Old Meme Alert

And she is not immune to his weird boy charm either.

nami has them both wrapped around her fingers

the good ending

eeek i'm glad you're open to writing for koby ^^ ! if you aren't too busy, could i request just a few small awkward interactions between him and a marine/civillian reader pre-relationship? like yk when it's so obvious two people like each other but neither admit it... teehee 😼 thank you!

Tides of Hesitation

kobi × reader

a/n: first time writing about him so I hope it's good aw

words count: 3.8k

tags: fluffy, soft, you're a marine too

masterlist || ao3 || ko-fi

The Marine base is always alive with movement, recruits training, officers barking orders, and the steady rhythm of boots against the dock. But for Koby, it all fades into the background the moment he sees you.

You’re sorting through crates near the supply docks, uniform slightly wrinkled from a long morning of inventory. Your brows furrow in concentration as you check a list, completely unaware of the pink-haired Marine who just stopped mid-step upon spotting you.

Koby quickly looks away, pretending to focus on a group of recruits jogging past. He tells himself he’s just being polite, he’s a Captain after all, and he should be keeping an eye on the base. But he knows that’s not the real reason he keeps sneaking glances in your direction.

“Captain Koby!” a voice calls, snapping him out of his thoughts. Helmeppo strides toward him, smirking “You look a little lost there. Something distracting you?”

Koby flinches, straightening “N-No! I was just—” He stops himself before he makes it worse “Never mind.”

Helmeppo follows his gaze and immediately raises an eyebrow “Ohhh. I see.”

Koby nearly chokes “You don’t see anything!” he insists, but it’s too late. Helmeppo’s smirk deepens.

Before Koby can stop him, Helmeppo waves in your direction “Oi, Y/N! Got a minute?”

You look up, blinking in confusion before setting down your clipboard and walking over. Koby wants to disappear.

“Captain Koby, you needed me for something?” you ask, tilting your head slightly.

Koby opens his mouth. Closes it. Opens it again “Uh—I—”

“Yeah, Captain,” Helmeppo drawls, arms crossed “You did seem eager to talk.”

Koby silently vows to get revenge on him later. For now, he struggles to form a sentence under your curious gaze.

“I—I was just checking in!” Koby blurts out “You know, making sure you’re, um, settling in alright!”

You blink “I’ve been here for three months, Captain.”

Koby wants the sea to swallow him whole “R-Right! Of course! I just... uh...” He rubs the back of his neck “How’s inventory going?”

You look down at your clipboard and back up at him "…Fine?”

Helmeppo snorts, and Koby kicks him (it’s not subtle).

An awkward silence falls between you both, and so you clear your throat “Well… thanks for checking in, I guess? I should probably get back to work.”

“Y-Yeah! Yeah, of course. Sorry for interrupting!”

You nod and turn away, but before you get too far, Koby calls after you “Wait!”

You pause, looking over your shoulder.

Koby hesitates, then forces out “Let me know if, uh, if you need anything!”

You smile small but warme “Will do, Captain.”

The moment you’re out of earshot, Helmeppo claps a hand on Koby’s shoulder “That,” he says, grinning “was painful to watch.”

Koby groans, face burning “Shut up.”

Helmeppo just laughs.

Morning drills leave Koby exhausted, but that doesn’t stop his mind from wandering. Specifically, to you.

It’s frustrating. He’s supposed to be focused on training, strategy, and leadership, not on the way you smiled at him yesterday.

Helmeppo, of course, has noticed “You’ve been sighing a lot today, Captain,” he teases, leaning against the railing of the training ground “Something on your mind? Or should I say… someone?”

Koby nearly drops the training manual he’s holding “I have not been sighing!”

Helmeppo raises an eyebrow “Right. And I haven’t been watching you sneak glances toward the docks all morning.”

Koby stiffens, gripping the manual tighter. He refuses to dignify that with a response. Instead, he turns his attention back to the field, where a group of recruits is finishing their sparring exercises. He clears his throat, forcing his voice to be steady.

“Focus on work, Helmeppo. We’re not here to gossip.”

Helmeppo snickers “Oh, you might not be, but I certainly am.”

Before Koby can protest, a voice calls out from the direction of the supply docks “Captain Koby!”

He turns so fast he nearly gives himself whiplash. And there you are, jogging toward him with a clipboard in hand, eyes scanning a sheet of paper.

“I need your signature for the new shipment approval. Do you have a second?”

