Chapter Text
The streets of rainbase was nothing like the open desert. People were walking everywhere while the smell of food drifted through the warm air.
Keeping your head lowered you walked past people without drawing any attention to yourself. You had learned years ago that people never truly looked at the faces around them just as long as you kept moving and didn’t give them a reason to look twice, you were just another stranger passing by.
You had stopped here because you needed supplies like food, water, and a few medical items before continuing your journey.
Whatever conflict was spreading across alabasta had nothing to do with you. Getting involved in others people’s problems was how people ended up with more problems of their own.
You turned down another street and as you were walking you passed a large wall covered in bounty posters, your attention briefly shifted with most of the faces were familiar names you had seen in marine reports.
Then one caught your eye a boy wearing a straw hat, with black messy hair, and a ridiculous smile.
Monkey D. Luffy that’s one interesting name. You only looked at the poster for a moment longer before you continued walking
——
You were still walking around looking for a place that had the supplies you needed with your notebook in hand that had your list. When a commotion from nearby caught your attention.
“Does anyone know where to get food or water!?”
Near the center of the street a boy wearing a straw hat was asking anyone near him if they knew where to get food looking increasingly desperate.
The wanted poster from earlier flashed through your mind.
It’s Monkey D. Luffy? Why’s he here?
You only stared for a second before forcing yourself to look away. He’s still a wanted pirate I have no reason to involve myself with a pirate especially one like him he’ll just draw attention to me and that’s something I don’t need right now.
After you turned around you started walking towards a store nearby hoping they had anything you needed. But unfortunately you had underestimated one thing and that was the complete lack of situational awareness of Monkey D. Luffy.
You only made it a short distance before hearing hurried footsteps approached from behind. You turn slightly already preparing to move out the way but you were a second too late someone had collided with you.
The impact knocked both of you off balance with you falling and the notebook you were carrying slipped from your hand and loose pages scattering across the street while your pencil rolled somewhere beneath a nearby fruit cart.
Meanwhile straw hat was somehow equally as surprised by his own mistake flailing as he tried to stop himself from falling but in the middle of him trying not to fall his straw hat slipped free.
It landed squarely on your head with the brim dripping low enough to shad your eyes but the thing that surprised you the most was how light and comfortable it was.
Maybe I should get a hat?
You barely had another second to consider the thought before a pair of hands short into your vision.
While you had been busy thinking if you should get a hat Luffy had stepped forward and lifted the straw hat straight off your head with both hands checking over from every angle. Only after making sure nothing happened did to it did he finally let out a sigh.
“Whew! I thought something happened to it!”
With obvious care he settled it back onto his own head before he looked down at you then looked at the notebook lying open on the street and the scattered pages that caught beneath passing feet before he finally looked at you again.
And for a moment he just stared before scratching the back of his head sheepishly before grinning.
“Sorry! I was trying to look for food!”
It was astonishing how sorry he didn’t sound. But not really knowing how to respond you kneeled for the nearest page before people could sweep it farther down the street and one by one you gathered the scattered sheets without looking at him, brushing sand from each page before stacking them neatly in your hands then walking over to your notebook and gently picking it up but as you did Luffy crouched besides you. You froze slightly not really expecting him to get any closer to you but he didn’t seem to notice as he looked around for a moment before spotting your pencil underneath the fruit cart.
“Oh! Your pencil!”
He reached underneath the fruit cart and grabbed it before handing it to you.
You accepted it with a small nod placing the papers back inside your notebook before tucking the pencil into the spiral binding. When everything had been put back together an awkward silence settled between you two. Luffy didn’t leave he just stood there watching you with open curiosity it was a little… unsettling. Your fingers unconsciously began to fidget with each other as the silence stretched on.
“What’s your name?”
A wave of relief washed over you before you quickly opened to a blank page and you started to write your name.
-Y/n-
You turned the notebook around before Luffy leaned in reading your neat handwriting before his face lit up.
“Y/n? That’s a cool name! I’m Monkey D. Luffy and I’m going to become King of Pirates!”
He tilted his head
“But why are you writing and not talking?”
You scribbled out another response and held out the notebook again -This is just how I communicate-
“Whoa that’s so awesome!!”
Awesome? It’s just writing everyone does it
You weren’t sure why he was so amazed by it.
