"Well, this is kinda embarrassing." Shanks chuckled as he watched many onlookers gawk.

Rue felt heat on her cheeks as she attempted to submerge herself deeper into the jacket. Her gaze on the dirt below, a sudden interest at her feet.

"I'm sorry," She managed to squeeze out, covering her face from his view.

As they strolled in the village, many stopped to watch the commotion. Jaws dropped, eyes widened like saucers at the scene. Shanks walked around proudly without a shirt, his abs glistening under the sun his blade on his belt; his shirt strapped on Rue in the front while she held his jacket tightly from exposing her other parts.

Although she had her canary dress on, its length couldn't hide her slightly exposed thighs. Of course, this didn't stop a few from attempting to get a better peek at the silver-haired woman's appearance.

And Shanks tight lipped smile was enough to send a message to those who wanted to challenge him.

Seeing this, Rue gave him a nervous smile. "Don't mind them, this happens often."

Shanks raised a curious brow at her words, prompting her to continue. Her eyes ahead, facing forward. "Some men would approach me with ill intentions, but others would leave me alone if told to."

Rue looked back to Shanks, both halting in their stroll. She gave him a kind smile, "Since you're here they are a bit hesitant."

A grin made its way on the captain's face at her genuine smile. He was glad that he could be of some assistance. Hopefully, it was a sign he had earned a little bit of her trust. He preferred it this way, a real smile on her face.

She looked beautiful when she smiled like that.

However, unfortunately, good things always came to an end.

As the began to walk again, Rue's mind went back to what she came here for in the first place. However, she had realized an important factor. She sighed deeply at the thought, at the deal they had made playing the game last night.

She had lost the game.

Oh , how she wanted to slap herself! Her goal was to secure an alliance with him by the using the game as a cover. Yet, she messed up because of her stupid transformation.

She wished she could turn back the clock.

Gazing at him through the corner of her eye, Shanks whistled a tune while happily walking alongside her.

Though their path wasn't a long journey, both far from their ships, this was a perfect opportunity to discuss it.

"Shanks," Rue uttered, both stopping in their tracks. The captain gave her a curious glance, "The game we played last night..."

The red head watched her pursed her lips for a moment before speaking again. "I lost."

He made no reaction to it at first. He remembered the game they played, what was at stake for the both of them. Their secrets to be unveiled or take a shot, of course, the whole thing was at the back of his mind once Rue had left.

However, it did make him wonder what her goal was in playing the game. If she was willing to go through these lengths. His gaze landed back on her in curiosity, "Yeah, sadly I never got the chance to taste that strong booze though." He replied to her jokingly with a grin.

Rue continued, "do you remember the rewards?" She questioned, clutching his jacket, feeling the fabric between her fingers.

Shanks scratched his chin in thought, his lips slowly stretched into a smirk, "Something about a bonus question."

Her next words ensured that she wasn't joking, whatever he would say next will determine the next step. That whatever amount of trust he had built could crumble like sand slapped by the waves in seconds.

Rue gave him a closed-eyes smile, yet somehow he felt the small breeze of coldness in it, like a chill in the winter. "Correct, along with that, the winner gets to request anything from the loser."

Anyone would have taken this opportunity with a bet like this, getting the loser to bend to their will whoever they wanted. Amongst friends, a prank, amongst enemies ,a humiliating defeat. Though Shanks has proven himself to her more than once. She knew he was a good man, she knew this, her instincts told her so.

However, feelings were the most deceptive, logical thinking was necessary. To always, no matter what think and not to feel.

No matter the cost think and not feel.

"Anything?" He responded, their gazes clashing, their world becoming dim.

Rue's smile remained the same. As docile as a dove, yet it lingered caution like a prey. "Anything."

The silver-haired woman was aware at the fact that Shanks was a good man.

"How about this," Shanks began a grin on his face.

No matter how good a man may seem to be...

He was still a man, a human with desires.

"You can have this reward and tell me what you need from me."

And as a man would he...

Wait.

Rue paused staring at him blankly, her mind becoming foggy for a moment.

Did he just? Why did he?

Her eyes were wide, blinking, completely baffled for a moment. Then her features formed a confused frown, "You're giving it to me?"

She didn't get it. Nothing in her mind could conjure up possible motive. Anyone would have taken the opportunity, taken the chance.

She was at his mercy and yet he didn't take it.

