What is the...I log in to find out that we are at 4K already?!

I'm glad you guys like the story despite the slow pacing! I just really want everyone to take the time to get to know my OC y'a know...I don't want to rush anything as you can see I am slow with my writing and I take my time. Plus, I am in school, but it's summer vacation now, so you will get more frequent updates.

We are at the end of the arc with Zoro! At first, I was kind of scared of not portraying Zoro accurately, hopefully, I'm doing ok in that department!

Anywho enjoy the long chapter! (Bruh it's 8273!)

"Leave it alone," said the voice on the snail transponder. "The investigation is pending for now until documents have been submitted."

Slightly rubbing her temple, Rue attempted to simmer the boiling anger within. The snail perfectly replicated the same typical frown of her superior. However, it morphed its features into a panic; the poor creature shook under Rue's tight grip on its shell. As she leaned on the boat's railing, earlier events played back into her mind like a record.

Thankfully, the bullet hadn't lodged itself into her daughter; in reality, it was Zoro's blood that splashed on Aisha. Seeing her child hit the floor so suddenly had her in a distressed state, immediately attempting to heal her daughter with the power of her crystal.

Though she was glad that her daughter only had a scratch and nothing more, she knew explanations had to be given since she had revealed a part of her secret. It may not have been major, but it was still enough to pique one's curiosity.

The more questions are asked, the more she would have to reveal about herself.

And she wanted to avoid that at all costs.

She was on thin ice during that moment of chaos, almost losing control. She was so close to unravelling her greatest secret right then and there. If it hadn't been for Johnny and Yosaku coming to her aid and noticing Aisha only had a small injury, another problem would have ensued. Rue pursed her lips gripping her crystal.

And that would be ripping the captain into pieces.

Though she thought this would end her problem, she had to deal with this dilemma. After cleaning up the little mess at the base, she had to comply with her superior's orders.

Orders that she wasn't happy about.

"Sir..." her voice slightly soft, but yet held a tinge of anger prepared to boil over, "the captain pointed his weapon at me, my child was almost hit in the process."

His silence through the other line urged her to continue, a lingering frustration within her tone. "If he hadn't missed, my child would be the one injured ."

And she would have made sure the captain ceased breathing.

At first, nothing came from the other line but the older males' heavy sigh. The little creature shivered as she traced patterns on the snail's shell, awaiting Sengoku's response.

Finally, the male grunted while another sigh left his lips, "How is she?" Despite the snail's grumpy expression, the pink hue couldn't hide his flustered attitude, his voice etching a tinge of concern for the child.

"She's alive," Rue emphasized the last word to convey the severity of the situation. If it hadn't been for Zoro, it would have hit her; if not, it would have been her daughter. "The captain's crimes are past redemption. He has been using his status to intimidate and control other people's lives. He is so bold to use government funds for his leisure."

"He's a noble-"

"A fallen noble, with no power nor influence as the other families, a branch separate from the others."

The snail's pursed lips proved her right. The man may have been a descendant of a noble family, but he wasn't, in fact, part of the main branch of the household. Though many of the families resided in Mary Geoise, many other smaller branches of nobles left and built nations elsewhere. That may not have made much of a difference; at the end of the day, it didn't change the man's bloodline.

"Shouldn't we uphold justice over all things?"Rue pressed him further, Her brows furrowing in the distance. Her curls danced to the rhythm of the eloping breeze. " Aren't we to protect those who can't protect themselves? Isn't that the point of why marines exist?"

The clouds covered the sun slightly. Its light swirled in rays of colour as the sky's warm hues kissed the snail's blank expression.

Sometimes, the silver-haired woman knew it would be difficult to pinpoint his thoughts through the transponder snail. The creature may be able to mimic emotions accurately, but not entirely as well as the real thing.

Sengoku wasn't an easy man. He was cordial, yes, but strict in the ways of the Marines and the system itself. To him, nothing held greater importance than upholding today's laws and ways of life. Punishing criminals, especially pirates, was necessary to uphold the system.

However, by their standards, the crook at hand was nowhere near a degenerate criminal. This man had a lineage and ties to a noble family—small, yes, but noble nonetheless.

If his punishment became news, he was certain it would encourage other ruffians to challenge the status quo.

He wasn't about to allow another era similar to the current one. Pirates are one thing, but encouraging another to overthrow the system brought another headache.

It's not like there was nothing new under the sun with The Revolution Army currently existing.

The snail sighed. A puff of air left its lips as it closed its eyes and remained quiet momentarily. All these thoughts brought nothing but annoyance at the predicament. His answer only proved her initial thoughts right: "I'll deal with it."

Rue's features hardened, and her brows narrowed further. "By deal with it, you mean he gets a slap on the wrist," he said.

The snail's gaze hardened. He swallowed to simmer the harshness of a deep growl from his tone: " That's enough; he will be handled accordingly."

"But-"

"I said enough!" The voice roared through the snail with a strong projection, it hopped as a vein pulsed in its temple. He huffed to calm his pulsing nerves.