Luffy continued starring at the open notebook in your hands with open curiosity before a hand landed on his shoulder.
“LUFFY!”
The shout was loud enough that several people walking the streets turned their heads. A thin man with a long nose looked completely out of breath with his eyes darting around looking at people nervously before pulling Luffy a few steps away.
“What are you doing!?”
“Huh what do you mean?”
The long nose man leaned in lowering his voice “What do you mean ‘huh’!? You’re standing here talking to a complete stranger!” He whispered harshly into Luffys ear but his voice was still loud enough for you to hear “We’re in the middle of enemy territory! Do you understand how dangerous that is! She could be a spy! She could be working for Baroque works! She could capture you! And you’re just standing here making friends with her!”
“But she’s not a random person!” Luffy said with frown
“Luffy you’ve known her for like five minutes!”
“Yeah but she hasn’t even tried to capture me!”
Long nose opened his mouth then closed it then opened it again “Luffy…”
He let a long sigh before dragging his hand down his face.
“Sometimes I wonder how you’ve survived this long”
Long nose sighed before looking towards you his expression shifted slightly when he noticed you’re still there just watching them.
Great now I’ll probably have to talk to him to
The thought alone made you tense and you suddenly became very aware of where your hands were, how you were standing, if you were making a weird face. Without realizing your fingers began twisting together, fidgeting nervously as your thoughts spiraled. Why am I still looking at them? Why am I still standing here?? I should’ve just left when they were talking about me! I Should just walk away!
“Oh yeah this is Y/n!”
“Wait did you introduce yourself!?”
“Yeah!”
“You told her your name!?”
“Yeah!”
“Your actual name!?”
“Was I not supposed too?”
Long nose looked like his soul left his body
“Your literally wanted!”
“But Usopp she’s nice she wouldn’t turn me into the marines”
“How do you even know that? You think everyone’s nice! And she hasn’t even said a single word yet it’s suspicious!”
Luffy then pointed to your notebook “I just know she’s nice okay! Also she doesn’t talk she just writes stuff down” Long nose looked over at your notebook that was in your hands before his expression calmed a little.
He scratched his cheek awkwardly
“She just doesn’t talk?”
“Yeah!”
Long nose looked away for a second seemingly unsure of what to do. With his finger tapping nervously against his arm probably thinking of what to do next but after a moment he let out a sigh.
“Look I’m sorry if he bothered you or anything” He gave you a small nervous smile “He doesn’t always realize when he’s causing other people trouble”
Luffy immediately protested
“I don’t cause trouble to other people!” Long nose turned to him “You immediately ran off at the thought of food making Nami yell at me to run after you!”
“Thats not my fault”
“How’s that not your fault!?”
He sighed before continuing “WE should probably get going before Nami gets even more mad” Long nose grabbed Luffy’s arm.
“Come on”
“But I was talking to Y/n!”
“We are here for a reason Luffy! You can’t just eat and make new friends!”
Luffy looked back at you as long nose was pulling him “Sorry again for bumping into you Y/n!” You watched as Luffy waved enthusiastically, long nose meanwhile looked back one more time he still seemed cautious but nonetheless he gave you a small nod.
You nodded back but you weren’t really sure of what to think of them but it didn’t really matter because whatever kind of people they were they are still pirates and your path wasn’t meant to cross theirs again.
——
You hadn’t said a single word yet somehow the entire conversation had managed to drain every bit of your social battery. Just the thought of running into either of them again made you shiver one conversation was enough you thought to yourself before turning towards the store you were heading to earlier. The sooner you gathered your supplies the sooner you can leave Rainbase behind.
You had almost reached the store when something small slammed directly into your side.
“Oof!”
The impact wasn’t enough to knock you over but whoever had hit you wasn’t as nearly as fortunate. A little boy stumbled backward before landing on the stone floor with a surprised squeak.
The paper bag he had been holding had fallen sending a loaf of bread rolling across the ground before stopping right in front of you. “My bread!” Before he could scramble after it you had already picked it up. You crouched down in front of him and held it out he just stared at you for a couple seconds before he grabbed it with both of his hands.
“Th-thank you!”
You barely had time to register his words before he threw his little arms around your waist in a quick hug.
