"Th-thank you again so much , m-miss!" The man you saved from the oasis in the middle of Raindinners sniffled as the gathered crowd stared, a lady putting her hands on his wet shoulders as she too looked teary. "If it weren't for you...those Bananawani would've surely eaten me! Or worse, I could've drowned! Thank you so much, Miss (Y/N)!"

"Yes," the lady behind him cried, "thank you so much, miss (Y/N)!"

You crinkled your nose.

"Don't call me that." You said, still on the ground and wringing your drenched clothes as water drops fell onto the stone walkway leading up to Raindinners. You took off your hat and shook the drops with a grumble. "Just call me (Y/N). Stuff like 'Miss' makes me sound old or something. Man..." your eyes turned to the dropped meat/veggie kabob you were eating a few feet away. "Hah...you gotta learn how to swim, thank me like that. Although swimming down there was pretty great since I got so hot. Really...and those lizards..."

They didn't do much but you never thought as you dove for the citizen that Crocodile loved animals so much to have an aquarium below the casino. What a weirdo.

Unbeknownst to you as you focused on drying your hat, the crowd had looks of fear and awe in their faces. Your senses twitching but you didn't turn around as you placed your hat back on your head, turning it towards the newcomer that was shadowing you from the dreadful sun.

"S-its Sir Crocodile-sama!"

Oh man. You glanced at the civilians and their hands together with their expressions.

"Ah, Sir Crocodile-sama, s-sorry that we're gathering around here. We were just—"

You're pretty sure having being called sir and sama is just too over the top.

"Sorry, Sir Crocodile-sama. I—I fell into the water and—"

Silver eyes moved towards the crowd, immediately making everyone silence as dull eyes met your cross legged form below him.

"You're drenched."

You rose a brow.

"Nice observation. I have one too," The side of your lips lifted, "the 'Sir' makes you sound old. And having your eyes brows like that isn't doing you any favors."

The crowd turned pale, more stutters occurring and then apologizing out their mouths as they said they didn't mean to insinuate anything about Crocodile but the man just gave a bland reply.

"The wet dog look isn't helping you either." The man's own lips lifted into that mocking grin when your own lips fell, your eyes narrowing. "And the sir is out of respect. Which you clearly lack. But what I want to know is how you made such a mess of yourself already without any help."

Your brows furrowed at his tone at the end.

You can't tell if he meant something else...

Nonetheless, the man you saved spoke for you that he fell and you helped him due to your kindness and blah, blah, blah.

You giving him a dismissive wave when he thanked you once more, you saying once more that he needs to learn how to swim for that not to happen again. You looking back at Crocodile and stating he should add railings in this pathway to avoid this happening again, although you admit that the path is quite wide enough to not risk falling into the water. You turning towards the man's wife you assume and asking bluntly if he's a klutz. The man just bowing with depressed tears coming down his face. Only for it to increase when Crocodile replied impassively that he won't waste money on railings, those who cross the path should know to walk through the middle. You agreeing with a serious nod and affirmation on your lips before adding to the crying man he should not have his wife work so hard.

A hand than came in front of your face, you blinking at it before turning your head up towards the smoking scarred man.

"Let's clean you up, Silver Blood. Lest you make more puddles. Or litter with those precious sticks of yours."

You huffed are the disrespectful way he referred to your favorite delicacy in this country, now weeping and half eaten in the floor and not in your stomach.

"Those kebabs are pretty good ya know, you're just picky!" Nonetheless, your hand moved to grab his only to stop once you saw it was glistening. Crocodile's eyes zeroing in on the action before a brow was slightly raised when you randomly grabbed a woman's garb behind you to dry your hands as the woman shrieked despite you saying this was repayment, you turning back towards the hand and grabbing it. "You should really try it at that stall specifically though,"you lifted yourself up with Crocodile's help as he stared. "That kebab guy has the best ones, Drezol's is the name. He even gives nice discounts..."

You turned towards your hands still connected, before looking at Crocodile expectantly. His pale hand letting you go with the warmth still lingering on your own, as Crocodile moves towards the entrance with you moving beside him with your arms moving to the back of your head. Only for you to make a comment of confusion when they were going to the left side of the building and not the main entrance to the white grand staircase.

"You'll make more of a mess than you already have in my casino," Crocodile stated at your confusion. "The smell of wet carpet with no cleaner will surely have the customers smell something akin to wet fur." Despite your "Oi!", Crocodile continued with a smirk. "You also shouldn't be seen more by much others in your current state. You're dripping."

You frowned as you looked down at yourself and this time missing his tone, despite having your white long sleeved button up and your black tank top as well—you can see a hint of your black bindings peeking through. But it's not much.

"I've had worse. It really isn't that bad." Your arms moved to cross over your chest as they went around some palm trees and neared the side of the building. "I should shower though I guess, it's really hot today so jumping in there was actually a relief. But my poor food..."

As you said this, you lifted your collar slightly exposing more of your collarbone as silver lazily honed with Crocodile humming.

"You need to buy some Alabasta garb and keep it on your person if you wish to continue to come here like you've been doing. Any reason for this time?"

"I was around the area."

"Yes," Crocodile said in a drawl and in a way where you think he didn't believe you. Making you frown as you looked at him, with him glancing at you in the corner of his eye."Of course. Just how you are eager to get wet once more I imagine."

