Aisha jumped into her mother's arms. Nuzzling her face in her chest as happiness filled her heart. She gripped her mother's sarashi, creating ruffles with it. Her form slightly shook as tears blurred her vision.

"Mommy, scary," the child uttered. Her mother froze at her child's words. "It was scary." Rue felt a burn in her eyes, she embraced her daughter as sadness washed over her like a wave crashing on shore.

Her child was scared, she child feared what she did. Rue held her closely to her chest, "I'm sorry, Shai." She soothed Aisha's back in a circular motion with her hands, "Mommy is sorry."

The crew froze, did this kid just called this woman mommy? As in this was her mother?!

As the silver-haired woman comforted her child, they all took the chance to observe her; Beautiful wasn't the right word to describe her. Her silver hair tied into a low-puff of curls in contrast to her dark skin gave her an ethereal appeal. Long silver lashes complimented by her face along with her plump lips glossed.

Aisha removed herself from her mother's grasp. Her little feet approaching Shanks with a worried gaze while tugging on his coat. "You ok Mr. Banks!"

With a grin, Shanks ruffled the child's hair earning a giggle. "Yup!" He replied, popping the last letter.

The crew members slightly flushed at the mysterious woman's attire. Her sarashi slightly exposed her cleavage, the top of her dress teared at the front. Curiosity in their eyes wondering what could have happened. They noticed her lack of shoes on her feet, she walked around barefoot.

Rue lifted her gaze and met Yue's hazel eyes. Yue's view fogged with tears, many slipping down her cheeks. Warmness filled them as they gave each other a silent greeting, their first greeting in almost seven long years of separation. Then, Rue's gaze landed on Hanabi, giving her a sweet smile. The raven haired women both gave each other a hopeful then gazed back at Rue.

They knew they had a lot to catch up on.

Despite Aisha's reluctance, she was pulled back to her mother's side. "I'm really sorry," Rue uttered as she curtsied as she bowed her head shamefully. She looked up to Hongo, guilt riddled in her gaze. "Let me heal you-"

"It's fine," Hongo grinned, waving his hand dismissively. "It's good to see you're full of energy." Rue felt her face grow hot at the comment, while she looked away bashfully.

Rue felt a sudden burn on her hand, her brows furrowed slightly. However, as soon as it came, the pain went away like it hadn't happened. Shanks didn't miss a moment of this, his gaze lingering on her.

"That's an interesting ability you got there." Shanks commented, a thoughtful look in his eyes on Rue never wavered.

The silver-haired woman gazed elsewhere for a moment before looking back at him. A polite smile on her lips, "I suppose so."

Shanks hummed, rubbing his chin. A thought came to mind. He gazed at her with a curious gleam. Her response didn't seem like she wanted to talk about it. Although in general she hasn't spoken much about herself, he had a feeling that it wouldn't be an easy task.

Yasopp made his presence known. Stuttering towards her, "I know your friends mentioned how beautiful you were." He took one of her hands in his, giving it a gentle kiss, Hanabi furrowed her brows at his action. "Heaven must be missing one of its angels. The name's Yasopp."

Rue huffed a laugh at his comment. Oh, she was aware of this man. Chaser, Yasopp, he was well-built and definitely taller than her as well. His dreadlocks littered his hair as he had guns strapped to his waist on his belt.

Benn smirked, bumping shoulders with Yasopp. "Don't even try it." After letting out an air of smoke, he gave Rue a flirtatious smile, "I'm Benn Beckman."

Rue raised her head to meet his gaze, his height towering over her's. His dominant feature being gray hair, styled in a sleeker back fashion. This man was never seen without his cigar. She remembered seeing his bounty posters on many islands she has travelled and in the marine files. As the first mate of The Red-Haired Pirates, those posters certainly didn't do him justice.

A larger male behind them strutted towards them. A large grin on his face with a big bone of meat in his hands, "You're one to talk Benn." He gave the woman a large grin, putting a smile on her face as well, "The names Lucky Roux."

Rue huffed a laugh at each of their comments. Rue bowed in greeting,"I'm Rue." She gestured to her daughter, who gave them a big grin, "This is my daughter, Aisha. it's nice to officially meet you all."