“…”
What do I do? Should I pat his head? Would that be weird? Whose kid is this!?
You awkwardly looked around as if someone nearby might help you but after a couple seconds the boy pulled away on his own.
“Goodbye!”
He flashed an embarrassing grin as he waved goodbye running back towards what it looked like to be his mother waiting outside a bakery. She smiled apologetically as she took his hand “I’m sorry he gets excited and forgets to watch where he’s going I just hope he didn’t bother you too much” You immediately shook your head perhaps a little too quickly. The woman watched as she gave you one last grateful smile before the two went inside.
A small warmth settled into your chest you had always found it strange how something so simple could make you feel this way.
You only stood for a moment longer before you continued walking thinking about all the strange interactions you had today as you stepped inside the store with the bell chiming softly. Compared to the loud streets the little store was blissfully quiet everything was organized with almost obsessive care the shelves lined with the walls stocked with dried food, bottled water, rope, medicine, sewing kits, and every other necessity a traveler might need.
You found yourself instantly relaxing inside the quiet store as you started to wander through the aisles at your own pace gabbing what you needed. A bundle of clean bandages, a small bottle of antiseptics, dried medicinal herbs to replenish your dwindling supply, a fresh canteen, and different kinds of dried food.
As you made your way towards the front counter your eyes drifted almost absentmindedly toward a small display near the entrance.
Hats
Wide brimmed travel hats each one a different design. You looked at them and without really thinking you lifted your hand and lightly touched the top of your own head.
I was thinking about it earlier but should I really get one? Would I look cool in one? But none of these look as cool as the hats I’ve seen pirates in maybe it has to come naturally? Or maybe it’s the people wearing the hats that make them look cool?
You sighed before you looked away from the display a little disappointed I just won’t get one maybe I’ll find better ones on a different island.
——
A couple days later
It’s been nice being back on the water and it’s been perfect weather too!
You leaned back against the mast letting your eyes shut for a brief moment thinking about these last few hectic days and where you might end up next. Until a familiar squawk echoed over head growing louder until a large sea bird swooped through the sky.
Oh it’s the News Coo!
The bird circled your boat before landing on the railing. You smiled slightly as you were always fond of animals “Always working huh?”
The News Coo chirped at you holding out a newspaper.
Right, money
You reached into a pouch handing over the required berries, and accepted the neatly folded newspaper. News Coo chipped happily before stuffing the coins into its satchel and taking flight once again disappearing into the endless blue.
You absentmindedly unfolded the paper and you immediately looked at the front page not expecting to find much. Until you read the headline WARLORD CROCODILE DEFEATED! After reading that you immediately sat up. It described the collapse of Baroque works, the civil war, and crocodiles arrest. Your thoughts drifted back to when you had first met him the way he spoke, the confidence he carried, and the impossible ambition he had.
It’s too bad he got caught but I guess I can’t be too shocked but I am glad that I didn’t run into Smoker that would have been a hell of an interaction. The last thing I would have needed was to deal with someone who knew me from my time in the marines especially someone as stubborn as him. Though I do have to admit both of them have pretty cool devil fruits though obviously not as cool as mine.
You continue reading the article with it recounting every crime attributed to him. You flipped to the next page several new bounties had been printed with the first one immediately catching your attention and not because it was you it was the paragraphs next to it.
Former Marine officer declared wanted
Marine Headquarters has confirmed the individual now know as Y/n The “Silent Phantom” has officially been designated a wanted criminal.
Formally enlisted within the marines Y/n served for six years before abandoning the organization reasons unknown. Once considered a disciplined and capable marine Y/n was once regarded as one of the youngest and most gifted officers within marine ranks demonstrating exceptional skill and ability during her service. The former Marine has since become responsible for multiple acts of insubordination, interference with marine operations, destruction of government property, and assault against commissioned Marines.
Although the exact motives behind the betrayal are unknown officials warn that Y/n possesses extensive knowledge of marine procedures making the fugitive particularly difficult to apprehend.
The individual rarely if ever speaks instead communicates through written messages authorities caution civilians not to mistake this behavior as harmlessness marines also state to not take her young age as someone who is not capable of doing damage the fugitive has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to evade capture despite numerous attempts by marine forces.
