that day, Reiju's life became intertwined completely to her unborn brothers and what they could become. If there was a chance to save their humanity, then Reiju would honor her mother's wishes.

Even if it killed her.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

Her brothers were born. Ichiji, Niji, Sanji and Yonji.

Reiju cast one look at them and wondered if her mother succeeded.

She didn't really have any proof besides the little tuffs of blond hair on each other their heads. After enough modifications, Reiju's own hair had naturally turned from a pale yellow to the brilliant pink it was today. Considering how modified her brother's should have been, Reiju figured their hair would have different coloration. But within months Reiju realized her hunch was wrong. Ichiji, Niji and Yonji were up on their feet, running around and causing havoc. Sanji was a bit slower than the others but soon joined his brothers in exploration. Reiju felt a sinking feeling that her mother sacrificed her health for nothing. Sora might have suspected the same as she stayed in her bed, retreating into her mind, eating only enough to stay alive and sleeping for most of her time. It was hard for Reiju to get her mother to speak to her for months.

For awhile Reiju felt listless and without purpose. But she waited and watched.

It wasn't until their toddler years when she felt a spark of hope. During the boys' first physical test, a soldier kicked Yonji into a wall and his head shattered the rock into dust. Inspired by their brother's indestructability, Niji and Ichiji instigated a rock fight. The three boys pelted each other though the rumble would break upon impact, leaving them unscathed, but they threw with such force that an occasional stray rock was strong enough to knock out the unsuspecting soldier. The fight ended with Sanji wailing in pain.

A researcher quickly broke up the fight and assessed the crying boy. "Likely a fracture to the skull, easy to tend to," The researcher grabbed the boy roughly and handed him to a maid. "Take him to the infirmary,"

Judge just watched with a frown. "What does this mean?"

"From initial observations, Prince Sanji's abilities haven't developed as quickly as his brothers." The researcher said. "We'll continue to monitor him closely."

While Reiju stood by her father like a good obedient daughter, her mind processed what Sanji's injury truly meant.

There was a chance.

A small but hopeful chance that Sanji's modifications failed. A chance for Reiju to keep her promise to her mother.

From that time on, the differences between Sanji and his brothers only grew. While the three boys were not developing abnormal abilities as the researchers expected, they were far superior to other children their age. They were stronger than the heavy artillery soldiers and faster than the prized stallions stabled at the castle. While not as indestructible as Reiju, the three boys could defiantly take a hit. Sanji, on the other hand, got hurt constantly especially during the training sessions. He would cry at the slightest bit of pain and his bones broke so easily.

He was so….. helpless.

One day, Reiju found Sanji stuck in a tree while a vicious dog barked at the bottom. Reiju shooed the mutt away with a kick and called up to her brother, "Sanji! Come down!"

Sanji smiled at her. His face smudged with dirt and a bit of blood. "Reiju! There're baby birds!"

Curiosity getting the better of her, Reiju jumped into the tree in one leap. There was a small nest housing four small white birds. They chirped and stuck they're beaks up in anticipation.

"I think they're hungry," Sanji said, pulling bread from his pocket. Tearing a piece off with his fingers, Sanji grounded it into small flakes to rain down on the baby bird's eager mouths.

Reiju carefully watched Sanji break out into a huge grin seeing the baby birds happy with full stomachs. She couldn't help but smile herself and hug Sanji.

"Reiju?"

Sanji's modifications failed. Reiju knew it in her heart.

She could save him.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

The season came and went on the back of the grand transponder snails. Reiju split her time between fulling her duties as a commander in the army, appeasing her father's wishes, undergoing the next phase of her surgeries, watching over Sanji and visiting her mother. With each season ending, Ichiji, Niji, Yonji and Sanji grew. Judge continued to train the boys, honing their physical abilities and teaching them the skills they would need to rule over the kingdom when they were older.

Each boy absorbed different topics better than others. Ichiji had the most well rounded education but excelled in the kingdom's history and conquests. Niji had a fixation on physics and chemistry. Yonji didn't show much interest in his studies but completed them as dutifully, though he had a tendency to fall asleep during class.

Temporarily, Reiju played with the idea that maybe Yonji's modifications failed but she's seen the boy dent steel with his head. The modifications all went to his muscles, she supposed.

And Sanji.

Reiju occasionally heard her brothers complaining how Sanji would sneak an animal into their lessons but never get caught.

It prided Reiju that Sanji could be sneaky, but she worried Judge might realize the modifications failed if he ever found out about Sanji's animal friends. A solider doesn't need friends, especially those who are lesser life forms.

On a day Reiju was reading in the courtyard, she took time to observe her brothers train. Niji and Sanji were in a mock battle with wooden swords but it really was just Niji repeatedly striking Sanji. She could already see angry, red welts forming on his delicate skin.

Reiju sensed a solider approaching her. "What is it?"

The solider saluted. "Princess. The King requests an audience with you."

Reiju let her eyes linger on the fight. Sanji shrieked as Niji tackled him to the ground. She snapped her book shut. It sounded so crisp and clear that all four boys stopped what they were doing to give her their full attention.

"Niji. Striking a downed enemy erratically is unbecoming of a prince." Reiju stated as she stood up. "Strike your opponent with decisive blows."

Performing a whirling roundhouse kick, her foot connected with the soldier's chest and sent him crashing through a stone wall. The boys watch in fear and awe at the display of deadly force.

"You should not let your guard down so easily." Reiju chastised the soldier. She sent little boys a cold look which only softened when Sanji locked eyes with her. Sanji smiled while the others turned away.

Judge was waiting for her. Her father was as stern as ever. Reiju has watched him since she was a child and she had never seen him display a shred of sympathy to his subordinates or his family. Rarely he would praise his children and show them affection, but only after they met his expectations and those expectations were overwhelmingly great.

"Take a seat,"

Reiju did as she was told and he did the same on the other side of the desk.

"How old are you now, Reiju?"

"Seventeen,"

"I've watched you develop since you were born. Between your surgeries and my tutelage you have become a fine soldier, Despite being born a mere human. Ever military assignment I have given you has ended in complete domination and obliteration of the enemy." Judge said.

Reiju bowed her head, "I live to serve the future prosperity of our kingdom, Tou-san."

"A befitting answer. It's time to take it to the next level." Judge handed Reiju a file.

Reiju took a moment to skim the details.

Trying to control her outward reaction, she acknowledged nonchalantly. "You want me to conduct espionage?"

"The Furtfer Nation is recognized for its advancements in biochemical warfare. Attaining the nation's research cannot be resolved through conquest," Judge explained. "It's more likely the king would destroy the technology before relinquishing."

"That is a predicament."

"Therefore you will infiltrate the nation and secure the research before we wage war." Judge stated. "You'll be leaving tomorrow. You should settle your affairs tonight, this assignment is projected to last at least a year."

"I understand," Reiju replied, hoping her voice didn't sound too strained. "Then I'll retire for the night in order to prepare."

Judge smiled but it lacked any warmth from a kind father. "Perfect."

After being dismissed, Reiju quietly traveled to her room, trying to collect her thoughts. She would have to slip out tonight to say goodbye to her mother. Reiju hated the thought of her mother worrying over her while she was undercover in an enemy nation. She hated the fact that her mother would know her daughter would be committing unspeakable acts. Not only that, she would not be able to watch over Sanji as he grew. That thought scared her most of all.

A small presence caught her attention. Sanji was sitting on the sill of a large hallway window. Sanji smiled when he realized she was beside him.

"Reiju."

"Well," Reiju said, placing her hands on her hips in a mockingly, chastising manner. "Who'd you sneak in today?"

Sanji blushed in embarrassment. Realizing he's been caught, Sanji allowed a turtle to wiggle out from under his shirt.

"The dogs were trying to eat it." Sanji said, trying to explain himself.

"That's very kind of you, Sanji." Reiju praised.

Sanji faced reddened.

Reiju smiled at her cute flustered little brother.

"How are your lessons?" she asked.

Sanji shrunk down in shame. "I got yelled at cause I didn't wanna fight."

"There's nothing wrong with that." Reiju stated. "It takes a very brave man to not fight."

With a burst of speed that nearly had Reiju go into a defensive position Sanji wormed his way to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. Reiju sat there and allowed for her little brother to find comfort in the hug.

He was the reason Reiju moved forward.

In the near future Reiju would leave to infiltrate the Furtfer's royal court as a courtesan, assassinate several government officials, orchestrate a multitude of scandals and weaken the military might of the nation, ultimately bringing the country to its inevitable doom. She would commit vile and wicked acts that would make her kind-hearted mother weep. The blood would not fade from her hands but Reiju accepted that. This was her role to play so that one day her kind little brother could spread his wings and fly free.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

It's raining on the day Reiju returns to Germa.

The rain only adds to her irritation. The assignment lasted an entire year longer than what was expected. The situation had been entirely out of Reiju's hands. The king of the targeted nation was a paranoid bastard and hoarded the technology to his few trusted officials. There was an unpleasant satisfaction Reiju felt when she saw the castle be blown to smithereens.

Now, standing on her home soil, Reiju didn't feel welcomed. The buildings where she grew up and trained where just stone and metal. The halls were empty and cold, just like her childhood. She wondered how much had changed since she left.

Sanji crying out drew her attention immediately. She found him surrounded by his brothers, quivering on the ground.

Yonji kicked his brother in the stomach. "You're coward."

"And a crybaby," Niji added.

"You're the one that's holding us back," Ichiji said coolly. "If you think you can get out of punishment, you're dumber than I thought."

The wall behind Sanji was dented, no doubted the others slammed poor Sanj into it. Those little monsters were despicable. They ganged up against the weakest member and tortured him for their amusement. They truly were Judge's soldiers. Reiju only remained in the shadows because she knew who else was approaching.

Judge was just passing through the halls when Sanji reached out a shaking hand.

"Tou-san," Sanji pleaded desperately. Tears and snot ran down his face and mixing with his blood, "Help."

Judge gazed down at his son with steadfast expression and apathy in what he said next, "Why?"

Reiju's heart clenched at look of despair in her brother's eyes but she quelled her anger. If she acted, all these years she bided her time would be for nothing. Sanji may be suffering but his fate would be much worse if Reiju loses control now.

"Only the weak beg for their lives, not a Vinsmoke." Judge stated, Sanji flinching at his words. "Are you a Vinsmoke?"

Sanji said nothing.

"Ichiji, Niji, Yonji." The boys quickly tensed and bowed their heads. "Come with me. Because of your exceptional progress, I have special training for you."

The three boys hastily followed after their father, leaving Sanji to curl up into a ball and sob. After their footstep echoes eventually disappeared, Reiju left the shadows. Sanji lift his head and his teary eyes widened.

"Reiju," Sanji moved to embrace her but stopped himself. Instead he curled back up. It saddened her to see him in such a state. His arms were skinny and lacked the muscles his other brothers had already developed. Reiju could just see how frail her brother was. Even his fingers were wrapped in bandages. She cursed that she wasn't here to protect her brother from the beatings from Judge and the others. She kneeled down and gently stroked his yellow locks.

"Let's get you cleaned up."

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

The days following her return Reiju dutifully attended to the ceremonies that Judge hosted in honor of her service and contribution to furthering the advancement of the Germa Kingdom.

The kingdom was in awe to see Reiju to stand in all of her regality and power after being absent for two years. The citizens rejoiced for the return of their beloved and feared princess. The crowds were enthralled by the royal and distinguished aura of Judge and Reiju as they stood side by side.

In every back alley and behind closed doors countries in the North Blue whispered about the unrelenting might of the Germa Kingdom.

Eventually Reiju was able to slip away in the night. Traveling across the rooftops with delicate feet, Reiju made her way to the medical ward. She positioned herself next to the second story window. Holding on to the edge of a brick with the tips of her fingers, Reiju brought her free hand to her lips and withdrew some of her saliva. She coated the window latch and the metal instantly started to sizzle and pop as the corrosive elements of her saliva eroded it away. Ensuring no one had spotted her, Reiju slipped inside the dark room.

The moonlight poured into the room from the window, illuminating her mother's sleeping silhouette. Reiju stayed by the window, finding no strength to approach her mother. Her mother's cheeks were sunken and she was sickly thin. The effects of the poison had obviously progressively worsened her mother's health in the years Reiju has been away.

Reiju stood there for so long that moonlight fell in the sky until it angled into Sora's eyes. The difference in light was enough for Sora to scrunch her face. Reiju debated if she should leave before her mother awakened but she took too long to decide.

Blinking to clear her vision, Sora smiled at the dark shadow outlined by the moonlight. She reached out her hand. "Reiju, come here."

Her mother's words were like a sweet forgiveness that lured her in. Reiju kneeled down by the bed. Sora's fingers brushed against her cheek with a soft tenderness. Reiju subconsciously leaned into the loving touch she craved but didn't deserve. She could feel the slight quiver from Sora's fingers. Her mother's struggling to hold onto her strength.

"You've grown up into a beautiful woman,"

"I'm not a little girl anymore." Reiju said, a lump forming in the back of her throat. She took her mother's hand and brought it to her forehead. There was so much Reiju wanted to apologize for.

The violence she committed.

The blood on her hands.

Leaving Sanji to fend for himself.

How could she…

Sora just smiled. "Welcome home."

A tear slipped from Reiju's face and cold persona of Germa's princess vanished. "I'm back."

"Are you safe?"

"Yes. Tou-san hasn't brought up the surgery since I got back." Reiju said.

Sora nodded in contentment.

"How are the boys?" she asked.

"Tou-san has been training Ichiji, Niji and Yonji non-stop. The scientists believe the enhancements should begin to manifest soon." Reiju admitted.

"I haven't seen my boys in so long," her mother said with a sigh. "But Sanji visited me recently."

"That's sweet of him."

"He made me dinner." Sora explained. Pride in her son was clear in her tone. "He's going to cook for me again."

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

The whole kingdom mourned for the death of Vinsmoke Sora, the sickly queen to their great king. Reiju found herself mechanically relying on her instincts to carry her through the motions of the funeral and attending the overelaborate ceremonies Judge put on to portray himself as a devoted husband. He twisted the truth that her mother died for Germa, to bring forth suitable sons who would inherit the kingdom even at the cost of her body.

Reiju's blood didn't even boil in fury listening to her father's speeches. She didn't feel anything. She knew. She knew this day would come for years but it didn't make it any easier. Reiju withdrew into herself, mourning for her gentle mother who remained a caged bird until her last breath.

Sometime later, Reiju mustered her strength to visit her mother. The grave was surrounded by an array of blossoming flowers.

She had a companion, Sanji. He was crying before the grave. Just like yesterday and the day before that. Judge had come to scold Sanji before but for all the fear the man instilled in his son, it could not overwhelm Sanji's sorrow. Sanji had lost the only person who showed him love.

Reiju couldn't let him suffer. She promised their mother to ensure that one day he would be free. Reiju needed to cast aside her hurt so that she could be there for her brother.

But he wasn't alone.

They approached from behind and stood silently. Sanji ignored his brothers and continued to cry.

"Don't you ever stop," Yonji asked.

"He's sad 'cause it's his fault Kaa-san's dead." voiced Niji.

"Go away." Sanji said through his cries.

"Make us." Ichiji stated. "We won't do something for you because you're pathetic. Mom felt bad for you and she ended up eating that poison you cooked up."

Sanji gritted his teeth and whirled around and let out a rage filled cry. Ichiji easily dodged his punch and tripped him. Sanji landed face first in the dirt.

"You brought this on yourself." Ichiji said as he grabbed Sanji by his collar to pummel him.

For the first time since Sora's death, Reiju felt a fire burn within her heart. She was done hiding in the shadows, Sanji had suffered enough. Striding forward, Reiju kicked Ichiji. The force sent Ichiji flying into a nearby tree. The bark crack and Ichiji gasped, letting loose a spurt of blood.

"Ichiji!" Niji and Yonji quickly ran over to their brother who coughed harshly, trying to get his breath back.

"What was that for!?" Niji demanded.

Reiju calmly folded her arms across her chest, acknowledging she couldn't make too much of scene. She just needed to get them to leave. "Get out of my sight."

"No way!" Yonji said, but took a step back when Reiju glared at him.

"Is that a challenge?" Reiju asked. "That's not very wise of you. I suppose you don't have the same respect for my authority because of my absence. I can easily rectify this,"

The three boys shivered under her gaze.

"Let's make this simple. When I tell you to get lost, I expect my words to be followed without question. Is that clear?"

The boys didn't say anything and look subdued, but they still weren't leaving.

"You'll regret it if I need to repeat myself."

Ichiji lifted his head to make eye contact with her. He was finally able to get enough air to ask, "What about Sanji?"

"I'll deal with Sanji."

Ichiji scoffed. "You're just going to comfort him as soon as we leave."

Reiju's eyes narrowed. "What happens is none of your concern. A soldier does not question his superior."

The boys were silent once again.

"…." Yonji's muttered something fierce from his lips.

"What was that?!" Reiju demanded.

"It's not fair." Yonji said louder.

"Life isn't fair."

His brother's declaration gave Niji confidence to speak. "But Sanji's always getting special treatment ever since we were little. At least you can tell us why."

Reiju's brow furrowed in confusion, "What are you talking about?"

"He always gets scared when we train."

"Yeah!" Yonji jutted his finger at Sanji. "He gets out of training all the time! And gets to spend a ton of time with Kaa-san!"

"But training hurts." Sanji whimpered.

"Liar!" Niji shouted. "We're can't get hurt! Tou-san says so!"

"We were born to be to be super soldiers. We can't show any weakness. But…" Niji and Yonji burst into tears. Ichiji fists shook and shouted. "Why can Sanji cry but we can't!?"

Reiju had prepared so many arguments in her head to make them drop the matter: Sanji's developing slower than them, Sanji is none of their concern or Sanji needs to learn, but she was not prepared to see the others break down into tears.

"Why… are you crying?" Reiju asked in disbelief.

"Our Kaa-san's gone!" Ichiji yelled. "We never got to see her! She probably hated us. At least let us cry for her!"

Reiju didn't know what to say, "I…"

"She didn't hate you!" Sanji stated with more confidence than Reiju had ever seen him display.

"Shut up, crybaby!"

"NO!" Sanji shouted with all his might and stood up. "Kaa-san told me that she was really proud of Ichiji's tests scores. She thought it was cool that Niji made a lightbulb from scratch and got really worried that Yonji got hurt when he hit his head into the golden lion statue. Kaa-san LOVES US!"

"Why are you trying to make us feel better?" Niji cried out. "We tease you and beat you a-an-and and break your stuff!"

"You guys are mean! But you're family." Sanji replied and gave them a wobbly smile.

The others suddenly ran forward. Reiju nearly intercepted to protect Sanji but he met them half way and the boys collapsed into a sobbing mess. Reiju stood nearby while the brothers hugged each other, burying their faces into each other shirts.

She sucked in a shaky breath. Ichiji, Niji and Yonji were crying. They could feel emotions. Maybe they displayed some super human abilities but the modifications failed.

They were still human.

And Reiju let them suffer under their father's guidance for years. They were like little birds who fallen from the nest. Reiju never bothered to reach out for them, leaving them to fend for themselves amongst a cruel world of cats and snakes.

All because she gave up on them.

Reiju dropped to her knees and embraced all her brothers in her arms. She held them close, "Kaa-san loved all of you."

She could never tell them that their mother gave her life so that they could have chance to love. She could never put that burden on them. She had to free them from the clutches of her father or they could lose their freedom forever.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

The Vinsmoke children gathered in Reiju's room in the evening.

Yonji poked at Sanji's skin while Niji asked. "Are you really just squishy?"

"I'm not squishy," Sanji huffed indignantly. "You guys hit hard."

"Then we won't hit hard when we training." Ichiji said.

Reiju frowned, knowing she would not like this conversation. "Gather around." The boys quickly listened and looked at her expectantly, "Kaa-san wished for you to be free from Germa. I will take you away from here and you will all be able to live your life how you want to."

She could see each boy look at her with anticipation and bubbling excitement.

"I want to be a cook." Sanji stated.

Reiju smiled. Sanji's already had a goal and she was going to make sure he would have a chance to fulfil it. "And one day you will be able to, but for now we have to be patient and careful. Obey father and do not cause trouble."

"So act like nothing's changed," Ichiji said.

"Does that mean… we can't go easy on Sanji?" Niji asked, causing to Sanji hunch his shoulders.

Reiju placed a hand on Sanji, petting his hair gently. "It'll only be for a little while longer."

Sanji nodded.

"As for the rest of you, try to minimize hurting Sanji outside of training."

She received a chorus of, "Yes Nee-san."

It was a miracle that all the boys kept their humanity. Now it was up to Reiju to free all her brothers. She hadn't attempted escaping yet because she didn't want to leave her mother alone. With her death, there was nothing tying Reiju to the Germa kingdom. There was also no one to protect Reiju from the surgery that would trap her here forever. They had a small window of opportunity to leave the kingdom and she would not waste their chance. It was time to leave the nest.

What if Reiju was older?

What if the Lineage factor failed to take hold?

-DigitalGuardian

Chapter Text

Several months past and Reiju couldn't help but be proud at her brothers for not overtly telling there was a difference in their dynamic. But even though her brothers were smart, they weren't trained in acting. Ichiji, Niji, Yonji didn't want to be mean to Sanji but they didn't know how to treat him differently without looking suspicious. They tended to ignore him during the day, but during Reiju's nightly walks through the castle she could hear hushed whispers behind the boys' bedroom doors.

It did worry Reiju when she watched them train because it was obvious the boys were going easy on Sanji. The lack of trips to the medical ward spoke volumes. It was true that less trip made it appear as though Sanji was developing, but Judge often expressed disappoint in his test results. Though Judge hid it well, Reiju picked up that he was concerned of how Sanji's lack of strength effected the family legacy. Judge obviously didn't put too much faith in the reports that Reiju would secretly alter. He would personally duel Sanji and see his son's lack of capabilities for himself. Reiju has seen her father strike a defective clone down in one merciless blow. Sanji is family but she fears what Judge will do to protect the Vinsmoke name.

Fortunately, Judge had little time to give his attention to the boys in recent days. He was conducting operations outside the North Blue to spread the kingdom's influence. Judge currently had his sights on a kingdom in the East Blue but there was a rising military in the North Blue that could challenge Germa if Judge left them alone for too long.

This was Reiju's best chance to escape Germa with her brothers while Judge was focused on the conflicts in the North Blue. She just had to be strategic. With her mother gone, her next surgery would trap her in Germa forever. If that happened, she could never protect her brothers.

As Reiju expected, Judge invited her to a war council to discuss current matters. Reiju sat on a velvet chair to the right side of her father where she was expected to be. She quietly listened to the strategies to address the opponent in the North Blue while fulfilling the contract in the East Blue. It was decided that the main force would stay in the North Blue to annihilate the opposing military and utterly crush them. A smaller force would break off from the kingdom and go to the East Blue. The meeting finally came to the point of who to send where.

"I will lead the main army against those fools who dare think they can invade my territory. Squad 8 through 9 will be enough to handle the assault in the East Blue but every great army needs a great leader to execute the attack." Judge glanced at Reiju. "Ideally, you would be my first pick to lead the attack." he said. "But there is another matter you should attend to first."

"Is this my next modification surgery?" Reiju guessed.

"Yes,"

"I should go with the East Blue assault."

"Oh? Are you disagreeing to the surgery?" Judge asked. His tone was low and dangerous.

Reiju needed to choose her words carefully, she couldn't appear to be disobedient. "My modifications take one or two surgeries to be fully integrated into my body. After my surgery I need to recover and allow the modifications to set. Until my brothers have fully grown, I am Germa's greatest solider. I am ready for the next phase of my modifications but I do not wish to be out of commissions at such a crucial time for our kingdom. I humbly ask you to allow me to serve my kingdom."

Judge laughed heartedly at this. "You make me proud, my daughter. Your devotion to Germa is respectable. I give you my blessing to lead the convoy to the East Blue."

"I will not fail you Tou-san," Reiju said. "In addition, I wanted to suggest something."

"What is it?"

"My darling brothers have been excelling in the training and I believe we could further unlock their potentially if they were allowed to apply their abilities without restraint. The East Blue will be a small operation, a perfect training exercise for them to unleash their power. This could be the break through that Sanji needs to develop."

Judge scoffed. "Sanji has continuously lagged behind Ichiji, Niji and Yonji. I wouldn't be surprised if a stray cannonball killed him."

Reiju dug her nails sharply into her palm to quell her anger.

"The princes have shown the most progression when they're pushed to their limits." The head scientist added. "Participating in a war could be beneficial to Prince Sanji."

Judge nodded thoughtfully. Reiju knew he was considering the outcomes of sending his boys into a warzone and she knew it wasn't in any concern to their wellbeing. She suspected that Judge was considering this to be an easy way to erase Sanji existence so he could no longer be a stain on the family's reputation. It made her sick.

"My sons have not developed as much as expected. Perhaps it is the environment that needs to change. Alright then, Ichiji, Niji, Sanji and Yonji will go with you to the East Blue."

"As you wish,"

The rest of meeting was devoted to the logistics to both operations. It was late in the evening when Judge called the boys to the throne room. Reiju stood in line with her brothers, looking up at their father on his grand throne. Reiju carefully watched her brothers' expressions as Judge explained the details of the East Blue mission. Although they were children, they hid their fear of participating in war well. She was quite impressed that Yonji minimized how much he shifted on his feet, Sanji refrained from crying, and Niji managed to avoid looking to the ever steadfast Ichiji for guidance and reassurance. 

When they were dismissed, Reiju led them back to her room. The four boys scrambled to claim the softest pillows on her bed. Reiju let out a light cough and instantly got their attention. Now that they were settled, the boys all quieted.

Niji's shoulders shook slightly. "Are we… do we… have to fight?"

"Yeah, I don't want to." Sanji agreed. He sniffled and rubbed at his eyes, obviously trying to not cry.

"Sanji's too squishy for war." Yonji added, causing Sanji's face to burn bright red in embarrassment and anger.

Ichiji seemed concerning apathetic and quiet.

"Don't worry," Reiju assured, "I'll protect all of you. It's important that you don't argue on this matter. Do you all understand?"

"Yes Nee-san." The boys responded despondently. Reiju wished she could explain to the boys how this was their chance at gaining their freedom but couldn't tell them her plan yet. She couldn't risk Judge finding out. Her brothers would just have to trust in her.

Satisfied, Reiju sent her brothers to bed.

"Sanji, are you coming?" Ichiji asked.

Sanji lingered at the door and shook his head.

"Come here, Sanji. Goodnight Ichiji."

"Goodnight Nee-san." Ichiji disappeared down the hall and Sanji reentered his sister's room. Sanji stood in the middle, quietly fussing. He clearly wanted to say something but was too embarrassed to say it. Her brother was so cute.

"Do you need something?" Reiju asked.

"I… um well…" Sanji mumbled shyly.

Reiju smiled and sat on her bed. "Do you want to sleep with me tonight?"

"What!" Sanji shrieked. "No! I'm not a baby!"

Reiju giggled. Extremely cute.

"Come here Sanji. Keep me company."

Sanji kicked out the ground shyly, "Okay, but only because I don't want you to be lonely."

"Why thank you my darling Otouto," Reiju hummed. Sanji ducked under the covers and Reiju watched as the little lump crawled across her bed and stifled a laugh when Sanji's head of yellow hair popped out. Reiju settled down next to him and cuddled him against her chest.

Reaching across to her dresser, Reiju turned off the lamp and plunged the room into darkness. Sanji drew closer to her as the silence fell over them, shivering. Reiju tightened her embrace around him. How scared Sanji must be. He was weak compared to his brothers. If Sanji were to actually fight in a battle, there would be no doubt he would die. Her brother must be aware of that but yet he was trying to put of such a brave face.

