You didn't know what to expect exactly when you first opened your eyes after what it seems the longest nap you ever had. Certainly not the warm rays of the sun or the song of the cicadas and the birds of the Flower Capital. Nor did you think you would meet the excited and relieved expressions of some of your comrades and allies that surrounded your futon currently.

"(y/n)!!!!" Nami and Chopper were the first ones to throw themselves on you, hugging the life out of you like you would disappear in thin air if they ever released you.

"W-what's going on?! Where am I?!" you demanded, yelling a string of curses when pain shot in your weary muscles from sleeping for too long.

"You are finally awake, Lady (y/n)" Miyagi smiled while Tristan offered you a cup of water. "You have been out for three days ever since our victory at Onigashima"

"Victory?...We...won?" you blinked in surprise, earning a nod from both Nami and Chopper.

"Luffy defeated Kaido!" Chopper chirped.

"You were found unconscious at the beach near Amigasa Village...You were brought by this woman named Setsuka here. She told us that you got washed up there by the waves" Nami explained in concern. "How did you end up there anyway?"

"I...don't remember anything" you answered in honesty. "I was fighting Ess when we fell from Onigashima and then...Nothing...."

"It's a miracle you survived. You were battered pretty badly when we first saw you" told the doctor. "I was so worried!"

"Talking about survival...How is everyone?"

"About that -"

Apparently, Luffy gained new powers with his Devil Fruit that turned him weird and white. You didn't learn anything more from that new piece of information since they had no idea either how it worked. Something along the lines of 'Gear 5'. Three days ago, Wano changed drastically after Kaido's defeat. The farms were opened and the different regions began to slowly flourish in prosperity. The poorer villages were finally able to eat healthy meal and drink water that wasn't polluted by Kaido's weapons factories.

As for the Flower Capital, the citizens were overjoyed for the return of their beloved Shogun family, the Kozuki, who had overthrown the tyrannical Orochi off his pedestal. Which meant that a lot of changes were currently going on at the moment. The Red Scabbards all managed to survive, however Ashura lost an arm and a leg in the explosion for his sacrifice to take Kanjuro's drawing of Oden with him to save the others. Izou suffered several wounds that forced him to rest for the coming week, but both were recuperating fast. It was all thanks again to Setsuka and Kotaro, who saved and got them out in time.

"So much has happened, huh..." you hummed in thought. "And where are the others?"

"Luffy and Zoro are currently sleeping. They really took a beating back there, but they should wake up soon! I'm sure of it" Chopper assured with a smile.

You whipped your head toward the sliding doors to see Hiyori standing next to a tall man you did not recognize as someone you knew. You blinked in disbelief when he suddenly erupted in tears and threw himself at you, snuggling head first into your chest:

"O-(y/n)-joou-sama!!" the unnamed man cried loudly in an obnoxious way. "S-So b-bweerroedddd!!"

"WHO THE HECK ARE YOU?!" you punched the man under his chin, sending him crashing across the wall.

"I-It's me, M-Momonosuke..." he answered in pain. "This doesn't hurt me in the slightest, though"

"MOMO?!"

You did a double take at his appearance, not believing one second the grown ass man in front of you was actually the Kozuki child. You have heard of growth spurt, but this was just nonsense at this point. It was Shinobu's Devil Fruit's work that turned him older on his order to become a bigger dragon (which earned you more questions than answers, if you were to be honest) and help Luffy. He was the one that carried Onigashima with his clouds when Kaido was defeated, protecting the Flower Capital and everyone on the island at the same time.

"So you became an adult, even though you remain a child at heart" you mused, glancing at Momonosuke who was rubbing the spot under his chin. "Who would have thought Shinobu's Devil Fruit could work that way"

"I've heard so much about you from your friends, Lady (y/n). It's a pleasure to finally meet you" Hiyori smiled softly.

"What?! (y/n) woke up?!"

You heard them before they nearly tore down the doors down by bursting their way inside the room. Usopp was the first one to appear, followed closely by Sanji and Franky. Robin, Brook, and Jimbei were the last ones to pass through the gateway while the chef began to fuss over your well-being. Usopp and Franky were simply crying their eyes out and attempt to hug you by throwing themselves head first if it wasn't of Nami kicking them away. Robin giggled at the sight as Brook asked for the color of your panties today (another who got kicked by the navigator mercilessly at that question).

However, the sound of their voices soon faded in your ears while you got lost in your thoughts. You stared ahead of you blankly, mouth tugging down into a frown. It was strange, but the sight of them didn't bring you the comfort or ease that you expected. In fact, you felt your blood boil under your skin, an irritating itch in your chest that you couldn't discard. The more you thought about it, the worst it got.

