chapter 3: calm before the storm.

Chapter 3

As time went on, months and months. I didn't eat the devil fruit. And yet it didn't disappear from the ship.. They didn't try to sell the damn thing and it was always nearby..if i ever changed my mind..

Things got boring quickly, no hobbies, internet..The akagami pirates tries to teach me to fight with guns or weapons but I just ran off. Wanting to be a normal girl and civilian and learn how to be a civilian. I didn't voice my opinions though..maybe adventure was an option..though it was shoved in the back of my mind.. I read books on taijutsu, cleaning, cooking, and history books along with crime if I could find any of them on islands. I grew to not hate shanks as much but just avoid him..

It's officially been a year.. And Shanks and the others just got back from the looting..apparently from a government ship. In the back of my mind..i wanted to shout it was.illegal but… I'm not an attorney yet in this world and piracy was common.. So i just held my tongue and saw a few chests.. I wonder over to shanks deciding to make small talk..something i've rarely done

"What's in the chest…treasures like the others?"

I said while leaning against a nearby chest. Coins in my fingers gently flipping it and catching it..

"Oh! Uta, this chest is..is..secret..dont open it..ever sweetheart"

I frown, not because of his disapproval.. I just didn't like the nickname.. I should probably ask him for some coins for the next island..puberty is gonna hit soon.. And I need new clothes.. Girly clothes..like they said.. And also.. When I cut my hair.. Everyone freaked out about it..shanks scolding me.. I just huffed..sometimes it would be better if i was a boy..no feminine things..i like being rough..

I just turned away and I felt a pat on my hair and I shrugged Shanks hand off my hair. I just simply step along each board of wood, the creaks going under pressure off my steps..jeez..these boards are already creaking under my weight..a tik tok audio played in my head.. How big of bitch do i-. Though my train of thought was interrupted when. I bumped into the mast. I rubbed my knees and just ran along chasing after a bird. Usually they have the paper. I smile, one of my favorite interests.. I toss a coin to the bird to which the bird caught its beak and I tucked the paper into my shorts. I grinned and ran along on the deck.. I noticed shanks talking to the others and my curiosity peaked.. I crawled towards the chest and opened it..it was another devil fruit.. Purple and swirly..cool.. I feel myself being lifted by the back of my collar and I whimper.. I was caught

"Uta what did i tell you about snooping"

Shanks gave me a look, his eyes softened. Though I stuck my tongue out at him and scurry out of his hold and ran to my room, deciding to hole myself up.

I huff and just stretch feeling a pop in my back..

I heard someone shout land ho. And I wasn't that interested..wasn't this the island? I shove things in my bag and grin. Time to escape..before he gets rid of me.. I shove all my coins in my back that I've collected over the months along with soap and clothes. I smirked..now or never.. I shifted and peek out into the hall..first.i need to find a place to put my trusted bag..wait.. I have an idea…after..a few days..the day before..i am supposed to 'leave' i sneak my things in that party's bar and go.. That's perfect. I set my bag down under my covers and ran off. A little bag in hand..coins for new stuff. I just ran out onto the deck noticing that shanks wasn't there till I felt a tap on my back. I jumped and turned to see Shanks. He just grinned and i heard a shout

"Oi! Are you guys pirates?"

This was luffy..maybe he could take my place..i just shook my head and shanks laughed talking to the boy. I just looked bored watching the waves. I hummed, mother ocean..looks so..pretty.. I hop off the boat and onto the wood.. I pursed my lips and just decided to wander off noticing Shanks talking to Luffy, hearing anchor at some point.. I just huffed and went off to go buy myself some clothes..

I bought myself.some shorts and more tank tops..I don't need a bra yet I am okay..

I hum softly walking along the beach.. I am glad my swimming didn't get taken away. I ran my fingers through the cold yet warm salt water. Feeling the warmth of the sunset on my skin… I smile, taking off my shoes and socks, stepping in the sand feeling the water run along my toes.. I giggle, I haven't got to enjoy myself… In a very long time.. I hummed and the water seemed to splash me with a wave of salt water.. I blinked and wiped off my face.. This was like moana.. I smiled and slowly moved my hips dancing with the waves.. It felt.. Nice..a sense of belonging..