"You seemed like you wanted something from me, no?" Shanks's features softened, and the gleam from the sun above enlightened the kindness within his eyes. " You must really want it if you're willing to go this far for it."

Rue's pupils shook his eyes resembling colour of the earth, its dark, brownish tone. Yet, it produced beauty all around, it grew the most beautiful sets of things.

And what grew in Rue's heart was a sense of trust in this man.

A trust where she could lay her treasure, bury it with him. Entrust to him for protection and she did not doubt that he will.

He was perfect.

Shanks witnessed her face bloom. His eyes slightly widened as her lips stretched into a beautiful smile, a brightness within her eyes that reminded him of the sparkles of the ocean he loved.

And just like the sapphire in the depths of the sea, he couldn't help, but helplessly stare into them.

Not wanting to look away, not even for a moment.

In an instant, something within him grew. Her specks of blue were like the sea, a large pool with endless adventures that would take him wherever his heart desired.

His heart began to race at an abnormal rate.

"If that's the case, then..." She trailed off, her gaze fluttering elsewhere. Slowly, she began to kneel, her gaze lifted to him, "If anything happens to me, can you please serve as my daughter's protector in my place?"

He blinked out of his daze. Did he hear that right? Panic settled in as she bowed her head to him.

"Please," Rue got into a deep bow, her form as graceful as a swan. As many onlookers began staring, Shanks helped her up not wanting her to bow to him any longer.

However, her words began to register in his head. A worried gaze morphed on his features, as he grabbed her by the shoulder. "What do you mean if anything happens to you?"

Though his voice was calm, Rue felt the slight tremble in it. With her head still bowed, she didn't dare look up. Her mind swirled into many possible outcomes of the future.

Hypothetically speaking, if her daughter's origins were exposed, she would need backup to protect her. Having the backing of an Emperor of the sea would make Aisha untouchable by both pirates and marines. As her mother, people would immediately associate her with her daughter thus putting her life in jeopardy as well.

However, her life in exchange for Aisha was something she was willing to throw away.

"All I need is your word that you..." Her words faltered when his hands moved gently from her shoulder to her chin, tilting her face to meet his gaze. Not another word could leave her lips at the tenderness within his eyes.

"Who's after you?" Rue froze as she felt his fingertips caress her chin, her eyes never left his. "Whoever it is, my crew and I can protect you both."

She felt his hand slip to her hand, gently rubbing circles. Her pupils shook, at his next words. "We can protect all of you."

Everything around them drowned out and the racing of her heart filled her ears.

No matter how many times she searched his eyes, it displayed sincerity. The softness in his eyes slowly melted something within her. It brought a comfort she hadn't felt in such a long time.  It was like the chain that had bound for years began to loosen. He was offering to help, to protect her, her daughter and her friends.

To be their shield.

Unconsciously, she squeezed his hand, their gazes unwavering. Her mouth opened slightly as if she wanted to say something, however, her thoughts couldn't process into words.

Being her shield, she had one, two in fact. Her older brothers Kaien and Eli.

Once Aisha's identity was exposed, it would expose her relationship with her older brother Kaien as well as her relationship with Eli. She already lost Kaien...

Her eyes brimmed with tears, and her vision fogged as if misted by a winter chill at the thought of Eli. She hasn't seen or spoken to him in so long. Her heart clenched at the longing of her other brother.

And now, a sudden doubt dwindled in her mind. And what about Shanks? Would implicating him complicate things? Would it benefit her, her daughter, her friends? What if the situation became worse?

Squeezing her eyes, a heavy sigh left her lips, trying to simmer the thought of it. Her gaze met with Shanks's worried ones once again. She knew she couldn't exactly reveal everything. However, she knew he deserved some explanation on some things. She has come this far and it was too late to back out now.

Her quiet demeanour began to tug at his heartstrings. He wondered, no, he hoped his words reached her somehow. Somehow he knew their time together would be short, but even so, he wanted her to  place her trust in him, even if it was as small as a grain of sand.

For what felt like forever, her voice was like a whisper in the night, "Aisha's father was well known." She bit her lower lip, "Though he is gone, the World Government won't tolerate any descendants of those who challenge them to live."

Shanks's mind processed her every word and action to ensure he didn't miss anything. It became clear to him that despite her working for the Marines, she couldn't place her trust in them. Aisha's father must be someone notorious for her to ask a pirate for help instead of the Marines themselves. As their gazes met once more, it sparked with a determination that arose something within him.