"Alright, everyone! We should let (y/n) rest" Chopper motioned the other to leave the room at once. "I need to check on Luffy and Zoro's condition"

"Ah, the moment they wake up, they will certainly be hungry and thirsty. Yo ho ho ho" Brook pointed out.

"I wouldn't mind the muscle head not waking up for a little bit more. It's quieter without his stupidity around" the blond shrugged his shoulders, earning a smack behind the head by Nami.

"YOU ARE THE LOUDEST AROUND HERE!"

"S-sorry, Nami-saaan..."

"Just now you were the loudest, though..." Usopp sweatdropped at the dark look she sent at him.

"Don't stress yourself out, Silvers! We need you in top shape as soon as possible!" Franky saluted before following the rest outside.

Robin shot a look in your direction when you didn't answer the cyborg right away. She blinked in surprise when she caught you glaring right at her. Your eyes didn't reflect anything that would normally raise suspicions in her case, but she thought for a moment how they seem to shine a red color in the shade before they returned to their (e/c) color.

"Do you need anything, Robin?" you wondered, tilting your head a bit.

"...No. Rest well, (y/n)"

It's only when she left that you felt all tensions in your body release and disappear. Exhaling through your nose, you closed your eyes for a bit and laid back down on the futon. The sound of the foliage from the trees' canopy and the birds' lullaby faded in your mind, replaced by emptiness. The silence in the room was deafening, not even daring to make a sound just by simply breathing. You thought there was something else in here with you, hidden from view. Perhaps peeking right around a corner.

My Moon.

Memories about the altar and the shadows surfaced in your mind, and you gasped as your eyes shut open. You could actually remember the way those slimy and shadowy hands felt against your skin as they forced you deeper in the water. Arms hugging yourself, you shuddered while you exhaled a shaky breath. Whatever happened on that night, it certainly changed something inside of you.

When the next day came around, you freed yourself from the confinement of your room. While both doctors were against the idea of you moving around too early, they couldn't really stop you from exploring and visiting the estate along with the Flower Capital under a new light. There was also someone you needed to see as soon as possible, in Kuri. Setsuka had done so much for your comrades and you, and you wanted answers as to why she went to such lengths in the first place for people she 'didn't really care about to help'.

Arriving at the dilapidated hut where she stayed at, you sensed a strange presence inside. One that didn't usually belong to the mysterious woman. Pulling away the curtains of the front door, you were quick to grab your guns and point it straight at the intruder currently laying on the floor:

"Who are you?!" you demanded, your glare clashing with them.

It was a man with silver-white hair, a brown complexion, and large black-feathered wings under him as he rested on his back. His right side has been slicing off, his whole body roughed up judging by the bloody bandages covering his entire torso. Red eyes peered at you, face stern and eyebrows narrowed. It took you a moment to recognize him without his whole BDSM get up, a stutter escaping your lips:

"Wait-! You are King?! How did you manage to get all the way here-"

"Please, put down your weapons. He is currently rendered vulnerable" a voice spoke from behind you.

Blinking, you turned to shoot an inquisitive look at Setsuka who simply sighed as she made her way toward King. She had in her hands a bowl of water and new, fresh bandages to replace the dirty ones.

"One brought him here after finding him and his comrade, Queen. The latter refused one's services, and crawled pathetically back to the mine in Udon" she explained as she knelt next to King, preparing the towels.

"I remember that I refused, too" King hissed painfully as she pressed the towel against a wound to his side. "Yet, you forced me to come here"

"One is only doing it for your Lunarian heritage. My mistress would have wanted nothing less..." Setsuka murmured the last part, and you froze at her words.

"L...Lunarian?"

"Why would you go and mention her that-?!"

King grunted when Setsuka disinfected his wounds, ignoring the dark look he sent right at her. She scoffed under her breath and gave the stink eye:

"One should remind that you are a guest here until one is finished with her business. Once done, you will return to where you belong if one ever wishes for. If anything, what you do after is none of one's concerns" she stated.

"Tch. You...."

"She...said that you were a Lunarian, right?"

Both stiffened at your question, glancing at you in curiosity while you approached them cautiously. Your eyes traveled to King's wings, and then your mind drifted to the World Government. The name didn't ring you any bell at first, but your heart clenched each time you heard it. Those people...were special to you, in another life.

"Tell me about them"

"Why should I? I am the last of them, a legacy to be soon forgotten. It's not like I care about it too much anyway..." King mumbled, closing his eyes.

"But you cared about Joy Boy" Setsuka pointed out, earning another glare from the tall man.

