You got escorted back to Enies Lobby and was allowed to relax slightly in your secluded room, but not fully. Because you had to prepare.

And so, when you had your casual clothes on. Your dress shirt from the uniform but with dark jeans and your old but worn Marine hat. You made another call with the Den-Den Mushi before you went. Deciding to break a silent agreement between you and the others of CP9.

"Hello? Can you put Captain Smoker on the phone please? Tell him it's urgent."

The man told you to wait, and you heard him call for his captain. And heard as heavy steps came closer and closer to the phone, which was then picked up and—

"Hello?"

—a gruff and so familiar answered.
You smiled fondly at his voice. He hasn't seemed to change from voice alone. No.

Why would he change?

"Hey...Smokey. How are you? Still the baka I know?" You said half-heartedly, because you honestly don't know how he would react. You haven't called since...since you joined the CP9, only once to tell him and the others it's okay and you were settling in and training. But that's it.

Six years.

Six years of no contact.

You just hoped the time wouldn't matter. Because Smoker was Smoker.

You were met with silence and just when you thought he wouldn't answer.

"(Y/N)? Is that you?"

He did.

Your smile widened as you clutched the Den Den Mushi tightly as you rubbed your thumb against the cap of your hat fondly.

"Who else would it be? Idiot~. I heard you became Captain, congrats. You must've gotten stronger. Still trying to catch up to me SmoBaka?"

You said with a familiar grin, your tone fond of your friend on the other side. Your comrade. No.

Your Nakama.

"Where the hell were you?! Do you know how many times I've-We've tried to get a hold of you?"

Your brows furrowed.

They have? It seems Aokiji was correct in his statement, the others have been trying to contact you with no such luck. Probably a result of Spandam's bastard ways. Smoker continued.

"Do you have any idea how anxious we were to hear from you? You idiot!"

You nonetheless smiled. This is what you have missed. These pointless little arguments between you and Smoker, and the way he just was. A huggable big bear that had a soft spot. The way he would ignore your teases of his strength. Or when you apparently got too close.

The times where you rescued him from the deep ocean and would later tell you that he's sorry to be a burden. While you only gave him a smile and a clap to the shoulder, and saying that he would never be a burden to you. Not to you.

Not ever you. Because you must've been his when they were younger, a fourteen year old being worried about an eight year old girl that had nothing to do with him until his kind hearted side was shown.

When you'd laugh each time he took out a cigar or used his power, saying that it was just too ironic to not laugh about. Those silent calm nights, where you would ask him to watch the moon with you. So you wouldn't be alone. He always stayed, despite his small grumbling his young self did. He's always stay, until you fell asleep. And carry you back to your small house and bed. You'd wake up the next day, wanting to moon gaze with him again, because he reminded you so much of the gentle orb in the sky.

And...the times where he'd shoo the bullies away with a scowl and a few gruff words. Him defending you with his all when you couldn't. Cause you were a pirate's offspring. Meant to be mocked and abused, even though you yourself weren't a pirate.

He would do the punches when you couldn't. Too afraid to even defend yourself, not wanting to be called more of a monster or demon for being born. And he'd tell you to ignore them. That they didn't know your dream. What you would do.

They didn't know you would prove them wrong.

Too bad though, that that statement would be lost to you in a few hours.

You tightened your hold of the receiver.

"Smoker. I need you to listen to me. And listen to me very closely."

You were met with silence, and a complying alright.

"Smoker, in a few days, a newspaper will be issued. No matter what, you have to read it. Got that?"

"...Alright. But may I ask why? What's going to happen?"

You smiled sadly.

"Something I want you to immediately know, I want you to be the first actually."

"..."

"Hehe, does Smoker think I'm going to die or something?" You laughed, trying to calm him and his thoughts despite the empty feeling in your chest. "Don't worry, it's nothing like that. But whatever happens, you'll always be my first Nakama Smoker."

"...Nakama? What made you use a word like that?"

You smiled brightly, even though you knew he couldn't see it, somehow he'll know the expression you were making. Because he's Smoker.

"Cause I know I can trust Smoker with my life forever!"

"...and you call me an idiot."

You laughed and you felt Smoker smiling through the phone as well, and that made your smile even wider and your eyes shine. Even if you knew this moment was fleeting, this wondrous and true moment, you caressed your hat, you'll remember it.

"Alright Smoker, I gotta go. I'll see you later okay?"

Yes they would. You know they would.

"Okay, goodbye (Y/N). It...was nice hearing you."

Your eyes softened.

"It was nice hearing you too, Smoker. Goodnight."

"Night."

You hung up. And brought your cap down to cover your eyes as you walked with both of signature swords. A destination in mind as you walked silently with steps of an assassin for CP9. But not without leaving a cream for scars at a certain pussy's doorstep. You felt a presence coming towards you, recognizing it, you turned your head and stood up.

