Tani found herself in front of the steering pole for the ship. The pole connected to the rudder, which is what turns the ship. Kinda like a steering wheel but not as run to use.

"The speed of this boat relies entirely on the wind." Yosaku explained. Pointing outside, where the mast to the small boat was. Tani glanced at it for a moment, turning her attention back to the ocean ahead. "I'm sure you'll learn about the sails and stuff later, for now we're totally on track to Cocoyashi village."

"Got it," Tani nodded.

"That means you can let go of the steering," Yosaku pointed out. Tani shook her head.

"What if we get knocked off course? We can't risk it." Yosaku looked at her, then the ocean, back at the steering, then her again.

"Whatever floats your boat, sister Tani." Yosaku shrugged. Looking outside, Luffy was lazing around on the deck. Enjoying the sunshine, while Sanji grilled something delicious.

"You can leave if you'd like," Tani assured Yosaku. "That weather sure looks relaxing." The man jumped to his feet and left the cabin.

A couple minutes passed, Tani's hands had yet to let go of the pole. She knew she was overreacting a bit, she'd seen the crew on the Merry leave the pole. Standing here, making sure they made it to their destination, just felt right.

"Lunch!"

Damn it...

Tani didn't feel comfortable leaving the steering unattended. Even if it was for a quick break.

Even if that grilled fish smelt like heaven-

"Tani?" Sanji watched the door, waiting for the girl to join them. Yosaku and Luffy had already begun stuffing their faces at breakneck speeds.

"Hey, where's Tani?" Luffy said with his cheeks stuffed full of fish. His eyes darted around, unable to his nakama. Yosaku perked up.

"She refuses to leave the cabin," he pointed towards Tani's location. "She's worried about the boat going off course." stuffing his cheeks with more fish. Sanji let out a sigh.

"I'll bring her something to eat then," The blonde stated, standing from his seat. He grabbed a smallish plate, and piled bits of the meal onto it for her. A task that proved difficult, when Luffy would grab and shovel anything his rubber hands touched, into his mouth. Through the power of love, and a few well placed kicks. Sanji was on his way to the cabin.

"Tani, my darling angel." he announced, quickly knocking on the door frame. Tani turned to look at him for a second, then turned back to the steering.

"Hey Sanji," she waved with one hand. Sanji strode towards a crate, sitting down on it with grace. The plate of grilled fish, filled the air with a mouth watering aroma. Tani's stomach growled.

"I brought this for you," Sanji held the plate towards her. "Luffy almost at it all, so you better eat this fast." Tani glanced at the plate, then the steering. Her stomach grumbled again.

"Uh... Could you please take over the steering for me?" she asked. Sanji smiled softly at her, nodding. Tani dropped the steering rod and practically lunged at the plate food. Sanji jumped from his crate to hold the pole, just to appease the young lady before him.

"You know," he started. Tani looked up at him, cheeks stuffed with pieces of fish. "We can just leave the steering." Sanji informed, Tani swallowed her mouthful of food.

"Yosaku already told me that," she admitted. "It's just... I don't really get this whole sailing thing. It's actually my first time steering a boat."

"Your first time?" Sanji questioned.

"Yeah," the girl rubbed her neck bashfully. "I don't live near the ocean back home, so I never needed to learn."

"Don't live near the ocean?" Sanji said with curiosity. "The islands in East blue are all rather small. Not that I doubt your words my dear-"

"I'm not from East blue." Tani interrupted the blonde. Sanji blinked in shock, that couldn't be possible. Not unless you sailed through Reverse mountain.

"Tani... How did you join Luffy's crew?" she looked at him, considering what to say.

"I'm not really sure myself." she put her plate onto the crate beside her. "One minute, I was taking a nap in the middle of this secret bush hideout. The next I'm waking up in the middle of a ship deck, out in open waters." Sanji's visible eye widened. He didn't doubt her, the way she spoke was genuine. It's just-

"It turns out. I'd magically teleported? To a different world entirely." she held her hands together nervously. "I know almost nothing about the world I'm in right now." her voice was quiet. Sanji's heart ached for her, the fear in her voice was clear as day.

"But," that fear subsided, filled with a new emotion. "Luffy and the others. They've known me for less than a week." she looked out the window, staring at Luffy. The boy was pulling stupid faces with Yosaku. "They took me in, offered me a spot on their crew. I have no pirate-like talents, I can't fight well, or navigate, I've never sailed the ocean." she caught herself snickering.

"I did need to save Luffy from drowning, so I'm good at one thing." Tani held up one finger. Sanji wanted to speak, but she continued.

"For all they could have known. I'm some Jason Bourne style sleeper agent." Jason who now? "But they trust me. So I need to do my part, to learn everything I can about this new world."

This was a lot to take in. Tani knew this. Sanji's on the crew now, so he needed to know this eventually. Might as well spring the whole thing on him at once.

"Tani-"

"Woah! What's that?" Luffy shouted from outside. The pair turned to find a large shadow, dwarfing the front of the boat.

Whatever had just appeared in front of the boat, was causing rumbles in the water. Shaking the occupants around like rag dolls. Sanji grabbed Tani to stop her from falling over.

Together they made their way outside, to be met with the large face of a... Fish? Cow? Sea cow? Whatever it was! It was a large cow fish that looked like it wanted to eat the boat.

"Of course there's sea monsters!" Tani shouted, the boat wobbled as the Sea cow twisted it's neck. Letting out a guttural roar. Teeth on display for the occupants of the boat.

"It's gonna bite the boat!" Yosaku wailed. The cow threw it's jaw towards the boat, ready to get a mouthful of wooden decking and people.

What it didn't expect, was a rubber knuckle sandwich. A flavour so strong, the sea cow went flying into the distance.

Water crashed over the occupants of the boat. Tani groaned, shaking off her now drenched denim jacket. That was gonna take ages to dry off.

"Moo!" looks like the cow was back for seconds. Tani stared at the thing with irritation. Squeezing the water from her long, thick hair.

Luffy rolled his arm to deliver another five star fist a la punch. When Sanji held a hand up, halting the captain.

"Now, Luffy," Sanji sighed, spitting out his soaked cigarette. "Is that really anyway to treat something that's hungry?"

Sanji then pulled a platter of food out of thin air. Steaming hot meat, roasted to perfection. Where the hell did he get that? What kind of cartoon logic is this?

The cow had swum back up, and eyed the meal in Sanji's hand. A sparkle shined through the creature's eyes, it's massive maw opened.

"Sanji... It's gonna eat-"

In a flash, Sanji whipped his leg up into the air. Delivering a tenderising kick into the beef with fins, so hard that it was sent flying further than the punch Luffy delivered.

The boat looked at Sanji, some with more hunger than others.

"What?" Sanji questioned. Tossing the meat platter to Luffy, "The thing would've eaten all of use." he pulled out a lighter, a replacement cigarette already resting on his lips.

"Now, does this ship have any rope?" Tani perked up. Pointing at the cabin with her thumb.

"I saw some near the crates in the cabin. Why?" Sanji pointed at the sea cow that was currently floating in the ocean. Dazed from the punches and kicking.

"We're gonna use the cow," he puffed out smoke. "The faster we get to Cocoyashi village, the better."

That's not what she expected, yet exactly what she expected.

"I'll go get that rope," Tani announced, heading into the cabin to find that rope. Excited to see the outcome of this monster/speed boat combo. Now that's something you'd see in the movies.

Tani leaned over the crates, finding them absent of the rope. She swore she saw one before? Maybe over here.

"Found the rope yet?" Luffy's voice asked into the cabin. Tani lifted her head up to face the new arrival. How long had she been looking?

"Not yet," she answered, shoving her head into one of the higher boxes "I know it's in here somewhere,"she called out. Tani heard the slap of Luffy's sandals, as moved to the opposite side of the room. The clattering of a box being searched could be heard.

The pair fell silent in their search for the rope. The sound of Sanji kicking the sea cow into submission being a strange background sound, that kinda drowned out the silence.

"Got it!" Tani cheered, pulling the long rope out of a box. Luffy lifted his head out of a box, fishing line tangled with tackle bobs covered his hair. At least there weren't any hooks.

