Sandersonia and Marigold glanced at each other, then back at me.
"Sister, I don't mean to be rude or anything, but that doesn't sound like a good idea." The former expressed, evidently nervous. "They'll see us as easy targets."
I nodded as there was no reason not to disagree. An understandable response, considering the current events.
It still got on my nerves.
"Easy...targets?" I reiterated those words, provoking both of them to physically balk.
I lightly chuckled for a few seconds before going back to the conversation, this time with a fierce masquerade.
"We aren't easy targets," My right hand's finger dug into the palm. The thought of that was beyond infuriating. "If they try to play with us we'll show them the might of the Kuja!"
Seastone cuffs or not, the rest of these slaves don't know Haki. Even the guards are currently being stationed as our watchers would lose.
Scrubs, the lot of them.
The difficulty lies in being overwhelmed by sheer numbers and escaping the Holy Land is virtually impossible.
"Of course, sister." Sandersonia nodded, her confidence returning.
Even in these circumstances, she's still doing that, and it's unbelievable. Nevertheless, it's my duty as the eldest to empower us all.
We shall not yield to such cowardice — slavery be damned.
All of my enemies will tremble in fear when they merely hear my name and I'd pulverize those who get in my way. But it's not time for that, now…information is a must.
"Sister, what should we do first?"
"I've said it before, didn't I?" That's when I began scanning around the room for a second time, latching onto the pair bickering amongst themselves in the corner. One of them being the same individual who confronted us not too long ago.
While Henry wasn't that strong — someone I could easily eliminate, even with these cuffs on — it's the person he's with that intrigues me the most.
The elderly man seemed much more aware than he let on. It's akin to a bear in hibernation.
I've seen that look before, the empresses had it as well. It's an individual who's witnessed hard-fought battles and came out alive.
Behind that laid-back manner was a battle-hardened warrior.
"Sandersonia, Marigold." They straightened their backs and watched in puzzlement as I stood up from the floor. "Stay here, I'll be back momentarily."
They didn't say anything, simply watching me walk away.
Hiding like cowards hasn't done any good in both the short or long term. I'm sick and tired of waiting for the inevitable.
It's about time we took the initiative.
My right hand clenched into itself as I resolved to find answers.
For both my sisters...and myself.
[Avery Henry]
I smirked watching yet another opening in his play, seeing victory within my grasp for another time. So, like in all of our usual one-sided beatdowns, I took the opportunity.
"Just admit it, old man." I created another 'X' which sealed the game once again. "You suck."
"Best out of 51 this time then." He grumbled, constructing a new tic-tac-toe board for us to play on. "You must've rigged them all."
My eyes rolled listening to his justifications for losing.
"Accusing someone of cheating is quite the claim. Maybe you're just not smart enough to handle my big brain."
I'll commend Regi for being so stubborn in being unwilling to tolerate any sort of defeat against me. He's got some tenacity, that's for sure.
"If you have a 'big brain', then I guess everyone in here is mentally insane." The ex-pirate responded, placing 'O' on the makeshift board.
"Even you?"
"I never said I wasn't crazy," He retorted, eyeing the board astutely.
There isn't any comeback on my end for a few seconds, only taking the time to look at the man bizarrely.
"Taking a shot to the knee isn't your style, Regi." It's frankly surprising that he's using such an approach.
The guy simply snickered and peeked back down at the game, uncaring for the stare I'm presenting him.
As time went on, I became more interested in the old man's history, and where he might've come from. I've been relatively cautious about the probing attempts, but I'm rather certain Regi has detected my little charade.
Curiously though, he hasn't commented on them whatsoever.
'Maybe we're all a little crazy in here.' And I wouldn't be surprised about it at all.
"Excuse me."
We both paused for just a single moment, shifting our gazes toward the newcomer.
"Henry, was it?" A gentle, but determined voice asked.
Ya know...when it comes to this world in particular, expecting the unexpected should've been the first thing I've understood.
'Oh, how I'm so lacking in that department.'
"That's me...can I help you?" I inquired, perplexed at the currently unfolding events.
Boa Hancock stood there, her unwavering regard was headstrong against our combined attentive stare.
Whilst I did say she could ask me for anything, I'd candidly envisioned attempting to start another conversation with them myself. Not the other way around.
This was unprecedented.
Although, I glimpsed those pairs of black eyes flickering over to Regi, with clear trepidation and uncertainty.
Interesting.
"You said Devil Fruit users might be chosen for this so-called 'death match' a while ago," She articulated, undoubtedly serious about everything.
"Yeah?"
"Is it possible to know when this might happen?" The Devil Fruit user clarified.
