I wont be a burden anymore

As Kenshin boarded the Moby Dick, Marco gave him a sedative to make him sleep as they entered the Fishman Island.

"Thank you for treating his injuries, Brother Marco," Hiyori said as she bowed towards Marco.

Dismissively waving his hands, Marco said, "We treat you like our little sister so of course, we are gonna help Kenshin even though we just met him."

Docking the ship at the newly built Fishman Port, Marco and the rest of the crew got off the ship and saw Whitebeard already waiting for them at a nearby bar.

"Gurarara, It has been a long time since we last met Neptune," Whitebeard said as he clicked his beer at Neptune who was sitting opposite to him.

Raising his own mug Neptune downed his beer as he asked, "What happened at the Front Entrance and where is Kenshin?"

Whitebeard frowned hearing Neptune's question and answered nonchalantly, "He died, Kizaru stabbed his sword at that kid's abdomen killing him immediately."

Shirahoshi who was standing behind Neptune started tearing up and asked in a sobbing voice, "Mister Kenshin died?"

Seeing Shirahoshi about to cry Otohime who was quiet the whole shouted angrily at Whitebeard, "Look at what you have done! you made my daughter cry!"

She then turned her attention to Shirahoshi and said trying to calm her down, "That old man is just joking, Scopper Gaban already said that Kenshin is alright is currently resting at the ship."

Shirahoshi who had tears flowing down her face nodded while wiping the tears away, she then looked at Whitebeard and said while sticking her tongue out, "I don't like you!"

Everyone's face froze seeing the two ladies shouting and admonishing Whitebeard who was the savior of their Island.

Rayleigh who was at the same table laughed and said, "Hahaha, to think that you have fallen this low Whitebeard."

Neptune was already apologizing on behalf of his wife and daughter, while Scopper Gaban was drinking his beer peacefully.

"Pops!"

The awkward atmosphere was broken when Marco with the rest of the Whitebeard's commanders appeared.

Whitebeard nodded his head and continued drinking, he looked at Neptune and asked, "Why is an admiral along with two CP-0 agents trying to catch Kenshin?"

All of them stopped what they were doing as they all turned their attention towards Neptune wanting to find out the answer.

Neptune gave a weary smile and said, "A few days ago a celestial dragon came to Fishman Island wanting to take back the slaves that escaped but Kenshin blocked him killing all of his guards and freeing the slaves that he brought along with him."

"Oh? that kid is really audacious to block a celestial dragon, so what did he do to that world noble that came?" Rayleigh asked clearly impressed at what Kenshin did.

"After killing all his guards, Kenshin threatened the celestial dragon we already made a plan beforehand that he will act as the evil person while I will save the celestial dragon who was to be killed by Kenshin making the celestial dragon not turn his hatred towards Fishman Island." Neptune was already clenching his fist after finishing his explanation, he was clearly ashamed for using Kenshin as bait.

Scopper Gaban who was silent the whole time slammed his mug and said, "You don't need to feel ashamed, that was Kenshin's decision and it was the right call to make. no one died so everything is fine, it will also serve as training for Kenshin who still needs a lot more fighting and near-death experience to strengthen his will."

Whitebeard and Rayleigh both nodded their heads in agreement, they still want to nitpick on Kenshin but what he did was clearly worth praising.

Back on Whitebeard's ship Hiyori who was watching over Kenshin had a smile on her face as he caressed his face affectionately.

--- Flashback ---

"Capture them! don't let them escape!" A dozen of Beastpirate members shouted.

A young Kenshin and Hiyori ran for their lives as they tried to escape from their pursuers.

"Ken-ken, I can't run anymore just leave me behind," Hiyori said as he fell down on the ground, her bare feet were already injured from running.

The 12 year old Kenshin immediately carried Hiyori and said, "We will be escaping here together, I swore to protect you even if it costs me my life."

Hiyori who was at the back of Kenshin was already in tears as she gripped his shirt tightly feeling helpless.

---------------------

"To think that you would become this strong after we escaped Wano 9 years ago, I also became stronger so that you won't have to shoulder everything by yourself," Hiyori closed her eyes and whispered recalling what happened to them in the past.

"I told you that you don't have to train and just leave everything to me," Kenshin who was asleep woke up and said looking at the beautiful face of Hiyori.

Opening her eyes, she smiled at Kenshin and rested her head on his chest as she shook her head saying, "I don't want to be a burden anymore that is why I asked Pops, godfather Rayleigh, and godfather Gaban to train me."

Hearing her talk Kenshin caressed her head and said, "Don't worry, now that we have finally reunited I can now proceed to my next plan and that is to recruit strong allies that are not affiliated with any pirate crew or organization."

Raising her head, Hiyori stared at Kenshin who was looking at the ceiling and said, "I knew that you are planning on recruiting strong allies that is why I already asked Izo who was my father's former retainer to scout out potential allies who are not affiliated to any organization."

Patting her head Kenshin leaned towards Hiyori and kissed her cheeks making her blush, "You really are my little princess, so thoughtful."