"Awesome!" Luffy stretched his arm over, snatching the rope from Tani's hands. "I'll give it to Sanji," he grinned, running out of the cabin.

Tani stayed in the cabin, watching from the window as Luffy and Sanji successfully saddled the sea cow with ropes. Yosaku was tasked with helping to secure the ropes onto the boat. Which he miraculously managed to do.

A kick later, and they were speed boating towards Cocoyashi village, at this rate (according to Yosaku) they'd be arriving before midday.

Which left them with... About two hours to kill.

Luffy came rushing into the cabin, bouncing on his feet.

"Hey, stop being in here." he commanded. Tani was surprised at the authority, even if it wasn't forceful. "Makino said that being out in the sun makes injuries get better faster." he stated, looking at her side. The girl held the sore spot, the thing still hurt. The purplish tint of her skin made it look worse than it actually was though.

"Alright-" she cut herself off, a sound caught her attention. One she'd heard before. She glanced down at her feet, backpack slumped over by her shoe.

"Alright, what?" Luffy followed her gaze. Tani squatted down, grabbing the backpack and shaking it. The sound chimed again. "You're being weird. Is this a mystery girl thing?" oh right, Luffy's still here.

"I just realised. I haven't been through my bag yet." Tani shifted the bag to face her better, fingers clasping around the zipper to the largest pocket. "There might be some useful stuff I haven't even noticed bringing."

"Can I see?" Luffy perked up, curiosity in his large eyes. Tani puffed up happily, taking a seat on the closest crate. She patted the spot beside her, which Luffy jumped to with delight. Tani opened the first pocket.

Firstly, she found the windbreaker she'd used on her first night, underneath that was the pair of yo-yo's she'd used during her fight on the Baratie. Tani took those out and placed them on the ground in a neat pile.

Next was her wallet, which Luffy grabbed to examine. Popping the little blue folding pocket with amusement, clapping it back shut, reopening it, rinse and repeat. At least he hadn't noticed the-

"Why do you look so funny here," Luffy barked a laugh. She spoke too soon. Luffy shoved the picture of her school ID into her face. Tani gave an embarrassed huff.

"They make you take these stupid pictures for school. They just happened to get my bad side." she crossed her arms childishly. Luffy tilted his head in confusion.

"Bad side?" he bent his neck around, stretching it out with every loop he took of Tani's figure. "I don't see one. Is it a mysterious magical power that you have?" Tani's face froze. Red hot, flustered heat, burned at her cheeks. She turned to look for any signs of playful teasing in his body language.

The guy was being completely serious. What a charmer.

"Yeah... It's magic."

"Awesome!" Tani chuckled to herself. What else could she find in the bag?

"Notebook with-" she flipped the pages open, pulling a face of disgust instantly. "-History," she chucked the book on the pile.

Next she found a pencil case, nothing special there. Luffy did enjoy looking at all the colourful highlighters. Tani reached in again, her fingers gracing over something that made her heart race.

"No way!" Tani shoved both hands into the bag, carefully untangling the cords of her headphones. "Thank you, past me," Luffy stared with interest, as Tani whipped her hands out of the bag.

Resting in her hands, was a small yellow box. The side of it had coloured buttons, while the front had a clear rectangle. Connected to the box, was a thin black cord, which attached a pair of headphones. Tani was on the brink of tears.

"Now this is the piece of home I needed." Tani sighed, hugging the item to her chest. Relief present on her face.

"What's that?" Luffy stared with wide eyes.

"This, my friend." Tani held it out for him to see, but not close enough for him to touch it. Granted he could just use his rubber powers, but didn't.

"This is a Walkman. The greatest invention since television." Tani motioned towards the buttons on the side. "With the press of a button, this bad boy will be spitting out the best songs on radio." Luffy didn't understand half the terms she said, but he did understand one.

"Music? So you're a musician!" Tani barked a laugh.

"I'm not the musician," she pointed at the Walkman. "The people on this cassette tape are." Luffy looked awestruck.

"You have tiny people in there?" he zoomed in on the plastic window of the cassette. "That's so cool." Tani didn't have the heart to correct him.

She placed the Walkman on the pile. There was still some weight to the bag, her hand dived into the bag. What she pulled out was-

"A camera?" she didn't own a camera. Her mum had one, but that was for family related pictures. This one also didn't look like the family camera.

"There's a piece of paper on it," Luffy points out, tearing the page off it. "it's got words on it." he handed it over to Tani. She scanned over the note.

"Thanks for letting me borrow this?" she glanced back at the camera, then the note. "I've... Never had a camera before. Who owned this?"

"You do now," Luffy declared. "That other person was stupid and gave it to you. So it belongs to you." finders keepers rules huh? That is in a pirate's nature. Tani grinned, turning the camera on Luffy.

"Say cheese," she pulled the loading crank. Her finger ready to press on the capture button. Luffy looked at her with confusion.

"Cheese? I don't see any-" Tani clicked the button. The shutter snapped the shot. Tani laughed.

"No, cheese." she lifted her lips into a smile, with her fingers. "It means smile," Luffy shook his head.

"No it doesn't. Cheese is a thing you eat." he looked so disappointed in her stupidity. Tani rolled her eyes, placing the camera into the pile.

"What else have we got?" the bag was empty now, she felt empty candy wrappers on the bottom. She should clean her bag out... Later.

Her fingers brushed against a small metal ball. Tapping it gave off the barest chime.

That's what caught her attention before.

Gently, she scooped the ball into her fingers. Lifting it out of the bag to find the same bell she found in the bushes, that fateful day.

She didn't know why... But this bell felt important. No, more than that. Something indescribable. An emotional attachment Tani couldn't name.

All for a small, golden bell.

"What's that?" Tani blinked, had she zoned out? Whoops. Tani carefully places the bell back in her bag. This time it didn't make a sound... Odd.

"I don't know, but I like it." she shrugged. Like was an understatement, but that wasn't important. "Looks like that's everything." she declared. Looking at the pile of stuff, she considered herself lucky with almost all the items.

Having these little tokens from a world she knows, felt like a blessing. Something familiar she can lose herself in, when things here get too hectic. Tani's eyes landed on the Walkman.

"Hey," Tani grabbed the cassette player, pulling out the headphones. "Wanna listen to some music?"

Luffy's face couldn't have been more excited.

...

Tani and Luffy sat in companionable silence, listening to the Walkman belting out banger song, after banger song. It was difficult for Tani to hold herself back from singing along, but she wanted Luffy to experience the best version of each song. Adding her wailing banshee voice would spoil that.

Luffy scribbled pictures on Tani's history notebook, it's not like she needed her French history notes anyway. There were plenty of pages for Luffy to doodle on. Each creation, having more limbs than the last.

"Land ahoy!" Yosaku announced. Tani and Luffy both jumped to their feet, looking out the cabin window to find an island in the distance. The only notable thing about it, being the Japanese? style tower. Located around the shore.

Tani turned away to pack up her bag, they'd be docking in a moment-

"It's not slowing down!" Yosaku cried out in a panic.

"What do you mean it's not slowing down?" Sanji called back. "How can it not be slowing down? It's approaching land!"

"We're gonna crash at this rate!" Yosaku's voice approached the cabin door. His head popping in, worry written all over his features. "Luffy, can you stop the cow?"

Luffy jumped into action, running out of the cabin to attempt subduing the cow. Yosaku followed behind him.

Tani shoved everything she could into her bag, zipped it up, and grabbed the steering pole.

Things were gonna get messy.

Luffy and Sanji attempted to kick the creature into stopping. Their efforts backfired, only egging the sea cow on into speeding up. The shore approached, Tani's grip on the pole tightened.

Three

"Brace for impact!" Sanji commanded. Looking for something to stabilize himself.

Two

Luffy looped his arms around Sanji and Yosaku, holding them close to his body.

One

"Wait... Where's Tani?" Sanji realized, looking around wide eyed for the only girl on their boat-

The cow slammed head first into the shore. If you've ever seen a car traveling at 100 miles an hour, suddenly hitting the breaks. Imagine it was holding a flimsy trailer car, on the back. That's what this situation looked like.

The boat was tossed into the air. Tani screamed, as her body lifted from the ground. Had she not been holding the pole, her body would have slammed into the roof.

