It took a week and a few days to finally arrive at the beautiful Water 7 island. It took you awhile to remember the route to go on, for you haven't been here in years. Not since you were a marine. Or rather...not quite a marine. You really risked coming here straight after that happened.

You sighed at the thought.

It's pretty dangerous of you to come here in general, for the island was connected to Enies Lobby from the water train. But you just felt like you should visit here for some odd reason unbeknownst to you. You just follow your gut and it hasn't steered you wrong yet, despite everything. The city was beautiful anyways, with its friendly citizens that called to you and complimented you as you walked past the villas or small cafes through the sidewalks available in the water city after you docked your raft by the rocky shores of the island.

Who knows though? Perhaps you can find a worthy opponent in this island, even though it wasn't likely. You find more opponents in the New World. Dangerous although they may be, Shanks and Mihawk tried to warn you to watch yourself during those seas since you travel alone and your talent of getting sucked into precarious situations. You think you're fine though, you're still here after all!

And if you nearly drowned from getting basically pulverized, than you won't mention it! It was a stupid sort of match anyways...

But seriously, all of those crazy people are strong, and all you want to challenge. To become the strongest woman in the world, you have to beat the strongest after all. Unfortunately, you're still far away from your goal. Even with your years of training with your signature buster sword. You touched the hilt of Black Heaven's Judgement in silence, your thoughts slowly coming to a standstill as you thought of your father. You always wondered to yourself if he was still alive. And where he was. From what you've gathered, he's definitely alive—at least you think so.

You wanted to meet him.

The father you never had. The one who you were always compared to by your mother. How you looked, how you act, it was all like your father. At least from what your mother told you, with a small fond smile on her kind face as she spoke about her lover and your father. Back in simpler times within your quaint house in the outskirts of Loguetown, hidden by the foliage of trees and when you could call it home.

You felt your heart clench, and began to hum the song your mother sang to you when you were young and she was still alive. You walking around the bustling streets of the colorful island. An island who welcomed pirates and the like, not caring much about it as they tried to capture your attention with their Mizu Mizu style food.

You loved this song.

It was called Bink's Sake. You didn't get the chance to sing it with Shanks and the others at the party like they always do this time. The song was filled with sounds of adventure, and it sounded so uplifting and amazing to you each time. You always remembered your kind mother when she sang or hummed it.

An unconscious small smile appeared on your face at the thought.

You suddenly stopped walking as you glanced around you, noticing you were a bit lost. You scratched your scarred cheek in thought, only to feel a "Coo!" over your head. Your eyes narrowed.

That sound...

You glanced up to find a white pigeon land on your shoulder, familiar beady eyes looking at you in thought as it tilted its feathered head.

Wait...

A challenge!

You blanched.

When a hand suddenly came on your other shoulder, you immediately jumped away you already taking out the eager hissing Karasu in the air with narrowed eyes as you separated yourself from the person who grabbed you. Not caring about how the bird fluttered its wings and cooed and went back to his master's shoulders. Or the gasps of the citizens around you as they saw your weapon out. Only having your eyes on a familiar...comrade.

Of course he would feel like this, you thought in a mix of exasperation and maybe even amusement as you stared at the stoic man with the top hat and the cooing pigeon that lifted a wing as he stared back unabashedly. I shouldn't be surprised but whoa...it's been awhile.

"What are you doing here?" You said, your eyes narrowed and a surprisingly small smirk on your face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A teenaged (Y/N) walked confidently throughout the marine ship in her new uniform, which was a black suit with pants. You not wanting to wear such a tight skirt, but you still had your Marine cap proudly on your head as you walked.

You were heading to where the meeting room was to meet your new superiors. Though, you knew that your respect would only go to two marines out of everyone in the force. But perhaps they will surprise you.

You rubbed your cap gently, thinking about who you left behind.

'We'll see each other again.' You thought as you continued to walk beside your young companion.

The teenaged boy that was walking next to you kept his silence, not opening his mouth once since he had to pick you up from your room. His dark eyes only gazing straight ahead to their destination. The white pigeon on his shoulder being the only thing that's actually kept looking at you with its black beady eyes. They've been like that ever since they arrived to pick you up from Garp's ship.

You swallowed nervously, slightly creeped out.

He kinda had a dead fish look about him.

Once the both of you arrived to the door, the boy knocked twice before a voice behind the door told them to come in. Once the both of you entered and stood in front of your purple-haired superior, you gave a salute.

"Silver Blood (Y/N), welcome to CP9."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lucci looked at you with his dark eyes, not saying anything as Hattori answered for him.