Reiju stroke his hair to comfort him. Sanji may be scared now but not for long. He had to endure a little longer and then Sanji and his brothers would be free.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

The convoy consisted of three battleship snails. These snails were different from the largest snails that acted as the main land mass, they were designed for mobility which was ideal for a small tactical assault. Reiju ensured that her brothers were properly prepared to live on the battleships by instructing them what to pack.

On the day the convoy would split from Germa's main forces, Judge graced them with his presence. He stood at the edge of the snail, gazing down at his sons as they moved about the decks of the lead battlesnail. Sanji yelped when he tripped over his duffle bag's dangling straps, hitting his face on the deck. Ichiji saw his brother trip and how his father looked at Sanji disapprovingly. Ichiji warily but assertively approached, roughly hauled Sanji to his feet and dragged him inside.

"This battle will not be enough to unlock Sanji's potential," Judge said looking down at Reiju who was there to oversee the last of the military squads board the battlesnails.

"Have faith in your work, Tou-san." Reiju assured.

"There a line of having faith in my work and ignoring a weak chainlink." Judge stated, looking down as the four boys joined the ranks. "In the end, this excursion will reveal his worth."

"Princess!" A soldier called up. "We are ready to depart!"

"I'll be off," Reiju said, hopping up onto the stone wall.

"Display the power of the Germa Kingdom and make me proud," Judge said.

Pausing on the wall, Reiju glanced over her shoulder "Goodbye, Tou-san." As Reiju dropped through the air she wondered if her father could detect the finality in her tone, not that it mattered. The last phase of Reiju's plan began with the convoy's departure. It was her father error for letting her take her brothers away.

"Reiju!" Sanji called when she landed on deck. Reiju giggled when all of her brother swarmed around her.

Yonji was practically vibrating with excitement. "This is awesome! We're setting sail!"

"We live on giant snails that sail around the ocean so we really didn't set sail 'cause we are already sailing," remarked Niji.

Yonki stuck out his tongue. "Snails don't sail they swim!"

"That's stupid but I don't expect anything less from a dummy like you."

"What was that nerd!?"

Ichiji pushed his way in between his brothers. "Cut it out guys. We're soldiers, act like it."

"Not for long." Reiju smiled, putting her hands on her hips. "Remember to behave yourselves and let the men do their duties. We'll be at the Redline in two days."

"We won't get into trouble." Ichiji promised.

No trouble her brothers promise, but Yonji nearly falls off the battlesnail as it ascends the grand mountains of the Redline.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

The excitement her brother's had when they entered the new ocean quickly dwindled as the battlesnail approached their destination. It weighed heavy in their minds. Training and tests could not be compared to actual battle. A day before arrival Sanji lost his appetite at dinner. He just sat between his brothers in the mess hall, tracing the rivets in the metal bench. Reiju wished she could ease his worries, but she suspected her men wouldn't know what to make of their commander providing comforting words before battle. Regardless if it was her little brother, comforting didn't match the vicious and cold-hearted reputation she had fostered over her years serving.

Seeing his brother not touch his food, Yonji's sticky fingers reached out to accost the pudding from Sanji's tray. He was thwarted when Ichiji grabbed his wrist. "Hey!"

"Keep your hands to yourself,"

"Buzz off," Yonji snapped trying to get himself out of the lock Ichiji had twisted him into. "I finished my dinner."

"That doesn't mean you can have Sanji's dessert." Ichiji stated.

"Shouldn't have eaten your dessert first," Niji laughed, enjoying his own pudding.

Yonji freed his hand and crossed his arms in a huff.

Ichiji turned to Sanji, "You need to eat or you aren't going to have any strength for battle tomorrow."

Sanji frowned. "I don't want to fight."

Ichiji punched Sanji. Sanji's hands went to protect his head as he hissed in pain. "OW!"

"Don't be such a baby. Eat." Ichiji ordered.

The others didn't even snicker at Sanji's dilemma, thoughts wholly focused on their first battle. Sanji managed to eat enough of his meal to satisfy Reiju.

As harsh as Ichiji was, he was right. All of her brothers would need their strength for their final trial tomorrow. Even Reiju would need to put her concentration, power and intelligence to see this through.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

The next morning arrived swiftly and the battlesnails had reached the island. The alarms blared, warning of Germa 66 but the nation's fate was sealed. The boys were dressed in the standard uniform, Yonji particularly displeased with the tight material and Sanji looked sickly. The uniforms would offer some protection for them before Reiju could reach them. Reiju was wearing her Raid suit, a suit specifically designed to further increase her power and speed in addition to containing Germa's advanced technology. If they stayed in Germa, Judge would eventually commission the boys their own Raid suits but Reiju refused for them to grow up under their father's control.

The first obstacle was gathering her brothers. They were separated into different squads for the battle, Ichiji and Yonji would be together in one squad while Sanji and Niji would be in another. Reiju was to pierce through the enemy's defenses with the frontal assault team. Reiju needed the battle to get to a point of chaos where no one would notice them slip away.

The cannons fired, obliterating the nation's coastal defenses. Germa soldiers dropped to the beach and charged into the city. Reiju flew through the air, her purple wings fluttering behind her as she tore through the opposing soldiers. It didn't take long for the city to burn red with fire and for a thick smog of ash to blanket the city.

Reiju concentrated her attacks in piercing through the crowd of enemy soldiers, giving Germa a clear path to the castle. Leaving the men writhing from her poison, her own men were too busy advancing to notice Reiju disappearing into shadows.

She needed to collect her brothers. Sanji and Niji were first, Sanji was too weak, he wouldn't last long in battle. Once she got the other two they could escape this island but they had to be quick. There were evacuation ships leaving and they couldn't miss them.

Surprisingly, Reiju found all four of her brothers together without their squads. They were positioned by a pile of stone rubble and metal, taking cover under an overturn benched. There was a small group of soldiers running up the street towards them. Reiju dispatched the enemies silently before revealing herself to her brothers.

Each of them expressed relief in their tearful eyes when they saw her. Niji, Sanji and Yonji latched on to her middle and her legs, holding on to her tightly.

"Reiju!" Sanji cried.

"This isn't cool! We don't want to stay here." Yonji yelled.

"It's alright. I'm here to take you away."

Niji looked up at her though she doubt he could see much with how foggy his goggles were. "We don't have to fight anymore?"

"No." Reiju stated, recalling her raid suit back into its canister, leaving her in her preferred pink dress. "We're escaping Germa, we're never going back to that horrible place."

All four boys look at her in shock.

"Escape? Like you said before?" Niji asked.

Reiju nodded. "Tou-san will never be able to control you again."

"Will we really be free?" Ichiji asked, still in his kneeling position, looking for any enemies, Germa or others. "If we go missing, Tou-san will search until he finds us."

Reiju gestured for them to follow her and took them inside a mostly intact building. "He will not search if he believes we are dead."

"We're going to die!" Yonji yelled and was smacked by Niji.

"Obviously we're going to fake our deaths, right Nee-san?"

Reiju nodded. "Yes. I need you to listen carefully. Our father will need confirmation that we died. Give me your scarves. We'll imply that we died in an explosion. Bodies completely disintegrated, all that remains are parts of our clothing. I need you boys to go out and find something we can burn these. I have to set the explosives."

"But then what will we do?" Sanji asked as he handed over his yellow scarf. Reiju gave him a yellow shirt in return to put over his uniform.

"Once we do, we'll go for the south harbor. I saw a cruise ship there when I flew over the city. We'll stowaway." With all four scarves, Reiju addressed her brothers with a commanding tone. "Try avoid being seen and do not engage in battle. Stick together and watch each other's back. Do you understand?"

"Yes Nee-san,"

The boys disappeared out the door. Sure that they were gone, Reiju got to work. Fire was obsolete with the battle raging on around them but Reiju needed her brothers away for this next part. Judge wouldn't be satisfied with burned clothing, Reiju needed to make their death far more convincing.

The house was perfect. The ground floor level had two rooms separated by a door and that was all Reiju needed. She quickly set up the explosives in the back room, concentrating them to the wall that separated the rooms and made her way to the front, closing the door as she went. Reiju stood in front of wall and mentally prepared herself for the sacrifice she needed to make.

War was messy. Explosions don't conveniently disintegrate a person. No, explosions tore bodies apart.

Drawing back her fist, Reiju punched her left arm right through the wall. She could feel her elbow brush against an explosive she set against the other side. Reiju took a deep breath and clenched the denotator tightly in her left hand. Just by pushing the button would change her life, setting her back in more ways than one but Reiju was fine with that.

She promised her mother that her sons would be free. They will be like birds, spreading their wings to fly. Yes, they would fly, but that didn't mean Reiju had to. This was for her brothers.

Reiju pressed the button.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

Her entire body was on fire. She writhed around the pain, trying to collect her thoughts before they disappeared with the bellowing smoke. Where were Sanji and the others? Were they safe? Were they hurt? They were safe. She sent them away. She sent them away too…. Ah yes, so she could fake their deaths. She must have lost consciousness. The wall must not have been enough to protect her from the concussive blast of the explosion.

Reiju attempted to push herself up only to topple over, head smacking against the rubble. Black dots obscured her vision but she could feel the heat of flames around her as the building crumbled. She need to leave, this area was too dangerous. Her darling brothers could get hurt when they come back. Where were they? Were they safe? Were they hurt? She could only see red.

But there was something in the distance. While not a light, it was unconsciously eased Reiju heart. Through the smog of death and destruction, Reiju could see a splotch of blue. Blue as the sea and the sky. Freedom.

No matter how far away, she had to reach it. Freedom was so close. She had to reach it….

Was that spice she smelled?

Reiju first became aware of her back aching but she also felt enveloped in softness and warmth. It was unpleasant. Her surroundings had changed. It wasn't possible for her to be in the city. Her chest hurt as she breathed but she couldn't taste the ash in her mouth. The air was clear. She could no longer hear the sound of cannons, steel and rifles in the distance nor screams as blood was split. It was deafeningly quiet. She could only hear the creaking of wood as it strained under some unknown force.

Despite the clarity of her environment, Reiju's head felt heavy and her vision fuzzy. She could feel anything in her limbs. She focused on her surrounding and trying to make sense of the blurry shapes only hurt more. By god she was tired. Sleep sounded nice. She couldn't sleep. Sleep in enemy territory spelled death.

*Hiccup*

She knew that cry, even if he was just a blob of yellow and white, Reiju knew Sanji was with her. Why was he crying? Was he hurt? She would have to scold the others again. She wanted to comfort him, pet his head like mother use to do to her on those late nights when Reiju snuck into her bed. She reached out but she couldn't reach him. Why couldn't she reach him?

Sanji sounded panicked when the darkness took her.

When Reiju was able regain consciousness, the pain had ebbed. With her mind clear, she was able to conclude she was in a bed with a rather stiff mattress and itchy wool blankets. Reiju carefully sat up. The room was dark besides one lantern over by the door. Across the room was a bunkbed with distinct lumps under their covers. Yonji and Sanji were on the top and Niji was snoring away on the bottom.

Reiju's memory was scattered but judging by their current accommodations, they must have snuck onto the cruise ship. Relief washed over her. She finally did it. They were free. Her mother could rest peacefully now.

Reiju looked down at her lap where her single hand rested. It would take some getting used to but giving up her left arm so that her brothers could be free was a small price to pay. The door opened and Reiju was half off the bed, ready to kill.

The light of lantern highlighted the intruder's saggy face which was wrinkled into surprise. The man raised his hands – fingers still hooked on the handle of a large black bag – in an act of surrender.

"It's alright." The man said quietly and assuredly. "You're safe on the Orbit… a cruise liner. I'm a doctor. I'm sorry to disturb your rest, Ichiji said to come by at this time."

"Where is Ichiji?"

"He's safe. He's sleeping in the bunk above you." The doctor explained. Keeping an eye on the intruder, Reiju quickly peered up. Ichiji was sitting upright in his bunk, leaning against the wall the bed was pressed against, but his posture was completely relaxed and he was snoring softly.

"You're brothers are good little boys. I admire their perseverance even after the horrors they've experienced. They've definitely earned this rest, as do you." The man paused, realizing Reiju was watching him with distrustful eyes. "You're safe now. I'm not here to hurt you."

Realizing that this man was trying to comfort her, Reiju eased back into her bed. The end of her left elbow tingled achingly.

"May I come over and change your bandages?" the intruder, doctor, asked.

Receiving her consent, the doctor got to work.

"I'm Dr. Johnson. I've been caring for your injuries since you and your brothers stowed away." Reiju jerked her arm away so Johnson quickly added. "You're not in trouble. The captain has been understanding of you situation. Who wouldn't be?"

"That's… kind of the captain..."

"Yes. Well, you little brothers definitely made quite the argument. I heard it was the sous chef that found you in the pantry. He thought you were dead with the amount of blood on all of you. Sanji….. yes that's his name, pleaded with the cooks to let him work in the kitchen for you to have safe passage. All of them have been working hard as chore boys while taking care of you."

Reiju glanced over at the three brothers she could see and realized how exhausted they looked. Sanji tossed restlessly, flipping off his blanket and revealing he was wearing different clothing from the ones she gave him. It was a white uniform a few sizes too large for him. Reiju only hand gripped the sheets tightly. She left them to fend for themselves in unfamiliar territory just because she couldn't stay conscious. "How long was I out?"

"You've been in and out of conscious for four days now. I'm honestly surprised you're up after the trauma you've experienced." Dr. Johnson explained.

"I'm strong."

"I don't doubt it."

"… What about…. The island?"

"Your home?" The doctor paused in rewrapping the bandages to look her in the eye. "I'm sorry, but I don't think there will be anything left. The Orbit set sail not long after the invasion began and by then the enemy had already made it to the center."

Reiju sighed. That was to be expected. The East Blue was weak, that nation stood no chance against Germa 66. But those were still countless lives lost to her father's cruelty. It really was a shame.

"I am sorry for your loss. I spoke with the captain not long ago. As long as you work, you'll have a place on the Orbit." Johnson offered, likely trying to ease the worry he probably thought she was in.

Reiju easily gave him a convincingly shy but warm smile, "Thank you doctor. I'm gratefully for all that you've done."

The doctor laughed awkwardly, but clearly appreciated the praise, fumbling to his feet. "Just doing my job! Your arm is well on its way to recovering. I'll let you get some rest."

Reiju giggled when he tripped over the stool. The noise awoke Niji, "Nee-san? Nee-san! She's awake!"

Sanji sat up as Niji leapt out of bed and ran to her side. Sanji smiled brightly, "Nee-san!"

He kicked Yonji awake before jumping out of bed. Ichiji quietly slide down the side of their bunk and joined his brothers. The doctor smiled as the boys chatted animatedly with their sister and slipped out the door.

"So what the doc say?" Yonji asked, half sprawled over her legs.

"My arm is healing well." Reiju happily informed.

"Sorry, I was supposed to be awake." Ichiji apologized.

"Yes, but I've heard from the doctor how hard you all have been working. You deserve some rest."

Sanji sighed. "I'm glad you're okay."

Reijy looked sheepish, "It pains me that I let my guard down, but even I can only do so much against Germa's cannons."

"He got worried when we saw the house explode. He cried." Yonji piped up.

Sanji glared at him. "So did you!"

Yonji flushed. "I'm not the crybaby!"

"And I'm not either."

"Calm down you two." Reiju ordered. "Tell me what you've been up to."

Apparently she missed a lot. The boys were eager to tell her about the people they've met, what they'd seen, and the work they've done. She was proud her brothers had the sense to hide their monstrous strength and happy for that the cooks accepted Sanji in the kitchen.

"I've been washing dishes but just you wait, I'll be the best cook in the entire ocean." Sanji explained excitedly.

Reiju laughed. "I don't doubt it."

"What do we do now?" Niji asked.

"Whatever we want," replied Reiju.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

To appease her doctor, Reiju stayed in bed to continue to recover from her injuries. Her brothers would occasionally drop by during the day to see how was she doing and take breaks. When she was finally cleared, Reiju met with the captain on the deck. They discussed the Vinsmoke's position on the Orbit. Like the doctor, the captain was under the impression that they were from the island Germa 66 attacked, escaped the battle, and took refuge on the ship. He was generous enough to give them jobs so that they could earn enough to live comfortably.

Reiju adjusted to living with one hand. She had to relearn many aspects of her life without it, from getting dressed to writing. Her adorable little brothers tried to help her whenever they could. When her hair was growing too long to be manageable, she let Ichiji cut it. They were quickly interrupted by Niji fighting Yonji and Reiju ended up with a unique pixie cut for a while.

Sanji stayed in the kitchens but the others found their own places on the Orbit. Niji quickly wormed his way into assisting the single engineer on the cruise liner. No matter how he tried to hide it, Yonji became known as the swirly eyebrowed sibling you go to if heavy lifting needed to be done. Ichiji was the only one who didn't find his niche, he completed the work he was given.

The doctor warned Reiju against doing physical work even though her single good arm was stronger than the crew on the Orbit put together. She settled for being a waitress. The guest would look at her with pity but she does get some nice tips.

The time passed and the quadruplets were celebrating their first birthday outside the Germa Kingdom. Reiju put aside beris for this day, it was their special day after all. The captain allowed for all five siblings to get off work early for them to have the night to themselves. Reiju got Sanji a children's story book that contained tales from all the Blues. She thought it would be a nice book for Sanji to read and relax after his long days in the kitchen. Sanji would stay up late reading by candlelight, completely engrossed. Reiju thought she made the right choice but never in her life did she suspect that a seemingly harmless gift would give her brother fanciful ideas.

Sanji loved one story above all others about an adventurer sailing across the oceans. The adventurer sailed so far she went right off the map and found a sea where all the aquatic creatures could be found. Sanji happily told the chefs the next day about the story and they quickly realized that he was talking about the All-Blue.

"They say it's a cook's paradise." Sanji explained to Reiju and his brothers. They were all in the dining hall to eat lunch together. Sanji was still working but he had come out briefly to give them their food. Reiju knew it was just an excuse to tell them about the All-Blue.

"Any fish?" Yonji asked.

"Yeah,"

"Even Elephant Fish?" Yonji drooled.

"Elephant fish, Spotted Angular, Eastern Shark, Ridgeback Eel, Red Pollinator Squid and Spangled Anchovy. Any fish you can imagine." Sanji rambled. "Imagine all the dishes I could make."

"But it's a fairy tale." Niji said. "It doesn't exist."

"You don't know that!"

"Sanji," Reiju injected. "The other cooks are right. It's a legendary sea, it's not real." Sanji tried to hide how put down he was hearing this. Reiju, Niji, and Yonji finished with their meals and went back to work, leaving Ichiji and Sanji at the table.

"Do you think it's real?" Sanji asked, a little afraid to look at him.

Ichiji didn't falter gathering his dishes and asking, "Why does matter if I believe your or not? It's like the One Piece. Who knows if it's actually real but that doesn't stop people from trying to find it. What matters is what you want. Is that the point of us living free?"

Sanji dared to glance up at his brother retreating figure and pressed his lips together to stop himself from smiling.

Chapter Text

The sun was barely rising over the horizon when Reiju finished her morning routine. She was finishing rolling up her right sleeve to her elbow when her roommate awoke with a yawn.

She looked through a mess of bed hair. "Reiju-san?"

"Morning Kiara-san," Reiju replied, picking up a pink clip her brothers got her.

"Do you need help?" Kiara asked.

"I got it." Reiju said, pinning the cloth to her sleeve. Now that the extra fabric was out of the way Reiju yanked Kiara's covers off her bed. Kiara moaned in betrayal. "You're going to fall asleep again."

"I promise I won't." Kiara said and rolled out of bed, hitting the floor with a thud. She moaned again.

Reiju giggled and left their room to go to the men's quarters.

Niji must have heard her approached because he had to the door open to greet her. "Morning Nee-san."

"Morning Niji. How are the headphones?" Reiju asked, her fingers brushing over the noise cancelling headphones that Niji wore. Several months ago Niji's sense of hearing developed beyond anything she could have imagined. His ears were so sensitivity that talking sounded like bombs going off. The sudden development of his senses was a concern to Reiju but Niji's personality remained unchanged so she assumed it was a result of how the poison interacted with the genetic engineering.

The headphone would cancel all sound for an average person but for Niji, he could hear at a normal level. It took a chunk out of their savings, but Niji was no longer suffering from his own hearing.

"Perfect!" Niji said, but gave a side glance to Yonji who was still snoring away in his bed. "Though there are some people I wish I couldn't hear."

"Yonji, wake up," Reiju called. "We're training today in the afternoon."

"Awww, that's today?" Yonji groaned. "Sanji, take my place."

"I've got work, dummy," Sanji shot back, hopping around to get his other shoe on.

"Sanji is training to be a cook." Reiju said. "Until you three know what you want to do, we'll keep up your training."

"You guys should find the All Blue with me." Sanji suggested.

Yonji grinned as he switched to a nice shirt. "Sound like fun."

Reiju sighed. "Sanji, the All Blue doesn't exist. Stop chasing that ridiculous fantasy."

"But Reiju, you don't know. It could be out there. Someone's just got to find it!"

"That's enough. I don't want to hear any more about this matter. You will not waste your life chasing a fantasy."

"When I'm a cook you, can't stop me from looking from the All Blue." Sanji stated.

"You wouldn't make it out there on your own." Reiju said firmly.

Sanji looked like he wanted to say something but Ichiji shoved him from behind. "Move it, the carpenters are refurnishing some rooms and want me and Yonji to help."

"Oh crap! I'm going to be late!" Sanji wiggled around Reiju and ran down the hall. Reiju shook her head.

The rest of the siblings split up for work.

The sky was overcast with depressing grey clouds, further dampening Reiju's mood. It wasn't often that she fought with Sanji but it was always over that stupid imaginary ocean. Reiju thought it would be a fleeting fascination but it grew into an obsession instead. Now Yonji was starting to get ideas in his head whenever Sanji mentions adventure. She wasn't sure how she could convince Sanji to give up on that silly dream.

When her shift ended, Reiju went to go change into clothing she could spar in. Though they no longer needed to fight, Reiju had her brothers train enough to retain their skills so that they could protect themselves. Sanji was the exception since he spent most of his time in the kitchen and when Reiju trained with him, it was mostly for self-defense.

She would never make him fight.

Yonji personally had to work on rushing into a fight. He was stronger than they average adult man but he charges in without thinking - like a wild bull. One day he would run it someone smarter or stronger than him and Reiju had to prepared him for that inevitability.

She stepped out of her room and found Yonji waiting for her by the stairs. "Are you ready?"

"Yup,"

The ship suddenly shook, knocking both of them down.

"What was that?!" Yonji shouted.

"Cannon fire?"

The ship shook again harder, like another ship collided with the Orbit. They could hear commotion on the upper floors, it sounded like a battle was starting.

"We need to find our brothers." Reiju said, striding forward but the stairs were filled with pirates.

"Look what we got here." One laughed.

"Hey pretty lady, you available?" another jested.

"I don't have time for you. Out of my way." Reiju demanded.

"Not until we have a little fun. You don't want your kid to get hurt, do you?" A pirate asked, brandishing his pistols.

"Yonji," Reiju said.

"Yeah Nee-san?"

"Don't hold back."

Yonji grinned.

The pirates didn't know what hit them. Yonji leapt right at the pirates with a fearless battle cry. He always rushes in. On the other hand, fighting these pirates could hardly be considered a warmup.

Reiju landed a kick to the last pirate's head and dropped him. She stepped over the moaning bodies and walked up to the next level, Yonji trailing behind her. The Orbit was still rocking harshly. The weather must be getting worse in addition to the pirate attack, but Reiju's first objective was to protect her brothers. In order to keep her brothers safe, she needed to protect the Orbit from the pirate attack.

Any pirate that dared cross her path was dispatched with ruthless efficiency. Where was the captain? If she could cut off the head of this attack, the rest would fall into disarray. From the various comments the pirates shouted at her before she took them down, this was the crew that belonged to Captain Red-Leg Zeff. Red-Leg was one of the few terrifyingly powerful pirates to originate from the East Blue. His name was earned from his shoes, dyed red with blood of his enemies. Reiju had heard he entered the Grandline some time ago. Apparently he returned.

Reiju was about leave the shelter of the interior when she heard a loud snap - like a tree was shattered - and the ship was jostled once more. One of the masts was probably taken down and since she didn't hear cannons, it was likely brought down by a person. Excluding herself and Yonji, Reiju could count three people who could knock such a solid structure down, two being her brothers.

Disregarding precaution she would have drilled into Yonji's head minutes ago, Reiju burst out onto deck. She took one step out and was struck by a brilliant red light. The light burned through her shoulder, she could smell her flesh burning.

"NEE-SAN!" Niji screeched.

The beam disappeared into air. Before she hit the ground, Reiju traced the origin of the beam all the way to Ichiji?! Ichiji was on his knees, hands clamped over his eyes. There were black lines etched into the deck, railings, and walls that all pointed back to him. Most of the pirates were recovering from the beating her brothers probably gave. The main mast was gone and there was a monolith wall of water coming down on both ships.

"Nee-san!" Niji ran towards her. "Sanji got thrown-"

The massive wave crashed down, obliterating the ships. Reiju managed to grab Yonji and they plunged into the cold ocean. The wave spun them around, smashing her against the sinking ships. Recovering, Reiju spotted a blot of red. Yonji latched on tightly with her hand free so she could swim. Reiju maneuvered around the wreckage that blocked her from her brother. Ichiji had his eyes closed, flapping his arms around trying to find the surface but was swimming further into the dark abyss. When Reiju grabbed his shirt, he struggled against her hold until he felt her much shorter left arm. Though he didn't open his eyes, he latched onto her.

Niji swam over and pointed up towards the surface. Reiju followed him up. The surface was in chaos, the winds howled loudly and the ocean water churned in discontent. The raindrops were sharp, stinging against Reiju's cheeks. Niji found a large piece of wreckage and swam it over to his siblings. There was enough room for the three boys to sit comfortably on it with Reiju remaining in the water.

"Where's Sanji!?" Reiju demanded.

Ichiji choked, clenching his hands hard.

Niji lips wrinkled into a frown. "Sanji fell into the ocean."

Those words pierced Reiju deeply, she failed her mother. She couldn't protect her little brother.

Yonji shrieked as a large wave tossed the rudder in the air with a direct course towards them. Reiju planted her hand on their wreckage and spun into an onehanded handstand and kicked the rudder away. Reiju collapsed when her wound gave her a sharp pain from the stress of her muscles and she fell back into the water.

When Reiju surfaced she couldn't see her brothers. "Ichiji! Niji! Yonji!"

"HERE!" It was faint but Reiju had a direction. She put everything into each stroke fighting against the current and the wreckage. She didn't stop until she reached her brothers. Yonji and Niji helped pull her half way onto their makeshift life raft with Reiju gasping for air.

"Too close." Reiju gasped. The current almost took her brothers out of her reach. Sanji was already missing and if she tried to search for him, she could lose the rest of her brothers. Though it felt like she was betraying her promise to her mother, Reiju held onto Niji, Yonji and Ichiji and weathered the storm.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

It took a while but the clouds broke apart and let the light blue sky shine through. The waves quelled to a gentle ripple and any trace of the pirate ship or the Orbit completely vanished, all but the small piece of wreckage the four of them now drifted upon. Finally having time to rest, Niji and Ichiji explained what happened while Reiju and Yonji were below deck.

The pirates had gathered most of the Orbit's crew on the deck so that they could raid the ship without resistance. Niji and Ichiji had been moving furniture when the pirates found them and they easily beat them up but Sanji and the other cooks were taken. When they got up on deck, the storm had begun and Sanji was being beaten down by Red-Leg Zeff. They tried to help their brother but Red-Leg's underlings got in the way.

