A few days ago.

You sat at the desk of the small room, the light of the day filtering between the shutters.

You didn't know how long you had been in the same position, eyes glued to the newspaper on your lap, thumb gently rolling over the printing.

It was distributed that morning, in the cafeteria.

There was a great commotion, at first, when someone read out loud that Doflamingo gave up his Shichibukai position. But after a few minutes of chaos, people started to go through the news.

The moment the silence fell on the tables around you and the men started elbowing each other and whispering, sending side glances at you, you knew what you would found on that newspaper.

You grabbed your copy in silence and left.

You wanted to be alone for that.

And there you were, in the penumbra of your room, high in one of the many buildings of Neo Marineford, unable to pull your eyes off his image.

You had avoided looking at it since you came back. That was why you insisted to be sent to Vegapunk's base, so isolated from everything.

"Eustass "Captain" Kid, captain of the Kid Pirates, met Stretchmen Apoo and Basil Hawkins, respectively captains of the On Air Pirates and the Hawkins Pirates, to form a new formidable alliance. The three captains are all part of the infamous worst generation that roams around the New World nowadays..."

So this is what you were doing. This is why you guys were in a hurry.

Once again, your finger caressed the picture, the same they used for the bounty poster.

And you're still out there, fighting to become the King of the Pirates.

A mixture of pride and pain invaded your chest.

Someone knocked to the door, startling you.

«[Y/n]! Are you in there?»

Koby.

You took a deep breath.

«Yes.»

You stood from your chair and left the newspaper on the desk, closing it.

You didn't want your eyes to slide on his face with someone else around. The newspaper was in greyscale, so there was no risk your sight might get captured by the red of his hair or the gold of his gaze. Still, they caught him with that mad open-mouth grin... every time you looked at it, you could almost hear his cruel laugh.

You shook your head and moved to open the door.

«Oh, [Y/n].»

Relief relaxed Koby's face when you finally showed up.

He studied you for a second, then his observant eyes fell on the paper, folded on the table.

«So you've already read the news...»

«Have you come to check on me?»

A half smile bent your lips as you shifted to let him in.

«N-No, I was around.» he murmured, rubbing his nape «But yeah, I wanted to see how you're doing, since you just got back.»

He walked in the room and turned to sheepishly smile at you.

You shrugged.

«I'm fine.»

Koby had been one of the first people who came to see you when you were brought back to Neo Marineford, a few weeks before.

Honestly, when it happened, you were most concerned about the state of his legs than his restlessness.

Guilt had kicked in as soon as your gaze met his and tears appeared in his eyes.

His legs were healed, thankfully, but it was clear that leaving you behind was eating him alive.

Having to lie to him was the worst.

For some reason that you were unable to grasp, the guy really cared for you. Probably because he cared for everyone.

Koby came for you when you were captive, had his legs crushed for you, and then held you tight, crying on your shoulder for what he thought happened to you, apologizing profusely like it was his fault.

It tore your guts apart.

After that day, he spent with you as much time as he could, despite his missions. He was a captain now, so he had a bunch of those. But he came to see you every time before leaving, and immediately came to update you every time he was back.

Eventually, you surprised yourself thinking that it was easier when no one cared.

I am a truly horrible person.

«You shouldn't read it.» he muttered, taking the newspaper from your desk.

You sighed.

«I already did. Really, it's okay.»

Koby let out a doubtful hum. A second later, he looked cheerful again.

«Hey, I heard you've been promoted to captain as well!»

You shrugged and dropped on your unmade bed.

«Yeah. It was the shortest ceremony ever. When I came back from the rehabilitation, I had to see the Fleet Admiral, and he grumpily communicated it to me.»

«Still, he must think highly of you to promote you.»

«Naah. I guess we're still running low on officials.»

Koby observed you for a second.

«Listen, hum... Helmeppo and I aren't on duty tonight, so if you–»

He was abruptly interrupted by the Den Den Mushi going off from your desk.

You stood with a sigh and grabbed the receiver.

«Captain [L/n].»

«Your presence is required by the Fleet Admiral's office, immediately.» a monotonous voice announced.

«Roger.»

You hung up and turned to Koby.

«Looks like I will be on duty. Sorry.»

He frowned.

«Are they sending you on a mission already? You literally just came back from rehabilitation!»

«...which means that I'm ready.» you added, shuffling around the room on a quest for your new special boots.

«They should give you more time.»

You closed your eyes to take a deep breath and faced him once again.

«Koby, I... I can't say how grateful I am for everything you did. Really. I know I'm shit at expressing it, but it's true. You just have to trust me when I say that it's okay, I WANT to be back on duty.»

His teeth briefly tormented his lower lip as he stared back at you.

«I just... I can't help but worrying.»

You scoffed, stretching your arms in exasperation.

«Why?!»

And there you were, being a bitch again.

Why couldn't you just control yourself in front of one of the very few people who actually cared and never left you behind?

