Burning Hearts [SEQUEL INCLUDED]

Chapter 19.5

This is another extra chapter because why not? Also, this extra is quite long so it's optional to skip it.

This is between the Straw Hats and my OC (which is also me), Shimizu. They are visiting their loved ones' graves. Also, this is in the Original AU where Ace dies.

Ok, enjoy!

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Shimizu

We sailed to our first stop, Ace's grave. The crew and I stayed on the ship while Luffy alighted to go and talk to Ace. While waiting, I stared at the sea. They've been asking about Miharu a lot so today, I'll bring them somewhere but before that, I'll go see my family. I remember the day my family was taken from me. I...

"Oi, Shimi-san."

I turned to see Sanji next to me with a lit cigarette in his mouth.

"Oh, hey, Sanji-kun," I greeted.

"I tried calling your name earlier but you looked distracted. Is something on your mind lately?" He asked.

"Oh, nothing. Admiring the sea could make one cancel everything out. Oh, after some of the crew and I visit our loved ones' graves, I want to bring all of you somewhere. I've been making everyone ask about Miharu a lot so I figured it's time I show you." I told Sanji.

"Is that so? Then, I'll inform everyone." He said before going.

Luffy came back and Sanji informed them of my plan. They nodded and then sailed off to the next stop.

After I visited my family's graves, we sailed to the coordinates I gave Nami. A few minutes later, we arrived at an island with a huge forest. We then docked the ship and got off. I brought along rope and tied everyone's waists.

"This is for safety reasons. And I mean it so don't ever take it off until we reach the inside of the forest, where our destination is." I told everyone, receiving nods.

We walked into the forest, wary of our surroundings. 10 minutes later, we arrived at a stone door. We then untied the rope off our waists and looked around. It was huge but there was no building behind it. It had moss on its frames and doors.

"Whoa, this door is HUGE!" Luffy commented.

As we approached the door, Usopp noticed something on the door.

"Oh, look. There's something on it." Usopp pointed out.

We looked at where he pointed and there was something on the door. Robin walked up to the door and touched it.

"Yeah. It's some kind of language that I can't decipher." Robin told us as she traced the prints with her hands before moving away.

"I've read about this somewhere. It's a language only understood by those who have experienced something out of this world like ghosts, angels or... demons." Chopper said.

I walked up and touched the door. I didn't tell them I was able to decipher the words even without encountering the paranormal.

"Demons of Hell, Angels of Heaven, may you deliver the key to this door and unlock what's within." I unconsciously read as my hand traced the letters.

After I read, I turned and everyone was speechless. Then, I heard a creak and the door opened behind me. Everyone was shocked that the door opened but they were more shocked that I could understand the language.

"Oi, how did you..." Zoro asked.

"I must've experienced something, then. But I don't remember what." I lied.

Although, I have encountered many things, from monsters to demons. It's just that I don't want to tell them. I need them to see it for themselves. Also, I was the one who brought them here but it's not me that wanted to. It was...

"Well, let's enter." Luffy said.

We all entered and it teleported us to a barren land filled with fog. We all stayed together, ready to attack. Then, a tall cloaked figure approached us and cleared the fog.

"Welcome. I see you've been brought here. This is the Land of the Past. Everything you have ever experienced, from good to bad, will be revealed whenever you think of it." The figure explained.

The crew exchanged glances while I stood there, looking at the figure. It smiled seeing me, making everyone else confused.

"My, it's good to see you again, Hatake D. Shimizu. It seems someone you know wants to show them something. I will if some of them are willing to show a memory." It offered.

I looked at everyone who nodded with no hesitation. The figure then fades and a memory appears in its place.

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[End]