Many raised a brow at her words, Rue gave them a knowing smile, "The Red Haired Pirates aren't what I expected."

A smirk etched on the main crew members of the ship. Of course, she would recognize them, they were pretty famous. Benn crossed arms, his eyes brimming with interest. "You know who we are?"

"Of course," Rue's smile had a hint of mischief as she shifted her gaze to Shanks, "It's hard to miss one of the four Emperors of the Sea."

Hanabi and Yue's eyes widened at the information. Their gazes going back and forth between them.

Yue bowed deeply and repeatedly. Her voice was slightly muffled, her words coming out as slurs from the speed of her bow. "I met no disrespect-"

"I met every ounce of disrespect." Hanabi uttered, cutting Yue off while crossing her arms with huff.

Yue gasped, grabbing her Hanabi on the arm, slightly shaking her. "Hanabi!"

"You misunderstood girls," Yue and Hanabi furrowed their brows in confusion at their mistress. " I met they are notorious at sea for being pirates, not for being royal."

Both women widened their eyes in realization, letting out an "oh."

The crew raised a brow at this. Though the sea was vast, many found it surprising that they weren't that well known in some places.

Wanting to know more, Shanks rested a hand on the hilt of his sword. "Doesn't Jinovia know about the pirate era?"

At the mention of the name, Rue paused, blinking as she set her gaze on her two friends. They both gave her an apologetic smile. Though The crew might be aware of their origins, but weren't aware of the complete story. Well, that was what she thought, but Rue rather be safe than sorry.

Rue answered smoothly, "It does." It was simple answer not revealing too much information.

However, she wasn't aware who she was dealing with.

Shanks hummed in response. He spoke nonchalantly, yet there was a hint of mischief in his vocals. His words picking at the chest he dared to pry open. "It's been a while since I had visited the place. I wonder how different it looks now." His gaze remained fixed on her, waiting for a reaction.

His crew members along with Yue and Hanabi noticed the change in the air.

Again, Rue blinked, attempting to maintain her facade. Her lips still lifted up into her usual polite smile. "With time, things always need to advance, nothing remains the same."

Shanks lifted a brow, the more he spoke, the more her answers became vague. It became obvious that she didn't want to talk about the country she came from. Determination filled him up at the challenge of prying her secrets.

"I remember visiting Jinovia back then." He grinned as his mind went far back into the past. "Man! The parties were the best, great ruler as well." He watched as she grew rigid at the mention of it.

Immediately, Rue 's gaze shifted to the ground, hiding her expression from others. Her mind drawing a blank. Her fingers laced themselves around her crystal, running her hands on its shape. "I...Yes, I guess."

Everyone watched from the sidelines. Hanabi and Yue's became wide with worry. Benn noticed this, yet decided to refrain from asking any questions.

For some reason, guilt began to rise in the pits of his stomach. Before he could retort another word, Rue's eyes began to glow and slowly lost her footing. Before she could kiss the floorboards, Benn caught her with quickness, carrying her bridal style.

They never got the chance to ask if she was alright. The moment she got caught, Rue separated herself from his hold. Though a bit dizzy Rue tried standing up, Yue and Hanabi went to her side with worry etched on their features. "Thank you, I'm alright."

It seemed to her that time was running out. Staying here a while longer would place herself at risk of transforming. She was uncertain on the time limit, but she needed a safe place.

She internally sighed, she guessed an alliance with the crew could come at another time.

Shanks wasn't completely convinced, not even her smiles could cover her facade.He couldn't understand why she acted like everything was ok when it clearly wasn't.

Making a bit of a distance between her and the crew. Her demeanour flipped, the atmosphere becoming as light as a feather. Her eyes travelled to every crew member. "I just wanted to thank you all for saving my friends and for helping me."

Though some questioned her change in attitude. They decided to let it slide for now, Shanks grinned, "It was no problem at all-" Him along with the rest of crew gawked as Rue got on her knees, giving them a deep bow. Her head gently placed on the floor while her hands were placed in front of her.

