~Y/n pov~

A blinding light hit my closed eyes making me groan.

My whole body ached.

I cracked my eyes open and observed my surroundings.

Where am I? I was in an unfamiliar room.

The last thing I remember what the huge blast that flung my body like a rag doll.

My head snapped towards the door as it clicked open.

A young woman walked in with a kind smile, "You're awake. I'm glad."

"Where am I?" I asked her cautiously.

"You're an uninhabited island. No one lives here but me." She continued to smile, "That was quite the fall."

"Yeah.." I muttered, "Who are you?"

She looked surprised for a moment, "Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Natsuko."

"The one worth a million berries?!" I asked with wide eyes as I stared at her in awe.

She laughed, "That's me!"

I squinted my eyes at her, "I thought you were like fifty."

"I am. By the way, I already know what happened Rayleigh told me everything."

"You know Rayleigh?!"

~*~

I watched as Natsuko made vines grow from the ground, flowers blooming on them.

"My devil fruit is mainly vines. I control, grow and turn my body into them. It's not the same but I heard you've never used the earth side of your powers in a fight." She turned to me with a proud smile.

I returned the smile, "That's cool. I'd be honoured if you taught me."

Natsuko walked to her garden and crouched near the flowers, "I've heard associating yourself with your powers helps them grow and become stronger. That's why I do lots of gardening."

"Is that true?" I pondered.

The first power I was able to use properly was water... and water is associated with being a pirate.

I learn fire when I met Ace. It was in a hot place too.

Maybe it's right.

"Before I forget... do you know haki?" The old woman brought up.

"No. What's that?"

"You'll need it in the new world. I'll explain the basics of it. Haki is said to be a mysterious power that allows the user to utilize their own spiritual energy for various purposes. There are many different types of haki. Everyone is capable of using it but only some people awaken the ability to." She explained simply.

"So, what are the different types?"

She smiled at my eagerness to learn, "Well, first there's observation haki which grants the user a sixth sense that allows them to sense the presence, strength, and emotions of others, as well as gain limited precognitive abilities. Then there's armament haki that allows the user to use their own spiritual energy to create, in essence, an invisible armor around themself, providing incredible offensive and defensive capabilities. The rarest one is conquerer's haki. This allows the user to exert their own willpower over others. This type of Haki cannot be attained through training."

I blinked at the huge chunk of information she just told me, "So how do you know which type of haki you have?"

She smirked, "Through hard training."

I shivered at the strange look she was giving me.

I have a bad feeling about this.

~*~

"Wear this." Natsuko handed me a white cloth.

I raised an eyebrow, "A cloth? Why?"

"Put it on. We'll start by training your observation haki."

After a few moments, I hesitantly agreed.

Lifting the white cloth up, I tied it behind my head, covering my eyes.

I grunted in shock when a fist hit me.

"Try to dodge my attacks."

This is insane.

I couldn't dodge a single blow.

Hit after hit kept coming until I could feel my consciousness started to fade.

Taking a deep breath, I concentrated on the footsteps.

Left.

I jumped to the right to avoid the punch.

Natsuko laughed, "You're getting the hang of it."

Although, I think that was a fluke because I wasn't able to dodge the next few blows.

Before I knew it, my consciousness faded away.

~*~

I woke up with a groan.

Wait... why is it still dark?

I lifted my eyes up to feel the blindfold still there.

"Don't remove it. You will wear it until you learn to use observation haki."

"Are you serious?"

"Do you want to get stronger?"

I was silent for a few moments, "Right. You're the expert."

"Damn, right." I could tell Natsuko was smirking even though I couldn't see her, "Let's get back to training."

My whole body ached but I didn't protest.

~*~

I managed to dodge multiple hits in a row.

My confidence began to rise.. perhaps a little too much.

I spluttered as a hard blow was delivered to my stomach.

"Nice try. But you've got to try better." Natsuko laughed.

I'm starting to hate this old lady.

The surroundings grew silent.

A rush of wind came from the right.

I quickly dodged and delivered a blow to Natsuko's stomach.