It was hard to convince the Lunarian to share his past, but he eventually gave in when he realized that both Setsuka and you wouldn't let him leave the hut without answers first. His tribe, the Lunarians, were once a race of people from the Red Line capable of creating fire from their body and manipulate the element in their own way. Their physiology could grant them vitality and resilience to harm that borders on invulnerability, which allowed them to thrive and live in any natural environment. However, their durability could be lost when the plume of flame at their back goes out, and gain speed in exchange.

King, born as Alber at first, was a member of the near-extinct race, brought into captivity at a young age in the World Government. Held at Punk Hazard's Third Research Institute, he was experimented on and had his Lunarian abilities tested. Days and nights, he was suggested to torture by the scientists until he was freed by Kaido, who was also a research subject at the time. They both broke out of captivity and Kaido offered a place in his crew.

" I always believed Kaido to be Joy Boy, and the one who would change the world. It didn't matter if he wasn't, I decided to pledge my loyalty and follow him until the very end...My legacy will die with me" King finished, heaving a deep sigh while Setsuka shook her head in disapproval.

You aren't sure on what you acted upon exactly when you edged yourself closer to King. Setsuka eyeballed you while you embraced the giant as much as you could by putting your arms around his waist. King froze on the spot, eyes wide like saucers as he stared down at you. You hid your face in his stomach, realizing that you were tearing up for no reason in particular. It's like an unknown force pushed you to do it, your heart soaring in pain.

The man stood awkwardly there, hands twitching as if he didn't know if he wanted to strangle you with them, push you away, or have someone shoot him for even thinking about it, hug you back.

"You might not care about hearing this apology, but...I'm sorry. For what they have done to you. To your people"

You were waiting for him to push you or throw you out by swinging you like a ragdoll. Instead, you felt a hand on your lower back that rested there until you were done hugging him. Perhaps Setsuka's heart would have melted at this fond moment if you didn't land a punch in the man's stomach immediately after. She stared with a deadpanned expression as the Lunarian howled in pain and fell backward.

"This is for what you have done to Wano, bastard. If you ever set foot again in this country, you will wish to be back inside that prison again. Got it?" you spat venomously. "Lunarian's blood be damned I will kill you myself"

Setsuka blinked in stupor while you stood up from your position to head outside without sending a glance her way. She found it strange the extreme change of demeanor from showing compassion to pure hostility. As if you became another person in a short time window.

You weren't sure how to explain what came over you at that moment, and you were awkwardly standing outside Setsuka's hut to clear your mind. The sound of a familiar bell rang in your ears while you turned your head to the left to see Kotaro bouncing in your direction. The tanuki danced around you with an earnest smile, the bell swinging from side to side as he did so.

"He is certainty relieved to see you once more before one's departure" Setsuka stated as she walked outside to meet up with you.

You noticed the provisions bag she carried around over her shoulder, now changed into baggy traveling clothes instead of the kimono she usually wore.

"...Are you leaving Wano?" you asked, earning a nod from the woman.

"One's presence isn't needed anymore. One has found what she has been searching for, and now it's time to go back 'home'..."

"I thought this country was your home. Why else would you fight for something that you aren't even living in anymore?"

"...One's roots go deeper. A long time ago, a grand lady was expected to follow the footsteps of a mundane life without meaning. To honor and bow for her family. At her refusal, she was exiled and cursed by them until the time she would reach Death's doors..." Setsuka explained, her eyes turning misty as she recalled the tale.

"...And what did she do?"

"She accepted her fate. Ready to face any obstacle that would hinder her journey. It didn't matter if it was on land, sea, or sky. Because she met someone that saw her worth and didn't trample her dreams by those that shared her blood. She knew then that as long as she died fighting for them, she wouldn't be afraid of Death" she stated, her gaze lingering at the horizon.

Setsuka motioned for Kotaro toward the bag she carried, and the raccoon dog shared a last look with you before he transformed himself into a small leaf. The woman let the leaf fall inside the bag, and clasped the lid shut with a hum under her breath.

"Wano has changed, and the Shogun is now at his rightful place once again. One believes they will thrive without one's help. However, one would worry about what the rest of your journey has in store for you"

"The One Piece" you breathed, now realizing that your crew only needed the last Road Poneglyph to reach the last island, and Setsuka nodded at those words.

"For many, it is their wildest dream. And for some, chaos waiting to be unleashed. They are the ones you should be cautious about. If you thought you had a target on your back, then you aren't prepared for what has happened outside while your crew was in Wano"

The days continued to pass by after Setsuka's depart and since the beginning of Wano's reconstruction across the country. While Luffy and Zoro remained unresponsive to the world, you decided to pass your time in the capital with the others while recuperating. You took that opportunity to reunite with the blacksmiths of Kajiba, earning a few inquiries about Kotaro's whereabouts from the twins.

