#hydrangea writes

Chapter 1: Melody Yuki

They almost made it. White-Beard was dead but Ace was finally free.

They almost escaped. But that despicable Admiral, Akainu, and his poisonous words, prevented them from being together again.

That day in Marineford, the whole world changed. An era ended alongside its strongest emperor, but a new one would soon begin.

- - -

Bepo, Shachi and Penguin gasped as the Pirate Empress Boa Hancock stepped on the deck of the Polar Tang. Bewitched by her beauty, and also focused on the gigantic snake that towered beside her, they first didn’t realize that another person was standing at her side.

Once the three Heart pirates were reassured that the nearby navy ship was no threat, they finally noticed the tall and slim figure who quietly stood on the deck with the Empress. Their pale face and short messy mop of white hair felt familiar, but they couldn’t quite pinpoint where they last saw it. Striking topaz eyes like theirs should be hard to forget, but aside from deducing from their owner’s corsair outfit that they were pirate and not navy, neither of them could remember who they were facing.

“How is Luffy?” Boa Hancock asked at the same time as her companion.

A few seconds later, Trafalgar Law emerged from his ship, whipping his bloodied hands on a towel.

“I did everything I could” He said grimly.

The white-haired pirate’s face darkened while Boa Hancock’s own face lit up with hope.

“You mean he didn’t make it?” The stranger whispered gravely, but the Empress, who didn’t interpret Law’s sentence the same way asked if that meant Luffy was okay.

“We were able to stabilize him but there is no guarantee he will survive” Law announced his diagnosis and while Hancock’s expression fell, the stranger beside her sighed in relief.

“Thank you. For doing your best” The tall stranger bowed their head. They were soft spoken and respectful, a demeanour that was quite uncommon for a pirate.

Law smirked. “I would never have thought I would one day be thanked by one of White-beard’s men”

Bepo, Shachi and Penguin’s eyes switched from Law to the stranger and then back again. Their jaw dropped when they realized who stood before them.

“Yo-you’re Fire Fist’s right hand man! White Snipe, Melody Yuki!”

The pirate nodded in acknowledgement. “Indeed. It would have been a pleasure to meet you, if in other circumstances”

Melody Yuki. Bounty 50 000 000 Berries. A discrete member of White-Beard’s second division and a talented sharp shooter. Not much more was known about them as they weren’t in the top strongest men of the Emperor’s crew.

Yuki’s detachment and cool attitude clashed with the events that recently unfolded. White-beard and Ace’s recent and brutal deaths didn’t seem to affect them as much as they should.

Law eyed them more carefully and realized their presence was faint, like they were used to being discrete and go unnoticed. Their carefully put together expression probably was a mask used to hide the strong emotions that must be ragging inside them.

Soon, Ivankov and the new-kamas from Impel Down joined them, and Boa Hancock let herself be overwhelmed by sadness. She started crying, and moved to hide her face into Yuki’s shoulder.

“Poor Luffy, what a tragedy” She sobbed. Then her arms came to circle Yuki’s neck. “Sister. I am feeling so sad seeing my dear Luffy fighting at the doors of death. I cannot imagine how much your heart must be bleeding too after the loss of your beloved”

The empress cried some more, and Shachi gave Penguin an interrogative look. “Sister? What is she talking about” He whispered to his friend who shrugged, clueless. He was more surprised that Boa Hancock was allowing a man to touch her.

Yuki gently patted the Empress’s shoulder. “Like I already said Snake Princess, I am flattered but it was not like that. Ace is-” They stopped themselves and bit their trembling lips before they continued. “Ace was my best friend. And I am not your sister-in-law”

The empress ignored the comment and after a few more sobs regained her composure. The group was joined by a very badly injured Jinbei, and Boa Hancock offered to shelter them in Amazon Lilly, where Luffy could rest without risking to be found by the government.

- - -

The members of the Polar Tang’s crew were reaching their limit. They were halfway to Amazon Lilly, sailing across the Calm Belt when Luffy started thrashing and screaming in his sleep. Still unconscious, he kept calling for Ace, night and day, relentlessly, to the point where no man on the submarine could get some much needed sleep.

Law tried several medicine but to no avail. Too strong doses in his weakened state might kill Straw-hat, and he could not risk it.

Shachi kept hitting his head against the sub’s lining, hoping he would knock himself out. “I can’t do this anymore. I need to sleep or I’ll go mad” He whined while Penguin tried his best to cover his ears with his hat.

In the operating room, Law stared at Luffy, helpless. If he didn’t succeed in keeping Straw-hat quiet, he was sure to lose control of his crew. The previous day one man jumped at sea to avoid the noise, and this very morning he caught another one injecting himself with a sleeping drug. He needed them fresh and focused to help him with Luffy’s treatment, not drugged or lost at sea.

He kept racking his brain for a solution, but found none. Despite never sleeping much, the Heart Pirate’s captain himself found it difficult to concentrate after so many days of tiring medical procedures without any time to rest.

A soft knock on the door was heard between two fits of screaming.

“Enter” Law shouted to cover the noise Luffy was making.

Trafalgar was surprised to see Melody Yuki step inside the operating room. They had forgone their coat and were only dressed in a frilly white shirt and fitting brown pants with darker brown knee high laced boots. Their pistol and dagger hang at their belt and Law frowned. No weapons were normally allowed inside the operating room.

“What do you want Snipe-ya?” He cautiously asked.

“I would like to request a moment alone with Luffy”

Law raised one eyebrow. “And what for?”

His interlocutor’s calm was unsettling. They hadn’t slept either, and yet, their temper hadn’t risen or changed one bit in the last days. Despite the darker circles under their eyes, they remained cool and composed, as if their entire family never shattered in Marineford.

“I believe I could stop his mayhem, and give your crew some well deserved rest” Yuki offered, their expression determined but unreadable for Law.

“He’s still unconscious and needs constant medical monitoring. If there is something you want to try, you’ll have to tell me exactly what, and perform it before me”

Law wasn’t known to easily give his trust, and despite that pirate being a friend of the late Fire Fist, he couldn’t leave them alone with the patient he was trying so hard to save.

Silence fell inside the room as Luffy caught his breath, giving the sub’s occupants a very short break. Yuki mulled over Trafalgar’s words before they spoke again.

“Very well” They approached the operating table where Luffy was lying down, and raised a hand as if to touch him.

“Wait, what are you doing?” Law clicked his tongue, getting ready to use his power to stop them from doing anything fishy. But he stopped dead in his tracks, his heart skipping a beat when he heard them whisper.

“Calm” Yuki’s soft voice echoed with a deeper tone inside Law’s head, and in the next second, Luffy’s screams went unheard.

The Heart Pirate’s captain took a step back and had to support himself on a table full of instrumentation so he wouldn’t fall when his legs shook under him. Painful memories assaulted his mind. A radiant smile, the smell of smoke. A peace sign and three words he would never forget.

“You” He breathed, trying to look less shaken than he really was, even with cold sweat running down his back and his heart thundering in his chest. “You’re a devil fruit user?!”

Yuki inhaled deeply before acquiescing. “Indeed. I ate the Calm Calm fruit and became a soundless human being” They revealed. “I managed to hide it from the government until now. As White-Beard’s informant, avoiding all attention on me and keeping my methods a secret was vital”

Law watched them flabbergasted. He never expected to meet someone who ate the same fruit as that person who helped him so long ago, to whom he dedicated the markings on his skin and the name of his crew.

“I would appreciate if you kept my secret Captain Trafalgar. I just shared with you more than I ever shared with some of my dearest crew mates.”

There was no threat in Yuki’s tone, only a warm intensity in their big topaz eyes.

Law nodded solemnly out after he straightened up. Yuki just saved his crew from falling into insanity. He had no use for their secret. Or at least he saw no use to it yet. Yuki seemed doubtful about his sincerity so he verbally confirmed his approbation. “You have my word”

Yuki gave him a faint smile. The curve of their lips giving their face a more juvenile air. Despite them being part of the late Emperor’s crew, Law wasn’t sure they were much older than himself.

“The word of a pirate… This will have to do. I’ll hold you to it Captain Trafalgar”

Law wasn’t used to be addressed so respectfully. Yuki’s way with words gave him a strange feeling of unease. One that felt familiar but that he couldn’t explain or put his finger on. It was annoying.

Yuki sat crossed legged on the floor, back resting against the wall. “I will stay awake so the effect of my power won’t fade away. You should rest. You look terrible”

Were they trying to be kind, or were they trying again to be left alone with Luffy? Law could not tell. The dark shadows under Trafalgar’s eyes were larger than ever, but he would never allow himself to rest with such an important patient under his care. He was glad his crew could finally get some sleep, but he wouldn’t be joining them. Letting himself slide against the wall, he sat down opposite from the former White-Beard pirate.

“I’ll sleep when I’m dead”

- - -

A few days later, the Polar Tang safely accosted the shores of Amazon Lilly. It was decided that since males weren’t allowed in Amazon Lilly, all the foreigners would stay in a small cove east of the island.

Luffy had calmed down, his thrashing turning into a more peaceful sleep when the previous day Law finally deemed him stable enough to increase the dose of the sedatives he was pumping into him without risking to kill him.

Upon leaving the Heart Pirates and Jinbei, Boa Hancock invited Yuki to follow her back to her castle.

“Would you care for a bath and some refreshments? You must be exhausted after all the hardships you had to endure” The Pirate Empress showed them a kindness that was unusual of her, and that detail did not go unnoticed.

“Hehhhhhhhhhhhhh” Shachi and Penguin protested.

“Why does he alone get to go inside Maiden Island?!” Shachi complained.

“That’s unfair, I thought all men were forbidden. Even Captain who’s a doctor can’t go!” Penguin added, visibly frustrated.

The Pirate Empress turned to them, sending her scariest glare their way.

“You imbeciles! How dare you insult my dear sister-in-law of being a disgusting male?!”

Beside her, Yuki looked jaded upon being called ‘sister in law’ “Like I said. It’s not like that”

“Again with the sister thing? What’s that about?!” Penguin asked, albeit with a stutter caused by the Empress’ intimidating aura of wrath.

“Pathetic” Hancock scoffed. “You lowly men are not even capable of recognising a maiden when you see one!” Boa Hancock pointed at the two men, looking down on them in her signature pose. “Shame on you. Fools:”

A beat of silence, then a second. Then, the Heart Pirates all shouted in unison. “Melody Yuki is a woman?!”

“I am indeed” Yuki simply answered, nodding her head, and the pirates fell to their knees from that unexpected revelation.

“The world truly is strange and mysterious” Shachi commented to his crewmates.

Law who was watching the exchange with a calculating eye analysed the former White-beard pirate more closely.

Her slim and tall stature was androgynous and her delicate facial features could be called boyish more than girly. But a more professional and medically trained eye, once forewarned, could detect the more feminine curve of her calves, the softer edges of her muscled thighs, as well as the larger width of her hips compared to her shoulders. Even if she was lacking in feminine assets in the chest area, she was definitely female. What an interesting twist.

A secret devil-fruit user and a woman in disguise. It seemed Melody Yuki was full of surprises.

You cursed against your idiocy as you struggled to lock your shop. You had forgotten your gloves again this morning, and with your fingers numbed from the cold winter air, you couldn’t get the damn key in the small keyhole. You let out a frustrated groan when a gust of icy wind blew in your hair. You nuzzled deeper into the too big scarf around your neck, seeking its warmth, and the scent of its real owner. The scent of him, fresh and flowery. It gave you courage, and you finally succeeded in locking the damn door. You indulged into a little victory dance before stepping away from the door and heading to your bike. Unlocking it was difficult too with how cold your hands were. You started feeling frustrated. It was late and you were eager to be back in the warmth of your home.

You were struggling with the bike lock when you heard noises coming from the alley beside your shop. Curious, you left your bike to head there. For all you knew, you could find a stray cat in need of care. You loved cats. And so did he.

So you stepped into the dark alley. It was a bit narrow, barely enough for two people to fit in. Another noise caught your ears, and you yelped when a voice followed.