She coughed, "Not bad! You've finally landed a blow on me."

I smiled as I felt the adrenaline starting to wear off.

I'm also able to walk through her house without bumping into things now.

Observation haki... I should be aware of all my surroundings without being able to see them.

"You've down well for today." Natsuko praised.

~*~

It had been two months now.

The only thing I'd been training was observation haki.

I swiftly dodged everything coming towards me.

Not even the stray daggers could slice me anymore.

My move were careful and calculated as I waited for any opening.

Then, the attacks stopped coming altogether.

I paused as I felt Natsuko standing in front of me.

Her hand reached up and she yanked the blindfold away from my eyes.

"You've done well. One of the best pupils I have yet." Natsuko grinned.

I squinted as the harsh light blinded me.

My hand shielded my eyes from the sun.

Everything was too bright.

After a few moments, the light dimmed and I was able to see properly again.

Natsuko smirked, "This time try fighting without the blindfold."

~*~

I finally had learned the basics of observation haki.

It's not like I was an expert or anything.

But the training really helped to sharpen my senses.

Natsuko smiled, "It's time to help you with your earth powers."

She led me to her garden and handed me a trowel.

"Remove all the weeds."

I stared at her blankly for a few moments, hoping she was joking.

"I'm not joking. Now, chop chop." She laughed before walking away.

This woman infuriates me.

But she's a really good teacher so who am I to complain?

I sighed and knelt beside the flowerbed.

~*~

Natsuko placed her hands on the ground and the wall made out of vines appeared.

"This kind of power is useful for defence. I bet making a wall out of the dirt would be very strong." Natsuko explained, "Now try it."

I knelt down and placed my hands on the ground unsurely.

What exactly was I supposed to be doing?

I managed to make the dirt gather up but it just crumbled like sand.

"Again!"

I kept trying again and again but I couldn't get the dirt to harden.

My knees started to ache from being on the floor too long.

Natsuko sighed, "We'll try again tomorrow."

~*~

"C'mon water them faster!" Natsuko yelled from her chair.

The garden had grow way bigger than it was once I first arrived.

Watering and weeding it took up the first hour of my day.

All Natsuko did was sit on a chair and watch.

I sighed in annoyance.

Damn, hag. Sitting back and watching me do all the work.

I grumbled under my breath.

I don't even know if this is helping or I'm just being forced to take care of her garden because she's too lazy.

~*~

"Again!

Sweat dribbled down my forehead as the blaring sun shone down on me.

It's too hot.

I shuffled into the shade of a tree before trying again.

The earth all came together in a clump and hardened to form a wall.

The wall was only half of my height though.

"You're getting the hang of it." Natsuko smiled, "Just build up your stamina and work on making your walls taller. Hardening earth is quite hard but once you get the hang of it I'm sure you will be able to create a bunch of strong attacks."

Her words encouraged me.

I'm making good progress.

Though I'm sure soon I'll have to set off to meet back up with the rest of the crew.

It's been hard being on my own after not being alone for years and years.

At least Natsuko is here but it's not the same.

"Good work." Natsuko pat me on the back, breaking me from my train of thoughts, "Go get a shower."

I gratefully nodded and headed to the shower.

~*~

I sighed and plopped down on the comfortable mattress.

I've been here for a few months now.

Though, I might be luckily I landed on an island with someone on.

My thoughts drifted back to my crew.

I really miss them... especially those two....

The blankets were curled around my body as I drifted off to sleep.

~*~

"You're useless!"

Huh? Where am I?

I blinked in confusion and looked down at my tiny hands and feet.

My small frame was crouched behind the wall.

A badly draw crayon stick figure smiled happily on a piece of paper, clutched tightly in my hands.

They were yelling.

Tears pricked my eyes.

"Do something useful for once you damn bitch!"

A loud slapping noise resonated throughout the room.

"Oh yeah? At least I'm not a drunk bastard like you?! You're as useless as our daughter." My mother yelled back.

I sniffled as quietly as I could.

How could she say that?

I suddenly felt my arm be grabbed as I was violently ripped from my hiding place.

