Yo peoplez. I’m back with more epicness. So sit back and enjoy.
XOXOXO
Disclaimer: I do not own neither Naruto nor One Piece. Leave that ish to Oda-sensei and Kishimoto-sensei.
Pairing: Law X OC
Ratings: M
Warnings: This story is rated ‘M’ for a reason. The following content contains vulgar language and graphic violence. Read at your own risk.
Notes:
Rear-Admiral: The rank in the navy that’s the 4th highest. Under Vice Admiral. Basically, the rank under Smoker, Hina and Momonga.
Coogan Cap: The hat that looks like a flat baseball hat. You know, the one that Oliver Twist wears… Ok, bad example, but I’m sure you get it.
Earth release: Heavenly Obstacle Quaking Star: Just watch this video. ‘Nuff said. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqjC6Se5ZG4
Fire release: Majestic Destroyer Flame: Watch the video up above.
Chapter 4
Hitomi had a bounty now.
There had been a marine officer in the crowd that had witnessed her and Mihawk’s fight. Hitomi recalled a glimpse of his face, and remembered a disgustingly adoring expression on it directed towards Mihawk. It seemed that Mihawk had obtained a rabid fan-boy. She recollected that after her fight, he was wearing a murderous look that was addressed to her. She could practically hear his snarls. ‘How dare you attack my glorious darling, you bitch!? I’ll make you pay, just you wait! Muahahaha!’
And now she had annoying bounty hunters on her tail. It made for good opportunities to try out her improved techniques, but it still remained bothersome.
-x-
The first time someone had attacked her out of the blue, she was startled. What had she done? She was just minding her business, wasn’t she? Had she unknowingly offended anyone? But how could she, when she never interacted with anyone unless it was necessary? Questions whirred through her mind as she sparred with the man who attacked her. Suddenly, he roared and jumped back. Hitomi paused and looked at the glaring man.
“Argggg! Quicksilver Hitomi! The great I, manliest of all men, shall defeat you! Women should not be pirates! Sailing is a man’s job! Go back to washing clothes and cooking food!”
He pulled a poster from his back pocket and waved it around. “This is a disgrace! Women shouldn’t be so immodest! Look at what you’re wearing! Have you no shame!? How can you fight so well? You should be doing housework and listening to whatever your husband tells you to do! An outrage! You are –“
---
Hitomi was not amused. This little insect dares to tell her that she should be groveling at the feet of men and to be a housewife? Hitomi was indifferent about many things, but being discriminated against just because she was a woman was not one of them. In her previous world, she put those self-righteous bastards back in place by attaining the rank of Jounin at the age of 16, and becoming one of the ANBU’s most skilled members by the age of 19. But now, she has to prove herself once again? She sighed in frustration. Whichever world she was on, some men were always completely brainless and unreasonable.
She turned her attention back to the ranting buffoon. She activated her Sharingan and pulled him into a genjutsu where she massacred his family. At the end of it, she leaned close to the trembling form’s ear and whispered, “Well? Do you still think that all women are useless?” She released him from the illusion, which had only spanned a handful of seconds in reality. He took one terrified look at her and answered, “No!” before he passed out.
Hitomi sighed yet again and approached the motionless lump on the floor. She reached down and grabbed the poster he was waving around and gazed at it. There was a picture of her, she recognized where it was taken. Somebody must have shot it when she was battling with Mihawk. It was a still of her doing hand-signs, and her sharp gaze was fiercely locked on the camera. Her narrowed scarlet eyes were gleaming, and she looked downright menacing. Adding to the effect of danger, there were numerous bolts of lightning hitting the ground in the background, casting shadows across her face, which further emphasized her flashing red orbs. Her long silver hair was flowing around her, giving her an ethereal look.
Hitomi looked at the picture appreciatively. It was actually very good. ? If only she looked like less of a menace to society. But really, what did it matter? She was a pirate. It was in the job-description to be menacing. She looked at the bold font under the picture. “Wanted Dead or Alive: Quicksilver Gintamashi Hitomi.”
‘Quicksilver, hn?’
She looked back up at the picture. She conceded that her hair did look like liquid mercury flowing all around her, but it was a strange epithet. ‘Whatever’, she mused. It wasn’t like she cared what the government called her. Let the bumbling idiots refer to her as whatever they wanted.
She studied the next statement. “Reward: 25,000,000 Bellis.”
Hn. Was that a large bounty? Since she had no benchmark, she had no way to tell. Well, it’s not like she could do anything about it now. The problem was easily solvable. She needed to become stronger in order to fend off any pursuers.
-x-
Since then, Hitomi had to fend off constant attacks from all sides. She encountered different kinds of adversaries, like the Navy, bounty hunters and even other small-time pirates that wanted to make a name for themselves. She was attacked everywhere. In shops, inside restaurants, even while sailing.
The first time she was attacked at sea, she was in the middle of taking a refreshing bath after a vigorous session of training. She was just enjoying a hot soak when she felt something hit her ship. Alarmed, she quickly wrapped a towel around herself and bolted out of the bathroom.