Ah, she wants a follow-up on what I depicted previously. It seems that confronting the siblings at the time was the correct move.
Either way, there's no harm in answering.
"It's generally random and there's no way of figuring out when they'll do it." I frowned and shrugged. "That's the reason why I've been training a lot."
"Training…?"
"Yup, there's a whole space dedicated to just that," I explained, gesturing towards the room I'd long since become familiar with.
I held nothing but disdain towards the Celestial Dragons, but I'm damned grateful for the house servants that made that area possible. Hopefully, Fisher Tiger can get them out of here when he inevitably reaches Mariejois.
And it was then that I realized something.
"I'm sorry for being a bit abrupt, but I've forgotten to ask for your name," I noted, scratching my chin in embarrassment. "You didn't exactly say it before."
Whilst I already knew it, it's not something that should be widely known, especially considering that she obviously is extremely hesitant in doing so.
"Hancock," She said firmly, pointing a thumb toward her siblings. "Those two are my sisters."
I smiled seeing the future Empress of Amazon Lily finally relaxing, even just a little bit. Getting any sort of good progress from her, no matter how diminutive, will be helpful.
I'm legitimately still amazed that everything is playing out so smoothly, primarily due to comprehending her abhorrence against men might rear its ugly head. At the rate things are going, it seems very unlikely.
"You already know me, the great and amazing...Henry!" I puffed my chest out, elbowing the person next to me. "And this dumb old geezer is Regi."
He just rolled his eyes, then eyed the other teenager carefully. He's been remarkably quiet during my conversation with Hancock so far — very peculiar.
"So..." The old man's temperament altered, swiftly changing into something much more solemn. "...how did they get you?"
"Regi?!" I glared at him, though it hardly deterred the ex-pirate from desiring an answer.
God fucking dammit.
What the hell was that senile buffoon thinking? Is he trying to scare her off?
I looked back at Hancock, wanting to see the retort.
The surprise twist came when she didn't appear to mind the question at all.
"On a ship in the Grand Line," A flash of grimace skimmed over her face. "We were taken away from our home right under everyone's noses."
His facade softened at their statement.
I already understood the sister's current situation, but it didn't stop me from feeling glum. Hearing what occurred in front of your face is another matter entirely.
To be frank, I'm quite surprised that she opened up about such a thing. Considering how much her older self desired to conceal the past from everyone on Amazon Lily.
"I'm not sure how I got here," I admitted with a sigh. "Actually, I don't remember anything outside of Mariejois."
It's honestly something I'm still particularly interested in. Disregarding how small it could potentially be, the thought of finding out my origin is intriguing.
After all, I loathed mysteries when they involved me.
Regi seemed more than a bit off-put by my words, but I couldn't determine how far that pertains.
He's been incredibly reserved about the whole subject, not commenting with his customary quibble like the man typically does. There's a slight frown here and there, though nothing demonstrated what that truly meant.
Something is bugging him.
Despite that, I took the opportunity to change the topic.
"You all should definitely come around every once in a while," I proposed exuberantly, "It'd be great to have more training partners!"
While I'm fairly certain they'll stomp me easily, at least I'll eventually learn how to deal with a different type of fighting style. Regi's rather crude usage of the blade isn't exactly the greatest in helping with that.
"I...will think about it," Hancock appeared skeptical, though gave off the impression of pondering about the offer sincerely.
That's fine.
I genuinely want to know them as people better, so I'll wait until they provide a clear-cut answer. It's not like I'm running off anywhere.
"Is there anything else you need?" I asked, which prompted the Amazon Lily native to shake her head.
"No, I think that'll be it." She gave us a courteous nod. "Thank you, Henry and Regi."
"Don't be a stranger, Hancock," I expressed with a small smile.
Hancock returned one in kind and walked back to where her sister had waited. I could tell that Marigold and Sandersonia were enthusiastic about learning how our little exchange went.
I've never taken her as someone who cared for manners. Whenever I think about it, it's always the person who kicked puppies and went head over heels when anything came to Luffy.
Did my presence already alter things in the world on such a level or is this how it's assumed to play out?
Maybe I'm just overthinking again — it tends to occur when someone holds such knowledge concerning timeline-reshaping events.
"What a crazy world we live in," I said, lightly chuckling. "I'm surprised she came to me of all things."
I was truthfully expecting to be the person who'd go and actively seek them out.
The old man snorted, which I presumed is his version of approval.
Other than that, Regi didn't seem notably invested in her surprise arrival. This was odd knowing how far the guy has always teased me on a consistent basis.
"Well, it's getting late." He glanced at the clock, tucking himself into his makeshift bed. "I'm going to call it a night."