"Sorry to scare you miss, you just seemed a bit lost and we wanted to help you."

Your brows rose in question and surprise for you haven't heard him use that voice for Hattori in a long time either, your sword still ready to attack. You tried to hold back a laugh. You couldn't stop the small snort and amused smile from your lips though, Lucci's eyes narrowing in answer to what you read as hilarious. I mean come on! His voice gets a little high when he does that with Hattori, and it's been awhile since you heard that!

You think Karasu finds it funny too. It's basically glinting and gleaming in excitement being out for Lucci in preparation. Like old times.

You think your katana sword is a little bloodthirsty sometimes...although maybe that's why it seems eager for Lucci.

Blood lust.

Your mouth sort of twisted at that. Geez. This guy hasn't changed at all.

The crowd around you began to chatter.

"Woah! How dare she take out her sword on our shipwright?!"

"He only wanted to help, but she's being unappreciative of it!"

"Oi! Pirate, I suggest you put your sword away unless you want our shipwrights to handle you!"

You took a small glance at the crowd, as you began to understand the situation.

He's on a job.

You put your cap down slightly with your other hand, silently putting your Karasu back to its scabbard who seemed to whine as it was now sheathed. When you fixed your cap back up, you sheepishly scratched the back of your head with a grin.

"Sorry! I thought you were someone else. You look kinda like him, but," you smirked, might as well have some fun and he probably hasn't gotten a well deserved insult in awhile, "he's more of a cat person."

You spotted his mouth twitch slightly and you laughed out loud in victory, the crowd seeming to calm when the dangerous situation disappeared. Only muttering to themselves about crazy pirates as they walked.

"Ah, I apologize scaring you nonetheless. Do you want me to show you the city? We wouldn't want you to get lost."

You hummed in thought. You knew what he wanted to do, and you didn't really mind it. But to make sure, you nonchalantly walked towards him and circled around him, looking at him up and down in thought with a small smirk in place. While Lucci and Hattori stood there silently, unmoving as they just followed you with their eyes.

'"Oi! Stop checking out our shipwright!" A random citizen yelled out to you.

"I'm not checking him out you idiot!" You immediately retorted back as you let out a slight tsk with a mild flush. You went back towards his front and hummed, satisfied from what you gathered about his strength. You looked up at him, smirk still in place as you stared at his familiar emotionless profile. He really hasn't changed at all...despite the hair. All the hair is new. Better than that neck length hair that made him look emo you think.

"Alright, let's go."

They walked around the city, Hattori doing the talking while you just nodded absentmindedly, your eyes being tempted to look at Lucci as they walked with your hands behind your head. Showing nonchalance.

He got stronger, you noted. And you were half tempted to fight him, his energy just seeming to spike each time you drew closer when he pointed at something in Water 7. You're not sure if he's trained in Haki at all though, CP9 is specifically more for assassination and stealth than outright battle so the unit doesn't need to be trained in Haki at all. You're not sure it'll be fair but maybe a little spar wouldn't hurt...But, it wouldn't be good. The city seems to value and respect him. And did they call him a shipwright? What kind of job is he on? Your eyes narrowed in thought as you took a side glance at him.

"So you're a shipwright here?" He glanced down at you with his eyes, and you already got your answer before Hattori replied for him with their cover.

He's on an assassin job. Your eyes narrowed at him, but you gave a nod and turned your gaze back in front of you, eyes hidden from your Marine cap. Not seeing that Lucci's dark eyes never left your face. What kind of person he's going to assassinate?

You glanced around as they walked, seeing only cheerful faces around them, with many of them greeting Lucci with admiration and respect.

He's got them so fooled, you thought darkly.

Like everything, there are rules to assassination. But there are three main ones.

Always remain distant. Never get attached. Don't get too close for the target you were sent to kill.

They are closely related to each other, the only difference being the wording. But there is a change between the rules. Slight but it's there.

And you had a strong hate for them.

You bit your lip, putting memories of tears going down nameless faces filled with betrayal and shock away.

"Oi." You whispered at him, your face still hidden by your cap. When you felt his eyes on you, you continued.

"We need to talk." You whispered again, making sure passerby's don't hear. And you finally heard his voice reply.

"Alright." You couldn't help but let out a little smile, you looking up at him with your cap slightly hiding your face still. "What do you know? The kitty speaks. Besides from a beak anyways." At his controlled growl you let out a small but loud laugh, surprising some citizens as they went by. Hattori then spoke that they've arrived at the first place he wanted to show you. A bar. When you went in, you did a deadpan. There was Blueno serving people drinks in the bar, specifically Blueno's bar. And he has a smile on his face.