“Kitten”

Of course you recognized Hitoshi’s voice the second you heard it, and the jolt of fear that seized you gave way to a warm feeling of affection. You turned around, looking for your boyfriend; your hero. However, your eyes found no trace of him. You frowned, perplex. You were sure you heard him.

“Are you sure it’s safe to step into dark alleys alone like you just did?”

You turned around again, following his voice. And to your surprise, there he was, but upside down, hanging from the nearby building by clever twists and knots of his capture weapon. At first you recoiled in astonishment upon seeing him starring at you from this unusual position. With how narrow the street was, his face was mere inches from yours, his pretty violet eyes almost at the same level as your gaze. The mask he usually wore over his mouth was lowered around his neck, letting you see the whole expanse of his pale features.

“Hi!” You beamed at him, once the surprise gone, simply happy to see him. He was on patrol duty tonight, so you never hoped to see him before he came home.

“Hi” He lowly replied, a soft smile gracing his thin lips.

You admired his pretty features, simply getting lost in the unexpected joy to see him.

“Is there something on my face?” Hitoshi teased after a moment, and you shook your head, smiling even brighter if possible.

“No, just happy to see you” You honestly told him. “But what are you doing here?”

Hitoshi grinned, and rummaged through one of the many pockets of his uniform. He retrieved something before offering it to you in his opened palm.

“Here, you forgot them this morning” He said, just as your eyes fell onto the pair of wool gloves you usually wore when it was cold.

You carefully took them and put them on. Warmth instantly returned to your numb fingers, the feeling first weird, but then pleasant.

Your eyes met Hitoshi’s again, and you were sure that he could see in your eyes all the affection you had for him. How much you adored him.

“Thank you” You simply whispered, but words alone couldn’t express your deep gratitude.

In a rush of affection, you placed your now gloved hands on his cold cheeks. You barely had time to see surprise paint Hitoshi’s features before you closed your eyes and kissed him.

With the strange position you found yourself into, the kiss felt different. Hitoshi inhaled sharply through his nose when your lips pressed against his, but soon, his lips parted, accepting your kiss.

His lips moved against yours in an unusual dance. Kissing like that in public, so differently from your usual sleepy make-out sessions in the comfy couch in your apartment, made the whole situation thrilling. You were losing yourself in the excitement your hungry kissing brought, keeping Hitoshi’s face in place as he indulged you, his tongue caressing yours until your knees felt weak.

You boyfriend was on duty, and he should be going back to his patrol. You shouldn’t be distracting him like you were. There were more important things for him to do. You knew about that, but in that moment you really did not care.

The kiss went on until your lips felt swollen and your brain turned to mush. Was it because he was starting to feel as light-headed as you, especially while upside-down, or because he remembered his duty, but Hitoshi soon progressively toned down the kiss, placing one last tender peck on your lips before pulling away. He was always the reasonable one.

Your eyes fluttered opened, and you were met with the delicious sight of your boyfriend’s cheeks flushed, and his lips reddened. You had trouble calming your breathing, and you knew you would have even more trouble letting him go. But you had to. His job was important.

If you often felt selfish in your desire to keep him to yourself, Hitoshi was selfless, always putting the job he dreamed of first. But it was alright; you would be seeing him in the morning, as always, when he would be done helping those in need.

“I have to go” Your boyfriend apologetically whispered.

You nodded your head in understanding. You were glad he already went as far as bringing you your gloves.

In the haze and mess of the battle raging in Marineford, Yuki still managed to spot Luffy. Her goal was to help him find a way through so he could save Ace, so she dashed forward as discreetly as possible, using her power to avoid fighting the marines.

She was about to reach Luffy when she felt a threat looming on her.

“Perfume Femur!” Boa Hancock shouted, covering her leg in Haki. She was quick and Yuki’s observation Haki barely allowed her to dodge.

“The pirate empress is definitely on our side!” Marine soldiers shouted from nearby, hearts in their eyes, as if that affirmation had been doubted before.

“I said I would fight White beard pirates. But all men are my enemies” She announced proudly before she blushed “Except my dear Luffy” She added in a cute voice, holding her cheeks in her pretty hands.

Boa Hancock’s gaze turned cold and calculating as it landed on Yuki just as Luffy noticed her too.

“But you are no man” The empress lowly addressed her, and no marine around seemed to notice.”I can see it clear as day”

“You, you’re Ace’s nakama from Alabasta!” Luffy said more joyfully, greeting Yuki with his signature grin. “Thank you for coming to help!” That smile warmed the girl’s heart, and had her hope this rescue mission could meet a happy ending. If anyone could make it happen it was straw-hat.

Hancock’s expression softened. “Luffy, you know this person?”

Luffy nodded.

“And she knows your brother?” The empress added, turning to Yuki while Luffy nodded again.

“Yes. Ace is-” Yuki searched for the right words. “He’s very dear to me” She truthfully answered.

Boa Hancock’s eyes widened and seemed to sparkle with an unexpected joy. “So this means…. This means that if I marry Luffy we will become sisters in law” She whispered, too loud to only be for herself.

Yuki’s jaw dropped and her cheeks flushed, flabbergasted by Hancock’s elucubrations “What? I-it’s nothing like that!”

Boa Hancock swiftly took Yuki’s hands in hers. “Sister, I’ll help you and my dear Luffy free your beloved!”

“I told you it’s not like that!” Yuki repeated but to no avail.

- - -

Yuki woke up between the silky sheets of a bed in Boa Hancock’s castle. Her throat felt raw, and her eyes were still wet from crying. The previous night, she used her devil fruit power to soundproof the room, and then proceeded to cry herself to sleep, mourning the death of both Ace and White-Beard, and cursing Akainu and the marine for what they did.

While getting up and getting dressed, stray tears still escaped her, and she had to take a few calming breaths, checking her face and practising in the room’s mirror until she was sure she could stay composed and go on with her day.

She couldn’t show weakness in front of the crew of a pirate of the worst generation, and she had to be strong, for Luffy. Her pain was nothing compared to his.

Yuki left her room and headed downstairs, where a few woman of the Kuja tribe were having a heated discussion. Well versed in the art of discretion and spying, Yuki stopped to listen to them before she made her entrance in the dinning room.

Nyon-ba was arguing with the Pirate Empress about the maidens bringing supplies to the pirates who saved Luffy’s life.

“Snake Princess, the women of Amazon Lilly cannot be in contact with men, even without talking to them. We already made a big exception allowing them to dock at our shores” The old woman kept insisting the men should manage their supplies on their own, as they were not welcome in Amazon Lilly.

Boa Hancock was visibly frustrated, for her position as the Kujia leader rendered her unable to stay by the side of the man she loved. She voiced her concern about the Heart Pirates lacking the supplies necessary to treat Luffy. That is when Yuki decided to reveal her presence.

“Snake Princess, since I am not native of your island, let me bring the supplies to the pirates, so your maidens won’t have to come in contact with them anymore” All eyes turned to the white-haired pirate, and when Nyon-ba didn’t immediately object to the offer, Boa Hancock was quick to nod her head.

“Very well. It is decided then, you are now in charge of the exchanges between the Maiden Island and the men taking care of my beloved Luffy”

Yuki nodded, and Hancock couldn’t help but add. “Be sure to tell me all the details about Luffy’s recovery everyday”

Nyon-ba clicked her tongue, but Yuki gave the blushing Empress a small smile of acknowledgement. “It will be done”

- - -

All of Yuki’s clothes burned with the Moby Dick, and if she appreciated that the Kuja pirates lent her something clean to wear, she felt uneasy in her new clothes. The top, a dark yellow brassiere with darker spots was more than enough to cover her petite breast, but the bottom, consisting of a very short tawny fitted skirt with a split on the side felt entirely too revealing and was very uncomfortable to move in.

Yuki missed her collection of pants and blouses. Her brown belt, secured at her hips, holding her trusty pistol and dagger, covered almost one third of her skirt. That was how outrageously short the thing was. She would have to ask the Snake Princess for a different set of clothes.

Walking awkwardly and slowly through the jungle, she finally arrived at the cove where the Heart pirates had set camp.

Upon her arrival, some of the men came to greet her. Unease coursed through her as they shamelessly ogled her. They were visibly disappointed that her body wasn’t as sensual as those of the maiden they encountered the previous day. They would have to get used to it, and she would really need a change of clothes.

After distributing the food, she set about searching for Trafalgar, in hopes he would have some good news about Luffy’s state.

Bepo, the Mink polar bear was guarding the entrance of the Polar Tang.

“Ah, Yuki-san. Thank you for the food” Bepo stood up and gave Yuki a stiff salute.

“You’re welcome. May I enter? I wish to speak with your Captain”

“Yes, Captain is in the operating room with Straw-hat” The polar bear stepped aside, and Yuki entered the submarine.

With directions from a large man named Jean Bart, Yuki managed to find the operating room. She knocked and waited to be let in. No answer came from inside, but soon, Trafalgar Law stepped outside, the bags under his eyes even worse than the previous day.

“How is Luffy?” Yuki directly asked.

Law gave her a quick once over before he answered. “Still stable. I cannot tell when or if he will wake. His wounds are treated and healing. It’s up to him now. His will to fight for his life will be the key driver of his recovery”

Yuki nodded. “I was charged by the Pirate Empress to manage the exchanges between you and the woman tribe. Do you need anything in particular. Medicines? Source material for your ship?”

Law pondered the question. “We are almost out of fuel for the sub’s engine. Some wood would be useful. As for food, aside from the daily meals, we need to restock on non-perishable resources. I don’t know how long we will stay here, but we need to make sure we are ready for the trip back across Calm Belt”

“Understood”

Yuki was about to take her leave when Trafalgar called her.

“Oh and Snipe-ya”

Yuki turned to him and her topaz eyes met his mysterious grey ones.

“It would be appreciable to have you nearby. In case we are in need of your skills”

Yuki immediately understood what he meant. Her devil fruit power.

“Very well” She accepted. Waiting for Luffy to recover, she admittedly felt powerless and useless. She had to keep herself occupied so as not to delve too much on the heart-breaking events of the previous days.

If left alone with her thoughts, she would end up wallowing into her sorrow, and she was sure it wasn’t what Ace would have wanted for her. She needed to move forward, and so she would help Trafalgar’s crew as best as she could. After all, she owed them for saving the brother of the man she held so dearly in her heart.

- - -

Yuki couldn’t do anything in that skirt. It was far too restrictive around her legs and she cursed under her breath as she felt the fabric stretch uncomfortably when she squatted down to pick up a

crate full of forest fruits.

She heard a series of loud noises behind her, and when she turned, the crate still in her arms, she saw two men on the ground, all beaten up and with bloodied noses. Beside them stood a woman wearing the heart pirate’s uniform, with curly brown hair and a stripped yellow hat. The woman walked up to Yuki, leaving her two miserable crew-mates in pain on the ground.

“You. You’re Melody Yuki right?”

Yuki nodded. She had not been introduced to Trafalgar’s crew, but from what she gathered, this woman was the only female of the lot.

“I’m Ikkaku” The woman introduced herself and then glanced at Yuki’s skirt. “From what I gathered, you are not used to wearing that” She pointed out, and Yuki gave her a sheepish smile.

“I’m more used to trousers, but the island’s maidens had none to lend me”

Ikkaku nodded her head and crossed her arms over her generous bust. “Thought so. I’ll lend you some clothes. With proper pants you’ll be more at ease for moving stuff around, and the boys won’t be able to look at your underwear when you bend down”

Yuki flushed. “They were what??” She asked panicked. She was so used to wearing pants that it never occurred to her that this could happen.

Ikkaku grinned. “Don’t worry. I taught them a lesson”

Yuki glanced in horror at the two men still unconscious on the floor.

“Come on. Follow me” Ikkaku and confidently marched towards the Polar Tang, a feminine swing of her hips to her gait.

Yuki followed, mortified that someone saw her underwear, but glad she could finally change clothes.