"Look who I found." My father smirked, "Sleep outside you worthless brat."

My mother did nothing and just watched with cold eyes as I was dragged outside.

We lived on a cold winter island.

The door slammed shut loudly and I was left freezing on the door step.

I shuffled around to the side of the house and curled up in a small ball, shivering and sobbing until I fell asleep.

This was the real reason cold didn't affect me.

I had spent countless nights there that it no longer affected me.

And then, the abuse happened.

~*~

"Do something for once, you stupid bitch!"

My mother kicked me in the stomach making me splutter and fall to my knees.

I said nothing and just started on the chores silently.

I no longer cried.

Tears were no longer needed. I had already cried enough.

And at some point, I stopped smiling and I stopped talking... until I met him.

~*~

I stared blankly at the two dead bodies on the floor.

Our village had been attacked by pirates.

The floor was coated in blood.

Casually, I walked past them and went to grab some stuff.

They deserved to die.

I grabbed a bag and stuffed it full of food and water.

Grabbing a short stick, I set it on fire and threw it at my house.

I watched as the flames engulfed my house.

Goodbye.

I took one last glance back at the village before stepping on a boat and leaving.

~*~

I had been drifting for days. My food had started to run out.

Just when I thought all hope was lost, I reached an island.

"What's a kid doing all on their own?" A red haired man with a straw hat asked once he saw me.

I didn't respond. I didn't even look at him.

All I did was walk past him.

"Rude." I heard him mutter.

Someone suddenly jumped at me.

"Hey, are you new here? My name's Monkey D. Luffy and I'm going to be King of the pirates. Be my friend!"

The kid demanded.

We looked around the same age.

He smiled and didn't wait for an answer as he began talking excitedly about something.

I allowed myself to smile slightly as he talked on and on.

~*~

I shot up in bed.

That dream again.

About my parents and their death...

My breathing was heavy.

I concentrated on my breathing to even it out.

It was just a dream.... But it wasn't.

I miss them...

Tears pricked my eyes but I refused to let them fall.

The door suddenly swung open, alarming me.

I turned to glare at whoever entered.

Natsuko froze and flinched.

It was silent for a few moments before she started laughing.

"So you've got it?"

"What?"

"Conquerer's haki."

~*~

I shield my eyes from the sun and watched as a newspaper came falling down from the sky.

Ever since we've been separated, I've been reading the news.

Keeping up with world events seemed more important now.

Bending down, I picked the newspaper up off the floor.

My eyes skimmed over the front page and I froze.

The grip I had on the newspaper tightened, almost tearing the delicate paper.

Ace is... in impel down.

I want to be hopeful... but I'm sure I already know what's going to happen.

He's going to be executed.

Tears welled up in my eyes.

I hadn't known him well but he was a good person. He doesn't deserve this.

And Luffy....

My heart ached.

I wish there was something I could do...

Even if I went.. I'm sure he wouldn't want me there.

Luffy said so himself once.

That Ace didn't like when people saw him suffering.

My mind was numb.

~*~

All I had done was train.

That's all I could do..

I needed to get stronger.

Ace's execution was today.

I'm sure everyone was fighting hard... but will it be enough?

~*~

Luffy had sent us all a message.

It would be a longer time until we saw each other again.

I guess he understands the dangers of the new world now.

Especially after Ace's death.

My eyes watered.

I'm finding it hard to believe but it happened.

I just want to see Luffy and give him the biggest hug but I can't.

My heart ached.

I miss them so much.

And not just Luffy and Zoro. I miss the whole crew.

Our journey here was hard but it was really fun.

We had a great time together despite almost dying a few time.

It'll only get harder from here on out.

Natsuko gently pulled the newspaper away from me, "C'mon, let's get back to training."

It was then she noticed my watery eyes.

"Aww, come here you big baby." Natsuko cooed and pulled me into a comforting hug.

I sunk into the hug and smiled.

"You miss them, don't you? When you see them be yourself. I know you haven't been doing that."

"How did you know?"

Natsuko laughed and gave me a bright smile,
"Because I know the true Y/n past your silent exterior. You're just a cute clung baby."