Ichiji was unnaturally quiet, relying on Niji to do most of the recounting. He only commented on the last time he saw Sanji.

"He was biting Red-Leg's… leg." His eyes firmly closed, the edge of his lips twitched upward into a rueful smile. That tiny smile disappeared as he added with a somber tone. "But then all I saw was red."

The absence of Sanji was Reiju's first priority, but the red laser beam that came out of Ichiji's eyes was her next concern. She suspected it had to do with the Lineage factor.

Sparkling Red. That was the name she read in Ichiji's gene file. She couldn't remember what the ability exact details were but shooting eye laser seemed like it was related. All of her brother's beside Sanji had shown some enhanced abilities such as their sense or their reinforced skeletal structure but no powers akin to devil fruits had ever occurred, until now. The thought of Ichiji's Lineage factor developing terrified her. It made her wonder if his modifications succeeded, then what did that mean for his humanity? ….. No. She couldn't think about that right now.

They were stranded in the middle of the ocean with a half-submerged log as their raft with no food or water. They needed to stay alive and find Sanji. That's all that mattered at the moment.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

Reiju and her brothers drifted in the sea for over ten days. Because of the size of the wreckage, Reiju's legs remained in the water and her torso was up on the raft. It wasn't an ideal arrangement but Reiju would rather her brothers be dry. In the first couple of days, they debated how they would handle food and water. It was cruel that they were surrounded by so much water but had nothing to drink. They were lucky it rained on the second day, refreshing their parched mouths. Now they had a small puddle of fresh water in the hole Yonji carved out.

With the weather calm, Reiju occasionally swam around to hunt for sea life. Cooking it was another issue but Niji pointed out that the lasers Ichiji fired from his eyes could be used to cook their food. Reluctantly, Ichiji agreed to be their "fish cooker," as Yonji put it. He would be positioned to look out over the ocean before opening his eyes. Ichiji tried but he wasn't able to control the beams. If he opened his eyes, laser beams would fire. That was a fact. Whenever he wasn't cooking, Reiju had him tie a piece of fabric she ripped from her pants around his head, covering his eyes to remind him to keep them shut.

Niji suggested using the beams as a signal flare which Reiju shot down. The last thing they needed to do was attract a Sea King.

The rest of extra fabric on Reiju went to binding her injured shoulder which caused increasing amounts of pain as the days dragged on. Her injury was seriously inhibiting her and slowed her down.

She found herself reflecting during the quiet moments which were becoming increasingly frequent as they were all trying to conserve their energy. She wondered if Sanji was alright or if he was like them, adrift at sea. What could he do though? He was so small in such a wide ocean full of monstrous creatures.

It was getting hard to catch any fish.

Reiju developed a fever around the twelfth day and lost track of time around the eighteenth, but it was alright. Niji would know the day if she asked. Her movements were sluggish and her shoulder felt like it was ablaze all of the time. She slept more. Each time she awoke her brothers looked thinner and weaker. It hadn't rained in nearly a week and their little reservoir of water was nearly gone. A growing feeling of guilt gnawed within her.

Every day she cursed the pirate that separated her family. Red-Leg Zeff. His name was seared into her memory. It was all his fault. His crew slowed her down from reaching her brothers. She may have not been able to do anything about the wave but at least she could have kept her family together. If that pirate survived, she was going to illicit every scream he can utter and then she would make him wish the storm did kill him.

"Hey," Niji asked softly. "What's that?"

It was small dot but off in the distance was most certainly a ship on the horizon. Reiju was too tired to lift her head off the wood but she could hear a siren sound. Not long after, the greenish colored ship reached their craft and the sailors dressed in white hauled them on the deck.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

They were rescued by the marines, the ship that rescued them patrolled this area of the sea. The marines were aware the Orbit sinking and had been searching for survivors for several weeks. Reiju managed to stay awake to watch over her brothers' treatments but the doctors nagged her to get some rest. She tried to tell them about Sanji but her voice came out in a strained whisper.

The marine took them back to the base where the ship made port. Once at the base, the siblings were taken to the infirmary to be fully treated. They had severe cases of dehydration and starvation, and Reiju suffered from an infection in her shoulder wound and having it constantly soaking in the ocean did it no favors. She remained weak and bedridden for days and she slept most of the day.

In one of the short periods that she was awake Reiju explained to a nurse that her brother Sanji was missing. The nurse assured Reiju that her brothers made the marines aware of their plight and the marines intended to search the oceans thoroughly of any more survivors. For the time being they would remain at the infirmary to be treated. The marine doctors did what they could to treat the infection in her shoulder as quickly as possible but Reiju was still out of commission for longer than she wanted, not that she wanted to be confined to her bed anyways. Still the infection drained her energy for days. Reiju was asleep when it happened but Ichij, to avoid setting off a laser beam in the marine base, managed to convince the pediatrician that he was blind and his eyes were fine.

About a week later, the marine had the siblings moved to the civilian hospital in the nearby town to finish their treatment. The island had two main land masses that was connected by a low thin shoal that was submerged during high tide. The marine base was located on the east side while the town was laid out in the west.

Niji, Ichiji and Yonji were housed in the infirmary with her, separated by a white screen. They were recovering well, their cheeks were filling out again to with healthy baby fat and their strength returned.

Knowing that three of her brothers were recovering, Reiju was itching to get out of there and search for Sanji but one particularly annoying nurse made sure she followed the doctor's instructions. Reiju resigned to spending her painfully slow recovery in the marine base and soothing her brothers' worries.

"What if something happened?" Niji said one day. Yonji and Ichiji had gone to get a physical evaluation, leaving the pinkette with her second brother. Niji traced the outside of his headphones nervously. "There haven't been any other survivors and the marines have been searching for weeks."

Reiju put down Red-Leg's wanted poster, pausing in memorizing her target to talk with Niji, "They found us, didn't they?"

Niji frowned. "Yeah, but we're not normal. Sanji…. to quote Yonji, he's squishy…. We have superpowers and still almost drowned…. What…what chance does Sanji got?"

Reiju gripped her bedsheets tightly and gave her brother a forced smile. "I will find him. I won't let a storm separate us, not when we are finally free."

Niji didn't look convinced and neither was Reiju.

After that talk, Reiju started talking strolls through the hospital at night when her brothers were quietly tucked in their beds and the halls were empty, save for the night staff. The night was an opportunity for her to collect her thoughts. The stillness in the hospital was so quiet, it was deafening, almost enough to drown out the growing hurricane of dreadful reality that grew stronger within her each day.

They had been out at sea for over three weeks and on the island for two, yet there was no sign of her last brother. Reiju was beginning to fear the worst because there was very little chance that Sanji was strong enough to survive that long out in the ocean. Many times during these nights Reiju cursed that pirate.

On one of her moonlit walks, Reiju heard shouting echoing throughout the hospital, it sounded ghostly. After weeks of inactivity, Reiju felt a surge of the familiar and instinctual need to investigate the unrest. She dashed through the halls and found the source of all the commotion. A stream of doctors and nurses, most not on the night shift, were rushing back and forth through an hallway intersection. From Reiju's distance it was a bit hard to tell what all the shouting was about but she could isolate some of the more familiar voices.

"A merchant brought them in!"

"How long stranded?"

"Nearly 50 days!"

A nurse wobbled around, carrying a large rudsack, "Where do I put this?"

"Throw it in the closet! Their lives are more important!"

"Where is Dr. Kamma?"

"The older one's vitals are dropping!"

"I can't believe it."

"His own leg,"

"Do you think….."

Eventually the commotion died down and, not long after, a procession of satisfied doctors and nurses sluggishly made their way back towards the exit to get some much earned rest. Going against the flow of medical staff was a doctor and a lone marine, talking in hushed whispers.

"I can't be sure, starvation's done a number on this fellow. He's more like a corpse than a fearsome pirate." the doctor said, unaware Reiju was listening in on their conversation.

"It's best to confirm before the man wakes up." The marine replied. "If it is Red-Leg, we should transfer him to the base as soon as possible."

Reiju stilled but her mind was racing. The two people she was eavesdropping on turned the corner and she numbly followed after them. They may have found that damn pirate but not Sanji? As much as she wanted to kill that pirate, she would rather have her brother alive and in her arms. Why did fate have to be so cruel? She had to know. Who was brought in?

Hazarding a guess, Reiju made her way to the intensive care ward. She could see light spilling out to the doorway into the dim hall and there was quite a bit of shouting going on. She recognized the authoritative tone of the marine's voice and maybe a pleading nurse. There was another voice, distressed and defensive, higher pitched than the others and sounded very strained. Reiju paused right before the threshold and peered in.

There was a man lying on one of beds. He looked like death with waxy skin stretched over his skeleton frame and his eyes sunken with deep shadows. The marine was by his bed, bounty poster in hand while shouting down at someone Reiju couldn't see behind the beds and the marine. The nurse was kneeling, trying to get whoever it was arguing with the marine to get back it their bed.

"You can't take him!"

Ah, so the remaining occupant was a child. That was the only explanation.

"Please, your very weak right now." the doctor explained.

"I'm not going to let you take him!" The child – boy – shouted.

"He," The marine pointed to the man sleeping in the bed and shoving the poster down towards the child, "Is a dangerous pirate!"

"Is not! That's… that's someone else!"

Why does the voice sound so familiar?

"How are you so sure!? What's this man's name?!" The marine challenged.

"He's my dad!"

"SANJI!" Reiju shouted, pushing her way past the marine to get a proper look at the boy. She choked back a sob. The fair haired boy before her was nothing more than a standing corpse. Parched lips parted in shock as he stared up at her, tears forming at the edges.

"Nee-san?"

Reiu collapsed to her knees and swallowed him up into a hug. She wanted to crushed Sanji into her and never let him go, but he was so small and thin. Sanji's always been skinny but feeling his bony fingers press feebly into her back as he cried, Reiju felt like she could snap her brother in two. At the same time, Reiju couldn't help but feel relieved.

The nurse stood up and joined the doctor by her side to give Reiju and Sanji some space but the marine wasn't as courteous.

"Do you know this boy?" the marine demanded.

"Yes," she managed to say, burying her nose into his hair. He smelled horrible but under the stench, Reiju could smell the sea. "I'm his sister."

"Then can you confirm the identity of this man?" The marine asked, gesturing to the bed.

"Nee-san!" Sanji shouted, instantly having her full attention. He looked up at her with pleading eyes and held on to her tighter. "This asshole says Tou-san is a pirate and he's trying to take him away!"

Reiju's eyes furrowed, trying to understand what had gotten into Sanji. Regardless who it was, the man in that bed was not their father.

"How is a man supposed to sleep with all this racket?" a new voice croaked. Gathering Sanji up in her arms, Reiju stood up to see who was in the bed. The tired eyes of Red-Leg Zeff gazed up at her. Reiju held her brother closer. It was all this man's fault that her family was separated, his fault her little brother suffered, his fault she nearly lost Sanji. He looked pitiful.

"Tou-san!" Sanji exclaimed. Red-Leg grunted and his eyes flickered over to her brother, Reiju tilted her body away to shield him.

The marine held the poster up for Reiju, "Can you confirm if this man is your father or Red-Leg Zeff?"

Reiju looked between the photograph and the man on the bed. He really didn't look like the fearsome pirate in the wanted poster. Reiju was sure the marine would rely on her testimony to seal Red-Leg's fate. The pirate laid against those white sheets, helpless to fight what was happening around him. It wouldn't feel satisfying to kill the pirate when he was in such a pathetic state but Reiju couldn't let go of her need for revenge. Just one word and this pirate would be arrested and summarily executed for his crimes. That thought was satisfying enough.

Reiju must have conveyed her feelings fiercely enough through her gaze because Zeff shut his eyes, resigned to his fate. Sanji shook in her arms. Reiju opened her mouth to confirm the pirate's identity but she was overruled by three new voices.

"TOU-SAN! SANJI!" Niji and Yonji sprinted into the room, Ichiji followed after them, slow and unsure of his surroundings, but he joined the others next to Reiju and at Red-Leg's bedside. Sanji stopped quivering and he relaxed into his sister's arms. Reiju looked at him with confusion. Was Sanji….. relieved? It must because he's reunited with his brothers. But what were the other boys up to?

"Where were you, Tou-san!?" Niji asked.

"Woah Tou-san, you and Sanji look like skeletons." Yonji remarked, grinning up at Sanji. "You're no longer squishy."

Sanji stuck out his tongue. "You suck."

"You suck more."

"Brats," Red-Leg grumbled.

"Sorry Tou-san!" the boys chimed.

Red-Leg looked over the three new faces that were lined up along his bedside. "What are you…" Ichiji reached out and found his knee. With everyone watching him with so much scrutiny that would put a kitten on edge and the sudden contact, Reiju was surprised that the pirate didn't jerk his leg away.

"We're glad your safe, Tou-san." Ichiji said, his hand trailed around the pirate's knee and frowned when it abruptly ended. "Your leg…"

Sanji quickly spoke up. "After the ship went down, Tou-san saved me from drowning but we ended up stranded on a rock. He gave me all the food and he…"

Sanji's words and Red-Leg's missing leg told enough of the story for Reiju. Reiju looked over the pirate critically.

The marine turned to Reiju to settle the matter. "Well? Is he your father?"

Yonji, Niji and Sanji looked at her expectantly. Reiju bit her lip and met Red-Leg's eyes again before addressing the marine. "Yes, he's our father."

The marine frowned. "I thought I heard you were only missing your little brother."

"I thought he drowned." Reiju lied smoothly. "I didn't want to give myself false hope."

The marine frowned, "The curly eyebrow must of come from your mother's side?"

"She answered your questions now you should go." The nurse stated. "These boys have experienced severe starvation and they need to rest."

"I'll show you out." The doctor offered. The marine reluctantly backed off and followed her out.

The nurse turned to patients and smiled brightly. "I'm so glad your family was reunited. Wait here. I'll go get your things."

"What?"

"You've been separated for so long, I won't let this stand for a second longer!" The nurse chittered and disappeared out the door.

Red-Leg spoke, "I should thank you for not ratting me out."

"Don't bother. My brothers would have gotten in trouble for trying to protect a criminal." Reiju dismissed. "Sanji, are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Nee-san," replied Sanji as she tidied his hair.

"Why are you calling him Tou-san anyway?" Niji asked, flopping down on a nearby bed.

"I'd like to know too." Red-Leg replied with cough.

Sanji scrunched his nose and frowned. "Like hell I was gonna let them drag you off."

"So he's your dad now?" Yonji asked.

"No!... I didn't know if you guys made it…" Sanji trailed off before changing the subject, "He's promised to teach me how to cook."

"You?"

"Is it surprising that a pirate is also a cook?" Red-Leg asked.

"I don't really believe you would take in a child you nearly beat to death out of the goodness of your heart." Reiju scoffed.

"Reiju!" Sanji exclaimed.

Red-Leg scoffed. "You got me pegged."

"Old man…"

"But the brat's my apprentice."

Sanji smiled brightly. Reiju was surprised to see Red-Leg give his own smirk and settled more into his bed. "Now let me sleep."

The nurse returned with their things and settled the boys into separate beds. Once the nurse had left again, the boys all gathered their blankets and moved into Sanji's bed. They promptly fell asleep. Reiju couldn't feel at ease with the pirate in the same room so she sat in a chair beside them, happily watching them sleep without a care.

"Oi girlie," Red-Leg said. "Are you awake?"

"Yes."

The pirate grunted, "Guess you can't sleep around me."

"Don't flatter yourself, Red-Leg Zeff."

"Can't be a decent pirate without my leg, besides I think it's about time for me to retire. Settle down, build a restaurant. One that can sail across the sea."

Reiju's curly eyebrows twitched, "You're joking, the sun must have baked your brain."

Zeff chuckled which deteriorated into a wheezing fit.

"Going to croak?"

"You can't get rid of me that easily."

"Pity,"

"You have a deadly air surrounding you."

"Only to those who threaten my adorable little brothers,"

Red-Leg grunted. "You're a piece of work but not too far off from what I imagined."

Reiju frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I was fading fast those last couple days we spent on that damn rock. The brat kept me awake by talking about his family," explained the pirate. "Three other brothers born on the same day he was, and his strong and cool sister who looked after everyone. With all that he told me about you, I probably could have picked you out of a crowd. It was easy to tell how much he cared about you."

"….. There's been one thing that's bothering me. I can understand why you saved Sanji from drowning, whether because you have a moral conscious or you were just trying to ease your own guilt. But why did you agree to teach him how to be a chef?"

"If it was any other brat, I wouldn't have given him a second thought." The pirate said. "But we share the same dream, we want to find the All Blue."

Reiju frowned. "Don't fill my brother's head with fantasy."

"Why are you keen in stopping him from dreaming?" Zeff snapped back and Reiju bit her lip. "Sanji didn't know if you four survived the storm so he focused on his dream. That drive kept him going while we were stranded. It's good that you survived but you have to understand how important the All Blue is to that boy." Reiju glanced at her brothers, watching Sanji's chest rise and fall as he slept. "Che, since you are alive I can't just take Sanji. What are your plans once he's recovered?"

"That's a good question." Reiju murmured. All of their savings went down with the Orbit, including her raid suit. They were essentially starting from scratch again.

"I'm opening a restaurant but it's sorely lacking staff to run it, if you can stand working for an ex-pirate." Zeff remarked.

"Sanji's already your apprentice. I do have my reservations about you but…. Sanji almost got in trouble to protect you."

"And that counts for something?"

"Basically," Reiju replied but emitted a malicious intent. "Let me make myself clear, I haven't forgiven you for hurting my brothers or your role leading to us being separated but I'm willing to tolerate you for Sanji's sake."

"Fine by me," Zeff grunted.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

Several marines came to visit Red-Leg Zeff over the next couple of days to ask him questions about potential survivors but it was clear they were trying to find evidence that Zeff was a pirate. One of the Red-Leg's saving graces was that he was so starved he no longer share likeness with his bounty poster but Zeff and Reiju knew that they couldn't stay until the former and Sanji were completely recovered or it would be to the gallows for the pirate.

The nurses and doctors advised against releasing them but eventually they were given discharge papers. The hospital provided Zeff with a peg leg so that he could travel on his own and the treasure bag was returned to him. The marines would make a fuss later when they discover their main suspect vanished with his "family" but they would be long gone.

Reiju arranged passage on a passenger ship to relocate them to a different island. It was about a day's travel and they got into the harbor as the sun set. Reiju carried Niji and Sanji and Zeff gathered the other two and the treasure and departed the vessel. The town was shady to say the least. Reiju marked several individuals in the streets who were eyeing Zeff's bulky bag.

It took a while but they were able to find a tavern. It was rundown and Reiju found the sight of it unghastly but she could see Zeff stoically straining under the weight he was carrying and she preferred her brothers not get hurt when the man collapsed.

They entered the tavern and went to the man scrubbing the counter.

"Are there rooms available?" Reiju asked.

The man grunted. "You got any money?" The treasure bag landed on the ground with a heavy thud. The proprietor and customers mouths dropped open as Zeff rummaged through the treasure bag to find some belis. The proprietor jumped when the starved man slammed the money on the table. "Uh… I uh… go up the stairs, second door on the left."

Zeff hefted the bag back up onto his shoulder and lumbered towards the stairs. All eyes tracked him as he went but then he stopped. "Take a picture, it'll last longer."

Realizing he was aware of the staring, everyone went back to their activities. Satisfied, Zeff ascended the stairs with Reiju. There was only one large bed, a rickety dresser and a bench. Zeff tossed the treasure in a corner, helped Reiju settle the boys into the straw bed and took a seat.

"You kids can have the bed."

Reiju sat at the edge of the bed and asked, "Was that wise to flash all that treasure around?"

"All those scoundrels knew what was in that bag the moment we stepped in here. That's the kind of town we're in." Red-Leg replied. "I know an island not far from here. There's an old shipwright who owes me a few favors. Try and get some sleep, we'll leave here in the morning."

"We're already a target." Reiju said.

"Let them try." Zeff grumbled, slumping down on the bench the best he could to get some sleep.

"You lost a leg, isn't that half of your fighting power right there."

"You don't have much room to talk." Zuff grumbled.

"Hmpf," Reiju fixed her rolled up sleeve and relaxed back. She really doubted the man could fight off those unsavory individuals eyeing his treasure.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

They only waited an hour before attacking. Reiju could hear them shuffling outside their door. For all his talk, Zeff's breath, while wheezy, was even and soft, signaling he was out cold. What could Reiju expect? It had only been a couple of days since the Sanji's rescue and that man lost a limb on top of it all.

There was scratching at the lock.

Reiju sighed. "I guess it's a woman's job to clean up the man's mess."

The door opened and two men shuffled into the dark room, eyeing Zeff and the treasure bag in the corner.

"There it is,"

"Shhh! We don't want to wake them up."

"That guy's half dead anyways," The second man didn't look convince so the third one teased, "What are scared of that chick and the kids?"

"N-no,"

"You should be." Reiju whispered into the thief's ear.

He shuddered as he craned his neck to see her shadowy figure framed by the doorway, "How did she get beh-"

Reiju brought her fingertips to her lips, "Pink Hornet."

The thieves gasped as jets of purple poison were flung and pierced through them. All the bodies dropped with a thud. Reiju observed her handiwork, she didn't dispose of them as fast as she would have before. She would have to hone her skills again.

Ichiji sat up, the sound of the bodies hitting the floor must have woken him up. That boy was damn alert even when he slept. With his eyes blocked by bandages, Ichiji swiveled his head to try to listen better, asking, "Nee-san? Are you there? What's going on?"

"I'm taking a stroll, go back to sleep." Reiju said.

Ichiji frowned. "I smell poison."

"Oops," Reiju giggled. "You caught me. I was indulging in a midnight snack."

"It's not good to eat late at night."

"Yes, yes. I'll go get rid of it." Reiju promised, quietly lifting both men on to her shoulder and sliding out into the hall. She took the fire escape to avoid encountering anyone in the tavern and dropped down to the alley. Seeing that not a soul was out this late on the streets Reiju snuck through the alleys and dumped the bodies in a dumpster several blocks from the tavern. By the time the bodies would be discovered, they would be several islands away from here. Reiju brushed her clothes clean and made her way back to the tavern.

Zeff was sitting outside waiting for her.

Reiju frowned and cautiously approached the ex-pirate.

"Enjoyed your stroll?" Zeff asked.

Reiju put her hand on her hip, "What are you? My father? I can go where I please."

Zeff waited.

Reiju rolled her eyes, time to lie. "You were awake weren't you? You saw my devil fruit ability."

"Not sure what kind of devil fruit allows you to swim."

"What gave you that idea?"

"Niji said you would swim to catch fish while you were castaways. Kind of hard for a devil fruit user to do when the sea saps their strength."

Reiju realized that this man caught her lie. This wasn't good, she would need to do something about this. Could she try and spin another lie?

Zeff observed every micro movement Reiju made as she weighed her options. The old man let out a sigh. "You are all a strange bunch. Strange enough to produce poison without a devil fruit or fire laser beams from his eyes."

Reiju's frown deepened. He knows about Ichiji's Sparkling Red abilities as well. That settles it. Reiju was going to have to kill him. Sanji would need to find a new master but she can't let anyone know about their Lineage factor. There was too great of a risk of being traced back to Germa.

"I can tell you aren't happy that I mentioned this but we need to come to some sort of understanding."

"What do you want?"

"Let's leave all our crimes and troubles in the past. I'm not interested in reliving my glory days or in what you want to keep secret. I'm ready to move forward in life, how about you?"

"A clean slate, huh?" Reiju smiled. She thought for a moment. Sanji would be really upset if Zeff just disappeared no matter what lie Reiju came up with. The whole point of leave the Germa kingdom was for the boys to have a fresh start at life. She couldn't full trust or like Zeff but the boys did well enough. "I can settle for that."

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

The next day, they left that backwater town behind and met Zeff's acquaintance who agreed to build a restaurant fit to sail the East Blue.

It took a few weeks which gave Sanji and Zeff time to recover and for Zeff to get to know the family. Ichiji was reserved - not unlike his sister - but in a more respectful way. Niji kept trying to convince the man to let him modify his peg leg since Reiju had refused to let him build an arm for her and Yonji demanded to know about the islands Zeff seen. Sanji and Zeff spent most of their time talking about the restaurant or cooking.

With her brothers pestering the Red-Leg, Reiju should have been jealous but the peace and quiet was too nice to pass up, not to mention amusing to see the ex-pirate try and handle four little boys.

The shipwright gathered them up when the ship was complete and presented to them the restaurant that could sail the seas, bringing food to any hungry sailor, the Baratie.

Reiju couldn't believe Zeff agreed to Sanji's idea of the fish head decoration.

Hopefully he didn't agree to Niji's idea of propulsion jets.

Chapter Text

Yonji, Niji, and Reiju sat on a small boat. Niji had pushed one side of his headphones off his ears to carefully listen. Reiju and Yonji were as quiet as they could be so he could focus but his face scrunched in irritation when Yonji shifted restlessly. Finally, he said. "I hear them, off the starboard side!"

"Yosh!" Yonij leapt into the air with a net and dived into the water. When he came back up, the net was full of a school of wriggling fish. Reiju smiled approvingly as Yonji swam back to the boat and scrambled onboard.

"Very good. Tie off the net and we'll head back." Reiju asked.

Yonji drooled a bit, "Can you imagine all the tasty fish the old man could make?"

After Niji assisted Yonji with the knots, Reiju orientated the boat and set sail. After a short journey, the fish shaped restaurant appeared out on the ocean. The small boat pulled alongside the sailing vessel.

Zeff was standing on the fin, arms crossed and a deep frown on his face, waiting for them. He made eye contact with Reiju and she instantly knew what he wanted.

"Tail, now." Zeff said and walked off towards the back of the restaurant.

"Yonji, Niji, please take care of the haul. I'll be back," and Reiju was off after the old man.

"Hey Niji," said Yonji. "Look at that."

Niji followed his brother's pointer finger. There was a hole in the ship. It was fairly small but the edges were charred, like the wood had been blasted apart. They also noticed Ichiji sitting glumly near the ship's head with Sanji sitting next to him looking worried. Yonji and Niji shared a look, it was clear what had transpired when they were out fishing but the boys also knew they did not want to get caught up in the middle of it so they quickly got to work.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

Reiju and Zeff had come to an understanding and they found a way to live with each other for the sake of the kids, but just because they tolerated each other did not mean they were a united front. It was inevitable. Reiju grew up in a strict environment under the authority of a dictator while Zeff lived his life the way he wanted to as a wanted man. Quite frequently they came to an impasse on how things were being run.

The first argument was within a week of them settling into the Baratie. Zeff refused to allow Sanji to cook and had him handle food prep and dishwashing. Sanji was annoyed by this and, while he respected his teacher, he also complained about it to his siblings. When Reiju heard, she immediately went to Zeff and demanded for the ex-pirate to teach her brother properly. They argued about this for days and it got to point where Sanji - who felt guilty for being the start of this fight - tried to placate them.

Realizing that all the arguing had made the entire atmosphere of the Baratie tense to the point that it was unlivable, Reiju and Zeff cordoned themselves at the Baratie's tail to talk it through until they reached a compromise. Reiju relinquished any control over how and what Zeff taught Sanji after he explained how he was going to rebuild Sanji's foundational cooking skills and progress from there. Zeff conceded that Reiju was her brothers' guardian and thus had the final say in how the boys were raised.

It became a normal event on the Baratie. They would meet at the back of the restaurant, away from the kitchen and the boys, to hash whatever grievances they had with each other. Zeff usually had a gripe about how boys were behaving or when training got a little too ruckus for the restaurant and Reiju usually had a problems with how the restaurant was beginning run. Sometimes the problem would be resolved within the hour, others took days to resolve. A blessing of these talks was Reiju and Zeff growing understanding of each other.