With a gaze filled with conviction, her tone was firm. She steadied herself; there was no turning back."So, please, protect my child."

Elsewhere, on the Red-Haired Pirates ship, Aisha kept her eyes on the village, searching for her mother to arrive.  Though the child  was short in stature, Yue lifted her in her arms to get a better view. Hanabi leaned on the ship's railing a few distance away from them. The ship was as lively as always. The crew members laughing and fooling around like they always did, as if yesterday's events never happened. In the daylight, there's not a day or a moment on a pirate ship without either a party or alcohol for breakfast.

Of course, in this moment, it was the latter.

Hanabi leaned her head on her palm, scrunching her nose, now and then from the stench of alcohol. Through the corner of her, she observed the child narrow her eyes in focus, as she shaded her view for further concentration.

Yue patted Aisha's head while looking out for the child, her gaze fell on her friend. The tinge of guilt resurfaced as she watched her friend's eyes become solemn. Slowly, she switched sides, Aisha was now on her left while Hanabi was to her right.

She wasn't sure what should have come out of her mouth, but she only blurted out what she thought could put her friend's thoughts at ease. "She trusts you, Hanabi." She said with a smile.

Hanabi blinked at her friend's statement. In a monotone gleam in her voice, almost scoffing, "Does she?"

The knight wasn't as certain as she used to be. She wanted to believe it, however, she wasn't so sure now.

Yue grabbed her hand and squeezed it. "Yes, she does."

Hanabi swatted Yue's hand away, almost scoffing at her words. "Yet, she still keeps some things from the people she trusts." The knight emphasized her last word.

Yue remained quiet for a moment. She looked in the distance ahead, her eyes on the town of people. The morning a bit quiet, yet the townspeople were still as cheerful as they were yesterday.

Switching her gaze to her friend, Yue gave her friend a small smile. Her voice was soft, "Give her time, she will tell you when she's ready."

Yue heard the knight grumble a few incoherent words as she sighed. Of course, Yue couldn't place blame on her friend for the whole ordeal. Their mistress had always been secretive about certain of her life despite them serving her in the palace.

However, this secret that Yue knew about her wasn't something she could spill even if she wanted to.

Yue shook her head preventing herself to ponder on the thought further. Instead, she gazed upon Aisha who kept her eyes in the distance.

She rested her hand on the child's head, drawing Aisha's curious gaze. Yue smiled at her, "How about we go get you something to eat while we wait for your mom?"

Aisha shook her head. She focused on the island, "No, I want to wait for Mommy."

Not looking at the both of them, Hanabi pursed her lips, "I'll stay with her."

Yue responded with a slow nod of her head. As she turned, her body collided with Ben, who caught her before falling. Her cheeks flushed as the male smirked.

"You're as light as a feather," Ben commented, slowly releasing her from his grasp. He rose a brow at her sudden quiet demeanour. "What's wrong?"

Yue's gaze landed on Hanabi's form, a sudden sadness overcoming her. "Would you keep a secret from your crew?" She turned to him as he tilted his head in confusion. "Knowing that this secret could possibly ruin your relationship with them?"

Ben witnessed the sadness within Yue's eyes, as well as her brows furrowing in thought. Her line of questioning had concluded his thoughts. He had noticed her troubled face throughout the morning. He wondered what it could have been, but decided against since she wouldn't reveal it anyway.

The air was thick with the smoke from his cigar. He blew out a thin mist as he gazed towards the island, he responded, "You won't know unless you try."

He watched her eyes droop like a puppy's ears. He chuckled as he ruffled her, he knew that might not have been the answer she wanted, but it was necessary. "You're going to have to face it eventually."

Yue pouted as she swatted his hand away, "I know, but still..."

"It will come out at some point," Ben told her with a shrug of his shoulders, "it might as well be from you."

Yue's gaze landed back on Hanabi. "I know..."She knew she couldn't avoid the inevitable. This whole situation felt like a betrayal towards a fellow sister.
Her troubled features didn't simmer one bit as a cloud of gloom went over head.

Instead of following her lead, a smirk tugged on Ben's lips, clouds of smoke leaving his cigar. "Well if it makes you feel better," Yue looked up to him curiously, "My secret is me being unable to take my eyes off you."

