A/N: Okay. This is ridiculous. 11 Chapters in, almost 26k views and only 3 people have actively engaged with the fanfic š.
Do you all want me to actually drop this fic before it even begins, because I really will do it. I need more comments and reviews to show that you actually care about the fic.
It's demotivating to spend hours writing chapters for people to completely go quite about it. Please do better people!!!
NOW ENJOY THE CHAPTER:)
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The Marine warship sailed wistfully through the open sea, its massive hull cutting a clean path through the rolling waves. The sound of water slapping against reinforced wood echoed rhythmically, steady and almost hypnotic. White gulls circled above, their cries carried by the wind, before eventually peeling away as the ship continued onward toward its destination.
At the far edge of the deck, Tenjin sat alone.
He perched casually near the railing, one leg drawn up, the other dangling over the side as if the endless blue beneath him held no threat at all. His green hair fluttered freely in the wind, strands brushing against the collar of his Marine coat as it billowed behind him. The symbol of justice on his back rippled with every gust, distorted and then reformed, over and over again.
His eyes, however, were distant, focused on something far beyond the horizon.
Tenjin was clearly deep in thought.
The usual lazy confidence he carried like a second skin was absent, replaced by a quiet stillness that weighed heavier than any shouted command. His posture was relaxed, yet his presence felt sharper, like a blade resting in its sheath.
No one dared disturb him.
The Marines stationed on deck kept their voices low, their movements careful, as if any sudden noise might shatter something fragile. Even the more seasoned soldiers, men who had served under multiple captains, instinctively understood that this was not a moment to intrude.
Tashigi stood several paces behind him, hands clasped at her sides.
She watched Tenjin with a conflicted expression, her glasses catching the sunlight as she shifted slightly. Since boarding the warship, she had noticed the change in him. The carefree, irritatingly laid-back captain she had grown used to seemedā¦ different.
Quieter.
He hadn't made a single joke since they set sail.
Her brow furrowed as a thought crossed her mind.
Is this about that Hakugan Makima-san spoke about?
She remembered the way Makima's voice had changed when she recognized the name Trafalgar Law and more importantly, when she had spoken about Hakugan. There had been familiarity there. History.
And now Tenjin looked like a man staring straight at his past.
Before Tashigi could sink further into her thoughts, the cry of a lookout rang out from above.
"Land ahead!"
An island slowly came into view, rising from the sea like a dark silhouette. Jagged cliffs framed its edges, while dense greenery sprawled inward, thick with towering trees and twisted roots. The island looked quiet, too quiet.
Tashigi swallowed.
Although she was reluctant to disturb Tenjin, duty ultimately won out. She stepped forward, boots clicking softly against the deck, and stopped a respectful distance behind him.
"Captain Tenjin," she said, her voice firm but polite. "We are approaching the island."
Tenjin didn't turn around.
He didn't even shift.
"Yes," he replied calmly. "I can see it."
The simplicity of his response made Tashigi pause. She nodded, stepping back once more, her hand instinctively moving to rest on the hilt of her sword. Her grip tightened slightly as she prepared herself for what was to come.
The warship continued forward for several more minutes before slowing to a halt just outside the island's shoreline. There was no proper port, no docks, no signs of civilization. The Marines anchored the ship wherever space allowed, the chains rattling as they dropped.
Tenjin finally moved.
He rose to his feet in one smooth motion and jumped down from the railing, landing firmly on the deck. The shift in atmosphere was immediate. Marines straightened instinctively, eyes snapping toward him.
Tenjin stretched his neck once, then raised his voice.
"Alright, you guys," he said casually. "Stay tight here and wait for my return."
A chorus of voices rang out in unison.
"Sir, yes sir!"
Tashigi's eyes widened.
She turned sharply toward Tenjin, surprise clear on her face. "Wait," she said quickly. "Why are you leaving them on the ship? It would be better to lead with numbers to make sure the pirates don't escape."
Tenjin rolled his shoulders once, cracking his neck as if loosening tension. He looked at her then, his expression flat but not unkind.
"No," he said. "That strategy is terrible."
Tashigi blinked.
"We're going to face pirates here," Tenjin continued. "Having fodder with me would likely be an advantage to them. I'm someone who cares about my subordinates. If they were to be used as a human shield, I wouldn't be able to sacrifice them."
His tone was matter-of-fact. No dramatics and no bravado.
Just truth.
Tashigi stared at him, momentarily stunned.
Once again, she found herself looking at Tenjin in awe. "ā¦I guess that makes a lot of sense," she admitted. "And your love for your subordinates is quite commendable."
Tenjin didn't respond. He had already turned away, heading for the stairs leading down toward landfall.