Your brows furrowed deeply.

What's with him continue to point out how soaked you are—your eyes widened as you flushed with the stupid reptile chuckling at your expression.

"WH—WHAT DID YOU S-SAY?! W-WHAT ARE YOU IMPLYING?!"

"So you understood that. I was wondering when you would."

"Why do—you always say weird things, Crocy!" You shouted, your arms tight around your chest as you looked away with a flustered scowl. "You guys are driving me nuts..." you muttered lowly to yourself where Crocodile couldn't hear before the both of you reached the side entrance door with Crocodile opening it and holding it for you.

"Don't call me that. And I don't recall saying something out of hand," Crocodile retorted, all of a sudden feigning obliviousness with a gleam in his eyes. "You stated you were going to shower to help with your current state. Your current state leaving a mess everywhere I'll have to arrange to be cleaned up," You flushed more at the hidden meaning which made his lips widen around his cigar before flattening. "What are you doing just standing there? I'm not going to hold this for you all day."

You tsked at his attitude, as Crocodile put his cigar between his fingers and blew to the side as you entered but not without calling him a sly Crocy and telling him he needs to fix his aquarium. Crocodile narrowing his eyes slightly as he closed the door behind you, him questioning how. With you merely stating that he can't just have his own private aquarium to himself and he should show it off. Crocodile hold on his cigar relaxing along with his shoulders as he put it back between his mouth as the both of you bantered back and forth with insults and quips.

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

After landing in Rainbase in the middle of the night, you discreetly got a room in the small but expensive hotel called Royals that was more in the center of the city. A simple tent like roof over the entrance of the place, but a small chandelier welcomed you in its light when you entered along with the pinewood lobby desk to greet you to check in, a few people here and there walking around due to people feeling extra lucky in the cold hours of the night. Your gray robe thankfully provided a hood so you could cover your infamous marine hat and perhaps even shadow your scar on your left cheek.

You provided the money to the receptionist for one day and told them a different name as a precaution and headed to your room, which held a twin bed, a bathroom, and a bed stand table respectively. You got what you paid for really. You stayed in this hotel once or twice before Crocodile caught wind and offered you the VIP rooms of Raindinners, the casino being able to function as a hotel if one's lucky enough. You found his offer a little odd but he mentioned complimentary food service so you folded easily.

Curse you and your love for food. Especially those (meat/veggie) kebobs that are the cuisine here. You slightly drooled at the thought of those magical sticks before you shook yourself.

The jerk was making sure I didn't see more of his suspicious agents, you thought as you laid down on the bed after stripping into a more comfortable set that can work for you to sleep. But...I don't know...the other stuff doesn't make sense.

Kuroi ten'nosabaki seemed to wink at you with it's silver sheen next to the bed, but you unable to see it due to you checking if you were fine like this. The black bindings on your chest and upper abdomen being the only thing covering it and the underwear shorts that went mid thigh you had under your jean shorts seemed to suffice.

You did not like fully stripping in the first place, but your underwear was still conservative enough just in case people decided it was a good idea to attack you while sleeping. Or just get near you in general.

It has happened before after all. You rather not have your boobs waving about as you attacked in retaliation. The nips saying hello.

You snorted at the thought.

You had Karasu and your marine cap on the bed with you as you snuggled under the covers, feeling the cold desert air and went to sleep after checking the energies once more. Absently thinking the bed isn't as comfy as the ones in Raindinners.

You woke up with sweat in your skin and rumpled sheets, you sighing before gathering yourself and moving to shower within the small bathroom of your room. Allowing the hot water to calm you. You exiting the bathroom after doing your necessary hygiene and putting your clothes along with your gray black lined sleeved robe and checked the time. Seeing it was already mid afternoon.

You must've arrived here later than you thought, you didn't check the time when you checked in.

You blinked at all the energies you were feeling. Moving to look at the window to see marines everywhere only for you to blink once more when you looked down into the alley next to your building and seeing Chopper and Sanji there.

You frowned, your senses hinting to you where everyone else was. All in Raindinners.

He wouldn't.

Your eyes narrowed as your jaw clenched a tad.

Who are you kidding? He would. That stupid bastard is asking for it!

You quickly gathered your supplies from your room and checked out of the place before following the reindeer who wants to save and the cook who wants to creat energies since they moved on from the alley. You used Geppo and Soryu, or in other words Kamisori, to jump onto a roof of a tall casino building—the jockey race one to hide from the marines and what seemed to be Baroque Works Millions.

Billions?

Trillions?

You don't know. Too many numbers.

The real question is if you should try to distract the marines attention from the two Straw Hats. But you know Tashigi can be quite stubborn, both her and Smoker seemed determined to take the Straw Hats and not bother with you. You're way out of their league. It shouldn't stop marines from trying to catch you though...

You know what you're going to do.

You headed towards the front side of Raindinners, landing once you reached it in front of Sanji and Chopper who's eyes widened in surprise.

"Wha, you're here (Y/N)!"

"(Y/N)-chwan~! Your timing is impeccable just like your grace from that jump!"

You smiled at them before noticing the den den Mushi in Sanji's hands.

"Told ya we could meet here. But what's the plan? The others are in trouble right?"

