＊＊＊

A week's sailing away from Torrance, East Blue.

“Put some effort into it! If you're not puking, you're not working hard enough, that means you're being pussies!” Kaito shouted in ‘encouragement’ as he walked up and down the line of crew members performing a leg strengthening routine.

All of them covered in sweat, shirts clinging to their backs, pushed harder and harder for each day of this, growing that much stronger.

They had some time before they would hit the next island, time that meant they could continue to upgrade the physique of their crew, growing ever closer to the first two skills they were chasing.

Moonwalk and shave.

Not everyone was well suited to the intensive leg strengthening needed to pull off those two in particular of the six powers - but Kaito had insisted, Yoruichi and Wire backing him up after a quick explanation - and that had been that.

No matter what they'd run into on the Grandline - being able to run away fast, or run away into the air, would keep their crew alive longer. The more offensive powers could come later.

With him wanting more devil fruits for the crew, the ability to skip through the air instead of falling into the sea was imperative as well.

Just being able to run away from an enemy powerhouse to allow the big hitters to step in - would be a great boon in survivability for the crew, if their lower level guys ran into something too hot to handle.

Which would undoubtedly happen. And the Red Dawn didn't have Straw Hat plot armor to survive constantly running into Admirals and the like.

“If you're still breathing you can do one more rep you lazy fuckers! Show me how the Red Dawn spits fate in the eye and just gets shit done!” Kaito roared out, pleased to see another wind in some of his crew at that, as their efforts intensified despite their exhaustion.

His gaze focused on two trainees in particular, soaked in sweat completely, their breathing coming out in fast paced breaths as they lay collapsed on the deck of the ship, he came to a stop next to them, poking one of them with his foot, a weak hand trying to push him away for a moment, before giving up.

“You're way behind the others, where's the passion? The will to be better than yesterday?” He said, poking Carina with a toe again, “You both seemed so fiery,” He teased, a crooked smile on his lips as he peered down at them, “Where did all that go?”

Despite their utter exhaustion, both Nami and Carina flew up, their faces practically shark-like, veins pulsing on their foreheads as they shouted at him in unison, “WE’RE NOT PART OF THE CREW, DUMBASS!”

Kaito put on an exaggerated shocked face, looking around, “You aren't? Then why are you training with us?” He said glibly, knowing it would just set them off.

Nami looked like she was going to combust, he could practically see steam come out of her ears, Carina was not much better, but she at least managed to formulate a response without choking on her anger, “YOU made us do it!” She snapped at him, sinking down against Nami, her legs wobbly, “Oh, Kami, I'll never feel my legs again,” She sobbed dramatically, Nami also sinking down onto the deck again, still sending Kaito a death glare, which told him he'd better sleep with one eye open tonight.

How fun. He could hear the snickers of the others in the background, which pleased him. Making Nami and Carina interact with the crew and take part of the suffering, was somewhat limiting some of the hard feelings, not completely of course - it wasn't that simple.

But it was a start, a small inroad to soothe the acrimony between them.

It helped that with exercise and a blazing hot sun, the two very attractive girls were not wearing much - and a sheen of sweat just added to the allure more than it detracted. It was much harder to stay mad at two hot girls, score one for the shallowness of the human condition.

Of course that only mattered for those who hadn't been more personally affected - like Apple, like the men injured when Buggy escaped. Like Wire and Duel who took any damage to the crew extremely seriously.

Well… Duel took any harm to any of her friends extremely seriously, Nami could have given Apple a paper cut and Duel would have still lost it - if Apple was upset about it.

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he stood over the collapsed pair, who were really a lot less fit than he'd thought, “I don't remember ordering you to take part in any training.” He mused out loud, a shit eating grin on his face, “Didn’t you volunteer?” He leaned over them, the sun bright and hot in the sky, adding an extra hardship to the training, “~Didn’t you?”

He was enjoying this a bit too much, maybe.

Nami looked up at him, looking so grumpy it turned right around to cute, “We volunteered,” She gritted out, a tick mark on her forehead, “Because someone ordered that only those that took part in training could eat on your ship!”

Kaito had needed to do something, as the two had been too terrified to get out and about amongst the crew, that had slowly changed over the week as they were all worked to the bone - now they commiserated with some of the crew members.

Kaito smirked, yes… He'd totally said that, “So what you're saying is you volunteered.” He said with a sage nod, “I'm proud of your effort, even if you didn't have to do this at all” He lied, tasting their incredulous anger in the salty air, it tasted like victory. “Now, do ten laps around the ship and you can go have breakfast.”

The way these two girls dug into Archer's fare, they might be convinced to stay just on the quality of the meals… Fuck you Sanji, my chef's better, Kaito thought, not for the first or last time.

“That means you too…” He called out behind him, to the lazy men and women who'd stopped their repetitions to listen in. “Especially you Cloud, yes, I can tell you didn't do your last ten reps…” He called out over his back, sensing others nearby had gotten easier lately, making him wonder if observation haki step one had been completed without him noticing it.

Loud groans of complaints were his answers, but everyone began to get into motion, they all knew and understood the benefits of this - complaining was more a favored pass time than any serious complaint.

When the first one of them would manage a shave or moonwalk - he expected complaints to disappear fully, who didn't want to be able to be a superhuman?

Serious complaints anyway. Everyone liked to complain about everyday things after all, even he… Why, everyday he complained that Yoruichi and Duel didn't give nudism a chance. And after that he'd have to complain about mysterious headaches and bumps on his head too, it was all in fun.

“There's no way we can run right now,” “Sit on the mast and spin!” Came the two responses from his pretty guests, who hadn't learned to stop whining yet and to embrace the suck.

Kaito laughed heartily, much preferring this fire to the silence and dirty looks the first day or two had consisted of - before he forced everyone to spend time together. “That's alright if you can't.” He said kindly. Taking a moment to savor the glimmer of relief and hope in the two stubborn and passionate women's eyes.

“Hey, Yoruichi?” He called out over his shoulder, even as the rest of the trainees started on their trek around the ship.

“Yeah, Captain?” She replied lazily, from where she was laying on one of the booms, like a lazy cat lapping up sunlight. Her propensity for wearing bikinis on sunny days cheering up the crew like nothing else.

“Do you think Duel would come out if I let her lead these two around for some extra motivation?” Kaito asked, feeling slightly bad at the tinge of fear that appeared in Nami and Carina's expressions, especially Nami's. But he needed them all to get over this, somehow, and everyone avoiding each other wouldn't do it.

Duel was another matter he needed to figure out, she hadn't come out of her workshop for days now. He wouldn't actually let her control the training of his two guests, he wasn't crazy.

His mom never had him tested, but he really wasn't crazy.

Either way, something needed to give, or he'd have to give up on Nami at least, perhaps Carina as well just for her association.

Yoruichi just chuckled, glancing down at the girls, her cat-like lazy grin turned slightly sharper, even as she didn't speak at all - the two exhausted girls still scrambled to their feet to take their run, just from that look, finding an extra spurt of energy from somewhere.

Always test your limits, then go one step further to be better than yesterday. Kaito thought, pleased with their effort.

“It's not going to work, you know.” Yoruichi said quietly, a few moments later, when the girls were out of hearing range.

“It will work.” Kaito fired back, he was like… Almost fifty percent sure… Which was way better than his prediction a week ago, which had been much more depressing.

