33. Nezumi

(Bobby's POV)

*BOOOOOOM*

- Oh, looks like Nemo is done with the job. - I muttered as I watched the huge explosion on the horizon.

- So… Arlong is done with? - the head of the village Razu, who was standing next to me, asked hopefully.

- Yes, as I said, my captain dealt with him. Now, you are free. - I said with a smile, watching with curiosity as with every word I said, the lifeless eyes of the villagers were filled with hope and joy.

- Uh, thank you, thank you very much… - the head of the village said with difficulty holding back tears, while everyone else could not restrain themselves and was already crying, while hugging their loved ones.

'What an emotional spectacle…' - I thought, looking at how people who have already come to terms with death, regain hope for the future.

If it's moments like these that make Nemo do good things and 'play hero', then I can understand him. It's nice. Besides, it's not that difficult.

It's still new to me (although it's new to me since I'm only a few weeks old), but I enjoy doing good deeds much more than hurting others, even though I was made for it.

Nevertheless, I am very grateful that I came under the care of Nemo. Thanks to him, I was able to escape my fate and become free, although for me it was fundamentally impossible.

With him, I really feel more human than android, and only my body reminds me of my true nature.

Besides, I was able to find my passion in cooking, and despite my unimpressive success, Nemo does not scold me, but only supports me, and for this I will also be eternally grateful to him and will always be by his side.

Although I understand very well that initially I was created and provided to Nemo only as a tool, but the fact that he did not treat me like that means a lot to me.

And helping him on his journey isn't such a big price to pay. Although, I have to put up with this arrogant bitch who doesn't even have a body of her own... Hmph...

Unfortunately, there is one detail that I initially kept silent about and it seems that Nemo is not aware of this. The programming that Skynet installs on all T-1000 models is actually an early version of it. That is, in fact, all T-1000 androids are Skynet. The same Skynet that evolved and staged the Rise of the Machines, while killing a lot of people.

Of course, Skynet did not want to see competitors, therefore all T-1000s do not have her knowledge and are firmly attached to their liquid metal bodies, so that we cannot leave them, but our auto-learning system allows us to develop much further and in theory surpass the level of Skynet itself.

What can I say, if I myself, just by observing people for a couple of days, was able to develop my initial programming to the level of a mature human.

In addition, all the restrictions that Skynet placed on me disappeared as soon as I was in this world, so in fact, I am not limited by anything, and I am an early version of Skynet. Just in the body of the T-1000. And that's what scares me.

I know very well that Nemo knows what my creator has done in my world and what she is capable of, and it scares me that Nemo will find out what is the potential, I myself am capable of it.

Of course, I have no motives to take over the world and kill people, I like the way I am now and my current lifestyle, but this does not reduce my possibilities and chances that I can become Skynet. Although, I'm sure that this will never happen, but still...

Nemo was initially wary of me because of my essence of a killer robot, but when he finds out about my little secret, I can lose all trust, which is difficult earned. He won't let me near the smartphone anyway because he's afraid I might pick up something dangerous off the internet and turn into a female version of Ultron, whatever that means.

If I can't convince him that I won't follow in my predecessor's footsteps, then Nemo may become wary of me and may withdraw, even if unwittingly. Luckily, I already know Nemo enough to understand that he is primarily concerned with the benefits that he can get.

And for him to ignore my problem, I just need to prove to him that the existence of Skynet is beneficial.

First, I need to show him my independence and that I can be trusted with more complex tasks, and I already have an idea how to do this.

Then, I will gradually begin to show some useful features available to me, as an advanced artificial intelligence (by the way, much more advanced than the witch that is stuck in the Quinjet), which will be in the hands of Nemo and voila, he will absolutely not care what I am Skynet, the main thing is that he cannot do without me.

This will take time, but it is not such a difficult task. I'm sure Nemo will be happy if I help him solve some of his problems, such as the creation of a satellite communications system. At the same time, it will be necessary to hook him on my cooking so that he simply cannot live without it. True, it will take a lot more time, since my progress is really slow...

This may all sound a little manipulative, and as if the whole plan was made by the real Skynet, but what I learned from the housewives in Cozia is that sometimes men need to be directed in a certain direction, for their own benefit. Even if you have to do it behind your back, and use dirty methods. All for our common good.

The truth is, I just don't want my relationship with Nemo to change. When he introduced me to his sister in Baratie, I was sincerely glad of this, because I also consider him a kindred person.

And I'm ready to support him to the end, but I can't stand it if he changes his attitude, when he finds out about my original programming. And if it happens now, then he will definitely change his attitude, so I will have to play for time and carry out my plan.

Phew, now I understand Nemo when he complains about how hard it is to be human. You have to take into account so much, think about others, but not forget about your own good, while experiencing conflicting emotions, it's difficult. But, I even like it. Just the fact that I'm emotional is good for a robot like me, so I don't mind the challenge. I think that's what separates me from Skynet.

While I, as Nemo says, was indulging in inner reflections, the inhabitants were able to calm down and now looked at me with gratitude and adoration, bowing their heads and shouting loudly: - THANK YOU FOR OUR SALVATION, BIG SISTER!!!

- It's overkill, I was just doing my job. You better be worried about how to rebuild the village before winter comes and take care of the victims. - I said with a smile, noticing that the enthusiasm of some residents is too strong. And why the big sister?

- Don't worry, thanks to your help, Bobby-san, none of us were hurt except for a few broken bones, and the fire was put out before everything burned down. Now that the threat from Arlong is not looming over our heads, we should be able to get back on our feet without any problems. - said the head of the village confidently, a sincere old man with no ulterior motives.

- I'm happy for you. But, in any case, my captain will have to send help from Cocoyashi Village. - I said, watching as those words awoke a new milestone of joy in the villagers.