They nodded, Sanji explaining to you the situation that everyone is in Raindinners. Him adding his plan for the Billions and the use of Chopper, you widening your eyes in disbelief and awe when Chopper transformed into what looked like a gorilla. You even exclaiming it with Chopper quickly correcting you it's his human form with you nodding and stating it was a human gorilla than with a serious look and Chopper shouting that it isn't with you laughing and waving at him.

"Ya need me to bring some Billions over here your way than? Or distract the other marines around while you do this?"

Sanji pointed down, you following and blinking at the unconscious body on the ground you didn't notice until now.

"With this, we'll have some of them come over already. The distraction will work and with Chopper, the plan is already in motion. But," Sanji took your hands between his and gave a charming smile, "We would love your help, (Y/N)-chwan~!"

"Ahhh..." You took your hands away from his with a sweatdrop and an awkward smile. "Okay. So marines it is. But be careful Chopper. Make sure you transform fast enough to lose him. But also make sure to run as fast as you can to keep wasting his time, yeah? He deserves it."

Chopper's innocent eyes blinked as he gave a confused noise of acknowledgment as Sanji was crying against the wall that his charms have no effect on you.

You nodding before giving them a wish of good luck and moving around the buildings and trying to gather marines that weren't with Tashigi. While trying to pay attention to the energies you were feeling within Raindinners as well.

You succeeded in gathering some of their attention although with some difficulty since they muttered to themselves they don't have orders to capture you. It was only until you stick your tongue out and told them you didn't think marines were this wishy washy with a criminal nowadays and that the marines really have gone downhill since you left. Them suddenly turning into a rage that was really just funny as you smirked and ran throughout all the alleys of the casinos and small motels, them yelling about getting your hat to stop disrespecting the marine name or something or other with you laughing at them that they have to catch you and paralyze you first before that can ever happen.

Storm likes the immovable rock. A declaration obliges.

Your smirk turned into a grin, thanking Luffy before quickly using Soryu and effectively losing the marines as you got onto a roof and went towards the energies.

You're in so much trouble, Crocy.

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

A child (Y/N) grunted, as your body pushed up and down against the ground to do push-ups. Wanting to get stronger to lift up that big sword that you found in front of you and your mother's house.

Sweat came down your head as you gritted your teeth in agitation, already feeling the strain in your small upper arms.

Perhaps punching the trees again earlier didn't help.

"What are you doing?" Caught off guard, you landed on your face against the ground. Even getting some dirt in your mouth. You immediately spit it out as you lifted up your head to glare at the teen white-haired boy.

"What did it look like, you Smobaka?! Look what you did." You said as you wiped your mouth in disgust, the boy scowled at you.

"Who you calling an idiot, idiot?! I'm not the one with dirt on my face." Smoker observed as your glare deepened. He approached you and held a hand out towards your form. "Come on. That's enough training for one day. You didn't wait for me. Garp said to train together until his next visit." You looked at the offered hand, in silence. Not really seeing a hand to help often. You glanced to the side with a frown.

"...I don't need your help." You muttered, trying to get up on your own only to fail. As you were going to fall back on the ground Smoker caught your arm with a firm grip. You looked at him to repeat what you said only to see his eyebrows more furrowed then normal and have a small frown on his face.

"Idiot. You think I don't know you're strong on your own?" Your eyes widened as he continued with a quiet tone. "Nothing is wrong with accepting help sometimes. So don't think you're weak cause of it. You idiot."

You looked at him in silence as he slowly released your arm, causing to rub it as you appeared in thought.

A teasing smile then appeared on your face.

"Didn't know the bad boy would turn soft on me~." Smoker scowled with a mild flush as he balled his fists.

"You're an idiot!"

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

You sat on top of the roof with slight anger at the Warlord for his actions and what he was planning to do. No one hurts your friends. No one. But you'll deal with that later.

You gazed down as the captain of the Strawhats and Captain Smoker stared at each other evenly. Smoker telling them to leave before the marines get here and he changes his mind. You smiled as you looked at the scene.

Smoker was a true marine. At least to how you saw marines should act.

You jumped towards the two, with Zoro waiting in the background.

Luffy looked at you with wide eyes and a smile.

"(Y/N)! You're back!"

You patted his head, telling him that you did say you would be. Your gaze then moved towards Smoker, who was already looking at you. Over his shoulder you spotted the incoming marines.

"Luffy. Zoro. You guys should hurry along and get out of here. I'll catch up to you guys." You stated as your eyes never left Smoker's form, him doing the same.

Luffy looked between you and Smoker and gave a nod, him giving a wide smile.

"Okay, and thanks Smokey!" The captain and first mate then left the pirate and marine as they stared silently at one another.

"Just because I said that Strawhat could leave, it doesn't mean it applies to you as well." Smoker said as he looked down at you. You let out a small smile, feeling the scar on your left cheek stretch at the action.

"Did it feel weird?" Smoker raised an eyebrow at your question, the marines yelling as they got nearer and nearer to the duo.

"To have someone else rescue you from the ocean?" Smoker widened his eyes as he looked at the nostalgic look on your face .

"You always seemed to somehow fall into it, and I was always by your side to rescue you. You'd always said you were a burden."

"I was. I was a brat back then." He finally spoke to you, his expression softening.

You shook your head.

"You were never a burden to me Smoker. Never. Never have I thought that. But,"you looked at him sadly,"I'm sorry that I was and still am."