Rue's features blanked like a canvas, revealing nothing nor expressing a fracture of her thoughts; the snail jolted as she clenched its shell. Though she wasn't surprised, she detested the outcome of it all. People of higher status were untouchable no matter how heinous the crime they would commit. They could ruin the lives of many, yet would never be punished for the suffering of others, leaving numerous with unresolved hatred for those lives left in ruins.

Just like it did to hers, leaving a permanent stain that she could never wash away. A distant memory, a scar upon her flesh that would never heal, no, a scar she would never display for the world to witness.

Calming his nerves, the snail sighed as Rue lightened her grip on its shell. The voice became softer, yet a tinge of anger lingered, "I heard the Winged Demon showed up."

As the silver-haired woman bites her lip to swallow her words, she blows a breath she never knew she was holding, a curious brow raised at the revelation, "News must travel fast."

"Any casualties?", a giggle made Rue momentarily glance at the group slowly making their way to the boat from the market. Johnny carried crates of dried provision, Yosaku had bags of groceries in each hand a scowling Zoro had Aisha attached to him by the hip while Ayame laughed at his expression.

"Besides the destroyed rooftop, a few were injured by the explosion." The silver-haired woman waved with a closed-eyed smile at her giggling child. Her feet sprinted as Rue crouched on her knees, jumping into her mother's arms, and embracing her tightly.

She caressed her daughter's dark locks of hair, and Aisha hummed under her touch. Rue's features softened, a smile etching on her face. Her daughter's safety cooled her mood. "We still don't know his whereabouts, but we believe he hasn't left the island."

Aisha raised her head towards her mother, a grin on her features, attempting to get her Mommy, "Mommy! Guess what!" Rue tried hushing her daughter by pointing to the snail in her hand. The raven-haired girl's eyes sparkled, "It's Grandpa GoGo?!" She asked in excitement.

A pink hue spread on the snail's cheeks as he coughed to cool it. Of course, he still kept calling him that ridiculous name. The man was aware of the child's occasional mispronunciation of words, especially his name. "I-is that Aisha-"

"I will send the documents as soon as possible, sir. Goodbye now!" Rue said cheerily not missing a beat in her words as she hung up before the man could get another word. With a small huff, she placed her snail back into her small pouch. She rose from the floor with her daughter in her arms and made her way to the group.

How dare he attempt to speak to her child after throwing her under the bus to protect that bastard. If he wanted to preserve that criminal, let him protect that scum, however, he doesn't get the right to come an inch near her.

"Everything alright?" Pulled from her thoughts, Rue observed the slight pull of his brow, creasing into worry. Rue gave him a simple nod with a smile, though this did not change the look on his features. "You seem upset."

Ah. Was it showing on her face?

Placing the last crate of supplies, Zoro's keen eyes landed on the silver-haired woman. The way she paused at Johnny's simple question as if the wheels in her head were turning for a rapid excuse. For a moment, she shifted her gaze elsewhere then returned it to the others; her lips tugged into her usual polite smile, "Everything is fine."

Zoro frowned. No, things weren't fine, but the swordsman decided to let it slide. Not like she would tell him anything about it even if he asked.

Rue's eyes fell on the bags of groceries on the wooden tiles of the ship along with the number of wooden crates, "You guys didn't have to get my supplies for me..." She had caused them enough trouble with their voluntary, yet involuntary aid in her business. Though she did drag them into her problem from the beginning, there was guilt riddled within her.

"Don't worry about it!" Yosaku grinned as he leaned on one leg, hands behind his head. "We owe you one anyway for helping us!" Johnny and Ayame nodded furiously at his comment.

"You saved me from that weird marine guy, so this is nothing!" Ayame added with a bright smile.

The silver-haired pursed her lips, "But still..." Her gaze landed on Zoro's bandaged torso. "You shouldn't be moving around with your injuries..." The swordsman responded with a shrug, unbothered by it. Observing closely, blood began to taint the bandages once more as it seeped through them. Though it didn't seem to bother the swordsman once bit, Rue casted her eyes to the wooden tiles of the ship before shutting them tightly. She knew that all this wouldn't have happened if they weren't involved with her.

This was all her fault, she dragged them into this and they got hurt at her expense. It was best that they part ways as soon as possible.

All their eyes widened as Rue got on her knees into a graceful deep bow. Her arms extended in front of her while her hands were on top of one another. Her forehead almost touched the floor. Johhny and Yosaku gawked at her actions, jaws dropping at the sight. Understanding the meaning behind it, Aisha quickly copied her mother's actions, leaning into a deep bow.

The air filled with poise as if gazing at a refined swan under the moon's glow. "I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your help," Rue uttered as she remained in her stature slowly lifting her head. The duo swordsmen's cheeks dusted in a deep red at the woman's sweet smile, her lips glistened under the light of the setting sun. Their hearts hammered in their chest at the softness within her eyes, as calm and serene as the seas.

Aisha gave them a cheezy grin as she lifted her head, "Thank you!"