It's only a week after Onigashima's battle the two finally woke up from their slumber. Everyone was relieved to see them awake and safe, and just like you predicted, they were already stuffing their face into booze and meat.

"They are so loud..." you sighed through your nose as you made your way toward the lively room.

You deadpanned at the sight of the poor servants that struggled to keep up with Luffy's appetite and Zoro's inability to stray away from a drink unlike a straight path. Nekomamushi could only laugh at the sight while the others celebrated this joyful event with a party. Yamato was hugging tightly Luffy while he was too busy to rip apart a plate filled with giant steaks. The swordsman, on his part, was chugging down a huge gourd of booze with Chopper standing on his shoulders, trying his best to stop Zoro from drinking too much.

"(y/n)!!!!!!" Luffy waved his arms wildly in your direction. "Ywo fwnaly hwer!"

You couldn't comprehend a single word that came from his mouth with his cheeks stuffed to the brim like a chipmunk, and then watching hopelessly as he almost strangled himself from eating too quick.

"Can't you slow down?" you sweatdropped.

"Woah! Do not eat too much yet, you two!" Momonosuke laughed as he finally arrived with his sister in tow. "The whole country was going to have a banquet when you woke up. Let us have it today!"

Both stopped to stare silently at Momonosuke, probably not recognizing him at first. The newly grown man's eye twitched in frustration when they decided to ignore him and continue to stuff their face.

"OI! I am Momonosuke!"

"HEHHHH?! So you became an adult?!" Luffy's neck nearly snapped with how fast he turned his head to stare at the Shogun. "Your body looks strong!"

"Oden's blood, huh?" Zoro raised a brow before smirking devilishly. "Let me punch you"

"WHAT?! DO NOT DO IT!"

Cue the man to throw himself in Nami's chest while crying his eyes out. The one thing he didn't add to the equation was the fact he was no longer a child, in which the ginger haired woman didn't even hesitate to punch Momonosuke off from her body.

"I-I am still eight years old!" Momo groaned, holding his cheek in pain. "It does not hurt though..."

"He's tough as I thought" Luffy said in awe while Sanji and Brook grinned evilly as a purple aura surrounded them.

"This is the world of adults, Momo!" the chef mocked.

"You can't hide behind the privilege of youth anymore!" the skeleton added, poking fun at the new Shogun who simply stared at them unamused.

"You're a child inside, but you look like Oden outside!" Yamato grinned, placing a plate on top of Momo's head.

"Stop putting a tray on my head every time you see me!" he barked.

Yamato's stomach began to growl right away, and he threw himself at the food not a second after. He began to chug down the onigiris like a starved man, smiling happily as he did so.

"Oh, Yamato! Let's take a bath before the banquet! Your prayer is answered, right?" Nami questioned.

"Prayer?" Luffy repeated.

"I heard there is a custom in the Land of Wano to pray to the gods and Buddha, holding something back until your wish comes true" Jimbei explained.

"Until you two got better, I gave up eating and taking a bath!" Yamato told them.

"Really?! Thank you, Yamao! I got better thanks to you!" Luffy grinned.

"We aren't dirty though" Zoro stated as he looked down at the rest of his body.

"I wiped your body clean. Are you happy?" Hiyori smiled with red tinted cheeks, giggling lightly.

"MOSSHEAD! I NEED TO TALK TO YOU!" Sanji yelled in anger, flames engulfing him.

"Ah. That's right...I came back from hell to kill you!" the swordsman unsheathed his weapons.

"About that, just forget about it. It's good now"

"You can't be sane with that silly face!"

"What did you say?! Any way you look at it, I look sane!"

"Die gracefully!"

"YOU die, Mosshead!"

"YOU TOLD ME TO KILL YOU-"

You brought a hand over your forehead as the two idiots began to fight each other in the middle of the banquet. not caring if they were destroying and throwing stuff around. Nami sighed and turned to Kiku and Yamato with a smile.

"Anyway, let's go take a bath!"

The castle's personal onsen were a sight to behold, and your time there was quite relaxing. Even though the people were noisy on the men's side, and you blamed it on Yamato still deciding to join them no matter their biological gender. You suspected that Sanji would probably die a happy man in the process, knowing that the sight of a woman's chest is enough to send the pervert spiraling into a caveman-like state.

When Hiyori asked you why you brought your guns along in the bath, the reason itself reared its ugly head by taking the form of three pairs of eyes trying to take a look into the women's side. She could only watch, mortified, as you shot down the cook and the skeleton while you simply tossed a bucket straight into Momo's face with the soap. You could care less about whatever 'initiation for becoming a real man' they were trying to pass on the new Shogun. Another beating by Nami was waiting for them at the end of the bath, anyway.

