You had an elbow to Tilestone's back, hand around his twisted wrist, your lips lifted.

"You did good, but not strong enough, big guy." You stated, getting off him as Tilestone loudly grumbled as he stood that you were truly impressive and making your lips widen into a proud smirk. "I gotta be! What I want isn't something easy to get but thanks, Tilestone." You turned towards the other foremen who stared with wide eyes, some nervously sweating and pale. "Who wants to try next?"

"I-I'm good!"

"Maybe we should head back to finishing the galleon, right?"

"Th-that sounds like a good idea! It's almost half finished!"

The other foremen slowly started to leave.

"OI!" Tilestone shouted, crossing his arms and bearded face deep. "WHO TAUGHT YOU TO BE COWARDS?! WE'RE THE SHIPWRIGHTS OF WATER 7! NOW CHALLENGE (Y/N)!"

"But," one of them stated, sweatdropping, "H-how could we possibly compare to you and Lulu...?! (Y/N) beat you guys!"

"WHO CARES?!" The others flinched back at Tilestone's roaring voice, some of it creating a sonic wave and making the foremen's hair fly back as they blinked and got a hair blowout. You tilting you head with a hand to your chin. Not the best hairstyle. "I CLEARLY HAVE BEEN OUTMATCHED...I—" his voice wavered, his eyes suddenly shadowing as he kneeled down. "MY PEDESTAL OF BEING THE MOST BUFF HAS BEEN TAKEN! SOMEONE NEEDS TO COME IN TO BE MY STAND IN!"

"Err," you interrupted, finger up, "I don't think I was doing this for a title—"

"TAKEN!" Tilestone shouted, tears in his eyes and you scratching your head as he went on to punching the floor as the foremen looked around, at a loss.

You wanted some excitement during one of their breaks of building a few days after the bar night, the others seeming to calm down although Lucci has been acting more close and less distant to you for some reason. Hattori even going to your shoulder to the other shipwrights shock. Kaku has been acting odd too...pulling back when you put an arm around his shoulder. At least Paulie still acts the same with his reactions when you're hot or when you jump on him just cause.

"Paulie~!" You jumped from behind as you wrapped your arms around his torso, feeling him immediately stiffen. You quickly let go and went to his front, seeing his face red.

"W-woman! The hell's w-wrong with you?! " He stuttered out, while you just laughed at his expression.

"D-don't laugh at me! Stop doing this!"

He was too funny. He even told you to button your shirt one day when it was very hot, and you only unbuttoned three and you had a tank top underneath but it seemed it was still too scandalous for Paulie when you were working.

"You're distracting with t-that!" Paulie pointed at your white dress shirt, you rolling your eyes with a laugh and continued your business, not really bothered by his statements. You did button at least one, just so he could perhaps calm down. He didn't though.

"(Y/N)!" Paulie yelled once again as he came over towards you. "I thought I told you to button them!"

You only rose an eyebrow at him.

"Maybe it's better I just take my whole shirt off then." You teased with a smirk. The blond man quickly shut his mouth, nearly breaking his cigar with a little blood trickling from his nose as he walked away.

In order to make some excitement, you decided it to be a good idea to challenge the Galley-La men to a nice friendly fight. You not using your swords or any special moves really, just your body. Kaku looking mildly concerned when you made the announcement and saying that may still not be fair quietly to you with you waving him off that this is just for fun, despite his words and doubt you could tell he was curious. Paulie and Lucci away when you made the announcement, you think to Iceburg or to a customer.

Lulu went first, using his saws that you dodged with your body and head with each swing before you ended the fight by catching the saws with two hands. Lulu accepting and going back to watch frok the sidelines dutifully after you said that was fun and you haven't really seen people use building saws for weapons before. After fixing his bad hair of course. It just went to his mustache though.

Tilestone was eager, using his hammer and shouting all the while before you put him down.

"You are impressive, (Y/N)-san," Kaku said with a smile before walking towards you until he stood in front of you, hands in his hips. "I want to try."

You blinked before grinning.

"Sure! You can start whenever you're ready."

Kaku hummed before pointing to where you left Kuroi ten'nosabaki and Karasu to the side against stacks of wood.

"Can you pick your buster sword up? We should make it fair." When you tilted your head and said it is fair for you to not use weapons, Kaku's smile turned knowing as they quirked further. "Not for you, (Y/N)-san. For me. Your weapon is one of the heaviest out there when it comes to the famed ones. You being the wielder got used to the weight, but without that extra few kilograms holding you back...you're faster."

Smart Kaku.

You grinned sharply in response.

The other foremen's eyes widened as they muttered between themselves that it was true and they didn't realize sooner. You did show off your buster sword the other day.

"Pfft! Saw through that, huh? My bad!" You grabbed the gleaming Kuroi ten'nosabaki and placed it back on your back, tilted due to its great height compared to yours and leaving the glinting hungry Karasu. Karasu was lighter and won't have any effect on you at all. "Having Kuroi ten'nosabaki on me barely, if at all, affects me when I carry him but I notice I'm quicker without him. When I'm not using him and it's on my back though...I can't really move as natural. But ya know that too."

"Hai, Hai (Y/N)-san." Kaku simply stated with a serious smile before putting a hand to a chisel. The foremen awwing and cheering for their 'Mountain Wind', making Kaku scratch his nose sheepishly with a laugh. "Come on everyone, it's not a big deal! It's a natural conclusion to come to."

"Oi," the foremen said, flapping their hands in a deadpan including the loud Tilestone and straight faced Lulu. "Don't be so honest in calling us stupid."

Kaku blinked, turning towards them. "Oh, did I say that? Sorry!"

"So honest!" They yelled.

He turned back towards you, cap slightly shadowing his eyes.

"You ready, (Y/N)-san?"

"Ready!"

You ducked, a sound of a chisel being embedded to the wood behind you. You dodging to the side once more as your eyes narrowed at Kaku. Chisels in both hands, between each knuckle. More being hurled at you as you quickly side stepped and dodged each one along with kicks towards you.

He hurled two more towards you, you darted to the side into a jump kick. Kaku dodging, chisel in hand and going towards your shin. You twisted your body in midair, hand going atop Kaku's head and lifting yourself up atop him—your blouse slightly lowering and showing off your stomach due to the move.

Kaku's head lowered due to your weight as he grunted, before using his softened use of Geppo during his time here. Making you land in a back flip, before moving your head once more only to feel slight air to your arm.

You blinked, turning towards your arm to see your blouse got the tiniest nick before grinning at Kaku proudly.

"You got my blouse! Pretty good to throw when I'm trying to land! Pretty great actually, Kaku!" Kaku smiled, his cheeks looking a little red due to the exertion of trying to nail you. Your grin than turning more into a show of teeth as you smirked. "Not enough though."

Kaku blinked and you were in front of him, hand pushing against his chest with the other to his wrist. Chisels fallen and you were straddling over him with your lips quirked, (e/c) twinkling meeting wide walnut as you kept his wrist above his head. Your knee pressed against his other arm as he swallowed at his close your face was.

"Listen up everyone, we got a new customer for a brig to fix the main mast—WHAT IS THAT CRAZY WOMAN DOING?!"

You and Kaku turned your heads to see Paulie was back with Lucci, Iceburg, and Kalifa in tow. Paulie appearing red faced and blond hair mussed from he was staring at, you think he was saying other stuff but it sounded like gibberish as his voice cracked. Lucci's gaze honed in on your straddling position to your bewildered expression trying to understand the prudish foremen before glancing away in disinterest, hands in his pockets with his thumbs out. Kaku noticed the dismissal, eyes slightly narrowed in realization.

Lucci isn't threatened at all. And (Y/N), Kaku looked at your turned away face saying to Paulie calmly you don't understand the language he's speaking. Tilestone quickly explaining that they are just accepting and meeting your challenge as to keep the honor of the Galley La, which isn't true since this was for fun and said keeping honor was clearly not working either. Paulie calming down at that although still reprimanding you that you're being indecent just staying there with you over him and hands on him as you explained it was just a hold. You're completely unaffected...hah...is this how Lucci feels? She must still see me as a kid.