So Reiju settled against the fin, sitting comfortably against the slope of the fin like many times before and looked at Zeff expectantly. Zeff didn't waste any time and went straight to the problem.

"Something needs to be done about Ichiji." Zeff stated.

Reiju frowned. Since they moved in a few weeks ago, Ichiji had been a dutiful brother. He wasn't able to do much without his sight, but he's thoughtful and helped where he can. If Reiju recalled, Ichiji was on dishwashing today, maybe he dropped Zeff's nice dishes. "What did Ichiji do?"

"He got startled and his lasers shot right through the ship. I know you don't want anyone knowing about that poison thing you do or his laser beams but this is a restaurant. As soon as we open we're going to have waiters, customers, and chefs coming in and out of here. It's going to become a problem really fast if that boy can't open his eyes without becoming a lightshow."

"There's an easily solution." Reiju commented, "I'll train him to keep his eyes closed. Not even pain will be able to force them open."

Zeff frowned in disapproval. "Teaching that boy to hide his power is only going to hurt him."

"He'll be in danger if anyone finds out." Reiju stated firmly. Powers came from devil fruits but Ichiji and Reiju weren't going to pretend to be unable to swim. They needed to remain powerless. If Judge caught wind of people performing superhuman features without the aid of a devil fruit, he would investigate. Reiju knew that to be true. Since Ichiji couldn't control his power, he needed to hide it. Simple as that.

Zeff shook his head, "That won't do."

"Why not?"

"Think about the boy. If things stay as they are, what kind of life will he live?" Zeff asked.

She frowned and folded her arm. "Didn't we agree my responsibility is raising my brothers and your domain is the kitchen, and we don't cross that boundary?"

"I can't ignore this." Zeff stated. "If you keep raising him to fear his ability, he'll never be able to move forward."

"He should fear it." Reiju stated. "That ability is monstrous."

"Like you poison?"

Reiju's lips pressed into a thin line but she answered without hesitation or doubt, "Yes. Our abilities are unnatural. They should never be used."

"That ability is a part of Ichiji." Zeff argued. "Acting like it is a curse will only burden your brother."

"It is a burden. A burden Ichiji must bear in secret." Reiju stated firmly.

"You're putting too much on him."

"It's none of your business."

"If it's on my ship, it is."

"Old man," said Ichiji as he stepped around the corner and into sight. "It's okay."

Zeff frowned at Ichiji's stoic face, his eyes screwed shut. "What are you doing over here?"

"Sorry for intruding," Ichiji said. "But you shouldn't be fighting over this. I understand the burden I carry even if I'm not strong enough to control it."

In that moment Reiju felt proud of her brother. Out of her siblings Ichiji was always the one most receptive to command and understanding of his duties with a stoic demeanor A quiet voice whispered in her ear, telling her these were characteristics of the Lineage Factor taking hold and that she needed to be careful or else Ichiji just might….

"I'll carve out my eyes."

Reiju's mind went blank.

Zeff was equally lost for words.

"You… you can't,"

Ichiji tilted his head towards his sister's muttering, "It's no different from when you sacrificed your arm so we could be free."

Reiju's voice hitched.

"You didn't lose it from a stray bomb. Your body is too strong. I know you didn't want us to know but I refuse to let your sacrifice be for nothing. If I can't control my power, then I need to get rid of it. This is my duty to my family."

"Don't be so rash, you brat." Zeff warned.

"I've thought it through. This is what's practical." Ichiji assured.

"What about your sight!?" Zeff pressed, clearly frustrated by Ichiji's disregard for his own wellbeing.

Ichiji frowned, tucking his quaking hands into his pockets. "My family's safety is more important."

Reiju couldn't fault her brother's thinking. Sooner or later, Ichiji's uncontrollable power would get them caught. Judge would hear rumors of a boy with superpowers without eating a devil fruit and seek him out. Once that happened, it would only be a matter of time before they were found. Ichiji was thinking rationally, like the solider he and Reiju were raised to be. Reiju should feel proud of him.

But all she could do is stare at him. Ichiji must have sensed her gaze and straightened his back to appear taller.

To look older.

To look stronger.

They were raised to be soldiers. They were taught of loyalty and the duty they had to their family. Reiju knows her brothers didn't have a normal childhood but that doesn't make them any less human.

Reiju moves. She kneels down and places her hand on Ichiji's shoulder. The boy freezes under her touch but stands firm. She rarely gives them affectionate gestures, relying on commands and praises to manage her brothers. Reiju changes that standard by pulling Ichiji into a hug.

"I'm sorry, Ichiji. I imposed my fears onto you. So much so that I was blind to your own worries." Reiju said, pulling him closer. "Can you forgive me?"

Ichiji held onto her tightly as he tried to stifle his crying, brow creased harshly as the tears squeezed through his eyelids, "Nee-san."

"Your power doesn't define who you are. You always are looking after Sanji, Niji and Yonji." She pulled away so that she could wipe away Ichiji's tears. "You're a good brother."

Ichiji let out a cry of relief.

"We'll figure out how to control your power. I don't know when but, one day, you will be able to open your eyes without fear."

"Yeah!"

Zeff let out a sigh and stroked his mustache in thought. "Let Niji handle it."

Reiju looked at him in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"That boy's half-finished inventions are falling out of his room all the time. I'm sure he'd be over the moon to help Ichiji." Zeff elaborated. "Maybe he'll finish this one."

"I definitely will!" Niji stated, tripping over Yonji and Sanji as he came around the corner.

Ichiji smiled shyly, too flustered to speak.

"Don't you brats have any respect for privacy?" Zeff grumbled, "Back to work!"

Niji ignored him and placed a hand on Ichiji's back. "Just watch Ichiji! I'll make you the coolest glasses that'll stop your laser beams!"

And he did.

After frying multiple face shields, breaking a stove, destroying a couple unfortunate houses near a temporary testing range and nearly shaving half of Zeff's mustache, Niji proudly announced he finished. The Baratie was anchored at an island and everyone gathered on the beach.

Niji stood before them with a great grin upon his face as he held up a pair of goggles with red lenses. "My best invention ever! Ichiji's laser beams – which are still awesome by the way – will be refracted by the lenses and contained within their own vector field. In theory anyways."

Zeff's eyebrow quirked up in concern, "In theory?"

Niji grinned, holding the goggles out to his brother. "Try them on!"

He placed the goggles into Ichiji's outstretched hand. Ichiji curled his fingers around the frame and felt them over before putting them on. Reiju placed a comforting hand on Ichiji's shoulder and oriented him to face out over the sea. Ichiji took a deep breath and opened his eyes. Nothing happened.

"The goggles work!" Sanji cheered.

"Awesome!" Yonji said in awe.

Ichiji was quiet for a moment, taking in everything he hadn't been able to see - the sand, the water, and the sky. "….. Everything's red."

Reiju giggled.

"Yeah, best I can do." Niji replied.

Ichiji looked over everyone's faces, eyes lingering on Zeff, finally able to put a face to voice he's heard for weeks. "They're perfect."

Reiju and Zeff watched as the boys ran up and down the beach, tumbling around in excitement.

"I should thank you," Reiju said.

"No need." Zeff replied. "This is how things should be."

Reiju watched as Ichiji tripped Yonji who landed face first into the waves. He laughed but was promptly taken down by his other brothers. They were engaging in absolute nonsense without a care in the world, just like boys should be.

She nodded in agreement.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

Zeff and the siblings fell back into routine after Ichiji regained his sight. Reiju decided to revise how she trained Ichiji, Niji and Yonji. She wanted to ensure that they could protect themselves and hid their superhuman strength but she didn't want to train them to be soldiers. Sanji focused on his work in the kitchen.

Then Patty and Carne arrived, two cooks who were fired from every restaurant they worked for because of their rough personalities. After being turned away from every establishment on land they decided to try their luck out at sea. Zeff easily kept them in line but Reiju disapproved of their crass and brutish nature. Yonji already picked up several new swears from them but they were a restaurant: they were starting to get regular customers and Zeff needed help in the kitchen. A lot of sailors came through the Baratie doors looking for a reprieve and food, many of whom were just as rough around the edges.

Reiju was working a shift as a waitress when the incident occurred. She, Ichiji and Yonji catered to a crew of merchants that stopped by. The crew was large enough to fill the restaurant, with only a handful of cooks to man the kitchen, everyone was working at top performance to cater to the merchants.

While providing drinks to a table of drunken sailors, one particular red faced man's hands wander a little low for Reiju's liking. Tossing the platter she had up in the air, the other men were in awe when the platter and drinks landed gracefully in her right arm. The platter was perfectly balanced on her elbow as she used her hand to twist the wandering hand and pinned the man to the table.

"OW! Dammit!" The red faced man howled. "Le-leggo! You're gonna rip my arm off!"

"The next time you want to rudely touch a lady," Reiju said, twisting the man's hand tighter and eliciting more screams. "Remember this pain."

With that, Reiju released the drunk and placed the rest of the drinks down on the table while the other sailors gazed at her in terror and admiration of her strength. When she turned her back, Reiju could hear the red face sailors' friends instantly start jibbing at him for being taken down so quickly by a waitress.

Reiju ignored the rest of the rambunctiousness of the customers when she saw Patty approach her.

"You should show more respect for our guests." Patty lectured. "A paying customer is always right."

"I feel you would be less inclined if a lady grabbed your junk." Reiju remarked, seeing Patty blush with a perversive expression she shook her head in distaste. "You'd probably see it as an extra service."

Patty yelped when Reiju kicked him in his back. "Now get back to the kitchen!"

"Hey, only Owner Zeff can boss me around!"

Reiju's narrowed her eyes. "I can give you a reason to listen to me."

"Che," Patty scoffed. "I came to ask where the reserves are. These squid bas- babies are eating right through our main food supply."

"I'll go get the reserves. I spent a week organizing the storage and I don't want an oaf like you ruining it."

Glaring at each other one last time, Reiju disappeared into the kitchen to help out. She pulled out the reserves, brought them to the kitchen, and passed them off to Sanji so he could start the prep work.

"Hey Pinky!" Carne called. "The orders are backing up but those waiter kids haven't come back."

"Those slackers!" Patty grumbled. "I'll get them back on track."

"I need you in the kitchen," Zeff refuted, juggling multiple sizzling pans and boiling pots at once.

"I'll handle it." Reiju assured.

Leaving the kitchen, Reiju realized that the noise they were hearing had changed from partying to shouts and provoking jeers.

"Take that back!" Yonji shouted at the red faced man who glared down at the boy. Yonji was ready to leap at the man and tear him to shreds if it weren't for Ichiji holding him back. "Take it back right now!"

"Why should I?" the man sneered. "It's the truth. That woman is a filthy little bi-"

"SHUT UP! You can't talk about Nee-san like that!"

"What are you going to do about it?" the man tormented.

Yonji shook his fist. "I'll pound you into the ground!"

The sailors burst out laughing at the thought of a tiny boy taking down a grown sailor.

"Watch out Duke, this kid's got spirit."

"We're rooting for you brat!" Another man jested.

There was a flicker in Yonji's eye and Reiju instantly knew what he was going to do. He was about to recklessly attack this man. With Yonji's superhuman strength he would absolutely kill the man. Yonji crouched low, ready to attack.

"Yonji don't!" Reiju cried out, stopping her brother from attacking but the drunk punched him right in the face. Yonji fell back and - since he was holding on - took Ichiji down with him. Reiju knew her brothers were fine from such a weak blow but it still angered her to see them attacked.

The sailor laughed, cracking his knuckles. "You're tough. I'll give you that."

Yonji sat up. "Dammit."

Ichiji placed a hand on his shoulder, whispering. "Don't make a scene."

Reiju was proud that her brothers could show restraint but she needed to stop this right now. Before she could diffuse the situation, Patty burst through the doors.

"What's taking so long?!" He shouted but found the sight of the boys on the ground with the red faced man standing over them. "Huh. What's going on here?"

"These little punks insulted me. I was teaching them a lesson."

"I see, I see," Patty replied agreeably, clapping his hands together as he stepped forward. "We'll see that they are properly reprimanded. We're a fine establishment you see, we have certain standards. As we have certain standards, I sure you won't be offended by this you damn squid-bastard!"

Patty's fist smashed right between the man's nose and the crew went wild when the man crashed into the one of the tables. Yonji whooped when the table was smashed to pieces. Patty huffed in contempt, "We're a fine establishment so if you want to be violent, you can do that somewhere else."

Reiju shook her head. "That's rich."

Yonji laughed. "You heard Patty. No violence! Bleh!"

"Get back to work already!" Patty yelled.

"Perhaps he's not so bad." Thought Reiju. While crude, he did come to her brothers' aid. Perhaps she prejudged Patty too much.

A while later, Reiju was gathering the bedsheets to clean them. She was removing Sanji's when a paper box was loosened from the folds and fell to the ground. Reiju picked up the box and examined it. She popped up one of the cigarettes and frowned.

Perhaps if Reiju was hot headed, she would have shouted out the offender's name to give him warning that she was going to hunt him down.

Reiju was not hot headed. She was trained to be an assassin. Reiju raised one of the cigarettes to her eye level and imagined it as the body of her new target and snapped it cleanly in two.

Downstairs in the kitchen of the Baratie, Patty shuddered, somehow knowing his end was nigh.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

Once again, Reiju recommitted to her brother's training especially her three super powered ones. They needed to learn how to hold back their strength lest they unleash it upon some poor soul.

Occasionally when the Baratie needed to be restocked or they were near an uninhabitable island, she would take Niji, Yonji, and Ichiji out so that they could cut loose without having to worry about anyone watching them. The boys would come back sweaty, dirty, and smiling. Sanji would be in waiting for them at the Baratie. Because she focused on refining the other's abilities and managing the restaurant, Reiju had little time to work with Sanji on his self-defense. She was surprised Sanji didn't act more restless.

Reiju eventually found out why when she returned to the Baratie one day to find Sanji swimming circles around the ship with his arms tied behind his back. She, as her sisterly instincts took hold, frantically tried to rescue him. It turned out to be a strength training exercise from Zeff.

"I thought you'd be more upset." Zeff remarked later while the boys sparred playfully on the Baratie's fin. "You baby Sanji."

"Sanji is weak compared to his brothers," Reiju countered. "I'm always going to worry about him."

Reiju watched Sanji go up into a handstand and attempt to spin around to kick all three of his brothers at once. He fell on his face, causing Yonji to laugh.

"I was a little upset that you didn't tell me."

"That's on the eggplant. He didn't want to worry you." Zeff replied, sending her a knowing look. "It runs in your family."

Reiju shook her head. "I worry because they're my younger brothers. Sanji worries me because he's a gentle boy. The world is cruel but I don't want him to lose that smile of his. I don't want to force him to fight."

"He's stronger than you believe." Zeff said. "And a determined little shit to boot. He's going to get himself into a shit ton of trouble when he's older."

"I get what you're trying to say," Reiju replied, propping her chin on her hand. "He needs to know how to fight back."

"Not the words I would have used…"

Zeff and Reiju were startled when Sanji landed a kick to Yonji's side sending him flying through the air and head first through the wall of the restaurant. Niji and Ichiji gaped like fish as Yonji struggled to free himself.

Sanji stared blankly for a moment as he registered what happened. He broke out into a wide smile as he turned towards Reiju. "Nee-san! Did you see that?!"

Reiju could only nod as Zeff let out a laugh. "Your footing needs some work."

"Screw you Old man! That was awesome!"

"Holy shit!" Yonji sputtered.

"Nice one Squishy!" Niji laughed before receiving a face full of Sanji's shoe.

Reiju smiled. Ever since they joined Zeff on the Baratie, Sanji was becoming more confident. Even on the Orbit, free of Judge, Sanji was meek outside of the kitchen and relied on his family for protection. It wasn't just Sanji who had changed. Ichiji expressed his emotions regularly and was working on conveying what he wanted. Niji had a place to invent and fail without pressure to succeed and Yonji could run wild. It's been a short time but her brothers' personalities were starting to shine. They found security and happiness on this peculiar little floating restaurant owned by an ex-pirate captain and run by a runaway princess general. It was home. Reiju couldn't ask for anything more.

Chapter Text

Reiju continued to uphold her promise to her mother.

Ichiji, Niji, Sanji, and Yonji were living freely, safe from Judge's influences. When she took her brothers away from their father, she never expected that raising them on an ocean restaurant with a staff that were more befitting of a pirate crew than of chefs and an owner who nearly got one of her brothers killed would be the ideal environment. But somehow it worked, perhaps it was the freedom the quadruplets were given to pursue their interests and passions.

After years of working in the kitchen Sanji gained the title of Sous chef. Some of the chefs protested Zeff's decision of giving the position to someone so young but, though they were older, they had not been in the Baratie's kitchen as long as Sanji. His skill spoke for his qualifications.

The others helped out around the restaurant between their hobbies. Yonji liked to work the supply runs since it gave him an excuse to explore different islands. Niji was only helpful when he didn't have his head buried in one of his experiments, and Ichiji was the most reliable. He worked as the Head Waiter and was the first to handle any trouble that came from rambunctious customers.

Life, as hectic as it was on the Baratie, was adequately mundane and Reiju relished in it.

Then a straw hatted boy crashed through the roof.

Right into Owner Zeff's room.

Ichiji heard the commotion and ran to check if the man was alright. When he kicked open the door, he found Zeff grinding the skinny teen under his peg leg. Ichiji scanned over the chef for injuries and was relieved to see him visibly unharmed.

"Little Radish, knock next time. I deserve some privacy." Zeff greeted.

"Hey old man, I said I was sorry!" The intruder howled. Ichiji was unsure how he wasn't in pain from how much Zeff was pressing his leg into the teen's back.

"You threw out my back and ruined my roof."

Ichiji eyed the hole in the ceiling. "Did he… fall from the sky?"

"Reiju's prays have been answered." Zeff grinned. "I caught you a chore boy."

"WHAT!" The teen shrieked. "Hey old man! I can't stay here!"

"Like I care,"

Zeff grabbed him by the scruff of his vest and tossed him at Ichiji. "You're in charge of him."

The door was shut in their face. Ichiji and the intruder stood in the hall. Ichiji stared down at the teen. There wasn't anything remarkable about him, an unassuming teen with a straw hat upon his head. He didn't have a pronounced muscle and the only sign of hardship was the scar under his eye. How he was fine from falling through a roof? Ichiji and his brothers would be fine but not a normal human.

Ichiji's hand clasped over the teen's shoulder when he attempted to casually walk off. Might as well not look a gift horse in the mouth so Ichiji dragged off the reluctant chore boy not knowing the hell this straw hatted teen would inflict upon him and the Baratie.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

Niji found Ichiji standing at the reservation podium, rubbing his temple furiously as if he could press out all the pain from his ears.

"I know that look. What broke?" Niji asked.

"For once, not one of your inventions." Niji punched his brother for that insult against his precious babies. Ichiji slumped against the podium in exhaustion. "It's that chore boy."

"The one that came through the old man's roof?"

"He's a nightmare."

"He can't be that bad." Niji said.

"I set him up washing dishes and I thought I could leave him alone for a while."

Niji shrugged. "So did he skip out on work?"

"He washed them but just dropped them! Every single plate. Shattered. I don't know if he wasn't paying attention or he's just stupid." Ichiji scoffed in disbelief. "You know what he said when I asked him how many plates he broke. He said, 'I didn't count.'"

"Yikes."

"Whatever work I give him, he makes it a hundred times worse." Ichiji explained. "I have him mop, he dumps the water across the floor. I have him peel potatoes, he eats them instead. The only thing that hasn't ended in disaster is him refilling the water glasses."

Across the restaurant, the chore boy was most certainly not working but standing by a table where there were three customers. Each customer were eccentric characters based on appearance alone, there was a green haired man carrying three swords, a long nosed man and a shifty eyed orangette. Judging by the fact how they were laughing and chatting with Chore Boy suggested they were friends.

"Give him to Reiju. She'll straighten him out." Niji suggested.

"Zeff has faith in me to handle him." Ichiji replied. "This is a challenge for me."

The green haired man made a remark to the Chore Boy and annoyed him enough to pick a booger and drop it into his friend's glass. It looked like the green haired man was about to drink it before suddenly shoving the water down the Chore Boy's throat. The others laughed at the Chore Boy's plight as he was drowned in booger water.

Ichiji just buried his face into his hands and shook his head.

Niji patted his back.

The disruptive chaos of the Chore Boy's table was interrupted by a loud crash. Why Sanji beat up and held a customer up in the air, Ichiji couldn't say, but he knew it wasn't going to end well. Sure enough, Patty came stomping out and everything became a hundred times worse. The customer was kicked out and then came in the sick looking guy shortly after. The raccoon eyed man threatened Patty, Patty beat the crap out of him and tossed him out too.

Ichiji wasn't sure when but Sanji and the Chore Boy vanished during the commotion. Honestly, it was a typical day on the Baratie so Ichiji didn't think much of it.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

Later, Ichiji was discussing the budget for repairing the roof with his sister when Sanji ran by. Reiju was surprised to see Sanji. "I didn't know you were on break."

"I'm trying to shake an idiot," Sanji grumbled.

"Oooooi!"

"Che," Sanji disappeared into the kitchen.

Seconds later, Chore Boy stopped in front of them. "Oi you! Have you seen your cook clone?"

"It doesn't matter. Why aren't you working?"

"I don't wanna." Chore Boy said simply.

Reiju placed the menus she was carrying down and put a hand on her hip, "And who are you?"

"I'm Luffy." The Chore Boy's eyes zeroed in on her face. "Ah! You have a weird eyebrow too."

"Nee-san is the Baratie's Manager, please give her some respect." Ichiji chided.

"Does that make you the boss?" Chore Boy asked.

"That would be the owner, Zeff." Reiju replied. "Surely you must know whose room you crashed into."

Chore Boy made a face of displeasure.

Reiju should have known that the Chore Boy would be arguably more trouble than his help was worth but Zeff was firm on his position that the straw hatted teen was going to work off his debt so he was here to stay. So she took charge, intending to make sure that their new Chore Boy's work would be somewhat productive.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

A week passed and Reiju found that this unassuming Chore Boy was frustratingly stubborn who had to be under constant supervision. She suspected he was trying to get kicked out so he wouldn't have to work for an entire year. If Reiju took her eyes off the teen for a minute, he would abandon his duties to go bother Sanji, trying to get her brother to join his crew.

Occasionally, Reiju fancied the idea. Though he doesn't bring it up often, Sanji still dreamed of finding the All Blue but he was held back by his obligations to his family and his perceived debt to Zeff. She still had reservations of Sanji trying to find an ocean that couldn't possibly exist but she took her brothers away from Germa so that they could live freely. If Sanji wanted to travel the world in search of a mythical ocean then Reiju would send him off with the best of wishes. With that said, she wasn't sure about Sanji traveling with an airhead like Chore Boy. On the other hand, Zeff thought this was the opportunity for her brothers to pursue their dreams but Sanji has been as stubborn as a bull despite Zeff constantly badgering him in his usual tactless manner.

Reiju was concerned about her other brothers as well. The Chore Boy was not only targeting Sanji, he was trying to recruit every single one of her brothers. Yonji and the Chore Boy ended up talking when both ducked out of the restaurant to take a break. They apparently connected over their interest in adventuring. Later on in the night as he got ready for bed, Yonji admitted he was offered a place on the crew and he was considering it. Reiju nor her other brothers could understand why Yonji thought the Chore Boy could be a man he could follow.

Niji hypothesized that Yonji felt an affinity to the Chore Boy because they both have monkey brains, yet, by the next day, his opinion had changed after showcasing his inventions to Luffy.

Today Reiju saw the Chore Boy hanging off Ichiji as he went about his work, pleading to borrow his cool red sunglasses. Ichiji was not amused in the slightest, but Reiju found it strange that her brother was tolerating the Chore Boy's endless pestering.

She could see why her brothers' attitude towards the Chore Boy were changing even if they didn't realize it themselves. As ordinary and unassuming as the teen appeared, there was an charismatic allure to him. From her experience, those who are able to rally a following with their personality are people who are scheming individuals with a hidden agenda. Her brothers were honest and straightforward, they were unfamiliar with those who would use their charisma to manipulate and use others for their own gain. Yet when Reiju studied the Chore boy's behavior, she couldn't detect any ulterior motives from him.

It was because of Don Krieg and Dracula Mihawk that Reiju was able to understand the kind of man he was.

The lowlife that threatened Patty for a meal a week ago returned with his crew, the Krieg Pirates. The raccoon eyed man had the audacity to drag Don Krieg into the restaurant. As she watched from the sidelines, everything played out as Reiju expected. The chefs refuse to serve Don Krieg and his men, Sanji argues with them, and Zeff walks out with a bag large enough to feed an army. Reiju knew that the pirates would not just sail away with their free meal but there was no other way the confrontation would have ended, not with Zeff and Sanji both understanding what it was like to starve.

Though it was expected, it still grated her nerves when Don Krieg and his pirates attacked the Baratie and she was very tempted to let the pirates know what it was like to suffer from poisoning. Zeff was the one to stop her.

"Let the youngsters handle Don Krieg." Zeff said to her and then to her brothers. "Brats, don't take your eyes off the Chore Boy, not even for a minute!"

Yonji, Niji, and Sanji had already stepped forward to participate in the fight. Ichiji was on the sideline with Reiju and the rest of the restaurant staff to protect the Baratie from any stray attacks. She knew her brothers would be able to handle the pirates but the Chore Boy's friends didn't look all that strong, even if the Pirate Hunter was among their ranks. At the beginning of the fight, she did not know that Roronoa Zoro would be the reason she would reevaluate how she perceived the Chore Boy and his crew. For the time being, she got a chance to see how much her brothers had grown.

When Pearl showed up, boasting his undefeated streak, Yonji happily traded blows with him. While the pearl man decorated himself with shields, Yonji had honed his body into solid steel through rigorous training. Pearl couldn't even handle a nosebleed and went on a rampage. He attacked indiscriminately with his flaming pearls. The flames kept Yonji at bay but he didn't fight alone. He had his brother to back him up.

Niji had developed mechanical gloves which hooked into a battery on his waist. Thanks to these gloves, he could generate electricity to shock his enemies. When Yonji clashed with the pearl man, Niji leapt over his brother and landed a shocking blow.

Reiju was proud and glanced over at Zeff just to see Gin take the man to the ground.

Though Zeff's life was at risk, she followed his request and let her brothers take the lead. Though the little good will the raccoon eyed man had was dwindling rapidly, especially when her brothers refused to fight so not to risk the old man's life. Niji and Yonji's skin took the beating well but blood squeezed out between Sanji's clenched teeth. Gin pleaded at them to stay down but they refused.

"I've taken everything from him, I've taken his power, his dream. I won't let anything else be taken from him!" Sanji shouted.

Niji rose to his feet in defiance. "The old geezer gave up his leg to save our brother, it would be wrong if we didn't risk our life for him."

"You idiots." Reiju murmured. She had no idea where they got this sacrificial streak from but she knew they could still win. Reiju had faith in her brothers. They just needed stop worrying about Zeff and focus on fighting.

The Chore Boy readied to destroy the fin which gave Reiju the perfect distraction. With a silent dash, she was behind Gin and sent the man flying off the ship with a kick.

Zeff eyed her with his usual grumpiness. "I thought I told you not to interfere."

"Complain all you want," Reiju said as she helped him up. "If you want my brothers to watch Chore Boy, stop hogging the spotlight."