The peace when one stares at the moon in silence.

"Stop that." Smoker said with a slightly annoyed but soft tone.

You looked at him oddly.

"Stop looking like that each time I see you. It's not you. You're not a burden. An annoying pirate that doesn't seem to leave me alone, but never a burden. So just get outta here."

You widened your eyes at him and gave a small smile.

"Are you going to arrest me the next time you see me?" You teased.

"What kind of question is that? Of course I am. It's my job as a marine to chase after you."

You gave out a small laugh and looked up at him through your eye lashes as you put a hand up to your cap.

"What do you mean SmoBaka? You've always tried to catch up to me since we were before marines."

You gave a quick and squeezing hug to your old friend, smiling at his warmness. With Smoker hesitantly giving a small squeeze back, his large arms loosely wrapped around your form. You pulled back and held onto your cap as you gave a grin at him.

"Till next time Smokey~!"

And you disappeared, the marines that were coming up before just arriving and beginning to frantically search the Strawhats and the famous Silver Blood. Smoker standing there as he took whiffs of his cigars, a hint of nostalgia and care in his eyes.

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

You looked around the country of Alabasta, you got separated from the Strawhats once again, they probably heading to Aluburna. You were still in Rainbase and from what you've heard from the passing citizens, the rebels are going to fight the Royal Army there.

Dammit. You cursed as you walked the streets of Rainbase, passing the small stands as you went that were more in the corners of the oasis. You miss Drezol's kebabs, the other ones just don't taste the same. But hey, you took a last bite of the meat/veggie kebab you got from another and kept the stick in your mouth to play with as you walked with hands in your pockets, these aren't so bad neither.

You weren't sure if it was perhaps it was a good thing you got separated from the Straw Hats. The last thing you wanted is for them to know that you knew Crocodile, and you've been suspecting him of his actions earlier when you first arrived in this country a few days ago before deciding to leave because of lack of evidence. You should've known that something was clearly off once you first entered his casino during your visits. What kind of Warlord owns a casino?

Croc apparently. You scoffed in your mind.

Crocodile knew about your habit of defeating pirates you didn't like or approve of. Or just anybody really.

Normally, Crocodile would fit in into the category. But you've become slightly fond of the grouchy old lizard throughout the years you've known him but you won't ever say it. You snickered, Crocodile would kill you if he heard you say that out loud.

Or, your eyes darkened, tried to get all frisky with you earlier. He got too close for your liking when he found you by the market and decided to walk with you. It doesn't help that you know what he wants for he always seemed to claim you like a possession when you were around him. It also doesn't help that he almost caused the death of Smoker if it wasn't for the Straw Hats.

You made a noise of annoyance around the stick in your mouth.

You swear, he needs to back off and learn his place. The guy was too arrogant and calm about everything. His head was practically huge too, and says all those weird things...

But, he was also dangerous.

He's not the only dangerous man that you've been acquainted with though.

You facepalm as you thought about a certain annoying pinkie with a love of flamingo's.

The tempest in its destruction.

You felt the sand in the air shift, you immediately put a hand onto your Karasu hilt as you jumped on a roof to a tan building. Your eyes narrowed.

A figure was forming in front of you from sand, and out came Crocodile, his slack look on his face as he looked at you while you looked back with still narrowed eyes and a hand on the hilt of your sword on your hip.

"Crocodile."

"Silver Blood. What are you doing back here?" He spoke around his cigar as he calmly had his arms on his sides. You let go of the hilt of your sword once you realized he wouldn't attack you but you did tap the top of your boot to the floor. "Finally wearing proper Alabasta garb I see. And spit that out before you choke again."

A tick mark grew on your temple as you yelled that you wouldn't and it was just a handful of times and—

A feeling tickled in the back of your throat made your eyes widened as you suddenly turned your head to the ground below you, the stick flying out your mouth and hitting someone in the head and making them fall over but you weren't paying attention. You rubbing the back of your hand to your mouth as you pointedly avoided Crocodile's unimpressed stare before clearing your throat that certainly didn't almost get abused and went back to his earlier question.

"Something has been bothering me once again Crocodile. And I'm not sure if I like on what I'm thinking about what's going on in Alabasta."

He didn't seem quite ruffled by your statement(that's Doflamingo's thing anyways), but his eyes turned dark as he stared at you.

"Are you saying you don't trust my word that I said earlier?" He said annoyed.

You gave him a dry smirk.

"Should I trust a man who doesn't trust anyone around him but himself, Croc?"

You saw his eyebrow give a slight twitch at the nickname, making your smirk widen as you looked at him. A golden hook was in your line of peripheral vision, but you didn't move away from it as it moved your face this way and that. The Warlord drew closer to you carefully as your hand moved towards your sword as you stared at him evenly until he was in front of you. His form towering over you as you looked up at him.

"If you suspect me so much, are you going to do something about it?"

You looked up at him with narrowed eyes, his eyes seeming to scream 'Cocky bastard!'. His hook still moving up and down your face, seeming to tickle and tease you with the soft touches as it even grazed your scarred left cheek. You felt your face twitch from all around your face which you couldn't control, Crocodile smirking in amusement at your expressions as he began to lean in.

"Well? Famous daughter of Silver of the Molten Metal, what are you going to do?"