Ocean blue, shifted to a blur of woodland green. The boat zipped through the air, darting towards the island below. Tani clenched her eyes shut, squeezing herself into the pole as hard as she could.

The boat hit the ground with a bounce. Tani's feet buckled, her body dropping to the deck with a harsh smack. No time to recover, the ship skipped across the dirt ground. Tani kept an iron tight grip on the pole, holding it for dear life.

The ship came to a grinding halt, sinking into the dirt below. Tani didn't let go of the pole, her fingers glued themselves to the one piece of stability she had through that entire impromptu flight.

Sanji was the first one to come running. Spotting the shaken girl, he swooped to her side.

"My sweet darling," he cooed woefully, "How could I have been so careless." Tani ignored his little tangent, wallowing in the mistakes he's made as a man. She just needed someone to get her off this pole.

"She looks so funny!" Luffy burst into a guttural laugh. Pointing at Tani with tears prickling his eyes. Tani sent a glare at him, Luffy wasn't affected at all.

"Can someone get me off this thing please," Tani asked, her voice slightly more shaky than she would have liked. "I think my muscles have locked."

"I'll-" Sanji kicked Luffy away from Tani. The rubber captain smashed into a couple of crates.

"You're not going anywhere near her. You brute." the chef snarled. "Knowing you, you'd snap her arms off." he turned back to Tani.

"Now," Sanji's demeanor took a 180°, "Let's get you off this pole." his voice softened up. Tani nodded.

A tug here, and a lot of gentle encouragement. Tani was pried from the pole, and currently flopped on the ground of the cabin. Yosaku, Luffy and Sanji all sat around her. Discussing the situation.

"So this is definitely the right island?" Sanji confirmed. Yosaku nodded.

"The building we saw on the way here, belongs to Arlong." that was the name of the guy they suspected Nami was after. "He's been ruling over this island for almost a decade."

"If Nami's here. Let's just go find her," Luffy suggested. Sanji shook his head.

"We can't confirm if she's here or not."

"Why not? Yosaku said she's looking for Arlong. We found Arlong, so Nami's here too." Luffy justified. That's when Tani piped in.

"I didn't see Merry," all eyes turned to her. She still had her face to the floor. "I paid attention to the shore line, and not once did I see the Merry."

"In other words," Sanji continued off her train of thought. "There's a chance Nami either hasn't arrived yet, or she didn't intend to come here in the first place."

"There's no way she wasn't coming here," Yosaku declared.

"What makes you say that?" Sanji asked. Yosaku crossed his arms.

"There was this look in her eyes. The moment she looked at Arlong's wanted poster." he let out a sigh. "She looked... Pained. I'm not an expert on girls, but she was not happy to see that picture." Luffy gave a hum, his cheeks turning red as he thought.

Eureka!

"She's got to be here! Because she wants to kick Arlong's ass." Luffy concluded. Leaving no room for discussion, he jumped to his feet.

"Let's go find her," Luffy beamed. Running out of the room before anyone could protest. The sound of his sandals, padded away from the ruined boat.

"We better catch up with the moron, before he gets us all into trouble." Sanji sighed, looking at Tani. She didn't make any indication that she was moving. "Ta-"

"Go on without me," she waved lazily. "I'll catch up," dropping her hand back to the ground. Sanji clicked his heel.

Leaving Tani simply wasn't an option, she's barely able to move. If he leaves Luffy unsupervised, that'll only lead to disaster. The guy was a walking chaos magnet.

Leaving Sanji with no other options. "My apologies," he swept his arms under Tani's upper back and knees. Careful not to touch anywhere indecent, he wasn't a pervert after all.

Tani let out a gasp, as Sanji whisked her away from the boat. Heading in the direction of Luffy. Yosaku trailed behind them.

They walked in silence for a few minutes, keeping an ear out for anything that sounded off.

"OI, ZORO!"

Something like that. The three of them exchanged a look, then ran towards the shouting.

"When did you get here?" Zoro's voice responded. That means Usopp's team made it to the island too. "Where are the others?" he questioned.

"I dunno," Luffy answered.

"Over here, you moron!" Sanji stepped out of the greenery. "Don't run off. You could have gotten yourself into deep shit." Sanji scolded. Pressing his foot against Luffy's head.

Tani wriggled herself out of Sanji's hold, the blonde was more occupied with prodding at Luffy's face. Suddenly, Tani noticed.

"Where's Usopp?'' The sniper was nowhere in sight, just Zoro. Tani chanced a glance at the bloodied bandages, wrapped tightly around the swordsman's torso.

How on earth, Zoro was moving now? Tani didn't know. That cut was brutal, any normal man would be dead. Then again... Tani had to remind herself that these people were most certainly not human.

"Usopp got captured by Arlong," Zoro stated. Far more calm than he should be.

"He what!" Tani exclaimed, grabbing Luffy and Sanji's attention. "Why didn't you escape together?"

"We've been separated since we got here." Zoro justified. "When I woke up, I was alone on the boat. Then this octopus guy helped me find a village-"

"How about you explain everything? On the way," Sanji interrupted. Zoro rolled his eyes, but complied. Pointing at the tower in the distance.

"Just head to the tower. That's where he's being held." Zoro waves with his hand. "Hurry up," he took off. The group followed the swordsman.

They ran, and ran. Passing by countless bushes and trees. Tani made note of all the bunny shaped rocks. This island should be called bunny rock island... Wait a second.

Tani stopped running. Looking up towards the tower. They hadn't gotten any closer... In other words.

"We've run around in a big circle!" Zoro, Luffy, Sanji and Yosaku paused in their charge. "I've seen this bunny shaped rock, like three times now." she threw her hands in the direction of the innocent rock.

"I know that," Zoro looked away, pouting. Sanji narrowed his eyes at the swordsman.

"You knew? Then why did you make us run in circles!" Sanji leaned towards Zoro. Puffing out his chest, in an attempt to look more intimidating.

"Huh?" Zoro growled back. "Who do you think you are, curly brow?"

"Curly brow? Like you can talk moss for brains." oh come on, they didn't have time for these two to be bickering.

Tani turned to Luffy, the captain was snickering at the funny insults they were calling each other. The girl walked over, and tapped Luffy on the shoulder.

"We should, you know... Hurry up and save Usopp," she tilted her head towards the fired up swordsman and chef. Zoro had drawn his swords, while Sanji lifted one of his legs.

"Yeah, that sounds more fun." Luffy grinned. Walking over to Zoro and Sanji, rolling his arms. Tani turned away. Looking up at the tower.

"We should head that way," Tani looked back at Luffy, his arms curled around two squabbling idiots. Luffy didn't mind all the kicks and punches he received from the pair. Simply smiled at Tani, with all his teeth.

"Let's go," Tani took off, Luffy followed behind. Yosaku watched them with awe, slowly trailing them.

"These pirates are crazy..."

...

"I see an opening ahead," Tani picked up the pace of her run. Wincing slightly at the pain in her side, pushing past it to escape the confines of the forest.

The group burst onto a dirt path, surrounded by water pools. A rice field? That's probably what it was. No time to figure it out. She had a tower to find.

"Down this path," Tani bounced on her heels, the path they were on lead directly to Arlong's tower. "Pick up the pace."

Eyes on the prize, Tani sprinted forward. Focusing on the objective at hand.

Perhaps a little too focused. Since she failed to notice a very distressed Johnny, wailing at the top of his lungs. Running in the opposite direction. The two of them smacked right into each other. Knocking the other over in the collision.

"Johnny!" Yosaku called from the back of the group. The happiness he felt at seeing his brother, drained the moment he noticed the tears flowing from Johnny's eyes.

"What happened?" Johnny looked up, shifting his sunglasses to fit his nose.

"Sh-she killed him," who killed what now? Johnny blabbered over his words. Trying to form a new sentence.

"Calm down Johnny," Zoro spoke up. Johnny was on the brink of hyperventilation. Yosaku rubbed circles on his back, doing his best to comfort his best friend.

"So... Who died?" Luffy asked. Dropping Sanji and Zoro, both men landed on the dirt path with an "Oof". Johnny took a couple of deep breaths.

Tani groaned as she pushed herself back into a sitting position. Rubbing at the base of her tailbone.