Bleh.

You rarely worked with the other CP9 members outside of Lucci, if at all. Whether you liked it or not, they were the best and formidable team out there. Their teamwork was flawless, controlled. Always knowing what the other is possibly planning with a glance. You'd never call it that they trusted each other to that degree, just that they knew what to do immediately and what the other was capable of but, you know it was what true comrades do.

Comrade.

You looked up at Lucci unblushingly, just staring. Trying to find something. Lucci glanced down at you as well, with Hattori doing the talking for him with their cover. You said nothing but stare at him, particularly his eyes, while he just stared back. Like you both did back then.

Sweating from punching fists.

You broke the contact first, scratching your head as you let out a sigh.

"Is the bar not up to your standards miss?" Hattori questioned. You glanced at the bar with a bored gaze, stopping at Blueno for a millisecond before continuing to look at your surroundings.

"Nah. It just kinda stinks of here of something."

A citizen heard you, swiveling towards you with anger within their chair as they held their mug of beer.

"Hey, take that back! I don't smell anything wrong in here!"

You just raised an eyebrow, a knowing glint in your eyes as you scratched your nose. "Really? It must be my keen nose then, I always smell the bad stuff that no one else does." Blueno looked up, a (fake) warm smile on his face as he looked at you.

"Perhaps you're just unlucky then." The bull horned shaped hair man commented.

Your eyes slightly narrowed.

"Maybe I am."

You thanked Blueno for his offer of a drink but declined, already walking away from the bar with Lucci approaching from behind.

"You're being a nuisance." He whispered by your ear.

You smirked at him in return.

"I always am when you're concerned."

You being too busy looking slightly behind at Lucci, you walked straight into a hard and slightly wet wall. With a slight 'ouch' and rubbing your nose you looked up at what you walked into, only for you to widen your eyes in surprise.

In front of you was a fully grown Kaku, having all the muscles in the right places. And just...well, taller. Different from the last time you saw him, he was younger, only in his teens. And he was slimmer, but now...

"Oh! Hello miss, sorry I didn't see you there." He gave you a shining smile with his eyes closed, the cap on his head that read 'Galley' following his head movements. You felt your jaw a little slack at what you were seeing. "Long day at work today, you see. Oh, hey Lucci!"

A proud hammer pounds against wood.

He was just so different. You knew it was a cover, for the Kaku you knew was distant and only had childish arguments with Jabra. But... That smile suited him a lot.

"Ka-?!" You coughed loudly in order to correct yourself, you can practically feel Lucci's glare on you. "I-It's alright. I wasn't looking at where I was going. But why are you wet?"

"Oh, that would be my sweat." The square nosed man replied cheekily, you letting out a noise of slight disgust as you looked at yourself.

"Ugh. Maybe that's why I'm sticky..."

The young man laughed as he explained he was taking a walk for his break, and wanted to cool off from making ships. You raised an eyebrow and asked if he was one of the famous shipwrights of the city as well, Hattori replying for him that there were five of them in total. And saying that you are lucky for meeting two of them in your first day.

You letting out a dry chuckle and "Yeah...lucky." You saw Kaku crack a slight grin at that, with Lucci only letting out a slight sadistic smile at your statement. Your brows twitched.

So far, there are three CP9 members here. Two of them being 'trustworthy' shipwrights, and another playing the 'friendly' bar owner. There couldn't possibly be more could there?

If there were four or more, then this mission was an important and perhaps difficult one compared to the ones with just two members. It actually might be more than a simple assassination—it might just be focused more on information retrieval. It would explain Blueno being placed in the bar. An assassination does not need these many CP9 members...maybe they're not here to kill anyone than.

Either way, it might not be good. For whoever they're getting the information from. Or you.

But you'll deal with that when the time comes. Like you always do.

With Kaku now in tow, you followed them to where the Galley-La company was, glancing around as you went. Seeing all the friendly faces and hardworking men as they went about their work and carrying supplies this way and that with ships all around, making you smile. This city was wonderful. But you were suddenly stopped by a somewhat high pitched and flustered voice.

"Oi! Woman, cover that skin! You're being indecent!" A question mark appeared over your head as you glanced around only to find a blushing blond heaving out breaths of air, a cigar in his mouth. You pointed at yourself.

"You're talking to me?"

"Yes I'm talking to you, you scandalous woman!"