The battle continued and her brothers fought off the next wave of pirates. Unfortunately, Sanji ended up facing off against Gin and he was clearly struggling. Demon man Gin was a formable and ruthless fighter. Don Krieg boasted Gin as his cool headed and cold hearted chief commander but there was clear desperation in Gin's haki as he tried to convince himself it was his duty to defeat her brother. Reiju was proud Sanji kept a cool head despite Gin being a stronger fighter. Ultimately, kindness was Sanji's key to victory and Reiju couldn't be any more proud.

When Dracula Mihawk arrived and the Pirate Hunter challenged the Shichibukai to a duel, Reiju concluded that the green haired man was suicidal. The gap between their swordsmanship and power was a chasm. Roronoa Zoro attempted to leap it and he fell – but he fell with dignity.

As he laid bleeding out in the boat, he raised his white katana to the sky and proclaimed his oath to his captain. In that moment, Reiju caught a glimpse of the relationship between the swordsman and his captain and had a fleeting thought. Perhaps Reiju judged Luffy's crew too quickly.

Perhaps Sanji would be right at home….

Luffy doesn't disappoint her when he joined the battle. She could see why Zeff found it an honor to watch him battle. Don Krieg was a man of great ambition, but his folly was his gluttony. He amassed exotic weapons, numerous crewmembers, and a large fleet but all of it meant nothing to Luffy's fighting spirit.

Reiju glanced to her right where Ichiji stood next to her. Though his ruby lensed glasses obscured her ability to see Ichiji's eyes, it was easy to read the rest of his face. His lips were slightly parted as he let out a gasp of admiration, whispering, "How does he command such respect?"

….Perhaps all her brothers just might be.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

After Gin departed with the Don Krieg's fleet, Reiju walked along the outside of the Baratie to assess the damages. Her estimate was pricey but at least the fins were still intact. She was on the second floor when she heard Sanji talking with Luffy down on the lower deck. She quietly leaned against the Baratie, just out of their sight and listened. It was easy to tell that Luffy was trying to get Sanji to join his crew.

"Didn't you already convince Niji and Yonji?" Sanji asked, to which Reiju was not surprised to hear.

"I need a cook." Luffy stated.

"I refuse."

"I refuse your refusal."

Sanji was taken aback and Reiju stifled a giggle. "You can't do that!"

"Yah-huh."

Sanji sighed in frustration, "You're so frustrating."

"I'm going to be the King of the Pirates. I have to have the best crew with me!" Luffy stated confidently.

"….. Say, have you ever heard of the All Blue?"

Reiju risked being discovered when she leaned forward to take a peek at the genuine smile gracing her brother's features. It was a grin so wide she could see the small boy in him screaming with joy. He looked truly happy as he described the mythical sea and all its wonders.

Leaving the boys to discuss the impossible, she moved quietly through the halls, stopping before her brothers' room.

Niji and Yonji were inside talking about traveling with Luffy. Yonji was nearly vibrating at the idea of adventure while Niji cleaned up his inventions but it was clear to Reiju he was trying to hid just how excited he was as well. It was amazing how one teen stoked the passions of her brothers.

Ichiji was nowhere to be found. He only disappeared when he needed to make an important decision and Reiju had a hunch to what he was considering.

After assessing the damage to the Baratie, Reiju made her way to the kitchen to see if anyone made lunch but Carne and Patty met her half way. Even before they made it to her, she could tell they were scheming.

"Where've you been?" Patty asked. "Listen we got this idea—"

"Too late!" Carne whispered as the cooks and pirate filed into the restaurant. He gave Reiju a conspiratorial wink. "Just play along."

Shooting them a distrustful look, she helped pass out bowls, and settled the excited Luffy while Sanji brought out the soup and served everyone. Hungry from the all action, the men dug into their food. Reiju didn't get a chance to sit down when one of the chefs shouted that the soup was terrible. Others followed suit which only served to rile Sanji up but Yonji was there to restrain him before a fight could break out.

"Calm down, Sanji!"

"Yeah, listen to monkey brains," Another chef shouted and Yonji was just as ready as Sanji to fight.

"What's going on?" Ichiji asked as he arrived with Niji.

"Butt out, four eyes." A chef said.

"We've taken your crap for a long time but this terrible soup is just the icing on the cake." Carne stated.

"You obviously have no taste buds!" Sanji exclaimed.

Ichiji stepped between them, "Knock it off. This is no way to act while we have guests."

"You shit-heads think you're the shit!" Patty shouted. "But you're just arrogant shitheads."

"It must have taken all your brain cells to think of that one!" Niji countered.

"More words than Yonji can string together."

"Oh yeah!" Yonji growled.

"You heard me! You should get outta here."

"We don't need you!"

Reiju frowned, realizing what the cooks were doing. She stepped forward, hands on her hip with a look of disappointment. "That's enough. You are acting like children. "

Carne stepped forward, standing firm. "This is a needed wake up call."

"Then say it how it is, instead of emotionally constipated sailors." Reiju turned to where Zeff was eating his soup. "You think this is a fine way of telling them?"

"… Does that mean the soup isn't bad?" Yonji asked.

"Screw off. The food I cook is perfect." Sanji rebutted.

Yonji shrugged and poured himself a bowl.

"Though they think they're too manly to say it, they want you to go with Chore Boy. They want you to chase your passions." Reiju said. "You've out grown this small little restaurant. A large world is waiting for you."

"…. What do you want for us?" Ichiji asked.

"It doesn't matter what I want." Reiju dismissed.

"I want to find the All Blue, but I have a debt to the old man. He saved my life and gave us a place to live." Sanji countered.

"You don't own me anything." Zeff said, finishing his bowl of soup. "My choices are my own. And I'm choosing to kick you out. I won't stand to have such wretched food at my restaurant."

Sanji said nothing and stormed out, his brothers following him.

Luffy took this opportunity to taste the soup. "This tastes awesome!"

"Of course it is," Zeff stated. "Sanji made it."

"You should tell him that. He looks up to you. They all do." Reiju said and walked away without waiting for a response.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

Her brothers were in their room, packing their belongings.

"I can't believe they resorted to bad acting to get us to leave." Niji laughed.

Sanji tsked. "Did they really think hurting our pride would make us leave? Pass me my cologne."

"Sanji's smelly perfume coming right up." Yonji said as he tossed it to his growling brother.

Reiju gently knocked on their door to get their attention. All four of them look like they were caught sneaking off the Baratie. Not an uncommon sight from their teenage years.

Ichiji stepped forward, "Nee-san… we're going to go with Luffy."

Reiju smiled. "I know. You don't have to look so ashamed."

"Aren't you disappointed?" Yonji asked. "We're all leaving."

"Quite the contrary. I'm happy." Reiju replied. "We're all happy for you, even if those other idiots won't admit it."

"You've always taken care of us." Ichiji said.

"You are my darling Otoutos," Reiju stated. "I knew this day would come. The Baratie's too small for all of you. Explore the world," she said to Yonji, "Learn everything you can," she said to Niji, "Find your purpose," she said to Ichiji. She looked to Sanji, "And follow your dreams. It's your choice to make."

"We'll write." Sanji promised.

"I'll look forward to it." Reiju fondly gazed at her brothers. "Kaa-san would be so proud of the fine men you've become."

Their moods lifted the moment she mentioned their mother. Reiju fondly gazed over her brothers, seeing their mother in all of them. Sanji's kind smile resembled her most of all. He had so few memories with her. Yonji, Ichiji and Niji had even less. Reiju had nearly two decades of memories and she would glad share them so that her mother would live on in their memories.

Reiju turned solemn. "There is one more thing you need to promise me before you leave. I know it is unreasonable of me to ask for you to avoid getting bounties but, as your notoriety grows, so will the chance of you catching his attention." Reiju handed each of her brothers a colored bandana, not unlike the scarves they liked to wear many years ago. "Try your best to avoid drawing attention to yourselves."

"We'll be safe." Ichiji promised.

"We got Ichiji to keep us on the straight and narrow." Yonji joked.

"I bet you're going to get eaten by a sea king in under five minutes." Sanji said.

"I bet that Nami-chick will kick your ass the next time we see her."

Reiju smiled. Her composure never faltered even when her brothers packed their things, said their final goodbyes to her, and left the Baratie; nor when Sanji kneeled down, crying as he thanked Zeff for all he had done, nor when her other brothers joined him. A tear never welled in her eyes as the chefs broke down crying as they shouted their goodbyes. She was happy her brothers were expanding their horizon. Their mother could rest peacefully knowing they were living free.

As the boat carrying her precious brothers away disappeared, she said teasingly to Zeff, "You've become an empty nester."

Zeff grunted. As Reiju retreated back into the restaurant, he muttered under his breath, "Not entirely."

Chapter Text

In less than a week, the News Coo dropped off a new issued bounty. The headline of the newspaper read:

"Upstart Pirate Topples Big Names"

*WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE*

"Strawhat" Monkey D Luffy

Excitement was buzzing in the restaurant, especially for the staff. The cooks all gathered to read over Reiju's shoulder, laughing at the trouble their boys were getting into.

"That fishman looks like a nasty one." One cook said at the photo of Arlong, displaying his rows of glistening sharp teeth.

"I heard that fishman can bite through bone," said Carne. "Even Sanji would have trouble."

Zeff scoffed. "I trained him better than that."

Reiju nodded in agreement. "You know my brothers are not to be underestimated."

There was no mention of the Strawhats in the newspaper the following day but the seagull had a letter addressed to Reiju.

"Dear Reiju," it began, "I'm writing to update you on our wellbeing. After departing the Baratie, we sought after the girl, Nami, who originally took off with their ship.

We learned she was forced to work for Arlong since she was a child. Though I have known Nami a short while, I can tell she has good intentions even if she is likely to rob you blind. We defeated Arlong and his subordinates. The fishmen were skilled but it was nothing we couldn't handle. Nami has officially joined the crew as the navigator.

Life on the Going Merry is not too different from life on the Baratie, if not a little more chaotic. Niji, Yonji and Sanji have settled in properly. Niji has been working with Usopp (the long-nosed one) to take care of the ship and Sanji has completely taken over the kitchen.

We're charting a course straight for the Grandline. We'll be over Reverse Mountain within a few weeks and don't worry. I'll strap Yonji down this time. The others send their greetings."

– Ichiji

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

The cow sea king looked like it could make some of the best sea steak but Yonji would stand by his opinion that it made for a terrible steed. When the stupid cow crashed into the Conomi shore, he was flung out of the ship. Now he was lost. He had gotten a good view of the island while he was in the air and had seen rice fields and a tower and if Nami had to be anywhere it had to be the tower. It was the coolest thing on the island.

Yonji wandered and wound up in a small little town. A town such as this he would usually consider quite boring but most of the house were upside down. That made this town a hundred times more interesting.

"Hey Monkey-brains!"

Yonji's eye twitched in irritation as he faced the ugly looking fishman. "What was that?"

"You heard me! I don't recognize you!" The fishman yelled, stomping over to him.

"Then allow me to introduce you to my fist," Yonji suggested.

The fishman's suspicious expression darkened to one of malice. "Oh, so you're one of those humans who thinks he's a tough guy. You're about to have a rude awakening." The fishman surged forward. Yonji stood as the fishman unleashed punch after punch in rapid succession, causing the wind to tear off nearby roof shingles. When the fishman finally stopped, there was steam wisping off his knuckles but his confidence stuttered.

Yonji lowered his crossed arms, completely unfazed by the attack, and grinned. "Was that supposed to hurt, fish-face?"

"So you're a little durable. Big deal! It's trivial to the strength of fishman!" The fishman bit into Yonji's arm. "How do you like that!?" He boasted though his teeth didn't sink to the bone as it usually did.

Yonji grimaced but reached over with his free arm and grabbed him by the head, crushing into his skull with just his fingers. "I'm a lot stronger than you!"

Then the fishman experienced what it meant to be a puny opponent compared to the hulking Yonji.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

"Reiju!" Niji wrote on a hot and sunny day. "We've made it to the Grandline! It's fantastic. We met an Island Whale named Laboon, I didn't know whales could get that huge. We also got a new member, her name is Vivi. We met her while she was undercover in an organization called Baroque Works, trying to stop them from destroying her kingdom. I was told I shouldn't tell you that but I don't have more paper to start over. Nami's hot but her interest rates are insane, and I'm not going take her map paper because I don't have a death wish."

"Before I forget, have you heard of Rain Dance? It's being used to control the rain in Alabasta, the country we're going. I'm trying to understand the compounds in it. I want to be able to counteract the substance if I can. Maybe I could prove that Vivi's father is innocent but I need a sample of the powder. If you find any, can you send it to Nanohana in Alabasta? Thanks!"

We're doing okay too. Don't worry!
Niji

Patty peered over Reiju's shoulder and wrinkled his nose, "What's Rain Dance? Is it a drug?"

Another cook gasped, absolutely scandalized. "Patty! Suggesting Niji's doing drugs is accusing Reiju of not raising them properly! She raised them to be good boys!"

"Good boys wouldn't test rocket propellers while we cook!" Patty shot back.

"Niji apologized." Reiju replied. "Rain Dance is a powder that creates artificial rain by maturing a rain cloud earlier. Because it deprives other areas of rain, the World Government has prohibited its manufacturing, possession and use."

"Did that squid-bastard ask you to send him contraband?" Patty asked in disbelief.

Reiju giggled, "You know Niji and his curiosity."

"But Rain Dance? I heard countries have gone to war over that crap." Another cook said.

Carne, who was passing by with a large pot of chowder, paused to point out, "It's not like Reiju can actually send Niji the powder. Where would she even get it?"

"Where indeed," Reiju hummed in such a way that left Patty and Carne feeling perturbed.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

Chopper observed the unconscious humans who had turned this normal day into something strange. Three of them were males and one was female. The female had a serious illness that was carried by a mosquito that went extinct hundreds of years ago and would have been dead soon if they hadn't treated her. She was likely the reason the others traversed up the sheer vertical mountain cliffs of Drum Island during a whiteout snowstorm.

While they made it to the summit, it was not without injury. The one that smelled like smoke had a multitude of contusions and a slipped disk in his back. Chopper suspected he was caught up in the avalanche.

The one that smelled like meat had pushed himself beyond his body's capabilities but most of his injuries were minor. The severest injury was his fingernails. Some of them were split and others were completely ripped off. It was astounding the human was able to carry three injured people up the mountain while in extreme pain.

The third human had the worst case of frostbite of the three, especially on his hands. The third was found will large metal glove on which had no internal heating. It was lucky when Doctorine took them off when she did or he would have lost his hands.

The men were slowly waking up. Chopper didn't want to be seen but, as a doctor, he had to make sure they were recovering so he hid by the door.

The human that smelled like smoke was the first to wake up, curiously assessing the room he had awoken in and looking relieved to see his companions.

"Ow..." The third one groaned as he sat up, bandaged hand instantly going to his ears as if he had a headache. Chopper worried he misdiagnosed the third human and he was suffering because of his mistake. He shifted nervously, worrying if he would have to reveal himself to them.

The smoke smelling human searched around quickly for their personal belongings and found the strange headphones. The other one took his hands off his ears just long enough to snatch the headphones and put them on. Wearing the headphones, he was able to relax. Chopper found this behavior strange.

The third human stared at his bandaged hands for a long moment and grumbled incoherent words under his breath. "This sucks. How am I going to fight?"

"You should take better care of your hands." The smoky one replied.

"You're one to talk. What were you thinking? You could have died in that avalanche."

"Nami would have died if I didn't." he folded his arms in defiance.

"But you're…"

"I will kick you if you say it."

"…. Less durable."

The meat smelling one sat up and looked around. "Oh, you guys are okay."

"We have to make sure Nami is safe." The smoky one said, tossing the straw hat over to his companion.

"Have you seen my gloves and mask?" the frostbitten one asked.

"Who cares, Nami-swan comes first."

Chopper was intrigued by these humans. They endured so much pain to help their friend. He could tell that they cared deeply from one another even if they were yelling at each other. He felt a little envious; he longed to have friends like that. He wondered what they would think of him. Half man, half reindeer. They would probably think he's a monster but for a moment - just a short moment - he wanted to imagine what it would be like if they worried over him like they did their female companion. Chopper leaned too far forward and knocked over a stool, sending medical instruments to the floor. Three pairs of eyes landed right on him. Chopper froze.

"What is that? Do you think it tastes good?" The meaty smelling human drooled.

"We could use some emergency food..." The smoky one considered.

"Can I dissect it first?" The headphone one asked.

Chopper ran away screaming.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

Strawhat Pirates Evade Capture, Destroy City in Their Escape!

*WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE*

"Strawhat" Monkey D Luffy

100,000,000

*WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE*

"Pirate Hunter" Roronoa Zoro

60,000,000

.

.

.

Reiju and the Baratie staff enjoyed every letter her brother's would send. Even Zeff would occasionally get caught up reminiscing about the Grandline. The news about Alabasta and its civil war had everyone's attention but there were no bounties for their boys and they weren't named in the article. The cooks may have been disappointed but Reiju felt a little relief and happy her brothers were keeping their promise. The Navy gave the credit of stopping the war to a marine captain while the Strawhats received all the blame for the destruction.

Ichiji sent a letter not long after they received the newspaper. He explained how Vivi stayed behind to follow her dream and their captain agreed to let Nico Robin, former enemy, join their crew. It was easy to tell that Ichiji was struggling with Luffy's way of leadership. He had a strict upbringing and he's used to authoritative type leaders. By the fact Luffy first crew member was a pirate hunter, Robin seemed in line with his choice of nakama. Sanji was ecstatic to have another female crew member.

With her brother's out pirating, Reiju found herself with free time on her hands. Patty attempted to find a hobby for her but she preferred to take walks on the islands where the Baratie made port.

She finally received a short letter from Yonji. He was not studious so it was rare for him to write, even to her. It was barely legible but Reiju was familiar with how he wrote.

"THERE'S A SEA IN THE SKY!" Yonji scribbled. "We flew through the sky on a geyser and found a sea made of clouds. Some assholes thought it wasn't real but we proved them wrong! There are people who live up here too. I'm glad I went with Luffy and everyone. I miss you but I've seen some many new places since we left the Baratie.

"Niji and Usopp nerded out over some shells. The Sky people use them for different stuff. Some can play back sound and some can blast fire. Niji's wants to add them to his gloves.

"We found god. He was an asshole and sparky. It was cool to explore and all. Now we get to go to the next island. I don't know how we'll get down. I think if we fall, the Going Merry might break. She's seen better days. But we found a ton of gold while treasure hunting so we can fix her up right!"

Tell the assholes I say hi.
Yonji

"Yonji's having fun," Reiju reported. "But it sounds like their ship is getting worn down."

"That little caravel? The Grandline will wear down any ship and that one was made for the East. Even if they continue to maintain that ship, it will eventually break down." Zeff told her.

"My brothers are fond of the Going Merry."

"They'll have to learn to let go." Zeff stated simply. "Speaking of, have you thought about what you've wanted to do?"

"What do you mean?" Reiju asked.

"Surely you have better ambitions than being a restaurant manager."

"Someone has to keep all these boneheaded cooks organized." Reiju said.

Zeff shrugged, understanding she wasn't interested in continuing the conversation and walked towards the door. Before he left, Zeff casually said. "If you're bored and are interested in learning a new kicking style. Let me know."

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

Sanji stood in a tense fighting stance, cursing their luck. Flying down from Skypiea, they landed right in the middle of a marine base. Everyone abandoned the Merry temporarily and split up to avoid getting caught but several crewmembers ended up in the jail cells anyways. Fortunately, it was none of his brothers and no one has been unmasked. Unfortunately, the marines searched the Going Merry and confiscated their belongings, including Niji's Spark Gloves because Niji was an idiot and did not take his weapon when he jumped ship. Now he was the reason Sanji was in his current predicament.

"It's always satisfying when a lure brings in some big game." Commander Jonathan smiled confidently as he held up one of the gloves. The commander must have known that the gloves were important so he used them as bait to draw out more of the crewmembers. Sanji knew this walking casually into the Commander's office like he belonged but leaving the gloves was not an option.

"I don't give a shit about your shitty allegories. I've come for those."

"Yes. I guessed as much." Jonathan admitted, placing the glove back on his desk but at an angle which it would be awkward for Sanji to lunge for them. "Not interested in your loot?" he gestured over to where the treasure they found in Skypiea.

"I'll take that too."

Jonathan laughed, "How bold."

"Nami-swan will be upset if I don't bring back her treasure." Niji would also be upset if Sanji didn't bring back his gloves. He just upgraded them with Thunder dials, increasing their power and lighting the weight, giving him greater agility. Sanji wouldn't hear the end of it if Niji had to construct his Thunder Gloves from scratch.

Sanji only shifted his foot and the commander struck out with his fishing pole. Realizing the he was aiming for his mask, Sanji backed off, raising a foot in defense. The hook caught onto his pant leg. The commander would have knocked him flat on his back if it wasn't for Sanji's superior leg strength.

"A shy one, huh?" Jonathan said, keeping the fishing line tight. "What's hiding under that mask of yours?"

Sanji didn't reply.

"In the reports regarding your crew, there are four unidentified crewmembers. Originally, the Navy bunched these four together because of their similar appearence and choice of face wear. The Mask Quartet, as they were unofficially named in the document, was suspected to be related, working as grunts for Strawhat Luffy." Jonathan eyes hardened. "But there's more to it, isn't there? Never do they reveal their faces, always remaining covered, and their crewmates call them by codenames in public. Either they're committed to their shtick or there's something to hide. What do you think, Mr. Black?"

"You should stick with fishing," said Sanji and gave a hard tug on the fishing line, bringing the marine off balance before he charged.

.

.

.

"Enies Lobby destroyed! Strawhat Luffy declares war on World Government"

*WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE*

"Strawhat" Monkey D Luffy

300,000,000

*WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE*

"Pirate Hunter" Roronoa Zoro

120,000,000

*WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE*

"Cat Burglar" Nami

16,000,000

*WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE*

"Sniper King"

30,000,000

*WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE*

"Cotton Candy Lover" Tony Tony Chopper

50

*WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE*

"Cyborg" Franky

44,000,000

*WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE*

"Devil Child" Nico Robin

79,000,000

*WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE*

"Red-Eye" Akaji

66,000,000

*WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE*

"Strong-Arm" Midoji

64,000,000

*WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE*

"Electric-Fist" Aoiji

62,000,000

*WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE*

"Black-Leg" Sanji

77,000,000

The Baratie was overflowing with laughter, echoing through the kitchens and the dining hall. The object of ridicule was a poster of the Strawhat pirates.

"It's too good! Hahaha!" Carne wheezed.

Patty slapped the table repeatedly as he tried to control himself. "Only a mother could love a face like that!"

Another round of howling overtook the chefs.

Patty looked over to Reiju from where she was reading the newspaper article, "Hey Miss Manager! I got a great new look for the Baratie!"

"No." she replied.

"You didn't even think about!"

Zeff snorted a chuckle under his breath.

"I'm not going to let you remodel the ship after my brother's wanted poster."

"Give me three good reasons why not!"

Reiju held up one finger, "It's a waste of funds," she held up another finger, "It wouldn't be fair to my other brothers," The last finger went up, "It's hideous."

The poster was an awful drawing of Sanji. Unlike the rest of the crew, all her brothers had a drawn poster. Apparently, Ichiji was very efficient at ensuring cameras were always collateral during any scuffle with the Navy. So much so, he was on a first name basis with the Head of the Navy Photography Department, Atatchi, as Chopper decided that Ichiji was bullying the cameramen too much and has him write apologies occasionally.

Troublingly, Sanji's drawing had him without his mask and the sunglasses he favored, as best as Reiju could tell the others had their disguises but the drawings were mostly splotches of color. She pulled out the letter which arrived the same day as the newspaper. The first line was crossed out but she recognized Yonji's chicken scratch.

"Sanji got his cover blown and it was over a girl!"

A few blotches of ink followed after it and she deduced her brothers fought over who was the scribe, Sanji's must have won because his handwriting followed. "I'm sorry, Nee-san. I don't want you to worry because of a mistake I made. I lost my mask during our raid on Enies Lobby. I know you'll think we're pushing our luck by picking a fight with the World Government but they took Robin. There was no way we were going to let her go and sacrifice herself for us. I made sure no one was able to get my photograph and there was a lot of commotion, I doubt the marines got a good look at me."

"They captured his likeness exactly!" Niji scribbled in.

"Anyways. They did get my real name but that wasn't my fault– "

"That was my fault," Ichiji wrote.

"If I can finish without the others interrupting, I want to tell you not to worry because I'll get stronger so you'll never have to worry about me every again. I know my words are fanciful right now but I'll prove it to you. I'm not the same as I was as a boy…"

After reading the rest of Sanji's letter explaining everything that happened and their goal of reaching the Redline in a few months, Reiju said quietly, "At least it's a drawing."

"Worrying about them?" Zeff asked.

"A little," Reiju admitted but smiled nonetheless. "Wouldn't any sister worry over her trouble making brothers?"

Zeff nodded, picking up she didn't want to speak on the matter. "Bounties are made so that a civilian can recognize pirates but I doubt Sanji will be considered to be the same man in that drawing. The others aren't much better. More like interpretive art than pictures."

"Thank you for trying to reassure me but I'm fine. Even if my brothers get into trouble, they have each other to help them out." Reiju replied, standing to her feet and went off to work, humming under her breath.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

Ichiji sprinted through the corridors in the Tower of Justice. He needed to find one of the CP9 agents in order to obtain their key. He understood the bastard Spandam is wasting their time on searching for the key to Robin's cuffs but since it was certainly made out of seastone, this was the only way. The Strawhats had numbers on their side and they could cover more ground. despite that, Ichiji had not found a single agent. Robin was being taken to the Gates of Justice and if they don't reach her, they would lose her forever.

Ichiji hadn't trusted Robin at all when she invited herself onto their ship. She had been there enemy and, if Yonji didn't have a strong body, she would have killed his brother in Whiskey Peak. He was frustrated with Luffy for letting her walk freely about the ship without a second thought. Ichiji had been wary of her skills as an assassin but her intellect was the greater threat. While she never confronted the brothers, she would casually make a comment about his glasses or Niji's headphones. The crew wasn't aware of their enhanced conditions but Robin was quick to notice something was off. That made her dangerous.

While she may have suspected he and his brothers had their secrets, she respected their privacy. Ichiji guessed Robin understood what it was like having a sordid past, he was the son of a warmonger after all. Slowly Ichiji felt comfortable around her. It was pleasant having another scholarly member on the crew who he could discuss history. Robin was a part of their crew and that's why he refused to let her go.

The scent of flowery soap filled his nostrils as Ichiji entered a large hall where the main staircase was located. There was a crater and Sanji was in the middle of it but there was something wrong. He was clearly beaten but his skin and clothes shined, every edge had been rounded to the point of rubbery smoothness. Chopper's head peaked out from the other side of him and exclaimed, "Ichiji!"

"Chopper," Ichiji said, coming to a halt, "What happened to him?!"

"Sanji will be alright but he fell from the upper floors."

"He fell?" That didn't sound like Sanji.

Chopper nodded. "He ran into Kalifa and she's got a devil fruit now. Nami went up to get her key."

Ichiji was silent.

The sound of stone cracking resounded through the tower. It came from the upper floors. Ichiji ran up the stairs, calling back. "Take care of him, Chopper!"

Ichiji followed the sound of conflict and entered into a room full of steam. Nami was armed with her Climatact and covered in injuries. Ichiji needed to get his eyes checked, there was another wider Nami to his right and taller one to his left. Kalfia was standing further into the room.

While she was surprised to see him arrive, a smug smile graced her lips. "Oh? Another one of the quartet?"

"Ich- Red, what are you doing here?!" The short Nami exclaimed. Was Nami shimmering?! No, he needed to focus on his target.

"I'm interjecting myself into this fight." Ichiji stated, drawing his sword.