-x-
Marine Rear-Admiral Shiloy was having a dull day. There had been nothing eventful in the area for quite a long time. That was, until one of his subordinates came running in saying that Quicksilver Gintamashi Hitomi had been spotted. He immediately dispatched a ship to go after her, and commanded it himself. Shiloy smirked. ‘She’s only a woman, and a rookie at that. How hard should it be to catch her?’
Within an hour, they had caught up to her ship. ‘The Lone Wolf’, huh? It was a tasteful little thing, and was small enough to be manned by a single person. Shiloy grinned. Piece of cake.
“Fire!”
---
Cannonballs flew in the air and embedded themselves in the pretty little ship. Now, to wait for the pirate to appear. The soldiers were psyched and prepared for battle, but the sight that met them was not the one they had anticipated.
Quicksilver appeared, but with only a flimsy towel wrapped around herself. She was soaking wet, and water was dripping from her hair onto the deck of her vessel. Her chocolate skin was slick with moisture, and the damp towel was clinging tightly around her full figure. Glaring scarlet eyes met the soldiers’.
All the soldiers’ breaths collectively caught in their throat. It looked like they had interrupted at a bad time, and her furious scowl only confirmed the fact. But they didn’t care about that. Their attention was solely focused on the exquisite vision in front of them. Attacking her was the last thing on their minds. She looked like a vengeful goddess who came to enforce punishment on the foolish mortals who had dared to wrong her. The soldiers were so far gone that a similar thought ran through their minds: ‘I wouldn’t mind being punished by this knockout…’
---
Captain Shiloy was utterly speechless.
‘Wow... who would’ve known that a woman could appear so perilous on a wanted poster, but in reality look so… delicious?’
Shiloy made a decision. He wanted that woman. Screw the old coots at headquarters. He wouldn’t let anyone get between him and his goddess. Now, to get her to fall in love with him…
---
Hitomi was close to spitting fire. These navy sons-of-bitches had just damaged the ‘Wolf’. It wasn’t substantial, but they had still attacked her precious baby. Her vision went red. Ooooh yes. She wasn’t going to let them of easy. She’d cut off their genitals and burn them, then she could rip their spines out of their backs and whip them with it and finally skin them and dump them in the salty water below.
While she was contemplating on how to kill the marines in the most gruesome way possible, she didn’t notice that her intended victims were gaping lustfully at her. A young boy, most likely the cabin boy, was too intent in taking in the bodacious beauty below didn’t watch where he was going. He tripped over someone’s feet and landed on a loaded cannon’s trigger, setting off the projectile.
Hitomi saw the cannonball making a beeline towards her.
‘You still intend to attack me? I will not allow you to harm my precious ship any longer.’
Moving more on rage and instinct than rational thought, she grabbed Shippou Kiremei from a nearby chair it was resting on and hastily unsheathed it. She leaped up and swiped at the metal ball. At the last second, her brain finally kicked in. Wait. She couldn’t cut through steel. But the thought came too late, as the blade was already in motion. She waited for the snapping of the precious Wakizashi, but was astonished when it cut through the ball like it was warm butter. The cut pieces separated and fell safely away from her ship.
‘Hn. Looks like I can cut through steel now.’
But the new revelation did nothing to quell the bloodlust that was still emanating from her. She would make them pay. Of that she was certain.
---
No no no no no! Stupid rookie cabin boy and his insufferable klutziness! Shiloy cursed his good for nothing subordinates for their uselessness and turned back to his goddess. Oh, no. She looked downright feral after she deflected the misfired cannonball. Deep down he knew that she was in no state to be reasoned with, but he would still try. After all, she was going to be his at any cost.
---
The leader of the soon-to-be dead motherfuckers spoke up.
“Gintamashi Hitomi! You are recognized as a pirate, and are therefore a threat to the World Government. By law, we are required to turn you in so that you could be taken to Impel Down. But I am feeling generous today. I have realized what a waste it would be to jail you forever, so I will make you a proposition. Become my woman.”
Hitomi blinked. Then she blinked again. Bullshit. He could take his proposition and shove it up his ass. She had finally reached her limit. She started to perform a complicated series of hand-signs.
---
The Great Shinobi War had been devastating, but Hitomi had grown a lot stronger thanks to it. She matured both mentally and emotionally, and gained a lot of experience. But the main detail she took from it was the wide range of ninjutsus that had been used. After the war had been concluded, she resolved to learn as many of them as she could, and now had quite a few under her belt. The problem was that these big, flashy jutsus used an immense amount of chakra, so she could only use one before her reserves were depleted.
But that didn’t matter right now. All she needed was one to completely wipe them out. She had a recollection of where she had seen the jutsu she was about to perform. Uchiha Madara had wiped out almost anyone in the vicinity when he had used it. Hitomi sadistically smirked. Let them feel the same despair she had felt back then.
She finished her hand-signs. “Earth release: Heavenly Obstacle Quaking Star.”
---
There was pin drop silence. Then, the surrounding air changed. Confused, the Marines looked up. When they saw it, they stared. They were simply unable to look away. Approaching them was a gigantic meteor, coming in at an unimaginable speed. They looked back to the caster of the attack, but saw that she was out range. Well. One thing was clear. They were doomed.