Your brows only furrowed more, as you looked down at yourself. You would say you were very covered up. Having a white button down dress shirt, with a black tank top underneath and some weighted bindings. And you having black pants that seemed to be cut into makeshift shorts only two inches below your knee, black weighted boots completing the outfit.

The heck was this guy on about?

"Uhhhh...you're clearly barking at the wrong tree here. I see nothing wrong with what I'm wearing."

He pointed quite viciously to your lower regions and yelled that that was the problem. During this, you heard Kaku laugh and Hattori comment about 'Paulie's money problems'. Which caused the man deemed Paulie to yell at him. Before a fight indued between the two, you talked again.

"Did you point at my legs? What, woman calfs turn you on or something?"

The man, Paulie, blushed immediately.

"No! I-it's indecent to show such skin with men around!"

You looked at him, and then began laughing obnoxiously, you having to bend down and hold your knees in order to not fall down to the floor.

"W-what?!" The blond man stuttered, with you only laughing more in response. Unbeknownst to you, you had two wide and curious eyes staring at you.

"You—you're a funny guy! I like you! " you said at him with a smirk, and it only made the man blush more into a tomato red. Making you laugh once again as Paulie yelled at Kaku and Lucci.

"Why is this woman even here?!"

"We found her a bit lost, and wanted to show her around a bit." Hattori chirped on Lucci's shoulder while Kaku nodded.

"Yeah. And it's her first day here and all so..." Kaku left the sentence with a smile.

Paulie nodded and scratched his head in thought, smoke coming out of his cigar between his teeth as he glanced towards the woman. Only to see you right in front of him with a smirk, which he quickly fell back to the ground in surprise. You standing over him with laughs shaking your body.

"You're not used to being close to girls are you?" You asked, looking down at him. His blush and stutter of denial proved your answer, as you lend out a hand towards him. Which he hesitantly took, you quickly heaving him off the ground. He was mildly impressed by your strength, you giving out a proud yup and:

"I'm going to be the strongest woman in the world after all. Of course I have to be strong." You said with a hand on your Marine cap, as you looked up at the man called Paulie. Who released a small blush at your look and felt twisted embarrassment. You smirked and held out your hand.

"I'm (Y/N). Nice to meet you."

He took your hand within his own and surprisingly had a strong and firm grip, something you noted.

"Paulie, one of the five foremen. And you're the famous 'Ex-Marine Silver Blood (Y/N)' aren't you?" He asked, releasing your hand and you nodding at his question. He moved his cigar around and you wondered in the back of your mind on how cigars are so popular, and why do you know so many men who smoke them?

"I've always wondered this, but why did you leave the marines?" Paulie asked with curiosity.

You shrugged.

"They were too demanding."  You replied shortly as you quickly walked ahead of the now three foremen, looking around at the massive ships being made. They toured you around the place some more, with you occasionally talking to Kaku or Paulie, and Hattori giving some input. And then, surprisingly, the mayor came out.

"Iceberg-San! Aren't you supposed to be doing work?" Paulie asked Iceburg, who just waved him off.

"Paperwork is too boring with such a beautiful day like this." He replied. A woman walked to his side, adjusting her glasses as they flashed quickly in the sunlight

"I tried to stop him but he managed to get away from me," she answered to Paulie, clipboard to her chest as you felt the love of lamb. "We really are behind, Iceburg-san."

(Y/N)'s eyes narrowed.

Kalifa.

You disliked that woman.

"Oi! Paulie! You called out on my clothes but you work with a lady wearing that?"

Kalifa rose an eyebrow.

"Hm? Don't I look pretty?" The light blonde innocently asked, adjusting her already perfect glasses.

"It has nothing to with that!"

Both you and Paulie yelled at her, causing you and him to look at each other, you bursted out laughing at how they were in sync. Back when you were a part of them, you never liked on how Kalifa seemed to show off her body. Like a lot. And was vain and arrogant on how she looked. You didn't like that at all, although...you thought of your young teen self looking at her in attention as she sat with a drink in front of her with faraway thoughtful lavender colored eyes, speaking of the assassination industry and woman. You internally shook your head away from the memory. Besides that, the woman was still pretty annoying and weird.

Same thing with another woman, the so called Pirate Empress Boa Hancock. Your eyebrow twitches at the mere memory of her. Paulie blushed and rubbed the back of his head to hide it. Now adding to the mix, there were three CP9 agents looking at the laughing (Y/N) with curious and wide eyes.

"Well then," Iceburg began with a polite smile, "what's a famous pirate like you doing in Water 7?"

"Just felt like it." You said with a laugh. "But I might have to leave soon and set off for another course."