After Kaku tapped the hand around his wrist twice, you got off him and turned towards Iceburg with a raised brow who had a lawn chair instead of a lounge chair out today. Kaku sneaking a glance at Lucci, their eyes meeting only for Lucci to turn away again as Kaku frowned.

"Did you cancel some events again?" You asked the mayor, who was too busy gazing at the clouds.

"I cleared my schedule today," Iceburg answered easily, looking way too content and not at all responsible like a mayor should be. The city should be doomed. "It's too fine a day today, look at the clouds." You looked up at the cloudy sky, some looking gray and the sun being hidden. You looked back at him with a doubtful expression. "Also Kalifa can help me keep in schedule."

Kalifa fixed her glasses needlessly on her nose, the glass flashing as she gazed at her clipboard.

"We are two days behind schedule."

"Better than three!" Iceburg said easily.

"You're a bad mayor," you repeatedly bluntly from before. You lifting your arm to block the kick you expected, steady (e/c) eyes under your cap meeting Kalifa's with your lips lifted. "Wanna accept the challenge too? I might take this as us starting."

"Oooo!" A foreman called excitedly. "A match between our beautiful secretary and (Y/N)!"

"Cat fight!" Another whooped.

You distantly think Lucci would take offense to that phrase.

"Shut up, you idiots!" Paulie yelled at the group, eyes than turning towards you and Kalifa before flushing. "Kalifa! Damn it, put your leg down—your skirt raises up like that!"

"EVEN PAULIE IS EXCITED FOR THIS VENTURE!" Tilestone exclaimed with his bulky arms up and flexing at his sides for some reason. "YOUR FACE FLUSHED SHOWS IT!"

Paulie twirled around towards Tilestone, fist up.

"S-shut up, Tilestone!"

"Now, now," Kaku said through a calm smile, hands in a placating motion between the two. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves." Despite that, his eyes took in the sight of your calm form with Kalifa's brows drawn together as they kept their position. Kaku looking down and scratching his square long nose.

"We need to get back to work, Coo~! ," Hattori stated through Lucci, him glancing at the two of you. A dash of interest in his eyes before he turned away, already knowing the outcome.

Kalifa released a small huff, putting her leg down only to appear at the whooping foremen now bruised foremen after a barrage of kicks before going back to Iceburg's side.

"You staring like that is sexual harassment."

"S-Sorry, Kalifa!" The foremen apologized through their injured faces.

"I got hit too," Iceburg pointed out on his lawn chair, welt to his cheek and causing him to sound muffled. "I wasn't even staring at you."

"You abuse your power, but you get abused too." You pointed out with a chuckle before turning towards Paulie and pointed at him as he knitted his brows. "Your turn! Try to hit me!"

"What?" Paulie tsked, turning away and crossing his arms as he turned his head away. "Why would I bother doing that?"

"Tilestone said something about honor, but it's for fun! Come on!" You pushed with a grin but Paulie was not budging as he slightly scowled around his cigar.

"Our pride as foremen isn't the reason you're doing this so let's just get back to work." Paulie moved to go past you as your grin faltered. He's being boring for some reason right now, what's up with him? You have your blouse on. "We have to finish this galleon as well so we have to split up between this and the new brig."

"Don't tell me you're scared." You taunted, having Paulie glance at you as you kept going with your hands to your hip and a smirk. "You fight with ropes, yeah? Concerned you might see them tear cause of me?"

Paulie scoffed, lips twitching in amusement.

"Don't be ridiculous. Our ropes are famous for being able to hold on to any weight—no matter how heavy. You're not going to tear them and since you're not using your swords—no cutting either."

"Sounds like you think you can beat me," you poked at him again. You know he probably doesn't, he probably knows you can take him easily but this is meant to be fun instead of serious! Besides, based on how everyone enjoyed the fights and looking the most relaxed they have in days—they're enjoying it as well. "Think your precious rope can hold me down?"

Dark eyes zoomed towards you at your challenging words as Paulie slightly flushed, muttering "Shameless". Kalifa wishes she had a cocktail right now, but instead she's covering her exasperated face behind her clipboard as Kaku stared at you with round eyes. Everyone else looking pointedly away at the sky or the ground.

You're oblivious.

You noticed Paulie making one of his funny faces again but you didn't say anything or do anything besides making fun of his ropes—

Wait...

...

Ropes...

...

Tying.

...

Steam came out from the top of your head as you flushed.

"I-I wasn't talking a-about that!"

"You just noticed?!" The foremen and Paulie shouted.

"PERVERTS!"

"You said it, not me!" Paulie sharply retorted, but you did not let up and saying he has to challenge you now for thinking something so perverted even though he's a prude. "I-I'm—I'M NO PRUDE, CRAZY WOMAN! And for the last time, no—"

"I'll go to the casino with you and give you my winnings."

Paulie brandished his rope in his hands, the air around him sparkling.

"What are you waiting for than?!"

"You're too easy, Paulie." Lulu, Tilestone, Iceburg and the other foremen stated flatly.

"Coo! How like you to take advantage in a game of fun, Paulie." Lucci remarked through Hattori and Paulie bit back saying you're the one who suggested it. Which you did, you're just staring at Lucci dully. Him saying that and acting like he's innocent from the same thing is mind boggling. "Poor Miss (Y/N) doesn't know what she just agreed to. Is that a habit?"

At the falsely innocent tone, you gritted your teeth as you looked to the side to meet Lucci's eyes.

"Don't call me Miss." Was all you said before you faced back forward towards the ready Paulie, his ropes in his hands. You made a motion for him to come at you and added to not hold back, you can handle it. It was only a millisecond later a rope met your wrist, you glancing at the hand to your hip with the encircled rope only for you to next bed sharply tugged. Suddenly you were in the air, rope tight on your wrist until you felt a pull to the ground. The ground almost meeting your face if you didn't place your free hand upon it. You peered over—eyes slightly shadowed under your cap and your blouse ridden up, your (skin tone) stomach being shown—to see Paulie's hands tight around his ropes, still in position of how he threw you forward and brows together in determination. Your eyes gleamed around your grin. "Gotta do better than that, Paulie~."

You pulled your encased wrist harshly, noticing the strength only for Paulie to wring back the rope to his sleeves. Catching on what you were trying to do.

Can't pull him around with his own rope, but he can't do much to me besides pull me around. Although it's impressive he can handle Kuroi ten'nosabaki's weight...

You pushed your hand against the ground, doing an experimental kick towards him to see what he's going to do. You've been going easy on everyone, like you said, it's just for fun.

Paulie sidestepped, darting before thrusting out two ropes from his sleeves.

"Rope Action!" He called as the ropes went above you as you landed on the ground, glancing at it questionably before you looked at Paulie who still had a look of concentration. "Top Knot!"

The ropes squeezed your arms and than just as suddenly got yanked—your gaze blurring as you spun speedily. Are you hallucinating, or are there three Hattori's over your head? You didn't focus on it cause you were too busy laughing, your stomach ticklish as you stopped spinning.

You turned towards two bewildered Paulie's, eyes swirly with a dopey grin.

"Again! Do that again! Hurk—" you stopped, hand to your mouth. "Ah...maybe not again...but I can handle one more I think. Do it faster though!"

Paulie blinked at you dumbly.

"You shouldn't even be standing."

"(Y/N)-san seems to be having fun," Kaku pointed out in mild amusement, watching as you slight stumbled and drew closer to a confused Paulie with your hands together for him to do that move again but more power. Kaku couldn't help but release a small laugh behind a fist at your dizzy expression. "Might as well humor her, Paulie!"

Lucci felt his eyes go skyward in a mimicry of rolling his eyes at your childish behavior. Hattori cooing from his shoulder, wings shaking as you practically begged the rope man. You're not taking this serious in the slightest. Just like he predicted although your taunts were unexpected...despite himself, his dark eyes turned back towards you—spotting your wide grin at the rope man.

