Newest member

Right now Ian was walking with Don back to the Odyssey.

Both of them were thinking about things. Ian about reaching Wano, and beating the shit of that overgrown fish.

His business was already done here in whole cake island. He already acquired the stones, and he also called Dragon and told him what was needed from him. Dragon of course happily accepted the task.

Next, he called his dad to come pick up the new people and animals.

The island Kurma was big enough to house them all.

Katakuri was left in charge. And he knew that he had to do as Ian said.

Ian didn't force them or anything. No, they came under him on their own. For protection. So the very least they could do was not go against his wishes.

Meanwhile, Don was looking at the surroundings as he saw the changes that were brought with time. This was what occupied his thoughts.

It was hard for him to understand that he had just like that became almost 50 years old. It was just a blink of an eye in his perspective.

He had agreed to join as Ian's crewmate but he also wanted to find one of his people and ask about his hometown. And if possible even visit it.

As to whether he should have accepted Ian's proposal?

Of course, he would. After all, It was all the better for him why would he refuse something like that?

But now he had many questions on his mind. He had just got his freedom and he was still a bit behind the times.

As if Ian felt that he turned to look at him as they were walking.

"I think one of my friends did say that he had gotten one of your people on his crew. So when we reach Wano, you could then ask him to brief you about what had happened so far since you disappeared. There is also a possibility that we can meet some on our way." Ian told him.

He was talking about Jinbei.

Since Whitebeard didn't die, the guy didn't have to join big mom. So he was left free, and Luffy managed to somehow recruit him into the crew.

And since they were going to Wano, they were sure going to meet at that time.

Ian also had plans to visit Fishmen Island anyway. But it would have to be after he finishes his business in Wano.

Don nodded his head. What Ian said was already good enough for him.

"We will also be visiting Fishmen Island in the future so there's that too," Ian added as an afterthought.

Don's eyes lit up at that. Finally, he could relax. With this everything he wanted was settled.

"Captain… I have a favor to ask." Don asked all of a sudden.

Ian wondered what it was. So he nodded his head.

"Can we fight later?" Don asked.

His eyes contained a glint of excitement.

Ian nodded his head.

"Sure. Let's do it later." Ian agreed.

This was something he does with the crew daily.

Every time he would spar with them so that they can get stronger.

So he had no reason to refuse Don.

Don was expecting Ian to react badly to that. As it might man he was challenging him or something.

These were pirates so one could never be sure with them. But seeing Ian nod without any problems, Don breathed a sigh of relief.

In truth, he requested that somewhat selfishly.

Not to beat Ian or anything. No. as strong as he was, he could feel that Ian was like a sleeping beast, that when woken up, would spell doom for anyone against him.

No. what he wanted was to see where he stands against someone on the level of an emperor of the sea.

This was a common occurrence for battle-hungry fools. They would fight and fight and so on. Searching for strength all their lives. Not thinking about anything else.

Don released a smile. He rarely does so, but right now he just felt a sort of peace and happiness. He was just content like this.

'Joining this crew just might not be so bad after all…' Don thought to himself.

Soon both of them stood against the odyssey. And were ready to board the ship.

Ian jumped to the deck fist, followed by Don who only took a deep breath and then jumped after.

Ian landed normally, but for Don who was quite heavy, his landing made a bit of a sound.

Ian smiled at this.

As such the crew one by one started to file out to the deck to see what was going on.

Upon reaching there they noticed that a Fishmen was standing next to their captain.

If Ian brought him to the ship then he definitely has something important to do with them.

Either he was going to be an ally, or he was going to join them. So they paid close attention to him,

Don himself, was expecting Ian's crew to only contain humans.

And though the majority of them were humans, two of them were actually another race he knew about.

They were the minks. He had met some of them on his journey so he knew that they were quite friendly.

"Hey guys, meet Don, he's our newest member," Ian announced, just like they were expecting.

Ian saw them nodding their heads as if saying 'As expected...'

He laughed before he moved to the next step.

"Well let me officially introduce the crew to you." Ian then addressed Don.

"This furry guy here is Bert. He's the ship's cook," Ian introduced Bert who came up next to him and reached out for a handshake.

"Nice to meet you!" Don spoke up.

"Likewise," Bert replied as he stepped to the side a bit after shaking hands.

Ian then pointed at Akemi.

"This is Akemi, Bert's girlfriend," Ian said. Ignoring the glare he got from the said girl.

Don chuckled as he nodded at her and she smiled back.

Next was Elene and Robin whom Ian introduced as his lovers.

They both nodded at him while smiling.

Aokiji was looking down from the crow's nest, like usual, so he just waved his hand at Don, with Don replying with the same.

Stella, being the energetic one from them, waited until everyone else was introduced, including Reiju and Sanji, before she started bombarding him with questions.

Like, how old are you? And how come you are so much bigger in size than regular fishmen? What species did he belong to? And had he eaten a devil fruit? Could he swim then? and so on…

In short, Don, felt like these guys didn't harbor any dislike or hate for him.

And though he was quite huge, all he got were looks of curiosity. He was not accustomed to this...

Even the tamest humans he had met, were still a tiny bit disgusted with his skin, size, or looks.

It was just how it was, he was used to people being uncomfortable around him. He didn't mind that at all.

But these guys were clearly different.

So with a smile on his face, he decided to just relax and enjoy his time, and then he might as well answer the questions the little girl next to him was still asking.