Shanks shook his hand frantically in a panic, sweat building on his temple. "W-wait you don't have to-"

Lifting herself up they all froze at her expression. Her eyes shined with gratitude, a laugh light within them. As she spoke, there was a sweetness to her voice, like wind chimes , melodies dancing in their ears. Her smile sent waves of heat through their bodies.

And this time, somehow, Shanks knew her smile felt different, felt lighter.

Hands on her lap,Rue smiled softly, kindness within her gaze. "You really didn't have to help us, but you did." Her smile widened almost turning into a grin. "If there's anything you need please don't hesitate to ask, I'll do my best to repay you all."

Her next words struck a cord for many of them. "My friends mean a lot to me." They observed as she shook slightly wrapping her arms around her form, "If something happened to them I wouldn't know what I'd do." Though it came out as a whisper, everyone was still able to catch it. Hanabi and Yue came to her side, while Aisha tried cheering her mother up with a hug, burying her face her mother's chest.

Meanwhile, Shanks curious spiked like a missile. Her every action, her every word, every thing she attempted to hide intrigued him.

"Thank you for hospitality as well," Rue squeezed ber crystal. Her transformation would be unpredictable at times, but thankfully she had warning signs. Besides that, Shanks wasn't who he thought he was. Though usually she would take her chances, but knowing her transformation was near, this wasn't a risk she willing to take.

"I'll take them off your hands now," She grabbed her daughter's while her friends began to follow suit. Aisha pouted at the thought of leaving her new friends. Now if only she could remember where she parked the ship. "Thanks again-" A sharp pain travelled through her body, her knees buckled, but thanks to Shanks, he caught her by the waist in time.

The red head's lips curved into a smirk, "It seems I'll be catching you often." Rue felt her cheeks grow hot, while she muttered a small apology. He steadied her on her feet, "Stay here and rest for the night."

Rue's gaze met his, a sign of reluctance in her expression. " I wouldn't want to impose-"

" I insist," Shanks replied, cutting her off. He silently chuckled at the child' excitement in her at the fact that she got to stay a little longer.

Rue prepared another retort, realizing she had to find where she docked her ship. Fortunately, Hanabi handed her a note.

You're welcome, I found your other baby.

P.S Let me know who's the new seed joining us once you recruit them.
-Ryuji

Rue raised a brow at the message uncertain of at the meaning behind his words. She made her way to the edge of the ship leaning on the railing. Lo and behold, there was her ship docked right next to the Red Haired Pirates.

"Mommy, we stay!?" Aisha gushed tugging the fabric of her dress, excitement sparkling in her brown eyes. Rue internally groaned, another sudden jolt of pain went through her. Squeezing her eyes shut as a shaky breath left her lips, she really disliked this turn of events.

And so, despite Hanabi's small protest, they all ended up staying for the night on the Red Haired Pirates. Although Rue was ready to sleep under the night sky, Shanks offered his room instead and this time he was firm in his decision. Even if she wanted to refuse, Rue couldn't refute his requests.

To ensure that she had everything she needed, she asked Hanabi to fill a bag filled with the supplies she asked for.

With one last check up from Hongo, he gave he advised her to get proper rest and to consume more food. Unfortunately for Rue, he had mentioned the residue of poison left in her body. Hanabi looked to Rue with shock riddled in them. However, Hanabi noticed Yue's lack of response to which she noted to ask about that later.

Soon, the women were left alone in the room, allowing them some privacy. Immediately, the three women wasted no time, deciding to catch up a little after their long separation.

Who would have thought the captain's room would be big enough to hold all three of them. His ship was way bigger than her's, so she wasn't too surprised.

Each of them prepared for bed. Both sitting at the edge of the bed, Yue styled Rue's hair into a loose braid. As she knitted the curls together, it felt foreign to Rue, not that this hasn't happened before, but on how long it has been. Meanwhile, Hanabi tried to put Aisha to bed. Rue laughed, watching Hanabi struggle to calm the excited child.

"Did you give her sweets to eat?" Rue asked, Hanabi gave her a guilty look, brows furrowed with a nervous smile.

This was going to be a long night.

"Shai, come here." Rue extended her arms, Aisha ran into them embracing her mother. Rue placed her on her lap, caressing her daughter's hair. Then from the bag of supplies, pulled out a book. She lifted it up for her daughter to see the cover, "Do you want me to read your favourite story?"