Tanned hands in pockets twitched.

"Don't make fun of me!" Paulie shouted, making you blink, your eyes clearing at his words with his ropes in both hands as his eyes were narrowed at you. "Take this seriously or you're just going to hold back the whole time?"

"I'm not making fun of you," you said slowly, seriously, before your eyes brightened as you pointed at his ropes. "Your ropes are pretty cool!" Paulie's eyes rounding at the compliment matched with your sincere expression, "How do you fit so much in your sleeves anyways? They seem pretty endless from what I've seen when you use them for work. And they're so long! Say," you paused, hand to your chin in mock thought. "...you have to stuff them in your pants too, right? That must be...uncomfortable."

Paulie flushed.

"Y-You're shameless!"

"Ah," you put a fist to your hand. "I'm right!"

"THAT IS NOT HOW IT WORKS!"

"You got caught, Paulie," Iceburg teased from his lawn chair, Paulie whipping towards the mayor—teeth sharp.

"WHY ARE YOU STILL HERE?!"

"It's a beautiful day—"

"It's cloudy!" Paulie interrupted as you released small chuckles turning into laughter as the other foremen teased Paulie that they now know why he's so uptight, Paulie turning towards them with a red face with ticks as you felt at ease at the love of ships and creations out of nothing. ""IT DOESNT WORK LIKE THAT, YOU FOOLS! And fine," Paulie tightened the hold of his ropes as he turned back towards you as you rose a brow expectantly. "You want to get sick and lose easily for letting me do this, I won't say no!"

You didn't think much of his acquiesce, as you spun even faster and you're sure you're seeing kebabs going around this time as everyone laughed easily at the situation. Completely out of control from the original challenge, but Iceburg noticed something at his very comfortable lawn chair as he sipped a mimosa even as Paulie looked at you oddly as you nearly stumbled multiple times to the floor. As if you were another being entirely, but instead of complaining—Iceburg's eyes looked interested as he stared at his goggled friend's lips who were up. The mayor wonders if he even knows it—how the smoking man stares at you as if he wants to figure you out instead of pushing you away like Paulie always tends to do.

Iceburg has taken note that you have an interesting effect on others, whether it's with Paulie or the other foremen or even with Kalifa. All the rumors Kalifa reported to him in his office when you first came aside, he's also fairly sure not all of them could be true due to your oblivious and surprisingly shy nature despite how you like to tease and mess with Paulie.

Iceburg idly wonders if you enjoy how Paulie reacts and find it funny because you yourself have been a victim of endless teasing and you just happen to choose Paulie as a form of revenge.

Poor Paulie.

You probably aren't even fully aware of why Paulie gets frazzled so much when you jump on him.

Kaku's reactions are quite interesting too, Iceburg idly noted as he turned his observant gaze towards Kaku. The long nosed man seeming to want to hide his laughter and smile at your antics as you and Paulie seemed to continue the fight, even though Paulie told you to wait with you saying through a nauseous groan that no excuses even as you kicked another foremen instead of Paulie due to your turning vision. He was alright though, if his thumbs up under planks of wood was any indication. Kaku is different with you too, but in a way where Iceburg can't tell if the young man wants to be distant from you or get closer. He seems like he wants to, Iceburg wonders what's holding the normally honest young man back.

The most interesting though, Iceburg sneakily peered over towards his right a little ways away near Kaku, only for his brows to rise. The quiet ventriloquist foreman, Lucci, looked as he always did—hands in his pockets with Hattori to his shoulder and his top hat shadowing his eyes. Except, Iceburg thinks he can actually spot something in the quiet man's focused gaze towards you as you jumped or flipped and laughed around Paulie's ropes that were thrown or launched towards you(you might've been overdramatizing just how dizzy you were before) and seeming to penetrate you. If Iceburg didn't know any better...the quiet man appeared to be in between appraising you or wanting to pull you back. Strange to see you act this way, to anyone. Is there a reason you're teasing  (Y/N)?

Lucci teased Paulie, of course in a way one might not see as teasing. More like constantly reprimanding the gambling man or mocking him due to the blonds habits—but only when Paulie mentioned it or did an action where Lucci had an opening to attack.

With you...Lucci seems to not wish to listen when you constantly tell him to not call you Miss, as if you were personally insulted each time he said it. Which, Iceburg thinks, just makes him want to do it more.

Who knew that guy was like a childish bully when it comes to feelings.

At least...Iceburg thinks he has feelings. He knows Hattori does, the pigeon thanked him for sunflower seeds once. Unless Lucci was thanking him in behalf of the bird by using the bird to talk for him—but that can't be right.

What was he thinking again?

Ah yes, Iceburg stared up at the dark cloudy sky with a distracted smile as he lounges back, what a nice day.

Eventually, the little challenge ended up with Paulie's stomach touching the floor—you atop his back and keeping his arms tightly crossed behind him as Paulie flushed at your warm body over his as your just smirked.

"Got you! The Top Knots were crazy fun though!"

Paulie's head turned towards you, mouth looking odd and nervous as you blinked.

"G-get off me, crazy woman! You won!"

"Geez, relax." You got off him, Paulie keeping his back towards you as he rubbed his wrists of where your hands were—cigar tight in his jaw before rubbing his face and not at all thinking of how you found his ropes amazing and useful nor how you looked saying it. He's not thinking it. Crazy women shouldn't be listened to. "It's just a hold, ya know. Besides," you drew closer, putting a hand to his shoulder as Paulie tensed, looking at you with a scolding ready only to pause at your knowing glance as you said quietly, "you were holding back too. You've used knives in your ropes before. I could've handled it."

Paulie grunted, turning his head away.

"Why should I give you my all if you weren't? Hope you hold onto your side of the bargain though—the casino I know just added blackjack in their games and I know I'll be able to win."

"Ah," you smiled through a sweatdrop at Paulie's words, "you seem confident."

"Confident in his loss perhaps," both of you turned to see Lucci who drew closer as Hattori spoke, Paulie immediately scowling and lifting his jacket sleeve as he asked Lucci if he wanted to fight. But Lucci's gaze were focused on yours as your eyes met, dark eyes flashing as your blood pumped in expectation already of what he wants. A challenge! "Not you, coo~! I believe it's time for my turn, Miss (Y/N). Surely you have energy for one more, yes?"

This kitty and his need to fight...

"Pfft, whatever! You're just gonna get beat! Maybe you'll stop calling me that when you get thrown around."

You broke your gaze, turning away and stepping to have space for the fight as Paulie moved towards the other foremen who were leaning against stacks of logs or parts of ships. Karasu glinting in excitement by the stacks of planks as it laid again at it, eager although your have no plans on using it. Nor Kuroi ten'nosabaki.

It's been awhile, anyways.

You heard Lucci a little ways behind, your cap shadowing your face as you subconsciously smirked and tapped the tip of your boot twice with your hands to your pockets.

Lucci, outside of your gaze, also having his hands still in his pockets as he stared intently to your back.

Kaku and Kalifa glanced at each other, wary.

Is this a good idea?

"Coo, Coo~! Let's make this more interesting ," You tilted your head in attention, turning your head slightly over your shoulder as Lucci continued. "Let's change the causes of loss between us. Take away the use of your hands completely." You fully turned your head now, as Lucci nodded once to your hands in your pockets. "If you use them, for any reason—let's make it your loss."

"Ohhhh, interesting!"

"Lucci really wants to do us proud!"

"HAAAA!! THE PRIDE OF US FOREMEN ARE COMPLETELY ON OUR LUCCI! YES!"

"Tilestone, please stop crying. And yelling!"

Kaku glanced at Lucci questioningly. Lucci must know even with that, he won't win—you've grown exponentially since the last time they saw you. What's his angle?

You must notice this too, Kaku looked towards you and sweatdropped.

You were irked.

Confident, is he? You thought with slightly narrowed eyes, not noticing how his dark eyes gleamed calculably. As if that will help at all. Gotta turn that arrogant Neko down a peg.