- - -

Yuki felt a lot more at ease in the simple black pants and a peter-pan collar shirt provided by Ikkaku. She profusely thanked the brunette for helping her keep her modesty.

“It’s no problem. As women we must stick together” She replied. “The boys are nice but being the only girl here gets lonely. Did you not feel the same on White-Beard’s ship?”

Yuki pondered her answer while she laced her boots. “The situation was slightly different. I was treated like a man, and tried to act as one. But it was admittedly lonely. I had to hide many things about myself, and find creative excuses to avoid group bathes and undressing in front of the others”

“Must have been hard” Ikkaku commented as she leaned against the wall, arms crossed.

“Not that much. I loved that life. Those moments were minor inconveniences” Yuki said, turning her back to Ikkaku as to not let her see how much looking back on those precious memories affected her.

Silence fell between the two women, until Ikkaku hesitantly asked. “How are you holding up? You lost a lot back there”

Her empathy gave Yuki a pang. It was unexpected, and she wasn’t prepared for the rush of emotions that made her throat tighten and her eyes sting.

“I’m still not sure I realize the extent of what happened” Yuki whispered, choosing her words carefully. “But I can’t stay idle. I will help with everything I can until Luffy gets better”

And when Luffy wakes up, she would decide what to do next. One step at the time. She couldn’t think too far ahead, the implications and plans for the future making her dizzy.

- - -

The next day, Luffy was still unconscious, and Yuki did her best to occupy herself. The Heart Pirates decided to explore the jungle for supplies, and Yuki accompanied them.

“It’s so hot in this jungle” Bepo complained, and Yuki handed him a flask of water from which he greedily drank.

“It sure is hotter than in Zou. I understand your discomfort” Yuki commented, and Bepo turned to her, surprised.

“You know about Zou and the Minks?”

“Of course, I was a Whitebeard pirate remember. I know a lot of islands of the New World”

“Ah yes. Excuse me” Bepo lowered his head and gave her flask back.

“No need to apologize” Yuki reassured.

“Bepo is always like this” Shachi commented.

“Excuse me”

“Stop saying it!” Both Shachi and Penguin reprimanded the bear who kept spurting excuses every-time they raised their voice at him.

Yuki smiled faintly, and Ikkaku walked up to her, shaking her head at her crew-mates shenanigans.

“You must have a lot of stories to tell about the New-world. I’d like to hear some.”

“Right! What about you share some with us around dinner tonight Yuki-san?” Penguin offered.

“I’m not sure it’s as interesting as you think” Yuki shyly replied. She wasn’t sure she was ready to revisit the bittersweet memories of the time she spent with her former crew.

“I’m sure it is more than interesting!” Shachi countered. “The adventures of Emperor Newgate’s crew… what a dream!”

Something moved in the bushes, and Yuki stopped dead in her tracks.

“Hush, there’s something over there”

With her observation Haki, Yuki noticed the glinting eyes of the wild boar hiding in the vegetation. With one of those creatures, weeks’ worth of dry meat could be made. It was exactly what the pirates needed.

She signed for the others not to move and using her power, she silently moved to hide behind a tree.

On her belt she took her pistol and unfolded it until it formed a small rifle. She used the viewfinder to aim and pulled the trigger.

The bullet left the shotgun barrel in complete silence. The only noise that followed was the agonizing grunt of the boar that fell dead on the ground a few seconds later.

Yuki had shot it straight between the eyes, killing it on the spot.

Penguin and Shachi clapped their hands.

“Impressive” One of them said. “That’s a top tier riffle you got there!”

“That’s a Whitebear pirate for you” The other agreed.

- - -

At nightfall, around the fire, drinks and a good meal, the heart pirates insisted that Yuki tell them about her adventures in the New-world.

She refused a mug of booze, but accepted to share a story. She never drank alcohol, for fear she might lose control of herself and reveal one of her many secrets to indiscreet ears. During the afternoon, she had thought of a suitable story to share, exciting but not too scandalous or overwhelmingly emotional.

With all eyes on her, she cleared her throat and started her tale.

The Heart pirates were engrossed in Yuki’s retailing of a victory of Whitebeard’s crew over both marine and bounty hunters. All her admiration for her late captain could be heard in her voice. She detailed the many exploits of her crew-mates, purposefully avoiding to describe Ace and her own part in the whole ordeal. That wound was still too fresh, and the subject too tender to tackle without her losing her composure.

When Yuki started telling them all about their great escape at sea with a whole armada chasing them down, Trafalgar Law joined his men, silently sitting beside Bepo. He listened, attentive, but seemingly unmoved by Yuki’s tale.

When the crew clapped their hands at the climax of the story and asked for another, their captain finally spoke.

“That was a very nice story, but the Empress called. She wants Snipe-ya back at her castle”

Law’s men booed him, visibly disappointed that he was spoiling their evening. He sent them his best death glare, full of authority. “You lot should call it a night. We’re not here to party. There’s still much work to do to repair the Tang tomorrow”

The group progressively dismissed, obedient, and Yuki waved back at Ikkaku when the brunette made her leave.

Yuki got up from the tree trunk she was sitting on, dusting herself off. Boa Hancock was waiting for her, time to head back.

“And you Snipe-ya. You omitted to tell us what you did during that great escape from the marine?”

His crew had disappeared but Trafalgar Law had stayed behind. He stared at Yuki, his steel gaze making her uncomfortable.

“Nothing much really” She shrugged. “Shot a few men from a distance, preventing any collision or unwanted boarding.”

“Is that so?” Law insisted, unconvinced.

“I’m sorry if I am not as showy as one would expect from an Emperor’s subordinate” Yuki retorted, a smile on her lips that didn’t reach her eyes.

“It’s not that” Law sighed, looking away and crossing his arms over his torso.

Yuki stiffened. She was observant, and used to reading people, but she didn’t know what to make of Trafalgar Law. He saved Luffy, but a bad reputation still followed him. The heartless surgeon of death; his crew was surprisingly full of nice fellows, but their captain was shrouded in mystery.

“Well. I shall take my leave. Good night” Yuki resorted to extreme politeness, her best shield to hide her unease.

Law watched her go, pensive. The heir of Cora-san’s devil fruit, what should he make of her?

“Good night Snipe-ya”

"I'd rather not take a bath with all of you. Your fifth will contaminate me” Yuki said scrunching up her nose.

The moon was reflecting upon a lake on Fishman Island. The boys had decided to go for a midnight bath. Their only bath in days. Yuki was honestly revolted by their hygiene habits, for she contrary to them washed her face, feet, hands and more intimate parts every day.

She used her supposed prudish nature as an excuse to avoid being naked in front of them. Recently, another female was added to the crew, Banshee, but Yuki had kept her secret for so long that it felt impossible to reveal to those she shared so many things with. It almost felt like a betrayal, lying to them about something so important about her.

They had assumed she was a boy when they fished her out of East Blue’s waves, and she never tried to correct them. At first she was afraid of what pirates would do to a girl, and then she was afraid they wouldn’t let a girl join them.

"Come on Yuki you're so prude" Masked Deuce groaned from where he was bathing in the middle of the lake. “And an hygiene maniac too”

Yuki wasn’t deterred by the whole crew’s booing. Standing a respectful distance from the shore, she didn’t see Saber coming being her and grabbing her by the waist. She let out a surprised, a bit too feminine yelp and her face contorted in horror as he marched her towards the lake.

“No let me go you bastard!” She begged, struggling to break free, but to no avail. She turned to her captain in last resort. “Ace! Tell him to stop!”

But the freckled man who was sitting on a rock beside the shore shook his head. “Sorry Yuki, this time you’re on your own!” He grinned.

The men of the crew cheered as Saber unceremoniously tossed Yuki into the unsalted water.

After a large splashing noise, Yuki resurfaced, shaking her head like a dog to get rid of the excess water. She swam until she found her foothold and opened her blurry eyes, ready to shout at her crew-mates. But she was met with dropped jaws and bulging eyes. Skull’s nose was bleeding too.

“Ace do you see what I see??” Masked Deuce asked, flabbergasted

Yuki looked down to herself, where the boys were ogling her. Her white shirt had turned transparent and was clinging to her body, revealing her very petite, but still very feminine bosom.

“Yuki…” Saber started, looking embarrassed. “Are you… a girl?”

Yuki itched to hide; her secret was out, and Saber’s words had the effect of a colder shower than that midnight bath she just took. The girl bit her lip, trying to refrain from crying. “ I guess there’s no hiding it anymore” She looked down, upset and sad.

"You’re sure? You don't look like one" Skull asked, rubbing the blood away from his nose. It earned him a smack on the head from Banshee who just arrived upon hearing the commotion. “Shut it you idiot!” She chastised. “Can’t you see you’re making her cry?!”

“I’m sorry I lied to you” Yuki was still looking down, not daring to meet the others eyes, especially those of her beloved captain. “I didn’t mean to” She whispered, barely audible.

There was a beat of uncomfortable silence. Then Masked Deuce spoke. "Well the Crew needs a cook so…" He offered, a smug grin lifting up the corner of his lips.

Though devastated, Yuki was still triggered "I'm not doing that you misogynist excuse of a man!" She replied in a strangled cry.

"What did he ...uh I mean she call me?" Deuce asked Saber, obviously not knowing the word and if it was insulting or not.

“I’m not sure I’d let hi- her cook” Ace said, getting up and walking into the water until it was up to his waist, careless about drenching his pants. Once standing a respectful distance from Yuki, he softly addressed her “I understand now why you never joined us for a bath. I thought you kinda didn’t like us enough”

“After all this time? Of course I like you all!” Yuki hastily replied before she stopped and reflected on the situation. “Wait, you’re not upset?” She looked up to meet her captain’s dark eyes, her expression full of hope.

"I’m sure you had your reasons, right?” Ace shrugged, and Yuki’s shoulders dropped. Had she known this revelation that she dreaded would be so well accepted she wouldn’t have worried about it so much.

“And that doesn’t change much to me” Ace continued, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. “You're still Yuki" He smiled and that’s when Yuki’s heart first skipped a beat with the warmth of something new.

- - -

It turned out that in Sabaody Law had bought stuff for each one of his subordinates. A cooling suit for Bepo, a shiny sword for Ikkaku… Each member was equipped with a new useful object. As much as Yuki hated to admit it, it was really nice of him. He clearly had his subordinates’ best interests at heart. He cared for them, like any good captain should. Law was an introvert, the exact opposite of Ace, but that did not mean he was a bad captain. Just different. Yuki was so used to sailing with Ace and Whitebeard that she found it hard to adapt, and she kept comparing life on the Moby Dick with life on the Tang, even when knowing it wasn’t productive.

While the Polar Tang dove deep into the sea to reach Fishman Island, Yuki played with her new needles. They turned out to be perfect for holding Salome’s venom. Her next concern was studying if she would be able to replicate said venom so she wouldn’t be limited in quantity. The dose necessary to paralyse a man was low, but she only possessed one vial of venom, and wouldn’t be seeing the pirate Empress again soon for a refill.

To work on that task, she asked for Penguin’s help, whom she learnt was the most proficient chemist of the crew. She gave him a sample of the already small quantity of venom she possessed, and he promised to try and synthesise a similar substance, looking excited by the challenge.

“I’ll do my best Yuki-chan, but I don’t know how long it’ll take” He told her with a smile.

Word that Yuki was younger than most of the crew members travelled fast, and as a result, some men asked to address her less formally, which she allowed. Yuki liked being polite, but she was a pirate and pirates didn’t usually do honorifics, except for showing respect to a captain or a stronger and older fellow.

“Thank you, Penguin” She simply called him, and he didn’t correct her.

She didn’t know how long she would travel with this crew, but she might as well be on good terms with them. Maybe after they would eventually part, she would remember them as friends.

- - -

The Polar Tang arrived without any issues at Fishman Island. The halt there would be short, as the log pose would only need half an hour to set. It was a good thing, since the island wasn’t as welcoming to rookie pirates as it was when under the protection of Whitebeard.