Yue's cheeks flushed, mouth gaping, "I'm being serious here and that's all you can think about?!"

Ben's smirk widened, "I can't help myself with an attractive woman around me." He chuckled as she hit him in the chest, though it had no effect.

Soon, Yue felt the top of her head being ruffled, her braided hair becoming a mess. Though her cheeks were still pink, she stared in astonishment at the male's gentle smile.

"Don't shoulder it alone," Ben kept his eyes on her, watching her slowly, once again become flustered. He ruffled her hair some more before she slapped his hand away. "I'm sure she will understand why you did it, but not unless you tell her the reason."

Yue could only gaze at him for a moment. The heat in her cheeks slowly dimming. Her thoughts going in a spiral at his words. Her gaze softened, her words as calm as the sea. The weight slightly lifted off her shoulders,"Thank you."

His words brought a comfort she searched for. It gave her a small sense of peace even if it was only for a moment. However, before she could dwell on it further, Aisha's excited shout ripped through the air.

"Mommy!" They all heard the child exclaimed.

With haste Yue ran straight to the railing form the child's excited shout. She watched as mother and daughter embraced, her heart warmed at the sight. However, as her eyes dropped to Rue's disheveled state with a shirtless Shanks right next to her. Yue's cheeks flushed as her mind conjured up many possible explanations for this.

One by one, the crew followed, their jaws dropped in unison at the sight. Rue awkwardly attempted to hide behind her daughter.

Aisha tilted her head curiously as she gazed up at her mother. "Mommy, why are you naked?"

Rue smiled nervously as heat travelled to her cheeks while many crew members whistled. She buried herself in her child's form with complete embarrassment .

"Captain, if you wanted some alone time, all you had to do was ask!" Yasopp chimed while the other crew members hollered in laughter.

A red hue dusted Shanks cheeks, however, it quickly disappeared as he gulped under Hananbi's glare. He raised his hand in surrender, "W-wait let me explain!"

Hanabi's glare darkened, eyes fixed like a hawk on the captain. How dare that rancid man take liberties with her mistress.Everyone heard Shanks shriek as Hanabi launched at him, blade in hand. "You fiend!"

The morning time was quite eventful.

As things settled, Hanabi returned (more like threw it back like trash) Shanks's jacket. Rue changed her attire with the help of Yue. Sporting her usual long- sleeved blue dress with a slit reaching mid-thigh on both sides, she returned to the crew Aisha skipping behind her in excitement at spending more time with her new friends.

Everyone was on deck, the crew had a new gleam in their eyes as they watched the three woman and child make their way to them. Aisha clung to the captain, she giggled as he playfully ruffled her hair. Yue and Hanabi stayed by Rue's side. Not waiting another moment, Ben spoke first.

"In the end, your goal was to ask us protect your daughter is that right?"

Yasopp chimed in, with a shrug of his shoulders."You could have just asked y'a know."

As Rue observed the crew members, she pinpointed their joyous faces, all seeming to be in agreement with their sniper. The silver haired woman felt her heart strings tug at the sight. All of them were willing to help her with a simple request without asking for anything in return.

She wondered how things would have turned out if she just asked for help.

As Shanks gestured for her to sit, Rue complied with his request. He observed the formality of her form, she kneeled, hands rested comfortably on her lap. Her mannerism was always as graceful as a swan, her appearance always gave off something ethereal. Something he has never encountered before.Yet, somehow, it all suited her.

Sometimes life was more interesting if everything wasn't unravelled at the moment.

Her eyes landed on him as she smiled apologetically, "My apologies, I had to take precautions."

Shanks waved it off, as if it was nothing. He understood, they were pirates, anyone wouldn't be welcoming. Pirates don't exactly scream friendly.

Seconds later, Hongo placed simple cups in front of his captain along with Rue. Then, he poured a sweet aromatic drink into it. Rue could tell it was alcohol by the smell alone.

Rue gazed at Shanks curiously, the captain grinned, picking up the cylindrical cup with a hand, toasting to the occasion. "The Red-Haired Pirates, pledge that we will protect your daughter Aisha." His next words caught Rue off guard, "As well as protect the three of you, you can count on us whenever we are needed."

"Who said we can't protect ourselves." Yue heard Hanabi grumbled out. Yet, from the corner of her eyes, she saw the knight's lips twitched upward, she knew her friend appreciated his gesture. Despite their frequent quarrels, she knew Hanabi saw Shanks as a friend.