"T-there's no need to-" Johnny stuttered out, a deep crimson on his face at the woman's actions. His words caught in his throat. Yosaku nodded along to his friend's words unable to speak.  Her actions were always unexpected, they never knew how to react. "P-please get up-"

"I dragged all of you into my mess, yet you still helped me when I told you the truth " Rue continued, she began to play with her sleeves, tugging and pulling it. After discovering her little ploy, they were still willing to put themselves at risk for her and her daughter. She approached them form the get-go to use them, but they came to her aid in the end. She bit her lip, ready to perform another bow"I'm really sorry for-"

A calloused hand grabbed her delicate hands, and following the flow of it, her eyes landed on Zoro. His eyes stared into her specks of blue; their gazes unbroken as he slowly helped her up from the floor. Blue eyes were curious and surprised while brown kept his gaze on her.

"We did what he had to do," Zoro answered like it was nothing. Sure, she did drag them into her mess, however, what was done was done. Nothing in this world can take it back. Therefore, worrying about it wouldn't change anything. Rue's pupils shook for a moment and slowly shut her eyes, understanding that she shouldn't fuss about it anymore. Then another idea popped in her mind.

"As a thank you, I will gladly give you a ride to the nearest island."

Johnny and Yosaku's eyes sparkled at the moments nice gesture, "Thanks Big Sis." Her smile almost turned them into puddles.

As she shifted her gaze to the stairs of the entrance of the cabin, the sensation of blood filled her nostrils while it seeped through the bandages of Zoro's torso.

Noticing this, Rue turned to the rest of the group. "All you go and inside and rest while I make one last call." Everyone nodded, as Aisha was ready to follow suit, Rue turned to her daughter, "Can you show them where the first aid kit is? I will be there in a moment"

With a bob of her head, Aisha went after the group. As they disappeared into the cabin, Rue pulled out her snail transporter once again. She dialled the number; the snail rang. With a click from the other side, the snail morphed into the face of the recipient.

With missing a beat, Rue was the first to speak. "Once you get your hands on it," She began, her tone erasing any form of softness, replacing it with one of urgency, "I have another task for you."

Static answered back, like ruffled paper in one's palms. Her narrowed her eyes to the skies as she explained every detail of her plan

The horizon enveloped into a deep shadow.

The skies were painted in a deep blue, as the sea waves ceased. The waters gently brushed the shores. The quietness of the night filled with chatter from the cabin of the ship. After consuming their meals, the children sat on the bed while Johhny and Yosaku sat near the staircase. At the table littered with bandages soaked in blood in a metallic bowl.

After removing the bandages from his torso, Rue took the crystal on her neck, slowly squeezing in the palms of her hands. She focused on her mind on her task; Zoro flinched from her cooling hands as she applied pressure on his wounds. Everyone, minus Aisha, observed in awe as a blue hue emitted from her hands. As she slowly removed them, a print was left of her hand, fading gently like the wind, leaving not a single scratch, gone like a whisper.

In the stillness of the night, the room remained quiet. Slowly shifting his gaze to the silver-haired woman, Zoro observed every inch of her face. His eyes roamed for anything amiss that would give away what she was thinking, what she was feeling, however, her face revealed nothing.

Like always she was difficult to read.

"How are you feeling?" Rue's gaze followed the green swordsman, as he stood and traced a finger on his stomach, the wound no longer in sight. Seeing that her work was done, Rue's lips tugged into a smile, "I'm glad all is well."

Johhny and Yosaku's eyes sparkled, "That was amazing!" They both gushed their admiration for the woman increasing. Beautiful, smart, great mom and can heal?! What couldn't she do?

"It was nothing," Rue responded as she began to put away the materials in the first aid kit; she disagreed the old bandages into the trash. She was glad that things were finally settled; though she slightly twitched from the sensation on her torso after healing him, her fingers recoiling a little as her face crunched into a frown. The pain was durable and lasted only a few seconds. Luckily, no one noticed her little reaction.

Or so she thought.

Instead of staying indoors, the group decided to sleep under the stars. Blankets and pillows scrambled on the deck. The children lay next to each other, Ayame sat on crossed legs while Aisha was on her stomach her head supported by her chubby cheeks. Laughter filled the air as Johnny and Yosaku's silly stories entertained the little ones.

A few distance away, the cool air caressed Zoro's cheeks; his eyes gazing into the distance of the endless seas as his mind spinned. Back leaning on the railing of the ship, his thoughts travelling back to moments ago. It felt cold at first, yet the energy transferred to him was comforting like a blanket in the winter. She healed him like it was nothing, but he witnessed the change in her expression when she did so. However, even if he asked her about it, she wouldn't tell him.

Even if she did, it would still leave him with more questions than answers. This woman was a puzzle, but the results would remain the same no matter how many pieces he has found and tried putting together.

Unsolved and scattered into pieces.

He frowned as another thought plagued his mind. Rue's abilities, he wouldn't have guessed she would have any in the first place. If she could heal, why didn't she do so in the first place the moment she was injured, why would she hide that from them?

