3 Acceptance

When we were only a couple minutes off from one of the docks of Water 7, I just willed the ten chests of treasure to float off high into the sky, keeping them safe there instead of lugging them around and drawing attention to us.

Irene and Konan just looked on in awe as I did that but didn't question it, simply allowing their facial expressions to do the talking.

If only the man in charge of the docks was as understanding as the two of them.

"Sir… It's 10,000 Beli to dock your… b-boat here…" he explained to me, struggling to accept how we sailed into the docks on just the tip of a ship, and how it was not on the bottom of the ocean.

I just smiled and let the scraps of wood sink, patting the man on the cheek as I walked past him, Irene and Konan following me on my left and right side.

"Either of you been to Water 7 before?" I asked.

"No, they kept us aboard the ship when they docked," Konan explained to me while Irene just looked around at the beautiful yet somewhat dead Island.

Tom's train would revitalise this place, but that was still a decade or so off.

Thankfully, Shiki had been here once, so I used his haphazard memories to find a decent clothing store for the three of us.

Standing in front of a store, I turned to the two girls and said, "Just grab whatever you want. But be quick about it. I want to get to a hotel and have a bath… haven't had one in two years…"

"Yeah. We noticed," Irene said, scrunching her nose in distaste.

My eye just twitched at her brashness and Konan just let out a sigh in exasperation.

---

"That will be 100,000 Beli, sir…" the shop owner explained handing me the last of several bags of undergarments and clothing.

I think only like 20,000 of it was mine… these two were really shameless it seemed.

As I handed over a stack of bills, Konan and Irene just whistled innocently, neither willing to look me in the eye.

"Thank you for your patronage," the shop owner said with a grateful smile.

"Yeah, yeah," I said with a huff, "Nearest decent hotel?"

He rattled off an explanation of a few nearby and how to get there, which I listened to intently, having no intention of wandering the streets and canals of Water 7.

I handed him a tip of a couple of thousand Beli and was quickly off towards the hotel in my new and fresh clothes, which I totally had to get washed again as soon as I had a shower and bath.

Though it wasn't really an issue, I planned on finding a tailor and getting Shiki's usual kimono and haori copied by an expert. The ones I came into Water 7 with were basically rotting rags at this point, but they still had enough of their shape for a skilled seamstress to copy.

"Welcome to the -!" the hotel owner or receptionist tried to say, but I really wanted a bath and to get some sleep in a real bed.

"Just two of your best rooms, please. Adjoining if you can manage it," I asked, cutting her off with a polite smile.

"To the Grand Mariotte…" she mumbled, looking at me sadly and then nodding, producing two keys and sliding them over to me, all polite like.

"Your rooms are on the top floor," she explained before whistling to a bell boy, "Help these customers to their rooms!"

"Right away ma'am. Right this way, sir, madam's," the young boy dressed in uniform told us promptly, before walking towards the stairs to presumably take us up to our rooms.

Tsk! Didn't even offer to take our bags off our hands.

After a brisk walk up a few flights of stairs, we were before our rooms. Taking my key from the bell boy, I turned to the girls and bid them good night, "Well. I'll see you two in the morning… if you need anything just knock. No promises that I'll be awake," I finished with a tired yawn.

Entering my room, I looked longingly at the king-size bed that was provided but decided a nice hot shower was needed first. Not to mention a mirror, just what did I look like?

Shrugging off my clothes, one by one, I was standing naked in the bedroom. I took a look down at my body and well, while it was perfectly healed, with no scars, it was quite malnourished.

It had none of the muscles that I could expect of one of the strongest men in the world possessing, rather it was just a very thin body, with excessive bone showing.

Whatever or whoever had brought me here it seemed hadn't bothered to heal the malnourishment Shiki went through in Level 6 of Impel Down.

Shaking my head, I walked over to the bathroom and look over my face in the mirror provided.

"What…" I was honestly left in shock.

This wasn't the body, no, the face of a 53-year-old Shiki. This was the face of a Shiki well before his prime.