Yoruichi sighed loudly, managing to turn on her side on the boom without falling over, her extraordinary balance on display, her eyes met his, the golden gaze serious, “Wire and Duel don't seem to be the forgiving type, Wire might have let it all pass enough to allow them aboard, but he won't forgive them just because the crew has a hard time staying mad at two hot girls wearing practically nothing, exercising with them, sharing the suffering.”

Kaito sighed, ducking his head, “Yeah… Any ideas?” He asked hopefully.

Yoruichi pursed her lips thoughtfully, letting her arm hang off the boom, her fingers playing with the wind, “Go through Apple.” She suggested. “She can usually talk down Wire, and she and Duel are close, she didn't immediately call for the girls heads either, so maybe you got a chance there.”

Kaito grimaced, what Nami had done to Apple still rubbed him the wrong way, and was almost enough on his own to cancel his recruitment attempts. But Yoruichi was right, the girl herself had refused to kick them off, perhaps she'd help?

＊＊＊

“Hah. No.” Apple told him, not even looking at him as she slowly painted one of the inner hallways of the ship, her tongue stuck out of her mouth slightly as she concentrated. Her overalls were covered in paint, some smudges having made it onto her cheeks and the tip of her nose as well.

Kaito admired the well done art, a coral reef filled with life, and a few things that definitely, hopefully, didn't actually live in the sea - or he would start having nightmares. Apple had a vivid imagination it seemed, or a scary one at least. He failed to remember giving her permission to paint the inside of his ship, but he wasn't going to quibble about it right now, it was well done - and the ship would be replaced eventually.

“You defended them before.” He said in lieu of asking her anything more probing. He really didn't want to make her feel pressured or like he was choosing their wellbeing over hers.

Because in the end, if he couldn't make this all smooth over between them all - he'd let Nami and Carina go.

Apple put her paintbrush down with a heavy sigh, turning to face him, “Yeah, so?” She asked irritably, “Just because I didn't want to toss them into a certain death doesn't make them my buddies.”

“... I won't recruit them in the end if you, Duel and Wire remain against it. What Nami did was not okay.” Kaito said slowly, before grimacing slightly, not sure he should even try and push this, “But just like you guys have done things you're not proud of, so has she, driven by necessity, not by any want to hurt people, you just have to see how she looks at you to see how ashamed and guilty she feels…”

Apple chewed on her lip, before turning away from him, scoffing lightly, “I know that, I've been part of a criminal group since I was a child, I know what it's like to do things I regret, we all do, you don't just become a criminal and hurt people without facing some hard choices first.”

“So you understand where she's coming from…” Kaito said quietly, “She's in a bad situation where there's not many other choices than to hurt people, she's not a killer, she's not a bad person.”

Apple shook her head, eyes downcast, “You don't get it, Captain…” She murmured, the hallway silent except for the sounds of the creaking ship as it sailed the sea for a moment, “We know… I know, she's probably in a bad situation, but we don't care, because she went against us. Against me. We're not saints, we don't go around helping people just cuz they have it rough, we look out for us, and she…” Apple looked turned and looked him straight in the eyes, dead serious, “Isn't one of us.”

Kaito felt that, as much as anything, was practically a death knell for his recruitment efforts, and his shoulders slumped.

“...Sorry Captain…” Apple offered with a pained grimace, looking slightly guilty for not agreeing with him.

“It's alright, Apple, you are my crew, they aren't, so in the end, I'll go with what makes sense for my people, and I'll always look after you - and if you say no, Apple. It's a no.” Kaito said, laying a hand on the short woman's shoulder, squeezing it gently.

Apple nodded, “It's a no from me.” She mumbled softly.

Kaito closed his eyes, nodding gently, Sorry past me, I tried, it didn't work out. “Then that is it. We'll help her get home and settle things and then go to the Grandline.” He said with heavy finality.

He turned to leave after giving one last encouraging pat on Apple's shoulder, just to freeze as he spotted Duel at the other end of the hallway. The illusive woman giving him a short nod before disappearing back into her workshop, for the first time in a week, not sneering at him at sight.

Guess I made the right choice for my crew, for the moment.

Only time will tell if that works out once we hit the Grandline without Nami's skills to back us up… Kaito thought.

＊＊＊

His discussion with Apple heralded a change in the crew, the underlying tension slowly dissipating as the crew was willing to accept Nami and Carina as temporary guests much easier - interactions becoming less stilted and awkward between them.

Wire and Duel still kept their distance from the two, but were back to normal with the rest of the crew, both visibly pleased with the decision Kaito had made.

Only some of the crew were against the decision, mostly Blackjack who had an extremely obvious crush on Nami, one the navigator enjoyed taking advantage of to have him fetch her snacks and drinks and the like.

Yoruichi would have normally put a stop to that kind of thing, but she thought it a good lesson for Blackjack to learn - never trust a pretty face. Still it had its benefits as well. Nami was still utterly passionate about navigation despite the awkward situation onboard, so she'd agreed easily to teaching the Red Dawn some of it.

So Blackjack incidentally was learning some navigation because he wouldn't stop chasing Nami's tail, the little pervert.

Kaito had attended a lesson or two himself, to ensure he wasn't completely useless, and it was… Informative, and extremely awkward. Since Apple was their main navigator. He had to give both women props though, even as awkward as it was, and how uncomfortable they both must have been - they handled it with aplomb, concentrating on the lesson.

Nami and Apple even got into excited discourses on weather patterns and ocean currents at times, before they suddenly grew silent, realizing exactly who they were having such an enjoyable discussion with.

There were a lot of weird looks between the two of them at times..

It was a great shame, Kaito thought, watching them from a distance as they once again fell into an awkward silence, Nami looking increasingly guilty the longer she was around Apple. They'd have made a cute couple if this whole incident between them hadn't happened.

Archer approached him, drawing his attention, “Hey, Archer, what's up?” He asked, looking at him curiously, he hadn't seen the man around much lately, he seemed to either always be cooking, training kitchen staff, or training himself, even Yoruichi was complaining about it.

Kaito thought Arlong park would be good for the man, he had a feeling the way he'd been forced out of the proper action lately was bothering the battle junkie.

“We found something in the pantry…” Archer said quietly, ensuring no one around could hear him, “It matches what you said a devil fruit would look like…”

Kaito froze against the railing he was leaning against, “... That's… What are the odds?” He said lowly, to himself. Before shaking his head, looking at Archer, feeling some elation at something going right, “Call a meeting, bring it, it's most likely Buggy's, the bastard managed to lie about his fruit anyway then, I doubt we had anything on the ship from the Grandline. Which makes me wonder how far his fruit had to have traveled for him to get it where he did from the pirate king's crew.”

“A pirate lying, how obscene.” Archer said dryly, letting out a chuckle, “It's fitting that with all the trouble he caused, he still left a gift behind.”

“It's lucky is what it is, and I don't trust luck anymore, everytime we get lucky, we get fucked on the next island.” Kaito muttered darkly, chewing on his thumb. “Arlong shouldn't be an issue… But with our luck…”

“Don't fall into that, Captain, we make our own luck.” Archer said, slapping his muscled chest enthusiastically, “A fight isn't anything to worry about, if it's harder, we'll just have to go even harder back at em’.”

“Heh. I need to up my Captain game, now I'm getting pep talks from the cook of all people.” Kaito joked, feeling some tension releasing, Archer was right, what was the point of worrying, what would come would be as it would be - they'd just have to deal with it.