Marine Headquarters has classified the former Marine as armed, highly trained, and extremely dangerous citizens are instructed to avoid contact and immediately report any sightings to the nearest Marine base.
Y/n The “Silent Phantom”
79,000,000 berries
Your shoulders slumped “They finally gave me a bounty and they couldn’t have given me a better bounty name…” You frowned slightly
“And they used my old marine photo. Out of all the things the marines could have done this might be the most annoying” You looked at the photo longer than you intended with a strange feeling settling in your chest but you pushed it away before you could even think about it.
“Whatever”
With one last annoyed look you continued on to the next bounty.
Monkey D. Luffy
100,000,000 berries
The number felt almost expected. Your eyes drifted farther down to another bounty
Roronoa Zoro
60,000,000 berries
Hmm he was a pirate hunter in the east blue but now I’m guessing he’s with Monkey D. Luffy
Going Merry
(A couple hours after they left alabasta so it’s still the same day it’s just you left a couple days before the straw hats )
Dinner as always was anything but quiet Luffy was reaching across the table for another plate before Sanji even sat down earning a sharp smack across the head from the cook “Have some manners you glutton” “I am having manners!” Luffy complained through a mouthful of food reaching for another plate of food again. Usopp couldn’t help but laugh at the exchange while chopper was giggling beside him covering his smile with his small hooves. Nami rolled her eyes yet couldn’t hide the amusement in her smile while Zoro just sat there drinking booze and eating whatever was in front of him.
Robin sat quietly among them a cup of tea resting in her hands. She had spent much of the meal watching the crew interact with one another the easy laughter and bickering not minding it at all it was just… different from what she had become accustomed too.
“Hey Luffy”
“Hm?”
“You mentioned earlier that you met someone in Rainbase” Luffy looked up immediately “Oh yeah! She was cool!” Usopp immediately injected himself into the conversation “She was weird” Robin tilted her head “Weird?”
“I-I don’t mean weird weird!” Usopp corrected himself quickly “It’s just that she was just standing there like a statue and Luffy was just talking to her like nothing!”
“Did she happen to tell you her name? Because I think she seems rather interesting instead of weird” Luffy immediately answered “Y/n!”
Robin seemed to still for a second “Robin? Do you know her?” Robin was silent for a few moments before answering “I know of her” That caught everyone’s attention even Zoro seemed to lean closer even though he was pretending he wasn’t listening.
“I had read the newest News Coo and there was an article about her with the Marines referring to her as one of their most gifted youngest officers”
“Marine!?” Nami repeated unable to hide the disbelief in her voice. It didn’t fit the image Luffy and Usopp had painted at all from what they had described it was this young looking girl who sounded a little weird. Not like someone who serves the world government.
Robin nodded “The report stated that the individual served within the Marine Headquarters for six years before leaving reasons unknown but like I said before she was considered exceptionally capable despite her age. And now according to the article she’s now an officially been declared a wanted criminal” Robins gaze drifted toward the lantern above the table as though recalling the article word for word “It also stated that she became involved in several violent incidents against the marines forces. Headquarters now considers her extremely dangerous due to her training and her familiarity with marine operations”
Robin continued something about the story clearly interested her. “The government also accuses her of multiple acts of insubordination, interference with marine operations, destruction of government property, and assault against commissioned Marines”
Usopp let out a nervous whistle “She sounds scary…”
“You know” she glanced at Usopp and Luffy before continuing “She also got a bounty of eighty million berries and it’s her first bounty too”
“Wait a second” Everyone looked at Sanji “If she’s strong enough to earn a bounty like that on her first wanted poster does she have a devil fruit?” “Huh?” “I mean think about it a former marine officer with that kinda reputation it just wouldn’t surprise if she had some sort of ability” Robin shook her head slightly “The article didn’t mention one”
“Huh? Seriously?” Usopp looked surprised “So she might not even have one?”
“Not necessarily” Robin replied “The marines may simply have chosen not to revel it” Robin had learned long ago that the truth was rarely as simple as the world government wanted people to believe and maybe that’s why the story interested her so much.
“Do you think we’ll see her again?” Luffy said out of the blue. Usopp looked nervous at this idea
“Luffy you only met the girl once what’s the odds of us meeting her again”
“I think we will”
“You think so?”