If one ignored the unshaven and gaunt-looking face… it looked like I was in my early 20s! It was hard to tell with how undernourished this body was, but it made sense… the strength this body possessed was currently too immense for what man of 53 years in my current condition should possess. Taking into account the absurd strength of Shiki as well, of course.

This youth and vitality…I guess this was also one of the gifts I'd received after being inserted into the Golden Lion.

I'd gotten immunity to the side-effects of Devil Fruits, gotten my body healed perfectly (though malnourished) and finally I was de-aged to what my real age was… all the while inside this bastion of a pirate.

I was a little shocked for a while, but I quickly shook myself out of it. There was no point in asking the question, 'why'. Whatever the answer was, it was locked away in the recess of my mind. Unavailable to me.

And honestly… I don't think I cared much about the 'why' anymore. Yes, it had only been about a day since I'd been thrown into this world, but I was looking forward to my new life and all the possibilities it would bring.

Whatever vague memories I had of my old one, it left me feeling… unfulfilled.

One thing I did notice was that this merging with Shiki gave me his incredible willpower and while I know that I didn't work and toil for this will, strength and skill… I relished the fact that it was mine, it was intoxicating… corrupting.

I made a promise to myself, right then and there, while looking at my new face, that I would keep pushing forward. That I would keep toiling and struggling to gain more, change anything I didn't like and do anything I wanted.

I knew I wasn't some saint that wished to take the mantle of Monkey D. Dragon and start a revolution. But if there was ever an injustice before me, ever something I wanted or wished to change. I would act and do as I wish.

This was my second chance, the world would bend to my whims, not I to its.

I ignored the fact that all this internal monologue was done while I was butt-naked in the bathroom. I just imagined myself looking out at a starlit night, standing at the precipice of a cliff as I made my deceleration to the world and myself.

---

After scrubbing myself raw in the shower and humming to myself, I grabbed some of the hotels supplied toiletries and began to shave.

I whipped up the shaving cream with the applicating brush, preferring a clean shave, compared to the uneven and messy wisps that adorned my young face.

I quickly applied the cream, grabbed the single-edged razor and began to expertly clean up the overgrowth.

Shiki's, and now my skill with a blade was truly something to behold… even when doing something as simple as shaving.

After washing off the remains of shaven hair and cream, I ran my hands through my hair.

"Far too long for my tastes," I said to myself as turned my head from side to side, inspecting the long and luscious locks.

But the hairstyle was iconic to Shiki, and with my younger face it may put people off as to my true identity if I removed it… not to mention, it was quite difficult to cut your own hair properly.

Shaking my head, I decided I'd ask the two girls what they thought and get them to assist me in the morning or just get a professional to do it for me.

Grabbing a towel, I dried off my hair and made my way over the warm and inviting bed to get some well-earned shuteye.

---

I was awoken by the quiet knocking at my door the next day. But my bed was so inviting, I pretended I hadn't heard it, covering my ears between a pillow.

Unfortunately for me, I was awoken again by even louder nocking and an annoying voice.

I hadn't known the two women I'd saved for very long, but I knew it was Irene.

Ugh.

Groaning, I grabbed a bathrobe from one of my many bags of clothing and went to the door and sprung it open in annoyance.

My annoyance at the situation was immediately gone, as Irene and Konan were standing there, each holding a large tray of food and beverages.

While I was doing a double-take and taking in the wondrous breakfast food before me, they too were blinking rapidly, taking in my clean and groomed appearance.

"We brought breakfast," Irene said bluntly, walking past me without an invitation.

"Good morning, Golden Lion, sir," Konan said with a small bow of her head.

Unlike her rude friend, Konan just patiently waited for permission to come in.

Well, Irene was already in and those French Omelettes on Konan's tray were looking excellent.

"Come in," I said to her, turning sideways to give her room.

She did so happily, walking over to her friend who was setting up breakfast on the large circular table I had in the sizeable kitchen that was provided.

I just waited patiently as the girls made quick work of everything, setting out the plates, pouring cups of juice and coffee.