He sighed, what else could she be hiding?

"Everything alright?" A soft voice pulled him out of his thoughts. He shifted his gaze to the smiling silver-haired woman, handing him a blanket, "You seem frustrated."

Accepting the gesture Zoro almost scoffed at her words, wondering if she even knew she was the reason for it. As silence began to settle among them, the swordsman kept his eyes on her for a moment longer. He observed the curve of her lips, her ocean eyes watching her daughter smile and laugh at his friend's silly antics. His gaze softened at her smile, now, genuine and filled with love for her daughter.

Still, he wanted to ask, no, he needed to know. "What was your goal?" Rue hummed in response, indicating she was listening. "What were you searching for at the base?"

While placing the blanket under his arm, he noticed her pause for a moment then she turned to him with her usual polite smile, "For something."

He rose a brow, but continued to press further. "Which is?"

Zoro noticed how her lips rose almost into a half-smirk, mischief in the air. "Something important."

His lips drew into a thin line. Yup, this was getting nowhere. Why was he not surprised?

Rue hid her giggles behind her hand at his irked expression. "Sorry about that." Zoro sucked his teeth for he knew she didn't mean it. "I couldn't help, but tease you a little."

She returned her sight to her child, her gaze as soft as a fallen snowflake in the first winter. Aisha reassembled him every day, her heart raced in her chest at the thought. Her sole reason to live was for her daughter, was for the legacy he left behind.

All for him.

"I needed something here," Zoro's ears perked as he listened while she kept her attention on Aisha. "I needed it for the plans I have in mind."

Zoro hummed as he stood upright crossing his arms over his chest. Now that she was talking he decided to pry further, Usually, Zoro wouldn't pry into other people's business, but somehow this woman had a hold on him."What plans?"

Rue tugged on her sleeves, thinking carefully of her next words. She didn't want him prying into things, but instead, she countered it with a question that threw him off guard. "How far would you go for someone you love?"

The swordsman furrowed her brows at her words. Does her goal have something to do with someone she knows? Someone she was close to? Many questions ran through his mind like a marathon, trying to comprehend the reason for her question.

Zoro's gaze landed on the three blades attached to him at the hip, his brown eyes skimming on the cream sheath. Wano Ichimonji, a katana given to him by his mentor when he left his home island.

The same sword that belonged to his friend.

"I made a promise to a friend," he clenched his sword, squeezing into his palm. Rue turned her attention to him, eyes roaming his serious expression. " I will become the greatest swordsman."

The air thickened not even his blade could cut through it. Rue noticed him gripping his blade, his brows furrowed deeper as his eyes gazed into the distance. A moment later, he turned her, brown eyes clashing with blue. Rue slightly flinched and warmth spread through her cheeks at at the tender glimpse in them.

And for some reason and to her agony, her heart began to leap.

"How far would I go for my promise," His tone was gentle, making her words choke in her throat. He took his blanket, wrapping it around her shoulders to shield her from the slight chill of the night. Their contact never broke, their vision roaming each other's faces. He took her hair from behind her and slipped it out from the blanket down to her back. His calloused hands brushed her fingers.

"I would die for it."

The silver-haired woman remained silent, sucking in a breath. She looked away momentarily to gaze at her daughter, her giggles lifted in the atmosphere. Aisha's cheeks stretched into a grin, Ayame laughing along with her at Yosaku's silly expression.

Rue took a deep breath, her chest rising and slowing simmering as she exhaled. She clenched the blanket between her fingers. Zoro watched the tender expression in those ocean eyes, her pupils shaking as she gazed at her with such love it made Zoro's cheeks flush.

"Me too," Zoro's ear perked at her response, her voice low and soft like the brush of a petal of a blossom in spring. Soon, conviction settled within her, her tone soothing like a melody with a tinge of rising strings in the song, "I would too."

Brown eyes kept searching her form. From her silver brows and lashes to the way she pursed her lips slightly. However, like a silent whisper in a tunnel, it came and left not allowing a moment for it to relish in it any further. Though he thought he shouldn't ask about it, curiosity kept slaughtering the cat the more he was near her. He wanted to know what she meant, "What was it? What promises did you make?"

Rue shifted in her position, wrapping the blanket tightly around like a lifeline. She revealed enough today and didn't feel like revealing more information than she should, however, she did owe him and his friends for helping her in many ways.

Besides, the more she would reveal, the closer they would get to each other.

She wanted to avoid that at all costs. Growing bonds between them must be prevented, if not, they would be more involved with her than they should.

She didn't want this. The less he knew, the better.

"My Zoro," the said man flinched at the teasing nature of her tone, like a whisper of a whisp in the night. "Can't a woman keep secrets to herself?" She laughed at his slightly flushed cheeks as he grumbled.

He quickly pulled himself by the bootstraps, countering her words, "Am I not allowed to get my promised hot night." Rue's temperature rose, and her heart palpitations quickened as she gasped while his lips tugged into a mischievous smirk, "So, you want it outside or..." He burst out laughing as she began to slap his arm out embarrassment at his words.

