the hoof of the soaring dragon | ONE PIECE (discontinued)

Chapter 11 *

The following day, the crew left the island to continue their journey. Akira was on the deck, admiring how the island had become a mere grain of sand on the greatness that was the ocean. Next to her was Vance, who seemed to be following her more than usual.

"What do you want to do today? Sea travels are long and can quickly become boring" asked the nurse.

She turned to him and put the hair -that finally earned an evolution- that was blocking her view, behind her ear. She looked around. The various crewmate running from left to right shouting orders to each other.

"Maybe I can help?"

Vance repeated her words and turned to face the mast.

"I can help you with certain tasks"

"You're our guest, you don't have to worry about these details."

"I am no guest. You are helping me, I just want to repay you"

"We don't need you to repay us"

"But I want to"

"But we don't-"

"Please" she had a small smile as she noticed that Vance was playing with her "Anything, just to pass time at least."

He played with the tip of his ponytail before his face lit up "The bookstore. You like books, right? You could work there and maybe bring a little more order to it''

Working around the many books she wished to complete: that was perfect.

•••

The two were now looking for Benn to agree to her new position.

"But isn't there someone who takes care of it?"

"Unfortunately no. Every time I go there to try to find something I get lost in sections I didn't even know existed."

Arriving at a door that gave way to the vice-skip's cabin, Vance knocked at the door. No response. He knocked again. Nothing. Losing his patience, he banged on the door.

A voice was finally heard. Well, rather grunts. The door opened slowly with a long squeak.

"Calm down. No need to break that door"

Right in front of them was Shanks battling what seemed to be a hangover. His hair was messy, he was wearing the same clothes as the day before, and seeing how he was holding his head, he had a bad headache.

While Akira was shocked and a bit concerned by his state, Vance's expression fell. "Where is Benn? » He questioned ignoring his complaint.

Shanks, who had realized who was facing him, straightened up and scratched his hair before answering "Maybe the library?"

"Perfect" he grabbed Akira's hand and rushed her away from his newfound danger.

There was something strange about it. Vance was only nonchalant towards Gaal. He could sometimes be mocking Luke and others but avoiding a person that way was unusual. Especially when the person he was avoiding was his own captain.

"I thought Shanks was sleeping on the sofa of his office" pointed out Akira.

"Not anymore"

•••

"Benn, I need your permission for something!"

The tall man, who was currently laid on one of the benches, closed his novel at the sound of his name. He got up and was met with the two youngsters eagerly looking at him.