«EVERYBODY PLEASE TURN YOUR ATTENTION TO THE SHORE!»

The Victoria Punk was almost a mile away from the island, but the explosion of chaos and colours was already engulfing the ship as it approached the Pirate Expo.

You leaned against the railing with the rest of the crew, stomach churning in anticipation.

«FINALLY, THEY ARE HERE! ANOTHER MEMBER OF THE WORST GENERATION, THE MOST RUTHLESS! IT'S EUSTASS KID AND THE KID PIRATES!»

A chorus of welcoming yells followed the announcer's amplified voice. Fireworks burst in the sky, illuminating the path of the ship.

«They sure do things big.» you grumbled, your hand flicking up to adjust the bandanna that concealed your hair.

You were secretly impressed with how fine the mask turned out, since you had never seen Kid working on something that wasn't meant to kill before. The material was cool on your skin, in a black that faded into dark blue on the borders. Feather-like edges extended from each side of your face, completely hiding your features. A small beak covered part of your nose, but your nostrils and mouth were left free.

However, it wasn't enough for the captain.

By that point, the whole crew was well-known in the New World. They all had bounties with their faces slammed on them.

«Everyone knows this is an all-men crew, and it will stay that way!» Kid had barked that morning, forcing you in that ridiculous outfit that was supposed to make you look like a boy.

You groaned, your hand crawling below your dark top to pull at the bandage around your chest.

«This is stupid. You guys are practically a fleet now, why can't I just play the part of a new recruit?»

«You'd draw too much attention, obviously.» Wire retorted, stepping by your side «It'll be a miracle already if you don't cause trouble as it is.»

Your cheeks puffed in a pout but you didn't reply, the long unbuttoned jacket moved by the wind as the ship entered the port in a mess of fireworks and cheers.

Kid's Jolly Roger suddenly exploded in the sky in a triumph of lights, and the crew's flag was hoisted among dozens of others on the dock.

«FUCK YEAH! WE'RE HERE!» Kid shouted from the bow.

«Holy...» you leaped onto the railing and stuck your head out as much as possible, eyes rapidly scanning the pirate flags displayed at the entrance «The Fire Tank crew... Bonney... Hawkins... no way. The Fallen Monks, the Heart Pirates...»

Your blood suddenly ran cold.

«Barto club... Macro pirates, and...» your fingers tightened on the wood as a hiss escaped your lips «Fuck.»

«What's wrong?» Heat asked, looking down at your from your other side.

You jumped back on the deck.

«Diez Drake is here.»

He frowned.

«And...?»

«And he knows me from the Marines!»

Wire hummed, his gaze suddenly attentive.

«Well, you don't look exactly like a marine girl anymore.»

Your mouth fell shut at his comment.

He's right. I don't.

«We should mention it to Killer.» Heat reasoned, crossing his massive arms «You better stay away from Drake then.»

A bitter scoff left your lips as your elbows dropped on the railing and your gaze observed the multitude of Jolly Rogers.

«Oh, so I can play with the rest of the kids?»

«You can play with only one Kid.»

The captain's voice startled you from behind and a shiver traversed your body.

How come I never sense him approaching...?

The redhead grabbed the long loose hands of your bandanna and tugged them unceremoniously, making you stumble back against him with a yelp. His flesh hand grasped your biceps and he swung you around to face him.

«Oi, Kiddo...!»

«No "Kiddo" for you now.» he growled.

You barely registered the others taking a step back, your concealed eyes captured by his amber ones.

«You'll control your tongue here, birdie. Don't you dare going around drawing attention to yourself.»

You shook off his grip from your arm with a frown.

«Excuse me? Isn't that what you guys are famous for?»

«I don't care. And another thing.» his eyes sharpened in a glare that made your heart skip a beat «Don't even think about sneaking away. These are your rules for today.»

He used his free hand to roughly tilt your chin up and he leaned down, his mad grin now dangerously close to your face.

«Or do you want me to kill every single person on this island before dragging you back on my ship?»

You swallowed, your lips parted to take in enough air before they curled into a nervous smirk.

«Wow... what a healthy little relationship we got here.» you murmured, taking his wrist in your hand and making him release your face «Don't worry, fucking redhead, I'm not looking forward to messing around with other supernovas. Plus, there's nowhere I could possibly escape here.»

His grin didn't falter, but you could tell the corners of his mouth relaxed at your words.

«Good.»