"W-why would you bring it up," Rue felt her cheeks flush with red as if she ate the hottest pepper known to man. She hid her face in the blanket.

Zoro placed his arms behind his head as he placed his hands on his neck. "I wasn't the one who brought it up first."

"I said I was sorry!"

"If you wanted to bed me so bad-"

She didn't allow him to finish that sentence as she snatched off her blanket. Zoro roared in laughter at her attempt at hitting him with the soft object, her face bashful as her features were on fire.

The silver-haired woman's voice reached the duo swordsmen's ears. Yosaku shoved his elbow onto his partner who turned to him. Johnny jerked his head to the secluded couple, Yosaku's eyes landed on Zoro who was smiling ear to ear at the woman who seemed bashful. The duo looked at each other and giggled like little girls who just saw their friend with their crush. It was clear to them that their leader was smitten with the mysterious woman even though he wouldn't admit it.

Who wouldn't be infatuated with her? Rue was a mystery, a beauty as the rarest flower in the field. Quiet, but when she spoke, her voice was a song, a melody pleasing to the ear, tickling your temple and sweet like honey. Her mannerisms are as elegant as a swan, the list went on and on in their minds—a wobbly smile on their lips while gazing at the pouting silver-haired woman.

She was a dream.

"Again, again!" Aisha clapped her hands as she giggled wanting more of their stories.

Their shoulders slumped at Aisha's excitement. This kid had way too much energy. They weren't certain that they could keep this up all night.

"Shai," Aisha turned to her mother, eyes sparkling as she met back with her mother and Zoro trailing behind her. Jumping into her arms while Rue was ready to receive her, wrapping her little arms around her mother's neck. By the looks of it, the silver-haired woman knew Aisha would have difficulty sleeping with all that adrenaline in her body.

Plus, she wanted to give them a little break.

"Mommy, Junny and Yosusu showed me a magic trick!" She said her eyes full of excitement as she gushed about it to her mother.  Rue laughed at her daughter's mispronunciation of their names once again.

"Oh? Want to show me Shai?" Aisha nodded enthusiastically, jumping out of her mother's arms. She got a got a berrie coin from Johnny's hand and went back to her mother. Coin in hand, Aisha showed it to her.

Playing with it in her hands, switching it back and forth, Aisha awaited her mother's reaction as the coin disappeared from her fingertips. Then, she asked her mother to kneel which she complied. Placing her hand behind her mother's ear, the coin was back in her hands once again.

Aisha watched her mother's face gleam in happiness at her. She was quickly engulfed in a hug, she squealed as kisses pampered her cheeks. "That's wonderful Shai!"

Johnny, Yosaku and Ayame swooned at the cute interaction while Zoro's lips tugged into a smile.

The night went on for a while longer. Exchange of stories and laughter filling the air into the skies. The duo never got tired of making this woman laugh and smile, their heart jumped every time they heard it. Rue looked down on her daughter who sat on her lap. The child kept nodding off, trying to stay awake.

Rue leaned into Aisha's ear, whispering instructions. Her daughter nodded, beaming and quickly ran back to the cabin. She came out with a wooden object.

The child placed a long wooden flute in her mother's hands. It had cherry blossoms embroidered, the small branches of flowers wrapping around the flute. The men gazed at her curiously and the instrument in her hand.

The woman graced them with a smile, "I hope you don't mind, I thought some music would be appropriate. Also, it will help you all sleep better." The duo swordsman nodded vigorously while Zoro shrugged, thinking he could use some sleep after all these events.

They all lay comfortably on the spreadsheets of blankets and pillows while Zoro was leaning his back on the railing, sitting on the floor with his legs crossed. She began to play, placing it on the side of her face, her lips hovering over the instrument, her fingers gliding effortlessly. Blowing softly, a melodious tune etched from it. Their ears soothed from the song, rhythm as gentle as the waves of the seas, but as colourful as the creatures in it.

Like a touch of rain, it was docile, a brush that sent waves of relaxation through them. Her passion in tune with the music, rendered the world to a close, separated from her.

It was as if it was only her and the song's melody that existed.

Slowly, the children lay their heads on their pillow, eyes feeling heavier. Soon, their sense succumbed to their bodies lulled to sleep. Snores left the duo swordsmen, as they both fell into a slumber.

Love wrapped up in it, yet melancholy spread as the flute whips went up in the atmosphere. Though his eyes felt heavy, Zoro kept his eyes on the woman as she kept playing, her silver lashes hiding her gaze from him. He noticed her features scrunched into a small frown, but quickly turned back into a focused gaze.

Slowly, she opened her eyes, his breath hitching under her gaze. For the first time, since he had met her, her face had an obvious grief plastered, he observed the brimming tears about to descend upon her cheeks.

Zoro may not be the most experienced with women, but he has never seen such a heartbroken expression on someone's face before. However, this wasn't what made the world pause around him.