You looked at him and then gave an amused smirk.

"Nothing!"

The Warlord blinked.

"Excuse me?"

"I'll let other people take care of it. They'll deal with you, Croc-y. You got my message didn't you?"

He leaned back as he tried to search your expression for any doubt.

He found none.

"I hope you're not talking about the Strawhats."

Your smirked widened.

"Yup! What? They give you trouble already?"

The Warlord looked at you and then laughed his odd laugh. You're also surrounded by people who laugh weirdly. You didn't particularly like how he was laughing.

"Those rookie pirates? What could they do? I already handled their captain. You've put too much faith in them."

Your eyes narrowed, you searched with your Haki to locate a certain Strawhat. You internally cursed as you thought back at the sandstorm that was just outside Rainbase. That must've been the battle site. You should've known something was wrong.  You found the happy-go-lucky-captain, but it was small. Very small.

Too small.

But...its there, and it's not fading.

It seems Crocodile underestimated Luffy's resolve and will to live.

"It won't matter. If Luffy can't do it, his Nakama surely will."

You can't make it seem you know Luffy is alive and well. He needs the element of surprise, but you do wish to see the grouchy man's face once he sees Luffy's alive. That's what he gets for hurting Smoker, but this isn't your fight. It's the Straw Hats.

The man's lips turned to a frown as he leaned by your ear.

"You're being too naive for my liking Silver Blood (Y/N). I suggest for you to stop before I lose my patience." He rumbled, his breath fanning your ear. "That other part of your message too, you forget that dreams mean nothing to me."

He's threatening you.

But he's also acting like an idiot again.

You felt a tick mark on your temple as you clenched your teeth. The hell is this guy talking about?! His patience? Like you care. You're the one that's angry though. And not just cause Crocy can actually be pretty stupid.

You hated that word.

Naïve.

You're no such thing, perhaps back then, but not now. His stupid plaid vest is making his lizard brain small.

"I'm not naive Crocodile. So don't call me that." You growled out with a glare. "And I think you're lying about that."

He rose an eyebrow, amused.

"Did I strike a nerve? Wasn't aware you saw me as one with ideals like yours."

You used Geppo to get away from him and land a few feet in front of him, a glare still on your face as Crocodile looked on in amusement.

"I was a marine before I became a pirate. Remember that. I've seen what both sides can do with my own eyes, and I've been both myself. So don't call me naive. I know how the world works. I. Just. Don't. Care."

Crocodile just looked at you blankly at your little monologue. When he didn't say anything, you gave him a warning.

"And you should know Croc-y, I wouldn't have forgiven you for what you almost accomplished within your casino. An old friend of mine was there." You stated, your eyes dangerously narrowed behind your Marine cap as Crocodile raised an eyebrow.

An old friend...White Hunter? Crocodile thought with a puff of smoke from his cigar.

"Also," you continued, "Don't underestimate the Straw Hats cause whatever is coming for you...it'll be delivered by them. And maybe with this..." You used Soryu before you were able to see Crocodile snap his cigar in half between his teeth.

Maybe with this, your tempest can go back to sea.

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

You arrived in Aluburna already with the smell of gunpowder and the cries of swords against each other.

You made quick use of Mando the red Great Sandora Lizard on the other side of Alabasta after leaving Rainbase, but you had to swim the rest of the way. Thankfully the beasts in the river were wise enough to not bother you again and you had to run the rest of the way as fast as you could. You leaping and scaling the walls of Aluburna to enter the beautiful city with its white stone buildings and palm trees flowing in the wind.  Only for the sounds of war and some buildings and houses looking worse for wear.

You were now running through the streets and analyzing the situation when you spotted three figures running.

"Oi!" They turned towards you as you caught up to them, Chopper calling your name in surprise!

"W-we were wondering where you went (Y/N)!"

"A-ah! (Y/—(Y/N)!" Usopp called from his heavily bandaged form atop the camel besides them making you question in concern as he blinked in surprise. "Eh? This? T-this is just my efforts of fighting two agents all by myself!"

Chopper raised a hoof, a tick in his face.

"EH?! I helped too, Usopp!"

"(Y/N)-chwan~!" Sanji called to you, his legs looking like they were swirling as he ran next to you. "Your concern for everyone is so kind! I fought too! Look at my injuries and how hard I worked!"

"Oh." You said, a smile on your face with a sweatdrop before laughing. "You guys really are pretty funny. But what's happening now?"

They have you the rundown of the agents they took out and they were planning on continuing the route to the main plaza in front of the palace. Usopp stating the agents they fought said something stupid like saying Luffy lost and Chopper even looking concerned despite Sanji's words to them.

"Ehhhh, what am I hearing? You guys don't believe in your captain?" The reindeer and long nose looked at you with Sanji continuing to stare straight ahead as they ran along with you. "You think he's going to be the King of Pirates right?"

"Ye-yes!"

"Of-of course! That idiot...he's fine!"

You smirked at their words, satisfied. You can spot Sanji giving his own smile as he looked ahead. You than noticed some areas in between buildings where first aid seemed to be given as well as noticing others trying to recover unconscious bodies to said areas. Taking note that some civilians are still trying to escape still. And who knows how many more are stuck in their homes.

You turned towards them.