«Because you're my friend!»

His reply took you aback, your arms falling along your sides. A deep frown etched into your features.

«Seriously, Koby. Why do you stick around?»

He pressed his lips together, a pout designing his face.

«I'm not asking it to play the victim that's always left alone. I literally have no idea. I've never been particularly nice to you, and for sure I'm not fun.» you said.

«I...» a weak smile bent his mouth «I guess it's from the first time we met.»

You quirked an eyebrow, trying to recall.

It had been almost three years before.

Koby had just arrived at Marineford with Garp's squad.

Newbies at Marineford didn't have the best time, especially the ones from the East Blue, which was considered the weakest sea.

At that time you were almost always on a mission with Aokiji, so it was just by chance that you were passing by a desert corridor that afternoon.

You heard the snickers, the gurgles and the unmistakable sounds of someone's head been shoved down the toilet pipe.

«Yeah, teach this noob from the East how fun it's around here!» one of the three older soldiers laughed as the other two pushed Koby's face back in the water.

«Please, I was just going t–» choked whimpers melted his pleads.

The biggest marine found it rather amusing, at least until the butt of your rifle hit the back of his knees, sending him down.

«ARGH! WHAT THE FUCK!»

His shout startled the other two, who released Koby to quickly turn to you.

«Hi.» you tilted your head to the side «I'd be grateful if you stepped away from the newbie.»

«Who the fuck are you, bitch?!» the leader growled, jumping to his feet.

He readied his fist, but one of his comrades grabbed his arm.

«Paul, stop! Don't you know who she is?!»

He blinked in his confused fury.

«What?»

«She's Aokiji's sniper! If you touch her, you'll have to respond to the Admiral himself!»

You crossed your arms and blew a bubble from the gum you were chewing.

Meanwhile, Koby had crawled away from the toiled and was doing his best to dry his reddened face.

Your bubble burst.

«...or» you started again «you can come at me now, and I can kick your ass.»

The man snarled between his teeth, then lowered his tense fists.

«You're not worth it, bitch.»

He walked past you, followed by his lackeys.

«Yeah... that's what I thought.» you mumbled, chewing your gum.

When they disappeared out of the bathroom, you turned to leave as well.

«W-Wait!»

The pink-haired guy grabbed your uniform, now standing on his shaky legs.

«Thank you for helping me!» he muttered «You... you look so strong! What's your name?»

You raised an eyebrow, then slapped his hand away.

«Go back home, newbie. This is no place for weaklings.»

After that, you walked away.

«Hum... I seem to recall I wasn't particularly nice to you that time either.» you commented.

But Koby had a sparkling smile lingering on his lips.

«What are you talking about? You weren't much older than me, and still you were already there, at Marineford, and assholes wouldn't screw with you. You looked so strong! And kind. You stopped just to help me, didn't you?»

You huffed, turning to hide the small blush on your face.

«Later, Koby.»

Now.

«Isn't that the Strawhats' ship?»

You leaned against the railing, trying to take a better look at the horizon.

«Oh, yeah... they have an unusual ship.»

Fujitora, beside you, was having a bowl of ramen as he pointed towards it.

«Let's engage, men!»

You frowned.

«W-Wait, Admiral, we should first consider that...»

He didn't consider.

Fujitora used his fruit to send the ship flying above the waves, and you barely had the time to catch your rifle to fix his stupid mistake. But you weren't prepared for the Ope Ope no Mi's power.

«Tact.»

The entire warship was lifted and flipped upside down.

Most of the men started panicking and grabbing whatever they could not to fall into the sea.

«Oh, my... How careless of me... looks like Law-san was right below us.» Fujitora calmly commented, still eating his noodles.

«I COULD HAVE TOLD YOU THAT MUCH!» you shouted in rage, hanging from the main mast among other soldiers.

Luckily for all of you, Law just wanted your ship out of the way to focus on Doflamingo, who was charging him from the other side, so he just threw you farther. The warship splashed back in the sea, keel first.

The impact was rather violent for all of you, with the exception of Fujitora, who used his gravity power to stay anchored to the deck.

«Let's head back to Dressrosa, soldiers.» he decided «I sense the field of this battle is about to shift.»

You should have sensed that fucking Trafalgar was below us, you idiot!!

The warship moved back to Dressrosa.

It was a very short distance to cover, yet you found yourself turning every so often in the direction of Green Bit.

«What's bothering you, captain?» the Admiral approached you.

You shot a glare at him.

By that time, you had already made up your mind that he was an idiot, and you didn't trust any of his orders anymore.

«We left the Shichibukai and the Strawhats unwatched.»

«I have a feeling they will be in Dressrosa as soon as we arrive.» he replied.

«...there is also something else coming.» you murmured.

A small smile bent his lips.

«Your Observation is impressive, captain. Yes, I believe Big Mom's ship is not too far from these coasts.»

Your eyes widened.

«Big Mom?!»

