Newbie's Skill

Eleven

Ace finally set me on my feet. I glared at him the best I could, but he didn't seem phased in the slightest. So cruel. I shifted my glare to Marco, but he rolled his eyes with a smile.

"You ready for your mark?" Ace asked. My eyes morphed to confusion, and I dropped my crossed arms to my sides. I cocked my head to the side. Ace chuckled. "Do you want to wear the roger on you?" He turned around pointing at his back. This was the first time I was noticing his tattoo, and I gawked at it in complete awe. I kind of wanted one just like it. I pointed to my right shoulder, and he noticed. He smirked.

"Ace," Marco laughed the warning.

"You are so damn cute, it's not funny," Ace sighed dramatically. He pulled me into his chest, resting his chin on my head. I was small, but he didn't have to point it out. He was only 16 centimeters (6.5 inches) taller than me. I huffed with a pout.

"I'm a pirate," I said stubbornly.

"Yeah, yeah. I know. The rising newbie of the West Blue. I'm aware." He released a content breath before letting go of me. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me along. "Let's get your pride."

"Okay." Ace weaved us through a bunch of the pirates as they all began their work for the day. He led us into a weird room. It almost looked like an art studio.

"Yo. Can you help a brother out?" Ace called. A middle aged guy popped out from thin air, and it startled me. I jumped, ducking behind Ace. "Oh, no, no, no. It's okay, Bud. It's okay. You don't have to be scared."

"Sorry. I didn't mean to frighten him," the guy apologized. I didn't want to come out from behind Ace. I just wanted to stay hidden away.

"It's okay. He's a bit jumpy at the moment." Ace turned around, embracing me tightly. "Shh...you're okay, Kid. No one's going to hurt you." My bottom lip trembled again, and my hands shook. "Easy. Shh. I'm right here. I'm not leaving." I peeked at the other guy shyly. "Just be easy on him," Ace whispered to him.

"Understood." He smiled down at me in a friendly manner. "I'm Koda. I hear you want your own Whitebeard tattoo?" I nodded slightly, staying near Ace. My brother slowly urged me closer. "Where would you like it?"

"O-on my...right shoulder...please," I mumbled. The man smiled with a nod.

"Take a seat. It may sting a little, but I'll try to numb it the best that I can. You may still feel the needle." I sat in the seat, and I looked around for a minute as he set up. Ace put his hand on the top of my head. "All right. Are you ready?" I gazed up at Fire Fist with a scared look. He smiled encouragingly. I nodded at the artist as he began his work.