The cover had a mix of greens with clear skies. On a boat at sea, a small blond child on the cover, a fancy hat and a sword in hand. Aisha gasped, jumping on her mother's lap. " Adventures of Prince?!"

Rue giggled at her daughter's enthusiasm. "Lay down and close your eyes." Aisha did as she was told, excitedly awaiting for her mother to tell the story. Yue finished Rue's hair, allowing the loose braid to flow freely. Placing her blades in the corner, Hanabi leaned on the wall in a crossed leg position. Both listened to the upcoming story and watched the interaction.

Rue began the tale of the prince at sea. She described his adventures, the things he saw into every detail. Aisha grinned, her mind imagining every inch of detail of it. Yue began to lay down on an extra bed made on the floor, her head rested upon the soft pillow.

When Aisha eats too much sugar it becomes hard for her to fall asleep. It was to the point of her staying up past her bedtime. Not only that the child became fussy and moody from the lack of sleep alone.

As her imagination took over her mind, slowly, Aisha was lulled to sleep, breathing steady. Rue brought the sheets higher to her daughter's neck. Brushing her raven hair out of her face, Rue kissed her daughter, forehead affectionately.

Yue smiled fondly at the interaction. She knew how much her mistress cared for the child. However, many questions plagued Hanabi's mind, her brows furrowed.

"Sister," Hanabi uttered in a whisper, being careful not to wake the child. "She's not his, is she?"

Her friend's witnessed the pause of her hand, only snores from the slumbering child filled the air. The slight row of the ship of the creaking ship couldn't squash the tension in the atmosphere. Yue almost choked on her saliva, her eyes darting to Hanabi in worry.

"And what was that about poison?" Hanabi's fingers began to dig into her arms. Her eyes fixed on Rue's form who began to shook, "Sister, what is going on? What has happened since you left?"

As Hanabi stood up after each word. Yue grabbed her hand, "Hanabi!"

Hanabi pulled her hand away harshly, her gaze now digging into Yue's eyes, "You know something." The look in Yue's face was enough to prove Hanabi's suspicions right.

Rue calmed the racing of her heart. Taking deep breaths before she turned to face Hanabi. "I don't want to talk about it," Yue gave her a solemn look while Hanabi began to protest. However, seeing her mistress heartbroken expression, Hanabi quickly shut her jaw. "Not, now, let's get some sleep."

Rue didn't want to even think about it at the moment. Digging into memories she wished to not revisit.

They both watched as Rus got under the covers without another word. Yue began to do the same quietly, ignoring Hanabi's questioning gaze. Moments later, Hanabi did the same, making herself comfortable, opposite to their view.

All kinds of thoughts went through each of the women's minds. Slowly, in the midst of the night, they fell asleep, dreaming away into a bliss.

While others into another nightmare.

The next day rolled by with quickness. The light of the sky high in the horizon. Though Rue barely slept due to the random jolts of pain and unfortunate nightmare, here she was in a shop with her two friends. Rue groaned as a small frown etched on her features as she gazed into the mirror at the thought of it all.

Due to being unable to sleep, Rue went back to her ship and got a not so happy call from her boss, Sengoku. She hadn't realized (or many she did, but chose to ignore it) he had called her so many times. Although he drilled her with some questions, she did was she always did when they won't days without communication.

Which was lie.

Ok, maybe not complete lies, but convincing lies mixed with the truth.

Yes, she told him she was a sick, but she wasn't technically sick.

And like a concern grandpa, he drilled her some more to Rue dismayed at the whole ordeal. Though, thankfully, it was handled explaining that she wasn't eating enough and just needed some rest. Eventually, the situation was at rest, but another came up for his reason for calling. Though he gave her a messily 24 hours to recover, she had to get on the next mission immediately.

Her mission were the same, get to the next marine base and ensure there was no corruption going on. Thankfully, no one knew her face due to the bad picture along with her high authority it would be easy to sniff out.

However, he warned her to be careful due the pirates roaming around that area. Rue raised a brow at first since she found it odd that an island with a marine base would have pirates so easily infiltrate it.