"Well, since you're here we could take a look at your ship if you need any repairs." Iceberg offered as you nodded in gratitude before jabbing a thumb towards Paulie with a smile as said man blinked.

"Can this guy do it?"

"Huh?" Paulie questioned, scratching the back of his head. "Why me? Kaku can reach and assess quicker than I can."

"He may have a point, (Y/N)-san." Kaku pointed out with a sheepish laugh under his Galley La cap. He's still talking all polite and like an old guy, you noted. "You must have docked in Rocky Cape, right? That's where normally all pirates dock their ships so trouble doesn't find them by the Blue Station. I can take note of what you may need and we can talk prices after I come back."

"Coo~ Coo~, the people in Water 7 do not call him the Mountain Wind for nothing!" Hattori spoke, or rather Lucci did as you glanced at the pigeon in question who's wing was out as he spoke. "It's really no trouble at all, Miss (Y/N). This idiot Paulie is pretty greedy when it comes to money so we don't want you having less Beli than before cause of him."

Did this cat bastard just call me 'Miss'? You couldn't help but make a slight face at that, not really knowing how to feel with that. And greedy huh?

"W-what?! Why you—! Don't talk about my problems, Lucci!" Paulie raged, you watching in interest as the blond man lifted the sleeves of his jacket as if to fight and drew near to Lucci who had his stoic face unchanged despite Paulie's yells and scowl. "Like I would steal from a customer to help with that!"

"Kalifa," Iceburg turned towards the woman who gave a ready yes as she needlessly fixed her already perfect glasses. "How many times has Paulie stolen from others to help with his debt?"

Paulie suddenly turned, nervous sweat gathering as Kalifa flicked through her clipboard.

"Well, if we let him go to Silver Blood's boat and 'assess', this will turn into the fourteenth time to have money for his horrendous gambling addiction."

"WHO ASKED YOU FOR YOUR OPINION, WOMAN?!" Paulie raged, an embarrassed flush on his cheeks and cigar tight between his jaw. "And it's not an addiction if I win!"

You outwardly laughed as Kaku pointed out that Paulie tends to lose a lot though with Paulie telling him to shut his face before turning back towards Kalifa and pointing at her showing legs that she needs to leave and change anyways before an accident happens with one of the Galley La men.

"Hmph," Kalifa adjusted her glasses, face serious. "That sounds like sexual harassment."

"W-what? I wasn't threatening you, Kalifa!"

"Despite all this," You said, recovered from your laughter but still amused at this light atmosphere that feels different compared to before. It's truly been awhile. "Sounds like you like gambling. I'm sort of the same but you got issues, Paulie." Paulie flushed at that as Iceburg said see while picking his nose with his pinky that made you make a small face of amused disgust as Kalifa reprimanded the mayor. "But I don't care. You're fine. I'm not in a rush either so I don't care who's quicker. I'm confident in your skills anyways, Paulie. You're a Galley La foreman right?"

You smiled at him and Paulie blushed at your words. Behind you and to the side as you faced Paulie and told him the specific directions of where you are in the Rocky Cape, Lucci's eyes were still on you as he stood with crossed arms as Hattori stared at your head in one might read as longing before turning his sharp gaze to the area around them before zeroing in on the galleon ship that was almost done above them amongst the high rafters. Kaku and Kalifa sharing a quick small glance before looking back at you with eyes one may read as pity and exasperation as Paulie eventually left with a flustered scowl as you waved at him while yelling at him that he can do it as he shouts back over his shoulder he doesn't need a woman like you to tell him that.

You're not escaping that easily, both secret CP9 agents thought with a mild sweatdrop. You're in big trouble, (Y/N)/(Y/N)-san.

You internally smirked in victory when Paulie left.

Like hell you were going to let Kaku or Lucci look at your ship, it's like basically saying 'Please destroy my only way out of here!' Besides, you saw them and that's all you need anyways!

But your luck had other ideas, the narrator pointed out. Or perhaps it was more fate due to your old partner being here.

A little after you said that however, a piece of a galleon was slipping off and like the good person you were, you caught it by using Geppo to above and using your arms before it fell to the ground. When you were about to put it back however, you felt multiple drops of white liquid land on your shoulders, you immediately recognizing it as bird poop, you moved around in a panic and dropped the part of the ship in your frenzy. Causing the rest of the almost complete ship to fall and be destroyed. As you were reprimanded by Iceburg with your dirtied long sleeved now tied around your waist and leaving you with your black tank top and said that you would have to pay off your debt on having of destroying the ship, you only thought three things darkly.

