Chapter 23

◇Nami's POV◇

"Ah~ I'm tired..." (Nami)

It was tiring to retain the skills of the shadows. Shika told me that this was the training he did in his free time.

I took a sit on a nearby bench of the training grounds. And then something pounced on me.

"Nami-oneechan! Garachu~!" (Raiden)

"Kyaaah! That surprised me! Mou... Garachu~" (Nami)

Rai-chan so cute~ Ooh... you're so fluffy!

His fur is so soft! Let's rest for now.

I let him took a nap on my lap and patted him softly. I wonder if this is how to take care of a little brother.

Strangely, I am here in Thriller Bark, the home of the Bounty hunters. I was supposed to be learning in Weatheria. But it isn't bad to train here, All sorts of books are also here.

The people here are so good to me, Maybe it's because of Shika.

That Shika... He's interfering in my life... And I don't mind it that much. He's doing it for me. Isn't this close to being married?!

Gosh!! How can I think it like that!

But...

"Ehehe... marriage, huh?.. Wait... He still didn't do anything aside from training me in this 1 month! What marriage?!" (Nami)

Due to the ruckus, Rai-chan woke up.

Sorry~

"Rai-chan, Want to take a bath with me? I'm sweaty from training..." (Nami)

Raiden was supposed to say yes since he didn't think much of the lesser minks but he felt a chill when he sensed an intent coming from the HQ.

With sweat on his cheeks, Raiden shook his head.

Huh? Why does Rai-chan look scared?

"Is that so, Next time then, okay?" (Nami)

"... Nya! I'll get going, Nami-oneechan! See you~" (Raiden)

The mink boy quickly left and disappear from the training grounds.

Hey, I'm not a scary Onee-chan. Damn it, Hah... I guess I'll invite that CP9 girl. Her ability is so refreshing in the bath.

In the month I've spent here, I noticed that the townspeople here really respect the Guildmaster.

Well, being active in hunting pirates is also part of it. Shika would sometimes leave the Thriller Bark and then the news of his feats would arrive the next day.

(a/n: Please consider that my OC and the Guild are hunting pirates off-screen. He also has to submit the prisoners that the hunters captured to the Impel down.)

Of course, I wasn't spending my time like a freeloader. The Guild needed the maps that I made and I felt that this is a beneficial exchange. Sometimes I would help the Guild in maneuvering this Island Ship.

Also, there are a ton of books here and maps of the islands that have the Guild hubs. I spent my time in the archive and wait for Shika to come back to continue my training.

I'm really curious how strong Shika is. It's really kind of him to bring me some presents that he got when he was hunting.

I can't even demand since he was ahead of me every time. Now, I'm feeling bad about taking this all for free. I've never felt this way before. Maybe because we never spent some money during our piracy trip.

Nonetheless, there are still 5 months until I can meet Luffy and the others again. I can't wait to surprise them with my proficient use of Clima Tact! With the science of Weatheria and the martial arts of the shadows! I can be a little bit confident in our next voyage!

Oops, I need to study more about the weather in the New World. It's my job to make our trip safe! Grandpa's of the sky, Thank you!!

Yosh! I'll do my best!

◇Shikage POV◇

The meeting was finished in the evening. Nami's already at the archive studying the maps.

Raiden is also wandering around the HQ. I was a little bit immature when I spread my Haki to the training grounds.

I can't believe that kid was having a nap at Nami's lap?! Damnit I didn't get my turn yet.

Phew... I need to stop being immature. I am already 19 years old! Get it together self!

Anyways, The results of the meeting were to be extra careful to the advances of Blackbeard's pirate group.

Luckily, The status of Blackbeard is too big. So every move he makes would notify the WG and Navy.

Right now, The relationship between my Guild and the WG is heading in a bad direction. Due to the rush of the Bounty hunter profession, The World Military Draft of the Fleet Admiral had a competition. So, there's a little bit of a shortage of recruits than they expected.

Anyways, I need to secure the safety of the Guild and become independent when It's time for the dissolution of the Royal Shichibukai.

As we left the conference room. I went down to the lobby of the HQ. It was spacious and there were a lot of rowdy people that are most likely hunters walking around. Even at night, the building is still busy.

When I came in, the gazes of the hunters and the staff gathered on me. They all greeted me as I passed the lobby and get on the carriage at the exit of the building.

Although it's easy to travel to my mansion using the shadows, I still prefer riding the carriage and enjoy the streetscape of my Island.

Shortly after, I arrived at the mansion that's filled with zombies. My zombie servant, Cindry came and led me to the dining room. Currently, I am the only living being here in the mansion. I have already invited my team, the hunters, and Nami to live here but they all declined due to the zombies.