"Guys, you guys go on ahead. I need to help save lives over here." Your senses tickled as you motioned your head towards the palace, then moving their heads to that direction. "You guys have to go that way. If you guys keep going straight and make a right after passing two blocks, it'll take you straight towards where you need to go. After I do what I can here, I'll meet you guys later, yeah?" You threw them a wry grin their way. "Ya guys have Vivi-Hime depending on ya!"

"Yes, (Y/N)! I-I would help with the injured here too but..." Chopper shook his head and had a small tired smile in his cute face. "We have to help!"

"(Y/N)-chwan your words of inspiration can make my heart skip a beat!" Sanji than threw a thumbs up at you, his cigarette smoke curling along with the cook's smile. "Don't worry, we'll see you!"

"Y-yeah!" Usopp exclaimed as he sat up more on the camel, new vigor in his eyes as he did so and clenched his bandages hand that looked more like a volleyball than a hand due to how bandaged up he is. "Y-you know you don't seem that scary anymore—EH?! SHE DISAPPEARED?!"

You heard Usopp exclaim when you used Soryu, laughing to yourself that he must've heard as he heard him shriek along with Chopper.

"AHHH?! A GHOST?!"

"I TAKE BACK WHAT I SAID!"

"Why am I stuck with you two again?"

You shook your head as you turned towards the soldiers and civilians as the Straw Hats ran to where you guided them. Them quickly accepting your help as they gave you little supplies they have as the unconscious bodies laid on the floor with blankets below them. Minor to severe injuries, but still able to be fixed with. You've injured yourself countless times from fights as well as training, especially when you trained under Mihawk back in his island. Although you did injure yourself a lot as well when you attempted to cook during your stay. The looks he would give you...

You shook yourself once more with a small smile, moving to another area where there were injured by dashing closer to the plaza where the battle was occurring as the people behind you shouted their thanks. Your senses continue to itch at you with everything going on. Even just the citizens, soldiers and rebels energies seeming to shout towards you.

Desperation. Hope. Save the country!

And those weren't the only ones.

Protect the country's blood.

Vivi.

The storm won't stop.

Luffy.

A nick to the sword.

Tashigi.

Calm anger.

And...

Words meant to be read.

Your mouth twisted, feeling their locations. You huffing and stopping from your dashing through the streets, seeing others with injuries and them blinking at you as you suddenly appeared to help. Being resistant at first but stating that they're wasting time by talking instead of saving. You moving to help someone with their broken arm as you thought seriously. You...gotta do more than this. The Straw Hats should accomplish this, but the others around need help too.

After finishing the bandage on the rebel's arm, you stood and used Soryu after a hasty goodbye and warning they should leave a little more down to be safe from any stray gunshots. Getting atop the roofs of the building and heading towards the one who feels as if their ideals shattered.

You spotted the navy haired woman upon the ground, calling her name in concern as she lifted herself up and put her glasses on as wide eyes turned towards you.

"Ah...Silver Blood (Y/N)?" You landed upon the ground as you assessed her, seeing despite her wounds—she's relatively unharmed. You moved to lift her up with your arm around her shoulder as Tashigi stared in anguished confusion as you looked at her in concern. "What...why? Is this...I never understood when you came to us on purpose. I think I know your feelings but they're so....We're supposed to...why...pirates are...is this what Smoker-san meant...?"

You stared at her from the corner of your eye as you held her, her expression scrunched as her eyes shone with tears going down.

"I told you back than not everything is black and white, remember?" Tashigi started in your arms, lifting her head slightly for her eyes to turn towards your face—your lips slightly quirked into a semblance of a smile. "Why I left. Why this is happening...why the Straw Hats are helping. I don't know what that Smobaka said but...he can sometimes say some wise things." Your lips lifted more into a genuine smile as you turned back ahead in front, Tashigi's eyes wide in realization as she looked at the side of your face as you made a move for them to move. "Now, let's go! We got people to save Tashigi, I can't show off Karasu to you with me lugging you everywhere like this."

Tashigi continued to gape at you, earth orbs shaking. (Y/N)... Tashigi straightened, you looking and muttering in concern but Tashigi waved you off, fixing her glasses and having a glint in her eyes that made you smirk.

"We have to hurry and evacuate others," Tashigi stated in between panted breaths, moving to put a hand to the wall to steady herself. "There's a bomb about to hit in—" she moved to check her watch, her breath hitching, "In four minutes!"

"A bomb?" You repeated before shaking your head. That crew can do it, this is how you can help. Instead looking at Tashigi sternly. "I've done my best before I got here but let's keep doing this than!"

Tashigi gave a a strong affirming yes, pushing herself off the wall and doing a light jog that surely made her injuries cry out as you kept her pace before moving on ahead to see the stragglers you can find. You pointing others you've passed to Tashigi as she nodded and quickly calmed any citizens that are stuck in the middle and with your guidance on where to go—moved them. Soon enough, you turned towards a crowd of marine soldiers came to the both of you as Tashigi calling out to them as they stared at you in surprise.

"Eh?! It's Silver Blood again!" A marine called while holding his rifle.

"What are you doing to our sergeant?!" Another one shouted, taking aim as you looked at them blankly.

"Sergeant, are you okay?" An additional one called as he turned towards as Tashigi tried to calm them down. "Silver Blood, you really like messing with our Sergeant and Captain!"

