𝐬𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐝𝐞 | 𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝑷𝒊𝒆𝒄𝒆 ✔️

stronger

The next time Masayoshi and William met, she was bleeding slightly and working to stop the blood cascading down her temple. During training she had somehow been struck by a stray bullet and it pierced her forehead to cut it open. 

As she had a strong dislike towards the doctors, since her father had hired them to report to him about all of her failings, Masayoshi tended to avoid the hospital and clinics by going to the bar and requesting Alfred stitch her wounds. 

The man had plenty experience to the point that he was just as good as any of the doctors, and as the only person she was close to trusting in the entire world besides her father, she felt rather comfortable allowing him to take care of her wounds. 

Although, lately it hasn't been as quiet and peaceful with these damn pirates especially the blonde haired one who kept trying to befriend her each time she came. Unfortunately for him she didn't like or believe in the idea of friends. Acquaintances, maybe, but not friends.

"What the devil did you do?" Alfred sighed and she clenched her jaw when he poured alcohol on the cut. "If this is part of the training that darned father of yours gives you-"

"Enough," She pushed his hand away with a frown and took the needle away from him. "I'll do it myself, I don't need your help."

He slapped her hands away and snatched the needle back. "Don't get attitude with me and sit down. Can't believe you still talk like that to me when I've practically raised you."

Despite herself, Masayoshi sat down with a frown and a low warning that he watch how he talks about her father. Alfred frowned back and it came as a slight surprise to her when a feeling of distaste made her head nearly lower. 

Catching herself, she raised her chin only to glare as her cut bled and began to stain her coat. With a slight curse, Masayoshi grabbed the marine coat and tossed it to a chair in order to prevent it from staining even if it was too late.

 Around ten minutes later, the stitches were complete and almost instantly she stood to leave only for a hand to grab her own. Of course, it was William. An irritated scowl on her face as she ripped her hand out of his grip. 

Apologizing, William backed off with his palms in the air and smiled at her and the young marine captain could already foresee what his next actions would be.

"Let's be friends."

"What is wrong with you?" Monotonously, her voice rumbled, "I have no interest in gaining an acquaintance nor what you call... a friend. Do not annoy me or I will not hesitate to render you immobile."

"So is that a no?" William sighed, "Are you sure? I promise you wont regret it!"

She walked away. He was too loud. "Leave me alone."

Despite how impolite she had been acting to him, William only grew even more determined to become her friend. He felt like one of those book characters who were so stubborn that it was annoying, and he'd become annoying if he had to. 

Masayoshi clearly needed friends- or rather a friend since she even lacked that and he made a silent promise to become her first. Being on this island was lonely and while it was peaceful as well he wanted some noise. 

He was the son of a pirate after all, he wanted some adventure but being stuck here prevented him from doing so as did his fathers orders. It was hard, but maybe everything could be better with a friend, right?

Shanks leaned back in his seat and gulped down some beer before gesturing for the boy to sit next to him. William happily skipped over to his side and the red-haired pirates struck up conversation with the boy.