The captain stood up in all his height and his fingers closed in excited fists.

«Now let's get started with this fucking expo!»

His yell was welcomed by the enthusiastic cheers of the crew, and by the time the ship docked, they were already jumping on the port.

Kid was the first one to land, obviously, and you observed how the people around quickly backed away to clear his path, a certain nervousness in their movements.

A silent sigh left your lips as other pirates leaped beyond the railing.

«How about we set up a regular ladder for onc— NO!!»

You couldn't even finish your sentence that a strong arm wrapped around your waist and pressed you against a muscular torso. A second later, your feet left the ground and the railing rapidly came into view, only to disappear a moment later, throwing you in the void.

«Fuck!» you choked, shutting your eyes and burying your face in your captor's T-shirt.

It lasted less than a second, though, as he landed in the port and put you down.

You grabbed his arm not to lose your balance, then raised your furious gaze on him.

«Killer. I swear. I'm going to kill you in your sleep.»

A cough that was clearly meant to suppress a chuckle left his helmet, and the Massacre Soldier shrugged.

«Just speeding up the process, Kid doesn't like to wait.»

You didn't reply, keeping your sharp eyes planted on his mask until his arm stiffened slightly and he shook your grip off, heading towards the clutter of stands.

«Look, the Kid Pirates!»

«Don't stare at them, idiot! They are crazy, they'll kill you for nothing!»

«They'll sure create a mess in town.»

You eyed the surroundings, scanning the people that lingered nearby. Many of them turned their faces away not to meet your eyes, but some of the bolder pirates frowned at you.

«That one is rather small.»

«Must be a new recruit or something.»

«I bet you five hundred berries that he doesn't live to see another day.»

Without moving your eyes from them, you smoothly raised your arm and give them the middle finger.

Their demeanour changed from curious to shocked to threatening in a few instants, but they immediately stopped when two imposing figures landed to each side of you.

Wire grabbed your impudent hand and pulled it down, his blank face turned to the pirates, while Heat crossed his arms and stared at them in the same way.

Suddenly they didn't seem so interested in the Kid Pirates anymore as they quickly walked into some alleys, desappearing into the harbour.

You scoffed, pulling your hand out of Wire's grip.

«It's pure fantasy to hope that this one will stay quiet.» he sighed.

«Here, Y/n.»

Heat handed over your rifle, and relief bloomed inside you as soon as your fingers touched the cold metal.

«Thanks.» you smiled, letting the weapon's strap slide around your shoulder.

Heat blinked, then looked up at Wire.

«We didn't think about everything. Her lips give her away.»

«Oh boy.» Wire groaned in exasperation, rubbing his palm against his eyes.

«OI, GUYS, COME HERE ALREADY!»

Kid's bark made you all hurry towards a big stand located in the middle of the first large street.

If it was true that many people were trying to stay away from the Kid Pirates, many didn't seem to care.

The entire town was teeming in pirates of all races and ages: men, women, fishmen, long-arms, long-legs, and even minks were walking all over the place.

Food and game stands of all kind lined the streets, every building was either a shop, a pub or an inn. Signs pointed towards fight clubs and brothels, various jolly rogers decorated the squares, and the whole island was a swarming of colours, cheers and music.

Soundtrack:

https://youtu.be/n3rpTmMju9E

Wow.

You walked pressed between Heat and Wire (not that you had any choice, they basically closed up on you), your attention captivated by the festival atmosphere.

Now that I think about it, I've never been to an expo before.

Kid and the rest of the crew were standing in front one of the main posts, where a man in a pink suit and less limbs than normal seemed to be taking down names for something.

«Very well, very well! I knew that Captain Kid wouldn't miss the Underground Deathmatch!» he grinned maniacally, scribbling down something on a list.

«Damn right I wouldn't!» Kid laughed, hitting his desk and almost breaking it in half.

«Oi, guys!» the Mohican waved at you «Move your asses and come! We're signing up for the various competitions here!»

You frowned and raised your eyes, noticing the big board indicating the different games and matches for the day.

You couldn't recognise all of them. Some names looked rather innocent, while others were definitely disturbing.

«Sign me up for whatever the Ring of Fire is.» Heat blurted, leaning over towards the man in pink.

«I'll join the Blood Endurance.» Wire stated.

Your upper lip twitched.

«Sure, sure!» the man nodded, before lifting his paper with a satisfied look and letting out a brief laugh «You guys signed up for almost all the competitions! As expected from such a fearsome crew!»

