I do not own one piece
3RD Person POV
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The bar was crowded with people, more so than normal. Pirates laughed loudly, chugging down alcohol until their grinning faces turned pink. The owner stood behind the counter, annoyance playing at his face as he served another, already drunk, pirate.
His uncovered eye glared at everyone. As a former pirate, the rowdiness normally didn't bother him. It was clear he was wondering why he even entered the bar business. However, when the first drunk passed out on the ground he remembered.
The doors opened as another pirate crew walked in. Sunlight filled the bar before disappearing quickly as the door shut. This crew, strangely, only contained seven people. The person, who appeared to be the captain, grinned and took a seat at the bar in front of the owner.
The pirate had long dark brown hair, which he kept tied in a ponytail. His eyes weren't seen, as he kept his face low enough to shadow them. The owner recognized him almost immediately. After all, this man was as famous as Red-Haired Shanks. "Ah, Taro Kiyomizu. Strange, I wouldn't think a pirate such as yourself would visit this side of the sea."
Taro smirked, lifting his face for the bartender to see his shaded eyes. Much to his shock, Taro's eyes seemed to glow an emerald green. "Just a quick visit to the old pirate king's navigator. Shank's won't shut up about you, I had to meet you for myself."
The bartender smirked, placing a clean glass down. "I guess it's safe to assume you won't try anything on this island. Since you know I would have to knock down your pride a bit."
Hearing this, Taro let out a roaring laugh. "Don't worry. Like I said, we just wanted to see Shank's old friend. Besides that, we were attacked by marines on the way. Our ship took a little bit of damage, so we'll be here a while to get it fixed."
The bartender picked up another glass, nodding at Taro. "I see. You may be here a while then. The shipwrights here are good, but they work slow. They are a little older than those younger ones you guys have on your crew."
Taro nodded in understanding, "That's fine. Hey, can I get some sake?"
"Oi! Add some meat to that order!" A female sitting beside Taro ordered, her voice loud and demanding.
Her long black hair was allowed to flow down her back. She wore a black bra and a large red coat that hung loosely, but allowed full view of her breasts. As well as the guns that rested on her waist.
Taro looked at her, a smirk on his face. "Kimiko, if you don't watch it, you'll get fat from all the food you eat."
The female blinked, looking down at her flat stomach. She shrugged, "it all goes to my breast anyway." Then she shoved a finger in Taro's exposed chest. "Besides, who are you to talk? With all the sake you drink, you'll be completely useless!"
"So, sake and meat." The bartender muttered.
"Oh, and lots of sweets!" A petit female added. Her blonde hair was cut short, only making her seem more childish. Though the bartender knew better than to underestimate someone that was in Taro's pirate crew. There was a reason his crew only had seven people, and has lasted as long as it has.
"Fine, fine. Sake, meat, and sweets." He sighed.
"Thanks," She grinned. "Oh, what was your name?"
"Mamoru." He answered before walking towards the kitchen.
A blonde male, who seemed younger than his crew mates, sighed. "I better go find someone to fix the ship." Placing his hands behind his head. "Oh, Tomi, I need some money." He looked over at the ship's Doctor.
The blonde's eye twitched as he realized the doctor was sleeping, while standing up. Tomi's light blue hair stuck out wildly, while a snot bubble had formed from his nose. His arms were crossed, and if it weren't for the snot or drool, he would probably look intimidating.
The blonde kicked Tomi's legs, sending the poor doctor to the ground. "Oi! I need money!" It was just his luck that Taro would pick a doctor with narcolepsy.
Tomi blinked, only opening one eye as he kept the other eye that was covered with a scar closed. "Huh? Masa?" He muttered, wiping his mouth.
"M-O-N-E-Y!" Masa demanded, making sure to speak slowly. It was bad enough that Sango couldn't fix the ship herself, but Tomi was being the idiot he usually is.
"Oh. Okay." Groggily, the blue haired doctor handed over a sack of money.
Huffing Masa spun on his feet. He paused at the door, looking towards the petit girl. "Sango, come on. You need to make sure those shipwrights know what they're doing."
With a small complaint, she hopped from the bar stool and joined Masa. She knew better than to annoy him.