Things at the festival were boisterous as ever, perhaps even more once Luffy and Yamato joined the party to celebrate the banquet for your victory at Onigashima. Along with the festivities, you could find numerous stands that sold a diversity of foods and playthings. Children and adults alike were excited for the party, people from every region gathering for the sole purpose to celebrate their freedom. Kids ran past you, holding their candy apple in one hand and grilled fish in the other. Everything was free for today, so they were going to use this opportunity to eat as much as they like.

"Gum Gum Target-Shooting!"

You could only stare blankly when you caught sight of Luffy using the riffle to hit the target straight instead of shooting them like he is supposed to. The poor old man at the stand could only watch in shock and surprise as Chopper berated the young man from using his hand.

Further at the center of the festivities, Brook and Hiyori were playing their respective instrument for the crowd. For the festival, she chose her personal favorite dedicated to her late father: Moon Princess. You couldn't help but let your ears being drawn to the melody that soothed your soul, along with the enthusiastic cheers of your crewmates and allies who were all gathered there. You watched in amazement the fireworks lighting the night sky, taking a sip of the sake in your cup. It certainly will turn into a night everyone will remember for the rest of their life.

Yet, you couldn't help but feel like something was amiss. You felt eyes on you throughout the night, cutting daggers into your skin to pierce your core. It's only when you took a closer look at the crowd that you saw a familiar mop of purple bangs and blue eyes staring right at you. Gasping, you quickly left your cup behind to follow after Bryce who was trying to blend in through the mob of people gathered around the bonfire. You heard your comrades call your name in confusion while you ran after the boy, pushing your way through while yelling after Bryce to stop.

You thought it was probably a trick of the lights, or simply things going too fast for your mind to comprehend properly what was happening in front of you. Bryce's body seem to change shape the closer you got, a strange glitching effect as he became a dark and lanky mass before shifting back to normal.

"Bryce! Stop!"

The boy ignored you, continuing to walk forward without looking back. He turned at an alley that led you to a darker area away from the festival. You came to a sudden stop when you realized that you lost his track, having disappeared in thin air. You heaved a sigh, closing your eyes for a moment. Only to reopen them sharply when you felt a hand enclosing around your wrist.

You whipped around to face your aggressor, only to find yourself inside the secret room in the castle. The one that Kotaro led you at Orochi's banquet. However, it was mostly empty except for the small rusted robot left in the corner.

"We...are...sorry...took...too...long...late..."

Where the eyes were supposed to be situated at, two glowing lights appeared on the automate. A rusty sound echoed as the robot awkwardly tried to move from its sitting position, only to slump against the wall. It seem to run out of energy, the lights dimming to nothingness.

"They were called Automata. Companions to Mother, their creator" a voice spoke.

Bryce appeared next to you soundly like a ghost, his eyes fixed on the automate across from him. You hummed in confusion, watching while Bryce moved to the other side to place his hand on top of the robot.

"They were made with the purpose to help those in need. They offered their services, fought anything that was considered a threat, but more importantly, they were an indispensable resource powered by an ancient energy...Mother's energy, to be precise" the boy continued, glaring over his shoulder to pierce you with his blue eyes.

"An...ancient energy?" you echoed.

"This world...is not what it seems, and what you consider the past can be mistaken with the future. 900 years ago, events that led a long gap in the records of history became known as the Void Century. The study of it was forbidden, and forced to be erased by an organization formed by an alliance of twenty kingdoms: the World Government. They hoped that everything related to it would eventually disappear in the next centuries or so"

"...."

"The truth is, they later found out about a mystic and legendary power that could transcend time and space. A being that could reincarnate in different realms and bodies depending of the weight of their Karma. Each having the knowledge and memories of a previous life. They became a prime target in the world, the higher ups desperately trying to find the location of their next spawning"

Bryce became silent for a few seconds, as if he was considering his next words carefully. His left the top of the robot's head, pulled back to rest at his side limply.

"...So many faces, and yet none could compare to her. They weren't her. On that train, one would think that you were one of those random faces that would eventually fade away since nothing of you could be considered special. Mu almost made a mistake when that stinky boy took over through his memories to tell you to die"

The temperature of the room dropped, and you felt like everything seems to be darker than before. You stood frozen on the spot when Bryce turned around to face you, blue eyes now a deep shade of red. The hair on your arms stood on ends, your brain sending signals of danger screaming at you to leave this place. You didn't recall ever feeling this scared before, yet this fright seems to be engraved inside of you.