"I, Captain of the Red-Haired Pirate, accepts this alliance."

Understanding his gesture, Rue lifted her cup, fingers gliding on the edges as she extended it forward. "I, Rue, pledge that I will aid you and your crew in the best way that I can." Rue bowed her head slightly in thanks. She shifted her gaze to Aisha, her heart ached at the thought of leaving her daughter one day. However, as her eyes met Shanks, her resolve remained unshaken. This alliance was a safeguard, a promise for the future just in case. "I accept this alliance as well."

As she slowly lifted her head, the crew cheered at their new camaraderie, Aisha clapped her hands and cheered along with them; a small smile spread on Rue's face at their reaction.

Her thoughts swirling in the heat of it. Her heart swelled at the thought of their willingness to her proposal. Who would have thought that a bunch of pirates would accept a mother's plea for the sake of her child? Gazing upon her daughter, witnessing her wide grin made her doubts disappear.

Rue knew if she were gone, her daughter would be in good hands.

As she looked back to Shanks, he nodded towards her gesturing to drink with him. In a swift motion, they both drank, their gazes never leaving one another. Shanks chuckled as he observed her features soar.

"I see, you're not a fan of alcohol," Shanks commented. He stood up, approaching her and extending his hand.

As he helped her up, Rue tried to wipe away the remaining drops of the drink from her lips to prevent herself from experiencing it again. The drink burned her throat as she swallowed, the sweet aroma replaced with a bitter taste. She never understood why people enjoyed it. All the substance ever did was dull one's senses and cloud judgement.

The last time she ever drank a glass was back in Jinovia, though she told herself it would be the last time until now. Either way, alcohol wasn't her favourite beverage.

Putting the thought to rest, Rue gave him an awkward smile, "Not very much."

"Well, if you stick around for a bit longer, you get to taste the finest alcohol that there is to offer at sea,"Shanks never released her hand, his brown eyes staring into hers.

Rue smiled, however, Shanks could tell it was different from the other times she did so. Now that he thought about it, this smile seemed more genuine than the first time she did.

Warmth spread at the thought of the woman slowly bringing her walls down.

"Oh really? The sea is vast. It will take forever to experience all of that." Rue responded.

"Forever, huh? Well, I wouldn't mind that, as long as I get to spend it with you." He winked, watching as her eyes widened, quickly looking elsewhere than his gaze. He chuckled as Rue fidgeted on the spot, playing with her sleeves while biting her lip.

Seeing her become flustered like this only flared the desire to tease her more.

On the sidelines, Hanabi almost gagged, as she stuck out her tongue in disgust.

On the other hand, Aisha may not know what was going on, but she enjoyed the pirates company. She wondered if they would get to travel on adventures just like Mr. Prince. Just the thought of it made her heart leap.

Until her mother dropped the bomb, that shattered it all.

"I'll be leaving now," Aisha's jaw dropped, eyes almost popping out of her sockets at her mother's words.

The child tugged on her mother's dress. "Mommy, no leave! Let's stay longer!" Aisha protested, but felt her mother's hands ruffled her hair.

Rue responded with an apologetic smile, "Sorry Shai, but mommy has work to do." She caressed her child's head as she pouted angrily while crossing her arms.

Though it wasn't like she could stay any longer. Sengoku would be questioning her absence. Also, it wasn't like she could put her job on hold even if she wanted to. Plus, she had her little organization to deal with along with Ryuji, her next stop would possibly unveil more governmental secrets. She knew her daughter wanted to stay, but her goal was accomplished, therefore, there was no reason for them to stay.

However, apart of her did longed to be in their company for a while longer.

Seeing this Shanks crouched to the little girl's height. The child gazed in wonder as he stretched out his hand to reveal a pendant with his Jolly Roger's symbol on it. "A little gift from a pirate to another."

Aisha gasped and quickly grabbed it out from his grasp and squealed in excitement. Rue smiled at the interaction, but a tinge of guilt crawled up her back as she knew her daughter couldn't walk around with it in public.

She mentally noted to place it somewhere her child could still take it, but couldn't exactly wear it.

"Thank you Mister Banks!" Aisha gave him a big grin. "I'm gonna be a cool pirate just like you!"

Shanks chuckled as he playfully ruffled the child's hair. "You remind me of little anchor."