"No." I whined and gave her an annoyed look, my cheeks puffing out.

She laughed and poked my cheek, "I'm serious though. Stop holding back. I'm sure they'll find you really cute. Especially the girls."

"Me? Cute." I blushed in embarrassment.

Being myself is so embarrassing.

Its easier to just be silent and pretend you don't care.

But then again...

I remembered the only two people who knew what I was truly like Luffy.. and Robin. (Ha you thought I was going to say Zoro.)

I smiled as I thought about Robin.

Maybe it was okay being my true self.

It was a day where I was really upset and wanted to be left alone.

I thought Luffy had come to find me but it was actually Robin.

She laughed as I whined which made me freeze.

Then, she gave me a tight hug and told me I was really cute.

Maybe that's another reason we're so close.

She's always looking out for me and making sure I'm okay. She's like a big sister.

Nami is like an annoying sibling but she has her moments.

I miss that annoying ginger.

Usopp is really friendly and makes me laugh.

Although he's a coward.

Chopper is really cute and a really good doctor.

Franky is fun but a bit too loud.

Brook's music is really good.

Zoro's always secretly looking out for everyone and always trains really hard.

Sanji's a bit annoying but his food is the best.

And Luffy's a cute idiot.

But... I've grown to really love my crew.

"Snap out of it!" Natsuko laughed, "Back to work."

I groaned in response as she dragged me back towards her garden.

~*~

I stared at the neat looking garden with a proud look.

The garden had gotten really big now.

It had all sorts of beautiful flowers.

"I mean... this is basically my garden now." I stated.

After all, I had been the one caring for it for the past few months.

It was all my hard work.

"Hey, you brat!" Natsuko huffed angrily, "It's my garden."

"Are you sure about that?"

I smiled once I realised she was pretending to be angry.

"You know... when you leave I'll really miss you." Natsuko smiled.

She had a distant look in her eyes.

"It's been a while since I've had such good company."

"Hey.. don't make me sad." I narrowed my eyes at her, "I'll send you letters old woman."

"Oh yeah? Call me that again! I dare you!" She screeched.

I laughed, "This is the first time in a while I've felt like myself. Now I'm even more excited to meet the crew again. Although it'll still be a few months."

Natsuko nodded, "Yes! Let's enjoy the last few months together with some hard training!"

"What?" I smiled nervously and backed away.

"There's no escape!" Natsuko yelled playfully as she chased after me.

I laughed as we started to play fight.

This is the closest I've gotten to someone in a while.

~*~

I stared out the window.

The stars shone brightly in the sky.

I wonder if the others are looking at the sky too.

Tears ran silently down my cheeks as I stared at the sky.

It's been so hard.

I haven't been by myself since I left my island.

To be honest, I'd forgotten how sad and lonely it was.

I can't wait to see them all again.

Did they get stronger? I wonder how they've spent their time.

The new world is dangerous. I know that much.

Am I really prepared enough?

I can almost use all of my powers. I'm still unsure of how to properly use my wind.

Perhaps it's like the old lady said.

It's about the environment I learn it in.

Maybe I should practice during storms.

Try to replicate the huge gusts of wind in a smaller scale.

I became lost in thoughts as I thought about way to become stronger and improve my powers.

~*~

"Awww! Are you going already?" Natsuko pouted.

Please don't pour, old lady. It looks strange.

"You know I have to go." I smiled, "It's been a while since I've seen them. I hope they're all doing okay."

"Of course they're okay." Natsuko stated, "They have a monster like you after all."

"Hey!"

Natsuko laughed loudly.

I smiled. This was nice.

Her laughter died down and a sad expression appeared on her face, "I was being serious though. I'll really miss you. Don't forget about me."

"Of course not. I'll write you letters."

Natsuko grinned again, "Damn right you will."

I stepped towards her and pulled her into a tight hug.

"Goodbye."

I tried to pull away from the hug but her hands gripped my shirt tightly.

My shoulder became damp.

"Just a little longer. It's been so long since I've had company." Natsuko sniffled.