Even if Law ordered his crew to keep a low profile, they all still wanted to visit this extraordinary island, and the small tour they envisioned of course included a visit to the Mermaid Café to see real mermaids.

Law was against the idea, but even if he was the captain, alone against his riled-up crew, he didn’t stand a chance.

Walking through Coral Hill, Yuki felt a pang upon seeing Big Mom’s Jolly Roger where once that of Whitebeard was proudly displayed. She kept her eyes opened for any threatening pirate looking for trouble, but luckily, they didn’t come across any hostile presence and safely reached the café.

Once inside, Yuki sat at a lone table beside a window with Ikkaku, letting the others enjoy the experience of being served by beautiful mermaids.

“You should definitely try the seaweed pudding” Yuki recommended, and Ikkaku excitedly nodded.

Once they had set on which drink to have with their food, Yuki gave their order to one of the little quintuplet mermaids. Observing her surroundings, she realized the café was less busy that it used to be. At first she was surprised they managed to have seats. Last time she was In Fishman Island, there was a huge line at the front door, and the wait could be hours. The café’s emptiness was strange.

A chair was placed between Ikkaku and her, and Yuki was surprised to see Trafalgar Law joining them.

“Captain, to what do we owe the pleasure?” Ikkaku asked, amused but just as taken aback.

Law showed no interest in coming to the café, and reluctantly accompanied his crew, concerned about leaving their submarine without supervision, even when it was well hidden in a small cove.

“You’re less noisy than those guys” Law replied while pointing behind his shoulder to the rest of the crew, all drooling over the mermaids serving them with hearts in their eyes.

“Urgh… men” Ikkaku commented.

“Well, they seem to be having a good time” Yuki chuckled. She smiled fondly as she took a sip from her drink. The Spade pirates had been just as excited to meet the mermaids back then.

Law didn’t look one bit amused, his frown deep and his arms crossed over his chest. Yuki hoped his sour mood wouldn’t ruin their relaxing time here.

Soon, a tall figure with a shark fin approached their table, and Yuki’s eyes widened as she looked up. The person who brought their food, carefully placing the plates on the table was none other than the owner of the café, Madam Shyarly. She usually never served customers.

“Welcome dear guests. Thank you for giving us work today” She said, fishing her pipe from her clothes and bringing it to her lips.

“I knew the attendance rate was odd” Yuki commented, and Shyarly turned to look her straight in the eyes.

“A lot of things have changed since Whitebeard passed Melody Yuki” She blew a cloud of smoke before she added: “My condolences for your loss. It was in a way our loss too”

Yuki nodded her head, uttering a small word of thanks before looking down to her lap. She felt sorry that these people suffered the consequences of Whitebeard’s disappearance. She liked the old man, despite never feeling truly part of his crew as much as the others. He was a good leader and protector for the lands he claimed as his. Like a true father figure. It was his dream after all, to have a big family.

“Is there anything I could do to help?” Yuki asked without really thinking.

Shyarly gave her a small gentle smile. “This matter is not yours to handle. Someone else will someday.” She mysteriously replied, her deep ocean blue eyes finding Yuki’s topaze ones. The mermaid’s gaze became hazy ad her expression lost as she added. “If you once lived in the shadow of the sun, you will soon shine under the light of the moon”

Her words floated in the air, like suspended in time, the café suddenly feeling even quieter, intimate almost, and full of secrets.

“Enjoy your meal” She then told them, regaining a more normal attitude.

Yuki’s gaze followed her as she disappeared in the backroom of the café. She kept staring into empty space, pensive, pondering Madam Shyarly’s words while Ikkaku dug into her food.

“You were right! That pudding is delicious” The curly brunette commented, but Yuki didn’t really hear her. She didn’t realize a pair of steel grey eyes were on her either.

- - -

When the log was set, Law urged Bepo and the others to leave the café. The boys would have liked to stay some more, but their captain’s patience was running thin.

The way back to the Tang was unfortunately not a calm one.

Allies of Big Mom pirates recognized one of the worst generation captains and soon, the crew and Yuki were running from angry pirates, trying to reach their ship before they became surrounded and outnumbered.

Jean Bart with his massive stature was the quickest to reach the Tang, and while he started the engine, the others gradually settled at their respective posts. Only Bepo, Law and Yuki remained on land to cover the other’s backs and handle the hostile pirates.

Trafalgar’s power was particularly useful, but Yuki also managed to get a fair share of men down. When they came too close and she couldn’t use her riffle anymore, she resolved to testing her new needles. She nimbly dodged a blow from a big old pirate and quickly stabbed him in the shoulder. The man collapsed, paralysed. It seemed that Salome’s venom was particularly effective.

Yuki was facing off another adversary when Law called out to her, urging her to get back to the sub. One split second of distraction had her let her guard down, and the younger red-hair she was fighting managed to tear through her right sleeve with his sword. Luckily, Yuki stepped back just in time to avoid getting her arm chopped. She ended the spar with an elegant backflip and once she was finally on deck, Bepo dragged her inside the cabin as Law screamed his order to dive.

Once they were underwater, nothing could be done to catch them, so Yuki had time to assess the damage on her arm. Luckily, she only suffered a small cut. But her blouse was ruined. So much for buying new clothes.

Law noticed her shuffling, and when he spotted a stain of blood on the white fabric, he asked. “Do you need medical treatment?”

Yuki shook her head. “No, I’m fine, it’s just a scratch”

She cut the loose fabric from her already teared-up shirt and used it to dab on the small cut on her arm.

Just below the small wound, Law noticed a splotch of red on her pale skin. On the inside of Yuki’s forearm, a small spade was tattooed.

- - -

The atmosphere inside of the Polar Tang got calmer as they left Fishman Island behind them, unfollowed.

Yuki took chance of this break to take a shower and get changed. As soon as she exited the bathroom, and stepped inside their shared bedroom, Ikkaku immediately told her that Bepo and the captain needed her to discuss where to go next. So much for relaxation.

Yuki hurriedly dried her short hair and rushed to the control room.

Inside the middle of the control room, a map was already set on a large wooden table. Law and Bepo thanked her for coming and quickly let her in on their thoughts.

“So, Yuki-chan, we know that the first three islands of the New World are Risky Red, Mystoria and Raijin, but we don’t know anything about those islands” Bepo explained. “Except that the three of them are known to be dangerous”

Law glanced at Yuki, arms crossed over his chest. “We could always follow the log pose to the island that has the steadiest needle. But since you’ve already travelled to the New World, maybe you have a better suggestion, Yuki-ya”

“I would advise against going to Raijin. The island and the sea around it are perpetually struck with bolts of lightning. Even if it has the lowest setting time for the log pose, it’s too dangerous. You could go around it, but its magnetic field wouldn’t reach the log”

“So that leaves Risky Red and Mystoria” Bepo said while crossing out Raijin from his map.

Yuki was quick to answer. “Mystoria is the safest option. It is an unwelcoming land covered in dark forests full of poisonous species and toxic gas, but the shores are free of all that, and the log will set in less than 24 hours. Since there is enough food to last until the island after the next, it’s no problem that we won’t be able to forage there”

Bepo paled. “Are you sure? Poisonous fauna doesn’t sound like the safest option”

Yuki shrugged. “Well, the last one is Risky Red; a fortress of abrupt cliffs so high it’s almost impossible to land. The rocky mountains are unstable and landslides are frequent there. Many ships got crushed by large falling rock boulders. Plus, the setting time for the log pose there is three days”

Law nodded his head and gave the mink a pointed look. “Mystoria it is then, Bepo”

“Aie Aie Captain!” The polar bear saluted and started checking his log pose to estimate their trajectory.

Yuki awkwardly stood there while Bepo worked, eyeing Trafalgar from time to time. She wanted to say something, to strike a conversation with him and diffuse the tension she thought she felt in the air, but Law beat her to it.

“Thank you Yuki-ya. You can go now” He told her without even looking at her.

Feeling unwelcome and vexed, Yuki went back to her room.

- - -

While Ikkaku was resting peacefully, Yuki couldn’t find sleep. The night was calm, but she kept tossing and turning in her bed, frustration growing inside her, preventing her from calming down enough to even hope to rest.

In silence she escaped the bedroom and walked up to the deck. The Tang had resurfaced in the afternoon, when they had spotted Mystoria. The sea was calm and they would reach the island in the morning. Yuki leaned over the railing, admiring the stars in the clear sky before they would disappear into the dark clouds and heavy fog surrounding Mystoria.

A chill ran down her spine. She would have to dress more warmly in the morning. She ran a hand through her snow-white hair. It had grown a little since Marineford, now stopping just above her jaw. At least it kept her ears warm.

Yuki turned around when she heard a small creaking sound. On the steps leading down the cabin, Trafalgar Law was turning his back to her. He probably wanted to get some air too, but decided against it when he realized the deck wasn’t free. Yuki felt like he was trying to avoid her. Maybe because she was a barely wanted addition to his crew.

“Trouble sleeping?” Yuki called out to him and he froze, his shoulders tensing.

Still, he turned back to look at her, and even graced her with a short answer. “I never sleep much”

“I gathered. From the bags under your eyes” Yuki pointed out. “But I didn’t take you for the stargazing type”

Law sighed but stepped forward, joining Yuki beside the railing, opting to stand a respectful distance from her.

“I came to see the island” He said, but Yuki couldn’t tell if he was sincere or not.

The evening air was chilly but Law seemed unbothered. He wasn’t wearing his usual hat, and his hoodie’s sleeves were rolled up to reveal the tattoos on his hands and forearms. Upon seeing them, Yuki absent-mindedly ran her thumb over the red spade tattooed on the inside of her wrist. A detail that Law noticed.

“I didn’t take you for someone who liked to get inked” He said, mocking her previous phrasing as he turned around so his back and elbows were resting on the railing.

“That just confirms that we really don’t know each other at all” Yuki replied and Law smirked.

“Shouldn’t you be harbouring Whitebeard’s Jolly Roger instead?”

Yuki bit her lower lip. The old man’s Jolly Roger, that was Ace’s thing. She looked down to her inked skin, bittersweet memories making her feel nauseous. “I don’t know if this is your way of asking what that tattoo means” She muttered.

“I know what it means” Law interrupted. “You were originally part of the Spade pirates, weren’t you? I have to admit I didn’t expect you and Portgas to go way back like that”

Trafalgar was a clever man, and he obviously had done his research on her. “The Spade pirates rescued me from drowning in East Blue. I joined them at a very young age. I don’t need a physical reminder of what they mean to me, but I wanted to proudly show that I belonged with them”

Law nodded his head, his expression now serious.

Pirate crews were families; at least to Yuki it felt so. She wondered if Trafalgar had the same vision.

“Am I allowed to ask you what your own tattoos mean?” Yuki asked after a few seconds of silence. “Something to do with the founding of your crew?”

After a beat of silence, Law shook his head, closing his eyes. “There are too many of them to explain in one night”

Yuki felt like she hit a subject more personal than she expected.

“Sphinx is still many nights away” She retorted, trying to pry, but looking at Mystoria’s distant form to avoid making eye contact with the captain that kept avoiding her.

“Maybe some other time” Law finally replied, his voice softer, leaving a small opening for the future.

He was a very private person; Yuki could respect that. She almost regretted asking personal questions.

“I get it. I didn’t mean to intrude” She said, wanting to maintain peace and show her intentions weren’t to be nosy.

She was known for being good at gathering intel for Whitebeard; that sort of reputation obviously made it harder to have people trust her.

Silence fell between Yuki and Law. They both admired the sea, until Mystoria got closer and the clouds and fog started obstructing the view. Law took his leave first.

Yuki stayed out until her fingers were numb from the cold. She was admittedly a bit disappointed that she couldn’t bond with the Heart’s Captain more. She wondered how heavy were the memories Law’ tattoos held.

“Here we are, the New World!” Skull exclaimed as the spade pirates set foot on Sabaody’s Archipel for the very first time.

