I spent my last day with the Straw Hats with more passion and enjoyment than usual. We laughed more, cried more, loved more, and ate more than at any other moment we were with each other.

And then the moment came.

The moment when they had to go.

I watched them board and they looked back at me. They looked a bit sad as they waved goodbye. I felt tears escape out of both of my eyes and I blurted out faster and louder than I had expected, "I want to join!" I closed my mouth and felt more tears stream down my face. I looked at their smiling faces and slight  nods and I knew that I could join.

It would be so easy. I'd be so very happy...

But it wasn't that simple.

I had to stay here and protect these people. I had to make sure that if Captain Snake came back, he would die. I had a village to protect.

But I also had a world to explore.

I had made my decision.

I walked aboard the boat and hugged everyone.

"I'll miss you all..." I said sadly and I felt tears streak down my face. Sanji came up to me and hugged me sadly.

"I was really hoping you'd come..." He said while a tear dripped onto my shoulder. I hugged him and when he pulled away, I felt him lean down and felt his lips swiftly brush mine, the cigarette burning my cheek slightly. I teared up and walked off the boat. I waved goodbye as their ship pulled out of the harbor. I would be a small peice of their life. I know that I probably won't ever see them again, but I know that at least my parents will rest easy knowing their daughter is safe and doing the world some good. I knew that once the Straw Hats took down the World Government and Luffy became the new Pirate King, the world would be good again. It would be protected by the nicest pirates the world has ever known. If I didn't bring him down, I know the Straw Hats would bring Captain Snake to his knees.

I felt at ease and happy as I waved them goodbye from the North Harbor of Htrae Island.