Koby straightens too quickly “Y-Yeah! Of course!”

You stop beside him, close enough that he catches the faint scent of salt and parchment ink. He takes the clipboard from you, trying very hard not to let his hand brush against yours as he signs the form.

Helmeppo, standing a few feet away, watches the exchange like he’s witnessing a drama unfold.

You shift on your feet “The shipment came in earlier than expected, so I figured I’d get the paperwork done now.”

Koby nods, handing back the clipboard “That’s… really efficient of you.”

You blink at him, then let out a small laugh “Well, I try.”

Koby realizes, belatedly, that he’s still staring at you. He quickly averts his gaze, clearing his throat “Uh—good work. Keep it up.”

You tilt your head, amused “Thanks, Captain.”

Another awkward pause. Koby swears he can hear Helmeppo physically holding back laughter behind him.

You give him a small nod before heading back toward the docks. Koby watches you go, feeling his entire face heat up.

The second you’re out of earshot, Helmeppo claps him on the back, nearly knocking him forward “Captain, that was tragic.”

Koby groans, rubbing his temples “Please. Stop talking.”

Helmeppo grins “Oh, absolutely not.”

Koby has survived brutal training, impossible missions, and direct battles with some of the world’s most fearsome pirates. And yet, none of those things compare to the sheer terror of sitting across from Vice Admiral Garp while Helmeppo tries very hard not to choke on laughter.

“So, Koby.” Garp takes a massive bite out of a rice cracker, crumbs spilling onto the table “You got a crush?”

Koby nearly chokes on air “W-WHAT?!”

Helmeppo completely loses it, practically keeling over with laughter “Oh, this is amazing.”

Koby grips the table, staring at Garp like he’s just declared war “Where did you—who told you—what are you talking about?!”

Garp snorts “Oh, come on, boy! You think I wouldn’t notice? You get all stiff and weird whenever that supply recruit’s around. Like a nervous little sea slug.”

Koby buries his face in his hands “I do not get stiff and weird…”

Helmeppo, still wheezing, barely manages to say “Koby, you literally bowed yesterday when Y/N handed you a clipboard. A clipboard.”

Koby groans “I panicked!”

Garp laughs so hard the entire table shakes “Panicked?! Boy, if you freeze up over a clipboard, how do you plan on ever confessing?!”

Koby immediately launches into damage control “There’s nothing to confess! Y/N and I are just—we’re colleagues! That’s it! Absolutely nothing else!”

“Right,” Helmeppo says, smirking “That’s why you turn the color of a cooked lobster every time they talk to you.”

Koby’s about to protest when a voice calls out from the doorway “Captain Koby?”

His soul leaves his body.

You step inside the room, looking between the three of them, clearly confused “…Did I interrupt something?”

Helmeppo immediately straightens, looking like he’s about to combust from holding back laughter. Garp, meanwhile, just grins like he’s enjoying the show.

Koby, on the other hand, is desperately trying to appear normal. He sits up way too straight and forces a totally casual smile “N-No! Not at all! What’s up?”

You glance at him suspiciously before holding up a document “I need your signature on the cargo report.”

Koby nods too quickly “Of course! Right! Cargo! Work!” He grabs the paper and hastily signs it, nearly snapping the pen in half with how hard he’s gripping it.

You hesitate for a second “…Are you okay?”

“Yep! Perfectly fine! Why do you ask?” he blurts out.

You blink “…Because you’re sweating?”

Koby internally screams “I-I was just… uh… training! Hard training! Very intense!”

Garp chuckles “Yep, boy’s been real worked up today.”

Helmeppo snorts so loudly he has to cover his mouth.

You still look confused, but eventually just nod “…Alright then. Thanks, Captain.”

With that, you turn and leave, and the second the door closes, Koby slams his head onto the table “Kill me. Right now.”

Garp howls with laughter, slapping Koby on the back hard enough to nearly knock him over “Boy, you’re hopeless!”

Helmeppo wipes a tear from his eye “Hopeless and hilarious.”

Koby just groans, face still pressed against the table “…I need to be reassigned.”

Koby tries to avoid Helmeppo for the rest of the day, but it’s nearly impossible when the man keeps appearing everywhere just to smirk at him.

At one point, Koby swears he sees Helmeppo whispering to Garp about something before the old man grins in his direction. He doesn’t have time to question it, though, because the universe decides to make his day even worse.

