125 Mysterious old woman

"The great country of heroes, Heldenland!"

Granny Jen revealed her destination after a short pause for the dramatic flair but only Law, Robin and Augur reacted to hearing that name.

Especially Augur. The usually cold acting sniper reacted quite strongly to Heldenland being mentioned. So much so that Jackson, Sabo and Kuina could sense something was strange about it.

"Why do you want to go there? Being escorted by pirates no less to boot."

He asked, sounding harsher than intended but Jen didn't seem to mind his tone at all.

"There is family business, which this old lady wishes to tend to. By chance do you know a lot about my home country?"

She answered and asked in return.

"No, not at all."

Augur denied while shaking his head.

"My mother was born and later banished from there before having me. Except for it's name and existence I know nothing.

He regained his usual poker face quickly, perfectly ignoring how all eyes were staring at him. Jen was looking his way because she just talked to him but everyone else stared at Augur because this was the first time, he revealed something about his family. They kept staring until it became painfully clear that no more leaks would follow, and they all focused back on their picked-up granny, waiting to hear more about that Heldenland.

"As the name suggests, it is a place where many people adore the concept of heroic fighters, defending what's good and orderly. So, it should not come as a surprise when I tell ya that citizens are crazy over heroes. Many would go as far as to describe Heldenland as the perfect country but-"

She paused for a short moment. Her emerald eyes looked down, shoulders began to slouch, and a short sigh escaped from her lips.

"Sadly, it is not perfect. There is no such country. People are the same everywhere and whether you call someone a hero or a devil, only reflects your own perspective of a person. The brighter the light shines on a society the deeper run the shadows behind its creation."

The sweet, old woman continued to describe to these infamous pirates, how Heldenland's society was structured and what role heroes had to fulfill. She patiently told them that many high-ranking navy officers were originally from Heldenland and are regarded as heroes there. And lastly, they heard about nobles, royals and their respective position and duty as well as different factions among mentioned heroes.

"Wow that sounds crazy. Heroes really are a big thing in that country."

Enel commented in his own carefree manner to which Sabo nodded thoughtfully.

"That's so cool! Will we see real superheroes?!" (Jackson)

"We must see them! We totally must!" (Bepo)

"Maybe I can meet a hot female hero and make her my girlfriend!" (Shachi)

"*WE* totally can, brother!" (Penguin)

Jackson and Bepo excitedly discussed superheroes, probably imagining them as funnily dressed young adults wo heedlessly rush from danger spot to danger spot looking to eliminate threats and help some weak civilians. The demon duo on the other hand had completely different priorities…

Granny Jen observed their childish talks and reactions in amusement, appearing like a grandmother would while watching her grandchildren. She totally ignored the looks of suspicion from Robin, Law and Augur.

"A man a word! Heldenland might be a country affiliated with the damned World Government, but we will still escort you there! Bepo! Go get your maps and start calculating a route. Include a lot of stops, so we can restock our supplies, and have proper rest!"

"Aye Captain!"

Bepo answered and happily complied with his orders, eager to reach Heldenland.

"Everyone else get ready for tomorrow we set sail for Heldenland!"

"Eye!"

Since Jackson made up his mind and decided to go see that weird country everybody agreed. It wasn't like they could change his mind anyways. One person after another left until only Granny Jen and Augur where left sitting.

"Well then, it is about time for lil old me to go and rest up. You shouldn't stay up too late either, young man."

She told him before standing up to leave but without any prior signs, Augur suddenly grabbed her left arm and held her back.

"Not so fast."

With a flick of his wrist, he brutishly turned her thin hand and revealed a symbol on the inside of her palm.

"There is something that caught my attention since earlier. I know this symbol very well. It means you were banished from that place despite having been born a noble, doesn't it?"

Asking despite already knowing the answer was meaningless but sometimes a person needs to hear certain things said out loud to truly believe it. His tone and demeanor changed back to being cold and sharp like an ice needle and while he did hold back his strength Jen knew that this young man meant business. So, she confirmed his suspicion directly, without covering a bit, despite Augur's intimidating aura.

"You saw it correctly, it is the very same, shameful symbol of banishment. I even got it for the same reason as Caitlyn."

Jen continued speaking but her voice started to get quieter and for some reason sad, once that name left her mouth.

*Clak*

Though Augur grew more agitated instead. Too quickly for the old lady's eyes to follow he stood up, took out a pistol and held it directly against her head.

"I never mentioned my mother's name, did I? Who are you?"

His eyes narrowed and his finger moved to the trigger, ready to pull it any moment now.

"There was no need for you to mention her name, after all I knew her for much longer than you did. A shame what happened to that girl but at that time I couldn't help her despite my best intentions."

The cold steel barrel was being pushed against her wrinkled forehead.

'If your next words don't explain who you are and what you want, they will be your last ones.'

A message that needed no words to be transmitted and understood. Of course, Jen got their meaning yet remained sure that Augur wouldn't shoot her after listening to her explanation. Wouldn't abandon her like the others.

"As you wish, prince-"

*Lightning SFX*

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A new day arrived, their route has been calculated and everyone was ready to set sail for a new adventure. They all remained none the wiser about Augur's little outburst and his discussion with Granny Jen last night but quickly noticed that their usually cold acting sniper killer was earnestly showing that old woman around.

Enel and Kuina even heard him tell her about their adventures like an excited kid, where as Jackson and Robin witnessed him showing of his laser sniper gun.

To top it all off, Sabo and Bepo saw with their own eyes how he offered her a portion of his Kench special dessert, which was uniquely prepared for every crew member, except for Sabo and Penguin, who were being punished for hiding away important rations during a serious shortage.

Long story short, for the next few days, everyone wondered about the same thing:

"Did she adopt our sharpshooter right under our nose?"

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Amazone Lilly

For quite some time now, navy's hero, vice-admiral Garp, was anchoring near Hancock's kingdom. Under his command were war ships and other vice-admirals, who eagerly volunteered to follow their idol on an important mission.

'Find out whether Hancock is part of your stupid grandson's Crew. If proven, detain and bring her to Impel Down.'

Was what Sengoku told him after a meeting with the 5 elders. Unnecessary to mention, Garp shamelessly treated this mission as a vacation, since Hancock had yet to return, much to elder Nyon's distress.

"Bwahaha! Stupid Sengoku, you shouldn't have accepted that promotion back then. Now you have to work your ass of, while I can enjoy tea and snacks! Bwahaha!"

On his flag ship, Garp was loudly and carelessly gloating as he enjoyed side dishes with tea while reading something similar to a comic.

"Vice- admiral Garp!"

But everything nice would eventually come to an end, as Garp would soon hear from his right hand man Bogart.

"The snake princess! She was spotted approaching!"

(AN: Hey! The last part with Garp was a reminder that he is camping out in front of Amazone Lilly, in case you all forgot. Till next time!)