"I'll do you one better," you challenged, fully turning your body towards him and than used the tip of your boot to a make small circle in the dirt of your feet and tapped the inside twice. "Not only will I not take my hands out of my pockets, for anything, I won't move from this circle. If I touch the outside of it, even a little—you'll win. Although I doubt it." You ended with a smirk.

Kalifa put a hand to her face, rubbing her temple momentarily.

You never learn.

Lucci's hat shadowed his eyes.

"Are you sure, Miss (Y/N)? Coo! These are a lot of handicaps. And you wish for me not to hold back."

Urk! Him and calling you Miss! And he's mocking you too!

You held back from showing your irritation though, only smirking at him with closed eyes instead since he's soooo going to lose no matter what he does.

"Positive!" You missed how the Zoan's lips twitched, pleased. "Go ahead and start anytime cause I'm—" your senses shouted at you, making you duck down quickly and feeling air above your head. You opened your eyes and your eyes rounded. "What the—where'd you take out that long saw from?! Your pants?!"

Lucci had a large saw that you think is meant for one person on each side to cut over his shoulder, with Hattori flying overhead with a coo. So of course, he can't talk anymore.

He didn't seem to want to wish to, moving the saw down on you where you had to either block with a raised leg or dodge by ducking or jumping over the blade aimed at your legs. All without taking your hands out your pockets. When you would block the saw, you would do it by sending a powerful kick at the flat of the saw by twisting your body and forcing Lucci away. You might be doing it a little harder but he can take it.

The lust for blood to be met.

You sweatdropped.

Gosh, he's so bloodthirsty. You can even spot in his eyes when you dodged by bending your upper half back from the saw of how his eyes shone only for your eyes to widen when a leg was about to meet your stomach.

I can't take that, I'm not using Haki in this fight and the momentum he has will have me go over the line!

Your eyes flashed as you moved to continue to move backward, doing a little hop of your legs as you did a backflip and blocked the hit as well as kick him away.

Lucci landing atop a stack of planks and looking at you, swiping his chin that you kicked.

"W-Woah! What a harsh kick!"

"Pah, that dick can handle it," Paulie said casually with crossed arms. "Seems that crazy woman is more on the offensive now compared to before because of the restrictions."

"Question is," Lulu interjected thoughtfully, fixing the hair stuck out from his mustache to come up to the top of his head. "How will she make sure Lucci stay down? She ended all the others with a hold on us but without her hands—that will prove difficult."

"You guys are underestimating her," everyone's eyes turned towards the relaxed Iceburg, his hands interlaced on his lap with an empty champagne cup by him. Pointedly ignoring the stacks of paper that Kalifa places on his lap to sign. "You think someone has a bounty that high for nothing? She might prove to be creative."

"Iceburg-san is right," Kalifa fixed her glasses, going to her clipboard and pulling up your wanted poster of you with a closed eye smile that looked threatening towards the camera. "All one needs is to look through old newspaper clippings to see a few of her feats. Takes more than luck to turn kingdoms or islands with nobles upside down in mere days."

"LIKE HOW SHE POWERFULLY LIFTS LOGS ON HER SHOULDER AT ONCE NO DOUBT!" Tilestone stated in admiration.

"That's more strength than being creative," Kaku commented with a smile and mild sweatdrop.

You looked down at your feet, spotting you were a few centimeters by the edge of the line.

That was close—he's using his momentum to his advantage compared to you since you're restricted with little movement. Your buster sword was still to your back too and you can't use your hands to adjust it if needed so you can dodge more easily.

You're still fine though, you just have to be careful.

Your senses raged once, dropping down in a position with one leg out with the other bent. You than having to jump over the saw coming for your ankles, you glancing above through the shadows of your cap to see Lucci's head above your own. His own face slightly shadowed from others but not from you due to the angle.

What is he planning to do? Trying to get the same attack twice? He's going to have to try harder than that—

Lucci opened his mouth and blew lightly on your ear.

Wha—

You made an odd noise, flushing as you lost your balance. Stumbling forward as everyone's expressions were bewildered at what happened only for their eyes to widen as your foot drew near the line.

That—THAT PERVERTED CAT IN HEAT!

Your heated face glared above you to the devilish Zoan's face, lips in a dark tilted smile, satisfied.

He—you're going to lose!

That, you can't lose to this—this!

Your eyes flashed, twisting for your feet to in the air. Your elbow to the ground as you encircled your legs under your perverted old partner's armpits as his eyes widened a tad.

As well as everyone else's.

"PERVERT!" Was all you shouted, before you basically suplexed him forward with your legs head first as everyone gasped or made noises of shock as dust and dirt clouded their vision from the force you did. You scowling down at Lucci as you kept your legs tight around him, you sitting on him due to the momentum gone and your hands still in your pockets. Lucci slowly lifted his head, top hat gone due to to what you did and instead a few feet away, than turned his head up towards you. Eyes unreadable and making you smirk in vengeance. "Finally down despite your challenge. I was...getting tired of throwing you around."

Lucci's eyes flashed at words from long ago being spit back at him and a small sound from the back of his throat akin to a growl rose. Which usually means he's irritated or annoyed, but...why does his eyes look excited?!

He grabbed your ankles firmly and you tensed, expecting him to not give in because why would he? He's Lucci. Only for his grip to relax as he tapped you twice.

You rose your brows and stared down at him oddly before getting off of him, feet still in the circle as you watched him warily. Lucci stood up, wiping away dust and dirt that got on his tank top and picking up his top hat, cleaning it as well before placing it back on his head. Hattori landing back on his shoulder with a happy coo as Lucci kept his face hidden. Everyone whooping and congratulating you and telling Lucci he did his best when it comes to fighting you as Paulie huffed that the dick seems to be the loser and that he'll win in the casino later. Kaku just watching with a mild frown at Lucci, feeling something amiss as well as with Kalifa.

"Coo! As I thought, your strength is commendable and you're worthy of your reputation. Your desire to win might help you achieve that high ambition of yours, (Y/N)."

You stared dumbly at him.

...

Did he...just compliment you?

Hah?!

And his words...he remembered your old dream but—

He said your name.

Without anything. No insult in the middle of it or anything. Anything!

You than squinted your eyes, disbelieving.

You hit his head too hard. That's it. You made the kitty delusional.

Lucci raised his eyes to meet your doubtful ones.

"Something wrong, (Y/N)?"

You blinked. Twice.

You than pointed harshly at his impassive face, mildly scowling.

"Don't call me that!"

The foremen, mayor and secretary all sweatdropped.

"Didn't you tell him to stop adding/calling you Miss?" They deadpanned.

"Do you prefer Miss than?"

You crossed your arms in an X and made a buzzer sound.

"Don't call me that either! You—" you don't really know what the problem was. Lucci saying your name was just—well, weird. Lucci observed your expression, looking lost. His lips twitched. "Just—none of them! It's—it's the bird! Yes, Hattori is making it sound weird! Birds shouldn't sound so high!" You ended with a nod as Hattori pointed his wing to his chest in a confused coo.

"It's...ventriloquism, (Y/N)-san." Kaku couldn't help but point out, you just shook your head repeatedly as if it would make it untrue. "He's speaking through Hattori."

"Weird!" Was all you said, turning your head away. Not seeing Lucci's lips curving behind his hat, appearing endlessly satisfied and amused. "Choose a better voice to use Hattori, it'll be better!"

Now in that, Kaku and Kalifa thought and they're sure Blueno would think the same, we can agree on.

It doesn't make sense! Giving up easily like that? Than again...he's appearing weaker for the mission they're on.

Maybe that's why he didn't want to go again...and you have to remind yourself to not treat this Lucci—on the mission—to the one you know. Of course he'll treat you different.

Yes. The compliment was just a front and him calling your name too.

It just helps him.

"Coo!" Hattori stated with his wings out as Lucci pocketed his hands, you turning towards the Zoan in question that was gazing at you. "I'll think about your advice, (Y/N)."