“Captain Koby! I—oh—wait—ah!”

Koby barely has time to turn around before you crash directly into him, nearly sending both of you to the ground.

He instinctively reaches out to steady you, hands awkwardly hovering before actually making contact with your arms “Are you okay?!”

You immediately straighten up, waving your hands “I-I’m fine! I wasn’t looking where I was going!”

Koby quickly steps back, rubbing the back of his neck “No, no, it’s okay! I wasn’t paying attention either!”

There’s a long, awkward pause as you both look anywhere except at each other.

Helmeppo, standing a few feet away, slowly puts his head in his hands “This is painful.”

You clear your throat, still visibly flustered “Um—right! I was actually looking for you!”

Koby’s brain completely shuts down “M-Me?!”

You nod rapidly “Yeah! I mean—yes! Because I, uh… I had a question! About… the, um… the thing.”

Koby blinks “The… thing?”

You shift your weight, clearly struggling “…The… Marine thing. With… the reports?”

Helmeppo audibly groans “Oh come on, Y/N, even you now?”

You snap out of your panic mode and shoot him a glare “Excuse me?!”

Helmeppo gestures wildly between the two of you “This! This! The mutual awkwardness! You’re both acting like nervous cadets instead of normal people!”

Koby sputters “W-We are not!”

You cross your arms, cheeks heating “I’m acting perfectly normal!”

Helmeppo gives you both a look before turning on his heel and walking away “I can’t do this. You two are a lost cause.”

There’s a moment of silence. Then, you nervously rub your arm “…I really did need to ask about the reports, though.”

Koby straightens “O-Oh! Right! Of course! Let’s—uh—go over that.”

You both walk toward his office, keeping at least a two-foot distance between you the entire way. Neither of you say a word. The tension is so unbearable that even the recruits passing by seem uncomfortable.

At this point, everyone in the base is starting to notice.

And everyone is waiting to see how long it takes before one of you finally admits something.

Koby does not want to be here.

Not because he doesn’t respect Vice Admiral Garp, he does, a lot even. But because you’re here too, standing stiffly beside him, and the moment Garp notices, Koby knows he’s doomed.

The Vice Admiral leans back in his chair, massive arms crossed over his chest, eyeing the both of you with a smirk that immediately puts Koby on edge “So. You two are spending a lot of time together lately.”

Koby nearly drops the stack of reports in his hands “I-It’s not like that! We—we just—work! We’re colleagues! Just normal colleagues doing normal Marine things together!”

You nod aggressively, gripping your own paperwork like it’s a lifeline “Yes! Exactly! Just work! That’s all it is!”

Garp snorts “Right. And I’m the King of Alabasta.”

Koby sputters “Sir, we’re serious!”

Garp waves a hand “Oh, I know you’re serious, boy. That’s the problem.” He leans forward, grinning “Because you’re so serious that it’s painfully obvious you’ve got it bad.”

You immediately stiffen “I—what?!”

Koby turns bright red “That’s—that’s completely incorrect, sir! I have no idea what you’re talking about!”

You nod far too quickly “M-Me neither! No idea! None at all!”

Garp glances between the two of you. Neither of you can hold eye contact with him or with each other. You’re both standing like you’re facing a firing squad, shoulders locked in place, expressions frozen somewhere between denial and horrified realization.

Then, Garp starts laughing.

Not just any laugh, a full-blown Garp laugh. The kind that shakes the entire room and nearly blows the papers off his desk.

“Oh, this is golden!” he howls, slapping his knee “You two look like a couple of schoolkids caught passing notes!”

Koby groans “Sir, please!”

Garp wipes a tear from his eye, then gestures toward the door “Go on, get outta here before I start planning your wedding.”

You both immediately move for the exit, neither of you daring to say another word. The second the door closes behind you, you and Koby stand there, stiff as statues.

For a long, awkward moment, neither of you move. Then, Koby slowly turns to look at you “…That was horrible.”

You nod, face still burning “Yeah. That was… a nightmare.”

More silence.

Then, you clear your throat “…Well. See you later?”

Koby nods way too fast “Yep! Later! Definitely! Okay bye!”

And with that, you both practically sprint in opposite directions.

From inside the office, Garp just shakes his head, grinning to himself “Hopeless.”

Koby swears he’s never been this embarrassed in his entire life.

And that includes the time he tripped in front of Admiral Sengoku. And the time he saluted the wrong superior and didn’t realize it for a full minute. And definitely the time he panicked and called Garp “Dad” during a training session.