"Mu has been waiting for a long time for you. Now that Mu has you, you aren't getting away" spoke eerily 'Bryce', his red eyes shining while a wicked grin was plastered on his face.

While his body became distorted, you didn't waste any time to figure what was going to run straight for the nearest exit. You didn't dare to look back as you ran through the empty hallways of the castle, feeling the ground trembling and shaking under your feet. Something enrolled around your ankle, sending you crashing on the floor.

"What-?!" you cried out in disbelief at the sight of a forked tail holding you down.

A large mass of shadow was coming straight for you at the end of the corridor, a strange beast crawling on its knees to reach for you. While tried to summon anything to fight back, but you could only draw a blank as you watched the creature extend its hand to grab you.

"(y/n)!! Yoohoo!"

You blinked at the sound of Luffy's voice, the scene around you shattering and returning your body in the dark alley you first entered. The beast was nowhere to be found, and so was Bryce. Or whoever that person pretended to be. It's only when you took a few seconds to yourself that you realized how badly you were shaking, with bullets of sweat running down your forehead.

"Hey, I finally found you! What are you doing sitting on the ground?"

You turned your head to glance at Luffy's illuminated form at the end of the alley, who was glaring at you with intense confusion. You almost forgot about the festival going on outside, with everything that just happened in a matter of seconds. When he realized that you weren't going to move any time soon from your position on the paved ground, he stretched his limb to pull you back on your feet and back to the light.

"What are you doing, Luffy?!" you barked, slapping his hand away.

"Getting you out of the dark, what else? Shishishi!" the young man grinned boyishly. "Everyone's wondering where you went after you left"

"Well it's none of your business!" came your snarky reply. "You didn't have to come get me, I was perfectly fine being alone"

"Are you sure? You are shaking like a leaf" Luffy inquired, tilting his head to the side. "Did you catch a cold? Chopper can-"

"I said I was fine!"

If Luffy was surprised at your outburst, he didn't show it on his face as you whipped around to glare angrily at him. In fact, he barely flinched at the roar that left your mouth, nor the way your eyes screaming at him to leave you be.

"You know...You can tell me if there's something wrong" he stated seriously and frowned a bit, to which you were taken aback.

"I..." you began, and then looked down as you were unsure on how to start. "I told you: everything is fine. I'm just out of it tonight. A lot happened at the war"

Luffy didn't look convinced, at all. You sighed at his scrutinizing behavior, feeling your eyes roll at the back of your head. Sometimes, you would rather have him act oblivious of everything as usual in those moments. You frowned down at your feet, fists clenching at your sides as you debated about telling him your worries.

"Luffy...Have you ever considered someone who has been at your side all this time leaving?" you inquired, and you heard a confusing sound escape his mouth.

"Huh? Why would they do that? Wait, are you leaving the crew?!" the young man became to panic, his hands shooting forward to grab and shake your shoulders.

"It's not like that!" you barked, pushing his hands away. "If someone had to leave for their own reasons, and they didn't want anyone to follow, would you do it?"

"Oh, like what happened to Sanji? I would do the same thing as I did back then: bring them back!" Luffy grinned, chuckling slightly. You nearly facepalmed at his answer.

"That's- nevermind. Just forget that I asked that-"

"Already did. Now come! Everyone's waiting at the party!"

Luffy grabbed your hand and pulled you in the direction of the festivities. You knew it would be useless to fight back, with him having made his mind. The shadow back then lingered behind you, disappearing in the darkness once you were gone.

The morning after was followed by a massive hangover that didn't leave you better than a walking zombie, consequences of accepting a drinking contest against Franky. To which earned him another crying fit that he found hilarious to Sanji's displeasure who quickly jumped on the action to kick him as a scolding. The rest of the night was spent snoring in the comfiest futon the castle could lend you, without any nighttime terrors to disturb your sleep. Not that you would remember your dreams from that point on.

It came to your knowledge that apparently an Admiral tried to fight his way into Wano, and some of the Scabbards along with Momonosuke and Yamato defended the territory to avoid a close conflict between the Marine and your crew. While this mysterious Admiral retreated under unknown circumstances, both Raizo and Shinobu were left in a mummified state due to his Devil Fruit absorbing any liquid it touched. Fortunately, with Chopper's proper care, their life wasn't in danger anymore.

"What?! Pluton is in this country?!!!"

You wanted to throw badly the closest object next to you at the cyborg's head for yelling this loudly so early in the morning. You clutched your head in pain, squeezing your eyes shut as you mumbled curses under your breath.

"Yes. I didn't get to see it...But it's here for sure!" Robin said after she recounted her exploration from last night.

"Is that the one Franky burned the blueprints for? Back in Enies Lobby?" Luffy asked.