Taro, who was now drinking his sake, pointed to Mamoru while looking at Tomi. "Tomi, pay up won't ya?"
The Doctor blinked, then realized he gave all the money to Masa. He let out a panicked scream, "Damn it! I hope he doesn't spend it all like last time!" As quick as he had realized his mistake, he was gone.
Mamoru's eye twitched. "You're going to pay, right?"
However, before Taro could say anything, a woman with short blonde hair ran into the bar. "Mamoru!" She shouted, out of breath.
The bartender looked up. His eyes narrowing when he caught sight of the girl. "What's wrong, Yumi?"
Instead of going into details, she pointed towards the docks. "Marines!"
It was quite ironic how the announcement of Marines could make a bar go silent. On any normal island it would have been an announcement of pirates that would have this effect.
Mamoru looked annoyed, "really? Damn, I guess we better get rid of them like usual."
Kimiko looked at him, her dark eyes narrowed. Wiping her cheek with the scar, she spoke. "And why would you have to fight some marines?"
Mamoru smirked. "Plenty of reasons. This place is a resting place for pirates, something my former captain left in my capable hands. I helped build this place to the island it is today. I won't let a few marines ruin what my captain helped build."
He continued, "I enjoy my freedom, and is just so happens all my customers are pirates. If marines landed here, not only would they ruin my business, but I would be arrested as well. Hell, everyone on this island would be arrested. We'll deal with them how we do all marines."
This time the woman smirked. "Fair enough."
Her captain rubbed his head. "Ah, how about this. Since we can't pay you right now, we take care of the marines?"
Mamoru raised an eyebrow. "What? One marine ship won't be-"
"Mamoru!" Yumi shouted, interrupting the man with the eyepatch. "There are two marine ships!"
Taro smirked, drinking the last of his alcohol. "We take a ship, unless you want both."
Kimiko smirked, "One ship won't even be fun." Her two pistols now rested in her hands, ready for action.
Behind Kimiko two pirates smirked. "Ne, Hiroshi and I am take out a ship. Kimiko, you and Captain Taro get the other." A woman grinned, her long white hair was in a side braid. She looked much more delicate, and her flute didn't help with any intimating appearance.
The man beside her, Hiroshi, sighed. "I guess we can fight." He pulled out a set of chef knifes. "Let's see, how should I cut them?"
Mamoru sighed, he knew he could take out two marina ships with no problem. However, it was just very troublesome. "Fine, you defeat those marines, and I'll let you eat your fill. Since you are friends of Shanks."
"Yosh! Let's go!" Taro grinned, walking out of the bar. His head lifted up, allowing the shadowing of his red hat to lift. People moved out of his way as they saw his eyes shining a emerald hue.
His boots clicked against the ground as he walked. The red coat around his shoulders blew in the wind, a coat that matched his first mates.
Everyone in town was silent as four pirates walked to the docks. Taro stood beside Kimiko, who had her guns in her hands.
Kuro, the white haired woman, walked beside Hiroshi. Her flute held firmly in her hand. Each pair looked at each other and grinned.
"Ne, Captain, which ship do you want?" Kuro asked, twisting the flute in her hand.
Taro pointed to the ship on the left. "Kimiko and I will take this one."
Grinning, Kuro nodded and charged for the other ship. She landed on the edge of the ship delicately.
Bringing the flute to her lips, she let a soft melendy play. The marines tensed, looking towards the woman who had appeared on their ship.
"Attack!" A marine ordered. "That's Kuro the sound assassin!" However as soon as he spoke, he shouted in pain, blood pouring out of his mouth.
Hiroshi shook his head, yanking his knife out of the marines back. "Kuro-chan doesn't appreciate people talking while she's playing."
He charged forward, stabbing marines with his chef knife.
Other marines would drop, blood coming from their ears. They clawed at their eyes, yelling out in pain. Kuro's flute now sounded silent, yet she still played. Her notes reaching higher than the normal human ear can withstand.
Kuro say on the railing, continuing to play. Anyone who got close to her would be knocked down my her powerful music. She didn't want to get her hands or outfit dirty. Blood was such a nasty thing to wash out, especially on her white shirt.