"Stop that!" You raged.

Kaku observed the two of you, assessing. Kaku thinks...he knows what makes Lucci feel threatened now, as he watched your attention not turning from the clearly pleased and amused Lucci if you watched his eyes and can read them. But Kaku feels like he's still missing something.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

"You suck at this!"

"I said I would go with you and give you my winnings, I never said I was good at it."

"You...urk, you might as well have given me your playing chips and I would've played myself."

"But than I wouldn't get to play."

"You don't know what you're doing!"

You pouted slightly.

"That's not nice."

Paulie gave a frustrated shout as he missed his blond hair atop his head as they stood in the middle of the casino, their playing chips nearly gone.

It was a few days after the challenge break or the "We Foremen Lost Our Honor" challenge according to Tilestone. Iceburg was just pleased nothing broke somehow during all the little challenges, especially with your luck.

When Kaku would continue showing you what to do when fixing the galleon, you noticed him seeming to be lost in thought. Not looking the way he did previously when he talked about his passions and felt like the clear, crisp wind towards sails. Instead feeling like a wandering ship in the bottle at sea. You wonder what's wrong and want to ask but it never felt like the right time. You hope he feels better—you don't want this Kaku to disappear. The one you knew before...a kid shouldn't look so serious.

Your patience was thinning with Lucci, he either switched from just calling your name or calling you Miss when he called for your attention about the galleon and you don't know what to do to make him stop. It's your name! How else would he call you?!

Yesterday was when you quickly pulled Paulie to a corner by Iceburg's office, Paulie's face red when you did it and angrily demanding you what's your problem through a stutter and why they're hiding back here and you shushed him by putting your hand to his mouth, almost squishing his cigar but not quite. You think his skin felt ridiculously hot but you were too busy having him keep quiet as you drew closer—the sun setting on the horizon signifying the end of the day.

"I'm telling you we have to go to the casino quick if you still want to, so relax. I just...wanted to do it without anyone knowing which one we're going to or when."

Mostly because you don't want to be followed. Despite their words, and ignoring Lucci(even that's a stretch) you doubt you'll be left truly alone with Paulie. They'll probably be scared you'll tell. Lucci just gets into hissy fits at times—but you don't care about those.

Paulie however, rose his brows as he pulled your hand off his mouth.

"Why would you want to keep it a secret? Does it matter?"

Yes.

You looked to the left and right once before saying your answer, staring intently at Paulie who grew concerned.

What are you going to say? Did you happen to get sucked into loan shark trouble too?

You opened your mouth.

"A cat has been attacking me constantly and can sniff me around and seems to know where I am if I go to the common routes. There's also a form of bull, not like a Yagara, that seems determined to chase me with his horns. I don't like it. And than there's this lamb that is not gentle at all and can be actually annoying if you ignore how smart it is actually and does things for reasons. And certain places the wind is strong and I might get blown away if I'm not careful. So you see, it has to be a secret." You ended intently.

"...because everyone knows the cat, bull, lamb, and will tell the wind?"

You nodded, ever serious.

"It's very imperative it has to be a secret."

Paulie stared at you as if he was confused whether to take you to the hospital or if he should actually believe your words. You looked so serious saying it, no break at all and as if the world would end if they didn't keep the casino time and location a secret.

Paulie eventually agreed though, seeming to ignore what just happened as his eyes sparkled at which one they go to and how much you were willing to buy in to enter. Also asking you if you knew how to play certain games, with you answering you know poker the best out of all games in casino's due to you playing with someone who owned one. Paulie looked interested at that as they talked and strolled around the city of water—you not sensing anyone so didn't think anything of it.

"What? Really? Where?! Maybe what I need to do to get rid of my debt is use my loan money to buy a casino myself..."

"That's a horrible idea," you immediately stated before you looked up at the sky, arms behind your head as you thought. "It doesn't matter anymore. He was being stupid and got locked up now. He gambles wrong."

Paulie blinked, staring at your contemplative expression as he puffed his cigar. You looked a little troubled if those furrowed brows are any indication.

You must've been close. He'll probably get out of jail, you don't seem the type to know scummy criminals.

Than again, you don't seem like anybody.

Paulie looked away, scratching the back of his neck and feeling out of depth as he walked next to this crazy shameless woman.

That lizard is probably on his way to Impel Down now. Or just arrived... You thought of the tortures that occur down there before releasing a small huff through your nose. Like those will do anything. I'll be surprised if his head will even fit through the entrance.

After they walked around a little more, Paulie stared the casino's name and suggested to pick you up from the motel you're staying at. You having to deny and say you'll meet him there instead, you being so close to Blueno's isn't helping you any to try to keep eyes off of you.

You actually wearing pants that you got from a Galley La merch store, this city really loves their foremen, and were work pants with a lot of pockets instead of your knee length shorts. Very convenient really. When Paulie arrived, you noticed him wearing a leather jacket instead of his jean one, as well as wearing black dress pants although he still had a yellow shirt underneath. Weird style.

You really have no room to talk, the narrator pointed out.

You still have your swords on you as the both of you walked in and got the chips. Paulie playing blackjack and losing or winning, but when he won—he got cocky and kept playing thinking he'll get more.

You stared at him flatly as he did it once more, losing all his chips except for one possibly buy in.

You think you see his problem.

He loses and gets arrogant easily when he does win.

Of course, his hope of getting money from you slowly depleted from his sparkling eyes as he watched you play next to him. It looked sort of sad actually, his eyes are completely dark now as he holds his head in between his hands with his blond hair up and his jaw tight on his cigar.

You couldn't help but think he sort of looks how Shanks acts when the red hair panics, rare as it may be.

"I thought you said you knew how to play...! You're making plays that don't make sense."

"I'm too busy trying to think instead of just playing cause you keep making comments at the table." You made a show of looking around, eyes wandering to the waiters with drinks and security and dealers at tables. "I'm actually surprised we haven't been kicked out yet...you were pretty loud when you were winning."

"That doesn't—" Paulie took a breath, stressed beyond belief. The amount he has to owe now if he loses all this money...he probably won't be able to walk peacefully in the streets for awhile. He lowered his hands and made a chopping motion at his open palm as you blinked at him. "Look. You're supposed to think when playing the games. People win by calculating the probability of what other cards others may have or other tricks in gambling. There's even ways to win in roulette! Consecutively!"

You frowned, in thought.

"I feel like that may just have to do with following your gut than thinking. I think you'd win more if you played more with the idea of having fun and following what your gut says."

Paulie scoffed, looking away as he took a puff from his cheap cigar.

"If only it was that easy. You have to plan—that's the only way you can win."

You stared at Paulie's face for a few moments, him glancing at your look and raising a brow as he asked what.

"You're playing wrong," you said, staring intently at Paulie to make sure he understands. "Like him." Your friend in jail? "Plans don't always work—or they always change. You have to enjoy what you're doing. Have fun. Or you're missing the point."

Paulie's brows furrowed as he met your eyes.

He feels as if...you're speaking more than about games.

"...we play to win. That's what the games purposes are for. The rewards."

"If you want high rewards, than you have to put the work in. Or in other cases," you pointed down, Paulie turning to where your finger was and brows rising. Slot machines? "You have to take a chance. It's more enjoyable that way too, actually."

"A chance? Slot machines are the worst to play, it's basically rigged for you to lose."

You stared pointedly at his pockets, where you know he only had enough chips for one more game.

"Chances may be all you got. Besides," you grinned, wide and it looked sharp as a Paulie stared with round eyes. "it's more enjoyable when everything is against you and you win anyways! Now that's fun!" You than let out a laugh, shoulders shaking as you had your arms behind your head, your marine cap not hiding your laughter as Kuroi ten'nosabaki gleamed along with Karasu in synchrony while Paulie just watched, mouth parting and cigar almost lolling out his mouth. "Shows everybody and anybody who's boss than. Also, all the money going everywhere is pretty nice to look at."

You... Paulie thought, swallowing before glancing away with cheeks slightly red. Really are crazy...