“I want to see a mermaid” Masked Deuce sighed in longing. “One with long flowing hair, the voice of an angel…and a cleavage you can drown in”

Yuki shook her head at that and Ace turned to her, all smiles as always. “What is your type of woman Yuki?”

That question didn’t take her off guard much, she was used to pretending being like them. However, the answer was difficult to come by. She didn’t dare reply that she may like dark hair, freckles and sunny smiles.

“Someone witty? And astute?” She offered after thinking about it.

“What?” Skull chuckled, not expecting this type of answer.

“That’s cute” Ace said. “I like strong older women. With tattoos” He then blurted out, shamelessly.

“That’s oddly specific!” Masked Deuce barked out laughing.

For a second back then, Yuki considered getting a tattoo.

- - -

When Law was done waiting, they finally headed to Sabaody. There, Yuki and Law briefed the crew on the different parts of the archipelago, telling them about the safe groves and warning them of the groves that were dangerous (namely, the marine bases).

Trafalgar tasked different groups with various missions, most of which being gathering supplies. Once those tasks were done, his men were allowed a free evening to enjoy what the land had to offer. They would depart for Fishman Island the following day, as they didn’t need to wait for the Tang to be coated, since it was already made to go underwater. Lingering in Sabaody was not wise for pirates anyway; something the Heart’s captain had once learnt the hard way.

As the crew dismissed to get on with their assigned tasks, Yuki pondered what to do with her time. She would probably go shopping for new clothes so she would stop borrowing Ikkaku’s stuff.

“Yuki-ya. Come with me” Trafalgar suddenly walked past her, not waiting for an answer to move forward.

“What? Why?” Yuki asked, but still fell into steps with the Heart’s captain.

“I’d rather keep an eye on you” He replied.

Yuki rolled her eyes. “I’m not planning to ditch you, you know. At least for now”

Law ignored her and made his way to grove 45, where many shops could be found. Yuki followed him, curious as to where he was headed.

Unsurprisingly, they soon found themselves in a boutique selling medical equipment. Yuki should have expected it.

Rather than tagging along with Law during his shopping, Yuki would prefer if she could be free to do what she wanted. She didn’t understand why Law brought her with him. Was it really to watch her? Did he really put so little trust in her? She should have insisted to go with Ikkaku.

Yuki spaced out while Law browsed the shop, lost in thoughts about where they would go next, and how they would navigate the New World. That was until Law called out to her from the cash desk behind which stood a woman dressed in a black variation of a nurse’s outfit.

Yuki approached the counter, and on-top of it, she spotted of collection of needles, as long as knitting needles, but much thinner in diameter.

“You should buy those. They are good quality” Law said pointing to the silvery needles with one hand, the other casually shoved into the pocket of his spotted jeans.

After giving Law a very surprised look, Yuki carefully inspected one of the needles. It was hollow inside, perfectly shaped to contain Salome’s venom, and stab an adversary in a particularly weak spot. She looked up to the saleswoman. “I’ll take those”

- - -

“Thank you for helping me find these” Yuki nodded her head at Law once they were outside the shop, happily patting at the bag containing her shiny new needles.

“It was nothing. I needed stuff from there anyway” The pirate replied nonchalantly.

Yuki frowned. “But you didn’t buy anything” She remarked and Law grimaced, looking away.

“I didn’t find what I wanted” He told her, but she was sceptical about his honesty.

Yuki didn’t press the matter further as not to further embarrass the Heart’s captain.

“I have other things to do. Let’s part ways here”

For one second, Yuki wondered if she had upset Trafalgar. But she was glad for an opportunity to mind her own business.

“Right” She told him. “See you later then”

Law turned to her one last time. “Don’t forget, we leave tomorrow”

Without waiting for an answer, he walked away, hands in his pockets.

- - -

After shopping for some clothes, Yuki, in need of a break, stopped inside a bar for a drink. She purposefully avoided Shakky’s bar; it was too expensive. She had a comfortable amount of savings, but the second Whitebeard was gone, her income became more unsure. She had to be careful with her spendings, and keep an emergency budget in case she would need to run out on some people and disappear.

Yuki ordered a non alcoholic drink and borrowed a newspaper to read. The situation was bad; numerous pirates were fighting over the territories that were under Whitebeard’s protection. The Fishman island, their next destination, had fallen into the hands of another Emperor: the scary and cruel Big Mom. They would have to lay low; Big Mom, as well as Kaido particularly enjoyed turning young Rookies into their unwilling subordinates.

A whistling sound made Yuki look up from her reading. It wasn’t meant for her, but for a group of women that Clione and Uni from the Heart pirates were trying to flirt with. These kinds of distractions never appealed to the young woman. To her, sleeping with someone was far too intimate an activity to partake in with strangers. It could be dangerous too.

Watching Uni and Clione offer drinks to the girls they managed to bring back to their table, Yuki suddenly found herself wondering if Trafalgar Law was the type of man who enjoyed spending an evening ashore in the arms of a beautiful woman. He was quite a handsome man, even if his sour expression made him look inaccessible. She wondered if he was popular with the ladies.

Ace always was very popular, but he was so dense and focused on eating, drinking, and sleeping (willingly or not), that he often missed opportunities that presented themselves.

Yuki sighed before emptying the rest of her glass. She always ended up thinking about Ace. It couldn’t be helped, she spent so many years by his side, and he had such a major impact on her life. The women drinking with Uni and Clione’s let out high-pitched laughs, visibly enjoying their company. The bar’s atmosphere suddenly felt very unpleasant for Yuki. The light mood didn’t match her current gloominess, and she was starting to feel lonely. She paid for her drink and then headed back to the Polar Tang. Maybe she could meet up with Ikkaku and they could go out together; have some fun, or anything to distract her from her nostalgia.

- - -

Bepo was the one watching over the submarine while the others roamed the archipelago. And no other soul stayed with him on this duty. He told Yuki that Ikkaku, Shachi and Penguin went to the amusement park, and she pondered joining them. But she felt sorry for the Mink, who was the only one having to stay behind while the others had some free time.

“May I join you?” She asked, and when Bepo nodded, she sat beside him on the pier, putting her shopping bags between them. She let her feet dangle, but was still careful not to let them touch the sea water.

Bepo sniffed the bags, curious.

“Sorry, there’s no food in there” Yuki said, amused.

“I’m sorry” Bepo immediately apologized, and Yuki giggled, entertained by the running gag that was the Mink’s behaviour.

“It’s fine” She replied. “Next time you’re on watching duty, I’ll bring you back something sweet to eat”

“Really?!” Bepo asked, eyes sparkling before he shook his head and frowned “I mean. Don’t think you can buy my affection with some food!” He said before he looked down, looking depressed “I mean. I’m sorry”

Yuki laughed. “You’re a funny one”

Bepo blushed and apologized again. Yuki waited for him to calm down, and then proceeded to show him the needles she bought with Law’s help.

“Captain always helps us find useful items when we’re ashore” Bepo proudly told her.

Yuki had noticed the Mink was pretty close to the Heart’s captain. He let Law sleep on his belly, and followed his orders without questioning them.

“You sure like your captain don’t you Bepo?”

“Aie aie! Captain is the best captain!” The bear said. “You’ll see, you’ll think so too after some time with us”

“We’ll see about that” Yuki pondered, a small smile on her lips.

- - -

Yuki kept chatting with Bepo for a while, until the sun started to set.

“Is no one going to come and take over for you?” Yuki ended up asking, concerned that the Mink wouldn’t have any free time. “I know I’m new and maybe you’d rather not trust me with keeping the Tang, but I can cover for you if you want?” She offered, but Bepo shook his head.

“It’s fine, someone should arrive soon to take the helm” Bepo told her, and not more than a minute later, his ears perked up and Yuki turned around at the same time he did.

“Ah! Captain!” The polar bear sprang up, trotting to meet with Trafalgar.

Yuki rose up and slowly walked up to them, listening to their conversation.

“Are you sure you’re fine watching the Tang tonight Captain?”

“Yes. I have work to do” Law replied, looking bored.

“I can stay here and keep you company” Bepo insisted, but Law shook his head.

“It’s fine. Don’t mind me. I like being alone”

Now Yuki had confirmation that Trafalgar Law wasn’t the type to spend the night with a pretty girl in a cozy inn. It was very generous of him to take the night watch so his men could all have some fun.

The pirate captain’s grey eyes fell on her.

“Bepo. Take Yuki-ya with you. I’ve done enough babysitting earlier for one day”

Yuki’s jaw dropped. Just when she was starting to think he wasn’t so bad! She didn’t ask for anything and he was openly mocking her!

“Excuse me, why are you picking a fight with me all of a sudden? Let me tell you I can take care of myself!” She exclaimed. “Plus, I’m the experienced one here, I’ve been to this archipelago a million times! It’s me who’ll take Bepo with me, and not the other way around.”

If he wanted to be sure to be alone, Law just had to say so and ask for her to leave. No need to snipe at her. Yuki was usually collected, but she knew how to stand out for herself. It was vital when living amongst men and especially pirates.

Law smirked, visibly amused to see her so riled up. “Oh? Maybe, but as far as experience goes, I’m sure I’m older than you”

Yuki’s mouth slapped shut and she eyed Law up and down. That was such a petty comment! Admittedly, he did look older than Ace, but that was mostly due to his sullen expression.

“How old are you Yuki-ya?” Law asked, almost taunting.

“Age doesn’t matter. I lived many more adventures than you did” Yuki retorted defensively. When Law and Bepo stayed silent, staring at her with insistence, she yielded, muttering: “I’m 22”

Law’s smirk widened. “And I’m 24 and Captain of a ship. How’s that for experience?”

Yuki’s jaw clenched; this man was particularly annoying. Why did she agree to travel with him again?

She crossed her arms over her torso. “I told you you’re not my Captain anyway”

“True. But maybe you should still call me <i>‘sempai’</i>” Law provoked her and she felt her cheeks burn.

“Enough! I’m not listening to more nonsense coming from you” She snapped. “Bepo, we’re leaving!” She ordered the poor mink who listened to their argument in silence, a scared expression on his face.

The polar bear kept looking back and forth between Yuki who started to walk away, and Law who stood imperturbable beside his ship. Law let him know he should go with a small chin movement. The polar bear then hurried to Yuki’s side, and suffered her ire while spurting a string of apologies on the way to the more touristic groves.

Once they arrived at the amusement park (because Bepo managed to tell her he wanted to go between her groaning and complaining about the captain), Yuki calmed down. The walk eased her annoyance, and she rationalised that she shouldn’t let that idiot’s words bother her.

Yuki spent a pleasant evening enjoying the park’s attractions with the Heart pirates. They truly were a precious lot. If only their captain wasn’t so insufferable…

The group of men, pirates, who rescued her weren’t so bad after all. They gave her dry clothes and food and talked to her as if she was a long-time friend. A friend they didn’t realize was female. They tried to ask her about her story before they met, but didn’t insist when she stayed silent.

In Loguetown, Yuki watched Ace smile sheepishly as an old lady thanked him for getting back her bag from young thieves. She never expected a so-called pirate to do something like that. They were all supposed to be heartless scums (or so she was told).

The captain of the Spade pirates walked back to her.

"Is there somewhere we can drop you off to? A home?" He asked. “We’re heading to Grand Line next so this might be our last chance to do so”

Yuki bit her lower lip "I don't want to go home. There’s nothing there for me"

She wasn’t sure that island was still her home after what happened. She thought about ditching the Spade pirates here and get herself enlisted in the navy like she once dreamt of. Before she would be associated with the likes of them.

"Then travel with us!" Ace’s loud voice got her out of her mind.

"What?” She replied, eyes wide as saucers “With pirates? Criminals?!"

Ace’s grin widened "With free men seeking adventure"

Yuki was flabbergasted.

Freedom.

That was something she aspired to find yes. Why she left her home. That was what she was looking for in the navy in the first place. And she started doubting she would find it amongst the blue and white uniforms. Someone there was meant to trace back her origins somehow someday. Maybe it was too risky.