They set three places at the table and I decided to just take one as they were nearly finished.

"This looks good…" I said in tune with my stomach rumbling its agreement.

Irene just ignored my unruly stomach, taking her place on my left, while Konan just hid a giggle under her hand, taking a seat on my right.

I took a sip of the orange juice first, savouring the sweet and cool liquid. I always had a soft spot for sweets and orange juice in my previous life, so it really hit the spot.

Shiki wasn't much of a fan of sweets, preferring a cigar and a rough liquor. The man literally survived off tobacco and alcohol somehow.

I loaded my plate up with a couple of delicate French Omelettes, salad, bacon and other bits and pieces.

Without preamble, I dug in into the creamy omelette and let out a hum in appreciation. This was a truly amazing omelette. I didn't know how the world of One Piece had a French breakfast staple, but I was grateful regardless.

I let out a content sigh as I sipped on a cup of black coffee, having finished my hearty breakfast.

Irene and Konan were patiently waiting for me to finish it seemed, for neither had said anything while they waited for me to finish up.

"Thanks for the meal," I told them as I set down the now empty cup.

"No worries," Irene said, waving a hand at me to indicate her feelings on the matter.

"It was the least we could do for our saviour," was Konan's reply.

I nodded in acceptance, before questioning them. Something I probably should have done yesterday, but I was tired and annoyed in truth.

"So… what do you two want? Like I offered before, I can drop you off at any Island. No skin off my back… But you seem reluctant?" I questioned, wanting to know why they didn't want to return home.

Irene and Konan's faces turned grim at that, both sharing a brief look at one another before Irene took the lead.

"We were sold in a sense into slavery by our families. Konan and I grew up together and caught the eye of a certain someone…" Irene explained.

"And you'd just be sold again if you returned?" I questioned.

"Yeah. That or worse," Irene replied, nodding.

"It is as Irene says, Shiki-sama. If we returned, slavery or death would be what awaits us," Konan added.

"That's a shame," I said, thinking for a moment, "I can give you two some money and either drop you off elsewhere, or we can part ways here in Water 7. I'm a wanted man, after all, it wouldn't be safe if you stuck around me for very long."

They were quiet for a moment, but I felt it was more for show than anything else. As if they'd already decided what they wanted to do before coming here.

"We have a request… You are a famed pirate. A man who's sailed all over the Grand Line and from what the papers tell us attacked Marineford on your lonesome and lived to tell the tale. Albeit imprisoned, and now, here you are, free, managing to do what no one in history has done before, escape the Great Prison, Impel Down," Konan started, buttering me up and also explaining their reasoning for whatever it is they were going to ask.

It was Irene who continued, "You saved us from slavers, from living a life of servitude and worse. Even though you are a pirate, you have morals and honour."

I raised a brow at that but didn't say anything, for it seemed they had more to say.

"Our lives were irreversibly changed the moment we were given into slavery," Konan explained, "Please. We have no other choice, will you accept me and my dear friend into your crew?" she finished, closing her eyes and head bowed in submission.

I looked over to Irene who was doing the same.

While I pondered their request and thought about what Shiki would do or wouldn't do, I decided it was time to stop referring to Shiki as another person, and to accept that he was I and I was he… or some shit like that.

I was Shiki now. End of story.

Going back to the two women beside me, they wanted my protection it seemed. While the title 'Yonko' wasn't exactly a thing yet, I was famous for being a great and fearsome pirate.

I was a rival of Roger, the late Pirate King and was also a man who wielded a Devil Fruit that could destroy entire Islands with ease. Not to mention various other feats of tyranny that were attached to my name.

These two were sold into slavery by their families and I was their best shot at freedom.

I wasn't against accepting them into my crew, which I needed to rebuild anyway.

While a few of my most trusted officers had a Vivre card linked to me and would likely be making their way to my location if they were still loyal and insightful enough to notice the card pointing elsewhere, many of the weaker members would have either died, given up pirating or joined other crews by now.