"Oh...uh...goodnight, Regi." I didn't see any other reason not to fall asleep myself.
"Goodnight, kid."
What a weird day.
The Enclosure's Second Room, Mariejois
It's been awfully quiet lately, only my heavy panting could be heard as I narrowly ducked under Regi's shinai strike.
I had a feeling he was going easy on me, much more than he generally does. The man had barely said a few words when we entered the room.
This was the first time I'd seen him visibly distraught and appalled. His face appeared contorted, switching between the usual confusion and a dose of anger. Although he's looking at me, I don't believe that's who it's directed towards.
I've known Regi for half a decade. Even if he's attempting to hide something, I'll figure it out eventually.
"I think we should take a break," He stated, pausing his attack against me.
I just looked completely dumbstruck, raising an eyebrow at the old man.
It's not as if I've dropped yet and there's still plenty of time until they call us for lunch. Hell, my stamina hasn't even felt like it's depleted past the halfway threshold.
Why the hell is he doing this now all of a sudden?
"But I'm still up!?" I contested, scowling in discontentment. "It's not like I've fallen down like those other ti–!"
"Please...Henry."
And that was all it took.
I stood completely still, not budging an inch.
My name is something he doesn't toss around lightly, and while I'm currently sour about the workout session ending prematurely, I'll at least hear him out.
Be that as it may, the old man settled himself a bit before speaking.
"What you said yesterday," Regi's shoulders notably began slumping. "Was it the truth?"
"The truth?"
"You really don't remember anything outside of here?" It's as if he was imploring for an answer. "Nothing?"
Is that why he's so grumpy?
Seriously?
"No, I don't," The statement came immediately. "What does that have to do with anything?"
Regi was repulsed by my reaction.
"I thought maybe if we ever got out of here, we could find your family or something." The old man explained, troubled at my uncaring words. "But if you've always been here...gosh kid."
I still wasn't seeing the issue with it, but Regi seemed distraught
"Don't make my life into a sob story, old man." Pity was the last thing I needed. "I'm not here for any of that shit."
He chuckled at the comment, but hadn't replied to it, so I took that as my turn.
"Wait…you think there's a chance of getting out?"
I hadn't thought I'd pulled him into such an idea. He was so obstinate regarding its unlikeliness that I virtually gave up on trying to convince him.
"Well...someone's been yapping about it so much that maybe it could happen," Regi shrugged indifferently. "Didn't you overhear those guards saying that a Fishman got out?"
I nodded meekly, honestly astonished to see the man's stance changing.
"You're more convincing than you think, kid." In a rarity, he showed off one of his softest smiles, "I've only known a few people who could do the same. One of them now has my full respect."
Oh.
That definitely had my confidence shooting through the roof. At the same time, it was his other comment that was beginning to allure me.
There's something there — history.
I could see the ex-pirate smirk in my bewitched mood.
"I want to tell you a little story," Regi called me and waited until I sat beside him on the bench. He puts a hand around my shoulder,
I'm a curious guy, and discovering any variety of new information was interesting, I'll have an ear out for listening in.
Hearing the old man out won't do any harm.
"Wayyy back...when I was still in my twenties on the pirate crew, some of the older guys were filtering the jewels, gold, and other expensive things that we had collected recently. It's what we've always done with large amounts of our spoils." He sighed, but continued on with a thoughtful countenance. "It's how I got my hands on this little thing."
The old man pulled out a necklace hidden underneath his ragged attire.
There's something he's concealing because I recognized those types as they're the ones with a picture inside. Nonetheless, I don't have time to contemplate on it as he continues with the story.
"But...there was one person who didn't really care about treasures at all! Can you believe it?!" Regi chuckled. "At the time, I just thought 'what a weird guy'. And maybe he was and is to this day."
"Really?" I questioned, intrigued about where this was going.
"Really! Everybody just laughed at him for being so naive. I'm not sure if people understood him, maybe some did, but back then I certainly didn't."
His lips begin to curl upwards.
"That's when someone said a question I will never forget." I watched the smile reappear, like he was reminiscing a good memory. "They asked...'what is it that you want?'."
The old man then turned to me.
"Do you know what he told them?"
"What?" I asked as he beamed considerably.
"A family."
Regi paused for that singular moment. I could tell that he was taking in his own words to heart.
"Apparently, it's what the guy wanted as a kid. That's when everybody just laughed, myself included." He recalled, slightly souring. "I wouldn't have done it now..."
I winced at his serious comment towards the end.
The story itself was charming, though I couldn't for the life of me stop getting an abnormal sense of Déjà vu when Regi finished. It's like I should know something, but the thought seems to circumvent my introspections.