But this? This is a new level of humiliation.

Because ever since the disaster in Garp’s office, the entire Marine base has started talking.

It starts small. A couple of recruits whispering when he walks by. A few smirks from officers who normally never pay attention to his personal life.

Then it gets worse.

Way worse.

By noon, Helmeppo has fully weaponized the situation. He strolls up to Koby while he’s trying to review patrol reports, looking far too pleased with himself “Hey, Captain.”

Koby doesn’t even look up “No.”

Helmeppo grins “I didn’t even say anything yet.”

“I know you’re going to say something, and the answer is still no.”

Helmeppo leans on the desk “Fine, I’ll just show you instead.”

Before Koby can react, Helmeppo holds up a sheet of paper.

Koby squints “…What is that?”

Helmeppo beams “It’s a petition.”

Koby feels instant dread “…A petition for what?”

Helmeppo flips it around. At the top, in very large, very bold letters, it reads:

“MAKE KOBY AND Y/N STOP BEING AWKWARD AND JUST ADMIT IT ALREADY.”

Koby makes a strangled noise “What—WHAT IS THIS?!”

Helmeppo chuckles “Oh, just something the crew put together. You’d be amazed how many signatures we got. Look, even Garp signed it.”

Koby’s eye twitches as he scans the list.

Not only is Garp’s name right at the top, but nearly half the base has signed.

“WHY IS THERE A WHOLE PAGE JUST FROM THE KITCHEN STAFF?!”

Helmeppo shrugs “Apparently, they’ve been betting on you two for months.”

Koby slams his head onto the desk “This cannot be happening.”

And just when he thinks it can’t get worse—

“Hey, Captain, I need to—”

Koby’s head shoots up.

It’s you.

And you’re holding a stack of documents, looking just as awkward and uncomfortable as he feels.

For a second, the whole room is silent.

Then Helmeppo, still holding the petition, smirks “Oh, perfect timing.”

Koby lunges for him “DON’T YOU DARE—”

But Helmeppo’s already turning to you, holding up the paper like it’s an official Marine decree “Hey, Y/N, wanna add your name to the list?”

Your eyes widen in confusion “ uh? For what?”

Koby desperately grabs for the petition “IGNORE HIM! IT’S NOT REAL!”

Helmeppo dodges, still grinning “Oh, it’s very real.”

You look between the two of them, clearly so confused. But then you catch a glimpse of the title. Your entire face turns red “…Oh my god.”

Koby groans “I’M GOING TO JUMP INTO THE SEA.”

You look horrified “WHO SIGNED THIS?!”

Helmeppo cheerfully flips through the pages “Well, Garp, obviously. Most of the officers. Some of the cadets. Pretty sure the janitor added a heart next to his name. Oh, and the kitchen staff wrote a whole paragraph about how sick they are of you two pretending you don’t like each other.”

Koby wants to die “I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING.”

You cover your face “I need to quit. I need to leave the Marines and change my name.”

Helmeppo grins “Oh, come on, you both like each other, just admit it—”

“WE DON’T—” both of you yell at the exact same time, which is the worst possible answer because now everyone in the room is watching.

Helmeppo just sighs, shaking his head “You two. Hopeless.”

And with that, he walks away, still holding the petition.

Leaving you and Koby standing there.

In the middle of the Marine base.

Surrounded by people who are very clearly eavesdropping.

Neither of you say a word.

Then, at the exact same time—

“I have work to do—”

“I should get back to training—”

You both turn and power walk in opposite directions.

The second you’re gone, one of the recruits sighs loudly “I swear, if they don’t get together in the next month, I’m quitting.”

Koby cannot take this anymore.

It’s been three days since the petition incident, and somehow, things have only gotten worse.

Everywhere he goes, people give him knowing looks. Recruits whisper the second he walks past. The kitchen staff has started serving his meals in heart-shaped portions.

And Helmeppo? Helmeppo has been insufferable, more than usual.

Koby really tries to pretend none of this is happening. But then, this morning, he finds a new note pinned to his office door:

“Confess or we riot.”

That’s it. That’s the final straw.

So now, Koby is marching down to the docks, fists clenched, heart pounding because damn it, if everyone is going to make his life miserable over this, he might as well get it over with.

And then he sees you.

You’re sitting near the supply crates, flipping through a stack of reports, completely unaware that Koby is about to have the most disastrous conversation of his life.