"Nami..." the air stilled, everyone's breath caught in their throats. Luffy's face instantly darkened.

Nami was dead-

"Nami... Killed Usopp." that... That's not the kind of plot twist Tani was expecting. Her heart felt like it shattered.

Usopp was... Dead. But how? How could Nami have done something so cruel? Especially to a friend.

"Why would you accuse Nami of such a thing?" Sanji protested. Johnny was shaking, fists balling in the dirt.

"I saw her do it, with my own eyes." he said. "She was one of them all along..."

"A what?" Zoro's voice sounded strained. His fingers fiddled with the hilt of his only sword.

"She was a member of Arlong's crew!" Arlong, as in the same Arlong on the wanted poster.

That meant she had betrayed them. Used them for what? Their boat? Maybe it was the gold. She did like to keep tabs on all their money. It wasn't to recruit more members, since Usopp was now...

Tani held her chest. She hadn't known Usopp for long, but she still considered him a friend. Something she couldn't say for a lot of people. It hurt, just the thought that he was dead... All because of Nami. Tani and Nami didn't get along too well, but Tani still found herself feeling some form of friendship with the red head.

Making this act of betrayal, all the more painful.

"She pulled a dagger on Usopp." he hit himself in the gut with his fist. "Stabbing him right in the gut, and pushed him in the water-"

"Stop," Luffy's voice was void of emotion. "Don't talk about my nakama like that," he demanded. Narrowing his eyes at Johnny. The bounty hunter shut up instantly.

Tani's ears picked up the sound of footsteps in the dirt. Walking pace, light on their feet. She lifted her head to find the last person they wanted to see.

"You guys really are stupid aren't you?" the familiar female voice proclaimed. The rest of the crew looked up at her. Johnny and Yosaku jumped to their feet and backed away. There she was. Standing there with her hands behind her back.

Nami.

Tani stood up off the ground, backing away from the red head. Nami smirked.

"I only used you lot for your money." she winked. Luffy kept his gaze on Nami's, the woman would avoid holding his eyes. "To think, you guys actually trusted me? How dumb of you!" Nami laughed. It was off, forced from the throat.

Nobody responded to her. Either too afraid, or had nothing to say. Nami narrowed her brow in frustration, before switching back to a more playfully malicious expression. The intent in her eyes said otherwise.

"I'm not a complete monster though," she waltzed towards them. "The Merry is docked on the other side of the island. Take it and leave this place." she stood a foot away from Luffy.

"We aren't leaving." Luffy stated bluntly. "Not without everyone on the crew." Nami leveled him with a glare.

"I'm not a part of your crew," she snarled. "I used you, or are you too much of a rubber brained dolt to understand!" Nami's arms tensed, shaking in frustration.

Luffy didn't reply.

"Idiot!" she yelled. Storming away from the group in a huff. The sound of her heels vanished into the distance.

There was silence, save for the wind rustling the trees and rice plants. The group paid no mind to Johnny and Yosaku taking their leave. Not wanting to get caught up in the Fishman pirates conflict.

Once the area was cleared of non-straw hat pirates...

"I smelt her blood." Zoro commented. Leaning against the fencing that separated the forest from the path. Sanji stood across from him. Lighting up a cigarette.

"She kept her hands behind her back." Sanji added to Zoro's observation. Breathing out smoke.

"In other words, she's lying." Tani concluded. "About what? I don't know-" Tani turned towards the bushes. A rustling caught her attention. Heavy boots, approaching quickly. Tani shifted out of the way.

Out of the bushes, came a blur of brown and cream yellow. Dirt skidded underneath the new arrivals feet. The crew looked over at the new figure, all of them let out a collective sigh of relief.

"Usopp!" they cheered, some more reserved than others.

Tani walked over to the sniper, and wrapped her arms around his torso. Hugging him tight. Usopp froze awkwardly, clearly not prepared for the physical contact. He gently pat the girl on the top of her head. She let go, keeping a small smile on her face. Relieved to see him alive.

That meant Nami could still be trusted.

"So Nami didn't kill you?" Zoro teased. Usopp instantly tensed, looking around for the red head. Relieved not to see she wasn't there.

"No! Nami saved my life," Usopp assured. "If she hadn't stabbed herself in the hand, I would have been a goner." he explained.

"I knew it," Luffy said to himself. Tani wasn't quite sure what was-

"Look Bell-mere! Look at what I drew!" a young girl's voice, graced Tani's ears.

Tani turned her head towards the path, leading away from Arlong's tower. Someone was approaching... But it wasn't a child, instead there was a woman. Tallish, with short purple hair.

"Are you the straw hats?" she asked. Her voice was deeper than the little girl's voice Tani heard.

Where did that come from?

"That's us," Usopp confirmed. The woman wandered closer.

"You need to leave right away," she stated. Not forcefully, but the need was there. "For Nami's sake."

"I already told Nami. I'm not leaving without my whole crew." Luffy crossed his arms, sitting beside Zoro. The swordsmen were closed with sleep.

"If you don't leave now. Everything Nami has fought for..." the woman ghosted a hand over her left shoulder. "Everything she's lost. Will all be for nothing."

Tani felt her vision blurring, colours swimming though her head didn't hurt. She lifted her hands and rubbed at her eyes.

"Wow! Nami this looks amazing,"

Tani snapped her eyes open again. Finding a whole new scene before her. Long gone were the rice fields and forests. Replaced with a colourful house, with a porch.

Two people sat at a table one was a young red haired girl, wearing a white and green summer dress.

The other was an older woman, with red hair. Mostly shaved, except in front of the ears, and the middle of her head. She smiled at the piece of paper that the young girl had handed her.

"You even managed to draw all the inclines." the woman praised. The young girl jumped in her seat. Pointing at the map with enthusiasm.

"This spot here, that's where the village is." she poked another spot. "And that's where our tangerine orchard is." the older woman hooked her arm around the smaller girl. Hugging her to her side, the biggest smile on the older woman's face.

"You've got a talent for map making, Nami!"

Nami?

Tani blinked again. The scene changed, this time showing the same little house. This time, the atmosphere had changed. Long gone were the happy smiles, and joy filled laughs.

No... That was gone.

The woman from before walked out of the house, wads of cash held in her fisted hand. A pained scowl on her face.

"Bell-mere," a man followed behind her. He had a funny pinwheel on his hat. "We can hide the girls. There's no way we can meet Arlong's request in time." The name caught Tani by surprise. Bell-mere turned sharply at the man.

"I can't let them live like that." she snapped. "They're kids, they deserve a childhood filled with freedom." her hold on the cash faltered.

"And they will," the man assured. "They just... Need to wait," he hesitated. Bell-mere looked away from him.

"Last week... Nami showed this beautiful map she drew." Bell-mere smiled, a shake in her voice. "And the tangerine tree seeds that Nojiko planted, have finally started to grow. Oh, you should have seen the look on her face." tears pooled in Bell-mere's eyes.

"I can't let Arlong take those smiles away." she cried. Holding the money in her hand up. "I won't let that monster of a pirate, lay a hand on my girls.Not while there's still air in my lungs."

"Which is why we need you to stay alive!"

The scene changed once more, the darker colours melting to brighter ones. Showing the same house. Bell-mere crouched on the lawn, holding her arm as it bled out. A tall purple man? No, his nose looked more like a saw-sharks. Fishman perhaps... Doesn't matter. The purple man held a gun towards Bell-mere's temple. The woman dropped money on the ground, a smile on her face.

"100,000 berri, enough to buy the lives of my two daughters. Nojiko and Nami." she declared.

"NO!" came the paired cries of two young girls. Tani watched as the daughters of Bell-mere... Watched as Nami and Nojiko, ran to their mother. Tears flowing like waterfalls from their eyes. Both girls slammed into Bell-mere, crushing the woman in a tight embrace.

"Bell-mere..." the man from earlier choked, unable to hold in the stray tear that escaped his eye.

"You wish to pay for your kids?" the purple Fishman asked. A malicious smile on his sharp teeth. Bell-mere looked up from her daughters, staring daggers at the Fishman.

"Yes, these girls are to live a peaceful, free life." she declared. Glancing at the pinwheel man, tilting her head for him to approach. She turned back to the girls.