---
Hitomi was panting heavily. That jutsu took almost all of her chakra, and it still wasn’t as big as his Madara’s had been. Goes to show how powerful he was. When the meteor was finally visible, she mustered up all the remaining chakra she had and performed a simple wind jutsu which pushed her ship safely out of the way. She turned back and watched as the panicking Marines’ ship crumpled like a tin can under the weight of the rock, and slowly sink underwater. Hn. Served them right. They hurt her ship, so she hurt theirs.
She checked the Log Pose and set her ship back on the correct course, then went to finish her bath. She stepped back into the water and frowned. Tch. The water was cold.
-x-
It had been two and a half months since then. She had traveled to two other islands, but nothing too notable occurred. Sure, she was attacked, but it had become such a regular occurrence that it now seemed like if three days went by without a fight, it was a miracle. All of the fights helped her gain experience, but she couldn’t improve her skills very much by fighting fodder. She needed more challenging opponents in order to become stronger.
She was currently docked at her fifth island. Hitomi had grown rather tired of eating the same bland rations everyday, so she decided to treat herself. With the intent to eat as much sumptuous cooking as she pleased, she entered a restaurant. She had ordered a wide range of delicacies and indulged. She was just savoring the various tastes of the food when she felt a figure approach her.
She looked up and met a pair of stunning amber eyes. They belonged to a scruffy boy around the age of 12. He had messy black hair, and perched on top of it was an old gray coogan cap. He wore a black T-shirt and an unbuttoned plaid gray overshirt. On his legs was a pair of cargo pants with holes in the knee areas. Thick black boots that looked a tad bit too big for him adorned his feet. He was cute, and bound to be quite a looker in the future, but his expression was grim.
“Are you Quicksilver?”
Hitomi gazed at him, but said nothing. He met her eyes without hesitation. Interesting. Hitomi had never seen a child that was able to do that. Either this boy’s willpower was extraordinary, or he had seen even worse things. She suspected that it was a mix of both options.
When the boy realized that she wasn’t going to answer, he rephrased his question.
“Are you Gintamashi Hitomi?”
“…Hn.”
He stonily scowled at her. “You’re going to have to come with me.”
Too fast for an ordinary person’s eyes, he pulled out a shiny silver pistol and pointed it at her temple. However, Hitomi’s Sharingans were able to discern his action and she moved out of the way before he could pull the trigger. The boy’s eyebrows furrowed. He looked back to the dark-skinned woman and found that her shiny red orbs were already watching him, although she went back to enjoying her meal. He aimed the gun at her once more, but this time pulled the trigger. She effortlessly dodged, all the while savoring her food. The bullet embedded itself in a bottle a waiter was pouring, shattering it. Mass panic ensued.
The boy was having trouble re-aiming his gun with all the people bumping into him while attempting to escape as quickly as possible. Hitomi used the chaos around her to shield herself while she finished up her cuisine. When the boy could finally get a clear shot, he was astonished to find that his target had disappeared along with the panicking crowd. He rushed outside, only to find that she was waiting for him instead.
“Let’s fight somewhere less crowded.”
She gave him one last look before she leaped onto a nearby roof and started running. The boy internally cursed and bolted after her.
---
He found her on a large, flat rooftop. He watched as she examined him.
“Come.”
She didn’t need to ask twice. He rushed towards her without a second thought. He quickly pulled out his gun and unhesitatingly shot at her multiple times. Hn. This kid really had a quick shot. It wasn’t normal to have this level of skill at his age.
Hitomi effortlessly dodged every single one of his bullets. He continuously fired at her, and his aim was perfect. The only reason she was able to escape unscathed was because her Sharingans were able to calculate his target and the time it would take to reach it, giving her the opportunity to evade.
She watched as the boy’s frustration increased. Her eyebrows rose when he pulled out a second pistol and fired both at her simultaneously. He was ambidextrous? And able to shoot accurately with both hands? Hitomi was impressed. But no matter how much the boy fascinated her, she had to wrap things up quickly. In her peripheral vision, she could see that the gunshots had attracted a fair amount of attention, and a crowd was starting to form. She needed to leave soon before the marines arrived.
Seeing a small opening, she ran towards the boy and kicked him gently, with just enough power to make him lay sprawled on the floor. She looked down at him while she pushed his guns out of his range.
“Dammit!”
Hitomi stared at the boy. Just a few second before, he was wearing an intense expression which was full of resolution. He had given it his all in their match. But now… he looked utterly defeated. His expression was one of resignation and hopelessness.
“Why?”
The boy understood her unasked question. “My old man… he’s sick. Really sick. I need to get him to a doctor, but we don’t have any money. The Marines said they would help me if I captured you and brought you in.”
Hitomi contemplated for a few seconds. Then she made up her mind.
“Boy.”
“Huh?”
“What’s your name?”
“…Soma.”
“Soma. Take me.”
The boy looked at her incredulously. “What?”
“Take me. I’ll be fine.”
“Are you sure?”
“Hn.”
Soma looked conflicted, but the offer was too good to pass up. He rose off of the dirty floor and dusted himself off. He grabbed his scattered guns, and then finally turned to Hitomi.
“Thank you.”