He takes a deep breath, walks up, and “WE NEED TO TALK!”

You jump so hard you nearly fall off the crate.

“What?? koby?!” You clutch your chest, eyes wide “You scared me. What is wrong with you?!”

Koby swallows, his face already heating up “S-Sorry! I just—I need to say something! Because if I don’t, I think I might actually die!”

You blink “…Okay?”

He exhales sharply “Listen. I don’t know when it started, and I don’t know why the entire Marine base thinks they have the right to butt into our business, but I… I like you, okay? There! I said it!”

There’s a long, horrible silence.

Koby’s entire body is on fire.

You just stare at him, mouth slightly open, as if your brain is still catching up “…You… like me?”

Koby nods aggressively “YES. VERY MUCH. A LOT, ACTUALLY.”

You blink again.

Then, slowly, your face starts turning red “…Oh.”

More silence.

Then you bury your face in your hands “I hate everyone so much.”

Koby freezes “…What?”

You groan, voice muffled against your palms “Because I like you too! But I was never going to say anything because I was convinced you didn’t feel the same and everyone was just trying to make fun of me, and now the entire base is going to rub it in our faces forever!”

Koby short-circuits.

“…You… like me too?”

You look up, expression absolutely miserable “Koby. Did you think I was just constantly being awkward for no reason?!”

Koby stares at you. Then he stares at the ground. Then he stares at the sky, as if begging for it to strike him down.

“Well, you thought that of me though… I am an idiot anyway”

You sigh “Yeah. Me too.”

And then, before either of you can say anything else.

“FINALLY!!!”

Koby whirls around.

Half the base is watching from the distance, cheering, clapping, and throwing their hats in the air.

Helmeppo is holding the petition, waving it over his head like a victory flag.

Garp is standing nearby, laughing so hard he actually wipes a tear from his eye.

The kitchen staff is clinking glasses.

Even the janitor is there, pumping his fist in the air.

Koby buries his face in his hands “…I should’ve transferred when I had the chance.”

You groan “We will never survive them”

Then, you both turn to look at each other and, despite everything, you both start laughing, because honestly this is exactly how it was always going to happen.

Ok I’m dying to know what you think, if somehow law got to meet a superhero reader (idk like Ironman or Spider-Man kind of inspired superhero) from like, marvel universe that fell near his submarine, would he be amazed they are like sora the sea warrior? (I know very little about sora and why law likes him so much other than he like captain America but in one piece? Do we even know if sora has a rank in the marines??) would he think they cool with their cool super suit or strong morals?! Or would he only think sora is cool? (Seriously willing to get into an argument with law on whose cooler, sora or Ironman)

The Hero Beneath the Waves

Law × gn!Reader

a/n: I truly love nerdy Law sakjie so glad I could write this lmao

words count: 2.6k

tags: first meeting, superhero reader, humor, action, marvel-inspired

masterlist || ao3 || ko-fi

BANG! SPLASH!

A massive object crashes into the sea, sending waves slamming against the Polar Tang. The submarine rocks violently. The crew shouts in alarm.

“What the hell was that?!” Shachi yells, gripping a railing.

Law strides toward the monitor “Scan the area.”

The sonar pings rapidly. Penguin squints at the screen “Uh… Captain? There’s a person down there.”

“A person?” Law frowns.

Ikkaku zooms in with the external camera. A metallic figure floats in the water, faintly glowing. The person inside stirs.

“…They’re alive.” Bepo confirms.

Law sighs “Bring them in.”

Inside the Polar Tang, the unconscious figure lies on a stretcher. Their armor is sleek, futuristic, advanced tech. The faceplate slides open with a hiss, revealing you, blinking dazedly.

“…Ugh. That was not a smooth landing.” you mutter. Your eyes dart around “A submarine? Who—?”

You see Law “Oh. You look important. What’s with the hat?”

Law scowls “Who the hell are you?”

You smirk “Call me Iron Phantom.” You flex your fingers, testing your mobility “Mind if I sit up? Not really a fan of lying down in strange places.”

Law crosses his arms “That depends. Are you a threat?”

You chuckle “That depends... Do you consider saving people a threat?”

Law tenses. That kind of line… It’s too familiar.

Bepo, intrigued, leans closer “You’re a hero?”

You grin and give a two-fingered salute “At your service.”

There’s a heavy silence. The crew exchanges glances.