Stupid bird.

Stupid Lucci.

Stupid CP9.

It's been way too long, (Y/N)-san, Kaku thought while scratching his long square nose as you took the reprimand and how long you're going to have to stay here until it's fixed once more by Iceburg. Lucci, his hands now in his pockets, saying through Hattori that you should be more careful as he called you miss. Kaku taking note you made a face at that and saying sharply you were careful and to not worry about someone like you. Looks like it's going to be different from old times, however. But maybe...it'll be just more of the same.

Kalifa didn't really share the same thoughts as Kaku. More of an accepted exasperation as she fixed her glasses and you seeming to be offended by how polite Lucci is acting with you due to the persona he has to stick to based on your uncomfortable expression. Frankly, she doesn't think the both of you together again is going to be fun for anyone.

By the time Paulie came back, he was met with you having a hammer in your hands as Kaku pointed to you helpfully on what to do—you being introduced to the other Galley La men already as you listened with a frown but attentive eyes on the young man that felt free like the wind through a ship's sails as he explained the different parts. Lucci on the other side of the Dock working on the other part of the now completely broken galleon.

Paulie turned towards Iceburg and Kalifa who were speaking about all the meetings he missed.

"What just happened? Why is a customer working in the Docks? And what happened to the galleon?!"

"Oh, we have a new worker for a few weeks. She broke the galleon." Iceburg casually said as Paulie shouted what.

"She can't work like that! O-Oi woman!" Paulie yelled towards you. You turned towards him just as Kaku was in mid explanation. "You're working all around men now! Change your clothes right now! That—That shirt of yours is barely covering anything, put your blouse back on!"

"Eh? What do you want me to do? Strip?"

"W-what?!" Paulie shouted, red and goggles going askew on his head at how he jumped. "Crazy woman! Why would I say that?!"

"I wasn't going to change here anyways, weird prude!" You stuck your tongue out playfully at him as Kaku laughed slightly. "My clothes are fine besides the shit that got on me. And go attack Kalifa instead of me before I throw my shitty long sleeve at you!"

Kalifa fixed her glasses as she stood to the side.

"That would be sexual harassment."

"THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE OTHER!" You and Paulie yelled in sync to the bespectacled woman.

"I don't think he meant it like that, (Y/N)-san..."

"He needs to be more straight with it than!" You complained, turning back towards your work and squinting at it. "Oh. I must've hit the hammer when I wasn't looking. The nail looks bent."

"We have to start over than." Kaku explained with a mild sweatdrop as he looked down at your work. "Ah, you splintered the wood below too. Try to be more gentle when you hammer, (Y/N)-san."

"That sounds like a few more extra days of work, Silver Blood (Y/N)." Iceburg commented as he stared down at an interesting patch of grass below. Why is he still here again? He's the mayor right? "Our wood of the Galley La is pretty valuable."

"I'm going to be stuck here!" You cried, tears in your eyes. You are only good at certain things and take a long time learning other stuff! It took forever for you to cook a decent meal and know North from south when you're out in sea. "Urgh! Just explain it to me again, Kaku. And sorry Iceburg—HEY!" You dodged a kick from Kalifa only for her to kick at Iceburg's cheek instead. "What the—you kicked the mayor!"

"Don't say his name so casually! Add a '-san' to his name or call him Mister Iceburg. You need to learn respect!"

"Wha—who just kicked him?!"

"Kalifa...nng," Iceburg said through a grunt, his face almost matching the color of his hair. "She gets pretty passionate for my sake—ouch!"

"Damn it, Kalifa!" Paulie cursed around his cigar. "You did it again!"

You noticed the other foremen seemed to have flush on their faces or heart eyes as they said to themselves that they wish she kicked them in the face and is beautiful when angry.

"You just managed to dodge me," Kalifa calmly stated with a flash of her glasses before turning towards the other foremen. "And that sounds like sexual harassment."

"I think I'm the one being harassed..." you muttered in a deadpan before you turned back towards Kaku who had a patient smile and felt like his energy was soaring when he explained all this ship stuff to you as you focused on what he was saying and observing how happy he looked as he spoke.

As you focused on your work in front of you with Kaku's guidance, Lucci who was on the other side of the Dock, drew closer to Paulie who was scowling in thought after he spoke to Iceburg about your high finance. Lucci's eyes stared at a heavy pocket of Paulie's jeans that wasn't there before only to chop the blond man's head. Paulie's eyes popping out in surprise, holding his head and whipping towards the silent stoic man with Hattori on his shoulder—both of their eyes seeming to be narrowed.