Despite your last sentence, it feels like you were talking way more than about games and gambling. Paulie wonders how many chances you've taken yourself.

Is this how you're here even now?

Because of a chance?

You recovered from your laughter, turning back towards the slot machines in thought as you looked at each one before a hand with chips came to your vision.

You turned towards Paulie, who was looking down and to the side as he had his hand out towards you.

"I got nothing else to lose anyways. Let's try out this chance of yours."

You smiled briefly before smirking, putting an arm around Paulie and ignoring the man's blush and more stutters than normal shouts as you turned him to the slot machines. You glancing around before you heard one different from the others. Sitting him down in front and saying that this was it. Paulie looked at the chips, than sighed pathetically.

Goodbye money. Hello more loan sharks.

He put the chips inside the machine, than pulled the lever once you told him now by his ear. Watching the cherries and melons pass by and oh, one seven. If he gets another one, he can play again one more time and—oh, good another one. Well, he doubts the next game will help him at all really—

"Get ready," you said, excited and basically trembling from energy behind his head and hands on his shoulders. "The most nerve wracking part of games is where you feel the world at your fingers and you might actually reach. The best sort of games though I think—" a buzzing sound popped at his ears and confetti fell atop them both as Paulie felt frozen in shock as you just laughed at his face as you leaned to see it as workers came to the two of you to help with all the Beli's coming out. "—Pft! Look at your face! What kind of friend would I be to not make sure you win? Games are fun like that, ya know!"

You, Paulie thought once more distantly as you moved to help the workers and joking to them you think he turned to a statue for someone who seems desperate for money at any cost. Really are crazy.

After the workers organized all the Beli's for you in cash form in a brief case that Paulie was carrying, they all did a half bow towards the two of as you were smiling proudly with your arms behind your head casually. Paulie seeming to stare down at the staircase as if he discovered the secret to the heavens and at a loss of what to do.

"Congratulations!" One of them said, all of them raising their heads as they smiled politely. "Good to see you win something Paulie! And with such a nice date too!" You and Paulie's eyes rounded. "You should bring your girlfriend over more if you win like that. Well...not too much. We need to make money too."

Date?! Both you and Paulie thought in tandem, cheeks slightly flushed at the words.

"Er, ah—we're not on a date," you corrected, stumbling over your words. "Or dating."

"It was just a deal." Paulie added while his eyes shifted to the side and sneakily towards you without noticing. His cheeks darkened a tad more. "W-we just happened to choose this casino."

The workers brows rose.

"Oh, my mistake."

The both of you soon left after that, the both of you walking throughout the Water City without the need of Yagara Bulls. The water in the canals next to them under the night sky gleaming and glistening mirroring the stars above. The crowd and people chattering in the cafes and shops they passed by in awkward silence as the both of you thought of the workers words.

Date? That's not a date.

Why do people always think you're on dates?

You're just hanging out. Playing a game. Walking around and talking about this or that. Doing a favor. Eating food. Laying down on a beach shore with waves lapping at your bare feet.

Nothing else.

As the both of you continued to keep silent, you let out a sudden breath in frustration. Paulie glancing down at you as you did so, watching as you kept your eyes to the side of the buildings—him on the side of the canals.

"Those people are weirdos right? Thinking we're in a date and all."

"Y-yeah," was all Paulie said as he watched you. He thinks you're...embarrassed. He's never seen you embarrassed before—you always being the one to do it to him with an innocent confidence when he would flush and yell at you to stop or let go. Your face... it looked cute. Paulie coughed, almost choking in his spit and making you glance at him as he turned his face away. He cleared his throat. "Don't mind them! People in this city are really friendly, I think you've noticed. There's people around here that'll compliment any new face they see."

Paulie thought of the foremen that would compliment you constantly in the shipyard, whether it was for your amateur work of fixing the ship or your strength that has been greatly helpful for them. Cheering or whooping easily towards you as you would just smirk or smile or say it's no big deal.

Paulie frowned, looking down at the ground as they walked and turned down a corner, away from the Main Street and people.

You kept on going, not sensing Paulie's off energy. Too busy trying to wrap your mind about this.

"I mean, it's not like ya know—a date. Cause dates always end a certain w-way...and we're definitely not."

Paulie felt like time stopped as he turned back towards your flustered expression as you stared at him.

"A..." he swallowed, heart thundering in his chest and his goggles feeling a skewed on his head. "A certain way?"

"I'm not explaining! You know what it means! At least," you squinted your eyes at him, assessing. "I think you do? You're a prude so you may not know actually."

Paulie stopped, you stopping with him in confusion. Paulie looked a little tense, his face looking tight and serious. Cigar looking as if it's on its last leg.

"I'm not a prude. How many times do I have to tell you that...?! And surely going on a date with a crazy woman like you will send me to an early grave."

You scoffed, crossing your arms as they stood in between buildings with your back facing a wall.

"Like you've been on a date before. You talking about this and dodging the question isn't helping your case at all. You get into a fit at the slightest touch or skin from me and you think that you could—"

A rope tightens.

A hand met the wall behind your head, you pausing as your eyes widened.

Paulie, with his blond slicked back hair and scruffy goatee and eyes in an odd glint, leaned his head over yours with cigar gone, speaking lowly.

"I'm no prude. Nor am I a virgin like you're implying since you keep calling me that." Paulie's face was really close, you felt the heat radiating off of him. You noticed his cheeks were slightly tinted red as he kept going while your heart thumped against your rib cage. "You're shameless and I'm trying to warn you to not just do what you do with me so easily but you're not getting it. Do you...do y-you really want me to say how dates end, (Y/N)?"

Paulie leaned his head closer and you felt his goggles touch the brim of your cap as you flushed. Paulie noting it with internal satisfaction and wonder. A few beats passed.

"A-ah...w-w-well, it obviously ends in a k-kiss," Paulie blanked as you went on, arms tight on your chest as you looked away. "Which w-we aren't going to do cause kisses are for l-love and only t-that so hope you're not getting ideas!" You turned back with a glare only to raise a brow at Paulie's poker face.

...

"You—," Paulie stopped and started again, incredulous. "You were talking about a kiss?"

You furrowed your brows.

"What else would I be talking about?"

A few beats of silence passed as Paulie felt heat move and spread from his cheeks to his neck.

Your mind clicked as you flushed.

"W-WHAT?! NO!"

Paulie lowered his head, at a loss.

"How did—why didn't you just say kiss?!"

"C-cause!"

Paulie rose his head, teeth sharp.

"Cause what?!"

"YOURE STUPID!"

"WHAT?!" Paulie backed up, lowering his hand from the wall and just smacking his face harshly. What kind of weird torture is this? Having to explain. "HOW ARE YOU ALIVE AT THIS POINT?!"

"Well, it's cause I'm STRONG! Duh!" You retorted innocently, childishly and cheeks still flushed as Paulie could only stare. "I have to get stronger of course though but you get the point—what's up with that face?!"

Paulie felt his troubled expression but he didn't care. The fact you thought it was a kiss showed Paulie your true nature despite your confidence towards him. What if he was a different type of man?

How did a crazy woman like you manage to be so innocent?!

Paulie covered his flushed face, looking away in between his fingers.

And cute.

But this is concerning! People could take advantage!

How many more guys do you just throw yourself at and not realize the possible effects?!

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

At once, and in different parts of the world whether in a castle, island, sea or building, different men sneezed.

And found different reasons as to why.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

More days passed, and the galleon is nearly done—signifying how close you are to leaving. Days of having to deal with the others, Kaku is fine, when all the foremen including Iceburg and Kalifa would be in Blueno's bar.

Of course, you witnessed firsthand Paulie's severe problem—addiction you corrected, when the very next day for lunch he bought everyone within the bar food and unlimited drinks.

"You're going to always have loan sharks if you do this," you deadpanned at the blond who was drinking quite heartily at the bar. Blueno just serving everyone with that plastered bartender smile as you sat atop an empty table. "I think you need therapy."