"Nojiko, Nami." she addressed them, both girls hiccuped over their sobs. The mother tightened her hug. "I want you to live life to the fullest."

The pinwheel man drew closer.

"Surround yourself with people you can call family," Bell-mere instructed. Planting a kiss on each girl's cheek. Just in time for the pinwheel man to grab the girls. Both of them kicked and screamed as he pulled them away from their mother.

Tani wanted to look away. Her gut screamsed at her to get out of this situation.

Bell-mere stood up, proud and strong. Giving her screaming daughters one last smile.

"I love you both-"

She was cut off by the sound of the gun. Firing a bullet straight into the woman's head.

The world went black.

...

Tani could feel her body swaying from side to side. Bouncing with the same rhythm as the footsteps around her. Her sights set with the dirt path, sun-kissed skin, and faded blue jorts.

She must have fallen asleep. For how long? Clearly, long enough for Luffy to warrant picking her up like a potato sack, carrying her under his arm. Tani tugged at the hem of his shorts.

Luffy tilted his head down to see Tani looking up at him. Tears stained her cheeks, dried from the journey towards Cocoyashi village.

"What... Happened?" she yawned. Luffy didn't stop walking, but he did shift his hold. Allowing Tani to get on her own two feet and walk.

"We're gonna go save Nami." Luffy answered. Simple enough.

"STOP! PLEASE, THEY'LL KILL YOU ALL!" Nami's voice screamed from ahead. The straw hats continued onward.

"Enough is enough, Nami!" Tani felt a chill run up her spine. That was... The man from her dream. "We've lived under his tyranny for 8 years. You've suffered for 8 years." his voice calming towards the red haired girl.

"Please... Just wait a little longer." Nami begged. "I'll make the money in no time. I can buy back-"

"I said that's enough!" Nami was silenced. The straw hats stood by the entrance of the town, waiting for the crowd of people to clear out. Tani spotted the pinwheel atop the man's hat.

"Today, we fight for our town back. We either succeed... Or die trying." he declared, the towns people rallied behind him. "Let's do this!"

The townspeople ran towards the path, hundreds of people armed to the teeth in household objects. Rolling pins, broom sticks, shears, there was a guy running with a potted plant.

This was a group of people that had suffered for long enough.

The weather darkened, the people having left behind one of their own.

The sound of crying echoed through the empty town. Each sob was loud, ugly, and full of heartache and pain. Years of silent suffering, finally making themselves known.

Nami sat in the town square, knees in the dirt. Shaking with overflowing emotions, pent up anger, hatred, sadness, and fear. She turned her head towards the permanent reminder of her plight.

That tattoo that ruined her childhood, stole her dream from her... Stole her mother. The tattoo that made her town turn their backs on her, that sent her hunting for treasure, barely surviving against larger threats.

The disgusting reminder that she couldn't live up to the one request that Bell-mere had asked of her.

And she fucking hated it.

Nami grabbed the dagger from her skirt pocket. Still coated in the dried blood of her hand. Lifted the blade towards her left side, and struck downwards. The blade sank into her skin, slicing at the tattoo with a burning rage.

Nami removed the blade, and plunged it back in.

Removed, plunged, removed, plunged. Over and over, and over. She wanted this stain removed from her body. She needed it gone, she needed the damage, Arlong had caused them gone. She needed the people who let this happen gone.

Remove, plunge, remove, plunge, remove, plunge.

She needs Arlong gone.

Remove, plu-

A hand caught Nami's wrist, before she could stab herself again. Luffy loomed over her. The rest of the crew stood back.

This was up to Nami now.

Tears and snot ran down the red heads face, her hunched form shuddering as the pain in her bleeding arm registered.

"Why are you still here?" she asked. Balling both of her fists into her lap. Luffy didn't respond.

"I told you... To-o go away!" Nami snapped at Luffy. Her chest heaving, it was hard for her to breath. Luffy continued to look at her.

Waiting for her.

"Go away," she sniffled. Hunching over the dirty ground, the blood from her wound dripped and mixed with the ground. "Please... Please just go away." she sobbed, begging for Luffy to go.

Luffy watched her break down. Smacking the ground in rage, howling into the sky with anguish. It took everything in Tani's power to not come running to console the navigator.

The slamming stopped. The sobs dialed back, when Nami turned her head. Liquid pouring from every hole in her face.

"Please... H-help me," she pleaded.

There it was.

Luffy wasted no time removing his straw hat, and pushing it onto Nami's head. Halting her tears, she lifted the rim. Finding Luffy's back to her, his arms raised high into the air.

"I'LL HELP YOU NAMI!" Luffy declared to the world. Nami felt herself crying with fresher tears, ones full of hope.

Nami noticed that the rest of the crew was there. Looking at her with confidence, and faith. They all stayed behind, following Luffy... All for her.

"Let's go," Luffy commanded. Striding past the crew.

"Roger!" they called back. Standing up and following their captain...

Except for Tani.

The girl turned away from the boys, giving Nami a bright smile. One filled with comfort. She crouched down beside the navigator, offering a hand. Nami took it without resistance. Tani lifted Nami back to her feet, over in for a shoulder to lean on.

"Let's get you cleaned up," Tani suggested. "You'll wanna look your best, when Luffy demolishes Arlong." they headed towards the closest building. Nami cracked a smile.

She couldn't wait for this nightmare to end.

...

The girls walked up the path towards Arlong Park. Nami's arm wrapped up, and Luffy's hat resting on her head. She hadn't let go of the rim, holding it gently.

Luffy's hat was important, Tani didn't know why, she just knew. In handing Nami, the namesake of their crew. He'd promised her that everything would turn out just fine.

"Ahhhhhhhhhh!" both girls paused, there was a commotion heading towards them. That scream unmistakably belonged to Usopp.

"Get off the path," Tani instructed, following Nami into the cover of the trees. Two sets of footsteps approached.

First came Usopp, running at the speed of sound. Armed with his slingshot, and a whole lot of cowardice.

Right on Usopp's tail, was a blue Fishman. The fish had regular human anatomy, except for his protruding mouth.

"Chew," Nami whispered. Guessing that's the name of the Fishman chasing Usopp. Tani sighed.

"He'll be fine." she assured the navigator. Usopp is part of the straw hat crew, he'll find a way.

They vacated the trees. Arlong Park drew nearer with every step. Nami kept pulling Luffy's hat down further on her head with every trembling step. The entrance was just ahead, a crowd of townsfolk surrounded the busted down door.

Upon closer inspection, there was a hole in the wall beside the entrance. Tani looked through the break in the wall, getting a clear view of the court yard.

Luffy had his back to the cheering townspeople. Staring at the busted up wall on the other side of the court, stones crumpled over. There were two other Fishmen that stood out. One who looked like an octopus, the other was wide like a manta ray. Both of them stood in shock at the busted wall.

"That brat!" the manta ray guy yelled. Glaring at Luffy with anger, the octopus followed his example.

"Moo!" oh you've got to be kidding. The sea cow was here too! All three of them turned their rage towards the captain.

Luffy grinned, stamping his feet into the concrete ground. Stretching his hands to grab the cow by the horns.

"Gum gum" he lifted the sea cow out of the water. The crowd let out a collective gasp.

"Pinwheel!" Luffy announced. Using his legs to twist in circles, with his feet stuck in the ground, he'd centered himself. Using the weight of the sea cow to his advantage, he 'pinwheeled' the cow as a weapon against its own crew. Knocking the weaker members of the crew out. In one final thrust, Luffy threw the beast as hard as he could. Launching it into the ocean, far away from the battle field.

All that remained, we're the two Fishmen Tani had pointed out earlier. Both of them staring at Luffy with shock. How could one human cause that much damage?

The rubble from the wall, jostled. A purple arm swatted the broken concrete, off himself. The cheering from the crowd instantly died.

"Shitty human..." the purple Fishman snarled. Pushing himself out of the wall, both his remaining crew mates turned to him.

"Arlong," they addressed. Tani felt her blood instantly chill. The same face she saw from her dream, the man who shot Bell-mere. If Tani had the strength, she would kick his ass herself.

