One Piece (Love Story) [Part Two]

Chapter Three Hundred and Thirty Six

-Chapter Three Hundred and Thirty-Six-

"Why did you leave the plaza without saying anything?" Shirahoshi asked as she floated beside our ship after we had quickly left the plaza once Luffy and Jinbe's blood transfusion was done and over with. "Are you running away?" she tilted her head.

"We're not too big on the attention—you saw how many spectators we had watching us fight down there" Zoro said. "If we stick around they'd just treat us like heroes or some dumb crap, just the thought of it makes me want to puke" he frowned.

"Though he's right, as pirates it seems weird to be treated like heroes" I lightly nodded as the princess moved around our ship settling directly in front of Nami, Zoro, and me.

"But why? Isn't it a good thing to be the hero of a nation?" she asked.

"Listen up, I'll spell it out for you" Zoro huffed. "A man who shares his sake with other people, now that's a hero, but I want it all for myself!"

"Keep your damn sake and stop putting dumb ideas in her head!" Nami snapped.

"That's not exactly what a hero is, honey" I sweat dropped.

"Why won't you join us, Jinbe?" Luffy frowned. "I know you got adventure in your blood—come on! It'll be the most fun you'll ever have, I swear!" he pouted as he clung to the former Warlord.

"He's right! Crew up with us, Boss!" Usopp cheered.

"It would be awesome to have a former Warlord with us, and helpful" Chopper added. "Luffy can take a little break."

"I told you, it is impossible for me to join you now" Jinbe reminded them as he took a seat. "But I am still grateful—it is an honor that you asked. I am certain that it'd be the adventure of my life to sail the sea with you all, but I'm afraid I don't have the luxury to indulge in such pleasures" he confessed. "I have responsibilities that I must fulfill, and I've put them off long enough as it is" he frowned. "Once I've seen to my duties—when I'm free from my sworn obligations—I promise I'll set sail and seek you out, no matter where you may be.

"And if you haven't changed your mind and still wish for me to become a member of your crew, well I'll gladly take you up on your offer then if you see fit to have me" he promised.

"You better keep that promise!" Luffy sternly frowned.

"Whoa! Hey, a man's got to do what a man's got to do—give him some time, captain" Sanji said.

"He's really taken with Jinbe" Robin smiled as a few of us lightly chuckled, softly watching the exchange between the men.

"Luffy made it clear you're worth the wait, so if you need some me time, you got it" Franky grinned.

"That is very gracious of you" Jinbe nodded as he closed his eyes.

"So what are we doing next?" Zoro asked as Nami looked at him. "Where to? The New World, right?"

"Uh...what? You're leaving just like that?" Shirahoshi's eyes started to water. "I haven't thanked you properly! It's not fair—why, we've hardly spoken at all!" she whined.

"Okay, it's settled then! Let's stay at the Mermaid Café a whole week!" Sanji proclaimed as hearts floated around him.

"You got some kind of nosebleed death wish!" Usopp snapped as he smacked the back of the blonde's head, knocking him over before smiling. "Sounds fun though" he added, causing the blond to shoot straight back up onto his feet.

"Ignoring your perverse reasons, I wouldn't mind meeting more mermaids" I said.

"Hey! Hold on!" someone suddenly shouted.