-x-
Soma led Hitomi to the Marine HQ. They both went up to the gate and were greeted by the sentries.
“It’s Quicksilver!”
“The brat actually did it!”
“Go and inform boss now!”
Hitomi entered the complex and was followed by Soma. However, he was stopped by the guards.
“You’ve done your bit, kid. Now shoo. We’ll take it from here.”
Soma looked like he wanted to protest, but Hitomi thwarted him before he could.
“Go.”
“But-“
“I’ll be fine. Get the man treated. Go.”
Soma reluctantly walked away, but not without looking back at her mournfully. Hitomi glared sternly at him. He finally ran off.
She turned to the guards.
“I’m ready.”
-x-
The soldiers led her through a series of winding hallways, obviously constructed with the intent to stump intruders. It was useless against Hitomi though, since her eyes memorized each and every turn they had taken. Finally, they stopped in front of a large ornate door. One of the soldiers stepped forward and knocked thrice. “Boss, we have her.”
A voice from the inside replied instantaneously. “Bring her in.”
The soldier opened the large door and nudged Hitomi toward it. She took the que and entered. The inhabitant of the room looked vaguely familiar, but Hitomi couldn’t put her finger on it.
The man grinned. “My darling! We are finally reunited!”
When Hitomi stared blankly at him, he dramatically gasped. “You don’t remember me?”
Hitomi said nothing. One of the soldiers who were accompanying her spoke up. “How could you forget the great Rear-Admiral Shiloy? He’s one of the best men on this earth!”
Still no response.
The man called Shiloy sighed. “Well, now that we’re together now, it doesn’t matter anymore. Look towards the future, not the past. Am I right, boys?”
The soldiers fervently nodded their heads, all the while looking at him with a worship-filled gaze.
“Now, my dear. You had never answered my previous question. So, what do you say to being my woman?”
Suddenly, everything clicked in Hitomi’s head. He was the stupid marine who had disturbed her in the middle of her bath? She almost snorted. Of course she didn’t answer his proposition. She was too busy bringing a meteor down on his head. Speaking of which, how was he still alive? She left that matter for later.
She examined the man. He was short, even shorter than her, with the top of his head reaching her chin. He was incredibly round, with a large protruding belly. He had stubby little legs and meaty, sweaty hands. His hair was blonde and greasy, and it was clear that he had begun balding. On his face lay a moustache which looked like a caterpillar that had crawled on and permanently attached itself. His Navy uniform was popping at the seams, and it looked like the buttons were about to fly off. Hitomi’s answer was immediate.
“Ew. No.”
Shiloy’s face turned a ruddy shade of purple, and the soldiers gasped loudly.
“How could you?! Can’t you see what a catch The Rear-Admiral is?”
“Yeah, are you blind? There’s nobody out there that’s better than Sir Rear-Admiral!”
“SILENCE!”
Everyone turned to Shiloy, who was clearly struggling to get his shock and anger under control. He turned towards Hitomi and showed her a forced smile. “Sweetheart, are you sure about your decision?”
“Hn.” No hesitation whatsoever.
Shiloy’s expression turned ugly.
“Well. Let’s see if a night in a cell will make you more agreeable.”
The soldiers promptly turned and led her out of the room. Hitomi sighed. This was going to be a long night.
-x-
She was led to a damp old cell and was thrown in rather roughly. Tch. Petty idiots.
“You can stay in there until you’re finally smart enough to become Sir Rear-Admiral’s lover.” The soldiers gave her one last glare, and then marched away.
There was silence for a few seconds, but then it was broken by a hearty laugh. “BWAHAHAHAHA!”
It seems like Hitomi wasn’t alone. She turned to look at her companion. Red. That was the first thing her mind registered. Brilliant red hair, almost the same shade as her eyes. The man had an attractive face, and there were three parallel scars running over one of his eyes. He wore a simple white button up shirt and black trousers. He had a flowing black cloak positioned on his back, but when she looked closely, he was missing an arm.
Hitomi gazed contemplatingly at the man. He was strong. As strong as Mihawk, maybe even stronger. What force of heaven or earth could have possibly taken a limb from him? And how the hell was he locked in a cell with her? Surely he wouldn’t have been easy to arrest.
The red-head grinned widely at her. “So, you’re the reason that Rear-Admiral completely forgot about me? I suppose I have to thank you. If it wasn’t for you, I would be on the way to Impel Down by now. But, then again, you’re being forced to become that greasy slimeball’s girl. Bet you don’t really appreciate my gratitude! BWAHAHAHAHAHA!”
After he caught his breath after his bout of laughter, he turned back to her.
What’s your name, girly?”
“Gintamashi Hitomi.”
He lowly whistled. “Wow. Your parents sure knew what they were doing when they named you. I’m Shanks! Nice to meet ya!”
He stuck out his hand and Hitomi took it. After shaking, Shanks beamed at her. “You’re a real beauty, you know that girly? I can’t blame the marine dog for lusting after you.”
Hitomi was at a loss. Was everybody on this planet so forward? When Shanks saw her guarded look, he guffawed.