"What was that for?! You wanna fight?!"

"Empty out your pockets, Paulie." Hattori spoke through Lucci as the man had his hand straight out once more at the ready to hit again. "You think I wouldn't notice how shameless you can go? Miss (Y/N) shouldn't have trusted you with assessing the boat."

"I—I didn't—I don't know what you're talking about! Now I gotta head to help with that galleon with Lulu—" Lucci stopped him from moving by grabbing the back of the blond man's jean collar jacket. "Let go! That's it! Rope Action!" Lucci moved from the man's ropes with uncaring eyes as the foreman around them stared exasperated as the two started to fight with ropes going everywhere from Paulie and Hattori moving to fly overhead.

You staring with a brow arched, scratching the back of your head. You know Lucci is going easy on Paulie, can't blow whatever cover they need after all. But the way he's fighting Lucci looks familiar but you can't place it...

Kaku, spotting your bewildered yet thoughtful expression, secretly smiled behind his cap and high collar of his jacket that he placed over himself again.

"Don't worry. They always do that." Kaku said as you hummed in answer before saying you're not worried about that, you kinda feel like deja vu. "Does it seem like something you've seen before? Cause I think I know what you mean."

"Mmmm...I don't know." You paused in thought, hammer in hand as you leaned against your chin and saw Paulie curse at the stoic Lucci when he dodged his rope again. Hattori cooing overhead as he circled around and around as you muttered quietly to Kaku so no one can overhear. "...is it Hattori? It might be Hattori..."

Kaku sweatdropped as you stared at Paulie successfully capturing the apathetic man with a victorious smile and slammed Lucci down only for the hidden CP9's hand to the floor and causing cracks with his fingers in order to stop it, having Paulie scowl as Lucci's dark gaze met the blond's calmly.

She has no self-awareness at all, Kaku thought, Lucci successfully getting Paulie to give you back your money and making the man bow as you stood and stared in confusion at the money and commented that Paulie must be really desperate and have a serious problem but you didn't seem really mad at the amount he took as the man flushed and looked away with cigar right on his lips as he scratched the back of his head.

It's not like he took everything and you never really cared much about money in order to get really angry. You've learned that there's much more important things than money.

Like food!

As long as you can eat, you're fine.

Lucci hit the back of Paulie's turned away head before putting his hands in his pockets as Paulie whipped his head around.

"What?! Stop hitting me!"

"Coo! You should give Miss (Y/N) a proper apology no matter what she says. She's too soft on you."

"You—" you began before shutting your mouth, raising your brow and squinting your eyes at Lucci who turned his penetrating gaze towards you. This is too weird. He's on a cover but..."Don't call me Miss, please. And it just ain't a big deal. He does need some help though...you must be really bad at betting."

"Just being respectful, Miss (Y/N). You are pretty infamous since your debut, Coo~. Not many have done such feats like you have."

He's mocking me! You thought with a slight tick on your temple.

You're really playing with fire, Lucci. Kaku thought as he stared as your hands slightly clenched and Karasu seemed to sing in eagerness. But (Y/N) seems to be trying to get offended from your words.

I'm going to need a drink, Kalifa thought to herself as she looked at her clipboard and flipped through it but can sense the tension between the two of you rise like old times. You seem more open compared to before with us but your relationship with Lucci hasn't changed at all.

"Just... just don't call me Miss." you managed to reply with a huff and you nearly scowled at him when you managed to spot dark orbs flash with amusement. You hid your hands in your pockets yourself and tapped the tip of your combat boot to the floor as you turned away. "And I just did what I had to. People are stupid. I just wanna be the strongest woman in the world. It's whatever though, they're good practice." You shrugged before turning towards Paulie. "You really need help though."

"I'm not bad if I win!" Paulie defended himself as you smirked at him and laughing that he must lose a lot and not follow his gut at all. "My gut never fails when money is involved. Ask my loan sharks."

You sweatdropped as you had a disbelieving smile.

"That may be the issue."

"I—I don't need a crazy woman tell me that!"

"I think you're the crazy one for being bad at bets."

"(Y/N)-san, let's focus back onto our work. Paulie does not listen to any of us when it comes to this."

A smack to the head was heard as a blond head staggered forward with goggles.

"Wh-what the hell?! You really wanna fight!"

"You're distracting Miss (Y/N) from her work.  You're just loitering around now, Paulie."

"Urk...I said not to call me Miss!"

"Ha! You guys talking about me not listening, this pigeon guy has his own issues on not listening!"