Eh, I doubt it's anything important.
"Ya know, even back then I still had this." He lifted his right sleeve, showing off a tattoo in the form of a ship with two main and corresponding topsails.
"That's a weird tattoo," I remarked, examining it carefully.
"I was a weird person."
"Was?"
"Don't be cheeky with me," He stated, demonstrating a playful glare. "I'll demote you back to brat."
"And I'll demote you back to old fart!"
"You already use that..."
I blinked.
"Oh, right."
Regi deadpanned, gripping the shinai tightly. Then, a smirk swept over his face as the man's sights locked onto me malevolently.
This doesn't look any good.
"Just because of your stupidity, I'm now in the mood to fight...hard."
I blanched, trying to find an avenue to escape from the former pirate's rampage.
"No...wait! We can talk this out!" Both hands waved in front of me simultaneously, but he just sauntered with each step spelling my doom. "Come on, old man!"
"Get ready for an ass-whooping that will put even Garp The Fist in awe!"
He sprinted maniacally as I'm forced to run around like a headless chicken.
-2 HP (78/80)
"Please!" I begged, hoping to hear him say he'll stop this madness.
Sadly, even with my plea, that doesn't seem to be the case.
"Gihihihihi!"
God fucking dammit.
The Enclosure, Mariejois
The hushed sounds of mumbling echoed throughout the large space. As time went on, they grew louder and more pronounced, forcing everyone to hear their chanting regardless of the time.
oooo
Skill Level Up!
Meditation Lv. (1/25) → (2/25)
oooo
Frankly, it's getting quite annoying, even with the [Meditation] skill being used.
"What the hell are they doing?" I muttered, seeing Regi look in the direction I'm facing.
Those bastards have been practically shouting for the past two hours and I doubt they'll quit anytime soon.
"Fanatics, the lot of them." He commented, shaking his head.
"But why does this always happen?" I somewhat understood the motivation behind their actions, but I'd like to hear Regi's perception of it.
"They believe some all-powerful being is going to save them somehow." The old man scoffed. "I say that they're idiots."
I giggled.
I'm not too sure if I'll throw them into that category, though I understood what he meant.
"Oh great Sun God Nika, let our suffering be filled with ease and comfort!" The dozen or so people clasped their hands together in a prayer pose. "Your greatness knows no bounds as it stretches beyond the realm of imagination."
They continued preaching as many started weeping.
"Rise from the dead and laugh to the beating of your heart!"
My lips twitched, holding in a chuckle at the last few lines spoken.
'If only you buffoons knew the truth behind those words.'
"They're really going in today," I've genuinely never seen them go this far. "The guards don't give a damn though."
Regi grunted, still displeased as the man rolled over in his makeshift bed.
"Angry that your beauty nap was disrupted?"
"Hardly," He lied.
"Sure, cheeky old man."
It's not like I'm trying to piss him off...okay maybe that isn't entirely accurate bearing in mind how our relationship works.
One could suggest that it's a mutual 'pissing off' competition and I had zero intention of forfeiting.
"Henry and Regi."
I turned over to see the Kuja Pirate staring at the both of us.
"Oh, Hancock!" I smiled, then noticed the two flanking her sides. "And these are your sisters, right?"
She offered a slight nod, gesturing toward the other pair.
"Yes, these are Marigold and Sandersonia."
My gaze shifted to them, keen on alleviating their worries.
"A pleasure to meet you two."
They twitched partially, distinctly uneasy about being here. Having expressed that, the green-haired teen was capable of answering with a basic nod, though Marigold simply remained muted and completely still.
They're ostensibly on edge about this encounter if their faces were anything to go by. Be that as it may, it's not my place to budge in quite yet.
You know what they say, slow and steady wins the race.
"Is there anything I can help you three with?" I inquired, glancing at Hancock who was stepping forward.
"I've considered your request about the training and..." She sneaked a look back at her siblings and then toward me. "...we accept it, on the condition that we'll be able to come and go as we please."
Another unexpected revelation.
Albeit, at the rate everything's going, it won't be this way for long.
"That's great!" I beamed, glad that they'd taken up the offer. "And your conditions are completely fine."
I'm satisfied in knowing they've built up the courage to speak up, especially with how timid and fearful the trio has constantly been. It's understandable viewing our present status', but I'll try remedying it sooner or later.
All of that is for another date.
Now is the time to solidify our standings.
"Marigold, Hancock, Sandersonia."
My eyes skimmed over each of them as I voiced siblings' names, their heads perking up in doing so.
"I have a feeling that this is the start of a wonderful friendship!"