Archer sniffed, playing at being offended, “The cook is the only sensible person on the ship, everyone knows that.” He grinned challengingly, “At least everyone who wants to eat real food, and not the nutritional slop I could make that will fill all your nutritional needs, but will taste like the bottom of your shoes - after a 50 mile hike through a swamp.” Archer's grin turned wide and feral as he described the horrible concoction he had cooked up.

“Go set up that meeting and stop scaring me, you'll get your fight at Conomi, Archer. No one needs to be forced to face your slop…” Kaito let out a shudder, he couldn't even imagine the taste with that description, and he didn't want to find out.

“Conomi! You're going to Conomi island!?” Nami shrieked, having somehow shuffled close enough to hear without Kaito noticing it.

Kaito scratched the back of his head sheepishly as Archer wisely retreated, using the excuse that he had a meeting to set up and a special fruit to deliver. “Ah… Did I not mention our destination to you?”

Nami's eyes were wide and brimming with emotions, one hand clutching the arm where he knew she had the tattoo, or more like the brand of the Arlong pirates. “You can't go to Conomi, just drop me and Carina off anywhere else!” She demanded shrilly, drawing eyes from Apple and the navigation group that had been around for the training.

Kaito sighed, crossing his arms as he looked up at the sky, what was the point with sensing people around him if he was going to miss people sneaking up on him to eavesdrop, now he had to deal with this, what a bother - he'd have preferred to wait until they were closer, when Nami would be able to tell naturally by their direction and maps. “We are going to the Conomi islands, that won't change.” He said, a thread of steel in his voice.

“You can't!” Nami insisted, taking a step forward, nails now digging into her arm, “My… You can't!” She stressed, Carina coming up the stairs, drawn by the commotion, her expression pinched as she watched Nami on the verge of panicking.

“We can handle Arlong, he's a small fish, we won't even break a sweat.” Kaito promised Nami, trying to impress his intent on her, trying to show his sincerity.

Nami broke out in sweat, shaking her head weakly, “No, no you can't, do you have any idea what he'll do? He'll think I brought you!” She rushed forward, grasping Kaito by his captain's coat, Kaito waving away the crew members that had begun approaching at her movements, “I'll lose everything, everyone, YOU CAN'T DO THIS!” The overarching emotion in her usually warm brown eyes was fear and anger now, and Kaito wasn't sure how to reassure her.

“My bounty is higher than his.” He said gently, grasping the hands that were clutching his coat desperately. “Archer alone could take him, let alone any of his officers, even Yoruichi would have a chance if she took the fight seriously, so with me handling Arlong, his officers won't stand a chance, let alone his crew. This is happening, Nami.” He said, trying to break it to her gently, his eyes finding Carina's, begging for assistance.

“Nami… Come on, let's go get something to drink.” Carina murmured, coming over to grab her friend by the shoulders, giving Kaito a complicated look.

“You don't understand… He can't be beaten that easily, people have tried,” Nami said almost brokenly, her eyes glazed as she stared at nothing, “How do you even know all this..?” She whispered, her hands letting go of his coat as Carina coaxed her away.

Kaito watched her go with mixed feelings. She wasn't yet as hardened as she'd be once the Straw Hats reached her, and he worried what would happen with her after he left Conomi behind… But at least, no matter her fate, he'd save Conomi for her.

Perhaps Luffy would still find her, perhaps not. But she would be free.

If that was all he could do…

It was still something..

The difference between him and Luffy…

Kaito would definitely kill them all.

＊＊＊

By the time Kaito made it to his quarters, the officers were already all there, the devil fruit placed on his desk, drawing all eyes to it.

“Alright, so we definitely got lucky with this thing reincarnating here, so question is, Wire? Are you still willing to eat it?” Kaito asked promptly, not one for beating around the bush.

Wire gave it a look of distaste, “I said I would, so fuck it I will, but are you sure it's the same one, could just have picked up some random fruit couldn't we?”

Archer shook his head firmly, “I inventory everything that comes aboard, there was no devil fruit, so unless someone else died on the island that was a fruit user, it's Buggy's.”

Duel held up a small piece of metal, twirling it between her fingers, drawing everyone's attention, it was the size of her thumb, and when she flicked it just so - a piece of razor sharp, just barely visible wire shot out. “Wire.” She said with a smirk, tossing it to him, “Don't suck.” She advised him, obviously on the - eat the fruit side - of the situation, as she'd already prepared the attachments to make Wire a whirlwind of razor wire.

“Oh, fuck you!” He groused, catching the small piece, peering at it curiously, playing with the Wire, uncaring of the thin line of blood it immediately drew from his calloused and scarred fingers, “This is good fucking wire.” He said begrudgingly, Duel preening slightly at the praise.

“That's so cute.” Yoruichi stage-whispered to Archer, getting a crude gesture from Duel in return.

“Were there any other fruit users on the island?” Archer asked, moving things along, “It would help any lingering doubts you might have, Wire.” He clarified at seeing the man's furrowed brows.

Yoruichi shook her head at the same time as Duel did, neither had encountered any, Kaito made a wavy motion with one hand, drawing everyone's attention, “Kind of, but not.” He said, making a face, thinking of the old man and his stupid prophecy.

“Yeah… We kind of need more information on that. And next time… Maybe not a week later?” Yoruichi suggested dryly, but with the look on her face, Kaito knew he'd receive a private dressing down later for not sharing with his first mate.

“He wasn't a fruit user, the old head monk, but he did have a fruit there, he wanted me to eat it.” Kaito explained, “It did not look like that,” He made sure to add, pointing at the devil fruit on the desk, the orange-red swirl covered fruit nothing like the fruit in Torrance.

Wire raises an incredulous eyebrow. ‘And you didn't steal it, why? Considering you want to collect the damn things for the crew that's fucking stupid.” He stated bluntly.

Duel shook her head, “Odd.” She agreed.

Archer and Yoruichi shared a look, before looking to Kaito for an explanation.

Kaito puffed out a breath of air, feeling ganged up on, “Alright, I know normally that's what I should have done, but this old geezer was basically telling me I was fated to eat it due to some prophecy, fated to be their savior or some shit.” He explained, distaste dripping off every word. He slashed his hands in front of him in an x motion, “There was no way I was eating it, or bringing it with us, I fucking refuse to play to some stupid fate, I charter the course of my destiny, not some old monk, and not his damn fruit either!”

“Alright… I probably would have told him to fuck off too…” Wire muttered, “We could have still sold it or something.” He added, probably just to be contrary.

“Alright, it makes as much sense as anything else on that island. So what next? Are you eating it, Wire?” Yoruichi asked, pivoting back to the reason for the meeting.

Archer and Duel both gave him thumbs up at the same time. Duel adding a muttered, “Idiot.” To it.

Wire grimaced, playing with the small metal wire dispenser that could attach to his outfit. “Fine, might as well, fucking could use something to waste the next fucker who messes with us.” He grumbled, pushing his chair back, walking the two steps to the desk, “Do I have to eat the whole damn thing?” He asked.

“Yes~” Yoruichi sing-songed with a big cat-like grin on her face, leaning forward in anticipation. Archer chuckled next to her as he leaned back, crossing his arms. Obviously well aware of what was coming - he'd probably been there when Yoruichi ate hers.

