Chapter 4:Joining The Straw Hats.

Shoto Todoroki didn't have a proper opinion about the Straw Hats, they were surely a lively bunch and matched the very word Pirate with their slightly barbaric ways, but he couldn't exactly tell if it was just because of the the old times that lacked the modern standard ways.

Not that he disliked it.

Anyways, On the floor was the entire Straw Hat crew (minus Vivi), sprawled out in utter exhaustion. And with just a look, Shoto felt guilty for helping so little compared to their efforts.

One thing he couldn't understand was why Pirates suddenly decides to help save a country. He noticed pretty much at how Luffy and his crew valued their nakamas and considered every friend important, that must explain it. Shoto just couldn't help but be fascinated with how Luffy's mind works.

Shoto slid down the wall, sitting down the floor as he watched the Straw Hats passed out flatly against concrete, with a sigh, he started feeling soreness on his legs as well. After all, they did wall nonstop for a lot of days and counting all the running they did, not to mention, his search for the heavenly food soba.

At the corner of his vision, he could spot Luffy stirring slightly before forcing an eye open— seemingly sensing a new presence that was all too familiar now.

"Shoto," it was odd hearing the usually loud voice to be so low, but Shoto couldn't say much more considering his present state. "You're joining the crew right?" Luffy weakly uttered out, forcing all his remaining energy just to say those words. Shoto was clearly taken aback despite already expecting the question.

There was a light pause, and he didn't exactly want to keep Luffy waiting by forcing all his energy just to stay conscious.

"It seems like it." The heterochromatic replied, turning away shyly since he wasn't one to be so submissive and it was totally out of character of him.

With his reply, the Captain managed to give a wide and bright grin before passing out.

But not before mumbling 2 simple words.

"I'm glad."

»»—————————-««

After seeing the whole crew on the floor, Vivi and the rest helped carry them to the castle to heal their injuries while letting them rest to regain energy as well. Currently, Shoto was with the sleeping crew in the medical room as he sat on the bed staring to the wall acrosso.

Was his decision right? Joining this crazy crew that was the exact opposite of his personality? Then again, would he have liked to join the Marines? Nope, he realised that the Government was corrupted in this world and had unreasonable justice they seem to be throwing all around. But being chased down your whole life also doesn't sound so assuring either.

"Can't sleep?"

Shoto flinched slightly, not really expecting for even one of them to wake up so soon. He tilted his head slightly, casting one short glance at the green haired swordsman before staring back across the room.

"Yeah." He replied, surprisingly getting rid of his chilly tone. "It's surprising to see that you're the first to awake." Shoto retorted, hearing a slight movement from Zoro's place which indicated he has sat up as well.

"My injuries weren't so bad."

Shoto could have snorted if he didn't have the self-control he had, what the swordsman stated was clearly a lie.

"You seem to be thinking deeply, did Luffy ask you again?" Zoro waved his hand as a gesture before Shoto nodded plainly.

"Yeah. . . He did."

"And what did you say?"

The heterochromatic didn't answer, but his silence was enough for Zoro to know and understand— which was odd since they just met a few days ago and yet they have somewhat a similar connection as what the crew has.

The swordsman didn't meddle any further after that, deciding to leave the boy some space seeing as that seems to be the most logical thing to do right now. Besides, Shoto seems like a person who would want to be given enough time to think to himself.

Honestly? Shoto wasn't too worried or bothered about Luffy's question but rather the decision to sleep or not, what would happen if he closes his eyes and drift to unconsciousness? Would that mean he would return to his world and leave this interesting place behind? A part of Shoto wanted to go into more adventures with the crew, and another part of him didn't want to risk being stuck here as well.

"I can tell you're exhausted as well. Just sleep." Zoro retorted as he laid back, turning to his side before passing out himself.

Shoto turned slightly to him before laying back, staring at the ceiling this time. He can't exactly stay awake when he hasn't slept for a few days now, maybe just a little wink would suffice.

He slowly closes his right eye, making himself comfortable on bed despite being used to the futons on the floor.

And from the exhaustion,

He ended up closing both of his eyes.

"Woah—! I can't believe I've been asleep for 3 days!"

It's a miracle you didn't sleep any longer, Shoto thought mentally as he heard the Captain's voice all the way from the Dining table where he was currently seated. Luffy was back to his feet and a lot more louder than usual, not to mention, his cheeriness was over the top after Igarom mentioned about an eat all you can dine.

The steps followed to the room where Shoto was currently in, giving signal that the rest of the crew was approaching.

"Shoto!" Luffy greeted with a wide and more energetic grin, obviously happy to see the new member. He stretched his rubber limbs and sat on the chair beside the heterochromatic. "What's your favorite food? Mine's meat!" The rubber man exclaimed, spiking a conversation.

Shoto moved slightly away with his chair, keeping his distance to his own comfort.

"Soba, the kind that's not hot."

"Soba? That's good but meat is way better!" Luffy exaggerated. "Especially if Sanji cooks it!" He added, pointing at the blonde cook who was busy making his way to the tangerine haired navigator.

"Sake is the best." Zoro stated from his place, glancing at the two who was just too loud to be ignored— mainly Luffy.

"Sake—?" Shoto trailed off, unsure of what to think of it.

"Is your alchohol tolerance high?" Nami questioned, thinking of ways to earn money from the heterochromatic.

"I don't drink."

The doors soon opened and there shown was the tons of food, the most eye catching one was the bowl of soba placed in front of Shoto— seemingly cold which was odd for the crew since they all preferred their soba warm.

"We overheard from the Shops that a certain half haired boy was looking for cold soba during the chaos." Igaram's wife explained Shoto's confusion, which soon made the boy a tad bit embarassed since everyone was looking at him bewildered.

"So that's what you were doing during the bomb search." Usopp spoke up before getting a good laugh with Chopper and Luffy.

"I was hungry." Shoto defended.

"It's odd for soba to be served cold." Sanji muttered mostly to himself, but at least he now knows the new member's food preferences now.

"Do you have sake?" Zoro asked before a big cup of the alcohol was served in front of him, making the green haired man wolfishly grin.

"The food's really good!" Luffy exclaimed with a full mouth, nodding along with approval as he devoured his giant meat easily while taking another one. It sometimes made Shoto wonder where all that meat goes since the rubbery man doesn't seem to be really stuffed.

"I'm glad to have met your expectations." Igaram's wife, who also happens to be the cook, told with a smile and could later be found explaining to Sanji about the ingredients of their Country's special foods.

The guards behind were distasteful of them at first for being so barbaric and improper especially in the royal's presence, but they soon find themselves laughing along with Usopp and Luffy's goofyness.

Shoto could only watch fondly. Never had he experienced a meal this lively, even in UA. It almost felt. . . Soothing, oddly enough.

Hopefully, this could last a little longer.