"That's right" she gave a short nod. "It's the Ancient Weapon that has the name of a god. Pluton"

"What was this country up to with such a dangerous thing?" Sanji wondered.

"Do you want it, Luffy?" Robin turned to face her captain.

"Nah, I don't"

"I expected nothing less, but Oden tried to unleash it. Why?..." Robin appeared deep in thoughts, before she gazed at you with wide eyes, as if she just recalled something. "(y/n), there's something I've been meaning to ask-"

She was interrupted in the middle of her sentence when a bomb of pink smoke appeared in the center of the room. This caught everyone off guard and woke up a napping Usopp who screamed loudly in startle.

"What? Are you saying that mature women...are like weapons?" a voice echoed, the smoke dissipating to reveal a beautiful woman in familiar ninja getup with O-Tama at her side.

"WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?!" Franky cried out.

"Who am I? Don't you recognize me?" she pouted, crossing her arms over her voluptuous chest. "Something happened and I wasted away a little bit...It's me, Shinobu!"

"EHHHH?!" your crewmates's eyes popped out of their sockets at the sight of her transformation.

"I like the way you wasted away!~" Sanji danced around her with hearts in his eyes.

"You're looking so absolutely stunning, it knocked the bones out of me!" added Brook. "I only had bones to start though! Yohohoho!"

"Can you all quiet down already?!!" you snapped, punching both Sanji and Brook so hard their head passed through the floor.

"S-Sorry, ma'am...."

"Big bro!" Tama smiled brightly at Luffy, shaking his arm eagerly. "I became an apprentice of Shinobu-chan! I'll become stronger, so the next time we meet, let me join your crew!"

"If you can use ninjutsu!" your captain grinned, and she cheered at his words.

"I'll work hard to become a bewitching kunoichi! Nin, nin!"

"You're so cute, O-Tama!" Nami couldn't help but squeal out, hugging the little girl tightly.

"(y/n)..." Robin came by your side, and your lips slightly parted in confusion at how serious she looked. "There's something you need to see..."

That's how you found yourself in the basement of the castle, surrounded by trinkets of old past and creepy Kokeshi dolls that seem to gaze into the darkest pieces of your soul. However, this wasn't what Robin wanted to show you exactly. There was a secret passage with stairs that led deeper underground, and you felt that you were descending in the depths for the longest of time. Moss covered the stairs and the walls, but your attention was finally caught by a dim light coming from a tunnel.

The archaeologist motioned to follow her into the tunnel, and you crawled inside the cramped area that led you to a window. You weren't prepared with what was waiting for you on the other side: ruins of a city similar to the Flower Capital at the seafloor.

"W-What is this?!" you cried out in surprise.

"The Land of Wano from 800 years ago. It was once located at a base of a huge mountain called Fujiyama. At one point, walls were created, enclosing the island, and rainwater kept accumulating there. People abandoned the unlivable town, moved up the mountain, and built a new country" Robin explained.

You felt a throbbing pain explode in your head, and you clutched it while releasing a grunt of discomfort. Vivid images of a country bustling with people filled your mind, followed by hushed whispers and screams.

The world that you came to know...

Why...are you all doing this?...

You loved humanity...You wanted the best for them....

You took everything from me...

They destroyed everything you built for them, every dream and hope you laid at their feet, crushed...

I will make them pay.... All of them!!!

"(y/n)?! What's going on?!" Robin shook your shoulders when she noticed the distressed state you were in. Tears rolling down your cheeks like waterfalls, chest heaving rapidly.

"I...I'm not even sure..." you answered. "It's like my head is about to split open"

"Did you remember something?"

"...There are no clear memories related to this place, but I know one thing for sure" you spoke, moving your gaze to meet Robin's shocked one. "Whatever happened here, I'm the one who caused all of this"

Robin didn't mention what transgressed back there to the others, and you thanked her mentaly for it. It's not like she could say anything since she wasn't sure herself to believe your words. Why would you sink a town to the bottom of the sea? What kind of person were you exactly 800 years ago? Those questions were left unanswered.

The day of your crew's departure came faster than anticipated. While you were boarding the last of the supplies at Tokage Port, you caught sight of three captains complaining about the chosen date to leave.

"Straw Hat-ya. Find another date!" Law scowled deeply.

"Huh?! Why?!" Luffy barked.

"Because it's weird!" Eustass enriched. "Setting sail together!"

"Our alliance is over! We're enemies now!"

"We've already decided that it's today!"

"US, TOO!"