Kaku stood there in the bare hallways, you both being the only two in it, his dark uniform with his black cap atop his head which was tilted.

"What are you doing?"

You furrowed your brows.

"What do you mean? I was just leaving something for Lucci and then leave." You answered, motioning your hand towards the cream in front of the door of Lucci's room within Enies Lobby. Kaku crossed his arms.

"No. What are you doing? I heard your phone call. You know the consequences of calling anyone if Spandam found out." You smiled, and noticed Kaku's eyes widen at the rare sight.

"You're not going to tell Spandam. I will." If possible Kaku's eyes widened even more, his mouth open in shock at your words. He closed his mouth and opened it again, words escaping him but he only managed a surprised 'What?'. Your smile turned softer, and you approached him slowly, and then put a gentle hand on his shoulder looking under his cap where you can see his dark brown eyes.

"I will see you soon, okay Kaku? And show me your model ship collection one day. You're good at building with these hands." You grabbed his hand to show, and held it in between yours, noticing it was slowly growing warm between your touch but you only paid attention to the long nosed man's bewildered shocked expression. A sheepish smile played on his lips, but quickly turned back into a straight line.

"No." You said, eyes in disapproval. "Smile Kaku. Don't let this job stop that handsome smile of yours. Understood?" That only caused his face to morph once more in confusion, cheeks growing red. You let go of his hand, stepped back, and began to walk away to go to your destination. You raised a hand up in a wave towards Kaku, who you felt was looking at you.

"See you Kaku."

Even when you left the hallway, even when Kaku didn't hear those steps that you allowed to make sound, he still looked at the end of the hallway. His chest was warm, yet cold and afraid of how your words of 'See you' sounded too much like goodbye. Like you were leaving...and the young assassin didn't like that thought. He raised his hands up. And looked at them. How did you know that he liked building ships? It was a secret...his thoughts went back to your smile that made his heart race, and him wanting to smile with you. He clenched his hands. And grinned secretly behind his black cap.

"...see you (Y/N)."

.

.

.

AHHHHH!!! Whaaaa I'm soooo sorry!!!! For those who aren't on Discord, I've already explained what's been happening so I'll explain here. I was having a tough time in Nursing School and actually failed one of my classes despite how hard I tried.

BUT! Thanks to this pandemic, I'm getting a once in a lifetime opportunity in making it up in the summer instead of having to stay another semester! I might get to graduate this December if I work even harder!!

Due to my hard work and the rare time I have to myself, I've barely been able to write. For Strong or for my other stories. It's a sad thing cause I love writing for Strong. Silver Blood has a special place in my heart now, it's been...well heh.

It's about to be four years tomorrow since I started this journey. This fanfiction is the longest one I've been committed to and have been consistent with(I'm so sorry for fans of my other works!) and I'm glad for it. I feel like I haven't changed much since I first started but I know I have.

Like I'm sure you guys have. Like how Silver Blood has.

For those of you who have stuck with me since the very beginning, since good ol 2016, thank you. Your patience is strong.

For those who came after, thank you. You're now part of a family and I always love my readers. My old readers know but perhaps you don't know that I read every comment. I do. And I laugh or smile and wonder if you are okay outside this world o made with my words. Please be okay? Try to be. You have a family now.

For those who just recently came upon this story, like a few days ago, thank you. The previous words pertain to you as well. Know that I care. And all my readers are kind and selfless just like you. We're here. Thank you so much for joining us, I hope we treat you well.

HAPPY EARLY 4th STRONG ANNIVERSARY EVERYONE!!!

MAY YOU BE THE BEST SILVER BLOOD YOU CAN BE IN EVERYTHING THAT YOU DO!!

AND HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY FUTURE PIRATE KING!
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A mix of different moments here. The overwhelming message in this chapter is goodbye. And friends. As well as smiling for others.

You're kind, reader-San. Even taking care of your partner who left you to 'die'... but did he really leave you alone like that? Without him knowing that you will pull through somehow?

Cause you're you. ^.^

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I can't find the username so I'm sorry! ('°̥̥̥̥̥̥̥̥ω°̥̥̥̥̥̥̥̥｀) BUT THANK YOU SO MUCH!

By: @RoseTran6112
Do I count memes as art? Yes. Yes I do. They've made more, but I can't add of them here. So thank you for all the memes! Check out our Discord for more of their wondrous memes!

By: @RoseTran6112

Are ALL of these by the same person? Yup. Yes they are. Are they talented? Shouldn't even be questioned. Do they show their love each time they send me one of these? Yes. SO THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

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Main Pairings
Shanks: 129
Mihawk:128
Crocodile:58
Doflamingo: 50
Smoker: 70
Lucci: 48

Side Pairings
Kaku: 10
Paulie: 8
Buggy: 10

WOAH! A few months sure does change things! Seems that this arc, the Shanks lover's have come about! That charm has been working!

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