"You guys sure like pointing first and not asking questions later, huh?" You said as you pushed a gun muzzle out of your face casually as they blinked at you as you rose a brow. "You guys don't knock before you come in either? You'll get flashed like that, ya know. Or a foot to your face. Or a scream that will make your ears ring. Or learning a life altering secret. But mostly you might just get flashed."

"YOU SAID TOO MANY EXAMPLES!" The marines yelled with their hands out and ticks in their faces.

"Ah," You scratched your left scarred cheek, looking up in thought and remembrance with a small awkward smile. "I'm bad at knocking when angry."

"YOU HAVE NO ROOM TO TALK!" They shouted in unison.

"Everyone, calm down," Tashigi stated sternly with her soft voice. "Listen, we are going to help the people in the battle get away who aren't fighting. We need to support the Straw Hats as well! There's a bomb and we need to stop it or else everyone in this plaza will die! This is an order!"

The marines lowered their weapons in confusion, you looking at Tashigi with prideful eyes as you put a hand to her shoulder and gave her your compliment that she's becoming a true leader with Tashigi slightly flushing and muttering an excited really before straightening by fixing her glasses with her eyes to the side. When the marines looked they would question her, you turned your eyes towards them with a smirk—saying in a cold tone if they will question their superior in front of an enemy like you and they quickly stopped and saluted after that. You informed Tashigi that for some reason you sensed Zoro away from the group, remembering how he somehow got lost in the Merry before and may have directional problems, and to guide him back to the main plaza. With you helping. Tashigi gave you a nod and told a handful of soldiers to follow you to help Zoro. That they must protect as many lives as they can at all costs.

"Yes, Sergeant!" They all echoed with a firm salute this time before following you after you told them to do so. Heading towards the west of Aluburna until you spotted a head that looked like a leaf due to the hair color, who looked lost and confused somehow even though the smoke should be seen in an obvious direction.

"Oi! Zoro!" You called, Zoro turning to you only to widen his eyes at the marines around you. His hands on his two swords tightening.

"What-?! How'd you bring marines over here?!"

"Roronoa Zoro!" A marine called while pointing to the direction of the plaza. "You lost or what?"

"Yeah, how did you end up over here? The plaza was that way!"

Zoro's face just formed into more of a confused flustered scowl as the marines went on, them asking him sincerely if he's stupid which made you chuckle.

"They may have a point, Zoro." You said lightly, approaching him despite his swords being out as you threw him a grin. "You have to go to the plaza. You've been going the wrong direction, can't you see the smoke?" You asked while pointing a finger to the north as Zoro gritted his teeth.

"I'm obviously going towards the smoke! I was just heading that way before you guys stopped me!"

"Pfft, yeah okay," You said.

"That seems doubtful." A marine added.

"Yeah, you're not going the right way at all, pirate."

"Are pirates brain dead?"

You laughed as Zoro's expression morphed into an angry scowl filled with teeth and ticks.

"OI!"

"Come on, Zoro!" You placed a hand to his shoulder, in an attempt to calm him as you still had your lips lifted. "We have to hurry, there's a time limit. Just follow!" You moved in front of him in a light jog. Zoro behind you making a tsk and a low mutter about you being a weirdo but nonetheless following you but kept his tense form as the marines behind him followed suit before they split off. Them telling the both of you to not do anything "funny", which made your lips quirk again with Zoro just grunting but your attention was grabbed when you felt the need of a storm to protect and a reckoning to be had. And...the desperate need to read yet acceptance of the setting sun.

It made you turn your head towards the direction, Zoro taking note of it as he glanced at you as the both of you ran.

"What?"

"...weird," Is all you said, feeling the different sorts of anger but they both just seemed to blend together with ideals that are different yet... and that energy you've been feeling since four years ago...it felt more sad if that was even possible. You turned your head to meet Zoro's questioning stare. "You just have to keep going ahead like this, this will be north. I have to check something. Just make sure your shadow stays to the right of you and you'll going the right way." Zoro looked to see what you were talking about, frowning in thought.

"What?" He repeated again, brows furrowed  as he turned back towards you only to see empty air. He scowled. "OI! YOU CANT JUST KEEP DOING THAT!"

You ran along the rooftops after using Soryu, you grinning mischievously at hearing Zoro's indignant yell but he'll be fine. He has a declaration to fulfill.

But seriously... you felt the energies, and you made the connection of the one that always seemed to love and just feel like all that nerdy stuff. Of sadness. Of self-hate.

And it made you connect another missing piece of what that reptile would want if he isn't interested much in money nor royalty.

It just made you think:

What an idiot.

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

You warned him.

You did.

And now look, covered by ancient ruins from his supposed plan of his. You are aware of the existence of Pluton, the weapon that the World Government wants to keep under wraps by having Poneglyph reading illegal. Who didn't know? Whether you were a marine or not, everybody knew the lengths the World Government went with the island of Ohana. As well as the Void Century of when and how the World Government came to power. The weapon that could destroy islands. What Crocodile wanted. You didn't think he would be able to achieve it, not without one integral piece to read it.

The one woman who others state was a villain as a child. Who was the same age as you when you got lucky at not being alone anymore but she was.

Nico Robin.

No wonder her energy felt like that. A mix of wistfulness, a heavy heart and yet a need to learn.

All of this made you want to scowl in annoyance and irritation.