And deep in her heart, she started to really like the Spade pirates. Especially their sunny captain.

"Fine. But if I change my mind you'll let me go" She agreed, arms crossed over her flat chest.

Ace smiled again, dazzling and offered his hand to shake.

His grip was strong and warm and she never thought to let go.

- - -

Sailing across Calm Belt was made easier with the Polar Tang. The engine kept them moving, and the coating used to repair it seemed to keep the Sea Beasts away. Being inside a submarine took some getting used to however. At first Yuki felt a bit claustrophobic. How many pirates were devil fruits user was an aberration really. To wilfully travel through the sea without being able to swim was admittedly pure madness. And doing so underwater, without a possible airborne escape was even worse.

If the ship wasn’t that comfortable, the company was nice. The Heart Pirates were happy to welcome Yuki amongst the crew and she settled in quite easily, sharing a room with Ikkaku. Given she had no assigned task on the ship, she had plenty of time to think, familiarize with this new environment, and even read the various books the crew possessed.

For a few days, Yuki regretted not talking to Luffy before leaving, but she soon told herself that she would eventually meet him again in the New World, at a time when their wounds would have healed better. She should feel guilty she was sailing with one of his supposed rivals, another Rookie of the Worst Generation, but for whatever reason Trafalgar Law had saved the Strawhat pirate, and as such, she was sure he was at heart a good fellow.

Yuki was asked each night to tell another of Whitebeard pirate’s adventures, and she humoured the crew each time during dinner. The Heart Pirates had no designed cook, and so they took turns preparing the meals. Except for the captain of course, and also Ikkaku, who was banned from the kitchen (the others told Yuki that she could turn any food she touched into poison). Since she couldn’t help with handling the submarine, Yuki offered to participate in this rotation.

However when her time came to prepare a meal, she felt feckless. She had offered to cook when she didn’t really know how to.

She rummaged through the supplies, thinking of something easy to make. A cookbook was available, but even the simplest recipes felt too hard to make for her. They involved frying stuff without burning them, and alone, she didn’t feel confident trying. She didn’t want to waste the food that was stored for their trip to Sabaody, and she feared a fire would be even more difficult to handle when trapped inside a submarine miles underwater.

Back on the Moby Dick, Thatch always cooked the most delicious meals, and Yuki never even thought to learn a recipe or two. She gritted her teeth thinking back to how that lovely cook ended. One more reason to get revenge on Black beard. Do what Ace couldn’t.

The young woman’s eyes fell onto some leftover rice and grilled fish crumbs. Actually there was one meal she could prepare. Her father taught her how to make those snacks a long time ago. It would be cold and simple, but it would have to do.

- - -

Yuki felt quite anxious when the crew arrived for the meal. They all sat around the large table, idly chatting.

“I wonder what Yuki-san made for us. Can’t wait!” She heard Shachi comment.

“It’s not much I’m afraid. I’m not a very good cook” Yuki said as she placed the trays of food on the table.

“It can’t be worse than Ikkaku’s cooking” Shachi reassured before he took a blow to the head from said woman.

The liveliness of the crew slightly alleviated Yuki’s anxiety.

“Oh. Those are-” Bepo gave her a look of surprise when his eyes fell on the perfectly shaped grilled fished onigiris that Yuki prepared.

Yuki rubbed her head sheepishly. “I know, it’s not very fancy. But at least I used all the leftovers”

Bepo shook his head. “No, it’s funny because those are Captain’s-”

As if summoned by the mention of his title, Law entered the room, and Bepo didn’t finish his sentence. Yuki noticed that the atmosphere often changed when the captain joined his crew. There was an air of graveness to him that made his men act less wacky. They were probably afraid he would scold them, or they simply respected him so much that they felt the need to act more seriously in his presence, to match his own personality and preferences.

Yuki wondered how someone like Law decided to recruit these people who were so different from him, and why these men (and woman) accepted to follow him. But then again, when she looked back on Whitebeard’s crew, it also was a colourful bunch of different personalities. Pirate crews often looked mismatched, but what was important was the common will they had to follow a captain they admired.

Law took his usual seat at the end of the table. His eyes widened almost imperceptibly when he saw the food.

“Who’s turn was it to cook today?” He asked, and Yuki felt her heart skip a beat in her chest, anguish seizing her.

“It was mine” She answered, years of practice helping her keep the tremble from her voice. She shouldn’t let herself be intimidated by a Rookie, but she hated to displease people and to be useless. Plus, the Heart Pirate’s captain that some nicknamed Surgeon of Death sometimes had a very scary aura to him.

Law acknowledged her answer with a small hum. Then he unceremoniously took a riceball and started chewing on it.

“Bepo, how long before Sabaody?” He then asked, not commenting further on the food.

Yuki let out a breath she didn’t realize she had been holding, relieved. Everyone started eating and the room soon filled with chatter and chewing noises. Yuki felt satisfied with the food she offered, and internally scolded herself for being so apprehensive of the crew’s reaction to it. Now that Ace was gone, she felt like part of her confidence left with him. She felt like a newbie again, trying to adapt to a group she didn’t know, doing her best to impress and show her worth when she didn’t really need to.

“Oi Oi Captain, leave some for the others! That’s the fifth one you’re eating!” Penguin loudly scolded his captain.

Yuki was surprised by this remark because Trafalgar never seemed to eat much. His lean stature was proof of it.

Law swallowed a mouthful of rice and sent him an icy death glare. “If you want more then eat instead of gabbling” Trafalgar purposefully took another riceball and then got up from the table. “I’ll be working. Don’t disturb me” He announced and then left the room.

Despite his cool demeanour, Yuki noticed that his ears had turned quite red. She was weirdly glad that he enjoyed her onigiris.

Once Law was gone, Penguin complained some more about their Captain doing as he pleased and being egoistical.

“Can’t be helped” Bepo commented. “Onigiris are his favourite” He revealed.

- - -

“Yuki-ya. What are you doing?”

Surprised while she was hyper-focused, Yuki almost dropped the vial of snake venom she was holding. Alone in one of the operating rooms, she was trying to see if the substance could coat her dagger, but the droplets she poured kept rolling on the blade, never staying on it.

“I’m experimenting with a venom the Snake Princess gave me” Yuki said, brutally honest. “But don’t worry, I took precautions” She showed him her gloved fingers.

Law frowned. “I hope you’re not planning on poisoning anyone on this ship. Intentionally or not”

Yuki shook her head. “If I was, I wouldn’t tell you”

Law clicked his tongue but said nothing more, watching her keep on with her experiments for a while.

“It would work better with a hollow blade” He finally intervened when Yuki cursed that the liquid just wouldn’t stick to her weapon.

“True. But daggers aren’t hollow” She remarked, mildly annoyed.

Law sighed, sounding exasperated, but still crouched down to Yuki’s level. “Maybe you shouldn’t persist in trying to coat a dagger then” The woman sent him a sceptic look, but he didn’t let it deter him. “The hollow of a needle could easily accommodate a small dose of that venom. Filling it would be easy with a syringe, and it would leak out only when pressing said needle against something. For example, when stabbing a particularly annoying opponent”

Yuki perked up. That was an excellent idea. “That’s… Yes that would work perfectly! Thank you for your insight”

Law looked away, not wanting to meet Yuki’s excited eyes. “I simply see the potential in having an ally that can neutralize opponents easily”

“Trafalgar?” Yuki asked using his surname because she didn’t quite know what to call him to be respectful without making him feel superior. Law turned to her, raising one eyebrow. “Could you lend me some of your needles?” She requested, straightforward.

“Buy your own!” The pirate retorted, face flushing. There was no way he would give some of his precious and pricey medical equipment to a stranger.

Yuki was unfazed by his outburst. “Fine. I’ll see if I can find some in Sabaody”

- - -

Days were getting longer sailing across Calm Belt. Trafalgar Law ordered the crew to keep the engine at minimal speed, to save up on fuel. He told them that they were in no rush; that their time would come, and that they were better off letting the other rookies kill each other before they entered the New World. The crew was getting impatient, but they trusted their captain’s decision.

Yuki agreed with Law’s plan, but she regretted they did not stay in Amazon Lilly while they waited.

To pass time and keep in shape, the Heart pirates trained everyday on the deck of the surfaced submarine, under the watchful eye of their captain.

From what Yuki observed, Bepo and Jean Bart were the most skilled fighters, the first one because of his Electro and Mink Karate, skills only the Mink tribe used, and the other thanks to his impressive brute strength. On the first days, Yuki only observed the sparing. Then, she gathered her courage, and asked to participate. She hadn’t trained since Marineford, and she was afraid she would get rusty. If she wanted to live up to her reputation of sailing with an Emperor, and help those rookies in the New World, she had to be in top shape.

Not knowing what to expect of her abilities, the crew members were reluctant to face her. Only Jean Bart was brave enough to volunteer. It was only a friendly sparing match, where the goal was to incapacitate the opponent or make them fall to the floor. Nothing to be afraid of.

Leaning against Bepo, Trafalgar Law watched with interest as Yuki and Jean Bart prepared for the fight. Only blunt weapons were allowed, and Yuki chose to face the bare-handed semi-giant with a simple wooden staff.

Before they began, Yuki adopted a defensive stance that looked well practised. It was very academic and Law wondered if she was once trained to wield a sword.

Bepo signalled for the fight to begin and Jean Bart took the initiative, immediately charging towards Yuki. The young woman didn’t let herself be intimidated. Eyes focused on her adversary, she waited for him to come closer.

Almost last second, she dogged Jean Bart’s fist, silently stepping behind the taller man. A clever and discreet use of both what was probably observation haki and her devil fruit’s power. Jean Bart didn’t have time to turn before he took a blow just behind the knee. He faltered, almost kneeling, but didn’t fall. It would take more force to take him down.

The exchange continued, and Law realized Yuki compensated for her lack of brute strength with agility and speed, as well as very precise blows to her adversary’s weak points. She was focused and careful, her movements fluid and meticulous, almost militarily so. One blow from her opponent would mean her loss, but she kept her composure. She was probably better at sharp-shooting and surprise attacks than hand to hand combat, but she was doing well. She could be even better with anatomy training that would grant her an improved aim to vital points.

Despite his impressive stamina, Jean Bart soon tired out, weakened by the numerous small blows he took in the ribs, the knees and the toes. Yuki was tiring too, sweat pearling above her brows. Jean Bart switched technique and tried to seize her and immobilize her between his strong arms. She couldn’t evade the attack, but before he could close his arms around her, she used her staff to give him a strong blow to the stomach, just where his diaphragm was. She took advantage of the semi-giant being out of breath for one split second to deal a final blow to his neck, making him collapse on the floor.

The whole crew watched their mate fall, mouth agape. Even their captain was a little impressed; even though he would never say so out loud.

Panting, Yuki wiped the sweat from her forehead with her forearm. She almost lost that one. She felt out of shape and would have to train harder to go back to the New World.

She offered a hand to help Jean Bart up, and the man accepted it, the both of them nodding to one another, respectful and fair play.

While the next fight took place, Ikkaku handed Yuki a towel as well as some water. Distracted, Law completely missed the next sparring exchange. He was too busy observing Yuki. For whatever reason, he couldn’t look away when stray droplets of water and sweat ran down her chin. He followed them alongside the delicate tendons of her neck until they disappeared into the flat neckline of her plain white shirt. Law licked his lips when Yuki wetted hers after drinking. He suddenly felt very thirsty.

It was after all, a rather heated day.

"Look at that weird fish I caught”

“Are they dead?”

Yuki opened her eyes, taking a deep wheezy breath before coughing all the water she had inhaled while almost drowning in the agitated sea. Her lungs were burning and her vision was blurry. The men on the ship started fussing over her, agitated to find her alive.

Yuki eyed the crew that pulled her out of the water and then their small boat. Her gaze fell on the large black sail harbouring a skull Jolly Roger. A shiver of fear ran down her spine. Pirates.