It was a stench of an obvious corruption.

After hanging up, she joined everyone else for breakfast. The food itself made it difficult to consume. Not because it wasn't appetizing, but due to her relationship with meals in general. This didn't go unnoticed by both her friends and Shanks himself. Though she did eat to not raise any suspicion, but the amount left on her plate sent a wave of concerns for many.

Right after she wanted to leave for her, however, Shanks had insisted she stay for the upcoming festival. Again, to Rue's dismay, he said it loud enough for her daughter which made the child beg her mother to enjoy the events along with her new friends.

Rue sighed as her mind thought of it all. At first, she wanted to leave the moment she woke up. Due to the captain's insistance ( and using this moment as an exchange for saving her friends), she reluctantly decided to stay for a while longer. Of course, her daughter took the opportunity to stay onboard the ship to hang out with the rest of the crew. The thought of it didn't sit well with Rue, again with Shanks reassurance, she allowed Aisha to stay on the ship while she left to get a better attire.

As they went around town searching, the atmosphere of upcoming festival was in the air. All shops were decorated with lanterns. Many lines of them intertwined above them. Shouts and laughter rang as they walked by. Yue and Hanabi noticed the whispering among the towns people as they gawked at Rue. Though Hanabi glared, Yue's heart swelled with pride. Of course people would look at her mistress, she was a beautiful woman after all.

"Yue," The woman in question looked to Rue as her name was being called, "I preferred it if you call me by name."

Of course, just like Hanabi, Yue began to call her sister.

Now, here she was changing in a stall. Changing into an attire to where for the day and for the upcoming festival. After Yue witnessed her limited set of clothing, she almost passed out and cried at the hardship her mistress endured. There was more clothing for Aisha than for Rue. It was a crime for her to win such little clothing and even bigger atrocity to not own a single bra or panties.

Who could blame Rue, those things were pricy. Her sarashi along with bandages were easier to use.

While Rue was changing, Hanabi sat quietly on the side waiting for her to come out while Yue picked clothing, putting them together to create a style for her mistress.

"We have to talk." Hanabi whispered to Yue, as her friend gave Rue another set of clothing. Swing Yue raised a brow, Hanabi continued, "the poison, you know something about it."

Yue's eyes widened for a moment, before her expression turned solemn, "It's not my place."

Hanabi stood up, annoyance within her gaze. She let out a frustrated sigh, her anger slowly dissipating. "I care about her as well."

They both served the same mistress for years. She was their saviour, of course, they would both care for her.

Yue shot a quick glance to the stall. Her head whipped back to Hanabi. She gripped the fabric of her dress, "I know it's just...She has to tell you on her own."

Hanabi crossed her arms almost scoffing, "We both know that Sister isn't the type." Yue tried to hush her, so Rue wouldn't hear a word of it. Yes, they were both aware that Rue kept things. No matter how many times one would ask her, probed her, Rue wouldn't budge.

And even if she did her answers would led to more questions.

Unbeknownst to them, Rue heard every word.

After many hours, once satisfied with her attire, well, once Yue was satisfied with it, they left the establishment. Once they arrived back on the ship, they witnessed Aisha laughing along to Shanks stories as he chuckled.

As she made her presence known, Shanks' eyes widened as the rest of the crew members. Yue giggled at their reaction while confusion crossed Rue's expression.

Looking down at her attire, Rue didn't see much of a difference from her previous attire except that this time it was short to her knees with a corset at her waist. Ruffled sleeves along with a slight view of her cleavage. Simple silver earrings on both ears while her hair was loose, her curls flowing freely in the wind.

Shanks coughed, attempting to simmer the heat on his cheeks. While Yasopp and Benn didn't hesitate to whistle.

"That dress suits you," Yasopp told her with a big grin on his face. Other members of the crew slowly nodded in agreement, many faces flushed.

Yue giggled at their reaction, as expected of her mistress. Of course, they would gawked at her. She mentally gave herself a pat on the back for such a cute outfit.

"Mommy!" Aisha jumped into her mother's arms, a big grin on her face, "Mister Banks is a pirate, like Prince in the book!"

Rue hummed, caressing her hair. She glanced to Shanks who rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Is that so."