It seems him winning all that money finally passed the shock and denial phase to sickening acceptance in a span of a few hours after he escorted you back to your motel due to his stubbornness of not leaving you alone for some reason.

"People are dangerous," he stressed, a new cigar lit in his mouth due to him throwing the other abused one. You looked at him oddly.

"Not you," you replied.

Paulie made a funny face at that. It reminded you of how Smoker could make a similar one with his scowling features.

Lucci was sitting at the table next to you, but with a chair obviously. Him and his weird view of manners, you'd laugh at how ridiculous it is coming from him but you've just grown to feel a mix of irritated exasperation and acceptance. Lucci took a sip from the beer Paulie bought, face apathetic as Hattori cooed.

"(Y/N) has a point, oaf. One day those men will catch you when you're off guard and handle you accordingly due to how casual you are about your massive debt."

Your face soured at him saying your name as Kaku spoke up with a calming chuckle next to Lucci, his own drink at the table.

"No need for the harshness, Lucci! Although," Kaku turned his eyes towards the drinking-pointedly-trying-to-ignore-them blond. "You should be wise about your actions, however, Paulie. You put some money aside at least for your savings...right?"

"Shut up!" Paulie said through a slur, clearly already getting close to done as you watched in disbelief. "I get to decide what to do with my money and if I want to buy everyone drinks and food than I will! Any more ungratefulness will get tied up and kicked out by me!"

"Ah," Kaku's smile waned in realization. "So that's a no."

Kalifa, sitting gracefully at the bar counter with her clipboard, fixed her glasses.

"That would be sexual harassment."

"I/HE WASNT TALKING ABOUT YOU!" You and Paulie shouted in sync.

"If it makes you feel any better," Iceburg said, swirling his shot of whiskey in hand as he sat next to Kalifa. You wonder if Lucci glancing at the mayor's hand at the action was out of longing. "I am grateful for your giving nature, Paulie."

"Thank you!" Paulie said as he took a gulp of his mug.

You sweatdropped.

"Aren't you a mayor and can afford your own?"

"ICEBURG-SAN HAS BIG PLANS!" Tilestone defended. His mug looking impossibly tiny between his hands, it was as if it was for a doll more than a man. "LOOK WHAT HE'S ALREADY DONE IN FIVE YEARS!"

Lulu nodded, fixing his messy spike on the top of his head only to come out on the side.

"Men of power should save. Or greed will overtake."

The foremen all nodded solemnly, seriously. As if no one has heard wiser words of wisdom.

You watched as Iceburg finished his shot, and asking for another as Blueno easily obliged. The mayor of Water 7 not finding it important enough that maybe he shouldn't be drinking so heavily so early in the day when he still has work.

You stared at him flatly.

"You're just saving for a vacation aren't you?"

Iceburg only smiled as he took another sip of his whiskey.

"Every mayor needs a nice area to relax quietly and not worry for work for once."

"You do that every day."

"Do I?"

At that, you couldn't help but laugh. Iceburg sure was a character, you certainly don't blame him for not wanting to do paperwork. He's just very different from other island leaders you've met due to that. Eventually the tale of how Paulie won the money came and you mentioned they did the deal yesterday and you just helped him out a bit.

You and Paulie took a sip out of your drinks, you water and his beer, respectively.

Iceburg glanced at Paulie with a rose brow as you felt Lucci's daggers for eyes on you, Kaku glancing between you and the blond.

"I didn't know you two planned a date," Iceburg said easily.

You and Paulie, respectively, spat out your drinks as the both of you choked. Lucci's brow twitching in disgust as some landed on him with Hattori merely shaking his feathers. Kaku hid an amused smile behind his fist while Kalifa and Blueno shared a secret glance.

Both of you faced Iceburg, close to his face and heated cheek to flushed cheek as you both leaned in.

"IT WASN'T A DATE!"

"What a strong reaction," Iceburg mused, and sounding like he finds this funny. Paulie glared at his friend and superior in betrayal. "Did something happen?"

If possible, both of your faces turned more heated in front of Iceburg. He's sure if he put his hands out in front of their faces, the affect would be similar to being close to a fire or furnace.

Lucci's hand on his mug was tight as he glanced between the flustered foreman to the oblivious scum, analyzing before relaxing his grip and scoffing in his mind. As if that oaf would do anything. And you just get embarrassed easily.

Kaku watched and sensed as the aura around Lucci receded, curious. The leopard Zoan isn't threatened again. Despite what happened and you and Paulie stuttering are the other foremen's teasing before you finally said dates are only dates after a kiss. Ah, Kaku thought, slight heat in his cheeks from your loud proclamation as Paulie palmed his face as the foremen teased Paulie fully now. The blond threatening to cut off their refills with them quickly straightening and shutting up after that. Is that why? But that doesn't explain how he looked when (Y/N) fought Paulie. What exactly makes you angry, Lucci?

Kaku doesn't know why he's so curious, maybe due to how his chest warms or beats at the grins or smiles you would give him as he's explaining a ship parts mechanism. Or when you're close and put an arm around him despite how he's trying to put distance—it seems you're pointedly ignoring the line he doesn't want to cross.

All Kaku knows is this, Lucci should actually talk and be clear with you before someone takes you away.

And Kaku, he feels like he's close to doing just that. Despite how you seem to be unaffected and treat him like a kid.

But...how?

He didn't think much on it, only for you to wish to go with him to assess a ship. Eager to jump and fly with the Mountain Wind.

"It seems like a fun ride!" Was all you said with an eager grin that looked more like a smirk from how pointed it looked and Kaku didn't think it was a problem.

You and him dashing and leaping off the edge of the shipyard, wind under their clothes and tickling their cheeks as you kept laughing and Kaku couldn't help but join you as they free fell. Kaku's brows furrowing slightly when you would at times get too close to the ground, worried about you landing in a splat, only for you to use Geppo the very last second.

You noticed when they landed to where the customer's ship was, you teasing Kaku with a smirk.

"Don't look so scared, Kaku! I just like really enjoy free falling to the last second. You get more out of it that way." You moved and tapped with the back of your knuckles twice against Kaku's forehead as he blinked. "And ya gotta relax in that area. Already speak old, don't gotta look too old too so early."

Kaku couldn't help but release a chuckle, scratching his nose when you lowered your hand.

"Hai, hai, (Y/N)-san."

"You and the '-san'—"

"Who are you?!" You heard a sword being drawn, the both of you turning towards the ship to see the pirates pointing their weapons at the two of you. "Scram! We won't hesitate to attack if you get any closer."

"Yeah! We're pirates so don't underestimate us!"

You leaned towards Kaku, whispering.

"The Captain was the one that went ahead to the dock, right?"

Kaku nodded, taking a step and saying he was sent by Galley La to assess the ship only for a shot to ring out.

You and Kaku's shadowed eyes under their caps stared at the new hole in the ground.

"Yeah right! Our captain just left not that long ago to the docks!"

"Get lost before we aim somewhere where you won't move again!"

"Yeah, do you think we're idiots?"

"At this rate," you spoke up, shrugging a shoulder. "Yeah."

Their faces got an interesting shade of red as well as looking constipated as Kaku called your name in reprimand. You raising a brow.

"What? They are." Karasu sang as you took him out, thirsty as you deflected a bullet as your face formed into a scary thing with lips curved. The pirate who shot felt the air shift as he paled. Kaku had his chisels out in each hand, also blocked a shot with shadowed eyes under his Galley La cap. "Hah? You guys are gonna regret it now. So much for fixing your ship. Should've stuck with fixing those faces of yours first before coming here."

"Y-you—you bitch! You—!" Whatever he was going to say, it got stopped with a chisel to his face. The pirate knocked out as the others exclaimed wildly and turning their angry gazes to Kaku now, who already had another chisel in hand calmly with one lone eye staring evenly.

"One should be careful how you speak. (Y/N)—san shouldn't be referred to as such. Your three inched tongue will now create a six foot deep grave."

Woah, you don't think you've seen an irritated Kaku before. That's new!