“Relax, girly. You’re too young for my tastes. You’re a pirate, aren’t ya? One of the new rookies. I’ve seen your poster around. Man, ya look like such a badass! Hard to believe that you’re ‘Quicksilver’. Ha, no offense, but your epithet is really weird. Those dumb government officials have no sense. I mean, take a look at mine. It’s ‘Red-Head’. Yeah. I’m wanted around the world as ‘Red-Head’ Shanks. How unoriginal can ya get?”
He looked as though he had recollected something.
“But… you’re a pirate. And he’s a Marine. Damn, I knew he was a pervert, but now I know that he’s a sucker for punishment. The top guns definitely won’t approve. So, that’s what you’re in for, huh girly? Guess why I’m here!”
Damn. This man was downright spastic. He changed gears so quickly that Hitomi was having trouble keeping up. Without waiting for a response, he continued rambling.
“I had a bet, you see, with my First Mate. He bet that I couldn’t stay locked up in a Navy cell for a whole night without causing a commotion. I bet that I could. Stupid Benn, always has a stick up his ass. But when I was arrested for causing an uproar in the local bar, nobody even recognized who I was! Reckoned that the big-wig had something else plaguing his mind, and seems like I was right. Guess I owe you another ‘thank you’ for allowing me to win the bet!” He cackled madly.
Hitomi sighed, but had a small smile on her face. This scruffy drunk man was obnoxious, but he was good company. Maybe this night wouldn’t be as bad as she had originally assumed.
-x-
Hitomi and Shanks talked for hours. Well, more like Shanks talked and Hitomi listened. He too knew that she was from a different world. She wondered how all the powerful people she encountered were able to tell that she was an outsider. Was it some kind of indication that only they could see? Maybe it had something to do with that ‘Haki’ power old man Rayleigh had mentioned.
Shanks talked fondly about a boy, Luffy. It seems that he too was a rookie pirate, just like her. From what she had gained, he seemed like a very likable person. She wondered whether she could meet him in the future sometime.
Shanks mentioned that he had eaten a ‘Devil Fruit’. When inquired about what it was, Shanks laughingly berated himself.
“Oh yeah! Ya wouldn’t know what a ‘Devil Fruit’ is, you’re not from here! I totally forgot!”
Shanks chuckled and started to explain what ‘Devil Fruits’ were. He told her about the three types: Zoan, Logia and Paramecia. He mentioned that there was a rare sub-class of Zoans, called Mythical Zoans, which are, in his opinion at least, the ‘coolest’. He explained the features of each class, and mentioned the common weakness of all ‘Devil Fruits’. It seems like no matter how strong their power may be, they immediately become helpless in the sea. He also mentioned that there was a special stone called ‘Sea-Stone’ that had the properties of the sea, and therefore cancelled Devil Fruit abilities. It was extremely rare and almost unbreakable.
Hitomi listened intently to everything that Shanks was telling her. Who knew that she would gain so much valuable information from a half-drunk man in a jail cell? Everything about the situation was strange, but Hitomi took it in stride. She had learned early on that in this messed-up world, that was a useful skill to have.
-x-
Shanks had just been telling her about this beautiful woman he had set his sights on when the jailed pirates received an unexpected visitor.
“Big sister! Help! Please help me!”
To Hitomi’s surprise, it was Soma. She didn’t know how he had found his way there, but right now he looked desperate.
“Hey, is that you, little Soma? It’s been a while!”
“Shanks! You’re here too! Oh god, you gotta help me! The old man! He’s dying! The Navy refused to take him to a doctor even though I took big sis to them! I’m scared! He’s not waking up!”
Shanks’ expression immediately changed. While he was jolly and happy just seconds before, he now wore a solemn mask. His very being exuded power.
“Old man Nasha?”
Soma nodded distraughtly.
“We’ll take him to my ship’s doctor.”
Shanks stood up and walked to the cell door. Suddenly, Hitomi felt a heavy pressure. When she looked back at him, the cell door was open.
“Looks like I lost the bet, after all.”
-x-
Hitomi looked down at the ailing man. There was no doubt about it. He was at death’s door. His breathing was labored, and it looked like he was in constant pain.
They were currently on Shanks’ ship, in the medical ward. Surrounding the sick man’s bed were the Red-head pirates. The first mate, ‘Benn’, she recalled, and Soma were standing near his head. She found out that this old man was their marksmanship teacher. He must have been truly powerful to have passed down the skills that Soma now possessed.
The man gave a weak cough. He smiled slightly. “I know that I don’t have much longer. This is my final wish.” The man turned his frail head towards Hitomi. “My dear. I know what you did for Soma. I must thank you. But I must make one more request. You have a kind heart, so please take care of Soma. I cannot ask Benn and his crew, as they are one of the Yonkos. It is too perilous with them. Take him with you and allow him to grow stronger as you do. I beg you.”
He faced Soma. “My dear boy. You have gone through so much. Stay with this woman. She will shield you from the horrors of this rotten world. Grow stronger and make a good life for yourself. You’ll use those skills I’ve passed down to you, won’t you?” He let out a weak laugh.
He finally looked at Benn. “You’ve grown so much Benn. You were my first student, you know that? I’ve always been so proud of you. You’ll keep an eye out for Soma when I’m gone, right?”
