Reason to fight

After spending their last few day training in the various methods the crew possessed, Akane and her crew prepared to set sail again when the log pose had readjusted. It was one hell of an experience, as whenever they tried to store supplies on the ship, an okama would be winking at Ban and Laffitte from the shore. Everytime Ban would only catch a glimpse of them, a churning feeling was felt in his stomach, making him kneel down to recover from it and calm himself down.

Smiling wryly, Akane handed proxy queen Caroline her vivre card, for when Iva-chan would come back here.

After having loaded all the supplies on board, Ban and Laffitte made themselves scarce as Akane and Shinobu prepared to set sail. Waving at the gathered crowd of queers, the ship slowly set of towards the next destination of the log pose.

Once the island was getting out of sight, only then did Ban and Laffitte come back. They furtively looked around as they both cast a sigh of relief after they saw only the other crew members.

"So I guess you weren't such a fan of Iva-chan's home, huh Ban?"

Ban cast her a glare as if it said it all.

"Right, right. I'll keep my mouth shut. For now we should prepare for possible attacks. I know the marines nearby have been called back, but there might be some ambushes left."

Akane said as she readied the sails. Ban began to help as Shinobu quickly found her own tasks to do as well. Picking up speed, they were soon dashing through the waves. In the distance they could already see the tell tale signs of an upcoming storm.

"Ah, I kind of missed moving about this week." Akane said as she already anticipated the hard work they would need to do during the storm.

As if in full agreement, Ban smiled widely as well as he handed Laffitte the helm. When everything was ready, the storm finally hit them.

It would take a while for them to pass through it.

***

After experiencing a long day and night battling against heavy rain and massive hail stones, Ban and Laffitte were taking a short rest while Akane and Shinobu were making sure they stayed on course. Luckily the weather had already cleared and the area they were in now was smooth sailing.

Like that, Shinobu and Akane had some time for themselves.

"Shinobu-san. Can I ask you something personal?"

Akane said after a moment of silence. Even if Akane had spent some time with Shinobu, she still found it hard to strike a conversation with her.

"Sure, ask away." Shinobu responded, the same happy smile on her face.

"What is the reason you wield a sword? I wield it because the world I live in demands I can protect myself, especially with so many pirates and corrupt marines. Besides, gaining strength is the only way for me to get closer to where my brother is now."

Akane said as she stared at her hands. Her hands had long ago stopped looking like those dainty hands most woman had. It was full with calluses caused by her training.

"Mm, why do I fight you ask? Maybe it is to stop an evil creature in my own world. Maybe it is for revenge for my sister. Maybe it is so the pain of loss fades a little. You pick one which is most to your liking. Those are the reasons I fight. As well as that I want to keep my sisters dream alive." Shinobu answered, the smile that was usually on her face faded a bit, anger visible in her eyes.

"I understand. It is important to keep those we love close to us, even if it hurts." Akane said, as she could understand it all too well. She too had decided to get stronger, for herself and for her sworn brothers. She would keep Ace safe, keep Luffy out of trouble and help Sabo in his endeavors.

Even if she got hurt in the process, she would not stop. If one of them died, she would surely avenge them with all her might.

"I see. We all have loved ones to think about."

Shinobu regained the smile she had before, though the expression in her eyes had lightened a lot, along with the heavy mood she had been radiating.

"Once again I look forward in traveling with you, Akane. I hope we can get stronger together."

Akane nodded, grasping Shinobu's hand in agreement.

"If you return to your world, I would gladly help you with what you strive for. It is only natural to help a friend in need."

Shinobu took the outstreched hand and for once smiled from the bottom of her heart.

"When the time comes, I look forward to your help, Akane."

Letting go, both Akane and Shinobu went to grab something to eat and to drink to lighten the mood a bit, as both of them had become a bit peckish and looked forward to some lighter speaking material.

After watching the logpose for a while and making sure they stayed on course, did Laffitte and Ban return from their rest. They looked a lot better ever since they had left Kamabakka kingdom and they looked a lot more relaxed now that they had gotten enough worriless sleep.

Taking the helm from Akane, Akane and Shinobu took their turn to get some rest as both girls slept together in the captains cabin. Like Ban, Shinobu had become fond of petting Akane in her fox form and had used it as some kind of therapeutic session. Like that, the days went by in this matter, as they quickly arrived at the next island. Akane had looked forward to this place as this was the perfect spot to get themself some personalized stuff.

The next island? Water 7.

Their aim? Getting a special ship made just for them. They had enough Berri and they wouldn't get stingy in getting what they needed.