It was the fact that she wasn't looking at him, but through him as if...

As if she was gazing at someone who wasn't there.

Slowly, the melody stopped as her eyes went to the group that has fallen asleep from the sweetness of the tune, though unknown Rue wiped the tears and sucked in a breath of air through her nose, calming the feelings she once had moments ago.

Placing the flute at her side, She extended a hand, gently gliding her fingers on her daughter's face while brushing her strands of ebony hair out of the way. She lauded next to her, an arm around the child drawing her closer to her. Whispering a small good night to the group, not even sparing Zoro a glance.

Zoro kept his eyes on her for a moment longer. Then he lifted his gaze to the starry skies. His mind wandered to the woman's expression. For unknown reasons, a burning frustration rose within at the thought. As he crossed his arms, he squeezed his biceps at the woman's heartbroken face, the picture of it making him grit his teeth.

Wanting to punish the one you made her feel so helpless.

He shook his head, no, it wasn't his concern and it shouldn't be. Yet, here he was prying into her life, wanting answers.

Putting the thought at the back of his mind, his eyelids felt heavy, slowly, he fell into a slumber. His last thoughts of the silver-haired woman.

The stars continued shining brightly, being the light of the skies. Hours rolled by, and soon, a bright light came onto the horizon. The gleam covered the darkness, bringing a shine into the new light of day.

None would have anticipated this.

"We're really sorry!" Laurette and Paulette bowed to the group, minus their eldest sister who seemed to have been dragged here. Dressed in her usual red attire, her arms crossed with a frown, her eyes facing elsewhere as if it were the most interesting thing in the world.

Both youngest siblings lifted their heads, their gazes etched with guilt, "I should have stopped my sister and-" Laurette chewed on her lips.

Yes, was it a bad idea that her sister brewed up? Definitely! Was it unwise of her to use the children to gain some points with a man who wanted nothing to do with her?

Yes, a horrid plan indeed.

Laurette took a peek at the children, Ayame eyes were narrowed while Aisha tilted her head curiously. She was glad they were safe; she knew this apology might not be enough, but hopefully, it would simmer any bad blood between them.

As Lauretta's eyes glanced at Rue, she flinched at Rue's blank gaze. Though the silver-haired woman displayed no emotion on her face, the brightness in her eyes was deemed slightly harsh to them.

Ok, maybe she shouldn't have expected things to end hunky dory.

Laurette took a glance at her Paulette. The youngest had her head down avoiding their watchful eyes. The second youngest twin looked to the eldest, she frowned as Claudette seemed less apologetic despite her being mainly involved in the plan.

Meanwhile, Rue rubbed her temple at the sight. Who would have thought those three would come barging on her boat?

They were all awoken by their shouts in the early morning. Rue had never expected to see them, asking for a little chat with her. despite the triplets shouting, well two of them were. Though it was safe to say Rue wasn't expecting an apology; it was still considerate on their part. Rue shifted her gaze to the eldest sister, her green eyes glared holes into her head.

The silver-haired woman almost chuckled, considerate or not, Rue wasn't going to forgive them so easily.

"Ok, we're done now, let's go." Claudette huffed, flipping her hair while leaving her sisters dumbfounded.

"Claudette!" Laurette grabbed her sister's wrist, her voice filled with annoyance. " You can't leave without apologizing, this is your fault remember."

"Did the kids die?" she hissed, brows furrowed in anger, forcing her sister to let go of her wrist. "They are unharmed and weren't in real danger."

"That's not the point!" Laurette shouted, surprising Paulette. Paulette had never heard her sister fight like this in all their years of closeness. "All this happened because of a man who doesn't and will never look your way."

Paulette gasped while Rue remained calm her eyes travelling between the two. Johnny and Yosaku were engaged in the little drama, their eyes awaiting the next scene.

Claudette's fist shook, a burning flame within her green eyes as a deep scowl rested on her features. "Say that again?"

Laurette matched her anger, her resolve unmoving. "When will you wake up? The captain doesn't care about you or anyone! Have you seen the way he treats us?! The way he treats you?!"

Paulette felt tears brimming at the corner of her eyes. The triplets have always been together through everything, never had they once had a fight since the day they were born. They always followed the eldest sister's lead since they all had so much in common.

Hell, they were crushing on the same man.

"That man is nothing, but a self-centred jerk!" Laurette shouted, her frustration boiling over at the fuming Claudette.

Ok, maybe one of them had fallen out of love.

"That man won't give you the time of day! He was willing to put children...Children!" She empathized, ensuring her sister got the gist of it, "in harm's way, just to get to her.!" She pointed at Rue.

As the eldest and middle siblings continued their arguments, on the sidelines, sweat began to build on Johnny and Yosaku's foreheads while Rue just kept watching without a care.

"Should we stop them..." Yosaku asked, to ensure how to process everything.

"No," Rue simply responded, "let them go at it."

