Wind in our Sails KobyXReader

Chapter 16: Opening up

It had been three days since your dreaded birthday. But the dreams just kept getting worse and worse. Each day you would run only those times you waited until morning drills when someone would count for you. Without realizing it, you had managed to hit the 300 laps under an hour cause of that one morning.

"Well, well Y/N-chan, it looks like you've finally built up your stamina. Now we can focus on sparring more. Hahahaha." Garp slapped your back hard, so hard you lost your breath for a moment.

"Don't break the medic, Vice Admiral." You heard a random soldier yell, ever since your promotion and work at Rocky Port people were more inclined to show you respect for your position and job description. People were finally getting used to your mannerisms and were coming to understand your abrupt nature was your way to easily explain the issues people faced and the best way they could make their lives improve.

"Yeah, if she goes out of commission we're screwed." Another yelled. You found yourself looking for one in particular. You couldn't see him and after a few moments of your searching, you heard someone clear their throat behind you.

"Looking someone L/N." Grount was smirking at you.

"Not really. What's up?"

"I'm your sparring partner for the next month." Your eyes went wide underneath the brim of your hat.

"I'm sorry what?"

"Don't worry I'll take it easy on you."

An hour later and you were limping with Grount chuckling at your expense.

"Go easy my ass." You couldn't stop the complaint from going past your lips.

"Hahahaha oh c'mon L/N I barely tried you're just weak. Your soru was pathetic and easy to read. You can't just evade all the time. Although your flexibility is a pain in the ass. That kick to the head hurt."

"Serves you right." You muttered knowing full well that he could hear you.

"Y/N-san? Grount?" Your heart fluttered the voice. "Y/N-San?! What happened to you?"

Your face showed your irritation. You simply pointed a finger at Grount who chuckled.

"Garp is having her spar with me for a month. Let's just say she's got a lot of work to do."

"You could've taken it easy on her Grount! Worn the weights on your wrists and ankles! Y/N-San is rarely ever in combat!"

"Y/N-San is right here." You grumbled and both boys went quiet. "I would like to bathe and then get back to my medic duties if you two don't mind. Excuse me." Without another word, you walked into the infirmary closing the door behind you.

"Seriously Grount? You went more than 50% on her?"

"Oh come off it Koby! Look will an enemy show her mercy cause she's dressed like a medic and not a soldier? No. If anything they'll go after her first because she's a medic. She needs to be able to defend herself or stall off an enemy long enough for us to back her up. She's tough she can handle it! Plus she's stubborn as a mule. I think you all need to stop babying her and try to help her grow. Cause if she doesn't she's going to remain in the same place. And always be unhappy."

You gasped at Grount's words. Before you got caught eavesdropping you went to the shower and gave yourself a quick wash. Wrapped your knee, that Grount had previously kicked, and began your day of appointments.

I'm comfortable where I am though. People need to stop worrying so much about me.

But you couldn't get what Grount said out of your mind. No matter how many medical charts you reread, how many sketches you did or science books you delved into it never left your mind. You didn't know where to even begin on how to be a better fighter. You had a feeling that the only reason why they went with Grount was that everyone else refused.