"Please, if you're just like that other weak fool who can't even find the strength to strike me," Kalfia brushed her fingers across her arm, creating bubbles along it. "This will be quick."

"Don't laugh at Sanji's convictions. He honors a man who saved his life and I respect him for his resolve." Ichiji stalked forward, clearly enraged. "Still, just because my brother lives by his creed never to harm a woman..." A red light gleamed from behind his ruby glasses. "...Doesn't mean I share the same sentiment."

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

Letters of their adventures continued to come and enrapture the Baratie's staff. Occasionally when her brothers wrote passionately about what they've experienced, Reiju felt she was living their dream alongside them. She couldn't be more content.

There were other letters that made her wish she could be there for her brothers. The one she received after they faced Kuma on Thriller Bark made her incline to traverse the Grandline so that she could comfort Sanji. She wouldn't, of course. Sanji worked hard to be a capable fighter. The last thing he needs after losing to Kuma was to be coddled by his elder sister. It helped that the letter ended on a hopeful note as the Strawhat pirates sailed towards Sabaody.

Not long after, the News Coo brought news from halfway around the world.

"Celestial Dragon Assaulted! The Worst Generation Rampages on Sabaody!"

Time passes.

No new letter.

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"FireFist Ace to be Executed"

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"Marine Claim Victory! Whitebeard and FireFist Ace Confirmed Dead!"

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"Strawhat Luffy Returns to Marineford, Signals New Era?!"

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Droplets of rain gently pittered against the window but Reiju stared at the letters and numbers on Luffy's arm. He didn't have a tattoo before this photograph. It had to be a code. Luffy believed his message would reach his crew and that meant her brothers were out there and they were alive. She had to hope they were safe.

Her door opened with a creak. Zeff stepped in.

"Heard of knocking?" Reiju asked, refusing to look in his direction.

Zeff grunted and placed a letter in her lap.

She turned it over, it was from Ichiji. In small, subdued writing, he wrote:

"We weren't strong enough. I wasn't strong enough to protect them, any of them. I swore to myself that what happened at Thriller Bark, what happened to Zoro, feeling so weak, would never happen again. But the exact thing happened on Sabaody and there was nothing I could do. Luffy did everything he could to keep our brothers safe but I couldn't even return the favor. He was on his own.

I'm alright, physically. I'm not sure exactly where I am but I was able to track down the News Coo so there must be civilization nearby. I don't know where the others are but it's likely they were sent flying at least three days from Sabaody. I have faith they survived. I suspect they will all write as soon as they get access to the News Coo. Our crew will be taking a break for a bit to get stronger. When we reunite, we'll be ready for the New World."

– Ichiji

"They're alive," she confirmed with a sigh of relief.

"The Grandline can beat a soul down but what matters is that they persevere." Zeff said. "It's harsh but what happened at Sabaody was a bit of a boon. If they continued into the New World, the seas would have swallowed them." Reiju remained quiet. "What's on your mind?"

"Just remembering. Sanji was a crybaby when he was little. I can't tell you how many times he would come running to me over a scrapped knee. I would comfort him and bandage the wound, get him a pastry from the kitchen if he was good. The others were… tougher but they still came to me when they were feeling troubled. And I would be there for them when they needed me." She smiled fondly. "They've grown so much. They get knock down but they're able to wipe away their own tears and stand again."

Zeff carefully studied Reiju, "I'll give you some time for your thoughts."

"Hey Zeff." She said when he was about to exit. "Does your offer still stand?"

He nodded, "Training starts tomorrow."

"Sounds perfect."

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

Eventually more letters arrived from her other brothers, confirming that they were safe and determined to train in their own respective ways.

For the next two years there wasn't a whisper about the Strawhat Pirates in the newspaper but Reiju received plenty of letters.

Yonji split his time helping Franky and fighting enhanced animals that inhabited the surrounding mountains.

A scientist hermit living on a small sky island found Niji when he was injured and took him in. Though far from the sea, Niji gained a closer understanding of diverse technologies.

Ichiji became a village's shadowy protector even though the denizens feared him for his strange appearance and red eyes. Eventually he gained their respect and led them to victory when an enemy nation attacked.

Sanji never revealed where he landed but he described it as his "own personal hell but at least the shitheads are decent cooks."

With every letter, Reiju could track how her brothers have grown. A thought occurred to her one day when she was taking inventory. She wondered if staying at the Baratie was fulfilling her promise to her mother. Her brothers were free and strong, strong enough to remain free too. What was she needed for? As brief as it came as quickly as it went because she was needed, someone had to mind the nest.

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"Strawhat Luffy Spotted in Sabaody!"

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"Heart Pirate and Strawhat Pirate Alliance"

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"Doflamingo Relinquishes Warlord Status"

"Doflamingo Arrested! Navy Admiral Bows his Head"

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"It's here! It's here!" Patty ran through the Baratie, clutching the newspaper tightly in one hand and a letter in another. Because of a volcanic eruption in the South Blue, the News Coo was delayed for a few days. After reading about the conflict starting in Dressrosa, everyone was eager to see the outcome of the battle and what new bounties would be issued. The delay had been agonizing and it felt like another two years had gone by before they received any word of the battle's conclusion.

The whole ship shook, nearly knocking Patty over. Frustrated, he kicked down the door and stepped outside. "What the hell are you squid-bastards do'n?"

Carne, armed with a large metal fork, glanced over and received wave of sea water on his back. A sea monster thrashed about in the water. "Enjoyed you're beauty sleep?"

"Sea monster!"

Carne shrugged. "Yeah! We're restocking."

"Keep the Baratie from capsizing!" Zeff ordered. He stood at the edge of the fin, undaunted by his precarious position and called up to the large fish. "Are you going to finish the job or not?!"

A pink head of hair peered down from the sea monster and Reiju replied, "I had to…. cut the poison out or the meat would have been spoiled!"

Zeff nodded knowingly. "Then what are you waiting for?"

Reiju laughed. "So impatient!"

She leapt into the air and spun to gather momentum before striking down on the sea monster's head with a devastating axe kick. The sea monster swayed and crashed into the water, the wave engulfed the Baratie's fin.

"CAN'T GET WET!" Patty shrieked before he was swallowed by the water.

Reiju landed gracefully on the deck and glanced over to Zeff who nodded in approval. "You've honed your technique well."

She giggled slightly. "I aim to please."

"Ah crap!" Patty shouted, emerging from the water. "It's wet!"

"Your clothes will dry."

"No! The letter." Reiju accepted the wet envelop as Patty explained, "I managed to hold onto it but I lost the newspaper. Which sucks, 'cause the Strawhat bounties were in there."

"It's unfortunate but thank you for saving the letter." Reiju said and examined the letter, the ink was bleeding badly. "I'll see if I can get anything from it."

"Should we get the newspaper?" a cook asked.

"Don't bother," Zeff dismissed. "It's ruined by now."

"And you should be in bed." Reiju scolded.

"I threw out my back, that's it."

Reiju placed her hand on her hip, "And it's serious. Take a break for once."

The cooks busied themselves to get the meat ready for storage while Reiju went off to decipher the letter.

The newspaper sank further into the watery depths of the ocean, the bounties floating around it, having come loose when Patty was hit by the wave.

*WANTED ONLY ALIVE*

"Black-Leg" Sanji

"Red-Eye" Ichiji

"Electric-Fist" Niji

"Strong-Arm" Yonji

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Reiju was sitting at her desk trying to decipher who wrote the letter when she heard cannons fire moments before the Baratie was hit. Rushing to her feet, Reiju grabbed a dagger on her way out to see which pirate was foolish enough to attack the Baratie. She came to a halt the moment she locked eyes with the blank stare of giant snails. The two sixes painted on their black shells left no doubt to the identity of their attacker.

More cannonballs rained down, destroying half the Baratie in one volley.

The cooks, unprepared for the attacked, laid beaten and injured across the wreckage. One of the snails lowered its eye stalk. Upon it was a group of uniformed soldiers, obediently waiting for commands. Only one towered over the rest.

Reiju's first thought to seeing her father after 13 years was that he hadn't changed at all, he was exactly as she remembered. The same grey uniform; the same long, wild, blond hair and; the same piercing and merciless eyes. He held the same threatening presence and poised stature. He was the same and that didn't bode well for the fate of the Baratie.

Judge kept his eyes trained on her as he stepped on the Baratie, the wood cracking under his steps. He stopped right before her, forcing Reiju to crane her neck back to maintain eye contact.

"Why are you here?" she asked sternly.

"Is that any way to greet your father?" Judge said, equally stern. "Doesn't a father have right to see his daughter especially after he thought all of his children died in war?"

"A war you thoughtlessly sent them to."

Judge's eyes shifted to her arm, or lack thereof. "It seems like I wasn't the only reckless one."

Reiju held firm. "What do you want?"

"Come home, Reiju." Judge said. "Leave this pathetic life you're living, I can give you a greater purpose. Or refuse and stay on this sinking ship."

Reiju glanced at the wreckage around her, understanding her father's terms completely. The Baratie was completely surrounded and outgunned. This ship had been her brothers' home for years now and half it was gone in an instance. Judge held the power to give the cooks and the ship a seafloor grave with just one word.

Some of the broken wood shifted and Zeff emerged from it, coughing harshly. "What in blazes—" he stopped himself short when he saw the situation.

More cooks rose to their feet, recovering their senses and their weapons.

"Move aside Reiju," Carne said, struggling to stay up.

"No bastard messes with the old man's restaurant and gets away with it." Patty growled.

"If we fight together we can take 'em!"

"Yeah!"

No, they couldn't take them on. Germa was the scourge of the North Blue and, if Reiju's sources were correct, it influences has been reaching into the New World. Nothing in the four Blues could stand against the technologically advanced army, especially not a ragtag group of cooks. Judge would accept any excuse to completely wipe the rest of Baratie and her crew from the face of this earth.

Reiju sighed before smiling, "Sorry everyone. Didn't mean to cause such a ruckus!"

The cooks looked at her with confusion.

"Tou-san came to pick me up." Reiju explained as she walked over to Zeff. "I'll have to submit my officially resignation. Sorry for the short notice."

Zeff stared at the storeroom key Reiju was holding out to him. "Reiju, explain."

Reiju bent down and put the key in his hand, whispering into his ear. "If you tell my brothers, I'll kill you."

Without another word and without looking back, Reiju confidently walked back towards Germa 66. Judge would not get the satisfaction of seeing any regret because she didn't have any. Her brothers should have a home to return to but she doesn't need to be there for such a place to exist.

Chapter Text

Reiju goes quietly.

She doesn't fight back and follows after her father, just like she's done hundreds of thousands of times as she did as a dutiful child.

She doesn't answer when the cooks shouted after her, demanding to know what was going on.

She doesn't look back as the Baratie gets small in the distance as Germa sails away.

She doesn't resist as she's taken to the throne room.

She makes it a point not to raise her eyes, keeping them trained on Judge's feet.

She says nothing when her father orders the guards to give them privacy.

Father and daughter were alone for the first since she said her last goodbye to him. Judge sat on his throne and gazed down at her. Though his face was expressionless, she could sense him oppressively exuding his haki.

"How did you find me?" Reiju asked.

"Though our kingdom isn't recognized by the World Government, I have contacts who are kind enough to pass off pertinent information." Judge said, holding up the bounties of her four brothers. "When I first saw these, I couldn't be sure. The drawings are absolutely garbage and statistically a person has on average seven lookalikes and when I called in a favor to investigate, the search led to a gang leader. I dismissed this lead but then a particular report from CP-9 fell into my lap. One of the Masked Quartet was described to shoot red light from his eyes. Though the agent chalked it up to Cat Burglar's mirage effect, I recognized my research. It wasn't hard to discover they originated from the East Blue, the last ocean my children visited."

"You've known for years then." Reiju realized.

"Yes." He confirmed.

"And you never came after them?"

"I saw no reason to. Though the reports suggest Ichiji, Niji and Yonji manifested superhuman abilities, they're pale in comparison from the original projected outcome. Just like Sanji, they're defective. All because of Sora's selfishness."

"Selfishness? Kaa-san didn't want them to be heartless killers."

"Soldiers must be trained to kill," Judge said. "They become desensitized because, in war, it is either them or the enemy. A moment of empathy for the enemy will result in death. My research would have created the perfect soldiers. My sons would not hesitate in following an order to kill… At least they would have, if it wasn't for your mother drank the drug to counter my research. Because of her foolish plan, all my sacrifice and hard work was wasted."

Reiju gripped her fists tightly but said nothing.

"I have no use for soldiers who cry. Not like you, Reiju. For years you were a loyal soldier and, thanks to the modifications, a powerful warrior in your own right. But your pity for Sora led you to stray from my side."

Finally, Reiju raised her gaze to meet her fathers. "You never had my loyalty." Judge's haki pulsed in a fit of anger and she pushed back with her own. "You may have thought of me as your weapon to command and I have done terrible things to innocent people but every atrocity I committed in your name was so that my brothers would never become like me. I did pity my mother. I pitied that she remained caged until she died. And I loved her. Kaa-san wished for her sons to be free from this horrible place. She was too weak to achieve her dream but I had the strength. I was but the wings that carried them far away from your grasp."

"As foolish as your mother!" Judge roared.

"And I'm proud to be!" Reiju stated.

Their haki swirled around the hall like hurricanes, shaking the foundations of the castle. Neither of them backed down.

"Fraternizing with the common folk has left you with poor manners. But we'll fix that." Judge glanced at her missing arm. "You are damaged but I still have uses for you."

"What are you planning?" she questioned warily.

"After I thought I lost all of my children to a terrible tragedy, I continued my research on the Lineage Factor. I've had a breakthrough that will bring Germa to its former glory, no, even greater. To do so, I'll be entering an alliance with Big Mom." Judge said. "Whenever Big Mom enters an alliance, it is sealed by marriage."

"Congratulations on your engagement."

Judge scoffed at her impertinence. "You're mistaken. You'll marry Big Mom's son."

"Why should I?" she challenged.

"You can fight this if you want to, you can even run away. I have four other children to offer. They've chosen to associate with riffraff but they have gained enough recognition to be adequate spouse candidates…" Reiju sent him a murderous glare. "But I will allow them to continue to run around with degenerate pirates if you agree to go through the marriage."

"What if I kill you now?" Reiju said, pointing her dagger at him. "Then the wedding would never happen."

"The preparations have already begun." Judge stated. "If you don't go, I'm sure Big Mom will send you at least one of their heads. You think killing me will set you free but there is no escaping fate. Reiju. Accept your role so Germa can soar to greatness or your brothers will pay the ultimate price."

Reiju lessened the intensity of her haki and let her arm fall to her side.

Judge sat back down in his throne. "Good. If I recall, when you left, there was one surgery put on hold."

Hearing this, Reiju backed away but there were large guards blocking the entrance. Her father couldn't possibly mean… the surgery she feared from when she was a child. "No."

"If you will not obey me, then maybe one of my sons will be more receptive."

Reiju tensed and relented. "If I do this, then you must leave my brothers alone! Don't every approach or get involved with them!"

Though she didn't expect anything hint of sympathy from her father, Judge was as cold and calculating as when he would sentence an enemy to be executed as he said. "You have my word."

Each of the guards grabbed one of her forearm and a scientist approached. Using a special needle that could puncture her skin, he injected the serum into her. Her vision faded and her muscles relaxed, becoming a ragdoll in the guards' arms. As the guards hauled Reiju off to the labs, she slept - dreamless. 

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

Across the world, Yonji sprinted through thick jungle forest, leaping over fallen logs and watching his step on the squishy grey ground. He couldn't lose sight of the monkey moving through the trees. He had to hurry, his crew needed him. They fought through Big Mom pirates and storms to reach Zou. Things were looking up. Thanks to Chopper, Caesar's poison gas had been cleared from the land and the minks were beginning to recover from Jack's invasion, but of course nothing works out for them.

It's been two days since they arrived. Yonji was with Nekomushi when he heard gunshots. Soon after, a monkey mink arrived and frantically told him that a lion mink named Pekoms arrived with an outsider. They had come for Caesar and to deliver a message but then the gangster made a bunch more gangsters and took the Strawhats inside of him. His legs became wheels and he drove away.

Yonji understood very little of the explanation but the monkey saw the direction the gangster took off and Yonji didn't sacrifice two years for his crew to be taken by a weirdo.

Seeing the pinstriped suit of the gangster in the distance, Yonji picked up the pace and grabbed the gangster. Roaring like an animal, Yonji lifted him up into the air and shouted, "GIVE ME BACK MY CREW!"

"Bastard!" The gangster growled and fired his gun. Yonji didn't even wince when the bullet squished into his temple like a marshmallow.

A small voice called out, "Yonji!"

"Nami!?" There was a small door in the man's chest that led to a grand hall in his body. Nami, Brook, and Chopper were by the door in chains. Sanji was sitting at a table farther in. "Why are you guys tiny!?"

"Yonji!" Chopper cried. "Save us!"

"Let them go!" Yonji demanded and shook him violently. Everyone screamed as they were rattled around the gangster's body. With enough shaking, Chopper, Nami, Brook, Caesar fell out and Sanji soon after. Once beyond an invisible perimeter, they returned to their normal size, landing on the elephant's skin and bounced. Yonji tossed the gangster aside and ran to his crew. The chains easily crumbled under his brute strength.

"Are you guys okay?" he asked and Nami nodded but was still clearly shaken from the foiled kidnapping.

Sanji leapt to his feet, "Yonji, you idiot! Why do you always have to rush in?!"

"You were being kidnapped!"

"It's not that simple!" Sanji stated furiously. "He was going to let our friends go if I went with him."

"What?! And you thought that was a smart idea?!"

"They've got Reiju!" Sanji spit back into his face causing Yonji to stutter, having not expected to hear his sister's name. Sanji brushed past him and walked towards the gangster. "I've got to do this."

"Nee-san..." Yonji clenched his jaw and then his fist.... before punching Sanji in the back of the head.

Sanji spun around. "What the hell, you idiot?!"

"You're the idiot!" Yonji yelled, blocking his brother's kick.

"Get out of the way." Sanji demanded.

Nami gave a frustrated groan as the two brothers clashed as Brook shouted frantically, "This isn't a time to fight each other!"

Yonji stood his ground and took every kick until he got the opportunity to grab his leg. Letting out another yell, Yonji dragged him down. He caught Sanji's arms when he lashed out. Sanji pushed against him, "Yonji! Would you quit it?!"

Yonji pushed against him, "Not a chance!"

"Are you even listening!?" Sanji shouted. "Reiju's in trouble!"

"And what can you do by rushing in!?" Yonji shouted back, "We're in the New World! There's always going to be someone bigger, stronger and smarter."

"I don't care if our enemy is a Yonko! Don't you care what happens to her!?" he demanded.

"I DO!" Yonji's grip started to shake as he tried to control himself. Though Sanji was inches away from his brother, he could barely hear him. "I want to crush the skulls of all the bastards who took her. But what good would it be running in without a plan? I'm not smart but I know when we're about to get in over our heads. If we go, we'll just cause more trouble for Reiju." Yonji took a deep breath and calmed down, confidently stating. "Let's regroup and think this through."

"Like you'll get a choice," The gangster said as he rose to his feet and straightened his collar. He aimed his gun at the brothers. "You're coming with me. End of discussion."

"Hold it!" Pekoms called as he caught up, breathing heavily. "Why'd you have to go so fast? Listen here. Mama wanted us to pass of the invitation and bring them if they were all here. I don't see four curly-eyebrowed pirates do you?! BEGE!"

Bege let out a puff from his cigar. "I figured I'd save some time. If they wait for their brothers, they may miss Mama's Tea Party."

Pekoms huffed in annoyance, "Don't get full of yourself, rookie. I'll stay and escort them when the rest arrive. Take Caesar and go report to Mama."

"…I'll be off then."

Caesar gave weak squeal as Bege grabbed him and hauled him off. With Bege and Caesar gone, Brook turned to Pekoms, "So do we thank you or…"

"I'm doing you a favor for saving my home. That's it." Pekoms stated. "Don't think much about it. You're still going to the Tea Party."

"What is the Tea Party? He never got a chance to explain and why were only Sanji and his brothers invited?" Chopper asked. Sanji let out a sigh, it seems like the crew missed most of his argument with Yonji. He thanked whatever gods that existed that his friends were not aware of Big Mom kidnapped their sister.

"Sanji, do you know anything?" Nami asked.

Sanji thought for a moment and looked to his brother, "Don't worry about it. Yonji and I'll get it squared away. You should focus on taking care of the minks."

"Oh! It's time for Inuarashi's treatment," Chopper exclaimed. Nami sent them a curious glance but followed after Chopper.

"You're right." Sanji said to Yonji when they were alone. "We can't rush this."

"You got that right!" Pekoms added.

"Why are you here?!"

"Just 'cause you helped my home, doesn't mean I'm gonna let you two wander out of my sight. When the rest of you arrive, I'm taking you straight to Mama." Pekoms said.

"Fine."

Yonji and his brother followed after Pekoms but kept enough distance to talk privately. "So what do we do?"

"We wait for Ichiji and Niji and then we go save Reiju."

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

Two days later and Luffy's group arrived on the island. After mistaken identity between Luffy and the minks, the Strawhats finally reunited. Nami, Chopper and Brook happily leapt into Luffy's arms and tackled him to the ground.

"Hey Yonji!" Niji called out to his brother. "You missed out on a lot of great battles. Franky had the manliest of fights!" He was sure that would get Yonji riled up. After all, his brother was disappointed he had to leave Dressrosa before he got to beat a member of the Doflamingo Family. Yonji barely reacted to the taunt which was an immediate warning sign.

Yonji was like an ape. He had very simple needs: food, sleep and fighting. If he wasn't getting excited about fighting, something else had to be taking up his mind. Sanji looked just as unhappy as Yonji.

"You guys look tired. What's wrong?" Ichiji asked.

"It's about Reiju," Sanji said solemnly and held up the invitation. Ichiji and Niji read it. They took a moment to process what they had learned and a silent understanding was communicated. The four brothers went to sneak away but Nami stopped them.

"Hold it right there!" She ordered. "Luffy! Before you got here, Big Mom Pirates tried to kidnap us and then they invited Sanji and his brothers to a Tea Party."

"No fair, why do you guys get to go to a party?" Luffy demanded childishly.

Yonji laughed. "Don't worry captain! It's a family gathering so it'll be boring as dirt."

"Then why did you and Sanji fight!?" Nami questioned, not buying their lie.

"She has a point." Brook chimed in. "You both got really upset. It sounded like there was some trouble."

"Our sister's getting married." Ichiji replied. "We're all a little protective of her but we have been away for two years, Sanji was just shocked to hear the news."

"… Oh that pink haired chick, right?" Zoro asked. "She had the look of a killer."

"Show a little respect! Reiju is a lady!" Sanji declared, a bit defensively.

"Oh yeah, I remember her. She worked at the Baratie with you guys." Usopp recalled. "She's marrying into a Yonko's family!?"

"Do you want to go? Big Mom's Pirates tried to take us by force." Chopper pointed out.

Niji quickly thought of an excuse. "It was um- forward but pirates are used to taking what they want. Not sure what Reiju sees in her husband-to-be, but she must have seen something real special."

Ichiji stepped forward. "We would like to request to attend our sister's wedding. I know we're preparing to fight Kaidou but we'll be back shortly."

"Mmm, no." Luffy replied.

Ichiji frowned. "No?"

"I wanna come too. Then you have my permission."

"You can't!" Sanji exclaimed.

"Why not?"

"It's a family matter," Niji explained.

"But we're nakama."

The brothers let out frustrated groans.

"Can't you leave it alone?" Sanji asked. "Why do you have to be so difficult?"

Luffy just stared at them expectantly.

"We're going." Ichiji said. "If you won't allow us then I'll quit the crew."

Every Strawhat stared at Ichiji. Cool, calm, collected. That was Ichiji. He never did anything outlandish and rarely reacted out of emotions. He constantly tried to reign in the chaos Luffy naturally accrued. And Ichiji was cool, calm, and collected as he said the most outlandish thing they have ever heard him say.

"Hey! Let's not go to any extremes!" Usopp said quickly. "Let's talk this out."

Ichiji's brothers had been equally astounded by his declaration but, one by one, the rest of them stood by Ichiji, acknowledging they would be willing to leave as well. The Strawhats were in various states of surprise and shock, each attempting to process how this sudden divide between the crew and the brothers came about.

Yonji scratched his neck awkwardly, "It's not like we want to do this. But you're not giving us a choice. Reiju raised us. We'd do anything for her."

Luffy tipped his head down, the brim of his hat obscuring his face. His tone was curt when he asked, "Anything?"

"Yeah."

"I don't believe it."

Sanji clenched his fists in anger. "We'll protect our sister with our lives! There's nothing we wouldn't do!"

"If family's so important, then why won't you ask for help!?" Luffy demanded, jumping to his feet.

In the heat of the moment, Sanji refuted, "Then you'll be in danger too!" he instantly regretted saying it because his comrades' faces changed as that one statement confirmed what they were already suspecting. "Shit. Look, this is our problem. It's nothing to do with the crew."

"Don't you trust us!?" Luffy demanded to know.

They bowed their heads in shame, unable to answer. Ichiji spoke, "We do but... this is our problem."

"Aren't we nakama!? Rely on us!" Luffy said.

Yonji took a deep breath and stepped forward, "Aye, captain."

His brothers were surprised. "Yonji!"

"We… have a past. One we thought we left behind…" he opened the invitation. "But this proves the past has come back and I think… we know Reiju is in trouble."

Robin held out her hand and he gave her the invitation to read aloud. "Big Mom invites Prince Ichiji, Prince Niji, Prince Sanji, and Prince Yonji to her Tea Party and the wedding between Charlotte Cracker, tenth son of the Charlotte Family and Three Sweet Commanders of the Big Mom Pirates, and Princess Reiju, the first daughter of the Vinsmoke Family and General of Germa 66."

"...You have a last name?" Usopp asked.

Sanji rolled his eyes. "That's what you picked up?"

"This is a lot to take in because this makes it sound like you're royalty."

"We were," Ichiji admitted. "The Vinsmoke Family is a royal family from the North Blue who rule over Germa Kingdom. We're warmongers."

Brook's jaw unhinged as it dropped, "How scary!"

"I thought the Head Chef at the Baratie was your old man," Zoro said.

"Reiju took us away when we were just kids and she faked our deaths so that our father wouldn't pursue us. Old man Zeff took us in and let us work for him." Niji explained. "We didn't want to keep secrets from you guys but we couldn't risk getting discovered."

"That's why you were so insistent on the stupid code names and masks." Nami realized.

Franky pouted. "I thought it was super cool."

"We've cut ties with Germa completely. Reiju wouldn't have returned to that place of her own free will." Sanji added.

"You're planning on stopping the wedding and taking your sister. But by doing so you would anger the Yonko, Big Mom. You didn't want us involved because we're already trying to take down Kaidou." Robin surmised.

"That's basically it." Ichiji confirmed.

"Alright! Let's go save your sister!" Luffy declared.

"Have you been listening at all?" Sanji asked. "If you come along, you'll have two yonkos gunning for you."

"Curlybrow's right. We already have Kaidou to fight. If we go after their sister, we'll be angering another yonko." Zoro said.

"We do usually go in guns blazing," Franky remarked.

"Let's send in a smaller team then." Robin offered.

"A stealth mission, oooh," Brook said. "I wanna go."

"Then we'll split up." Nami said. "A team for the wedding and one to go directly to Wano..."

The brothers watch the Strawhats talk and formulate a plan that could work towards both of their goals. While they were worried of putting their crew endanger, they were grateful to have friends they could rely on.