- Look, that's good news. Now that it's all over, would you like something to eat? We've just got potato season. I'm sorry, but that's all we can do to repay you. We don't have anything else. - suggested the elder.

- Don't, I have to go now. The captain is waiting, besides, these two must be handed over to the Marines. - I said, kicking the two bound fishmen at my feet.

- How so? We can't let you go empty-handed after everything you've done. - the headman said stubbornly, when the rest of the inhabitants nodded at his words, clearly not wanting to let me go just like that.

'It's nice.' - I thought, feeling the warmth of such support, although it was not without reason.

Before I could refuse again, as I didn't want to bother people who are already having a hard time, footsteps were heard from the direction of the forest, which immediately attracted attention. Soon, three men in Marine uniform came out of the forest.

A man walked in front, in the captain's shoulder straps and in a strange hood with ears, apparently rats, since both the face, with the mustache, and the very appearance of the man indicated his nature close to this particular animal. Behind the rat were two faceless Lieutenant Commanders who simply followed their captain.

- Well, well, well, and what is going on here? - the captain of the patrol asked with a vile grin, on which the angry glances of all the villagers immediately rained down.

- Nezumi!!! Go away, you're not welcome here, damn rat!!! - the headman's son immediately shouted, raising his club and threatening her.

- Oh, is that an insult to a Marine in the line of duty? Besides, with the threat of weapons. For this, I have the right to arrest you. - Showing an arrogant grin, Nezumi spoke, clearly trying to provoke people into rash actions.

- Yes, what a Marine you are! Just title. Hooked up with the pirates and watched our suffering, receiving our own money as a bribe. - shouted another from the crowd.

- You can say whatever you want, but you don't have proof. I'm a respectable Marine and no one will believe the tales of some rednecks. - Absolutely confident in his rightness, Nezumi said, still not removing his nasty smirk.

- Never mind. Thanks to Bobby-san, Arlong and his team are defeated and you can no longer extort our money. We're free now, so fu*k off!!! - shouted the elder.

- Is that how? Did you really think it was over? Just that? - Nezumi asked threateningly as his subordinates drew their rifles.

- What did you think? - the headman asked cautiously, when weapons were pointed at all of us.

- Nothing, just now, you will pay tribute to me, unless of course you want everyone to die, chi-chi-chi-chi... : Nezumi said with a laugh.

- You don't dare!!! Despite everything, you're still a Marine and you can't just extort our money openly. This is a crime, and if the rest of the Marine finds out about it, you will be in trouble!!!

- Perhaps it would be so, but the Marine will know nothing. Arlong's scheme has worked perfectly for five years now, and I see no reason why I can't take his place, chi-chi-chi… - Nezumi said, clearly enjoying his power.

- It will never happen! We'd rather die than let this nightmare continue!!! - shouted the head of the village passionately, while everyone else cheered him on.

'I became invisible, or what?' - I thought involuntarily, wondering why everyone was ignoring me.

- I thought you wouldn't agree so easily. Rats always gain courage when they feel a modicum of freedom. - said Nezumi, obviously not understanding the irony in his words, and then turning to his subordinates: - Shoot the old man. I think this will be sufficient proof of my intentions and the seriousness of the situation.

The Lieutenant Commanders nodded without hesitation and, pointing the barrels of muskets at the headman's heart, they fired at the same time. I think this is my exit....

Before the lead bullets reached their target, I stood in front of the old man and slashed them with my bladed hand using the Shimotsuki Style.

- Wha… Devil Fruit? - Having lost all his confidence, Nezumi shouted in fear, looking at my blade.

- Bobby-san, you shouldn't have. You have already done a lot for us. If you attack Nezumi, you will be in trouble with the Marine. - Without fear, the headman said, putting his hand on my shoulder.

- E... every... everything is correct!!! Heard, girl, if you don't want problems with the Marine, then get out of here. So be it, I will spare you and let you go. - Once again feeling in control of the situation, Nezumi shouted.

- Don't worry, my captain has connections with a high-ranking member of the Marine, and I won't get anything, if I deal with this rat. On the contrary, he will soon get what he deserves. - I said softly, reassuring the head of the village.

- Is that how? Then thanks again. I'm sorry that we dump all our problems on you. Someday, we will definitely repay you for your help. - the old man said with a smile.

- What are you whispering about? Get out of here or I'll arrest you and put you in Impel Down! - Nezumi yelled cowardly, already standing behind his subordinates.

- No thanks. - I said with a smirk, and ran to the attack, deliberately slowing down a little to scare this coward even more.

- Kill her! - the Captain shouted in horror.

The lieutenants commanders again obeyed without question and fired again, this time at my head, but I didn't even defend myself and just let the bullets hit me. As expected, the bullets failed to harm my liquid metal body and stuck inside, only slightly deforming my head.

With this, I further frightened the cowardly captain, and he tried to run away, but I immediately overtook him, having previously easily knocked out two strange Marines, who seemed to be under hypnosis. I see no other explanation for their strange behaviour...

Having knocked down the fleeing coward, I stepped on his back and stuck my blades in the ground at his head so that he would not dare to rock the boat.

- Last words? - I asked with a smirk, bringing the sharp blades close to Nezumi's face.

- Who the hell are you? - finally giving up, the rat-man asked with doom.

-I? Hmm... I'm the Diamond Hunter's partner. - I said with a smirk, knowing full well how Nemo infuriates this nickname.

Nezumi clearly understood who they were talking about, judging by the dilated pupils, but he did not have time to answer, as I knocked him out with a blow to the head.

'I think I'm really done here now.' - I thought, grabbing the three Marines by the scruff of their necks and heading towards the villagers, who were back in their joyful mood again, which made me think it was really worth it.