"You can stay behind as well, Tashigi," he said over his shoulder.
Her eyes widened.
Before she could think twice, Tashigi moved after him. "I'd like to go with you, Captain Tenjin," she said, walking alongside him. "I promise I won't slow you down."
Tenjin continued walking without missing a step. "Do as you please."
Relief bloomed across Tashigi's face. "Thank you."
Together, they disembarked.
---
At the top edge of Gakuro Island, a white polar bear was supposed to be keeping watch.
Instead, he was sleeping.
Curled up against a rock, Beppo snored softly, completely unaware of the responsibility he was neglecting. The breeze rustled through the trees above him, carrying the distant scent of saltwater.
After a long moment, Beppo stirred.
"Hnnnā¦" he mumbled, slowly opening his eyes. He yawned widely, stretching his arms. "I fell asleepā¦ how long was I asleep for?"
He rubbed his eyes lazily.
Then he froze.
A massive warship loomed in the distance.
Beppo squinted, leaning forward.
Realization hit him like a cannonball.
"THE MARINES!" he screamed, eyes bulging in sheer panic. "The Marines are here! And I didn't see anything because I was sleeping even though I was supposed to be on watch!"
He bolted upright and took off running, crashing through brush and roots as he shouted at the top of his lungs.
"Captain! Captain! Caaaaptain!"
---
Deeper within the island, beneath the shade of massive, gnarled trees, Trafalgar Water D. Law sat calmly, polishing his sword.
He paused mid-motion as Beppo's frantic shouting reached his ears.
His eyes shifted toward the sound.
Moments later, Beppo burst into view, arms flailing as he ran straight toward the group.
The Heart Pirates were gathered nearby, seated among strange tree roots that twisted into natural benches. The island was small and largely uninhabited, but the terrain provided enough cover to rest comfortably, for pirates, at least.
Ikkaku, the only female member present, spoke up flatly. "What is it now?"
Penguin crossed his arms. "Whatever it is, it can't be good."
Beppo finally reached them, bent over and gasping for air.
Law straightened. "What is it, Beppo?"
Beppo sucked in a breath and shouted, "Marines! The Marines are on the island!"
"Marines!?" Sachi echoed, shock laced with panic.
Law frowned. "Beppo. Why weren't you keeping watch? How did the Marines make landfall without you seeing them?"
Beppo shrank under his gaze. "Sorry, Captainā¦ I kind of fell asleep."
Ikkaku stared at him in disbelief. "Unbelievable."
Law facepalmed, sighing deeply. "Whatever. We'll just defeat the Marines and leave the island. It's already been discovered anyway."
Beppo hesitated. "I don't think it's going to be that simple, Captain."
Law's eyes sharpened. "Why?"
"My Mink senses," Beppo said quietly. "They sensed someone extremely strong on that ship."
Law narrowed his eyes. "Stronger than me?"
"Iā¦ can't be sure."
---
Elsewhere, Tashigi watched Tenjin walk ahead of her, awe slowly filling her chest.
Every step he took caused life to bloom.
Flowers pushed through the soil, petals unfurling in vivid colors. Grass spread beneath his boots, roots shifting gently as if welcoming him. The island itself seemed to respond to his presence.
Tashigi smiled. "I didn't know your Devil Fruit had such a comforting ability."
Tenjin chuckled lightly. "I know, right? Sometimes I just use it because it looks cool."
Just then, the members of the Heart Pirates came into view.
Law's breath caught when he saw the green-haired Marine.
I was naive, he thought grimly. Of course they would send the Demon Lord Captain Tenjin to capture me. This is bad.
The crew tensed, sensing their captain's unease.
Except for one.
Hakugan stared at Tenjin, conflicted emotions churning inside him.
The word slipped out before he could stop himself.
"Tennyā¦"
Law snapped his head toward him. "Huh!? What did you say?"
Hakugan raised a hand, pointing at the approaching figure. "That's Tenny."
Law followed his gaze. "That's Marine Captain Tenjin. Are you sure you're not mistaking him for someone else?"
Hakugan shook his head. "I'm sure of it. That's Tenjin. My childhood friend."
Shock rippled through the crew.
"You're childhood friends with the Demon Lord!?" Law exclaimed.
Hakugan winced. "Yesā¦ but I haven't seen him in quite a long time."
Moments later, Tenjin arrived, Tashigi at his side.
He stopped in front of them.
His eyes locked with Hakugan's.
Law shifted into an attack stance, muscles tense. He's not making a moveā¦ he thought.
Silence stretched.
Then Tenjin spoke.
"Hakugan," he said softly. "It's been a while."