“Yeah I just have a feeling”
Robin simply smiled to herself whether their paths crossed again or not she couldn’t say but something told her that the girl called “Silent Phantom” was not as simple as the marines wanted the world to believe.
Meanwhile…
Inside a quiet room far from where you were sailing a few copies of the latest News coos rested on the table. The headline about the downfall of Crocodile had already caused quite a discussion but the smaller article was what really caught everyone’s attention.
Former Marine declared wanted
“Six years in the marines” One of them muttered his gaze lingered on the words “And this is that they decided to call her?”
“Silent phantom”
A quiet scoff escaped him
“Of course they chose something like this”
“She probably hates it too” Another commented
That earned a few quiet laughs because everyone in the room could imagine her reaction. She would not be impressed be have such a bounty name if anything she’s going to complain about the name before she complains about the fact she’s wanted by the world government. Just the thought alone seemed to amuse them.
However as they continued looking at the poster they noticed the photo. it wasn’t a new one it was your old marine one with the image showing you from a time when you still wore your marine uniform.
“They used her marine photo?”
“Of course they did”
It wasn’t just a picture it was a reminder that you used to belong to the marines that you once obeyed every order.
Their attention turned to the number printed on your bounty.
79,000,000
“That’s her first bounty”
“Only seventy nine?”
Seventy nine million was a respectable bounty for someone’s first one but to them it was far too low.
The paper itself described why she’s dangerous they practically admitted that her years inside the marines gave her an advantage she knew how they worked how they thought and yet the number didn’t reflect any of that.
Another person looked back over the article “You know, something’s missing” The others glanced over. The person tapped their finger against the newspaper “Her devil fruit”
It was obvious that the marines had chosen their words carefully. They were willing to reveal that you had been one of their own, willing to admit that you had extensive training and knowledge of their methods but they left out the ability that made you even more difficult to deal with.
“They didn’t include a single detail about it”
It wasn’t surprising though the marines understood that information is a weapon and revealing your ability would only make you more recognizable and every enemy you encountered would give them a better chance at preparing for you.
But hiding it also created another problem anyone who saw the article would only see a former marine who abandoned your position they wouldn’t understand what you could actually do.
“The fact that someone that once wore their uniform now stood against them…” A male voice trailed off obviously amused “Must’ve really upset them”
A couple weeks later
(Idk how long it took to get to skypiea then getting back down and going to water seven and the Davey back fight thing sorry)
Water seven is beautiful to say the least well at least from what you could see from your boat.
Stepping off the boat you adjusted the strap of your small black purse where it rested against your hip, making sure your notebook and the rest of your essentials were still inside. The oversized black sweater you wore hung comfortably off both shoulders with thin black straps going over your shoulders. Paired with dark denim jeans that hugged your thighs before widening at the calf and a pair of simple black shoes it was the perfect outfit for wandering the city
The massive buildings were built above the canals that were connected by bridges and walkways that stretched across the water. You found yourself standing next to your boat for a few minutes lingering longer than you intended. You never realized how pretty water seven was which seemed stupid considering how many times you’ve been here but then again you never got off the boat.
After securing your boat you started walking towards the city but the moment you stepped into the city you had no idea how you were supposed to get around. Unlike other islands where you could simply follow roads and walk wherever you wanted to go water seven was built around canals. Before you see people riding an animal? Before you heard shouting about a Yagara Bull.
I guess that’s how they get around?
You looked down at the paper in your hand you had circled a few places you wanted to visit while you were here like supply shops, a bookstore, maybe somewhere that sold maps. You weren’t planning on staying to long but after looking at the city and all the stuff it could offer you definitely decided to extend you stay.
You followed the signs toward one of the Yagara Bulls rental stations before finally reaching it. You hesitated outside the rental place watching people easily approach them while you on the other hand couldn’t bring yourself to take another step.
What if I ask the wrong question? What if I look weird? What if they think Im strange because I don’t speak? You tightened your grip around your notebook reminding yourself that it was just a simple transaction.
Come one Y/n you’ve done harder things much harder things.
Taking a deep breath you walked inside
After writing down what you needed and showing it to the worker he gave you directions towards one of the Yagara Bulls before handing you the reins “Also just give a little pat if you want him to move faster he’s pretty smart so he’ll know where to go” You nodded gratefully at the worker before he turned and walked away from you.