«What do you mean "almost" all?» Kid retorted, a faint note of annoyance entering his voice.

«Well, you didn't mention--»

«The Air Target Shooting!» you gasped, reading the game on the board.

All the men stopped and turned to you.

The guy noticed you, and his eyes immediately flicked on the rifle strapped on your back.

«Oooh, I didn't know there was a sniper among the Kid Pirates! Shall I sign you up for the game?»

Killer looked at the captain.

«Kid, I don't think this is a good--»

«I'll do it!»

You pushed some of the pirates aside and made your way to the desk.

«I'll do it! Put me down for the shooting competition!»

«Sure thing, little guy. Just write your name and sign here.»

The man handed you the paper and a pen.

«Oi.»

Kid's hand heavily dropped on your shoulder, halting your actions.

You looked up to see his stern amber eyes.

«What? You want to win this thing, right?»

You didn't falter, holding up his gaze with your own.

A few seconds passed, then his painted lips curved into a smirk.

«Fine. You better win, though, little guy, because you'll be sporting my name out there.»

You swallowed.

Shit.

I'll be competing for the Kid Pirates.

But yet again, there was no way you were letting this occasion slip.

Humiliating a bunch of pirates in front of hundreds of people? Bring it on.

And if there really was someone able to stand up to you as a sniper, you needed to know.

You took a deep breath.

«Damn right I'll win, Eust--»

His grip abruptly tightened on your trapezium, choking the words down your throat.

You realised your mistake in his sharp eyes, but they swiftly turned amused and expectant as he waited for you to correct yourself.

Even without looking around, you could feel the rest of the crew holding their breath.

You grit your teeth.

«...captain.»

That crazy grin of his spread on his face and he released you.

«Very well then.»

You turned back to the paper with a grunt, but immediately faltered again.

Name.

I should have thought this through.

You hesitated a couple of seconds before scribbling down a signature.

Unfortunately for you, Kid intercepted your arm before you could give the sheet back, grabbing your wrist and redirecting it so he could read it.

If possible, his grin widened.

«It's a nice little name you have here.»

«Shut up.» you muttered, snatching your hand away and slamming the sheet on the desk.

Kid only laughed at your reaction, and you felt grateful for the mask hiding the faint blush on your cheeks.

The man in pink collected the list, his eyes rapidly going through it.

«Kotori*, uh? I've never heard about you, you must be a recruit. Kind of a feminine name.»

«Do you want to be my first target?» you growled, exasperated.

He chuckled.

«Feisty like the rest of your crew, though. Fine then, thank you for participating, Captain Kid. And don't forget about Gold Roger Treasure Race tomorrow!»

Kid didn't even reply, giving his back to the desk and marching towards the depths of the town.

«Come on, guys! I feel like drinking and breaking some jaws now!»

The others yelled their agreement and the crew started to disperse among the various streets.

You followed Kid for a few feet before lingering.

«I don't want to drink and break some jaws. I want to go around and see the festival.» you muttered.

Heat, who was the closest, looked down at you with a thoughtful expression.

«Oi, little guy!» Kid barked, turning to you.

You doubted he had heard you, with the distance and the general chaos, but a deep wrinkle was now settled between his hairless eyebrows.

«Get your ass back here!»

You crossed your arms on your chest, without moving an inch, which only caused his eye to twitch dangerously.

Killer, beside him, hid his mask in his hand with a sigh.

«Hum, captain.» Heat stepped in before any of you could make the situation worse «I plan on walking around the festival too. I can stay with her.»

You raised an eyebrow, moving your focus on the pirate.

He rubbed his nape.

«I won't let her, I mean, him, out of my side.»

Kid hesitated, his fingers clenching into a fist before relaxing again.

«Do whatever you want!» he snapped before turning and marching away.

You followed him with your eyes for a while before offering a smirk to Heat.

«...which, in Kid language, means "have a lovely day, see you later guys".»

His sad eyes trailed down to you, and you read a spark of concern in his eyes.

«Will this end up like at John's Dockyard?»

You chuckled.

«You know, if it was any other member of the crew, it probably would.» you relaxed your arms down your side «For you, though, I will behave.»

Heat didn't say anything, but a shadow of a smile seemed to play on his features for a moment.

* Kotori (小鳥) can be read as "small bird"

which is not how Kid would normally call her in Japanese, because the translation of "birdie" sounds like "bādī" (バーディー).