Wire picked the fruit up, his nose wrinkling as he looked at the weird looking thing, “If this doesn't work, I'm fucking coming for all of ya!” He wanted, before he slowly lifted it up, and took a big bite of it.

We all leaned forward in anticipation, Wire simply standing shock still - with no reaction for a moment.

“Fuuuuuuck!” Wire groaned out, grimacing as he forced the chunk down his throat, his face turning green, immediately attacking the rest of the fruit with the most disgusted look I've ever seen on his face, obviously choosing to get it over with as soon as possible.

We all couldn't help but let out our amusement as Wire cursed between bites, his face breaking out in sweat, tears running out of his eyes as he forced down the obviously disgusting fruit. Finally after several minutes, devouring it all and collapsing back in his chair, holding his throat, making gagging noises.

“Amusing.” Duel told him, with one of the largest grins Kaito had ever seen on her.

“Fuck you all, that was rank!” Wire cursed, still looking green, “Fucking power isn't worth that!”

Archer laughed lightly, “Yoruichi was the same, except she refused to eat any fruit for months after.”

Yoruichi slapped his arm, not drawing as much as a glance from the muscled chef, “Don't tell them that!” She complained.

“Who wants to test if it worked?” Kaito asked with a wide grin, leering at the suddenly cautious looking Wife. He was right to be cautious, as before Kaito could even completely finish the sentence, Duel had already thrown a dagger at the sitting Wire, making the man curse up a storm.

“It would have only been a leg wound, don't be a baby.” Yoruichi chided, snickering with Duel, who looked mighty pleased with herself.

Wire had in fact not been injured, the power working somewhat automatically apparently, or it activated because Wire immediately thought of it at the chance of being attacked, either way, his leg had split, instead of being wounded by the dagger.

“Congratulations, Wire, you're now a splitting man.” Kaito said, practically jumping in his chair from excitement.

Wire simply looked down at his leg with a frown. “I need a fucking drink.” He groaned.

Kaito hummed in thought, tilting his head, “Since it's going to be in your body, I wonder if you can split the alcohol contents, could probably make yourself drunker sooner, by splitting the pure alcohol from the rest of the mix.”

Wire looked at Kaito, pointing at him suddenly with a smirk on his face, “Now that's what I'm fucking talking about!”

Oh, he had so many ideas, Wire’s head would spin before Kaito would even be done explaining his theories on how much could possibly be gamed under the theory of splitting.

If he could split his consciousness between different pieces instead of having to control them all with a singular mind - he'd be a whirlwind of death on any battlefield, able to attack from everywhere around any enemy no matter the situation…

“No. Experiment - While. Drunk!” Duel enunciated slowly, giving Wire a dangerous look.

“You're one to talk…” He muttered mulishly. But put his hands up in surrender when she began fingering her guns. “Fine, whatever. No fun. Fucking got it.”

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

We'll do it when she's in her workshop. Kaito mouthed to him, Wire gaining a pleased look that immediately had Duel looking suspicious, Archer and Yoruichi both failing to hide sniggers.

It wasn't Kaito's problem if Wire forgot things like hangovers and how obviously Duel would find out in the morning anyway since gossip traveled around the ship faster than Kizaru.

He was just helping a crew mate out.

He was the good guy here.

＊＊＊

It needed saying again, the ocean was vast, it would take them weeks to reach Conomi island, and it also changed other things.

Unlike the show, there weren't many occasions of birds dropping from the sky out at open sea with newspaper subscriptions for you - that happened more the closer you were to actual lanes of travel between islands, shipping routes and the like - or close to the island themselves.

So Kaito was surprised to find one arriving next morning, surprised and elated, because they carried what he'd been eagerly awaiting.

The navy had listened to his bragging it seemed. Without any hesitation, he started stomping and hollering and getting the whole ship awake - sleep wasn't necessary when he had such cool news to share.

As Duel stomped up to him wearing just tiny boy shorts and a minimally covering tank top, he almost forgot what he had called them up for, lost in the sight, before the woman shook a fist under his nose, demanding to know what his problem was.

Seeing as most everyone were around, he held the bounty posters up straight into the sky, crowing, “Our bounties are here, bitches!”

The attitude changed for most of them at that, only Nami and Carina watching on in confusion as everyone began talking excitedly, making bets on who got one and for how much. Blackjack was going to be quite poor, betting so much on himself, Kaito thought, grinning widely.

“Ahem!” He cleared his throat, taking the first poster out of the small bundle, silencing the crowd, “First up, the amazingly sexy, wise, capable, utterly charmi-”

“Shut the fuck up and tell us already!” Wire shouted, looking irritated.

Dice next to him sweat dropping slightly, “Wire, mate, how can he talk if he shuts up?”

“He knows what I mean dammit.” Wire grumbled, “Tears, support me here.”

“... 500 beris that Wire will be the lowest bounty.” Tears said, a teasing grin on his face as he jostled Wire's shoulder.

“700 says he doesn't get one.” Blackjack jumped in, Dice and Tears both pushing him away by putting their hands in his face, “You brat, stop betting money you don't have!” They roared in unison.

“Did anyone still want to know the bounty?” Kaito asked, pouting slightly, his thunder having been slightly stolen by the three stooges.

Seeing everyone's attentive gazes switching back to him, he preened as he showcased the bounty poster. “Kaito of the Red Dawn, 40 million beri!”

Kaito found Nami's eyes as the crew cheered, raising his eyebrow at her, see, I got this, he tried to say, her own gaze shocked and contemplative, before she turned away to speak with Carina who was tugging on her arm.

“Now, I wasn't the only one of course, we have further bounties to address.” Kaito said grandly, sliding out the next poster, showing a shot of Yoruichi, the shot of the first mate being her lazing on the deck in an orange minimal bikini, a set of sunglasses perched on her nose. “Yoruichi the Sin Eater… Wow, that's kind of a kinky name.” Kaito muttered out loud. At least they'd used the picture he'd sent. “Worth 21 million beri.”

There were a lot of wolf whistles in the crowd, because of the picture and the name, it was obvious the marines had decided to capitalize on her traitorous ways and paint her as some sort of deviant or man eater. At least no one would expect a Zoan from that picture and that name…

“...Captain… Why is there a shot from this ship, on that poster?” Yoruichi asked, supernaturally calm, while cracking her knuckles. Strangely enough she didn't seem phased by the moniker..

Kaito realized he might have miscalculated slightly on the picture, sweat beginning to accumulate on his brow. “Eh, hmm, how to explain this.” He tried to delay the inevitable, but Yoruichi and Archer both stepped up, and of the two, the second one looked much more displeased.

“I might… Have sent some pictures and brief descriptions of our awesome deeds to Navy HQ so we could get awesome bounties…” Kaito admitted, not really regretting it, but realizing the next few training sessions were likely to be brutal, worth it. He thought.

“Moving on!” He said loudly, pushing the consequences down the road, sliding another poster out, “Wave fist Archer, 17 million beri.” The poster depicted Archer, in the arena, his muscles and tattoos on display, a wild battle junkie's grin on his face as he was in the middle of a punch. “~Scary!” Kaito called out, fanning himself with the poster, money exchanging hands between crew members.

Kaito was beyond happy he'd managed to get a photo from a crew mate who regularly scouted out the arena for threats for the then gang - he didn't want to send a photo of Archer cooking as his bounty poster, this was way more badass.