The Yagara Bull lowered its head slightly sniffing at you curiously before trying to move a little closer. People avoided you, feared you, or eventually wanted something from you so you always struggled with knowing how to act around others. But animals were different they didn’t care about what you had done or what people claimed you were they only care about what was in front of them.
Looking at the creature you quietly whispered to him “…Hello” Carefully you reached out your hand and rested it on his head. The Yagara Bull immediately leaned into your touch before the creature made a soft sound almost like it was pleased, while he pushed his head against your hand is he asking for more? Slowly you ran your hand along the side of his face and the creature practically melted into your hand his tail began moving under the water creating small waves “You’re friendly” The Yagara Bull responded by nudging your shoulder you stumbled slightly from the unexpected push catching yourself before looking at it with a surprised expression then very quietly you laughed it was small but a genuine laugh.
You climbed onto the Yagara Bull getting yourself comfortable while the Bull waited patiently.
As you were guided through the canals the Yagara Bull seemed determined to make sure you were comfortable. Whenever you wanted to slow down the Yagara slowed down immediately whenever you stopped to read a sign or look at a shop the Yagara waited without complaint.
As you wandered through the water ways the Yagara eventually carried you closer towards one of the larger shipbuilding areas. The sound of hammers striking against wood and the distant calls of workers echoed across the canals, growing louder as you went closer. You slowed the Yagara because the size of the ships being worked on caught your attention even if it was kinda blocked by the big metals doors though they didn’t seem to be doing much. From where you sat on the Yagara’s back you could see how every person had a specific task, each movement being carefully carried out and the craftsmanship was nothing like you’ve seen before.
It reminded you of the marines in a way not the orders or authority but the discipline, the teamwork the idea that hundreds of people could come together and work towards the same goal trusting each other to do their part. Your expression softened slightly as you watched the workers move across the shipyard.
And for a moment you wondered what it would have been like if things had been different if you had stayed.
But that thought didn’t stay for long because you had already left that you had already left behind. It was a life that belong to someone you weren’t anymore.
The Yagara beneath you made a small sound gently pulling forward as if reminding you that you were supposed to be exploring not getting sad.
———
The sun began to sink lower, warm shades of orange and gold reflected across the water you decided it was probably time to stop exploring. The small hotel you had rented wasn’t anything luxurious but it was clean, peaceful, and the windows could be opened just enough to let the cool evening breeze drift inside and that’s all you needed.
After placing your bag on the floor beside the bed you slipped your shoes off with a quiet sigh before you reached down into your purse and grabbed your notebook. As always it opened to pages filled with neat handwriting that had shopping list, reminders, sketches of islands, bits of information copied from old marine documents before you left.
Your thumb traced over one page with marine formations, emergency procedures, navigation routes things you would have wanted to forget by now but instead you remembered all of it.
Six years
Six years was a long time long enough for routines to become drilled into your head. You still catch yourself waking up before sunrise because that had once been expected of you. You still folded your clothes and organized all your belongings exactly the way you were taught all those years ago.
You wonder if the people you had once worked beside missed you and for a brief moment you found yourself hoping someone did but hope was a fragile thing.
That was a stupid thing to think I can’t even remember the last time anyone was even glad to be around me honestly if anything they were probably glad I’m gone now.
You closed your notebook before you could think about it any longer. Like before there wasn’t any point in dwelling on a life that no longer belonged to you.
You got up from your bed putting your notebook back in your purse before walking over to the window, you rested your arms along the window ledge letting the cool air blow against your face.
You looked up at the night sky seeing the moon before you saw a shooting star you closed your I wish I could finally find somewhere were I truly belong. You knew it was childish to believe in something like that but for once you allowed yourself to believe it was okay this time.
You left the window cracked but closed the curtains before you climbed back into bed the sounds of water seven slowly fading into the background. Within minutes sleep had quietly claimed you with you completely unaware of how your peaceful visit was about to change.
Far out on sea beyond the horizon and still several days away a small ship with a sheep figurehead sailed towards the city of water.
Its crew had no idea that someone they had only briefly met in alabasta had arrived ahead of them.
In just a few days the Straw hat pirates would arrive at water seven and begin changing everything.