I rubbed my now shaven and hair-free chin and thought about their request. They were pretty women, both of them, so they weren't eyesores, they also seemed to have powerful wills and substance to them. Not to mention Konan's polite request to kill the pirates had honestly surprised and impressed me.

"What can you offer me?" I asked the two of them after a minute more silence, interested in what they would say.

They both blinked rapidly and started to answer at the same time.

"One at a time," I said with a raised hand.

Both blushed and nodded, being out of sync was an unusual occurrence for them it seemed.

"We were born to noble families. While no Princess' our education was impeccable, we would be excellent quartermasters, thanks to our learning in matters of accounting and more. Irene was studying medicine before we were betrayed and would make an excellent Doctor for your crew," Konan explained.

I raised a brow at the Doctor part, certainly interested in that. Their mention of being good with numbers and such also made sense, royalty and the rich had much better access to education than the masses here for sure.

"Yeah. I was a few months off from graduating," Irene added with an annoyed tone, showing her frustration that she never got her degree.

"What else?" I asked, interested by what else they could offer. They were already in, in my opinion, but I wanted to know what other expertise they possessed.

Irene just smirked and said, "Konan's really good at the finer things in life, like making ceremonial tea and all that jazz."

Konan just blushed and looked away, a little ashamed she couldn't offer a very important skill like medicine.

"I can fight," she mumbled in return to her friend embarrassing her.

I just raised a brow at that and looked at Irene who was nodding in agreement, "Yeah. We both learnt how to use swords and our fists. Not very ladylike, but we were always an odd bunch."

She paused for a moment, and added, "We're pretty strong. If that helps."

I almost snorted, but kept it in, instead asking, "If you're so strong, why couldn't you escape those slavers?"

I made sure to say it in a teasing tone, of course. No need to antagonise my future crew members.

"Hey! Those guys were pretty strong!" Irene shouted in anger at my questioning of their skill.

"Mmm! Irene is speaking truthfully. They were a powerful crew," Konan added in defence of herself and her friend.

"Huh… they seemed so weak," I said quietly, mostly to myself, but they obviously overheard.

This caused Irene and Konan to smirk a little, amused by my skewed viewed of the world.

I guess becoming Shiki certainly… coloured my perception of what was strong and what wasn't. Giving me an unrealistic view of the world at large.

I let them suffer in silence for a good few minutes, thinking over their respective traits and what they could offer.

Their level of education would certainly be an important factor in my haphazard plans. I needed people to do logistics, crunch numbers and such.

Irene's skills in medicine would certainly be a help, for I had no idea if Shiki's doctor would be returning or not.

I didn't particularly care for Konan's interest in the 'finer' things, but who knows, I did like my comforts and did enjoy a nice cup of tea from time to time.

As for their martial skill? I could test that out and see if they were being truthful at a later time. What they offered me with just their education was enough to take them in and employ them.

I let them sit in silence and worry, for I kept silent for quite some time, but eventually, I decided to put them out of their misery.

"Aghhh! Alright. You've convinced me… I do need to rebuild my crew and having two pretty faces around won't hurt," I replied, nodding to myself.

Irene just rolled her eyes at my mention of only their beauty, "Typical man…"

Konan just smiled happily at my acceptance.

"Well. I have some errands to run here in Water 7. Haircut to get, ship to either buy or commission…" I stated out loud, wondering what to do first.

"Oh! I can do that for you, Shiki-sama," Konan said quickly.

"Build me a ship?" I asked, all serious like.

Konan just smiled and shook her head, "No sir… No, apologies. Captain."

"It's fine," I replied, shrugging it off.

"Yes… as I was saying, I can cut your hair for you, if you so wish it, Captain," Konan explained, stressing the 'captain'.

Well… might as well see what she could come up with. If it was horrible, I'd just get it fixed at a barber and never trust her to do it again.

"Sure. Do you need scissors? Or is a razor blade enough?" I asked, standing up from the table and making my way to the bathroom.

"A blade will be perfectly fine," Konan replied, following me in.