The silver-haired woman didn't dare intervene in their quarrel. She shifted her gaze to Laurette, her frustration oozing out of her as she berated Claudette. Rue thought that it wasn't her place to interrupt them, besides it seemed like the one in yellow wanted to release some steam that she had been holding on for a while.

The next scene had left everyone in shock. Soon, a snap ripped through the air. The loud collision of Claudette's hand on her sister's cheeks. Paulette gasped as she approached Laurette who had fallen from the hit, eyes widened in confusion.

"I'm your older sister!" Claudette's voice boomed with anger, "You dare speak to me this way!"

Getting ready to strike once again, Rue grasped Claudette's hand, preventing her from hitting Laurette. The two youngest siblings jaw's dropped as the woman stood in front of them, shielding them from their sister's wrath.

Johnny and Yosaku gawked, they didn't even witness her move.

"Let go of me." Claudette seethed, gritting her teeth while her eyes gleamed with hatred for the foreign woman.

Ignoring her demand, Rue only squeezed Claudette's wrist harder, making the blond flinch at her action.

"Ayame, can you and Aisha go inside the cabin for a moment?"  Rue turned to them while holding a tight grip on the blond, not letting her escape.

Reluctantly, Ayame did as she was told despite Aisha's protest. With a promise of a delicious meal, Aisha skipped to the cabin with her friend.

Once the girls left, Rue fixed her eyes on Claudette. The woman flinched at Rue's gaze, as icy as the frost of winter; her sisters' eyes widened, attempting to comprehend the foreign woman's change in mood.

The duo felt the atmosphere dimmed as if the lights vanished from the sky. Tension rose in the air at Rue's cold demeanour at Claudette's shaken form.

"I'm glad you aren't sorry," Rue said, her tone firm yet an underlining coldness to it. "It makes me feel less guilty for what I am about to do."

Claudette frowned, confusion in her gaze, "What-"

Before she could finish, in a swift motion, Rue drew out Johnny's blade from its sheath. The wind flew in motion of the sword's direction; as if the air split in two at the powerful strike in a horizontal line, her low-puffed curls flowing in the rhythm of her movements.

Everyone froze as Claudette hit the ground with a thump. Her shaken form, staring at Rue with eyes as wide as saucers. The duo jaw's dropped at the silver-haired woman's speed and precision, as if it wasn't the first time she had ever held a sword.

However, that wasn't the only thing that had everyone looking like a deer caught in the headlights.

Her sisters quickly joined Claudette's side in a panic. Tears fell from Paulette's eyes as she embraced her sister's head tightly like it had been detached it. Laurette kept searching her sister's face, searching for any other injury. She attempted to shake the eldest, however, in a stupor, Claudette hadn't stopped, but a waterfall of tears streamed down her face.

They all witnessed it with their own eyes. Johnny hadn't even noticed she had pulled out his blade. However, this wasn't what had them speechless.

Rue aimed for the woman's neck, prepared to decapitate her.

A chill went up their spine as Rue began to smile; there was no warmth within it. "Luckily for you, I am a bit forgiving."

Soon, Claudette began to bleed, her lips split to the side. Her low ponytail was severed from the rest of her hair, her hair messy and short. With a shaky breath, Claudette clawed at the dirt beneath attempting to keep her composure despite her waterfall of tears.

For many, it would have been too lenient and others would complain that it was a tasteless joke. Though Rue knew that a child's life was worth any other life.

Especially, during the environment, she had lived in before.

But for others, as long as it wasn't their flesh and blood, they would harm the little ones if it met getting ahead of others, getting what they want or whatever it may be. The silver-haired knew they would do it without question or hesitation.

Such people, in Rue's eyes, deserved only one penalty: death.

"Since the children are safe and sound, I find this punishment sufficient enough." Rue turned to Johnny and Yosaku, their eyes still wide, she returned his sword to which Johnny still hadn't processed the aftermath of the incident.

"If something did happen to them, especially to my daughter," Rue's tone dropped, once again, and a shiver crawled up everyone's spine. Though a smile was on her face, it would freeze hell itself.

The triplets' forms kept shaking as Rue took slow steps towards them. Her gaze held strong contempt for the eldest, as her dulled ocean eyes roamed Claudette's form.

"Your dress is a pretty shade of red," she told her, her smile not reaching her eyes. "I wonder how it would look if it was painted in a dark tone."

The triplets' pupils dilated slightly at her next words, Rue's gaze still as icy as a storm in winter. "Like crimson."

Immediately, the triplets understood the underlying threat. Once they all stood up, Laurette bowed once again, though her voice cracked, she apologized for the trouble. Soon all three of them left without another word.

Johnny and Yosaku remained still like statues, their feet planted on the spot. Shock still emerged from their form at the scene, unable to comprehend the situation.

Did this woman just...

"Sorry about that," they flinched, surprised at the temperature in the atmosphere had warmed up, despite it feeling cold previously. "I used your sword without your permission."

They gawked, she was worried about that?!

"I-it's no problem," Johnny stuttered his voice caught in his throat.