"Please, allow us to take out the Straw hat pirates." Manta ray guy requested. The octopus looked nervously at the boss. "If you fight, the whole of Arlong Park will be destroyed."

Sanji and Zoro stood beside Luffy, who hadn't unearthed himself yet. He struggled to remove his rubbery legs from the concrete.

Oh no... Luffy's stuck.

Tani's assumption was confirmed only moments later. When the octopus shot ink into Luffy's face, the boy unable to avoid the attack.

The octopus guy looked suspiciously at Luffy. Taking a gamble, tearing a concrete slab out of the ground and throwing it at Luffy. Sure enough, Luffy couldn't move.

Sanji rocketed himself towards Luffy. Kicking high in the air, splitting the rock slab in half. The blonde glances at Zoro, who nods back. Sanji takes a step forward.

"That's all you got?" Sanji huffed, putting on an unimpressed facade. The manta ray guy looked at Sanji with disgust.

Tani ignored the monologue about "Fishman being superior to humans in every way," and "All humans are nothing but weaklings,". That was just villain talk, she'd seen enough cartoons to know the drill. Instead she focuses on Zoro, who tried in vain to remove Luffy from the concrete. There was a strain on his face, a feverish flush forming against his tan face.

The injury from Mihawk! Zoro was putting too much strain on his body.

Tani decided, now was her opportunity to help. The hole she'd been spying from was large enough for her to jump through. She landed with a light thud. Quickly, without drawing attention to herself, she grabbed Zoro by the shoulder. The swordsman looked up at her, sweat pouring down his face.

"I'll take it from here," she assured. Luffy looked at her, surprise on his face, but delighted nonetheless. Zoro let go of Luffy, taking a step away from the captain to stand sentry.

It was a good thing he did that, because the octopus guy decided he wanted to throw another rock their way. Despite the strain on his body, Zoro pressed on. If he couldn't defend his crew, then he didn't deserve the second chance that Mihawk had honoured him with.

Tani pulled at Luffy, starting with her arms wrapping under his armpits. She tugged, but Luffy's legs would keep stretching. So she tried another approach, dropping to the ground and pulling at his ankles. If she can pop out even one foot, Luffy would have a better chance at surviving-

Luffy rolled his body back, throwing a punch forward. Tani felt herself still, as a shadow loomed over her. She didn't need to look up to know who it was.

Arlong caught Luffy's punch, crushing the fist in his much larger hand. Luffy didn't flinch.

"So you humans really think you can defeat us?" Arlong asked. The crew didn't hesitate to reply, even Tani found her shaking voice.

"Absolutely!" came the declaration of Luffy, Zoro, Sanji and Tani. A dark emotion flashed over Arlong's face, one that quickly resolved into one of smug malice.

Arlong crouched down, smirking at Tani. The girl felt herself freeze at the sight of him. He was gonna kill her, she couldn't move and he was gonna kill her-

He stabbed his fingers into the earth, both hands scooping underneath the concrete and tearing it upwards. Unearthing a chunk of rock, Luffy's feet remained stuck in the piece of rock that Arlong lifted. The space wasn't enough for Tani's body, the girl toppled away from Luffy. Staring in horror as Arlong reared his arms back. Aiming towards the ocean.

Shit!

Tani jumped to her feet, she needed to act fast. There's no way she would be able to wrestle Luffy out of Arlongs hold.

But she could save him from the ocean. All she needed to do was get in the water.

Arlong cackled with laughter as he tossed Luffy away, Tani watched the direction Luffy flew. Now's her chance! While Arlong called insults and declarations towards a shouting Luffy. Tani dived for the water, praying with all her heart that Arlong or the other Fishmen wouldn't follow her.

Surrounded by deep blues, Tani desperately pushed downward. Hoping to find any signs of her captain.

A flicker of red, caught her eye.

Luffy's red shirt gave away his location, right at the bottom of the sea beds. His hands covered his mouth, eyes looking around frantically. Pausing when he found Tani swimming towards him.

Tani could feel her lungs screaming out to her. She needed to break Luffy's feet out of the concrete now.

Tani started by tugging at his feet again. The base just kept stretching with every... Tug... Wait a second.

The girl grabbed Luffy by the head, tugging it towards herself. Sure enough, the neck stretched out.

Thank god for rubber powers.

She secured Luffy's head in the crook of her elbow, using her legs and free arm to jet upwards.

Dark blue, shifted in hue with every desperate push from the girl. Luffy's face shifted to a weird purple colour. He wasn't gonna last much longer.

She could see the sun, the blue of the sky. Just a few more seconds. The surface was so close!

Breaking the surface of the ocean, the chill of fresh air instantly drying their skin. The feeling had never felt so wonderful. Tani inhaled as deeply as her lungs would let her. Luffy sputtered, and coughed out all the water he'd swallowed on the way down.

At least he was breathing. That's all that mattered.

Luffy grinned at her, Tani smiled back with relief. It was hard to form words right now. They needed to swim to shore as soon as possible, Tani wasn't sure how long it would take until a Fishman decided to attack them in open water.

She turned herself onto her back, Luffy's head being held against her chest while she swam backstroke towards the shore. Groggily pulling herself onto the concrete platform just outside Arlong Park. Luffy's head resting comfortably in her lap.

Tani kept her ears open for any signs that a Fishman was approaching. Luffy was defenseless right now, and she wasn't in any condition to defend herself. Not with her lack of fighting skills, and Luffy's condition.

Speaking of Luffy. The captain seemed perfectly calm, given his current situation. He concentrated on breathing, having such a long neck. It would take a while for him to catch his breath.

The sound of swords clashing, and blows being exchanged could be heard. Sanji and Zoro were holding themselves just fine.

"There you are," Tani stilled. Luffy looked up at her with concern, which melted the moment he saw who was talking.

"Pinwheel guy," he greeted. Tani turned to find that Pinwheel and Nojiko were standing beside them.

"What about his feet?" Pinwheel asked. Looking into the water.

"I don't have the strength to break him free from the rock." Tani stated. The man grabbed his chin in thought, turning to Nojiko.

"Nojiko can you take hold of the boy's head," Pinwheel asked. The purple hair woman gave a nod, taking a seat beside Tani. The younger girl looked up at Pinwheel in confusion.

"Nojiko is healing from a bullet wound," Tani noticed the wrapping around her chest. "It's too fresh, she'll bleed out in the water." his voice was filled with concern. Tani nodded, it made more sense for her to go in the water anyway. This is her crew mate they're rescuing.

Careful not to let go, Tani handed Luffy's head over to Nojiko. The woman held on tight.

Tani stood up, Pinwheel had already dived into the water ahead of her. She turned to Luffy, giving him a thumbs up. He smiled back, Tani could feel the faith he had in her.

It was nice to be believed in.

She dove into the water. The harsh blues consumed her vision once more. At least she had Luffy's neck as a guide this time. She found Pinwheel already working at Luffy's feet.

Luffy's feet wouldn't budge using that method. She'd tried it, Zoro tried it, Pinwheel tried it. There had to be another way to break the concrete.

That's when it hit her... Well she didn't get hit, but the slab of concrete Luffy was stuck in, sure would be.

She swam around for a moment, looking for the perfect rock. If pulling Luffy out of the slab wasn't an option, then breaking the slab was.

Finding something small enough for her to grab, but large enough to cause some damage to the concrete. Tani swam back, swinging the rock and slamming it down on the concrete.

The water slowed Tani's movements down way too much for her to cause any serious chip damage. Her lungs screamed at her for more oxygen, but she didn't want to give up just yet.

Tani slammed the rock down, again, and again. Each strike took more strain than the last. Pinwheel had left her to surface for air.

She smacked the rock down, one last time. When it happened. The concrete casing Luffy's feet, shattered to pieces.

Was it because Tani was so determined to set him free? Was it divine intervention?

No, it was Sanji. Who with one kick shattered the entire slab to rubble. Luffy's body zoomed through the water to rejoin his head. Tani sighed with relief-

Inhaling a lung-full of water. Tani's body reacted violently, hacking up the water, then inhaling again to replenish her oxygen. Only to be met with more water.

She didn't notice the arm that looped under her waist, nor her body being propelled through the water at breakneck speeds. The refreshing feeling of oxygen filling her lungs once she surfaced, was nulled by the expulsion of sea water from her body.

