Newbie's Skill

Fifty-Seven

I jumped off the branch, landing on the ground in a crouch. I grit my teeth, glaring up at the guy that startled me. Then, I backflipped to avoid the bullet that was shot at me by Yasopp.

"Woah, boys! Woah! Don't shoot the kid!" Shanks hollered.

"He's a Whitebeard Pirate, you idiots! If you kill him, we're all gonna die!" Buggy freaked out after grabbing Yasopp's collar with both hands, violently shaking him. Yasopp sneered at him. The lion tamer from Buggy's crew re-joined the group as I stood up. I picked up Ace's hat that fell off while I attempted to save my life. Shanks released a heavy breath of relief while I put the hat back on.

"Sorry about that, Ashlo," he smiled warmly. I shrugged a bit.

"Not the first time someone tried to murder me. It's no big deal," I responded. I glanced behind me as Marco's presence lingered closer and closer.

"Ash, we set up camp a little ways from here," Marco announced. He took a look at the surroundings. "Well, look what you found." He tipped Ace's hat off so it dangled behind me by its string. "Nice work," he complimented, ruffling up my hair with a proud smile. I just grinned at him. "Hello, Shanks. Buggy. Mihawk," Marco greeted.

"Hi, Marco," Buggy greeted in a deadpan voice as he released Shanks' sniper man. He had an expressionless face as he stared at my big brother. I glanced up at Marco, but he just smirked.

"Go on, Ashlo. Go back to the others. I'll be right behind you," Marco commanded. I huffed, crossing my arms at him. His eyes locked with mine. "Now, Ash," he ordered a bit rougher. I scoffed at him.

"I guess spending time with Luffy made him even more stubborn," Shanks chuckled. Shanks watched the interaction with intensity, and it gave me the chills. Why was it that he always made me want to fight him? I just stared at him, mentally playing out a few sneaky moves to start the battle. It didn't last long because Marco flicked my forehead.

"If you're gonna stay, then you're not allowed to fight people. Especially Emperors. Don't you remember what happened to you last time you decided to fight Shanks? You ended up getting your ass handed to you," Marco scolded. Shanks couldn't hold back his laughter anymore, and his laugh rang throughout the forest. I pouted at Marco. "Don't even think about it, Kid," my brother warned.

"What a kid," Shanks chuckled.

"Wait, this happened before?" Buggy wondered. I shrugged a bit.

"Kind of," I answered. "And he broke one of my ribs." I could have sworn I saw his soul leave his body. Shanks just laughed at all of the bickering his brother was making. Well...friend. Apparently they were sworn brothers, but Buggy seemed to have a grudge against Shanks. It was pretty entertaining, if I was being completely honest. I could watch it all day, any day.

"Shanks! Are you stupid!" Buggy shouted at him. "You could have been killed!"

"Don't act like you two are best friends now, Buggy," Mihawk scoffed. Marco and I laughed together at the group.