Law exhales sharply “Tch. You sound like someone... nevermind.”

You raise an eyebrow and Law’s eye twitches.

Shachi whispers “Captain’s thinking of Sora…”

Penguin nods “Definitely Sora.”

You tilt your head “Who’s Sora?”

Law scoffs “Just some fictional warrior of the sea.”

You smirk “So… a hero?”

Law glares.

Shachi nudges Penguin “He totally thinks they’re cool.”

Law growls “Shut up.”

You chuckle “I am pretty cool.”

Law pinches the bridge of his nose. This is going to be a long day.

The crew is staring at you. You take the opportunity to sit up, rolling your shoulders.

“Okay,” you say “I’ve woken up in worse places.”

Law narrows his eyes “Where did you come from?”

“Technically? The sky. More specifically? Got hit mid-flight, lost control, and, well…” You gesture vaguely “Gravity, I guess?”

Shachi gasps “That’s kinda badass.”

Law shoots him a glare. Shachi clears his throat and looks away.

You tilt your head at the submarine’s interior “This your ship?”

“Submarine” Law corrects.

You grin “A submarine? That’s sick. Not enough heroes operate underwater, you know. It’s all ‘soaring through the sky’ or ‘running at the speed of sound.’ But the ocean?” You nod approvingly “Respect.”

The crew looks between you and Law.

Penguin whispers “Captain is so weak to hero talk.”

Law ignores him “How does your suit work?”

You glance down at your armor “Oh, it’s powered by an advanced energy core. Flight, enhanced strength, force fields, the usual.”

“…Tch.” Law clicks his tongue, crossing his arms “A walking weapon.”

You smirk “A walking hero.”

The twitch in Law’s eye is noticeable.

Bepo, still curious, leans in “Why do you save people?”

You blink “Uh. Because it’s the right thing to—” you stop and gasps as soon as you focus on Bepo "Oh wow, you're so cuteeeee"

Shachi and Penguin grin at Law.

He exhales sharply “The right thing to do... Of course that’s the answer.”

You raise an eyebrow “Something wrong with that?”

Law rubs his temples “Nothing. It’s just...” He gestures vaguely at you “You sound exactly like...”

“Sora?” the crew chimes in.

Law glares “Shut up.”

You laugh “Oh, so I do remind you of someone.”

Law scowls “Not a compliment.”

“I dunno,” you tease “Sounds like a compliment from you.”

Law turns to his crew "Get them off my ship.”

“Aw, come on, Captain,” Penguin says “They’re kinda cool.”

Law’s eye twitches “We are not keeping a superhero.”

You smirk “You say that like I’m a pet.”

Shachi snickers “Captain’s just mad you’re like his childhood idol.”

You lean toward Law, grinning “You a fan of heroes, Captain?”

Law gives you the most unimpressed look possible “No.”

You nod sagely “Denial. The first stage.”

Law sighs. This is going to be an even longer day than he thought.

Law wants you off his submarine.

Your problem is that you got kinda injured from that fall.

Nothing life-threatening, but the moment you try to stand, your body wobbles like a newborn deer. The suit took the worst of the damage, but the impact rattled your brain enough to make the world spin.

“Great,” Law mutters “A half-broken superhero.”

You shoot him a weak grin “I prefer ‘slightly dented.’”

Bepo catches you before you tip over completely “Captain, we should let them rest.”

“No,” Law says “They’ll be fine.”

You blink “You must a doctor here, right?”

Bepo ears start to move “Captain is our doctor”

Law crosses his arms “So?”

“So, you’re supposed to help people when they need a doctor” you point out.

The crew watches, completely fascinated as their Captain is forced to process being out-moraled on his own ship.

Law pinches the bridge of his nose “I don’t treat reckless idiots.”

You smirk “Bet you’d treat that Sora.”

Silence.

Shachi and Penguin choke trying not to laugh.

Law inhales slowly through his nose “Fine.”

Later on, Law works efficiently, scanning for injuries while you sit on the examination table, feet swinging.

“You ever met a superhero before?” you ask.

“No.”

“You excited?”

“No.”

You grin “You sound excited.”

Law glares “I could throw you back into the ocean.”

“Wouldn’t be the first time I got thrown out of somewhere.”

Law ignores you, eyes flicking to your suit’s exposed wiring “Your armor needs repairs.”

