Chapter 45: No
The Thousand Sunny docked at a peaceful, bustling island. The crew was excited to stretch their legs and explore after their recent chaotic adventures.
As the gangplank was lowered, Nami and Sanji led the way, with the rest of the crew following behind. Kikidori, as always, lagged a little, distracted by the scenery.
"Oi, Kikidori, hurry up!" Zoro barked, arms crossed.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming," Kikidori grumbled, jogging to catch up.
Suddenly, from across the harbor, another ship approached, its dark and ominous design standing out. Kikidori's eyes widened as he recognized the yellow submarine-like vessel.
"The Polar Tang?!" he exclaimed, nearly tripping over his feet.
Sure enough, as the submarine docked, the Heart Pirates emerged, led by none other than Trafalgar D. Water Law. The infamous Surgeon of Death stepped onto the dock, his signature hat shading his sharp gaze.
Kikidori froze, his jaw hanging open. "IT'S LAW!" he shouted, pointing dramatically.
The rest of the Straw Hats turned to look. Luffy waved enthusiastically. "Yo, Torao!"
Law sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Straw Hat-ya," he muttered, his tone a mix of annoyance and reluctant acknowledgment.
Kikidori, however, was vibrating with excitement. He darted forward, stopping just short of crashing into Law.
"YOU'RE SO COOL!" Kikidori blurted, stars practically shining in his eyes.
Law blinked, momentarily taken aback. "…What?"
"You're Trafalgar Law! The Surgeon of Death! The captain of the Heart Pirates! The man who helped take down Doflamingo!" Kikidori rattled off, barely pausing for breath. "Can I join your crew for a day? Can you teach me how to use a sword like you? Can you adopt me?!"
The Heart Pirates behind Law stifled their laughter, while Law's eye twitched.
"No," Law said flatly, stepping around Kikidori.
But Kikidori wasn't deterred. He followed Law like a shadow, firing off more questions. "What's your hat made of? Can I wear it? How did you come up with your crew's name? Do you like snakes? What's your favorite color?"
"Kid, move," Law said, his tone sharp but calm.
"Okay," Kikidori said, stepping aside obediently. But the moment Law took another step, Kikidori was back at his side. "Can I touch your sword? What's it made of? Do you—"
"Stop talking," Law interrupted, clearly annoyed.
Kikidori zipped his lips, but his eyes continued to sparkle with admiration.
The Straw Hats watched from a distance, thoroughly entertained.
"I think Kikidori found his new role model," Usopp said with a chuckle.
Sanji smirked. "Poor Law. He has no idea what he's gotten himself into."
Zoro crossed his arms, shaking his head. "What an idiot," he muttered, though he couldn't hide the small grin tugging at his lips.
Robin, standing beside Zoro, smiled softly. "It's rare to see Kikidori so excited. I think it's… endearing."
Meanwhile, Law had reached his limit. He turned to face Kikidori, who was still trailing him. "Kid, what do you want?"
Kikidori blinked innocently. "I just think you're awesome! Can you teach me to be like you?"
Law sighed heavily, rubbing his temples. "Listen, I'm not here to babysit. Go bother someone else."
"But—"
"No," Law said firmly, his glare cutting off any further protests.
Kikidori pouted but didn't argue. Instead, he perked up and pointed at Law's hat. "Can I at least try on your hat?"
Law narrowed his eyes. "No."
"Aw, come on! Just for a second!" Kikidori pleaded.
"No," Law repeated, turning away.
Kikidori crossed his arms, clearly disappointed. "You're meaner than Zoro," he muttered under his breath.
Zoro, overhearing, smirked. "That's saying something."
Despite the initial tension, the two crews ended up spending some time together on the island. Kikidori continued to hover around Law, much to the latter's annoyance, but eventually, even Law couldn't completely resist the boy's persistent enthusiasm.
As the day came to an end, Kikidori finally managed to sneak a quick touch of Law's hat when the surgeon wasn't looking.
"Gotcha!" Kikidori whispered to himself, grinning triumphantly.
Law turned around, catching Kikidori in the act. "Kid…"
Kikidori froze, dropping the hat like it was on fire. "Sorry!"
Law sighed deeply, shaking his head. "Straw Hat-ya, control your crew," he muttered as he walked away.
Luffy, watching from afar, laughed. "Kikidori, you're hilarious!"
As the Heart Pirates returned to the Polar Tang, Kikidori waved enthusiastically. "Bye, Law! You're still the coolest!"
Law didn't respond, but the faintest hint of a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he boarded his ship.
The encounter left Kikidori in high spirits, and the rest of the Straw Hats couldn't stop teasing him about his newfound admiration for the Surgeon of Death.
End of Chapter 46
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