“Sexism is what it is.” Yoruichi muttered, “Why didn't I get a poster of me punching something in Zoan form…” She eyed Kaito with a glint in her eyes, “We will be talking about this.” She warned, her grin sharp.

Archer on the other hand had apparently forgotten his previous issue, and was rubbing his chin thoughtfully, “Wave fist huh, not bad, not bad at all.”

“Unfortunately, despite my arguments, it appears only one more member of the crew received a bounty,” Kaito announced, holding the last poster high as he grandstanded in front of his crew.

Betting quickly escalated as the crew vascilitated between Duel and Wire. Except for Blackjack who was delusionally claiming it would be him.

Kaito gulped slightly, as his fingers shook on the edge of the bounty paper, he really didn't think this through… He showed everyone the bounty, already preparing himself for a world of hurt, “Coming in at 7 million Beri - The Pain Engineer, Duel!” The shot was of Duel, working on her big ass bazooka, clad in her overalls, but as usual, zipped down to showcase her toned stomach, her breasts almost spilling out of her sports bra, a lollipop hanging from her mouth as she had an intensely focused expression on her face, her scar prominently visible.

Yoruichi practically screeched, “Sexism! What the fuck Kaito! What kind of pictures are you taking without us noticing!”

Kaito winced, expecting Duel to blow him away, when no pain was incoming, he opened his eyes to look for Duel, finding her leaning on Wire, a smirk on her face, obviously taunting the man about having a bounty when he didn't, “I'm still alive…” Kaito said in wonder.

Duel heard him, turning his way, scoffing as she waved towards the poster, “No problem. Hot!” She declared, going back to harassing Wire.

“Duel! Show some female solidarity…” Yoruichi complained, pouting, “I'm going to shove that poster up Marinefords ass until they give me something better!” She promised, fire in her eyes.

“You guys are insane, it's not good to have Marineford sending people after you!” Carina called out, giving them all a dirty look, Nami looking to be in agreement, but not willing to call it out to such a large gathering of the crew.

Kaito chuckled, “We're pirates, Carina, notoriety is how we keep score.” He smirked as he held up his amazing first time bounty, “Besides, we'll be long gone by the time Garp gets here anyway.”

It was like the world froze, not a sound except the sea could be heard, it was like no one was even breathing, until as one, the entire crew - and its two guests screamed in unison, “WHAT!?”

Kaito scratched his chin, chuckling self deprecatingly.“Well, it's not well known, but Garp's grandson lives in the Goa kingdom in East Blue, which is the way we were heading, if anyone at Marineford read a map and had some ability in reading the signs… So when I sent in these reports for our bounties - he probably rushed into East Blue.”

Yoruichi looked apoplectic, “You brought Garp the Hero, the Vice-Admiral that took down Roger, here! ON PURPOSE!” She yelled, Archer grabbing her into a hug, holding her against his chest before she could transform and rip a chunk out of Kaito.

Wire looked completely done, “I knew we were following an idiot, but this is fucking wild.”

Blackjack looked thrilled on the other hand, “I'll be the one to take out Garp! I'll be famous!” He crowed, earning himself a smack over the head from Dice.

Kaito hurried to interrupt anymore grumbling, “Hey, we're all good, he's heading to Goa, we're heading away from there. And with a big shot like him running through East Blue, our way to Loguetown will be perfectly clear - this makes it easier for us, not harder.” Probably. He hedged, mentally. I have no idea who's going to be put in charge of Loguetown under Garp's influence…

Some of the crew settled in relief after that explanation, but Nami strode forward, eyes twitching, “You need to let me the hell off this ship before Gsrp turns it into kindling!” She demanded.

Kaito frowned, “But I just explained he won't.” He said, Yoruichi arriving, apparently released from Archer's embrace and not filled with rage anymore, the first mate putting an arm around Nami's shoulder, squeezing her gently.

“Hey, I don't know about you, but I'm declaring this a girls night, let's get completely wasted and the boys can do all the work.” She said bluntly, giving Kaito a dirty look. Pointing two fingers at her own eyes and then pointing them at his. The meaning was clear - I'm watching you!

“But… It's morning?” Blackjack opinionated again, sounding confused, receiving another smack, from Tears this time, “Ow, stop fucking smacking me!”

From the looks around the crew, no one was on the kids' side in this one, Kaito thought.

Nami sagged into Yoruichi, looking absolutely done with everything, but she still managed a weak thankful smile at the first mate, “That sounds great, actually.”

Then she froze, seeing Apple and Duel walking up, “Actually, alcohol might not be a good idea.” She muttered, as Carina came up on her side, warily watching the two approaching women.

“Shut up, Drink.” Duel said, without rancor, as she walked past, Apple followed in her wake, giving Nami an inscrutable look, but keeping her mouth shut.

“None of these people make any sense!” Carina lamented quietly.

Nami nodded her head morosely. They were crazy, absolutely insane…

… They needed to stop giving her hope before she'd break…

Getting drunk, Nami decided. Sounded like the best idea ever, she hadn't been this stressed since Arlong appeared.

Carina would watch over her, so she was safe as could be!

＊＊＊

Hours later…

“Oh, dis can't end well…” Yoruichi slurred, hugging a bottle of rum to her chest, rocking it like a baby, her blurry vision on the corner of the girls bunking area.

Duel shrugged, having drank more than all of them, but seemingly mostly unaffected, just a slight redness to her face denoting any inebriation, “Both Adults.” She said, but her eyes never left them, her gaze piercing as she looked for any sign of Apple being taken advantage of. “Stupid. But, adults.”

Carina hid her face in her hands, “This can't be happening.” She moaned, blitzed, but not drunk enough to unsee it.

The sight of Apple and Nami sucking face - whatever between them apparently not complicated enough to protest a heavy, drunk, make out session. “Shouldn't you stop this!? You hate her!” Carina moaned piteously in Duel's general direction.

Duel pursed her lips, “Stop… If fucking.” She declared, nodding decisively, gesturing to the two women as if to say - not enough to stop yet. She eyed Carina, taking a sip out of her beer bottle, “Hate… Maybe… Apple forgive? Maybe…” She sneered, throwing an accusing finger right into Carina's face, “Hurt her, dead!” She growled, the raspiness of her voice making the threat stand out clearly.

Carina growled right back, getting up in Duel's face, the engineer rearing back slightly in shock, “I am sick and tired of this bullshit! So she seduced the girl!” She gestured wildly to the corner, “Yeah she looks real fucking heartbroken right there! You don't know anything about her, or me! Don't judge us, like you're so fucking innocent!” Carina was breathing heavily as she came down from her rant, getting an - oh shit - look on her face when she realized who she'd mouthed off to.

Duel frowned, taking another sip of beer as Carina meekly sank back onto her stool. Yoruichi watched them, but with the way her head swayed back and forth, she was probably seeing four of each of them.

“... Don't like.” Duel said abruptly, looking away from the girls to focus on Carina for a second, “Don't like!” She hammered home, before snorting slightly, relaxing in her seat, “Maybe chance.” She allowed, eyes going back to Apple and Nami, “If Apple okay.” She murmured, wincing slightly, a hand gently touching her throat.

Carina knew Duel had been using her voice more than normal lately, and much more loudly than normal, that scar looked vicious, it must hurt. She hesitated, before looking over at where Nami was getting pushed down as an enthusiastic and very drunk Apple sucked on her neck, “I know a home remedy for sore throats, it's supposed to work in minutes, I can whip it up if you're okay with it?” She asked, offering an olive branch.