Taro stood on the other ship, Kimiko shot down anyone who got close to her captain. She knew he was looking for something worth it. So until he found it, she could have her fun with target practice.
"Idiots! Go watch the child! They won't be happy if she goes missing!" Taro's eyes narrowed hearing that.
"Kimiko, I'm going to check on what they're making a big fuss about." He said, walking towards the door that lead inside the ship.
She nodded, glad something had peaked his interest. "Go ahead."
He walked calmly, his body making quick movements to avoid any hit or shot taken towards him. Sensing a man running at him, Taro's arm turned an emerald green as he send a punch to the marine. The poor marine was send overboard.
Swinging open the door he walked down the steps. His body turned into emerald as marines shot at him.
Without saying a word, Taro grabbed their guns and disarmed them. Then he sent a hard punch to the two marines. They fell to the ground, allowing Taro to return to normal.
His attention was brought to the door the marines were protecting. Inside there was a man's voice who muttered to himself.
"Damn marines. They couldn't even get me a stronger batch of them. I didn't even get to finish." The man muttered.
Taro blinked, then knocked the door down. His body freezing at the sight in front of him.
A man wearing a doctor's lab coat stood in front of an operating table. His hair was gray and hung down his back. When he turned to look at Taro, his face below his eyes was covered in a mask. "They really are that weak then.."
Taro's eyes narrowed at the blood on the man's lab coat before looking behind the man. His blood boiled at the small body on the table. The child's arms and legs were strapped to the table. Her long red hair was spread around her, strands hanging off the table. And her white hospital gown was stained with blood, no doubt her own blood.
Acting out of rage, Taro charged at the man and knocked him to the ground. "What did you do to her?" He growled.
"She's government property!" The man smirked, disputed being in pain. "I only ran a few experiments on her. Not that that matters, she still needs to reach that place.-"
His voice was cut off as Taro lifted him by his throat. "Like hell I'll let you do that."
The man seemed confused as he wiped the blood from his face. His hands going to the scalpel still painted crimson. "Why are you so upset? She was captured a pirate. If anything she should be in Impel Down right now. However, the government found a better use for her."
The doctor pushed himself away from Taro. His hand gripped and pulled on the child's hair. "She'll become the marines weapon. We'll have to do a few experiments, and probably take away her will to choose. Really, it's a high honor."
The pirate captains head was angled down, allowing his eyes to be shaded. His hands shook as they clenched into fists. He was far more than angry.
"You need to go first though. I'm still cleansing her mind of pirates." The Doctor muttered before charging forward.
Taro's body moved to the side, avoiding the attack. Then, just as quick, he grabbed the Doctor by the back of his head. He brought the marines head down on the metal table, knocking him out.
"You sick bastard." Taro glared at the man, who was now on the ground.
Walking to the child, Taro easily broke the restraints. Carefully, he lifted the limb child into his arms and cradled her to his chest.
Her face was pale, only making her red hair stick out more. He took a moment to stare at her long red hair, moving her bangs out of her face.
Something about this child brought back pleasant memories of someone. Shaking it off, Taro walked back to the surface of the ship. Realizing the fight was over, he couldn't help but feel disappointed.
"Awe, I missed all the fun." He whined.
His first mate raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing with a kid?"
"Not now. We need to get her somewhere safe." He ordered.
........................
Mamoru sighed stared at the pirates. Not only had they taken down the two mating ships without breaking a sweat, but they had brought back a child. A child that looked quite wounded.
"What are you doing with that?" Mamoru asked, pointing to the red haired girl in Taro's arms.
Taro raised an eyebrow, subconsciously holding on tighter to the child. He didn't like how Mamoru referred to her as a 'that'.
"I found her on the marine ship. One of the doctors was doing some kind of..." He paused, his anger of the situation blocking his thoughts. "Some kind of experiment on her. He told me something about her being captured by the marines from some pirate ship. He said they were doing her a favor, since she was just going to be put in Impel Down. That what he was doing to her should be considered an honor for her." His hold tightened protectively.
His crew mates faces were angry ones, their fist clenched beside them as they stared at the child. Mamoru's face soon joined their angry looks.