Rue gave them a simple smile and left for the cabin. Despite the events that occurred the men followed suit. Again, their eyes widened like saucers after seeing the snoring green swordsman, sleeping without a care.

They both slapped him on the back, and Zoro felt the air knocked out of his chest. "How can you sleep at a time like this?!" They both shouted, their tones filled with frustration at him.

With that, they both received a good punch to their skulls.

After, all met up in the cabin. As Rue prepared the meal, Johnny and Yosaku chatted for a bit about what just happened. Though it was a shock and slightly changed their opinion of her, the moment she turned to smile at them, all of their misconceptions of her flushed down the drain.

She was just very protective of her daughter and they found that endearing.

They shared this with Zoro as they ate at the table, the green swordsman's eyes widened with shock at the news. His gaze fell on Rue, a book in hand along with a strange-smelling herbal tea in the other, Rue barely had anything on her plate as she read away.

Zoro frowned, he would ask about it later.

Eventually, as the afternoon rolled by, they all had to say their goodbyes to Ayame. Aisha pouted not wanting to say goodbye to her friend, with some encouragement from her mother, she gave Ayame a bone-crushing hug to which the brunette reciprocated. Aisha begged her mom to promise for them to come back and visit.

All Rue did was smile in response, not a word leaving her lips.

Once the anchor lifted from the seas, they departed leaving Gastonia. Ayame waved frantically and shouted out her thanks to the group her voice fading into the winds. Pouting with a few tears in her eyes, Johnny tapped her shoulders, she was met with the duo making funny faces; this made the little girl laugh uncontrollably at their silly antics, sadness no longer on her face.

Aisha grinned at least she had three new friends to hang out with.

Of course, during their trip to the next island, Zoro trained his body as much as he could. Seeing this, curiosity got the best out of Aisha, eventually, the little girl went into the kitchen and took out a wooden spoon and copied the motion of him swinging his sword.

Johnny and Yosaku cooed finding it cute, while Zoro had a small smirk on his face and the child's antics. Eventually, the child and he grew close, her often calling him Zozo, but he didn't bother correcting her this time.

Soon, two days rolled by, and they arrived at the next island. Sadness etched on the child's face as she became reluctant to say goodbye to her new friends again.

Rue patted her daughter's head, "Shai, it's time to say goodbye now."

The child pouted, her shoulders slouching. She didn't want to say goodbye; goodbye was always an I'm never going to see you again type of goodbye.

She didn't like it, it was going to be boring without a friend on the boat.

Johnny and Yosaku ruffled the child's ebony hair, she lifted her gaze to meet their friendly smile. "We will see each other again!" Their eyes landed on Rue, a hopeful gleam within her eyes, "Right?"

Rue smiled, though it seemed kind, Zoro noticed there was a bit of hesitation in her eyes, "The sea is vast; if destiny or fate will allow it, then, we might see each other again."

Zoro almost scoffed, crossing his arms," I don't believe in that."

Rue huffed out a small laugh, the swordsman looking away as her melodious sound left her lips. He felt heat rising in his cheeks and gritted his teeth, he would never grasp how much of a hold this woman had on him.

Zoro felt a tug from his pants as they began to walk away. He looked down and met a teary child attached to him, her grip tightened the fabric of his pants in a fist.

"Shai," Rue lightly scolded a small frown on her face. "You have to"

Zoro gave her a look, holding her words in her throat. As if his gaze was asking for permission. With a nod from her, he pulled out a blue bandana, tying it around her upper arm securely. Tears evaporated from her eyes, replacing it with sparkles as she gazed up at a smirk Zoro.

"We'll see each other again," with that Aisha embraced him by the neck, catching him off guard. He awkwardly reciprocated the child's affection; His cheeks turned pink as he glared at Johnny and Yosaku who giggled like children in the back.

"I'll be like Zozo!" She gushed a big grin on her face, looking at the blue bandana fondly.

He stood up and turned making his way to the duo. With one last glance at her Rue, the silver-haired woman gave him a soft smile, her head nodding in thanks. His heart thumped in his chest, attempting to calm the redness to his cheeks.

It must have been the heat from the sun.

Somehow,deep down, he hoped to see her again one day.

With that, the three swordsmen left heading on to continue on the path they had forged.

As they disappeared from her sight, Rue's smile dropped from her face. Though she was grateful they helped her, it was best for them to remain separate and never meet again.

More so for their sake than hers.

Rue, along with her daughter, left their boat riding in the distance.

Eventually, hours turned into days, days into a week. Two weeks had passed since their separation; since they left Gastonia. Yet as buzzing as it was at their arrival, it had become nosier than usual. Newspapers are being sold like crazy, like a hoard of animals trying to get into the carcass of their prey.

Many had the newspapers in hand reading the latest news. It had left many gasped by it, yet many were elated, though they tried not to show it, they were finally free from the man's clutches. Unfortunately, one or maybe two pitiful souls didn't want to believe their beloved was gone.

In big and bold letters, the paper read, Body of the Marine Captain of Gastonia, found at the end of the cliff.