He faced upwards and closed his eyes. A small smile crept onto his face.
“Thank you, everyone.”
And he drew his last breath.
-x-
Hitomi found Soma brooding near the edge of Shanks’ ship. She approached him and stood next to him.
“Hey, big sis.”
Hitomi said nothing.
“So, are you gonna do it? You know, take me with you?”
“Hn.”
“Really?”
A nod.
Soma let out a sigh of relief. Even though he tried to hide it, Hitomi could tell that this question had been plaguing him.
“Thanks, big sis. But first, I have to do something.” He looked at her with burning amber orbs. “I have to teach those Navy bastards a lesson. Shanks’ doctor said that if he had been treated earlier, old man Nasha could have been saved. If those fuckers had kept their word…”
His fingers which were grasping the railing turned white while he tightened his grip. Hitomi got his unsaid statement.
“Understood. We set sail tomorrow after we finish attacking the base.”
Soma looked up at her with grateful eyes.
“Okay.”
-x-
The next day, Hitomi and Soma bid farewell to the Red-head pirates. They guaranteed that they would keep an eye out for them and would come rushing if anything happened. After many farewells, the two finally departed.
Soma led Hitomi to the Marine complex, and then she took the reins. She lifted Soma onto her back, and then leaped, easily scaling the wall. She let him down when she had safely landed, and both walked into the building. Hitomi recalled the layout from when she been led through earlier, and both purposefully marched towards the Rear-Admiral’s office.
They encountered a surprisingly small number of soldiers while they approached the office. They were easily dispatched with a few well aimed bullets and swipes from Shippou Kiremei.
In no time, they reached the large doors that signified the location of Shiloy. It flew open with a well-placed kick from Hitomi. Inside, they were met with a disturbing sight.
---
Shiloy was in the middle of kissing his reflection when the doors flew open without warning. He was too startled to react, so he remained in his awkward position, allowing his uninvited guests to witness an eyeful of his embarrassing state.
When he was finally able to regain control of his body again, he turned to see which idiot had interrupted his ‘Me’ time. His irritation was dispelled when he met the form of his beautiful princess standing in the doorway. However, it was short lived when he spied the little gun brat standing at her side. Hmph. He would have to get rid of him soon.
---
Hitomi felt an emotion rise when she saw the round figure of Shiloy kissing his reflection. Disgust. This man was just sitting here, fawning over himself while his subordinates were getting slaughtered outside his door. He didn’t deserve their loyalty.
The Rear-Admiral grinned from ear to ear. “My delicate little flower! Have you come to accept my proposal?”
Hitomi gagged and Soma sniggered.
“No.”
“Delicate little flower?”
Hitomi whacked Soma upside the head. He rubbed the rising bruise and glared at her. She glared back. He huffed and looked away.
When she turned back to face Shiloy, she saw that he was wearing a murderous expression.
“This is an outrage! You’re still not in love with me? Then have you fallen in love with the gun brat here? Or maybe Red-head Shanks? I just received news that you were locked up with him last night!”
Hitomi and Soma stared at the man. It was official. He was raving mad.
Soma was the one to voice it.
“You crazy old shit! She’s like 10 years older than me! And Uncle Shanks already has that pretty lady he was obsessed about! We like big sis, but not in that way! You gross old pervert!”
“You say that you like her? Unacceptable! She’s mine! I won’t let you have her!”
“You lunatic, I just told you-“
Soma didn’t get to finish his sentence, as that’s when Shiloy charged. Without a second’s hesitation, Soma drew his gun and shot at him. All the bullets hit the target perfectly, one piercing his head, another one his neck and the last one his heart.
But to Hitomi and Soma’s astonishment, he never fell. The bullets embedded themselves deeply in his body, but no blood came from the puncture wounds. Instead, a translucent yellow liquid trickled out.
Shiloy looked triumphant. “You weaklings can’t injure me! I ate the Abura-abura no mi, the Oil-oil fruit! Yes, I am a Devil Fruit user, and a logia at that! That’s why my subordinates adore me, because of my overwhelming power! I am completely impervious to physical attacks!”
He turned to Hitomi. “My dear, have you fallen in love with me now?”
Soma answered for her. “Of course she hasn’t! I knew that you were an oily little git! You were always greasy no matter how many baths you took! Big sis doesn’t want a disgusting old man like you. Not now, and not ever!”
Shiloy looked like he had been hit with a truck.
“Is this true?”
“Hn.”
One could almost hear his heart breaking. Shiloy looked down in despair. When he looked back up, he had a twisted expression on his face.
“It’s a shame. I really loved you. Now that I know that you don’t love me back, I can’t let you go. If I can’t have you, then nobody else can!”
With a crazed look in his eyes, he rushed towards her. Hitomi knew that he said physical attacks don’t work, but she reached behind her t unsheathe Shippou Kiremei regardless. She slashed at his neck, but felt no resistance as she only cut through liquid. She tried several times, but all wielded the same result.
---
Soma witnessed Hitomi’s struggle and moved to assist her. He drew his second gun and unloaded a full round into Shiloy. He knew that it would do no good, but it gave Hitomi precious time to jump back and collect herself as the Rear-Admiral’s attention was now focused on him. But now, he directed all of his attacks towards Soma, who was unfortunately not as quick and experienced as Hitomi was. This resulted in him taking several hard blows and flying across the room.