Aisha titled her head cutely, a curious gleam in her eyes. Shanks grinned, "You remind me of Luffy!" He placed a his finger under his chin in thought, "It be a while before I see him."

Like her daughter, Rue lifted her brows, "Luffy?"

A fond smile appeared on Yasopp's features at the thought of the boy, "I remember the kid, he's the same age as my Usopp."

Rue's ears perked, interested on the topic of the children.

As he lifted himself up, Shanks grinned widened as fond memories of him flashed in his mind. "He was some kid I met a while back, well a future pirate I should say."

Rue's eyes glimmer in anticipation. This child that Shanks spoke off. Since he was young, she thought of the possibility of him being a perfect playmate for Aisha. Also, their interest seemed to match, the children wanted to become pirates. The image melted her heart from the cuteness.

Shanks witnessed her lips twitching upward while small melodic laugh left her lips. "I see, how cute." His chest clenched at the sound.

Did she really have to leave him now?

Though he knew she had things to do as he did out there he hoped to cross paths with her again.

"Well," Rue gave him a closed-eyed smile. For some reason, though small, some weight was lifted off her shoulders. "I'm grateful that you're willing to help me. This is goodbye for now."

Hongo smiled, "Take care of yourself, make sure you get that problem checked up."

Hanabi nodded in agreement, " Sister, the poison might be dangerous to your health." The knight gazed with knitted brows in worry, "we have to find someone who might know its origins."

Rue's eyes lowered, her mind deep in thought at their words. Though the poison wasn't a surprise, it was strange since the time she swallowed it, there hasn't been much of an effect down the line. That day she took it was supposed to do what it did...Yet it didn't. She couldn't shake the gnawing unease. Was the poison the reason for her erratic transformation? Though her transformation weren't unusual, it had become unstable.

Maybe she should look into it.

"Understood, Doctor." Rue responded, she turned to her ship and began walking back to it. The girls followed after her, however, Ben slipped something in Yue's hands. She gazed at him in confusion at first, but he responded with a wink. Everyone waved and send their farewells to each other as their ships slowly separated. Rue giggled as her daughter waved with enthusiasm, yelling her lungs out to her friends.

As Rue gazed back at them one last time, her eyes clashed with Shanks. Rue's form grew rigid at the expression them. Words did not need to convey the look within them. It was as gentle as the breeze, as cool as the waters of the seas. It was serene, it quickened her pulse and the flow of her blood straight to her cheeks, heating them like a fiery furnace that would surely burn. Heart racing so rapidly she clenched the farcical of her dress to attempt to simmer it.

There it was a feeling she once had for another man, a feeling she tucked away in a chest never to be opened again.

Though their ship was distance away, she knew his eyes still lingered on her. This feeling Shanks was now displaying through his eyes in front of her.

The world seemed to slow around them. None couldn't break their gaze, Rue's pupils shook at the intensity within them. Soon, she had to break it to prevent herself from sinking deeper into them. No, she told herself, He can't.

It was impossible for them, even if there was a possibility. It wouldn't work. Instead, of delving in it more, she did what always did. Did what she was used to.

And that was pretend. Act, put on a facade.

It was for the best, for him and for herself.

For if he knew who she really was, those eyes filled with affection would morph into disgust and contempt for her existence.

Rue shook her head, trying to forgot the tenderness within her eyes. She will not be deceived for a second time.

The softness within his gaze was the same her husband gave her during her youth and their marriage. His face began to appear in her mind again.

Those of sweet honey filled with affection turned into deep obsessions that she couldn't escape.

Without a second thought, Rue made her way much to both Yue and Hanabi's confusion. Soon, their ships went their separate ways, both going back to their respective duties.

As Rue's ship drifted further away from Shanks' gaze, the sea stretched ahead, an ever changing expanse, carrying travellers to unknown destinations. Somewhere in the same ocean , another pirate sailed, however, his day was far from peaceful.

"Men, don't let him escape!" A gruff voice barked, breaking the stillness in the afternoon. The Marine's captain cigar engulfed the air as smoke emitted from it. Smoker's keen gaze locked unto the alley, cornering his prey from escaping his grasp. "Come out! You pirate scum!"

Ace ducked, hiding deeply within the alley. He sighed, mentally scolding himself. Sleeping in plain sight wasn't a good idea.

I Hope you all enjoyed our little time we had with Shanks!

Guess who's next? ;)