But look at you, trying to get the ruins off of him so he can breathe a little easier from his fight with Luffy. You managing to get lucky that the Straw Hats left the area of the temple ruins, and that the large reptile landed a bit away from the temple too. The storm gave a lot of damage to the warlord. But here you are, trying to help the arrogant man for a reason you can't possibly search for or understand. It wasn't the first time this has happened.

You were like this with him too.

You clenched your teeth as you lifted up the last rock off of him, and took his arm around your shoulders to move him a little bit aways from the fallen Royal Ruins. The Poneglyph now unreachable, hidden beneath the rocks.

The sea calls.

"Silver Blood." You glanced at Crocodile who looked tiredly at you, his voice scratchy. You made a noise in the back of your throat in acknowledgement as you began to put him back on the ground. He growled but you ignored him, there was nothing he could do anyways. Once he was down on the ground, you leaned back on your heels as you squatted on the floor. Kuroi ten'nosabaki glinting in the sun in silence as Karasu's usually thrumming was also quiet.

"I told you Crocy. You should've listened for once. Or just not have done this all together." You said, looking at him with no emotion in your eyes. Crocodile scowled and looked away from your face. "Mah...well, I won't repeat myself about these ambitions of yours instead of dreams. I don't really like being a broken record and I know you don't wanna hear one either. Makes the meaning lessen. But...I know you get it either way."

"When I die I'll still live."

"You're speaking like a fool."

"Tch, and you're speaking like someone with no ambition. When I achieve my dream, people will remember. They'll know of the strongest woman in the world and some history book in the future will have my name right there! They can't and will not forget even when I die, cause I'll make sure everyone will remember it even in death! Don't you wanna be in history, Crocs?"

Crocodile didn't turn at your words, his half lidded eyes instead closing a tad more.

"Tch...the marines are at fault as well," you clenched your fists as you glared at the ground,"they haven't been paying much attention to you the last few years. They hardly pay attention to anything really." You muttered out. Crocodile glanced at you, seeing the hate in your eyes. A look that was bone chilling and could possibly freeze anyone who saw it.

It suited those dark eyes of yours.

But, at the same time, it didn't.

"Why?" He asked, bringing you out of your state as you looked at him with blinking eyes. You then looked at him evenly, and said with a shrug.

"I don't really know," you began slowly, "I tend to save people I claim to dislike. It seems to have become a habit. It doesn't mean I'm not going to let the marines have you. That's a little too much."

He looked at you and chuckled, his eyes seeming to hold less edge to them.

The wind stirred.

"You really are naive aren't you?"

You flushed in embarrassment, as well as confusion at his soft look and your blood seeming to thrum at his energy. Clearly caught off guard by the sand man.

"W-what?! I told you not to call me that!"

He smirked.

"Make sure when I'm wherever the marines leave me at, that those other idiots don't come for you. You're mine to taint."

Your eyes widened. A small tick mark then formed on your forehead.

"Excuse me?!" You yelled. You then blinked your eyes as you processed his sentence fully.

"Wait, what idiots?"

The Warlord sighed, closing his eyes.
"Oblivious as well..." Crocodile muttered out tiredly.

When he didn't seem to open his eyes once again, you decided to leave him finally. You glancing only once behind you before you disappeared.

.

.

.

Edited 03/14/21

Combined the previous chapters of Nostalgia, Mr. 0, and Naive and of course again added some scenes.

I really like Crocodile and Silver Blood's relationship(who am I kidding, I love all the men's relationship with SB and how they grew) so I wanted to give hints just how someone as high spirited and loud and totally not graceful like SB can manage to snag Croc's attention.

And that's without the obvious first meeting of course ;D

Hope you guys enjoy! I'm really liking all the little flashback scenes and flashback words~ Hope you guys did too! Thank you!

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**Kuroi ten'nosabaki🗡🎇 💀(Black Heaven's Judgement): your black sword with a sheen of silver buster sword that's carrie son your back. Think of it like Cloud's sword from Final Fantasy or Zabuza's sword from Naruto.

(Your sword is a mix of Cloud's and Zabuza's, there is no hole in your sword, but there IS a half moon cut in it. But the half moon cut near the top of the sword.)

**Karasu(Raven): your noticeably smaller and total black sword that is on your hip. You can imagine whatever sword you want, but perhaps the Chokuto sword will fit. Like Sasuke's sword from Naruto Shippuden.

**Tekkai: Iron Body. Defense technique taught by the marines where your body turns hard like iron.

**Soryu: Shave. Where you can move in an instant flash in a burst of high speed. Taught and learned normally by marines.

**Geppo: Moon Walk. A move where it appears you're jumping in midair, when it's just the strength of your legs moving quickly and touching the ground that keeps you upright. You often used this when you're on your small boat so you can go faster on sea. Taught and learned normally by marines.

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**FANART CORNER BECAUSE I HAVE TOO MUCH AND WANT TO SHARE ALL**

For the Discord, you can see the names atop. This is the only way I can keep track who gave me which fanart. I'm bad at organizing 💀

@Mel_Lunar

@Ray

@Gyno

@Rad

@Lucci

@Teabag

@Dragonato_Chan

@DarkRiderGirl

@Jo_he3 / @Rose_Tran / @Jo3_he3

You got too many names gurl, I get confused 💀