“Ace, have you seen his clothes?” A boy with a mask told a young dark haired boy, his voice betraying his anguish. “Maybe we shouldn’t have helped him. This guy could be trouble. Maybe we should throw him back into the sea”

Yuki felt weak and defenceless. She was safe from the angry sea, but surrounded and outnumbered, at the mercy of the men who fished her out.

The young dark-haired boy with freckles squatted down before her, and she was suddenly thrown off balance, her heart skipping a beat in her chest. His smile was the most beautiful she had ever seen.

“Hey. Are you alright? Take a deep breath. That’s a lot of water you inhaled” He laughed before gently patting her back, helping her cough out more water.

“I’m Ace. It’s nice to meet you” The boy said. He was surprisingly polite for a pirate. “What’s your name?” He asked, and Yuki didn’t even think to lie to the smiling face of her saviour.

“I’m Yuki"

- - -

Yuki was near the Tang when she felt it. A strong wave of Haki.

Luffy.

She witnessed the collapse of several heart pirates, their unconscious bodies falling limp on the ground.

She rushed inside the submarine, heading towards the operating room. The Haki was getting stronger the closer she got. She didn’t knock and entered the room. Trafalgar was standing over Luffy’s trashing form, trying to hold him still while he tightened his loosening bandages.

The doctor’s assistants had all fainted, and Yuki didn’t think twice before coming to Law’s side to help him.

“What do you need” She asked as Law grimaced upon seeing Luffy’s bandages darken with fresh blood.

“I need to secure an IV but he keeps moving around. His bandages won’t hold much longer” The surgeon barked; teeth gritted in concentration.

“Let me handle the wounds” Yuki offered, trying to push Law away so he could manage the injections.

But Trafalgar didn’t budge. “You aren’t qualified! You can’t improvise medical treatment” He protested, but Yuki insisted, hands covering his on the bloodied bandages.

“I have basic medical training. I can handle it. He needs you for the rest of the treatment”

Law clicked his tongue in annoyance but let her handle the bleeding wounds. As soon as he moved, Yuki pressed harder on the opened lesions with one hand, and grabbed clean bandages with the others.

Law replaced the intravenous access on Luffy’s arm, then took his vitals.

“He lost a lot of blood. I’m securing a transfusion” He announced, and Yuki nodded.

She was done with the bandages, and looking around she spotted the blood pouches. After one glimpse at Luffy’s chart, she ran to select the F-blood infusion bag and handed it to Law.

“Thanks” The surgeon muttered before he focused on beginning the transfusion.

The blood bag was emptied halfway when Luffy opened his eyes. Neither Law nor Yuki were prepared for his violent awakening.

The Strawhat pirate’s body coiled before he sprang, going on a violent rampage that destroyed the roof of the submarine.

“Shit” Law cursed.

- - -

Jinbei took upon himself to handle Luffy’s rampage. Law warned him that if Luffy wasn’t stopped, his wound would reopen and he would die. Yuki could not let that happen. She wanted to help, but the fish-man promised her he would reason with Strawhat, telling her it was his duty.

If Yuki was difficult to convince, Trafalgar easily accepted Jinbei’s plan, much to the white-haired woman’s displeasure.

“You spent so many days looking after him. How can you leave him now, just when he’s going to throw away the life you worked so hard to save?” Yuki coldly asked the Heart Pirate’s captain.

Lying down against his damaged ship, Law closed his eyes, unbothered. “Jinbei-ya said he would handle it. As a doctor, I did my part. Now it’s up to Strawhat-ya do get his shit together”

While Law took an admittedly much needed rest by napping with Bepo, Yuki paced around like a caged animal.

The heart pirates were busy fixing their ship, and she couldn’t really help them, given she had no knowledge in ship maintenance.

She finally decided to spy on Luffy and Jinbei, observing their fight in complete silence and with a heavy heart.

“Ace… we miss you so much” She whispered to herself, allowing a few tears to escape her, alone inside her soundproof barrier.

- - -

By the time nightfall came, Jinbei succeeded in calming Luffy down. Strawhat had fallen asleep, and Yuki knew he was in good hands with the former warlord.

She didn’t know if she would be able to face Ace’s brother so soon. What would she tell him? How could she help him? She would only be a burden, a relic of the past that would only serve to remind him of what he lost.

She wondered if she should ask him to join his crew. But it felt like she would be intruding. She was close to his brother but not to him, and she was not sure she could fit in such an amazing and united crew as the Strawhats. This was not her generation and she felt like it was not her place to be.

But then, where did she belong?

Heading back to the shore, she was greeted by the heart-pirates who offered her a drink. She politely declined it, but decided she could join them for a meal.

“Yuki-san where were you?” Penguin asked but did not wait for an answer. “We were hoping you could tell us another story tonight!”

“Despite Strawhat’s rampage, we fixed the Tang this afternoon. All that work was exhausting… we’re in dire need of a bit of fun” Shachi led Yuki to the tree trunk where she sat the previous night. “Please, tell us another story”

Yuki let herself be convinced to tell another tale. She settled for a funny one: when some members of the crew ate a bunch of poisonous mushrooms on an island that gave them hallucinations and laughing fits for days. She described how her friends thought they were different animals and acted as such. This time she couldn’t resist talking about Ace. How he thought he was a lion and set his face aflame each time he tried to roar. Her audience laughed until they had tears in their eyes and then proceeded to have an animal imitation contest.

Yuki tried her best to keep her cool when faced with the heart-pirate’s shenanigans, but Penguin’s impression of a hoarse seagull surprised her so much that she burst into a fit of laughter.

Everyone looked at her with wide eyes, surprised to see this serious woman laughing to tears. When was the last time she had so much fun? Despite her seriousness, she always had the best laughs with Ace.

Sunny Ace. The way the corner of his eyes crinkled when he laughed. His radiant smile, the dimples on his freckled cheeks.

Realization that she would never see him again hit her hard. He would live in her memory, but how long before she forgot the sound of his voice, or the exact colour of his eyes?

Yuki’s laughing fit soon turned into sobs, and tears ran freely down her cheeks. She tried to turn around to hide her sadness and vigorously rubbed her eyes to wipe her tears away.

“Look what you did idiot, you made her cry!” Shachi reprimanded Penguin.

“I did nothing! I just made her laugh and now she’s crying” Penguin replied, feeling helpless.

Yuki couldn’t stop her tears, loudly sniffing as all the pent-up emotions of the previous week came crashing down on her. “Ace” She quietly sobbed, curling on herself, trying her best to wipe her runny nose.

“Please Yuki-san, stop crying. We didn’t mean to upset you” Penguin came closer to her, wanting to comfort her but not daring to touch her.

“I’m sorry. Whatever I did I’m truly sorry” Bepo apologized and started crying too.

“Don’t cry too! You’re not supposed to be sad” Shachi yelled at him, and the Mink apologized some more.

“Should I do the seagull again?” Penguin offered, feeling responsible for Yuki’s tears. He cleared his throat and did his crappy impression again.

Upon hearing it, Yuki cracked a smile. Encouraged, Penguin continued goofing around, and soon, Yuki dried her tears, a laugh escaping her.

“Stop you idiot, you’re making my tummy hurt” She managed to utter between fits of giggles, clutching at her aching abs.

Penguin stopped and gave her a big grin. “There, it’s better when you’re smiling”

Yuki regained her composure and took a deep calming breath. “Thank you. You guys are really great”

Her dazzling smile made the whole crew melt. “You’re welcome Yuki-san!” They all shouted in unison, except for Bepo who just cried some more.

“Bepo, we said stop crying!” Shachi and Penguin shook him.

“Excuse me”

Yuki laughed again. She would miss the heart-pirates when time would come to part ways.

Against the Polar Tang, from where he feigned to be napping, Trafalgar Law didn’t miss a word of his crew’s conversations.

- - -

Back in Hancock’s palace, Yuki informed the Empress that Luffy was awake. Hancock was ecstatic. She started planning a visit to her beloved on the very next day, giving orders left and right for food to be prepared, and for what to do in her absence. Nyon-ba was appalled but she did nothing to stop the Empress.

Before Yuki made her leave for the night, Boa Hancock requested to have a talk with her.

“Sister, my heart is overjoyed to know I will meet with my beloved again tomorrow, but it is also aching for you who lost so much.”

Yuki did not correct the Empress again with the sister thing, feeling that it was a lost cause. She intently listened to what she had to say.

“If you should wish to stay in Amazon Lilly, you are welcome to live among us, for as long as you want” Hancock offered.

Yuki truly hesitated. “Thank you Snake Princess. I have to think about it” She bowed her head and took her leave for the evening.

Later, Yuki tossed and turned wide awake in her bed. What did she want to do with her life now? Ever since they met, she always followed Ace. He was the light guiding her through the darkness of this world. Following someone was easier than making your own choices, and Yuki didn’t have a great dream like most pirates did. She thanked fate for her survival, and for all the amazing people she was lucky to meet, but in the end, she didn’t know what she wished to accomplish.

There was only one thing she could think of, in the late hours of the dark night: seeking vengeance. Over Blackbeard, over that damn Akainu. It was twisted and unreasonable to think someone like her could defeat big shots like them. But maybe with some help…?

There was also the matter of Luffy. Maybe she could help him achieve his dream somehow?

With thoughts swirling in her head, Yuki fell into an agitated sleep.

- - -

The following morning, Yuki told Hancock that she would not stay. The Empress acknowledged her decision, and told her she would always have a home in Amazon Lily. She then gifted her a vial of a strange purple liquid.

“What is it?” Yuki asked.

“A sample of Salome’s venom. It contains a very powerful toxin. One drop can paralyse a man for hours. Two drops are lethal”

Yuki carefully took the vial from the Empress’ soft hands.

“It came to my understanding that you excelled in more discrete interventions. This could prove useful”

This was an unexpected and precious gift. “Thank you” Yuki smiled before she added “Sister”’

The corner of Hancock’s lips lifted up slightly.

- - -

“Captain said we’re leaving today” Ikkaku told Yuki when she asked why the Polar Tang’s crew was so busy.

“Really? You’re not going to meet up with Luffy?”

Ikkaku shrugged. “Captain’s orders. And trust me it’s better not to question him.” She put down a box full of resources and asked Jean Bart to take care of it. She continued chatting with Yuki, taking the opportunity to take a break and let the men do the work. “What will you do next Yuki?”

“I have Marco’s Vivre Card. I’ll find him in the New World. He’s probably on Sphinx” Yuki explained. “I need to know what the others will do. What the Whitebeard pirates will become.”

There, she would need to pay her respects to Ace and Pops’ graves; a detail she didn’t share with the heart pirate.

The previous night, she came to the decision of consulting Marco before doing anything reckless. She couldn’t think farther away, and setting a reachable objective for herself was grounding. She would think about the rest later.

“I’ll miss you you know” Ikkaku told her. “I hope we will meet again in the New World”

Yuki gave her a small smile. “I’m sure of it”

The Heart pirates were an unexpectedly cool lot. A tight-knit group that reminded her of her very first crew, before WhiteBeard. She somehow envied their situation, now that she was alone. Adventurous and excited to finally see the New World, blindly following a charismatic Captain, that was a time of her life that she missed; memories she fondly held close to her heart.

“Snipe-ya” Trafalgar Law’s voice brought Yuki out of her nostalgic reminiscence. “I overheard your conversation. So you’re heading to Sphinx?”

Yuki raised an eyebrow. She didn’t expect Trafalgar to be interested in what she would do. “So you were listening.”

He nodded his head, unashamed. “With what ship?” He asked and Yuki grimaced.

“I-I’ll manage somehow”

She felt heat creep up her cheeks. She hadn’t thought about that obvious detail. Maybe she could ask Boa Hancock to give her a lift to Sabaody and then she could pay for a ride or find ex Whitebeard allies to help her.

“We’ll be heading to the New World too” Law said. “Someone with experience of that area would be useful. What do you say we take the sea together, at least until Sphinx”

Her abilities could be of use and the crew liked her. She could be a great asset and give them an advantage over the other Rookies in the New World. She wasn’t the strongest of White Beard’s men, but Law still saw more positive than negative in having her with them. Then there was her devil fruit… Law didn’t believe in fate, but he felt the need to keep that ability close, and wanted to know more about it.