The pirates stood still before attacking and you and Kaku quickly finished them off—Karasu deadly and thrumming in your hands as if in irritation too. They soon had a pile of unconscious bodies atop one another on the ship.

You sheathed Karasu, wiping your hands as you turned towards the frowning Kaku. Wonder what he's thinking about?

"You know," Kaku glanced at you as you approached him with your arms behind your back as you grinned, teasing. "I think the proverb you meant ends with 'it can kill a man six feet high' instead of six feet down."

Kaku knitted his brows, than looked down.

"I felt like I remembered it wrong."

"Pfft! Who cares? If makes more sense to me anyways. Where's the man going to go six feet high? Flying?" Kaku cracked a smile at that and you happily pointed it out, leaning towards him as he blinked and leaned back. "There we go! Always so serious, stick with how you smile while you're here, Kaku."

Kaku didn't seem to know how to respond, instead turning back to the bodies and saying they should head back to tell the others what happened. Only for your arm to go around his shoulder, you tugging his head down due to the action because of your shorter stature compared to him.

"Oh come on!" You smiled, wide and bright as Kaku looked at your face close to his. "They can wait! Let's keep diving around and relax a bit! We'll tell them when we come back."

"But...the others—"

"I'm starting to think if you're the older one," Kaku blinked, eyes brightening at your words. Weird. "You definitely act like it. But come on, let's have some fun! I know you like it, Mountain Wind." You jostled him a bit at the last words, as if it would help him to say yes.

He still looked unsure and your smile wavered.

"Come on, it's been awhile—"

"Okay."

Your eyes rounded, seeing Kaku doing a small smile as he stared at you only for his eyes to widen when you did a close eyed smile. Shaking him violently as you did so with a laugh, than just as quickly grabbed his hand. Kaku's round eyes, if possible, rounded more.

"Let's go! To the top of the island than! Where all the water comes out!"

You were referring to the center where it mimicked a water fountain in how it spouted water. You giving a quick tug to Kaku before letting go and quickly telling him for them to leave. Kaku clenched the hand you grabbed, looking down at it before quickly following after you.

You jumping and dashing from building to building, whether with the use of Geppo or just running atop roofs momentarily only to leap down made your blood sing and stomach ticklish as you laughed.

Working hands creating a house at sea.

And you feel like Kaku is enjoying it too.

As the both of you jumped and leaped, you spotted a green painted house—familiar.

You have to stop by when you can. Alone and away.

You have to thank.

Eventually, the two of you did reach the top—the highest point of the city and the both of you sat next to one another. Your legs over the edge of the ledge and swinging as you leaned back with your hands, content.

Kaku looked the same, staring down below at the city with elbows against his knees.

"You know," You glanced at the relaxed Kaku as he stared down at the city he's lived for the past five years. "My dream was to build ships one day. The idea of creating something out of just some wood yet be a force where it can't be laughed at...it intrigued me. Or no, that's not quite right." Kaku stopped, chuckling as his gaze moved towards where the shipyards could faintly be seen. You didn't take your eyes away from Kaku's face, fixated at his faraway smile. "I just loved it. How different each one could be, from the masts to the figureheads down to the very heart of the ship—the keel. I loved it and wanted to make ships ever since I was a kid."

"...you had a model ship collection," Kaku blinked, glancing at your face that had a smile that was distant, recalling as you glanced away. "I remember I wanted you to show it to me one day."

"You never did tell me how you knew," Kaku pointed out, at ease. You either always made him relaxed or confused due to what you would do all those years ago. Even now.

Especially now.

Your smile lifted a tad more.

"I was collecting you for a mission. Went in your room to see you weren't there only to see you hide in the corner a bunch of ship in the bottles. Not quite under your bed either," you teased lightly.

Kaku flushed, embarrassed as he scratched his nose and looked to the side.

"Ahhh...I must have been in a rush."

It was silent for a few moments, the wind crisp as it moved through the both of you due to the high altitude. A comfortable silence too. It made you nostalgic.

Some of the most interesting clear memories you have is when you, for once, were silent. And those who you could be quiet with.

It took a lot to reach to this point.

You let the silence linger a little longer, before peering up at Kaku's calm expression.

"This must be your favorite mission." Kaku stilled, smile fading as his eyes darted towards you and you quickly went on. "Hey, it's okay. You're lucky you know."

Kaku rose a brow at you, doubtful.

"How so?"

You smiled softly, almost enviously as you turned away. Kaku felt his mouth dry as he stared.

"You have your dream now. You're living it. I still have to do mine."

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

As Kaku stared, tongue feeling thick and his heart skipping a beat, he feels like he knows what to do.

They eventually going back and telling everyone what happened with you attacking the now yelling Paulie when he asked you if you were alright and you laughing as you let him go as he turned away with a flush. Kaku caught Lucci's questioning glance. His eyes hardening as Lucci's brow rose, before seeming to lightly scoff and turn away—in dismissal.

Kaku thought of the day Lucci boldly and mercilessly laid his claim over you—how the leopard Zoan would be the only one to take you in or fight you and no one else.

Kaku feels as if Lucci should've said more, but Kaku is aware that it was never the dark man's style.

Too bad than, cause you don't seem to see Kaku as a mere kid anymore. So maybe...just maybe, even after this mission...he can take a chance. Even if he's an assassin.

His chest twisted in doubt—the fight of his true personality and assassin persona within.

But it's just...

You're just too...everything.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

At a makeshift base a little ways off the shores of Rocky Island, it stood quietly. With no hustle and bustle, no sudden dance parties or any use of confetti bombs needed.

No. Because it's tea time which means quiet time, the residents inside have to save money and avoid the shipyards at all costs. Because that's the smart thing to do.

The noise of tea being noisily slurped rang inside. The teacup was set down, and than the table was flipped over out of impatience. Clattering as others turned to see their aniki dining the self proclaimed tea time. That Aniki set of course.

"I'm getting antsy, YOW!"

"Franky—nii, you said we can't! I think they're almost done so that pirate will soon leave!"

"Y-Yeah! We can't have a repeat! It's crazy...!"

A Franky Family member shuddered in remembrance along with four others.

"The fact she could attack us in her sleep! And almost killing us too!"

"I don't think she even noticed she got attacked..."

"That first day when she arrived, we should've double checked the wanted posters I tell you! We could've actually gotten killed for trying to tear apart her raft for parts!"

"It just looked so nice...it reminded us of the kind of work you do, aniki!"

"Who cares?!" Aniki—or in other words, Franky shouted, utterly bored out of his mind. He needs this Silver Blood out of there so he can do his monthly Franky SUPER Dance to the many fans within Water 7. "I just want to finally have a party again and gather up the money we need to finally get the superrrrrr Adam Wood!"

"We use the money for the parties, Aniki!"

"Yeah, that's why we haven't gotten it yet."

Franky lowered his sunglasses on his nose.

"But than we wouldn't have the booze and food for the parties!"

A beat passed.

"That's true!"

"Aniki always knows what's best!"

"I really want some beer now though, Blueno's has the best."

Franky turned away, grin falling as he thought.

He really hopes that Silver Blood leaves soon, they've been having to tread carefully due to the rumors you have. Didn't help you got close to those foremen and Bakaberg, you might snap.

Although...he does it find it super weird his brothers mentioned your apparently small raft appeared like his work. But that can't be right. He never built a raft. Only fixed one up, and it wasn't for you.

He wonders how that woman is doing, hopefully not crashing into a wave somehow with the tracks right there.
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Edited 07/23/21

This entire chapter is original although I did add elements from Farewell Party which I shall edit now IMMEDIATELY to fix the discrepancies.

Added Paulie and Kaku scenes—because they're cute and I love them. 💗

And felt the need to show more how exactly one can fall for one Silver Blood (Y/N).

Still not done with the Water 7 Arc, I'll keep on editing as I go! My brain is just going completely wild! Hope you guys enjoy!

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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**

By @Jo3_he, @Jo_h3e

By @Lucci from Discord