Aisha nodded enthusiastically, her grin widened, "I wanna be a pirate and go on adventures!" Everyone chuckled at the child's excitement.

"Shai, we already travel to different places." Rue told, resulting in a firm pout from her daughter. They did travel often, but every island they went to, the child didn't get to do much.

"It's not the same, Mommy is a maurine." The child crossed her arms, her tone laced with a slight frustration. "It's boring!"

The crew froze for moment before giving Rue a questionable look. Though none felt threatened by her, but still wondered her reason for hiding it. Shanks gave her a curious gaze, a hand on the hilt of his sword with a raised brow. "You're a marine."

Hanabi noticed the way, their eyes seemed to notice the growing tension. She stood in front of Rue protectively, her eyes slightly narrowing.

Rue could tell his words didn't sound like a question, but was clear that he wanted answers this time. "You never asked if I was one." She turned to him, her daughter staring curiously while she pushed her behind herself. "If you must know, I am a marine."

Though Rue gave him a smile, something about it sparked an uneasy feeling in Shanks. It was nothing sinister, nothing that made him think less of her, but more so intrigued at her every move. She hid anything possible from them, from him, although there was no danger here, it was just the fact that no matter how much he tried to pry her secrets opened, she would find ways to shut him out.

Everything about her made him drawn to her. This woman kept plaguing his thoughts.

Noticing the shift in the air, Yue interrupted them. "Let's go enjoy the festival!" She suggested with a smile, her eyes shifting to everyone on the ship, going her idea will disrupt the coldness of the atmosphere.

Giving Shanks one last glance, Rue took her daughter in her arms. She guessed maybe an alliance might not be possible anymore due to her hiding, well never being asked her profession.

However that doesn't mean Rue wouldn't give it a shot.

"Good idea!" Shanks grinned then turned to the rest of the crew. "We're partying tonight men!" Everyone cheered while Yue slumped her shoulders in relief. Hanabi groaned at the thought, of course they were always ready to get drunk.

Evening rolled by as everyone decided to go into town and enjoy the festival. Despite already having many outfits, Yue made sure she had another attire appropriate for the event; again, Rue had to change in her next outfit. Some crew members went exploring elsewhere while others sticked together. As they walked around town while Rue changed, they found a small shop selling meat skewers. Aisha drooled and her nose took a whiff out of the seasoned meat.

Shanks bought some meat skewers for Aisha to eat. Unfortunately for him, three skewers weren't enough for the child. He gawked as the child devoured them in seconds, asking for more.

A mischievous smile spread on Shanks face, he asked the owner for the spiciest skewers on the menu. As Aisha took a bite, a burning sensation spread on her tongue. She began to huff while sweat built in her temple. Like a dragon spiting fire, a flame left the child's mouth as her features became as red as a tomato.

The red head, Yasopp and Lucky Roux laughed loudly at the child's little misfortune.

In revenge, Aisha took her spicy leftover skewers and shoved them into Shanks mouth. Yasopp, Lucky Roux and Aisha laughed harder watching the captain's face bursted into a beet. Benn smirked as fire breathed out of Shanks mouth.

Eventually, the women came back their attires different than usual minus Hanabi who still wore her dark assassin-looking clothing. Yue wore a bright orange dress, simpler than her usual attire, but equally stylish.

Lagging behind her was Rue. Slowly, she joined everyone else; the crew's widened once again at her appearance while Aisha's eyes sparkled in admiration. The child gushed, "Mommy's so pretty!"

For once, Shanks was shell shock. Her thin-strapped dress, bright canary dress brought light to her features, reaching her ankles with a slit reaching the thigh. Her cleavage was deeper than her previous outfit. He noticed bigger sets of silver earrings rounded with a small design on the rims.

Unbeknownst to him, the captain walked closer, his legs having a mind of its own. Slowly, Yue stepped aside with a small smile on her lips, positioning herself beside Benn.

Though her eyes stayed to the ground for a moment, Shanks felt his breath hitch as she lifted her eyes, her gaze on him through her silver lashes. He noticed her lips had a slight shine, a gloss of a dark cheery, really kissable lips. Her hair in a tight braid coupled with pink and purple flowers blooming in it.