There was a hand rubbing soothing circles on her back, before she knew it. She was being dragged out of the water, still spitting out water.

Tani laid there, on the ground. Breathing in deeply, taking in and savouring each inhale of fresh air.

The smell of cigarette smoke filled her nose, Tani glanced to the side. Sanji sat beside her, his suit completely soaked. He looked at her with a smile.

"You did well," he praised. Tani laughed, coughing some more.

"So did you," Sanji chuckled, smoke danced around his face. He stood up, offering his hand for Tani to grab. She grabbed it with all the strength she had remaining. Sanji hoisted her up with ease, catching her by the back.

"Shall we watch Luffy?" he asked, already walking towards the crowd of townsfolk. Tani barked a laugh.

"Like I'd wanna miss Luffy wrecking that guys ass." Tani hobbled with each step. Arriving just in time to watch the fight begin.

Luffy stood in the centre of the park. Arlong, who looked like he'd been punched in the face, stood opposite Luffy. Tani and Sanji stood by the hole in the wall that Tani used earlier.

"Do you know what makes us different Straw hat?" Arlong laughed with malice in his voice. Luffy cracked his knuckles.

"Nose," he replied with a serious tone. Tani covered her mouth to stop the sputter of laughter from escaping. Arlong paused, shaking his head.

"No. You see, us fishmen are far superior to you lowly human scum." Arlong declared, enraged at the simple response from Luffy. Tani rolled her eyes, didn't they already do the villain monologue?

Arlong launched into an attack, diving for Luffy. Shark-like teeth ready to snap around Luffy's limbs and tear him apart. Luffy dodged every blow, but with Arlong's speed, couldn't land a blow of his own-

Luffy's back hit a pillar. Giving Arlong all the time he needed to pin Luffy down, grabbing the boy in a choke hold. Luffy remained calm, he didn't even respond when Arlong lunged forward to bite his head off.

The captain simply grabbed his own rubber head, and pulled out of the way. Arlongs attack missed, instead his jaw struck the pillar itself.

"What did I miss?" came a familiar voice. Tani turned away from Luffy's fight to find Usopp standing beside her. Staring at the fight with shaking legs.

"Not much, Luffy pissed off Arlong." Tani shrugged, suddenly getting hit with the smell of alcohol. Usopp reeked of the stuff.

"Puny human teeth could never compare to the power of a Fishman." Arlong stated. "You've all evolved to be so weak, so pathetic." he sneered. Mocking the straw hat captain, who picked up a rock.

"I don't need teeth to break stuff," he crushed the rock in his hand. "I have other ways to do stuff like that." that pissed Arlong off.

"You humans are so weak!" Arlong charged at Luffy, trying to take him out with yet another bite. When Luffy snatches two swords from a knocked out Fishman, using those to block Arlong's attack.

"Does Luffy know how to sword fight?" Sanji asked curiously.

Two strikes from Arlong, two shattered swords, and a cartwheel punch to the Fishman's face later. Luffy had proven that no, he could not use swords.

"I can't sword fight like Zoro, or navigate like Nami." Luffy admitted, "I can't lie like Usopp, or cook like Sanji. Tani is really smart about things I don't understand." Arlong pushed himself out of the rubble.

"Without their help. I would have died already." Luffy shouted to the Fishman.

"Why would anyone follow a man-" Arlong spat blood to the ground. "-Who admits his own weaknesses?"

He stood up, cracking his neck. "What could you possibly have to offer, as a captain?" Arlong crouched, ready to lunge at Luffy.

"I'm gonna kick your ass." Luffy declared. The townspeople cheered wildly for the human captain. Arlong hated that, charging forward. Luffy met the Fishman's attack, with his fist. Arlong quirked his lips, snapping his teeth right into Luffy's fist.

Luffy yelped, immediately pulling his fist out of Arlong's mouth, dragging a full set of teeth with it...

"What!" Luffy stared at the cleanly pulled out jaw with surprise. Arlong laughed at Luffy, mouth empty of teeth. "Did you want these back?" Luffy offered the man's teeth back to him. Arlong looked at Luffy with amusement.

Instantly, his gummy mouth was filled with new teeth. Sharper than the previous set.

Ok, that's kinda awesome.

Arlong took Luffy's moment of awe, as an opportunity to attack the kid, while he was off guard.

Tani started losing track of the fight. Luffy grabbed one of Arlong's crew and used him as a shield, Luffy claimed he had a plan to defeat the Fishman captain.

That plan ended up being "Let's kick Arlong in the jaw, steal his teeth, put them in my mouth, and try to bite the Fishman back," weird? Yes. Did it work? Not really. Did it piss Arlong off?

Absolutely!

The Fishman was so offended in fact, that through the power of outrage, he managed to bite Luffy on the shoulder. The rubber man shrieked, dropping to the ground dramatically. He rolled around, clutching his shoulder.

It can't have hurt that bad... Right? Luffy walked away from the fight with Don Krieg, smiling. He's been stabbed, punctured and whatever else during that fight.

Arlong insulted Luffy, more talked about how different they are because he's a fish, and Luffy isn't. Tani ignored that, instead focusing on Luffy. More specifically, his hand.

Going in for another attack, Luffy lunged from the ground. A piece of rock in his hand, which he shoved right into Arlong's mouth.

Arlong recovered faster than Luffy anticipated. Using his mouth to once again, bite into Luffy. This time aiming for his side. Luffy, with a set of Arlong's teeth. Bit right back.

The next moments are a blur. Luffy laughed at Arlong, who then told Luffy that the rubber man's jaw was too weak. Arlong charged at Luffy, latching onto Luffy's arm, which Luffy countered by slamming Arlong into the ground.

A plume of dust burst from the ground. Shrouding the battle field in a thick coat. Nobody could see anything.

But Tani could hear someone diving for the water. The moment the dust settled, Tani found Luffy standing there confused. She called out to him.

"He's in the water!"

Luffy turned just in time to avoid the speeding torpedo attack from Arlong. The Fishman slammed into the tower behind Luffy.

Arlong repeated this attack three more times. Each attempt to skewer Luffy, causing the rubber man more damage. Arlong dived into the water once more, preparing to end this once and for all.

Just as Luffy decided he was gonna break Arlong's stupid nose. Standing before the pool, ready to catch Arlong.

The crowds shouted at Luffy to move, get out of the way! He'd die if he didn't move.

Luffy ignored them.

"Come out and face me!" Luffy demanded. Arlong laughed, responding to the demand by doubling his speed.

What Arlong failed to notice was the impromptu net that Luffy had made out of his fingers. Ready to catch the Fishman.

After Arlong launched himself at Luffy. The pair of them went crashing into the tower.

The whole town went silent with anticipation. Who was going to come out victorious? They waited with baited breath. Tani's heart pounded against her chest with hope and fear.

Then a loud crash could be heard, many turned their heads towards the source of the noise.

Laying in the middle of the park was a wooden desk, smashed to pieces. Thousands of white sheets of paper, rained down in the wind.

The sound of Nami quietly crying to herself could be heard by those who were paying attention, a silent thank you on her mind.

A sandal clad leg, shot through the roof of the building. Kicking down through the building. Each floor crushing in on itself. Everyone gasped in horror.

Tani realized that Luffy was still in the building. A building which was crumbling. Luffy may be made of rubber, but that doesn't mean he can't be crushed to death.

Leaping over the wall that separated her from the courtyard, Tani jogged towards the settled debris of the building. Looking for any signs of movement, and praying they aren't Arlong.

She went to make a start on removing the debris from the building. When something shifted, rocks tumbled, plaster burst, and a loud roar erupted from the last man standing.

Luffy, standing proudly atop the destroyed remains of Arlong Park's tower. Blood dribbled from his wounds, but he held his arms up, and screamed at the top of his lungs.

"NAMI!" The red head stares at Luffy with wide eyes.

"YOU ARE MY NAKAMA!"

Everyone fell silent for a moment. Only the loud crying of Nami could be heard.

Then the realisation struck... They were free... Free! No more Arlong, no more hearing for their lives!

The straw hat pirates had defeated the Arlong pirates.

The villagers rejoiced, and crowded around Luffy, lifting and throwing him in the air. Chanting his name over and over.