But the extent of damage done was much greater than anticipated. Soma screamed in pain. Wherever Shiloy’s attacks had managed to make contact, Soma had received severe oil burns. He had learned the hard way that Shiloy was able to control the temperature of the oil his body contained.
---
Hitomi was livid. That boy was under her jurisdiction. Even though they had only known each other for less than a day, she was already very fond of him. She knew that he too cared deeply for her, which is why he sacrificed himself so that she could get out of harm’s way.
Hitomi was indifferent about a lot of things, but there were a select few that that set her off with the slightest pull of a trigger. One was being discriminated against just because she was a female. Another was harming her possessions. This little boy was hers, and he was now hurt. Blood was going to be spilt.
She now knew that what Shiloy had boasted about was true. No harm would come to him through physical, bodily attacks. She reached back and resheathed Shippou Kiremei. This left only one option. Her face took on a sadistic smile that promised of pain. She was going to enjoy this.
---
Shiloy was blind with rage. He ran up to the little rat and transformed his hands to liquid and covered the brat’s face with it. He forced it through his nose and mouth and made sure it filled his lungs. He watched as the kid thrashed on, and eventually his struggles slowed. Within the minute, all movement completely stopped and his amber eyes stared unseeingly upwards. Shiloy grinned in satisfaction. One down, one more to go.
He heard a cry of anguish from behind him and turned to the beautiful woman’s grievous face. She ran towards him with intent to avenge her young companion. She reached him and struck oud at his chest. Her face took on a horrified expression when her hand went straight through. Shiloy smirked. He reached up with his liquefied hand and placed it on her face. When he removed it, her lifeless body slumped onto the floor.
Shiloy turned around and reveled in his victory. It was a shame that he had to kill the beauty, but it had to be done.
While Shiloy was lost in his triumph, he didn’t notice a small figure approach him. He heard a gunshot, and almost instantaneously felt a burning pain in his back. He turned around, and almost screamed at the sight saw.
The boy he had just killed a few minutes previously was pointing a smoking gun at him. How was he able to injure him with the gun? It didn’t have any Sea Stone bullets, he was sure of it. But the main thought plaguing him was how the boy was still moving. His eyes were intently looking at him, and he had oil dribbling from his nose and the sides of his mouth. He suddenly felt a piercing pain on his foot and looked down.
He was met with the deep scarlet eyes of the woman he loved, and who he had just killed. Impaled in his foot was her silver short-sword, gleaming as blood spurted out of his wound.
How is this possible?! He turned and bolted towards the door. He didn’t reach very far as he felt himself being strongly kicked in the back. He was sent flying and hit the opposite wall. Through the pain, he could see the amber-eyed boy pick up two of the ornate fencing swords he had near his desk and hurl them towards him. He felt a scorching pain in the palms of his hands, and in his peripheral vision, he saw that he had been hung up and crucified.
He looked down and saw the woman shuffle towards him with the boy close behind. From her mouth, oil freely flowed. Shiloy broke out into a cold sweat and began to tremble violently.
“Please! I’ll do anything! Stop! I beg you!”
Quicksilver looked up at him and began to speak. He almost cried at the terrifying sound. Her voice came out as a gurgle, clogged by all the oil.
“You never listened to Soma’s pleas, so we won’t listen to yours.”
She raised her knife and brought it down.
---
Shiloy was sure that he should have been dead a dozen times by now. She stabbed him in all his vitals and he had lost bucketful’s of blood. But the pain simply wouldn’t stop. No matter how much he wished for death, it never came. Not when she had stabbed him in the heart. Not when she had stabbed him in the head. Not when she removed his fingers one by one. Not when she removed his teeth. Not when she cut off his genitals. Not when she had cut off his legs. Nor when she had peeled his skin off.
She was almost unrecognizable. Her navy blue kimono was soaked in his blood, and her silver hair was stained with crimson liquid as well. Her brown skin was now red. The only thing unchanged was her eyes. Her scarlet eyes held the tiniest bit of glee as she inflicted punishment on him. The boy was appreciatively looking at her handiwork, and he too was stained with blood. Shiloy turned back to the woman. She grinned and leaned towards his bloody ear.
“Do you still love me?”
His mind snapped.
-x-
Hitomi stared at the limp body of the Rear-Admiral. Maybe she had overdone it in her illusion. She lost control of herself and had actually driven the man insane. Well, it wasn’t like she could do anything else now. She looked down at the man. His eyes were rolled back up in his head and he was frothing at the mouth. She sighed and looked back at Soma, and found that he was staring at her with eyes full of wonder.
“Amazing! Big sis, you’re really strong! You took out and ability-user with just a look! I’m glad that I’m on your side!”
Hitomi smiled. So she hadn’t scared him off. A wave of relief rushed through her body. She wouldn’t have known what to do if he had started to fear her. After all, she was his guardian now.
She gazed down at the broken form of Shiloy. She had done enough. She was fairly certain that he had learned his lesson.