"Those sick bastards." Mamoru growled. "Sure marines don't like pirates, but this is extreme. Either she was taken from some powerful pirate crew, or she has some kind of devil fruit the government considers too strong to let go. Or even both."
"Oi, Captain Taro! I got the money now!" Everyone turned to see the doctor, navigator, and shipwright running towards them. The blue haired one, Tomi, waved his hands as he ran.
However as soon as he was close enough to see the child, Tomi's happy face turned to horror. "Captain! That child's bleeding!"
With sudden wide eyes, Taro looked down at the girl. Sure enough, crimson liquid was seeping through the white gown.
"Tomi!" Taro shouted, panicked. "Help!" Meeting the blue haired Doctor half way, he handed the child to him.
As soon as Taro had met Tomi, he knew he wanted him for his ships doctor. The man was intelligent, and carried the most important thing; compassion. He had been a person who wanted to help people, and a person who just wanted freedom. By joining Taro's crew he got just what he wanted, and more.
Mamoru pushed together two two free tables. Quickly grabbing a clean cloth to cover the table, hoping it would be somewhat sanitary. "I'll close the bar so you can work on the child."
"Thanks!" Tomi quickly nodded, softly placing the child on the table.
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Having finished his work, Tomi was now passed out on the ground snoring. A pillow had been shoved under his head, courtesy of his captain. The child, now all bandaged up, had a more peaceful look on her face.
Taro sat beside the child. His red hat was pulled off his head, fully showing his emerald eyes. Green eyes which glowed in the dark, something he enjoyed about that devil fruit he ate. It left no question as to how the crew became known as the Emerald Pirates.
He watched over the child in a protective manner. Almost like a father watching his child, who was sick for the first time. He didn't know what it was, but something about her made him want to protect her. Perhaps it was because he had just rescued her from being experimented on further. Or, maybe it was the uncanny resemblance to someone he cared for.
Then, much to his astonishment, the child shifted. His eyes widened as the girl appeared to be waking up. Her eyebrows pulled together before her eyes slowly opened.
Taro was greeted with bright blue eyes. Once again, those eyes brought him back to someone else. He quickly shook away the memory, and smiled at the child. She looked around in a confused daze.
"Hello, little one."Taro said gently, making the girl look at him. "I'm Taro Kiyomizu, what's your name?"
She stared at him, then looked down at her hands. "I..." Her voice was small and raspy. "I don't know..."
Quickly, Taro realized what may have happened. "Do you remember anything?" Did those marines actually succeed in blocking her memories?
Her bottom lip trembled as she shook her head. Fear and panic set in the child's body. "I... I don't remember anything!"
Taro felt sympathy for the child. He couldn't imagine waking up in a strange place with no memory. Maybe that's for the best though, who knows how she would have reacted if she remembered what happened to her.
Placing his hand on the girl's head he grinned. "I guess I'll just give you a name then!"
She looked at him, her bottom lip still trembling. "You can do that?"
He laughed, "Yeah! Are you okay with that?"
After thinking about it, she nodded and stared at him. Taro smiled before thinking it over. "Well, I've always liked the name Katsu, how about that?"
She gave a small smile, her trembling slowly going away. "Okay."
Laughing, Taro grinned. "So what's your name?"
"K-Katsu." She answered shyly.
"It's nice to meet you, Katsu. Would you like to meet my pirate crew?" Taro smiled.
.............................
While Kuro, the pirate crews musician, played happy tunes for Katsu, Taro stood beside Mamoru.
"Mamoru, I know we really don't know each other. But do you think you could watch over that kid? I trust you enough, especially with everything Shanks has said about you. Even if I wanted to, a pirate ship is no place for a child. It's the thing that got her in this mess to begin with."
Mamoru sighed, ruffling his black hair. "I can't even reject the offer. No one else on this island would raise her. You probably noticed how there are no children here. Everyone here is a former pirate, for one reason or another they just didn't have children. Though, Roger would have wanted that. I'll take her in, besides a extra hand wouldn't hurt around here."
Taro smiled, "Thanks!"
"Katsu, so you wanna learn how to use a gun?" Kimiko grinned.
The red haired child blinked. "What's a gun?"