"Hey." Luffy said, turning to them. "We'll save your sister."

Sanji ducked his head and smiled. "Thanks, captain."

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

Several weeks later, across the oceans, the Germa Kingdom was stationed near a port city. Standing by the edge of his castle was Judge, observing the quaint city while his coat flapped in the wind. A hunched and old scientist approached with Reiju who looked tired but held her head up proudly. The scientist passed off a file to Judge to read. He scanned over the content before saying. "Looks like everything is in order. Reiju, how do you feel?"

Reiju brushed him off and admired the little snow covered city.

"Reiju." He said again, "Tell me, have you recovered from the surgery?"

"Overall, yes." She said. "I don't feel much different."

Judge nodded, expectantly, "It wasn't to enhance your strength. Now tell me how it makes you feel."

Reiju bit her bottom lip but answered. "It feels wrong. I feel like every part of my body has been desecrated. My skin has been torn off from my muscles and attached to a mannequin."

The scientist shift uncomfortably at the scathing remarks, "That's um-"

"Honest," Judge finished, looking approving at her. "Good. Let's do a field test."

"You have my obedience but you'll never have my heart." Reiju stated.

"That's rich. You've never had your heart as long as you lived." Judge said, "Someone has always owned you."

"Bastard," Reiju retorted.

"You're words are like a caged dog yapping." Judge stated. "I know what you want to say, that you would never take answers from a master like me. But as of this last surgery, you don't have that choice. From this day forth, you will obey my every order. You were once my greatest weapon and soldier. Now you are the key to bring the great Germa Kingdom to a new era!"

Into her hands, Judge placed a familiar object, one that she had forgotten. Her face reflected back at her from the glossy, pink surface. Never would she have thought she would wear her Raid suit after she lost hers to the sea years ago.

"I had this specially made. I took the liberty to improve on the design. Use it." Judge ordered. "And raze the city to the ground. Leave no one alive."

Reiju's body shuddered.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

Snow lightly fell down upon the city as its citizens went about their daily lives.  Children chased after each other, pelleting one another with snow balls. Newly engaged admired flowing white dresses and discussed their future. Friends laughed and enjoyed the crisp, cold air. The city was at peace for its final moments as a dark shadow descended.

Glancing up to the sky, the citizens witness an ominous shape of a pink and purple butterfly, a strange sight to see in a winter island. Children and adults alike marveled as it landed on a clock tower, in the middle of the city. Some of the nearby citizens noticed it was a woman with giant wings.

"Is that… the legendary mothman?" a cabbage vendor asked.

"No way. Mothman's not real." Another citizen argued. "Besides that's clearly a woman."

"I'm not one to assume…"

A crowd gathered in the area around the tower to get a look at the peculiar butterfly women. Reiju gazed down at the city from her perch. Touching her fingers to her lips, pink poison generated and took form as she drew it back like a bow and pointed it to the sky. "Pink Hornet!"

Firing out like an arrow, the poison shot into the sky and burst, raining down on the city. People cried out as the arrows pierced their bodies. Those who did not immediately die withered in agony as the poison spread through their veins.

Reiju listened to their cries of fear and pain, and descended to the ground. City guards went in for the attack but she dropped them in a flash. Those who could move ran screaming for their lives. It didn't matter. She had been told to kill ever man, woman and child per the King's orders.

More guards gathered and charged at her to defend their home. It was hopeless. Reiju lamented as she slashed through a guard's throat. They could never escape her, just like she could never escape her fate.

Since the day she was born, it was expected for her to be the upmost loyal to her father and Germa. Her mother tried to fight it to give Reiju a chance but, like those who ran from her, it only delayed the inevitable. She grew up fearing the surgery and strived to perfectly obey her father's commands so that he wouldn't even think of it. It was one of the reasons why Reiju had to plan her escape when her brothers were so young because once it was installed, she would be forever tied to Germa.

The Compliance modification, as the scientists called it. When given an order by the designated person, the modified individual must follow it absolutely. No matter how much they resisted.

Dodging a grenade, she grabbed it and threw it right back at the thrower. It exploded in their face and a nearby house caught on fire which quickly spread to other neighboring houses. Reiju looked to the sky, the smog was covering it completely in a lifeless grey tone. She looked out to the sea, searching for a bit a blue that brought her and her brothers to freedom all those years ago but all she saw was fire and smoke.

A child cried in the distance. She should put it out of its misery. It's experienced enough bloodshed. She's seen plenty and knows death is a kinder end.

Her father wasn't wrong. Her life was never her own. As much as she liked to parade around and act like she was in control, she's merely been a tool for other's agenda. Though she hated it, Germa's success has been directly impacted by her time as a military general. Enemy nations' whole stability would change overnight because of her skill as an assassin.

She happily was a tool for her mother, acting as an extension to her mother's will, protecting her sons. Reiju's life was defined by the promise between her and her mother. All her choices were to ensure a better life for her brothers. That role had been fulfilled and she was a tool without a purpose.

The fires blazed around her and the white snow seeped into red. Reiju stood amongst the carnage. She played the part of a caring sister and now it came to an end. A new master wielded her. She accepted that. By doing so, Reiju would protect her mother's promise. Sanji, Niji, Ichiji and Yonji were somewhere in the world, pursuing their dreams. Zeff and the cooks were alive, meaning her brother's had a home to return to. They're safe. They're happy. They're free. The promise fulfilled. And now...

She had no other reason to live.

Chapter Text

Within a week, Germa Kingdom had entered into Big Mom's territory.

They were escorted to Whole Cake Island where the Yonko was awaiting their arrival. Reiju met her husband-to-be, first from afar while he sparred with his elder brothers. He was confident and abrasive but when she was introduced to him, Cracker didn't quite know how to talk to her - stammering over his words. It was like he was unsure how to talk with a woman outside his family but Big Mom was pleased so Reiju fulfilled her obligation to meet her fiancé.

After the introductions, Judge allowed for her retire to the Germa Kingdom. As cold as the castle was, it was familiar territory, unlike the abnormal talking furniture and walls with literal eyes. The snail that carried her castle was brought into the center of the Whole Cake Plateau in case she got cold feet on the eve of the wedding day. It was pointless. Reiju wasn't going anywhere, not that what she thought mattered.

Reiju remained in her room in seclusion and waited. Her only company was the staff who attended to her needs but none of them dared to talk longer than what was required of them to answer her inquiries.

Judge never visited. He didn't need her to be a soldier anymore. He just needed a doll to do as it was told. She agreed to the marriage already so there was no reason for him to to summon her. Reiju didn't mind, she found solace in her solitude.

She stroked her fingers down the artificial arm Judge outfitted to her. The pale porcelain was appropriate for an elegantly delicate wife. In these days before her wedding, she felt closer to her mother.

A butterfly outside her window caught her eye. It fluttered around before being snared by the invisible strains of a spider's web.

It was fine. She told herself as the spider approached the struggle butterfly. This way, she could protect her brothers with one last sacrifice.

There was a knock on her door and her handmaid entered. "Excuse me, Princess. A chef from Whole Cake has arrived and asked for an audience with you. He wants to get your preferences for the wedding hors d'oeuvres."

"I'm too tired to deal with wedding preparations and surely Big Mom has her own plans. Send him away."

The handmaid bowed her head and took notice to the full plate of food at Reiju's bedside. "Is the meal not to your liking, Princess? I can have something else brought up."

Reiju smiled. "I'm not hungry."

She heard an uneven gait before the chef entered her room and said. "I have the perfect remedy for wedding jitters."

The smile dropped but Reiju maintained a cool expression as she dismissed the maid and granted the chef's request. He hobbled on his peg leg over to her bed and sat on the nearby chair.

Stroking his braided mustache, Zeff said. "What's this about not eating? Food is important to living long and happy."

"Never mind that, why are you here?" Reiju asked.

Zeff scoffed indifferently. "The Baratie is closed while it gets repaired. I sent the staff out to get part-time work. Big Mom's kitchen is under a lot of stress preparing for the wedding and I was fortunate enough to get a temporary position as a cook. Pays well enough."

Reiju frowned. "That is a not what I meant."

Zeff shrugged, leaning back in his chair and propped his legs up on her bed. "Perhaps if I had a manager, my boneheaded staff would be a little more organized."

Reiju made a pointed gesture to stare at her porcelain arm. "I'm getting married. Continuing employment at the Baratie wasn't going to work out."

"Is that what your daddy told you after he blew up my restaurant?" Zeff asked. Ashamed, Reiju bit her lip and clenched the comforter. "When we agreed to leave our past behind, I never expected you to be a princess. Suppose that makes your brothers princes."

"You're right." Reiju sighed. "I grew up royalty and trained to be an assassin. My father once worked with Vegapunk on the Lineage Factor, something related to how a person gains superpowers from the devil fruits. He applied that same research to his military, creating one of the most frightening armies on the seas. My brothers were to be the ultimate weapons... Or that's what my father planned, if I hadn't taken them away."

"That must explain the powers you and Ichiji have or why Yonji has such a hard head. Even Niji's strange hearing. Why you were always concerned over Sanji not being able to keep up with the others… You kept all of this a secret." Zeff said, confirming what he must have suspected.

"Can you blame me for hiding our past?"

Zeff shook his head, "Not at all. Surprise you didn't kill me."

"I was tempted." Reiju teased and quickly added on. "When we first met. Rarely got the urge after."

Zeff chuckled. "I don't blame you."

"You don't want any explanations?" she asked.

"You don't need to explain yourself."

That may have been true but this man had given her brothers a home, for years he had unknowingly been a target of Judge's fury from that single act of kindness. Regardless if he didn't believe he needed an explanation, after all she selfishly made him risk, his life, his restaurant, his dream, Reiju felt obligated to give him one. "….If I go through with the marriage, my brother's will be free of Germa for good. Do you understand?"

Reiju would finally achieve her mother's last wish.

"I understand you'll do anything for them but doesn't mean I agree with how you go about it. Sacrificing yourself is plain stupid."

"I wouldn't call it a sacrifice. I'm getting a husband and a comfy life out of the deal." The lightheartedness of her argument failed to be genuine.

Zeff folded his arms, disapprovingly. "Is this what you want?"

"Yes." Reiju said assuredly but Zeff wasn't satisfied.

"Is your fiancé the one you want to marry? Do you want to get married? Do you want to be here?" he asked.

Reiju brushed her false arm and softly said. "It doesn't matter what I want."

"Of courses it does..." Zeff said firmly, taking her hand into his own. She could feel the calluses from many years of hard work. These rough hands had such a gentle touch. The same hands that corrected Ichiji's fighting stance, the hands that guided Sanji's on how to cut meat, the hands that carefully gathered Niji's half-finished blueprints, the hands that lifted Yonji high into the sky –these hands now carefully held hers. For a single moment since returning, Reiju felt safe. "...Everyone should be allowed to follow their dreams."

She pulled her hand away. "I have none."

"And I'll wait for the day you have one."

"….I can't. I can't go with you." Reiju repeated.

"I won't leave without you." Zeff said in a low serious tone.

"What about the Baratie? That restaurant is your dream. It's my brothers' home."

"And it's your home too." Zeff added.

Reiju sighed. "Why can't you let me go?"

"I never liked children. In fact I hate them…. Then things changed and I got a boat full of them. Perhaps it's a bit presumptuous but I see those brats as if they were my own." His face softened as he patted his peg leg. "This old body isn't what it once was but if I can protect my brats then I'll give everything I got."

Reiju pressed her lips into a thin frown. "What are you trying to imply?"

"I'll put it simply. I will fight and continue to fight until you're free of this place. I will not let you throw your life away."

Reiju's jaw clenched as she was barely maintaining her composure, "This place is a fitting place for a monster like me."

Zeff frowned. "When are you going to leave the past behind like we promised? You're not some killing machine."

"That's exactly what I am."

Zeff looked a bit resigned. To what, she didn't know, but hopefully she was wearing him down. Reiju had to convince him to leave before Judge realized Zeff was trying to take her away. As much as it warmed her heart that she was considered family, she feared Zeff was fated to make his last stand here and she refused to let that happen. He was a special person to her brothers and a special person to her. She didn't want him to die for a broken tool like her.

There was a knock on the door and the maid spoke through the wood. "Sorry to interrupt you, Princess. The Princes are here to visit you."

"Princes?" Reiju echoed, disbelief bleeding into her voice as Ichiji, Niji, Sanji and Yonji filed into her room.

Yonji couldn't hide his surprise. "Old man?! What are you doing here!?"

"Hellloooo Nee-san!" Sanji greeted cheerfully, "…And shitty old man."

Ichiji frowned. "I did not anticipate this."

"We'll roll with it." Niji assured.

"Brats," Zeff grumbled in warning.

"Yes, sir?" They said in unison, not unlike they did as children when Zeff and Reiju knew they caused trouble but there was no proof.

Reiju stared at them in disbelief. "What are you doing here?"

"You're getting married. Why wouldn't we be?" Niji said with a smile.

"But…. how did you know?"

"We got the invitation." Ichiji informed.

"Reiju," said Sanji. "We all know you would never come back to Germa of your own free will. And you definitely would never agree to a marriage like this. So we're rescuing you!... And I guess shitty geezer too."

"Surprise he didn't throw out his back going up Reverse Mountain," Yonji said.

"How did you end up here? And before us?" Niji asked.

In one swift motion, Zeff stood and knocked each of the quadruplets' head with his peg leg, eliciting annoyed and pained yelps. "You are a cornucopia of idiots. You could learn a thing or two about subtly! Do you really think you can stroll in here and take Reiju without anyone stirring up a fuss?"

"Have you been reading our letters? Our crew is the opposite of subtle." Niji deadpanned.

"We have a plan." Ichiji assured.

"Have you seen father?" Reiju questioned.

"Not yet." Sanji replied and tsked. "Hasn't seen his children in years and he doesn't even care enough to see them."

His brothers murmured in agreement.

"All of you need to leave." Reiju said firmly.

"Not without you." Yonji refuted.

"It's too late for me." She stated.

"Why is it too late?" Ichiji asked.

"…." Reiju looked to the window. The butterfly was gone, only a small webbed ball and a broken wing remained. "I have to stay."

"She's staying to protect you." Zeff revealed.

"Zeff!" Reiju exclaimed, betrayed.

Zeff shrugged. "You weren't going to tell them."

"You know how they get! Think how hard it was to get them to leave the Baratie because they'd rather die than let anything happen to you."

Zeff grinned as he folded his arms triumphantly, "Sucks to be on the receiving end, doesn't it?"

Ichiji folded his arms. "It doesn't change anything. We're not leaving here without you."

"Yeah!" Yonji cheered in agreement.

Reiju buried her face in her hands from the pure amount of frustration she felt towards these pigheaded men. She almost regretted not instilling fear in them long ago if only that meant they would listen to her now.

For the third time, there was a knock on the door. The maid nervously entered. "His Majesty requests for you and the Princes to ready for dinner."

"Perfect." Sanji grumbled, blowing out a plume of smoke. "I have shit I wanna say to that bastard."

For the first time in years, Reiju mustered up a commanding tone she used to submit soldiers to her will. "For my sake. Don't cause a scene."

Her brothers stopped in their tracks. Even Zeff was put off. Reiju was just relieved that her words could carry the weight of her convictions despite being in bed and in her nightgown. Her brothers looked reluctant at best but there was a murmur of "yes, nee-san." Zeff relented easily enough but asked to remain informed. When they left so that Reiju could change into suitable clothes, she left her composure wane for a moment before she braced herself for the disastrous dinner to come.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

After Zeff departed back to Whole Cake Castle, the five siblings went to dining hall. Judge arrived afterward and sat at the head of the table, not even acknowledging his sons he hadn't seen in over a decade. Her brothers remained stubbornly silent, watching Judge's move with intense glares. The atmosphere was suffocating.

"So you four have finally arrived." Judge said as he took the first cut into his steak. "You're quite late. I wasn't sure you were going to make it."

"Father, why are they here?" Reiju asked. "We agreed-"

"What we agreed to still stands," Judge stated. "I've upheld my word. I did not involve myself with them. It was Big Mom who sent out the invitations and it was of their own volition to get involved with Germa."

Reiju frowned. She should have expected to Judge to twist their agreement to his benefit in some way. He had all his children home. She feared that Judge had a plan to keep her brothers here as well. He may have called them defective but they could offer a wealth of knowledge of the Lineage Factor.

"We can talk about this matter later." Judge said. "Tonight is a night of celebration. For the first time in many years, our family is reunited."

"This charade could hardly be called a family." Niji said under his breath. Reiju sent him a scathing glare and he respectfully poked at his food.

"Is there something wrong the food, Niji?" Judge questioned.

"I don't want it." Niji grumbled with mild cordial.

Judge signaled to a soldier, "Bring the Head Chef."

A moment later and a dainty, meek, brown haired woman was before them. She bowed low. "I'm Cosette, the Head Chef. Is there something wrong, Your Majesty?"

"Are you the one who cooked this meal?"

"Yes, Your Majesty." She replied weakly. "Is there some... something wrong with the food?"

"You're food is not to my son's liking." Judge stated.

Cosette gripped her apron tightly. "I'm terribly sorry."

"You failed to make an enticing meal fit for royalty. Such shame cannot be overlooked." Judge said harshly.

"This isn't her fault!" Niji exclaimed. "I'm not hungry."

"Stop making trouble for that lovely lady," Sanji said and took a bite.

"Sanji…"

"Don't take it the wrong way, I just don't like food being wasted." Sanji glanced over to Cosette and smiled. "As a chef I can tell you put a lot of thought into the nutrients and balancing the flavor."

Niji sat down and tried not to look sullen. "Thanks for the food, Cosette."

There was a dangerous glint in her father eyes, clearly displeased with her brothers' less than princely behavior. She need to defuse this situation quickly. "Now that Niji's done being a child, you're dismissed."

Grateful for an out, Cosette bowed deeply and hurried away.

Judge frowned. "That was a disgraceful display. Reiju, I'm disappointed you allowed Sanji continue to cook."

Reiju bowed her head, "Its Sanji's calling. Who was I to stop him?"

"It's shameful. To think a Vinsmoke would serve others. Such weakness does not belong in our family."

"Screw off."

"Sanji!" Reiju scolded.

"I'm sorry, Nee-san." Sanji said glancing down at his hands. "I use these hands to make sure people are never hungry. Like hell am I going to let this bastard talk shit about it."

"Is that anyway to refer to your father." Judge scolded.

Sanji's determined gaze met Judge's, "You aren't my father."

"Supposed you consider that old cook your father." Judge mused aloud, the mere mention of Zeff made all four men bristle at him. Reiju eyed him warily. "Don't think I didn't know about his employment under Big Mom. Not that it matters. An old washed out pirate is no threat. If he did try to take you away, he'd be dead by the first step."

"Shut up!" Sanji slammed his hands on the table. "The old man is better than you every way!"

"Don't count him out," Niji said in agreement.

"I doubt. Seeing how he raised you to be weak willed serfs." Ichiji stiffened as Judge sent him a look that seem to pierce through his shaded ruby glasses. "Yet I am pleased to see some of the gifts I gave you were able to develop despite the less than ideal circumstances. Perhaps not all is lost."

"Bullshit!" The air around Sanji wavered, he was angry and ready to burst into flames. He gestured to his brothers. "You 'gifts' have only caused suffering. Ichiji once considered blinding himself because the power you gave him was uncontrollable and Niji can't function unless he has his headphones. If he didn't have them, his brain would get fried."

"Sanji!" Reiju said warily but her brother held firm.

Sanji glowered at Judge, ready to flay the king. "I refuse to sit and play family in front of the man who experimented on my brothers."

"How foolish." Judge scoffed. "You are also grievously misinformed. I would not have wasted experiments on my precious sons. The modifications were beyond the stages of theory just look at Reiju for proof."

Reiju refused to meet her brother's confused gaze.

Judge continued. "Those modifications were a gift. If they had succeed, all four of you would have been some of the most powerful beings in the entire world."

"But they didn't." Yonji said. "Just admit we were nothing more than lab rats."

"To me, you are my sons. To Sora… you were a curse."

Tearing her eyes off her plate, Reiju looked to her father with apprehension and worry.

Her brothers' fury cooled a bit in confusion, Ichiji spoke. "What are you talking about?"

"I see Reiju hasn't been entirely forthcoming about the circumstances surrounding your birth." Judge said as he carefully watched Reiju stay stubbornly silent. "Sora was against the modifications. She feared the power you were to have so she crippled you by drinking a drug to counteract the modifications."

"Wait…" Niji whispered in realization. "Did Kaa-san die…. Because of us? Because she was trying to save the world from monsters like us?"

"That's not true!" Reiju said. "What Kaa-san did was not out of fear! She knew what Tou-san did was wrong so she tried to stop him. She died thinking that she failed all of you besides Sanji but she still lov-"

"Enough, Reiju!" Judge stated in a thunderous tone, "Never speak of Sora in front of me again!"

Reiju's throat constricted and though her mouth was open, no sound came out. Her hands went to her throat as she desperately tried to explain to her brother how much their mother loved them. How she sacrificed her health so that they could be something more than heartless soldiers. How, despite not knowing if she succeeded, Sora still believed in every single one of them. They were Germa's failures but they were Sora's success.

Reiju wanted to tell them everything and more. She wanted to remind them how sweet their gentle mother was and would never scorn her own children. But the words never formed. Before her brothers, her mother had been Reiju's only love. Without her, Reiju would be no better than what Judge planned for her brothers. Feeling as though her humanity had been stripped from her, Reiju collapsed to her knees.

Her brothers were quickly at her side but she could hardly see them any better than blurs as tears rolled down her cheeks.

Sanji looked at his brothers with uncertainty. Throughout all their years, Reiju had always been an anchor for them. Her composure never faltered. She never seemed to be surprised. She had been an unbreakable and steady presence throughout all the adversity they faced. It felt wrong to see her cry. Sanji knew one thing for certain, the man who hurt his sister was in kicking range.

His leg ignited with all the anger he bottled up out of respect for his sister and he unleashed it on her behalf. Judge did not move to avoid as Sanji leapt at him with a kick. In an instance, he was struck from the side, sending him across the room.

"Sanji!" Yonji shouted in surprise.

Though it was a solid strike, Sanji recovered quickly. Seeing that his brother was fine, Ichiji looked to where his sister stood in front of Judge, protecting him as tears streamed down her face.

There was no sympathy in Judge's in order, "Subdue them."

Reiju's body moved.

Her brother came with the intention to rescue her. They were prepared to fight Big Mom, Judge and any other force that would oppose them.

They were not prepared to fight their sister.

The closest to her was Niji and he was not ready to be struck down by his sister. The other three were in shock. Reiju's heel dug into Niji's chest as she pushed him into the ground and then dashed towards her next target.

Ichiji didn't react in time as Reiju brushed by him. Pushing her hip against his, she threw him over her. Ichiji's head cracked against the ground hard. Seeing her take down another one of them, Yonji moved. He embraced her from behind, pinning her arms to her side. "Reiju! What's wrong?!"

Reiju bit her lip as she flung her legs up and locked them around Yonji's head. With one final heave, she slammed him on top of Ichiji. She looked to her last opponent.

Sanji just stood there. "Reiju. I won't fight you."

"I…" The words choked up in her throat. "Don't have choice."

Sanji didn't make to attack and let himself be thrown down on his back, arms spread and pinned by Reiju's heel and arm. She closed her eyes, unable to look at her brothers who she swore to protect. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry Kaa—" she choked on her own words as her tears dripped down on Sanji's cheek.

Niji coughed as he pushed himself upright and glared at Judge. "What did you do?!"

"What I should have done years ago." Judge said coldly. "Reiju has finally become the perfect soldier. You all should strive to be like her."

"Bastard!" Sanji snapped. "Like hell we'll ever be loyal to you!"

"I will have your obedience in time," Judge said. He was patient man after all.

"Screw you!"

"Children who disobey get punished. You say your hands are your most precious tool as a chef? Reiju, break his wrist."

"Reiju wouldn't hurt Sanji," Yonji said in disbelief but Reiju was reaching towards his brother's wrist with a shaky hand.

"Please," Reiju pleaded.

"Break it."

Sanji tensed underneath her. Since he never showed any signs of super human abilities, she always worried about him the most out of her brothers. When he was a child, Reiju had to be careful not to hold him too tightly or train him too hard. He wasn't tough like his brothers. He was breakable.

The bone snapped cleanly under her fingers as Sanji cried out. He tried to breathe through the pain so that Judge wouldn't have any more satisfaction.

Reiju let out a sob.

"Well done. As expected from my loyal soldier."

"Son of a bitch," Ichiji growled.

"Please," Reiju pleaded again. "No more."

"Only if they fully understand the consequences of disobedience." The Strawhat Pirates didn't attempt to stand. Pleased, Judge said. "Reiju, you are in charge of your brothers. If they cause trouble during the wedding or try to escape with you, subdue and punish them. Am I clear?"

"…yes, sir."

Judge left to attend a meeting with Big Mom, leaving his children to cope with their submission to a man they loathed.

No longer expected to keep them subdued, Reiju sat back on her folded legs, minimizing contact with Sanji as she covered her mouth to stifle her sobs. Using his good hand, Sanji pushed himself up to a sitting position and reached out for her. She tried to pull away as Sanji tenderly wiped away her tears before reaching behind her head and guided her to his shoulder.

Yonji helped his brothers to their feet and they came to their siblings' side. "That was… a lot."

Niji punched him in the arm. "Have some tact, will yah?"

"Nee-san, are you okay?" Sanji asked.

"Ho-how can you ask me that? I broke your wrist." Reiju cried.

"It wasn't your fault, Judge ordered you to." Ichiji said as he kneeled down.

Reiju pressed her forehead further into Sanji's shoulder, unable to look at her brothers. "I tried. I'm so sorry. I tried. My body wouldn't listen to me."

"We'll find a way to break the control Judge has over you." Ichiji promised.

"You can't. It's in my DNA. I can never disobey him. Not ever again." Reiju found the courage to look at them. "But it's not too late for you, you can still escape. All of you belong with Strawhat. Go. Find them and live. That's want Kaa-san wanted." Her finger tips fluttered to her lips as relief washed over her. She was able to speak about her mother. "Listen, what Tou-san about Kaa-san…"

"It's okay Nee-san." Sanji assured. "We know. Thanks to you. We know everything Kaa-san did for us was out of love."

"The drug saved our humanity, didn't it?" Niji guessed with a small, sad smile.

Reiju couldn't stop her tears as she nodded.

Sanji hissed in pain.

"You wrist…"

Niji reached behind Sanj and tugged his arm out from where he was trying to hide it. His wrist had begun to swell and the skin had turned a purplish black. Sanji grimaced but said. "It's not that bad."

Ichiji stared at his stupid brother. "Let's get it treated."

"At least Nee-san broke your left wrist," Yonji pointed out, his brother was right handed after all.

Sanji smiled softly. "Yeah, thanks Nee-san."

"Please don't thank me for breaking your wrist." Reiju said as Yonji helped her up. "I know you are still planning on taking me with you."

Her brother didn't even try and deny it.

"Don't cause any trouble at the wedding." Reiju held onto her porcelain arm as she suppressed the shudders in her body. "I don't want to hurt you."

Ichiji was thoughtfully quiet as he stared at Sanji's broken wrist. "You won't hear or see any trouble from us."

Reiju accepted his answer. It was the best she could do. She could practically sense them formulating escape plans. Whatever they would try surly would end in failure. They were attempting to stop a wedding in the presence of the strongest military force in the North Blue and a Yonko crew. She just had to make sure they didn't get themselves killed. After the wedding, she would figure out how to get her brother's away from Germa. For now, she needed to take care of them.

"Come on Niji, keep up." Ichiji said when Niji trailed farther behind them and stopped to stare at a mirror in confusion.