You sigh “Yeah, I don't know how to do it myself. I usually have a team for that. But seeing as I’m currently stranded on a submarine…”

Bepo perks up “Ikkaku’s good with machines!”

Ikkaku grins “I’d love to take a look at it.”

You brighten “See? Your crew likes me.”

Law doesn’t even glance up “My crew is full of idiots.”

Shachi grins “Idiots who think superheroes are cool.”

Law clenches his jaw.

You lean back, watching him “You ever wanted to be a hero?”

“No.”

“Not even as a kid?”

“No.”

You smirk “Liar.”

Law swears under his breath. This is officially his worst patient ever.

You’ve been on the Polar Tang for a grand total of three hours now, and you’re already Law’s biggest headache.

Not because you’re demanding. You actually sit still while he patches you up, which is more than he can say for his own crew.

No, the problem is that you’re clearly a walking Sora reference, and the crew will not shut up about it.

Law applies a bandage to your arm, muttering, “You heal fast.”

You grin “Perks of the suit. It boosts recovery.”

“Ridiculous,” he scoffs, but he doesn’t look away from your gear. He’s analyzing every detail, the material, the tech, the way it integrates with your body.

You catch him staring “You’re interested.”

“No.”

“You’re totally interested.”

“I’m analyzing flaws.”

“Oh? Find any?”

Law tugs the bandage a little tighter.

You hiss “Ow! That was petty.”

“No, that was medical precision.”

Shachi leans against the wall, grinning “Captain’s totally geeking out.”

Law glares “I do not ‘geek out.’”

Penguin nudges him “Then why’d you grab a notebook?”

Everyone looks.

Sure enough, Law’s holding his personal notebook, the one he uses for medical observations, or in this case, detailed notes on your suit’s tech.

He immediately closes it “You all need to shut up.”

You laugh “Busted.”

Bepo tilts his head “Captain, if you’re curious, why not just ask them?”

Law crosses his arms “I’m not curious.”

You smirk “If I told you how my flight system works, you wouldn’t be interested?”

“…No.”

“Not even if I explained the physics behind it?”

Silence.

Shachi grins “He wants to know.”

Law drags a hand down his face “I swear to—”

You stretch lazily “Well, I guess I won’t explain, then. Too bad.”

Law’s eye twitches. You can practically hear his inner self screaming for answers.

“…Tch.” He exhales sharply “Fine. How does it work?”

The crew erupts in laughter.

You grin “See? That wasn’t so hard.”

Law already regrets this conversation.

You swing your legs from the medical table, grinning like you just won a bet.

“I knew you were interested” you say.

Law rolls his eyes “It’s scientific curiosity, not admiration.”

You raise an eyebrow “Uh-huh. And if I asked you how your submarine works, that wouldn’t be admiration either?”

Law scoffs “Of course not.”

“You saying there’s a difference between admiration and respect?”

Law tenses.

The crew watches.

Penguin whispers “Oh, they got him.”

Law glares “Shut up.”

You smirk “Sooo, you respect my tech?”

“…It’s functional” Law admits, very grudgingly.

Shachi grins “That’s the closest thing to a praise that Captain has ever given to a stranger in years.”

Law snaps his notebook shut “I hate all of you.”

You chuckle “It’s fine, I get it. You’re a grumpy, cynical doctor who doesn’t believe in heroes—”

“I don’t.”

“—but deep down, you definitely wanted to be one as a kid.”

Law inhales sharply through his nose.

Silence.

You smirk “Called it.”

Shachi and Penguin high-five in the background.

Law grits his teeth “I am a pirate captain and a doctor, not a hero.”

“Sure, sure,” you say “And that Sora is just a propaganda story.”

“…Tch.”

You hop off the medical table, rolling your shoulder “Welp, I feel way better. Thanks, Doc.”

Law mutters “Unfortunately.”

You glance at the crew “So, when’s dinner? I’m starving.”

Ikkaku grins “I’ll make extra.”

Law glares “They are not staying.”

You smile “C’mon, Captain. You wouldn’t kick an injured guest out, would you?”

Law exhales slowly, pinching the bridge of his nose.

This is officially his problem now.

Right as you were all sitting down for dinner, the Polar Tang shakes as explosions erupt outside.

“Captain!” Ikkaku yells from the control room “Enemy ship approaching, they're bounty hunters!”

Law grits his teeth “Of course it’s bounty hunters.”

You glance at him “Want me to handle it?”

“No.”

You ignore him and start walking.