Duel gave her an indecipherable look, holding it for a moment as Carina forgot to breathe, feeling like she was caught in the state of a predator right before it stuck - before Duel finally gave a slow nod, something easing in her expression.

“Okay then, I'll.. Go do that. You, umm.. Stop that!?” Carina said, blushing, and covering her eyes with her hands, only slightly peeking through, as Nami's shirt was ripped off.

Duel was immediately on her feet, heading to pull the two apart, Yoruichi just giggling and drooling onto the table.

Well… That's one way to get on their good side again, Nami. Carina thought dryly, By making the same mistake that got you into the mess in the first place. She shook her head as she stumbled towards the kitchens, one hand on the wall to guide her as the ship kept moving too much for her taste.

At least this time they couldn't hate them too much. After all, Nami had been very polite and respectful, until Apple grabbed her by the hair and put one right on her lips after her 7th drink. Nami of course never backed down from a challenge…

One of her more annoying qualities.

Diplomacy by alcohol, Carina thought whimsically, I wonder if Nami was even aware she's bisexual? She's never said anything…

She froze suddenly in the hallway, feeling self conscious all of a sudden, “That bitch! She never hit on me!? What? Am I too ugly!?” She muttered, fists clenching.

Oh, Nami, wait until you're sober! You got some explaining to do!

＊＊＊

3 weeks later,

Kaito had no idea what had happened. But it had been pretty smooth sailing for the last few weeks. Oh, Apple and Nami ran away from each other if they noticed the other one nearby for some reason - instead of the ignoring her thing Apple had going on before that, but Duel had started to come back out again, and wasn't nearly as murderous, just giving Carina and Nami looks now and then when they were being too whiny about their training.

Or when Nami tried her - four a day arguing sessions - on why they absolutely could not go to the Conomi islands. He had to give that much to her - she had fire in her, and she definitely wasn't one to give up.

The rest of the crew had stopped hassling the girls as the injured healed up completely, apparently not willing to hold on to a grudge, whether it was the general attractiveness of the girls, or Nami's and Carina's obvious social manipulations - as they moved to and fro throwing smiles around and gambling or playing games with the crew.

Despite the fact Nami and Carina kept winning, no one seemed to take it too badly. And was social manipulation really that bad when it was so obviously to everyone's benefit? Kaito wasn't sure…

Kaito was beginning to wonder if the two were magic, honestly.

He'd seen no recourse before but to completely drop the chance of recruiting them, just to have his whole crew start turning around and treat them just fine all of a sudden.

Yoruichi would just get a wicked grin on her face and mutter nonsense about the animal kingdom when he asked her what she knew, and none of the guys seemed to have a clue.

Apple and Wire seemed to be the only two not onboard with the two women so far.

Kaito hoped that seeing what Arlong's done would help soften them to Nami's plight - and her decisions, for good or for ill, that she was forced to make.

He had to admit he was biased though, which is why it wouldn't be his decision. In the end, Wire and Apple would get the final word. Both of them had looked incredibly annoyed with him when he'd laid that out again, explaining circumstances seemed to have changed amongst the crew, but it made perfect sense. Duel still obviously disliked them, but also just as obviously had washed her hands of any of it. She'd simply returned to normal life, no more murderous plots hatching in her evil lair.

No more than usual anyway.

He'd still face the problem of both of them even wanting to stay on anyway - which in no way was guaranteed, he wasn't Luffy, he didn't have the same kind of pull.

Did he think Nami and Carina were enjoying themselves more than they thought they could once the anger settled down? Yes. But some easy camaraderie was far from - let's travel the world together as pirates.

He put it out of his mind, it was out of his control still. Instead he returned on drilling his crew, they were all getting markedly better, the different groups of his crew improving both in general, and in their specialties.

By the time they hit Loguetown, he wouldn't be surprised if he had half a dozen people that could at least pull off one of the six powers.

He had a pretty solid crew, they needed a doctor, sure, but other than that - he had hit the jackpot.

A shame about Zoro, but with how complicated finding Nami was - it's probably for the best…

＊＊＊

A week later,

Nami felt her heart rate pick up as they neared Cocoyashi village, she'd pleaded and begged and even lowered herself to offer anything to the Captain if he would just turn around and sail away… But he was steadfast in facing Arlong.

It was suicide, plain and simple, his bounty had given her pause for a moment, but it hadn't been enough to settle the feeling that everything was going to go wrong. Arlong had proven again and again how superior the fishmen were to humans. What did a larger bounty mean against that?

She didn't want to come back here like this… Arlong wouldn't forgive this, he'd punish her, not kill her of course, he'd still use her, use her skills for his own benefit, but… Nojiko… Her village… They'd suffer again because she failed again. Why wouldn't these stupid pirates understand!?

She hated how she'd almost started to become comfortable with them, how she'd begun enjoying spending time with them. They were pirates, they were no different then Arlong, scum of the sea.

But really, they aren't very different from you are they? Her thoughts betrayed her immediately, whispering the same thing she'd thought since she got onboard. For the first time in her life, she'd felt like she was amongst her people.

She squirmed on the deck, eyes stuck on the small stick figures in the distance that she could barely make out, moving around rapidly, probably panicking at the sight of the incoming ship, knowing it meant Arlong would come. Maybe they'll be able too… She squashed the thought, no, no hoping, can't afford that, it won't go like that.

It never goes like that…

Her eyes, on their own, found Apple, before she whipped her head away, furiously staring straight ahead. Why did I have to make it worse by… She's so great, shares my interests, her art is amazing, why, why? Why can't I just leave her alone? Haven't I done enough? Didn't I hurt her enough?

….And why won't she leave me alone? Why doesn't she hate me? She couldn't help but think, not able to go anywhere on the ship in the last week without somehow running into the girl, Carina refusing to walk with her now because she said she was done drowning in awkwardness every day.

Chills went down her spine as she heard splashes of water in the distance, of course, Arlong always has a watch out for ships… She'd warned Kaito, but he'd refused to deviate from his route. Nami watched on, heart thundering so loud in her chest she couldn't hear anything else, just watching the water, waiting for the sounds of the ship breaking apart.

Maybe this is better. She thought fatalistically, if we all end here, Cocoyashi won't pay for me bringing pirates to challenge Arlong, it will just be another crew slaughtered at the shore…

She could see them now, two of them, the water and foam kicked up in their wake, they weren't trying to hide, they could swim deeper and remain completely hidden, she knew, but they were purposefully taunting them, swimming close to the surface so the pirates could see what was coming for them.

Nami wanted to shout out, her hands white as she gripped the railing, but her throat constricted on its own, she couldn't say the words. It's better if we sink, she reminded herself. Nojiko, Genzo… They'll be safer…

Kaito was suddenly on the railing next to her, crouched on top of it, grinning irreverently. He winked at her as she tried to ignore his presence, playing with two coins.

“I warned you.” Nami said, feeling dead inside, seeing the two fishmen scouts accelerate towards their ship.

Kaito laughed freely, spinning the coins in his hand, “Ah, and I warned you, Nami, this isn't anything to worry about.” Both his hands blurred faster than Nami could see, and she gasped as the water churning towards them suddenly slowed down, a tint of red suffusing it, before it came to a full stop, returning to the normal waves of the sea, two bodies briefly seen.