«Yes. But we cannot engage in that kind of battle right now, we have different orders.»

You stared at him.

How many things was he sensing and not mentioning?

Once again, you turned to the opposite direction.

«Captain... do you happen to hold some sympathy for Law-san?»

Fujitora's question made you grimace.

«I beg your pardon?»

«You didn't shoot him down, and now you're constantly turning to his battle.»

You sharpened your gaze.

«I just think it's very brave of him to stand up against Doflamingo and an Admiral by himself, taking care of a hostage and protecting his allies at the same time. I respect that.»

He nodded.

«I agree.»

«...but give me your permission, and I will end him next time I have a clear shot. If Doflamingo doesn't kill him first.»

Fujitora hummed.

«We shall see.»

After that, it all happened really fast.

By the time you docked, an explosion occurred in the middle of the city, near the Colosseum.

You all rushed there just in time to see Doflamingo planting a bullet in Law's chest with a nasty grin plastered on his face.

Law was already heavily beaten. He coughed blood and lied there without moving.

Scenes like that weren't supposed to have any effect on you. Usually, you were the one dispensing free bullets without second thoughts. But, for some reason, this touched you.

Maybe because the cheeky bastard that was Trafalgar Law was now soaking the ground with his own blood, defeated, his body broken and his expression curled in pain.

He looked vulnerable.

Your throat clenched at the sight.

That was just the beginning, though.

Two figures in black dashed towards Doflamingo, and you could sense their strength.

You barely had the time to recognize Roronoa Zoro before Fujitora's blade intercepted his, effectively shielding Doflamingo from his attack.

A man who just shot someone in the middle of the plaza, in front of his allies, and he's clearly having fun with it.

The heavenly demon kicked the other warrior away, while Fujitora managed to push Roronoa deep in the ground.

From one of the Colosseum's window, someone shouted.

«Kin'emon! Zoro! Torao!!»

You raised your eyes on the strange old man.

I've seen him before... is that Monkey D. Luffy?

The chaos attracted the marines stationed around the entrances, who joined your squad, baring their weapons.

Roronoa quickly came back to the fight, but both Fujitora and Doflamingo used their powers to levitate out of reach, the heavenly demon dragging an unconscious Trafalgar with him.

«Let's talk in the palace, Fujitora.» Doflamingo snickered «If you cooperate with me, I'll let you have these brats.»

«I'll listen to what you have to say, heavenly demon. But I haven't made up my mind yet.»

Wait, what?

You were finally shaken by your state of trance.

All that shit went down in a few seconds, and you stood there uselessly the entire time.

«Admiral!» you barked, running towards them «What the fuck are you doing?!»

Best way ever to talk to an Admiral.

«Stay back, captain.» he coldly replied «Join Bastille-san's squad and take order from him now. I'll see you later.»

«But...!»

He and Doflamingo flied away, and the noise of the other marines engaging Roronoa and his ally muffled your words.

You stopped and turned to the battle.

This is all a fucking nonsense.

«Captain!»

One of the high-ranking Bastille's men yelled at you, pointing at the two figures on the run.

«Take Roronoa down, now!»

You sharpened your eyes and switched on your observation.

Roronoa Zoro and the other man were still trying to communicate with Monkey D. Luffy, inside the Colossem. They had Den Den Mushi, so someone else was talking as well. Probably the rest of their crew, so they had to be around.

And there was something else.

A small, frightened being, nested in Roronoa's pocket.

What the... a fairy? Are you fucking kidding me? Toys, Shichibukai, and now FAIRIES?!

«Captain, what the hell are you waiting for?!»

«FOR YOU TO SHUT UP!» you yelled back.

That was when Zoro turned to you.

It took him one look to realize you were the biggest threat around.

«Let's get out of here, Kin'emon!» he hissed, grabbing his comrade's vest.

«What...? Why all of a sudden, Zoro-dono?»

«Because I don't like to cut down women» he replied, starting to run «but, if we stay, I might have to.»

You got it from the brief glance he sent to you.

It wasn't for fear he was running. It was mercy.

«Captain!!»

Screw you, Roronoa, I can engage you right now!

...then why wasn't your body moving?

You didn't want to reach for your rifle and fire. You didn't want to fight a man who just tried to save his ally and was now trying to save you.

Even if things like that never stopped you before.

«Captain, what the fuck?!»

«I'll leave Roronoa to you and Bastille.» you said, slowly «I'll focus on assessing Doflamingo's status. That is my main mission.»

The closest man watched you with contempt in his eyes.

«Are you abandoning us in a battle?»

In a surge of rage, you grabbed his collar and pulled him down to your height.

«Abandoning you?» you spat on his face «There's dozens of you and he's on the fucking run! Bastille is here! You want to know what "abandoning" is? Try to be left alone on a sinking ship, surrounded by the Kid Pirates!»

You harshly pushed him away and turned your back.

«Tell Bastille that, from now on, I work alone.»