"It's too much of a nice day for all of you to be arguing."

The foremen around including Paulie turned to see Iceburg lounging under the shade of the office building with a lounge chair out of nowhere and a drink in hand with Kalifa nonchalantly swinging a small fan as she stared at her clipboard with wide eyes.

"YOURE STILL HERE!" They all shouted in disbelief.

You couldn't help but snort at the scene, now back to Kaku's side and hammer back in hand.

"You're a pretty bad mayor," you commented as Iceburg took a loud sip from the straw of his drink. "Don't people like you have work?"

"I do. But I can do that later. Right, Kalifa?" He asked his secretary who dropped the fan and was mainly focusing on her clipboard now. "Ahhh...can you keep fanning me? It's hot."

"Your office is much cooler, Iceburg-san." Kalifa answered gracefully and now having a pen in hand. "When do you want to reschedule your work? And having me fan you is sexual harassment."

"We'll fan you instead, Kalifa~!" Some of the foremen said around them, seeming to pause with tools or logs in hand or arms.

"All of you are insolent!" Paulie shouted at them angrily.

Iceburg didn't seem to care and picked up the fan himself and starting using it on his face as he thought.

"What time is it now?"

"It's about to be two o'clock," Kalifa answered with a quick peek of her watch.

"Ah," Iceburg said as he fanned himself before taking a sip of his drink. "Than I'll finish my work at 1200."

"Thats...tomorrow, Iceburg-san."

"Perfect!" Iceburg put a thumbs up in answer.

"It's going to be really lively for the next few days I feel." Kaku commented with a casual smile as you laughed at Kalifa's exasperated face due to the mayor of Water 7, hammer in hand and him having to stop you from hammering the board again from your loss of control as the foremen complained they deserve a drink too with Iceburg being stubborn in sharing—the young man's hand on yours. "Careful (Y/N)-san. Try to keep from using this when you are laughing like that, okay?"

"Awww, okay," you answered, recovered from your laughter and relaxed due to how Kaku seemed patient with you. And just how he feels in general. He really...loves being a shipwright. You than turned towards Lucci who still stood nearby after Paulie moved to yelling at the foremen to watch their eyes, cocking a brow at the agent. "Don't you got work too?"

Lucci's eyes met yours, Hattori doing a coo as he puffed his feathery chest out.

"Don't worry about me, Miss (Y/N)." You bristled. "I'm not like the mayor when it comes to my work."

That totally has a double meaning but you don't care!

"I said to stop with the Miss...! It's weird!"

Lucci tilted his head a tad as your eyes narrowed at him as Hattori spoke through him in his high voice.

"How so? Used to another epithet?"

Urgh! He's going to drive you crazy!

"Come on you two," Kaku said calmly with a nervous smile as you tried to keep your scowl back at Lucci who's eyes gleamed in amusement. "We all have to work together so let's get along. It's only for a short while."

You huffed, turning your back towards Lucci and focusing on your work as you hammered away. You can't really treat Lucci like you usually do anyways so you really do have to relax like Kaku said. They're all respected here and you don't really want to be involved in whatever they're trying to accomplish. Although you really want to just treat and talk to them like back than...well, not quite back than.

You glanced at Kaku.

You want to get to know more of this Kaku.

And...You turned back to your work with your face shadowed from your cap. It's been awhile.

"Sorry, Kaku. I guess I still smell something bad around here and I'm in a bad mood cause of it."

"What are you smelling this time, (Y/N)-san?" Kaku decided to humor you with an interested smile as you felt Lucci's gaze on your tank top covered back.

You smirked.

"Wet fur. You guys don't keep a wet cat around here right? They really stink up the place and earn the name of pussycat instead."

If you suddenly felt the surge of energy of a cry for blood, you ignored it and your smirk just grew. Just as it grew when you side glanced at Kaku when he said you have an interesting nose with Lucci adding with a slightly colder tone that you need to be more careful with your dirty words.

Ha! That's what you get.

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Edited 05/20/21

Combined the Old Friend...?, Dark Justice Returned, and Old Partners and New Acquaintances a tad. While of course adding all the extra details!

With Galley La and the others!

I feel like since the old partners haven't seen each other in so long, I need to lengthen their moments together after all the years away. Also, there needs to be extra moments with the two side pairings here~ ^/////^ So expect a lot more moments in this arc! This is just the beginning!

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FANART CORNER!!

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For those who drew NSFW art... 👀 I sadly can't show it!!! ;A;

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HOPE YOU GUYS ENJOYED THE CHAPTER!!! >//////<