Nami was speechless, just staring at the spot where two fishmen, two beings of superior strength and stamina to humans - had been killed by a man throwing coins at them. “H-how?” She whimpered.

Kaito smiled radiantly at her, squeezing her shoulder, “Because we're stronger, Nami, and I won't allow them to hurt you or yours anymore.”

For the first time in a long time. A tiny flame of hope sparked in Nami. She ruthlessly tried to squash it. This is nothing, those two are like nothing compared to Arlong, she reminded herself.

Yet… Her gaze turned back to the water. The fishmens own domain, the place where they were the strongest. Two Beri coins had been enough…

She gritted her teeth, shaking her head, hiding her face, so he wouldn't see her shiny eyes, Don't give me hope you bastard! Don't! She cried inwardly.

Arlong is too strong!

＊＊＊

Kaito could see that Nami wanted to believe. She wanted to believe so badly after he killed the two scouts - using shave empowered throws of tiny bits of metal, straight through the eyes.

The crew wasn't the only ones training, Kaito was getting stronger too, although there wasn't much difference between using the finger gun or throwing something, so maybe it wasn't necessarily shave empowered as much as a finger gun range attack.

The fishmen might be tougher than a regular human, but shave or finger gun empowered anything through the eyes - not something you can walk away from. Or swim, he supposed in this case. He'd also felt like a total badass doing that, so he was glad he hadn't missed or something embarrassing like that.

Now here they were, on the soil of the Conomi islands, in Cocoyashi village, some locals warily eying them from their homes.

“Wire… Take Duel, Apple and a couple people with you and go secure Nami's sister.” He ordered, “Then meet us at Arlong park…” They'd already managed to get the location out of a reluctant Nami, who was standing next to Kaito, Carina right by her, looking unnaturally serious for once.

With any hope, Nami's story out of Nojiko’s mouth would soften the ones still most against her, and if not, at least he tried the best he could. He also wanted to make sure Arlong didn't take Nojiko hostage in case he'd spied Nami onboard.

As that little group split off, a scarred man with a windmill hat approached Kaito and Nami, and Kaito stopped him before he could even begin with whatever nonsense play acting they were still keeping up with Nami to protect her. “We're here to kill Arlong, No, we won't be dissuaded, we're doing this for Nami, or at least I am, You don't have a choice, shut up and be saved.”

The absolutely taken aback lock on the man as he stopped midstep was kind of funny.

Perhaps he'd been a bit blunt, but he really thought Nami was in a fragile state right now - and she didn't need to suffer through the whole everyone hates her spiel too.

“...Nami?” Genzo asked softly, stopping just a few feet away.

Nami ducked her head, either refusing, or unable to answer the man, her body shaking slightly. Carina sighing as she put her arms around her.

Kaito knew they'd been more rivals then friends later, but the last month had obviously pushed them further towards the friend angle.

“They never hated you, Nami, they knew what you were sacrificing for them.” Kaito stated, more gently this time.

Genzo gave him a hard stare, even as more people came closer, having obviously listened in, “How do you know this, pirate?” He asked in disbelief. “You've never been here before, we would remember it.”

Yoruichi sauntered up, Archer at her back, “It's an annoying habit he has, knowing more than he should, you get used to it.”

Genzo gave Kaito an inscrutable look, before obviously deciding to ignore him for something more important, “Nami…” He murmured softly, taking a step closer, “We're so glad to have you back.” He almost choked out, sounding close to tears.

That was more than Nami could take. The poor girl, younger and less hardened than her Canon self, burst into tears, falling into Genzo’s arms, apologizing over and over again.

More and more villagers streamed out of their homes, surrounding Nami, all shouting encouraging and welcoming words, refusing her apologies, the girl looking overwhelmed, tears streaming down her face.

“What do we have here, chu? An illegal gathering… Pirates? And dear Nami in the middle of it all, this is going to cost you, chu…” A Fishman with giant lips stood at the edge of the village, flanked by four others, his arrogant eyes sweeping across the gathering, his smile sinister. Several villagers shied back, but even more, stood straighter, ready to fight back, done with being cowed, now that Nami was back.

Nami paled, looking like she wanted to rush forward and apologize, but she was held firmly in an embrace by Genzo, who refused to let go, the old man snarling back, “We're not listening any longer, for Nami, we'll stand up against anyone you got, you pirate scum!”

Kaito wanted to protest, because really, Arlong was more of a bandit leader than a pirate, he didn't even sail the seas, how was he a pirate? But he refrained, the discussion would throw off the mood.

“Is that what happened to the guards, chu? Did you low life's ambush them, chu?” Chew asked dangerously, “Arlong won't let you live if you don't back down, now, and accept sacrifices for your rebellion, chu!”

“As interesting as this is, we are here to kill Arlong, not listen to the bottom feeder's grandstand or annoy us with their speech impediment.” Kaito called out, stepping out in front of the crowd of villagers, Archer and Yoruichi with him.

“What is this, chu? Assassin's? Nami… You'll pay for this when Arlong hears about this, chu!” Chew seemed enraged, the four fishmen behind him all looking ready to begin a slaughter, their faces lit up in sadistic glee at the prospect of putting down a rebellion.

“This guy's the weakest of Arlong's officers, you can probably take them all yourself, Yoruichi, but I guess Archer would be sad without a fight, so both of you,” Kaito waved towards the fishermen negligently, “Waste those weaklings.”

“You dare, chu!” Chew reared back in shock and literally shook in rage, before he made a motion forward, the fishmen behind him rushing in to wreak havoc, Chew preparing to fire from the back as fire support with his water shots.

Archer laughed gleefully as he raced ahead of Yoruichi, small motes of water glittering in the air as he skated forward, practically bowling into the four fishmen, knocking them over, as he tanked through them, grabbing one by the neck, as he came to a stop over his fallen comrades, “At least give me a challenge, hmm?” He scoffed, breaking the neck of the Mantaray looking Fishman he was holding up, the mighty crack of the neck being crushed enraging the other fishmen, especially Chew.

“DIE!” He screamed, puffing out his cheeks to begin firing at Archer, before he was forced to rapid fire right in front of him, while dodging frantically, as Yoruichi in her long legged speed Zoan form - had rushed past the other four to attack Chew, her long sharp claws blinding him at times with the reflection of the sun as she flashed it into his eyes, making his shots wildly inaccurate.

Archer on the other hand was taking it slow, a wild grin on his face at finally having a battle on his hands, the three remaining fishmen growing frustrated as their attempts to utilize fishman karate was met by Archer swinging their comrades corpse like a club against them.

“Fight us seriously!” One of them snapped at him, the three of them circling him warily, unused to facing a human that could last against them, let alone challenge them.

Archer chuckled, dropping the corpse with a thud, “If you wish.” He mocked, getting into a stance, arms raised up as he lowered his center of gravity looking almost hunched over, “Come at me then, show me what you got!”

All three at the same time, rushed Archer, who slowly moved his foot in the dirt, a shimmer of water barely visible to Kaito and only because he knew what to look for. Archer's grin never abated as the fishmen came within inches of striking, before his whole body corkscrewed into the air suddenly, one booted foot smashing right through the jaw of one of the fishmen immediately, as he surged over the other two's fists, one hand grabbing one by the wrist, the other smacking the last fishman so hard his head twisted 180 degrees.