Hitomi walked over to Soma and gently pulled him onto her back. He winced at the contact on his burns, but reassured Hitomi that he was fine after seeing her apologetic look. They began the walk out of the Marine base.
There were more soldiers now than there had been when they infiltrated, but Hitomi didn’t want to risk engaging them with an injured Soma on her back. She ran through the crowd, all the while dodging bullets and swords.
When she finally reached the entrance, she stopped and turned back. Gently, she nudged Soma, who took the que and climbed down from her back. She faced the front building and took a deep breath. She had one more thing to do. None of these damn marines had heeded Soma’s call for help, even though it was their job. They had caused so much pain, and to one so young. It was time for retribution.
Hand-signs were performed.
“Fire release: Majestic Destroyer Flame.”
From Hitomi’s mouth erupted a huge wall of flames spanning several thousands of feet. Its height was about a hundred feet tall, and it rushed towards the off-guard soldiers that were pursuing her. The base immediately caught on fire and it spread wildly. Chaos reigned.
Hitomi had drained the majority of her chakra with that last attack, so now she knew that she had to leave before she was confronted anymore. She couldn’t risk any other confrontations, especially since she had an impaired Soma to care for. She turned back to face him, and he met her with a wide amber gaze.
“Nope. Definitely not a ‘delicate little flower’.”
Hitomi laughed.
-x-
It was now the evening, and Hitomi and Soma were resting up on ‘The lone Wolf’. She had treated his wounds immediately after stepping on board, and then they had set sail. Soma had wandered around the small ship excitedly, quickly becoming accustomed to the vessel he was going to travel on.
Hitomi showed Soma to the second bedroom of the ship, which was the only one other than hers. While he personalized it, she retired to her own room. After she had made herself comfortable, she started doing the accounts and the records of her latest misadventure. By the time she had finished, the moon was high in the sky.
Hitomi put away the records and stretched. Well, now that the business had been finished, she reached into her bag and pulled out her profiling book. It was about time she updated it.
Drunk Red Spaz
Name: Shanks
Appearance: White button-up shirt, black trousers, black cape, three parallel scars over an eye, missing an arm, and the most stunning red hair ever.
Thoughts: His head is a little empty, but thankfully his first mate’s isn’t. Extermely powerful and dangerous, don’t let his appearance fool you. A hardcore drunk that loves sake and a boy named Luffy. Extremely spastic, but surprisingly fun to converse with. Look forward to seeing him again.
Hitomi had just finished up her last thought when she heard a knock on the door. Wasn’t Soma asleep by now? Confused, she went to open it. Sure enough, Soma was behind it.
“…I couldn’t sleep.”
Hitomi understood the unasked implication. She opened her door widely and nodded at him to enter. He stepped inside and walked towards the bed as she re-shut the door. She turned to find him already curled up in a ball. She could see a slight trembling coming from his form.
Hitomi approached him and gently took him into her arms, embracing him. At the sudden contact, Soma’s body stiffened up. She soothingly rubbed his back.
“It’s ok. You don’t have to be strong in front of me.”
It was almost as if he had been waiting for those words. His hands reached up and grasped her kimono, fisting handfuls of it while fat teardrops slid from his grievous amber eyes.
“The old man… he’s really gone now.”
He buried his head into her chest and began to sob. She could make out muffled words when he spoke, his voice thick with tears.
“He was the one who took care of me when my parents died. Taught me everything he knew about shooting. He was practically a second father.”
After a long pause, he continued. “He told me not to tell anyone my full name, but since you’re the only one left, I’ll tell you. Sylva D. Soma. Old man Nasha said that the marines will come after me if it gets out. But I’m a pirate now, so I guess its ok.”
He sniffled.
“Sis… you aren’t going to leave me, are you?”
“Hn.”
Hitomi felt his body relax in relief. She continued to hold him as he let out all of his grief, offering her silent support.
-x-
After Soma had fallen asleep, Hitomi rose. She reached over to the sleeping boy’s head and plucked off his hat, placing it on the bed stand. She walked to the foot of the bed and gently pulled his heavy boots of and placed them aside. She slid him under the covers, then went to prepare herself for bed.
She slid in next to the boy, but had one more thing to before she retired for the day. She pulled out her notebook and began to write.
Shitty Little Brat
Name: Sylva D. Soma
Appearance: Amber eyes, messy black hair, gray coogan cap, black t-shirt, plaid gray overshirt, holey cargo pants, heavy black boots.
Thoughts: Special kid. Abnormal. High skill set, mental tolerance and presence of mind. Unbelievable marksmanship. Too mature for a kid of 12. Can be exasperating at times, but is sweet. Will protect him with my life.
Hitomi set her pen down and gazed at Soma. He was deep in sleep and was drooling on her pillow.
Yup. He was a little brat, alright.
XOXOXO
WORSHIP ME HUMANS! This freaking chapter is 20 pages on a word document. Forget reports, this is the longest thing I have EVER written. Oh god, I’m so sore. Somebody, save me…. Feel free to review, since this story is going to be full of fanservice. Yes. You read correctly. I will write about what the fans want. After all, we read fanfiction for that reason, no? So if I receive any ideas, I’ll try my hardest to incorporate it. So… yeah. Peace.
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