Geez, Why is it bad living with zombies?

That being said, I'm comfortable with this. I have a lot of dead bodies in the giant freezer made by the late Hogback and supplied by the Ice of Kuzan. So, the zombie soldiers and the general zombies were in masses.

"Cindry, how's the laboratory doing? is he still making zombies?" (Shikage)

"Yes, Young master. All the zombies for combat are moved to [Niflheim]." (Cindry)

"Very good. Then, I'll rest for tonight." (Shikage)

I went to my room and lied down on the king-size bed to organize my thoughts. Hah...

It sounds like I'm planning something, That's right. I have a scheme.

The one I'm referring to the manufacturer of zombies is that late Hogback. It's been a long time since I reanimated his corpse using his own shadow.

And with the time provided for him, There were major upgrades and modifications to the zombies. Now, I gave them steel masks to prevent the weakness of salt and seawater.

As for how they can connect with [Niflheim], there is a pathway I created permanently in the basement of my mansion. The laboratory is also close to the pathway.

I've never stopped using my abilities during the intense training and the 3 months of hunting in the New World. Now, I can do countless techniques with my ability.

One of these is the creation of the pathway. This led to the creation of the zombie barracks in [Niflheim]. This building is different from the small house inside [Niflheim]. Unlike the barracks, The small house is portable. It is wherever I go.

I can now declare that I have perfect control over my Devil Fruit ability!

Then I spent the night relaxing while controlling the animated bats before drifting off to sleep.

◇◇

I am at Shadowfen right now with Nami. I decided to spend my day with her before leaving the Thriller Bark tomorrow. Luckily, the weather isn't bad and it is a bit windy so it is refreshing.

The attention of the townspeople has already focused on us. But we were used to it after experiencing it many times. We had just finished shopping and were quite hungry. Nami thought of a restaurant and proudly told me to follow her.

Nami wore a nice dress and I kept telling her how good she looks. She is pulling my hand cheerfully while we walk together.

I was watching that orange hair of hers diagonally behind her. Every time she turns her head and smiles at me. I felt bliss.

I have styled my black hair, wore fancy clothes, and felt good. We were completely a match.

(We look like couples... Oh, We are a couple!) (Shikage)

The spectators had this grin on their faces as they watch as walking towards our destination.

Shortly after, we had arrived at the destination. Nami finally released my hand. In front of us was one of the partners of the Hunters Guild, It is a famous establishment that has a lot of food chains all over the world.

"It's here, Shika. The food here is nice..." (Nami)

Oi, How come I don't know this place. Anyways, Looks like lunch would be good. We entered the building and chose the table in a wide-open space.

I let her sit first and take a seat after Nami was seated. Nami begins ordering a lot of things in a familiar manner from the waiter that came to take our orders.

"Uh? Aren't you a bit too familiar with this?" (Shikage)

"Well, We do sometimes come here. The ladies in the HQ. Actually, Lily-san was the one who introduces this restaurant to me." (Nami)

"I see... It's quite nice here." (Shikage)

I'm not kidding. It is a nice restaurant. The interior was a classic eatery and we are on the balcony that is covered by a large umbrella. We can see the bustling town of Shadowfen. The boats in the river and the port, Hunters who are shopping for supplies, Children playing hunt and capture, And people who are making a living.

After a while, the drinks were brought over.

This restaurant is really good. I filled up our glasses.

"Now then, Shika... Thanks for everything. I've never met someone like you. I know how shitty my personality is but... No one really spoils me and cares for me as you do." (Nami)

Nami looked down and I feel that she's opening up to me more than in our previous interaction.

"Hey, We're in a nice restaurant, Don't say shitty. hahaha~ Nami, I don't do this to anyone, you know? I do this because it's you." (Shikage)

Nami looked at me with a slight tear in her eyes. I plan to remove her greed by satisfying her more than what she wants.

"Ehehe. Thank you, Shika... Cheers!" (Nami)

"Cheers!" (Shikage)

We clinked glasses and drank the content. It's a bit sweet and easy to drink.

I can't help but remember our first night together.

Fufu~

"Wait, Why are you laughing?" (Nami)

"No, no, I'm not laughing at you. I just remember the orange juice." (Shikage)

Nami gasped. And immediately turn red all the way to her ears. It's because the orange juice is what made that night happened.

Nami suddenly gave me an orange juice in the middle of the night and the rest was history.

Oh, There's no drug in the drink. It's pure words and attraction.