A sigh escaped your lips. It couldn't be helped that they picked the same day. In the end, Eustass offered to choose separate directions to sail to with a Log Pose locked on three different directions: Northeast, East, and Southeast. Law was already set by choosing Northeast, but the two remaining idiots wanted the same direction that was East. Drawing of lot was the only solution, and Luffy ended up picking Southeast to his chagrin:

"I LOST! I'M SORRY, GUYS!" your captain cried.

"IT'S DANGEROUS IN ALL DIRECTIONS, WHO CARES! JUST HELP US LOAD, LUFFY!" Usopp snapped.

"I'M AN EMPEROR OF THE SEA, BUT I LOST THE RAFFLE!"

"Your title doesn't have anything to do with luck, dumbass" you rolled your eyes, tossing a few crates on board for Franky to catch. "Honestly, I expected us to go southeast actually"

"Huh? Why's that?" Luffy blinked in disbelief, and you shrugged off an incomplete answer.

"Just a feeling"

"Luffy! We're ready to set sail! But are you really sure about leaving like this? We didn't say goodbye to Momo-chan and Kin'emon" Nami stated.

"We don't need to" Zoro replied, earning a scowl from Sanji.

"You're so cold, Mosshead"

"Shut up, Twirly Eyebrows"

"But of all of the people in the Land of Wano, they shared the most adventures with us" said Brook, earning a nod from Robin.

"Yeah, maybe it's a little sad to just leave like this" she smiled in agreement.

"Luffy, what do you wanna do?" Nami wondered, and Luffy simpled smiled.

"Don't worry. He'll come!"

Like a prophecy waiting to unfold, the ground began to shake and loud sounds echoed from the forest. Not a second after, Momonosuke emerged between the trees in his dragon form with Yamato and Kin'emon on his back, looking beyond angry. Luffy let out a cry when the Shogun suddenly tackled him on the floor, crying his heart for you guys leaving this way.

"You guys were the reason I was able to live! To smile!" Momo sobbed, bowing his head down. "Thank you for avenging my father and mother! I am stupid so I cannot put everything into words! I fear what is to come! So please, do not go!"

"Heh. How pathetic" Zoro grinned, only to release a pained grunt when you kicked him in the stomach.

"Momo-chan is still just a child..." Nami sniffed, her heart breaking at the sight of Momonosuke's distress.

"Usopp!" Luffy turned to the other who nodded, throwing at Momo a huge black sheet that covered him fully. "We were waiting for you on the Sunny to give you this! You got bigger, but we know who you are inside. Stupid, dumb, and a coward!"

"Did you really have to word it like that?" you sweatdropped.

"But...I think of you as my little brother" Luffy smiled as Momo took a closer look at the sheet displayed in front of him.

"This is...A flag?" Momo blinked through his tears.

"When things get tough, remember the adventure of the sea! Fly that over the Land of Wano! If trouble shows up, show it to them! Screwing with our friend means screwing with us!"

"Friend?...That means I'm one of you?..." the Shogun inquired tearily, and everyone nodded at his words.

"If you wanna become a pirate, we'll come pick you up anytime! But wimps aren't welcome!" Luffy frowned, earning a nod from Momo who quickly dried his tears. "Alright. Set sail!"

You bid your last farewells to them as the Sunny set off from Tokage Port, waving at them as they slowly disappeared in the horizon the more you were sailing away from the shore.

"Okay, let's go to Hakumai! I was told that there is an official port which has a lift to lower ships" Nami stated, earning relieved sighs from Chopper, Usopp and Brook.

"Since we climbed up the waterfalls to get here, I thought we'd have to take a plunge!" Brook exclaimed.

"Don't you remember how tall it was? There's no way we're gonna do such a dangerous thing?"

"I've...a bad feeling about this" you sweated when you heard the familiar laugh of Eustass Kid as both his ship along with Law's submarine appeared at your side.

"Of course you're gonna use the official port. That's what regular pirates like you guys should do!" the red head sent a wicked glare at the other captains. "Because, after all, it's safe!"

Strike one.

"Sa-"

"-fe?..." both captains growled in irritation.

"That suits underdogs like you guys!" Kid continued to prod their pride.

Strike two and three at the same time.

"Under..."

"..dogs?!"

Chopper and Usopp attempted to throw themselves on top of Luffy to stop him from doing something stupid, but the damage was already done and his ego was having none of it. The same could be said about Law as his own crewmates struggled to keep him away from the helm.

The three moronic captains charged at the end of Wano's waterfalls, the ships plunging toward the sea. Everyone held to something for their dear life while you fainted on the spot, soul leaving your body.

"(Y/N) PASSED OUT!" Chopper panicked.

"LUFFY!! WHY CAN'T WE LEAVE IN A NORMAL WAY FOR ONCE?!!!" Usopp sobbed.