Yuki pondered her options. She enjoyed the Heart pirates’ company but was still wary of their captain. He did know something vital about her. His offer seemed reasonable, but she felt there were things he was not telling her. Yuki wasn’t used to be on the receiving hand of secrets; she was more used to keeping them herself.

“Fine. I’ll travel with you” She finally agreed, finding no danger in agreeing for now. She could always ditch them if needed in Sabaody or another port. “But as a guest then. I won’t be calling you captain”

Law smirked. “Deal Snipe-ya”

Yuki frowned. “Please, call me Yuki. That nickname you’re using, it’s what the Marines call me. I don’t really like it.”

Law didn’t find it in him to refuse her sensible demand, so he humoured her. “Get ready to leave then, Yuki-ya”

Yuki would never forget the sight of Ace kneeling before the mighty Whitebeard, defeated.

Those times of transition were difficult ones, and made Yuki question her choice of becoming a pirate. If it wasn’t to follow Ace and the Spade pirates, it meant nothing to her.

She often spent hours of sleepless nights gazing at the stars on the deck of the Mobby Dick.

One night, Ace came to stand beside her, his quiet company instantly warming Yuki’s heart.

"I'd understand if you wanted to leave” Ace then told her lowly. He still had a lot of resentment for Whitbeard at that moment, and tried his best to end him, exhausting himself in the process. “ It’s even more difficult for you given your… circumstances, and it’s clearly not what you signed for. More than adventure, sailing with an Emperor is true piracy"

Ace looked at her, a serious expression on his face. It gave Yuki a pang.She wanted his sunny side back, she didn’t like to see him tormented so.

"I'll stay by your side” Yuki whispered, looking at the dark sea. “Whitebeard or not, my loyalty is to you"

Ace chuckled and ran a hand through his messy hair, bashful for once.

"Then I'll protect you” He promised and Yuki’s heart raced in her chest. “I’ll always help you if you find yourself in trouble"

Yuki sighed, hoping that in the dark, her rosy cheeks wouldn’t be visible. She bit her lower lip to stop herself from smiling in glee.

"Protect yourself first. Idiot."She muttered

- - -

“He clearly hates me” Yuki said as she reloaded her riffle after firing a volley of shots.

She and Ikkaku had decided to go for a little walk while the others prepared a meal on the black sand of the shore, where the island was the safest. They didn’t go very far, for they weren’t reckless enough to venture into the deadly forest that covered the majority of Mystoria.

“I’m sure he doesn’t. Captain is just not the talkative type” Ikkaku replied, unsheathing her sword to face the rest of the swarm of bugs that was coming their way.

“Why is it then that he avoids me all the time, and also that every-time I end up on operating room cleaning duty the place is an absolute mess!” Yuki shot another gross flying poisonous neon green bug, letting out her frustration by making it explode in a splash of acidic purple goo. “Is that some king of hazing?”

“I honestly think it’s just a coincidence. And that operating room is always a mess” Ikkaku told her, casually slicing through another insect, carefully avoiding to get its blood on her clothes or skin “Like I said, Captain is Captain. He’s emotionally constipated. Have you seen him interact with anyone else differently?”

“Bepo” Yuki immediately retorted.

“Well, except with Bepo” Ikkaku groaned.

Yuki shot another bug, then pondered Ikkaku’s words and lowered her riffle. “You have a point”

Ikkaku smiled proudly. “Of course. I know these men better than you. I’ve been travelling with them for years”

“I just thought all Captains were outgoing and inspiring” Yuki clicked her tongue and frowned before she started cleaning up her weapon since there were no more threatening creatures nearby.

“He is inspiring” Ikkaku argued. “He’s careful and secretive sometimes but he’s very smart, and we can trust him with our safety”

Yuki sighed “Sorry, I didn’t mean any offence. It’s just different from what I’m used to”

Ikkaku gave her a small sympathetic smile “You’re nostalgic? I would say homesick even. You know, if the Moby Dick could be considered your home”

“I am…” Yuki admitted, shoulders dropping. “And travelling back to those islands I explored with all of them makes it worse”

Ikkaku placed a hand on Yuki’s shoulder. “Come, let’s go back to the camp. You obviously need a strong drink to lighten up your mood” Ikkaku offered but Yuki pouted.

“You know that I don’t drink”

“You should try it” Ikkaku grinned at Yuki’s offended stare. “Or I’m sure one of Shachi and Penguin’s silly stories could do the trick to cheer you up”

- - -

Mystoria was a rather cold island, so Jean Bart started a fire around which the Heart Pirates gathered to eat and wait until the log pose would set. On Ikkakku’s suggestion, Shachi and Penguin started unleashing their antics at full potential, and admittedly, their tomfoolery succeeded in lightening up Yuki’s mood.

After a nice meal prepared by Hakugan, the chattering continued until late. Yuki yawned, holding her mug of tea closer to her chest as everyone got ready to sleep except for her. She agreed to take the first watch, which was honestly not the worst, and for that, she was grateful. Jean Bart would relieve her shift in a few hours. Until then, she was left again with her thoughts and melancholy while the others started lightly snoring. Her drink was quickly finished, and with nothing left to occupy her hands, time went by very slowly.

That was until Trafalgar Law silently came to sit beside her, his trusted nodachi resting against his chest and shoulder. Yuki eyed him suspiciously, surprised that he would join her.

“Can you isolate us” He demanded. “I don’t want to wake up the others”

Yuki blinked owlishly at his barely polite request, but still humoured him. “Silent” She whispered, and a soundless barrier enveloped them.

“So, Trafalgar, what do you need to say that you so desperately want to keep from the others?” Yuki told him as soon as her power took effect.

Law clicked his tongue. “Like I said. I just don’t want to wake my men. They need some rest”

Yuki was not convinced. “What do you want from me?” She asked, obviously on the defensive.

Her tone made Law frown. “Listen Yuki-ya. I know you don’t like me but I want things to-”

“Of course I don’t like you! You clearly showed first that you don’t like me and you’re always avoiding me” Yuki interjected, her tone rising in offence. It was a good thing that her power kept the noise between her and Law, otherwise the whole camp would be awake by now.

“What?!” It was Law’s turn to raise his voice. “Where did you get that idea? I don’t dislike you. I don’t give a shit about you” He retorted and Yuki gasped.

“That’s even worse!” She accused, her face turning red.

Law frustratingly ran a hand over his face. He grumbled something Yuki barely heard. The likes of why she was so different from ‘him’.

“What did you say? Who are you talking about?” She asked, this time more curious than angry.

Law suddenly stood up. “Enough. If we can’t have a grown up conversation and you insist on fighting like kids do, I’m not talking to you”

“Wait” Yuki impulsively grabbed the bottom of Law’s hoodie. He turned to her, sending her a dark glare. She released him but didn’t falter, holding his intimidating stare.

“Look. I’m sorry I got upset with you, but travelling the New World with a bunch of strangers, is very odd for me” Yuki confessed, her voice going back to an acceptable volume. “Whatever you had to say, I’m sure it was important. Please say it, I won’t interrupt you this time”

Law examined her face for a few seconds before he sighed. He didn’t sit back, but he didn’t leave either.

“I came to talk about your fighting style” He said, and Yuki’s heart started beating faster, a small jolt of panic coursing through her. What if he noticed her style was Marine inspired ? What would he think? She tried her best to keep her composure while he continued. “I’ve observed you training with the others and while your hand on hand fighting is impressive, your aim for vital points is slopp-” He stopped himself when Yuki’s gaze hardened. If she was making an effort to listen, he could make an effort to be less abrasive. “Your aim could be improved” He offered instead.

“And?” Yuki asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

“And I think it could be improved with more medical knowledge. A knowledge I am willing to share. If you wish”

Yuki was left speechless. Her first internal reaction was to be hurt in her pride by his remark. But then she told herself he was offering help. Yuki never was the best fighter in the Whitebeard pirates, and to face the New World with admittedly weaker allies, improving her fighting skills was necessary.

“I’ll let you think about it” Law ended up saying when she didn’t respond. He then turned his back to her. “In the morning we’ll discuss where to head to next. Good night Yuki-ya”

Law exited Yuki’s soundproof barrier, leaving Yuki to new thoughts and interrogations.

- - -

“So Bepo, where to next ?”

Yuki found herself in the navigation room again, alone with Bepo and the Heart’s Captain.

“Well, the next options are Dressrosa-”

“No” Trafalgar quickly interrupted the polar bear, to Yuki’s surprise. He wasn’t usually so cold with the Mink.

Bepo gulped then continued “Prodence Kingdom or Applenine”

Yuki was about to give her opinion, but Law beat her to it. “Applenine is too close to Dressrosa. We’re going to Prodence”

Bepo watched his Captain with worry in his eyes.

“Set sail” Law ordered before turning to leave the room.

“Aie Aie Captain!” The Mink saluted before he started examining the map more closely, making calculations that only a navigator could understand.

Yuki followed Law into the Tang’s corridors, catching up to him before he could retreat in his room.

“I get why we shouldn’t go to Dressrosa, with it being that mad Warlord’s playroom, but Applenine was a good option. More discreet than landing on an armed kingdom whose king is part of the Reverie”

Law stopped in his tracks and gave Yuki a cold look. “I’m the captain of this ship. I make the decisions”

“I didn’t say you don’t but I would like to understand why you made that choice”Yuki calmly replied.

“I don’t owe you any explanation” He retorted, his hand on the doorhandle of his room.

“Unlike your crew members, I didn’t agree to blindly following you!” Yuki insisted, trying her best to keep her voice levelled as to not make a scene.

“This conversation is over” Were Law’s last words before he slammed the door to his room shut in Yuki’s face.

“Damn it!” Yuki clicked her tongue, stomping her foot on the steel ground. “Why did I board the only ship led by a dark brooding stuck-up brat?!”

Yuki didn’t have time to let her anger unfold full blown, for an alarm started ringing in the whole submarine. The sound was deafening and a red flashing light that Yuki never saw before filled the corridors.

“Marine within sight! We are under attack! Everyone at their station” Ikkaku was running down the corridors conveying orders. She then spotted Yuki.

“Yuki, they need help on the deck!”

The Calm-calm devil-fruit user didn’t need to be told twice. She drew out her weapon and ran to the deck at full speed.

- - -

Canon balls kept hitting the sea on each side of the submarine, the huge splashes of sea water making the deck a slippery mess. Two marine ships were pursuing the pirates, gaining ground on them with each passing minute. Law was already on deck. He probably used his devil fruit power to teleport there as soon as the alarm started. His Room was covering the space around the submarine, and when he wasn’t cutting cannonballs in two, he was redirecting them towards the Marines ships. Yuki marvelled for one second at his very powerful and useful ability, but then quickly got into shooting position so she could help fend off the assault.

One of the two Marine ships soon caught on fire, abandoning the pursuit, but some men from the second one jumped on board. Law’s power once again allowed him to cut the Marines in two with a large slash of his Nodachi. Bepo and Jean Bart got rid of the others with their brute strength. They only missed one lonely man who had been more discreet. Given his uniform, he was a higher ranked Marine; a senior officer. Yuki threw her gun and grabbed her needles, silencing her steps and making her presence faint. She came behind the man and stabbed him in the juncture between neck and shoulder. He collapsed, paralysed by the venom. She then proceeded to toss him into the sea.

The shooting started to recede as the Tang finally outran the other ship, and calm progressively fell back onto the deck.

“Thanks for the help Yuki-chan” Bepo nodded his head to the white-haired woman and she graced him with a small smile.

“Next time, I would advise aiming between the ribs” Law commented behind her back while Yuki grabbed her riffle. She didn’t have time to turn back and give him a piece of his mind, for he was already gone, probably teleported back to his room where he would sulk during the rest of the day.

That man was infuriating.