Not really looking at Ichiji, Niji gave a thumbs up to his reflection and ran to catch up with his family.

Chapter Text

On the morning of her wedding, Reiju visited her mother. The sun had yet to peak from the horizon, leaving the world in a dim twilight. Reiju easily fell back into the long shadows casted by the grand hallways. It felt like she was a little girl again, secretly sneaking to speak with her mother.

Her grave was swathed in flowers, perfectly trimmed and arranged to frame the inscription. With no one to intrude, Reiju talked. She talked about everything she wished she could have told her mother over the years. How her sons have grown into fine men. How, while they may be pirates, they were the kindest at heart. She talked about the Baratie and the home the old restaurant owner gave them.

Reiju didn't think they would have gotten along. Zeff was far too crass for her gentle mother. The fighting chefs wouldn't be even able to swear in her presence. Not if her brothers could help it. As long as Reiju could talk about her brothers and their adventures or the daily tasks on the Baratie, the words wouldn't stop but she eventually ran out of things to say. She didn't know what to say about herself.

"Would you be disappointed?" Reiju wondered. Her mother never wished for any of her children to be killers. Though her wish came true for her sons, Reiju was a lost cause. Not when she killed her first at the tender age of four. Reiju would always be a monster. Her mother never loved her less of it but it doesn't change Reiju's committed acts of violence that her mother hated. At the very least, Reiju can ensure the one good thing she does is protect her brothers and their dreams.

She remained by the grave until the morning light and a maid came to fetch her. Before Reiju left, she leaned into the grave and whispered her promise to the stone. Regardless of the obstacles, Reiju would not fail her mother. Her brothers would be free.

The maid left her in a waiting room while she went to fetch her wedding attendants.

Reiju heard movement behind her. "Yonji,"

It was adorable how her brother tried to casually lean against the wall by the full length mirror, trying to not act suspicious. "Reiju! What are you doing here?"

"This is my dressing room." Reiju explained patiently to which Yonji turned bright red in embarrassment. "What are you doing?"

Yonji was determined to not look at her. "I thought it was my room."

Reiju quirked her eyebrow in amusement, the room had nothing but a lounge couch, a vanity desk, a full length mirror and a trifold mirror. "Are you causing trouble?"

"No? No. Not at all. We didn't sneak out last night. Pfft. Where would we go?" Yonji laughed nervously.

Reiju shook her head. "Where did you four go off to last night?"

"Nowhere…." Reiju looked at him expectantly, "Definitely not to meet our captain or anything."

Her brothers were up to something. With how sparse the room was and Yonji - she says this most fondly - was not sneaky, Reiju should have noticed him when she entered. She had no doubt they would cause trouble at the wedding but she hadn't witnessed anything so she wasn't compelled to enact Judge's orders.

"You should find your brothers and get ready. We'll be heading to the Chateau soon."

Yonji shuffled awkwardly on his feet before escaping through the doors as the attendants entered. Reiju was taken to the vanity and with her back turned to the full length mirror. She was unaware of yellow, red and blue of shadows, not reflected by the mirror, seething at their idiot brother for mistaking a changing room for his bedroom, nearly getting them all caught.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

Reiju sat as the maids prepared her for the wedding. One attendant did her makeup while another did her hair, which was braided to wrap around her head like a crown with light pink roses delicately weaved in.

The wedding dress was handpicked by Big Mom herself. Reiju didn't bother to have her opinion. She was a doll to be dressed. The dress was simple, satin, ball gown shape with bottom barely brushing the ground. Several layers of frills decorated the skirt. The veil was dropped over her face, tinting her world white.

Once a maid reattached the porcelain arm, Judge arrived. He was dressed in a grey suit with an orange cape draped over his left shoulder. He outfit looked more in line for military negotiations, though Reiju supposed it was fitting.

Judge glanced over her figure and nodded with approval. "You remind me of Sora on her wedding day. She was a radiate light as she walked down the aisle. I mistook her for an angel."

Reiju fiddled with the cold fingertips on her false arm. "Did you ever love her?"

"I never stopped loving her," was Judge's reply. "That love was weakness but I didn't want to let her go. Even when she betrayed me and sabotaged my work, I still loved her."

"If you loved her, why didn't you respect her wishes? Why did you make me a soldier?" Reiju asked.

"Love and respect are two different things. Sora was naïve. She didn't understand the importance of securing a future for Germa. I was giving my children the tools to become something greater than the world has ever seen." Judge said. "She couldn't make the hard choices needed for a better future."

Knowing nothing she could say would matter to Judge, Reiju glanced to the mirror again and looked for her mother's reflection.

Judge escorted her to the carriage where her brothers were waiting.

They were dressed in fine dress shirts and black slacks. Each had a cape draped over their shoulders and looked to be in discomfort but their mood instantly brightened when they saw their sister as they gathered around her. Their compliments eased the sticky feeling she had after talking with her father. Reiju inspected Sanji's wrist. Thanks to Germa's advanced technology, it was basically healed, a sprain at best.

"Remember to behave." Judge said.

All four men glared at his back as he entered the carriage. Niji actually growled.

"Please," Reiju asked.

"Don't worry Reiju, you won't hear a thing." Ichiji promised, arm looping around Niji's to keep him close.

Not reassured at all, Reiju climbed into the carriage. They could hear residents singing in the distance as they approached the Tea Party.

The carriage brought them to the outside gate where Bege demanded for them to hand over their weapons. After a short debacle, Reiju was guided to the waiting room while everyone else joined the tea party.

Cracker joined her shortly. He looked uncomfortable wearing a dress shirt. She made him no mind and focused on how to avoid a disruption at the Tea Party.

She thought her brothers were smart enough not to try and rescue her during the wedding, but considering their track record with the Strawhat pirates, she had her doubts. She couldn't ignore them if they cause trouble and she feared Judge would make her do worse than break a bone.

Disregarding Germa, an Yonko would be in attendance. Her brothers were strong but they were not strong enough to face Big Mom and her army of children. If Reiju heard correctly, Big Mom has been known to go on rampages if she did not get what food she craved. Big Mom has been looking forward to eating the wedding cake. If the cake were to get caught up in the crossfire, they were surely be doomed.

Eventually chess guards came to fetch Reiju and Cracker and led them to a cloud homie. Once positioned in the large tea cup, the cloud sang and it flew into the air.

The guests of the party cheered at the sight of the bride and groom.

Glancing down, Reiju took note of infamous faces in the crowd; the president of the World Economy News Paper, Morgans, and Queen of the Pleasure District, Stussy, were present.

There were quite a few pirates from Big Mom's crew that she instantly recognized as threats. One in particular stood out. Though he was slouched back, face obscured by a fur muffler, and seemingly disinterested in the party, he was definitely the most aware of everything happening at the party.

Quickly searching the crowd, she found her brothers sitting around a table with Judge. Not too far away was the serving table where she caught Zeff's gaze as she flew overhead. The cloud settled next to the altar which was situated on top of the grand wedding cake.

Cracker stepped down onto the pavilion first and Reiju allowed him to help her down. He kept her hands in his as the ceremony began. The priest stepped forward and recited the vows while Reiju let her eyes wander down to her brothers. They looked tense but no one was trying anything. The pirate wearing the muffler looked confused though. Before she could understand what the pirate was thinking, Cracker took her by the chin to bring her attention back to him.

"…in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, to have and to hold, till death do us part."

Hearing the cue to bow, Reiju did so. Cracker pinched the ends of the veil and lifted it up and Reiju's world went black.

She went to reach for the hands covering her vision when a voice behind her spoke, "It's okay, Nee-san."

Reiju gasped softly. When did he have the time to get so close? "Niji?!"

"Trust us."

The sunlight blinded her for a moment when he removed his hands but soft leather was pressed against her ears, drowning out all noise and leaving her completely deaf. Reiju whirled around to look at her brother. His brow was scrunched in pain without his headphones to muffle the sounds his super hearing picked up – she doubted the measly earplugs were helping him all that much – but yet a smile graced his lips as he threw her off the cake and into Sanji's awaiting arms.

Sanji pushed back midair, dragging her farther away. Seconds later, chunks of cake and splatters of frosting exploded as hundreds of Luffys sprung from the cake. There was absolute horror on Big Mom's eyes and complete panic in her children.

Reiju looked to Sanji for answers. He smiled with reassurance.

She understood the basics of their plan. Judge's orders, while absolute, were up to her interpretation. They must have realized she had a choice of which of Sanji's hands she had to break. She was ordered to punish if her brothers were to cause trouble but what was trouble? As far as she was concern, her brothers saved her from Strawhat causing trouble.

Not wanting to risk incriminating her brothers, she closed her eyes and pressed her face into Sanji's cape. Sanji held her tighter. She couldn't see or hear, all she could feel was the jerky movement of Sanji's skywalk, maintaining them in the air.

She felt like she was in a void space. Holding onto her brother's cape was the only thing that grounded her. Suddenly she was thrown through the air again. Instinctively, she wanted to open her eyes to catch her landing but she had to trust her brothers. Sure enough, she impacted against a firm chest and calloused hands tucked her close.

Must be Zeff.

She could feel the ground vibrating through Zeff. Whatever was making a noise that should shake the ground like an earthquake was fearsome.

Risking a look, Reiju wasn't surprised to see Big Mom shrieking at the top of her lung but she couldn't hear a single thing.

While he wore earplugs, Zeff still heard her scream and it was powerful enough he struggled to stay standing.

Niji was out cold, overwhelmed by the auditory input. As Yonji punched a Big Mom pirate, he rolled, picking up Niji, and continued fighting.

The wedding cake collapsed completely, just a mound of sugary confection. Three gangsters who were guarding the tea party were aiming at Big Mom with rocket launchers. The pressure from Big Mom alone was able to cause the rockets to explode prematurely. The gangster didn't look happy with the results and everyone started running. A bunny girl gestured for Zeff to follow her. While Zeff carried her off to more cover, she could see Sanji facing off against Judge. She shut her eyes tight. She didn't get to see Ichiji.

After a bit of running, Reiju was placed on the ground and Zeff removed the headphones, "You can open your eyes now."

They were in a fortress, the décor didn't match the Whole Cake aesthetic and it sounded like Big Mom was attacking the outside. Most of the men in the room were dressed in sharp suits though she recognized as Strawhat Pirates.

Niji was squatting nearby, terrified. Reiju reached out for him but he snapped and shrieked like an animal. Reiju stood there stunned as Niji ran away on all fours.

Zeff chuckled at the horror and confusion on her face.

"Nee-san!" Niji, the real Niji, called as he and his brothers gathered.

"Niji! Are you ears alright?" Reiju asked softly, noticing the smeared blood trails on either side of his neck.

Niji grinned. "Don't worry, I can withstand all the noise for a bit. Big Mom's cry was just too much."

"What's going on?" she asked. The men looked uncertain. "You can tell me."

"Are you sure?" Ichiji asked.

"I was only supposed to stop you if you caused trouble during the wedding. It's safe to say the wedding is called off." Reiju reasoned.

Ichiji nodded in understanding. "We're inside one of those Firetank pirates."

"What!?"

"A devil fruit,"

"How did the Big Mom pirates not stop all these people from getting into the Tea Party?' she asked in disbelief.

Zeff chuckled, "Mirrors, if you can believe it."

"Mirrors?"

They gave her a brief explanation. Apparently her brothers returning to Germa was only the vanguard. Half their crew followed after them, taking a less direct route. They still managed to get noticed by the some of the Big Mom pirates but it was to their benefit as they captured a member who had the power of the Mirror-Mirror fruit, giving them access to travel around Whole Cake and make contact with her brothers undetected. The pirate also had the ability to cast an image over another living beings. This allowed them to make a monkey Niji's body double. While the double sat with the family, the real Niji waited in the mirror world, to easily access the altar.

The mirrors were their way into the Tea Party and it was supposed to be their exit but Big Mom's whaling was so powerful it shattered all mirrors.

As a last resort, the captain of the Firetank pirates transformed into a living fortress. They were safe for now but the pirate wouldn't be able to withstand the pummeling for long. No doubt Judge was trying to force his way in as well.

"We're in quite the pickle." Zeff grumbled.

Luffy came running over, "Guys! We're going to go out and beat the crap out of Big Mom while Gastino-guy flies Bege outta here."

"You stay put," Sanji said to Zeff. "We don't need an old man throwing out his back."

Zeff scoffed. "Watch it. Just because you're challenging yonkos, doesn't mean I can't kick you to the horizon."

"I'll come as well." Reiju offered.

"What if Judge gives you another order?" Sanji asked.

Reiju smiled. "With Niji's headphones, I won't be able to hear any more orders."

"If you guys are gonna go out. It's now or never!" Bege shouted.

Reiju put the headphones on and leapt out beside her brothers and their captain. Bege reverted to his normal form and was taken away by the clown gangster. She could see Judge in the distance, furious. He was shouting but no sound reached her.

Unfortunately, Big Mom's crew had numbers and they were completely overwhelmed in a short time.

Fortunately, the Whole Cake Plateau collapsed, giving them opportunity to escape.

Unfortunately, they were plummeting to their deaths.

Fortunately, the landing was as soft as landing on a creamy pastry.

A while after they went separate ways from the Firetank Pirates, two of the Big Mom pirates managed to catch up on the a carpet. They were allies who the Strawhats befriended in their infiltration and maybe a little bit more judging on how the younger one blushed brightly at the sight of Sanji. Despite fumbling over her words, the message was clear, Big Mom was on a craving rampage and she was heading straight for them.

So they split again. Sanji went off to bake a new cake, promising to meet on Cacao Island.

Reiju aided the retreating team stall Big Mom. The pirate was a frightening one. Reiju's poison arrows pelleted her skin but it didn't faze her. Thanks to the navigator, they were able to slow the yonko down and the captain took care of the chess soldiers on the ship by leaping through the mirror and shattering it. Reiju focused on defending the ship, though a feeling of unease remained in her.

"I'm going ahead." She told them.

"What!?"

"I agree," Ichiji said. "I want to secure a mirror for Luffy. The last thing we need is for our captain to run into a trap."

"But we just got Reiju back!" Yonji exclaimed.

Reiju stuck out her tongue and pulled her raid canister out from the frills of her dress. "I'm the only one who can fly."

She activated the canister, releasing the suit from the inside. Last time she wore it, she slaughtered an entire town, now she would use it to defend the people she cared for. Reiju grabbed Ichiji by the shoulders and took off into the sky.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

They reached Cacao Island soon enough but there were plenty of pirates already there. As they feared, the pirates were in the process of smashing mirrors.

Ichiji frowned. "We have to secure a mirror before we run out of options."

"Looks like they're gathering in the middle." Reiju said, noticing a large mirror. The sweet guards had it surrounded, ready for any unsuspecting enemies from emerging from it.

There was a glint from the dark alleys, warning Reiju of the incoming danger. She pulled to the side just a spear fly past them, grazing her wings. The resulting shockwave from the throw knocked them out of the sky. They landed hard on the chocolate tiled streets.

"Ichiji, are you alright?" Reiju asked.

"I'm fine."

"Good." She pulled up her headphones and turned to face Judge who was yanking the spear out of a nearby house. "We need all the strength we possess."

Judge was shouting but it fell of deaf ears. It didn't matter what he said. Reiju wasn't going to allow his words to hold any power over her. Her brothers were willing to risk everything they've gained these past three years, she wasn't going to let this man control anymore of her life.

Dashing forward, Reiju spun and brought her heel down with a devastating blow which Judge took to grab her ankle but she drew poison from her lips. "Pink Hornet!"

Judge cried out as the poison splash over his face giving Reiju a chance to free herself and kick him right across the cheek. He stumbled back and brushed his hand over the dent she made in her helmet. There is a fury in his eyes as he struck out with his spear.

With the flying ability of the raid suit, Reiju was able to dodge the rapid strikes but if one strike hit her, it would do serious damage. Judge was saying something and Reiju had to consciously not read his lips but his haki gave her a sense of his murderous intent.

Slipping around the spear, she fired another volley of poison into Judge but the tyrant didn't even flinch as his spear connected with her side. He's had years to develop antibodies to her poison and that was working against her.

Ichiji recovered from the rough landing to fight by his sister's side. They pushed back, quickly following up each other's attacks in quick succession and not giving Judge a chance to counter. Despite losing ground, Judge did not falter as he deflected the attacks.

Grabbing the pole of his spear with both hands Judge swiped, blade slicing into Ichiji's leg. Reiju kicked the spear into the air and stabbed at Judge's gut but she hit armor.

Houses were leveled as the three of them fought but the siblings were determined to overcome the tyrant.

Ichiji blocked the next attack, grabbing the spear and held it in place as Reiju sprung off his shoulder and jumped into the air. She dropped down, preparing to finish the fight but Judge grabbed Ichiji's wrist and flung him into his sister, smashing her into the coco brick road and throwing him away.

Reiju rose up only to be smack down. Explosions and destruction roared into her ears as Niji's sound cancelling headphones were knocked off her head. She glared up at his harsh eyes.

"You will regret this. How dare you disobey me. I made you. All your skills and talents were created by my hands. Forged by Germa's science. You are Germa's weapon and that's all you'll ever be." Judge said, grabbing Reiju by her face so that she couldn't grab the headphones again. "Reiju, do your duty and kil—"

There's a bright, red light streaking across her vision and the smell burnt flesh filled her nose. Judge staggered back, grasping his throat and covering the two blackened holes on either side of his neck, he let out a silent yell.

"That light… Ichiji!"

The laser had definitely come from her brother who, in a moment of desperation too off his glasses and looked at the world without a red tint for the first time in years. Ichiji struggled to maintain the precise beam but managed to place the sunglasses back on.

Taking deep controlled breaths, he rose up on unsteady legs and held his head high as he advanced. With Judge on his knees, Ichiji grab onto his collar and drag him down to his eye level so that he could see the sparkling light shielded by his glasses. "Never. Speak. To Her. Again."

A low gurgling growl came from Judge but no coherent words could be formed.

Shaking free of the astonishment of seeing her brother control his Lineage Factor – even for the briefest moment – Reiju stepped forward to speak but Ichiji beat her to it.

"When Reiju told us we didn't have to be soldiers, I didn't know if there was anything else I could be. I struggled for years, trying to find a purpose other than what you raised me to be. Sanji's right. What you did to us... It left a mark. All we have of Germa are terrible memories. It was thanks to Reiju and the old man we were able to have a place to call home. Coming back here has put a lot of things in perspective, especially how my brothers weren't the only ones suffering under you and for way longer." Ichiji glanced over at his sister.

"That place was hell but I forgot that it was home for Reiju. For all the terrible things she was subjected to, there was also good. There was Kaa-san... and all that good Kaa-san gave Reiju, she passed it on to us and we could become honorable and kind men."

"Nee-san, I joined Luffy's crew to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. Now I see my path clearly in front of me. One day, I will come back to Germa and change it. I'll turn this nation into something good so that Reiju will be able to proudly say she's from Germa!"

"Ichiji…"

Ichiji shoved Judge to the ground and turned to look at the soft smile stretched across her face, for a moment he saw his mother. Reiju wiped away the tears forming at her eyes. "Thank you."

Suddenly, there was giant crash and commotion from where the last mirror on this island. Moments later, Sanji barged down the street with his captain safely tucked under his arm. "Nee-san?! Ichiji?!"

"Sanji?!"

"Talk later, run now!" Reiju ordered, spurring her brothers into action.

As they ran, Reiju took one last at Judge, left in the middle of the road, clutching his ruined throat. Blood dribbling down his nose, face beginning to swell from the hits, gurgling and grunting as he failed to pull himself out of the melted road, leaving his once pristine outfit soiled. He truly was pathetic.

Ahead of her, Ichiji and Sanji were bickering on how they would escape while their captain laughed. Somewhere in the sea, Yonji and Niji were facing their own battle, protecting the ship until the rest of the crew returned.

Ichiji. Niji, Sanji. Yonji. They've given it their all for her. At the very least, she should consider their feelings.

With a pink flourish, Ichiji and Sanji gasped as they were taken under her arms as Reiju leapt…

…and flew into the sky.

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

She carried them to the safety of their new home.

The Thousand Sunny.

Niji, Yonji and the rest of the crew were waiting for them when her giant butterfly form touched down on the ship's lawn.

Luffy was immediately swarmed by his crew as the little reindeer doctor got to work on diagnosing the damage he sustained from battle. Reiju took a moment to admire how her brothers interacted with their crew. There was shouting and laughter. There was a clear familial bond her brothers had forged on this ship.

Their attention shifted quickly to focus on their escape but it wasn't long before they were free under the vast blue sea.

With a moment of respite, her brothers joined her and Zeff on the second deck.

"I want to know if you're alright but first can I have them back?" Niji asked in a whisper. Despite having the ear buds in, he covered his ears with his palms. Reiju shook her head fondly and placed his headphones back in their proper place. "What a relief! I don't have to listen to you gorilla's on blast!"

"Stop complaining." Sanji replied.

"I'm going to complain all I want." Niji grumbled. "My head's still ringing from that old hag's scream."

"You would have been dead if it wasn't for me!" Yonji laughed.

"Instead I was a pancake."

"What does that mean?"

"Have you been putting on weight, you practically crushed me!"

"Then Sanji should have carried you. Princess style and all."

"No way!" Both shouted.

Ichiji sighed. "Stop fighting, you idiots."

"Who are you calling an idiot!"

Before they could fight more, Reiju drew them into a hug. Zeff chuckled under his breath as these four taller men where instantly cowed by their sister before she reached out and pulled him in too.

The reunion was brief.

Not only had Strawhat Luffy dared to travel into Big Mom's territory but he did so after already picking a fight with Kaidou. Their crew and allies awaited for them in Wano. Reiju offered to accompany them and use her skills to aid them in liberating the country but they turned her down.

"You don't have to fight anymore." Ichiji said.

"And it's Luffy's fault anyways." Sanji added. "It's a crew's job to have the captain's back."

"And you should do what you want." Yonji continued. "You're free."

"Unless Judge fixes his throat and goes after her again, if he words the right statement, the Compliance Modification will put her under his control permanently." Niji cringed under the scalding glares from his brothers. "What? He could. Ichiji may have burned his throat but we do have modern science."

Reiju giggled. "Niji's right. I have to live with this modification but I'm familiar with being a target. I can handle it."

Her brother's grimaced, clearly not wanting her to be in that mindset.

Niji spoke up, "I'll reverse it."

She smiled fondly, "Niji, it's part of my DNA."

"Yeah, well- if he could change DNA, then I'll find a way to undo it. I'm going to become a great inventor and what kind of joke would it be if I couldn't help my sister. It'll take time and we got to make Luffy the Pirate King… But I'll do it!"

The smile fell from her face but Reiju couldn't be happier. "I can wait. I believe you can accomplish anything you set your mind to." She looked at her other brothers. "All of you."

"What are you going to do?" Zeff asked. It seemed like a absentminded question but there was a sharp look in his wrinkled eyes as he waited for an answer.

What would she do? Up until now, her life had been devoted to others. The path before her was hers to choose. "I don't know." She answered earnestly and glanced to Zeff. "But I would like to go home."

"It's been bit of a mess since you left." He said nonchalantly.

"Sounds like you're in desperate need of a manager." She teased.

When the time came, everyone was there to see them off but before Reiju departed from the Thousand Sunny, she turned back to her brothers. Seeing them with their friends warmed her heart. "Hey Ototous. I love you."

The men were left stuttering, flustered at the rare affection from Reiju while the Strawhat giggled and snickered, teasing and poking their friends.

"Wh-wh-why'd you say that so suddenly?" Yonji exclaimed, flustered as he tried to push Brook off of him.

"No reason," Reiju hummed happily.

She didn't need a reason to love.

Reiju watched the Thousand Sunny sail towards the horizon and birds flying over her head, trailing after the ship.

Zeff had finished tying off the ropes and joined her at the side of their small ship. "Ready?"

For the first time in a long time, Reiju felt at peace. "Let's go home."

..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..

The trip to the East Blue was arduous and long but Zeff still had connections that got them all the way to the sea. Zeff sent out word to the crew and they were all there to greet him and Reiju when they arrived at the island where the Baratie was being repair.

There was a giant weightlifted from her chest to see Carne, Patty and the rest of the staff alive and well.

Setting sail on the Baratie was even more so.

Reiju fell into her old routines, sorting the supplies, scolding Patty, receiving letters and running the restaurant with Zeff.

Then the Strawhat Pirates went on to shake the entire world.

It was a long time before she saw her brothers again but they were pursuing their dreams. They went into the seas surrounding Raftel and Reiju stopped receiving letters.

The day the Strawhats laid siege on Mariejois was one she would not forget. Her brothers, toppling governments, corrupt ones at that. Reiju couldn't be prouder.

Then her brothers came home for dinner. Older. Stronger. But still her little brothers.

Ichiji kept his promise. Germa never recovered from the botched political marriage and Judge was certainly not ready to be invaded by Ichiji, nor the fleet of pirates that joined in on the fight. (Having the Pirate King at your back had its perks)

After the dust had settled, he invited her to visit.

Walking through the castle left her with conflicted feelings. Waves of nostalgia reminded her of all the nooks and crannies she claimed as a child. The grand hall where she used to eat with her mother and Judge until Judge stopped leaving the lab. The courtyard where her mother tended to the flowers on sunny days –Reiju would spend hours chasing butterflies. The lab where her childhood was stripped away and she was forged into a weapon.

Reiju stood at that door for a long time. She almost didn't go in until Niji opened it for her. After invading Germa, the Strawhat Pirates didn't just sail away one member less, Niji chose to stay to have access to the country's research and state of the art equipment. He acts as an advisor to Ichiji but he was dedicated to understand Germa's gene editing techniques so that he could reverse the Compliance Modification.

He escorted her through the halls she walked as a child. While large and empty, it wasn't as….. cold. How could it be when she walked beside Niji adamantly chattering about the progress he's made to reversing the effects of the modifications?

Niji had to excuse himself for a moment, giving Reiju an opportunity to explore and see how the castle had changed until it lead her to her mother's grave.

Drawn in by the wildflowers around the gravestone, Reiju kneed down and breathed in the fragrance. Birds chirped overhead. She carefully touched the petals of a nearby flower.

"I'm home, Kaa-san. It's been some time since I've been here. Ichiji invited me to visit. He's the King of Germa and Niji's the Head of Scientific Research. Sanji and Yonji are still traveling the world, with the crew of the Pirate King. If you can believe it." Her laughter faded as soon after she began but a fond smile remained. "They're not little boys anymore… they're strong and smart and so kind. You'd be proud of the men they've grown up to be."

Reiju was talking to air but it was courteous enough to acknowledge her with a gentle breeze.

"I've kept my promise so rest peacefully, Kaa-san... I have a new promise for you, it may sound a little selfish but I think you would understand." Reiju took a calming breath and bowed her head. "You, Zeff, the Baratie and my brothers have shown me that I am not a tool but a human, a sister, a daughter. I can dream of the impossible like Sanji or be grand like Ichiji or determined like Niji or I could be like Yonji, where the joy comes from the little moments. We'll all take different paths in pursuit of our dreams but we'll always be connected. So from this day on, I promise to live for myself and be happy."

It may have been a phantom sensation, yet a kiss was pressed into the crown of her head but when Reiju opened her eyes she was alone before the gravestone.

"Nee-san!"

Reiju glanced over her shoulder to see Sanji, Ichiji, Yonji and Niji standing at the edge of the field, waiting for her.

She didn't got to them, not right away. In her stillness, a butterfly has landed on the flower, at the tip of her finger. She traced the dusty pink patterns on its wings before it took off, flying high, reaching the same heights of the birds in the sky.

Smiling, Reiju rose up and joined her brothers, arm in arm.