As he completed his turn, the last remaining fishman cried out in agony as his arm was practically ripped off with the power of Archer’s momentum, the little motes of water enhancing his movements somehow that Kaito couldn't understand. Before he could do more than cry, Archer put him out of his misery, twisting his neck to match his comrade.

“A decent warm up for the main event, I suppose.” Archer said warmly, his eyes glittering as he clapped his hands.

He joined Kaito in watching Yoruichi play with her food, Chew frantically backpedaling across the village as Yoruichi hunted him, tearing one strip off at a time, his long ranged and short ranged water shots easily dodged by the Zoan. There was more red on his body now then blue, and he looked frantically desperate. Seeing his friends dead, he made the mistake of attempting to beg for mercy, stopping momentarily, “WAIT! I cou-gurk!”

With him not running anymore, nothing stopped Yoruichi's claws from spearing him through the throat, the Zoan smiling widely as life bled out of his shocked eyes, “Gotcha~” She sing-songed pleasantly.

Behind him, Kaito could hear Genzo mutter to Nami, “...What kind of monsters are these?”

Nami not replying at all, seemingly in shock at the easy dispatching of the crew from her nightmares.

Kaito raised a fist in the air, “To Arlong Park!” He shouted.

Both his crew and the villagers who just witnessed their oppressors being violently torn apart - gave of a raucous cheer as people began moving.

Kaito stopped by Nami, Carina and Genzo. “I made a promise, Nami, I am going to keep it, whether you choose us, to stay, or to go elsewhere, you will, and I swear it to anyone that will listen or Davy Jones himself, you will be free!”

For the first time, when Kaito looked into her warm brown eyes, he saw hope. And he smiled.

＊＊＊

There wasn't anything complicated about it, no grand speeches, they just matched forward, met on the way by Wire’s group with Nojiko, the woman immediately finding Nami and embracing her, Nami bursting into tears again at the easy acceptance of her sister.

Kaito glanced at his crew, none of them seemed to be in a good mood after the story they'd no doubt heard, perhaps it will be enough. He thought, before putting it out of his mind, seeing the gate to Arlong Park coming up.

He could feel his own blood pumping, and without any other thought than - Arlong! - he rushed ahead, utilising shave to speed towards the gate, at the last second jumping into the air, using iron body as he made his own body into a battering ram, smashing through the gate in a thunderous crash, wood shrapnel showering the fishmen inside as they shouted in alarm.

Kaito walked out of the smoke and dust, grinning sharply, seeing the rest of Arlong's crew in front of him, even as he could feel his own crew rushing up behind him. “Where's that piece of shit Arlong? The weakest bitch in the sea? I want a word with him…”

From a throne up ahead, he could see Arlong rising, an enraged snarl on his lips, “You have a lot of guts, human, they'll look nice hanging from the rafters..”

The rest of the fishmen were beginning to surround him, when his crew arrived, Archer gleefully punching his way though, until he was halted by Kuroobi, one of Arlong's officers, the two immediately getting into a stare off, fighters from both crews going around them.

Duel had taken a position on top of the wall, firing into the confused and disoriented fishman crew as Kaito's officers wreaked havoc, Yoruichi a whirlwind of claw and muscle as she struck at any point where it looked the fishmen were managing to gather up. Wire going straight for Hatchan, the octopi fishman brandishing his swords threateningly. “You guys are hurting my crew mates, I'll stop you!” Hatchan cried out, striking at Wire with all six of his swords.

Wire grinned sadistically even as he was cut apart, the pieces of him seemingly cut apart and flying off his body - to each side of the fishman, who looked around confused, “Normally there's blood…” Hatchan muttered, scratching his head.

“Oh… There will be blood!” Wire called out, only half his face visible in front of Hatchan, the other half floating away from him, “Wire Maelstrom!” He roared, his body parts that had circled Hatchan all shooting out razor sharp wire from their attached compartment, magnetic ends finding each other, building a net, surrounding Hatchan, and then, each body part pulled back to Wire.

“Dork. Naming attack.” Duel called from up the wall, sitting pretty, just firing at any fishman that wasn't occupied.

Wet chunks hit the ground loudly, with a loud splat, as Arlong roared in anger, “HATCHAN!”

Kaito interspersed himself between the two as Arlong rushed forward, Wire grinning as he saluted him, his other hand floating in the air, giving Duel the finger, he quickly took off to slice and dice some more fishmen. Leaving Arlong to Kaito.

“What? Got a problem with sushi?” Kaito taunted, a fishman falling to Arlong's side, stretching out a hand towards his captain helplessly, his body clawed to pieces, his face barely recognizable.

“You will die in agony for hours!” Arlong growled, stepping up to Kaito, cracking his knuckles.

Kaito chuckled, even as he sensed something behind him, and sidestepped, Arlong roaring further in fury as the broken and bleeding body of Kuroobi, his head completely crushed, impacted him, having been kicked over by Archer. Another explosion after denoting the death of another member due to Duel's overwatch.

“I don't think you have hours.” Kaito taunted, his face harsh as he took a step forward, “This all,” He gestured to the dying crew, all falling quickly, “This all is because of what you did to Nami, her mother, her village. Your entire dream, your purpose, lost, because you're squatting here, torturing these people because your too much of a coward to be out there - on the Grandline!”

“NAMI!” Arlong roared, “I'll kill that little whore for this! You humans are all the same!” Arlong growled, moving forward to strike.

“I don't need to hear a speech from a coward that didn't hack it with the big boys.” Kaito said with contempt, facing Arlong head long, a dark grin on his face, waiting until the last moment to shave out of reach, Arlong's fist burying itself in the cement of Arlong Park, cratering it.

“Missed me!” Kaito taunted, waiting until the last moment, when he could feel the wind of the fist to shave out of the way again, sticking his tongue out, “What's this? Losing your step? Or were you always this weak?”

He could spot Nami, at the entrance, crying as she beheld the defeated Arlong Park, all of its residents dying or dead - except the head coward.

He could smash the building, just as Luffy did, but he wasn't sure he should. He could give Nami the closure to decide what to do with the maps - made under duress - but still her work, her passion, her dreams - she might want to keep them.

Kaito focused in on Arlong again who was roaring mindlessly as he rushed in again and again, even trying to jump in the water and launch himself at high speeds, it all ended the same, Kaito dodged.

“Getting tired yet?” Kaito said quietly, standing a few feet away from the only fishman left on the island, a few minutes later. The screams from the villagers as his backdrop, all of them yelling for justice. Many of them crying, remembering those lost to this cowardly creature.

“I won't lose, not to a filthy human…” Arlong said resentfully, glaring up at him.

Kaito smiled mirthlessly, “You were already lost, losing is all you've ever known, isn't that why you're here?”

He stopped dragging it out, disappearing in a blur, Arlong roaring one last time in defiance striking out, missing. Blood splaying out behind him as Kaito slashed through him with a storm leg strike from a foot away, the Fishman sliding apart in two separate pieces, absolute silence descending on Arlong Park for a moment.

“Nami.” Kaito said quietly, turning back to her, giving her a thumbs up, “You're free!” He grinned cheerfully at her, the crowd erupting.

All he cared about was the blinding smile on Nami's face as all her worries, fears, and stress - slid off her shoulders.

He did good today.

No matter what happens.

This was good.

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