Yue looked to Benn who was smirking ear to ear. She guessed he was in the same line of thinking as her. Ever since Shanks has met Rue, he became intrigued with her. Wanting to know everything about her, wanting to unravel and digging into who she was. Someway and somehow, he became smitten with her.

And if her guess was correct, so did her mistress. Yue wondered if Rue, was maybe moving on? Her heart swelled at the thought, her mistress was moving on, she had hoped it were true! Even if it weren't she still hoped for her to grow closer to the captain.

However, Hanabi narrowed her eyes at the whole plan. She jaw tightened at the look Shanks had in his eyes. Her thoughts plagued at the potential problems awaiting in the future.

"It took us a while to find the right dress for the festival," Yue told them with a smile on her face. Her tone filled with enthusiasm, "What does everyone think, did I do a good job?"

The rest of the crew, nodded thumbs up at the job she did on her friend. It became clear to many of them that this woman had a set a special interest in their captains.

Shanks was left speechless. His eyes never leaving her form. He observed as she began to play with the dirt on the ground with her toes. Digging and slightly kicking to serve as a distraction. He watched as she gripped the dress, creating ruffles on it.

With a soft smile, Shanks voice was sweet as the shower of the rain in a whisper. "You look beautiful."

Finally, Rue lifted her gaze; their eyes clashing into one another. The silver haired woman found no deception in his words, nothing but sincerity in them. The look in his eyes almost sent a pleasant shiver down her spine. In fear of falling into a deeper pit, she gazed elsewhere to prevent the sweet feeling to arise.

She shut her eyes, knowing that all this was only temporary, that what he thought of her weren't the truth. That what he felt were lies.

Because once he found out what she really was, her true form, he wouldn't think of her the same way as he did now.

Though Rue wasn't that fond of the dress. Thankfully, Yue suggested that make up should be done on her back. It would hide any imperfections she didn't want anyone to witness since her back was exposed.

She was certain if she showed it, Shanks would not allow her departure until he found out.

Rue slight shook her head, she needed to focus. It was a good thing he became intrigued. As long as he paid attention to her, he would be easier for them to form an alliance.

They couldn't get any closer than this.

The strums of an instrument caught their attention. In front of a shop filled with customer drinking the night away, there on a bench sat a musician. Though many would mistaken it for a guitare, many opted out of that option since the user had it placed on his lap. His fingers moved around the pear-shaped instrument with precision and quickness. The melody light and joyous making everyone in the streets dance along to it.

The air that was filled with alcohol and booze was replaced by the echoes of beauty from the pipa.

Shanks noticed Rue's slow pacing towards the musician. A light beaming in her eyes, recognition within them as a smile began to grace her features. The happiness radiating off her made him smile.

The strums began to fade away, the villages clapped at the performance. The musician noticed Rue's approached, at first he blushed at her appearance then realized her interest in his instrument. With an encouragement from the musician for her to play, Rue took the instrument, the pipa, within her grasp.

Many people took a seat, men woman and children awaiting for her performance as well as the Red Haired Pirates. All their eyes focused on her raised heat from shyness in Rue's cheeks. She noticed her daughter's eyes sparkled in excitement, making her laugh. Focusing, she gently glided her fingers on the first few notes.

Every attended became in engulfed by the music. The melody was slow and seemed melancholic. However, as time passed, it became brighter, happier and had a slight mischief to it. The exciting melody had many stood erect and dance along to it. Laugher lifted the atmosphere as the joyous occasion of the festival. Everyone drinking, eating and overall enjoying themselves.

Shanks gaze soften as a wave washed over him. Something within him began to grow as his eyes focused on the silver haired woman. He watched as her eyes closed and a sweet smile appeared on her features as the melody took her away. He wondered what she thought about while she played, what made her so happy as the music took her away.

He couldn't focus on drinking, everything else became a blur. His mind, his heart only remained on the woman in front of him.

The evening glow translated into the beam of the night. Joy and laughter in the air as the song took them away into bliss.

Another chapter down with Shanks! And there will be more to come! I am already writing the next chapter as we speak!

And we made it at 8k!!! Thank you so much for your support!

Until next time!