I complied and held her tightly for a few more moments.

Natsuko finally pulled away from the hug with teary eyes, "Now get out of here before I change my mind."

I smiled and untied the rope of the boat, "Take care of yourself."

Stepping onto the boat, I sat down and pushed myself away from the shore.

You may be wondering why I set off a month early....

I'll definitely get lost along the way I have no idea how to navigate.

Natsuko kindly gave me an eternal log pose to Sabaody Archipelago.

I couldn't get too lost, right?

This wouldn't be too hard, right?

~*~

Wrong. I was wrong.

This is so hard.

To be honest, I don't even know how to do this.

Also I'm pretty sure I'm going the opposite way of where I'm supposed to be going.

I frowned as I stared at the log pose.

I keep trying to go in the right direction but the next minute I'm going the wrong way.

~*~

I'm so hungry I've completely ran out of food.

But I'm sure I'm almost there... I hope...

My head perks up as I spot land.

Is this it? Did I make it?

Well, I don't really care if this is the wrong island.

I need food and water.

I glanced down at the log pose.

Apparently I'm going the right direction.

So that must be it.

I sighed in relief once I saw those strange bubbles.

So I did make it.

I can't believe I made it.

I'm a whole day early..

What did I do now?

~*~

It was finally the day I would be meeting everyone again.

Sighing, I walked into a bar and sat down on one of the stools.

I looked around to see if any of the crew had come here.

There was a girl with long ginger hair a few seats away from me.

Was that Nami?

"Nami?" I asked quietly.

She stared at me blankly for a few seconds, "Y/n?"

I smiled and took the seat beside her.

"It's been so long that I almost didn't recognise you." Nami laughed, "You're so cute."

She pinched my cheek as I blushed in embarrassment.

"I'm glad you're more comfortable around me now. Honestly, I thought you had no emotions." Nami smiled.

"Rude.."

"Hey, did you see this?"

"Yeah! I was shocked too."

We both listened quietly to the conversation.

"I can't believe the Straw Hats have surfaced again!"

Huh? We haven't even met back up again.

"I can't believe they're recruiting."

As if....

Nami placed her glass down with a blank expression on their face.

The door opened and a fat man waddled in.

He was wearing a red shirt and a straw hat.

I guess people who've never met us may think we look like that....

I almost laughed at their horrible imitation.

"Hey, old man. Give us a drink." Luffy's cheap copy yelled.

"Could they be..."

"The straw hats..."

Nami looked annoyed, she turned to face me and saw my amused expression, "You think this is funny?"

"I mean... a little."

Nami turned to look back at them and then giggled quietly, "I guess it kinda is. You know, I'm surprised you didn't get lost."

"Me? Lost. As a matter of fact I'm lost right now." I laughed, "I was gonna go to the meeting place and then I ended up here and then I saw you."

Nami sighed, "Why are all three of you so reckless? Always getting lost."

Someone went up to the fake Luffy and asked to join the crew.

The kicked them to the ground, "The poster says at least a seventy billion bounty. How did you guys even get here safely? Go away pest."

He pointed his gun at the man.

There was a flicker of flames as I melted the bullet before it could hit him.

The man quickly scrambled off the ground and run away.

I just took a sip of my drink and pretended like I didn't do anything.

"Awesome." Nami whispered.

"Hey, you too ladies! Come and join us." Netflix adaptation Luffy told us, "They're cute."

I looked at them with disgust, "Drop dead."

Nami gave me a scared look.

"What the hell did you say?" He stood up and gave me an angry look.

"Huh? Did someone say something?" I mocked.

"How dare you!"

He pointed his gun at me.

"Let me handle it." The ginger grabbed the gun.

"Are you even a girl?" I asked.

She had a pissed look, "What?!"

Something was shot at her and she was trapped with vines.

Usopp smirked at us.

"Usopp!" Nami grinned and smushed him in a hug.

"Y/n, don't go pissing people off." Usopp scolded.

I just ignored him.

"Let's go!" Nami smiled cheerfully and pulled us away.

~*~

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4125 words

A/n I swear this took me the longest time to write.