Tani smiled with teary eyes, thankful that her friend was alive.

...

The village partied for a whole week straight.

It was wild. Everyone was drinking, and dancing all week long. Tani decided to rest her body for most of those days. Only really enjoying the party for the first day. Enjoying the many tangerine themed sweets she could get her hands on.

Oh! And her quest to find some secret melon that Luffy wanted.

"Sanji! Where's that melon thingy you found?" Luffy asked with a mouth full of barbeque. Sanji was sitting across from Zoro, while Tani sat next to Zoro.

Tani perked up at the mention of melons, she had an affinity for any kind of fruit. So far all the fruit from this world has been crazy, but tasted wonderful.

"Those? I dunno," real helpful Sanji. "You should ask the old guy, he got them for me," he added, taking another breath of his cigarette. Tani stood up.

"Can I come along?" she asked, Luffy responded with a grin. Grabbing her upper arm, and dragged her into the crowds of people partying.

The pair searched around the town, but they couldn't find the man with the pinwheel hat. Luffy wandered outside the town with Tani in tow.

It was quiet, nothing to be heard but the crickets and cicadas chirping into the night. Tani buttoned up her denim jacket, the air was a little chilly since the town was next to the ocean. Luffy was unaffected by this, because of course he wasn't.

The clouds were cleared, the bright stars shined strong and pure. Tani had never seen them look so beautiful in her life. Tani felt herself pulled into a trance.

... A trance that was ruined when Luffy started shouting at the pinwheel man. Who was standing before a crudely made cross. He looked at peace, a bit of sadness mixed with happiness.

Luffy questioned him about the melons, while Tani remained focused on the small grave the man was standing in front of.

Tani had a feeling that belonged to Bell-mere. She couldn't help but smile at the thought of the woman happily watching over Nami and Nojiko now.

"You better promise to never take away Nami's smile." Pinwheel threatened Luffy. Tani turned to stare at them. Luffy grinned.

"I promise," and the captain meant it. Pinwheel sighed with relief. Pointing towards the location of the melons. Luffy gave a bow, before turning to Tani and grabbing her by the arm again and dragging her in the direction of their goal.

Tani, in the silence of their walk. Thought of the events of that day.

How much Nami had done for her home, how much Luffy and the crew did to save the lives of these people in the name of their... Nakama? The term was still unknown to her, but she knew it had something to do with being a crew?

"Luffy," she began, the boy turned to look at her with a hum.

"What's nakama?" she looked up at the sky. "I've heard you say it a bunch." she asked. Luffy looked a little wide eyed.

"It's like ummm..." he thought on the word. Thinking of a way to explain the word. "A friend? But a super special friend." he answered.

"Then why not just say friend?"

"Nakama isn't just a friend though" Luffy stated factually. "It's someone or some people, who are closer than family. Everyone on my crew is nakama," Tani looked at him, his eyes staring right into hers.

"You're nakama," he grinned, his smile shining in the light of the moon. Mirroring that same night he proclaimed their friendship on her first night.

The atmosphere shifted, a heavy feeling weighted on the girls heart. He considered her someone closer than family, a special friend.

She halted her step, her mind full of conflicting ideas. Like the concept of being that important to someone was not possible. Luffy paused a couple meters ahead, turning to look at her in confusion. She shook her head.

"I... Don't know how to feel about that." she admitted. She'd only ever been so close to someone once. That being her mother. "Nobody has ever felt that way about me before. I'm so used to being alone, that I have no idea how to deal with... Whatever this is," she motioned to the air. Luffy laughed.

She took a step forward, Luffy remained smiling. Another step, the gap between them growing closer and closer. Tani raised her arms, taking a final step before leaping into Luffy in a tight bear hug.

"Thank you for this new feeling," she squeezed the captain in her arms. He moved his arms up to wrap around her, returning the hug. He laughed at her.

"You're so weird," he teased, Tani laughed.

"I'm not the weirdo that can stretch like rubber, and can't swim." she teased back. Luffy gave a pout.

"My powers are cool,"

"Sure they are, Mr 'I can't swim, yet I'm the pirate captain'," Luffy dropped the pout and went for a charming smile.

"I've got you now. You won't let me drown," he beamed. Tani's face suddenly felt hotter.

That charming little bastard.

...

The week of parties and celebration had drawn to a close. Hangovers would be an issue for the next couple of days, but that didn't matter. Not after 8 years of tyranny. A little hangover, or clean up, meant nothing in the grand scheme of things.

Tani woke up next to a pile of empty melon shells, beside her was an even bigger pile of Luffy. The captain had inflated like a balloon. Not the weirdest thing he's done, but still... Weird.

Deciding to take a small walk before the crew were planned to set sail once more. Tani got up, dusted off her clothes, and wandered.

Following the path led her back to the village. Everything was covered in empty beer cups, plates, party poppers, articles of clothing, you name it and it's probably there.

Usopp was sleeping atop a platform, exhausted from a week of shouting stories to the masses.

Zoro and Sanji were sleeping next to each other. Backs pressed against one another. Sanji curled in on himself, while Zoro was more spread out. The sight was domestically adorable, especially with how hostile they are towards each other... Tani had already pulled her camera out to snap a photo.

The snap of the camera managed to stir both men from their unconscious state. Tani made a run for it before they realised what she'd done.

She continued wandering around until she found a fork in the path, leading away from the village. Curiously, she headed down the unknown path.

On the other end of the path. Tani found herself staring at the location of her dreams. The colourful house, with the front porch, and tangerine trees surrounding it... The house was really here.

"Tani?" the girl looked up to find Nami standing at the entrance of the house. A small bag on her shoulder. Tani waved.

"This is a nice place," Tani complimented, wandering closer to the red head. "It looks well cared for," Nami gave her a smile.

"Care to look around?" the navigator offered. Tani nodded, how could she resist a walk through the tangerine trees? That's right, she couldn't.

The pair walked through the rows of thriving trees. All of them ready to be harvested, if the ripe orange fruits were any indicator.

"The town's helping me move some of the trees onto Merry," Nami said, a smile on her face. "I'll have a small piece of home with me," Tani gave a sigh.

"You get home sick too huh?" she lifted the backpack on her shoulders. Nami nodded.

"I've been working for almost half my life. Just to get this place out of debt." Nami sighed. "That weight is gone, but the idea of leaving forever. Even though I want to... It feels overwhelming." she stared into the trees around her.

"I know how it feels to be overwhelmed." Tani said, patting Nami on the back. "So let's be overwhelmed together." Nami looked back at the younger girl, and couldn't hold back the smile that bloomed on her face.

...

Cocoyashi village crowded among the docks, waving and cheering for the save travels of the Going Merry, and her crew.

The straw hat crew had boarded their ship. Stocked up and ready to leave... Save for one thing.

"Where's Nami?" Usopp was the first to notice the navigator's absence. Leading to half the crew (Luffy, Sanji and Usopp) to freak out over the lack of Nami.

"We left her behind!" Luffy squawked, running around the deck at dizzying speeds. Usopp doing the same.

Sanji wailed at thoughtlessness of himself for daring to forget about his "Lovely angel Nami" the man dropped to his knees, dramatically lamenting to himself.

"Idiots, we haven't even left the dock yet." Zoro could already feel the headache. Tani stood by the side of the boat, waiting for the red head to appear.

Low and behold. Nami stood at the back of the crowd.

"I think I see Nami," Tani pointed towards the red head. All commotion on the ship stopped.

"Start sailing!" Nami shouted, then sprinted through the crowd. Avoiding their gazes and cries of protest at the avoidance of a farewell.

The crew immediately set sail as Nami requested. Making quite the gap for Nami to jump, when she made it to the end of the dock.

She landed on the ship's railing without any problems. Keeping her back to the village of Cocoyashi...

She lifted her shirt, and more wallets than Tani had ever seen in her life, tumbled to the ground.

The outrage from the village was hilarious, everyone cursed the little thief. Though the malice didn't exist in their words and threats.

Nami turned to face them. Baring the widest grin she could, and waved.

"WE'LL MISS YOU NAMI!" The people cried out. Nami's burden had been lifted.

It's time for her to live life to the fullest.