Newbie's Skill

Fifty-Nine

"Hey, Ashlo," Luffy called. I glanced at the com snail.

"What's up?" I wondered.

"Can I ask you something?"

"You just did," I chuckled. "But yeah."

"I want you to join my crew." I sighed, sitting down my pencil. The crew heard the command and looked over at my reaction. Luffy's voice lacked his usual outgoing tone. It was serious. Too serious. I huffed, glancing at Marco who seemed troubled by the tone, too.

"Luffy, I already told you no. I'm a Whitebeard pirate."

"I know, but..." His voice trailed off for a second. I grew even more worried about his behavior. It wasn't like him to be at a loss for words. "I would feel better having you close to me," he finally admitted. "I'm worried about you. I know Marco and them can take care of you and protect you and all, but I...I don't know."

"Big Brother instinct," Marco explained, sitting down next to me and the snail com. He ruffled my hair protectively. "We always worry. Especially being so far apart." He looked at the com. "I understand, Luffy. I really do. It's a natural feeling. Ace got twitchy all of the time when he first joined because he had been worried sick about you. When Ashlo joined, it was even worse."

"Sorry about this, Marco," Luffy apologized.

"Nah, don't be. I understand. Ashlo worries all of us to death. He's reckless and an idiot sometimes. But still." He smiled warmly at me, petting my hair gently. I smiled, enjoying the attention and affection. "He's smarter than we give him credit for half of the time. He's brave. He's strong. He is great at self-defense, which is a huge relief to the crew." Marco sighed heavily. He seemed to be in deep thought.

"I know. I know. You're right. He can definitely kick some ass," Luffy laughed.

"It actually might not be a bad idea." I hummed before stopping to think about what Marco just suggested. I blinked, looking to Haruka for any signs of confirmation. And I got more than plenty.

"HUH!" everyone, including the Straw Hats yelled. Marco scratched the back of his neck while the other division commanders began their protests against the idea.

"We're on Isle Island. How about the crew stop by? We can talk about further details when you get here," Marco suggested. I glanced at him sadly. Was he leaving me again? Did I always have to be abandoned?

"Okay," Luffy said in a monotone voice. We hung up with each other after that, and the entire crew looked to their first division commander in agony.

"Marco, I already told Luffy no," I mumbled, sitting up. He had me in his lap in a heartbeat.

"Trust me, I would love to never give you to anyone."

"Then why?" I asked. He sighed heavily again.

"After we finish business up in Wano, we're retiring from the seas. By the spirit you have and that look in your eyes, I don't think you're ready to give up the sea. I don't blame you for wanting more time out there. Exploring the endless possibilities. Luffy can take you in, giving you protection and shelter. I'm sure Red-Haired would do the same, but I prefer your chances with Luffy."

"You don't have to give me up like this, though," I pouted at him. He kissed my forehead.

"I do," Marco disagreed. "You won't go otherwise."

"But-"

"No buts," he interrupted me. "It's final. You'll always come to visit either way. Plus, we're one call away." We all knew the truth behind his words, but it hurt hearing it, regardless.