"Anyway! I'm taking this relationship seriously. You better be ready, Shikage!" (Nami)

"Hmm... Then we better need a last name. Right?" (Shikage)

(a/n: Need suggestion~)

Then the food was brought to our tables. A lot of foods look appetizing. Meat, Vegetables, and Desserts were served!

After that, We continue our talk while eating.

The drinks were good, the foods were also good. I wanted this day to be unforgettable.

By the time we left the establishment, The sun is already setting and a beautiful orange sky is in view.

Nami was so amazed that she kept giggling to herself and told me what she felt about the sky.

I know how to make this day unforgettable. Sorry, Nami, But I may have to shock you with this one.

"Nami, Step aside and get close to me." (Shikage)

Nami nodded and obeys it. The people around us were also curious about what's happening. I spread my shadow and expanded it to make a portal.

"Arise! [Shadow dragon 13]!" (Shikage)

The people who were looking at the expanded shadow on a large open space were gathering. They saw what happens next and let out gasps! Their gasps soon turn into shocked screams.

"Hieeeeck!"

"What's that thing?!"

"... Shika?! Wha-" (Nami)

It's because of the large, black monster that suddenly rose from the shadows!

It flapped its massive wings and roared towards the sky.

*Roa~r*

It was a massive dragon made out of a shadow. The dragon's appearance is scary since it has black scales, glowing purple horns, and a glowing purple underbelly. This monster is really terrifying for those with weaker wills.

It was Nami's first time seeing the [Shadow dragon 13], So her reaction wasn't all that much different from the regular spectators.

"Nami, Come with me~" (Shikage)

Nami looked at the man in front of her, She was utterly flabbergasted by the situation. A freaking monster was gazing at her like she was some kind of meat.

"No no no no no way~! That thing would swallow us in one breath!" (Nami)

What a funny lady, You already have strange journeys with the Straw hats and now you doubt this monster?

To prove that it isn't dangerous, I commanded the monster to kneel to make it easier for us to ride it.

Nami gasped out in shock again when she saw how the monster was wagging its tail as if it was happy being ordered. She then felt someone's hands in her hands and pulled her into an embrace.

She blushed heavily and decided to stop being shocked anymore with this guy.

I climbed the back of the [Shadow dragon 13] and ordered to go up!

"Hold on to me tight! We're going to fly now!" (Shikage)

"Eeeeh?!" (Nami)

*Swish*

The [Shadow dragon 13] lift off and a massive gust of winds hit the spectators, The show of strength by their Guildmaster has boosted their confidence in the Guild.

Nami looked down as the crowd below gradually grew distant. Her arms are still at my waist. She then closed her eyes because of fear.

Then she heard the warm voice of the man she's holding.

"Open your eyes, Nami. It's a shame you won't get to see this scenery~" (Shikage)

"... It is beautiful~" (Nami)

Nami received a boost of courage and dared to open her eyes. The orange sky that seemed so distant is now at their front. We entered the orange clouds and saw the beautiful sight of the setting sun.

[Shadow dragon 13] gradually slowed down and soar at the sky. And waited for the skies to turn dark while we continued our conversations. Finally, We can't take it any longer, and the desire for each other overcomes our rational minds.

"Shika..." (Nami)

"Nami." (Shikage)

In order to avoid the chilly winds, I was embracing her. She turned around and hold my hands. It is warm, Nami's face was so red and I gradually move my lips towards her lips.

We kissed at the top of the monster. It was a surreal feeling. The [Shadow dragon 13] eventually landed on the mansion and it is close to my bedroom.

And we spend the night in each other arms.

That monster has finally become useful. You see, I've captured that one from a government-owned Island and also beat that cheeky kohai of mine. It's a senpai job to discipline his kohai!

◇Flashback: 2 months ago◇

It was the last month of the 3 months of adventuring in the New World. I just finished doing a job for the WG. And stayed at the new base operation of the Navy.

I was in the New World and was researching the full potential of a Devil Fruit. I've already made a lot of progress using my DF.

Well, It's because I didn't stop using it and continues to train it to perfection. Aside from the race called zombies, I have created two other races. They're called the [Shadow warriors] and draugr.

And since I was on the Navy HQ, I used my title to go to the battle place of the Former Admiral Aokiji and Fleet Admiral Aikanu.

It was quite fast and I arrived at the island called Punk Hazard.

I was told by the marines that this island is split into 2 weather conditions. I can't believe that a fight could influence the permanent weather of an Island. As expected of Top-tier fighters.

Then something blocked my way when I was roaming around the Burning land. Well, actually, I may have come here targeting the monster. I already know the beast here due to my Shikadiary.

Be my warrior, you foul beast!

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