“Oi,” he snaps “Did you hear me? I said no.”

You just shoot him a grin “Yeah, but you’re not my Captain... Captain.”

Law swears under his breath.

Outside the Polar Tang a massive bounty hunter ship looms overhead. The crew scrambles, manning the cannons. You step onto the deck and roll your shoulders.

Law follows, grumbling “I don’t know why I even bother.”

Then he watches you activate your suit.

Thrusters ignite at your back, launching you into the air. The ocean wind whips past as you twist midair, dodging cannon fire.

Law stops moving.

His crew doesn’t notice but he does.

His surgeon’s brain starts analyzing instantly.

Your suit doesn’t just grant flight, it adjusts to air resistance, correcting your trajectory with perfect precision. No wasted movement. Every boost of your thrusters is calculated.

"The reaction time...” Law mutters under his breath.

You spin between cannonballs, dodging like it’s nothing. Then you fire back. A pulse blast rips through the enemy’s mast.

Shachi and Penguin shout in awe. Bepo gasps “That’s incredible!”

Law tilts his head, completely fascinated.

Your targeting system, how does it calculate angles so instantly? Is it predictive tech? Some kind of AI support?

You land on the enemy ship with a metallic clang. The bounty hunters charge.

One swings a sword.

Your gauntlet snaps up, catching the blade.

Law’s eyes widen.

The armor absorbs the impact. No recoil. The distribution system must be flawless.

Then, in one fluid motion, you twist the sword away and deck the guy in the face.

The crew is freaking out.

Shachi grabs Penguin’s arm “Captain’s doing the thing.”

Penguin nods “He’s totally doing the thing.”

Law doesn’t even blink.

His gaze flickers from your footwork to your reaction time to the way your suit enhances your natural movements rather than restricting them.

“…They can still maneuver at that speed?” he mutters, barely realizing he’s speaking aloud “That shouldn’t be possible without—”

You dodge a bullet mid-air.

Law inhales sharply.

The bounty hunters rush again. You move like a blur.

You slam one into the ground so fast that Law’s brain lags. Another charges, you sidestep effortlessly, then launch a repulsor blast point-blank into their chest.

Law leans forward slightly.

His crew watches him instead of you now.

Ikkaku whispers, “He’s in full nerd mode.”

Bepo nods solemnly “He’s already started taking mental notes.”

You flip over another opponent, land gracefully, and turn back toward the Polar Tang “That’s the last of ‘em.”

Shachi and Penguin cheer.

Law is staring at your boots.

“That propulsion system...” he mutters, completely absorbed “The shift in weight distribution should’ve thrown off the landing, but—”

You smirk “You like what you see, Captain?”

Law snaps out of it.

His expression hardens instantly “Tch. You’re reckless.”

You laugh “So you said. But I did just save your ass.”

Law clicks his tongue “You’re a pain in mine.”

You step closer “Admit it. You think it was cool.”

Law crosses his arms “I think it’s impractical.”

Penguin grins “That’s what he says when he’s impressed.”

Law turns on his heel and walks away “We’re leaving. Get back on the ship.”

You watch him go, then glance at the crew “He’s totally geeking out, isn’t he?”

Shachi nods “Oh, 100%.”

You chuckle. This is way more fun than you expected.

Dinner on the Polar Tang is surprisingly cozy.

You sit at the long table, surrounded by a crew that definitely doesn’t see you as a stranger anymore. Ikkaku chats excitedly about possible modifications for your suit, while Shachi and Penguin keep pestering you with questions.

“Do you have a secret identity?”

“Do you have a superhero name?”

“Can you shoot lasers from your eyes?”

You laugh “I feel like answering would ruin the mystery.”

Across the table, Law eats in silence.

Or, well... he tries to.

Bepo keeps throwing glances his way.

Shachi and Penguin keep nudging each other.

Everyone is waiting for him to say something.

Finally, after finishing his food, Law sighs and sets his chopsticks down.

“You can stay” he says.

The crew erupts into cheers.

You blink “Just like that?”

Law glares “Until you figure out how to get back to wherever you came from. That’s it.”

Penguin grins “That’s basically an invitation to join the crew.”

“It is not.”

Bepo tilts his head “But Captain, if they’re stranded—”

“They’re not stranded,” Law insists “They have a high-tech flight system, which means they can leave any time they want.”

You smirk “But you’re letting me stay anyway.”

Law scowls “Only because it would be irresponsible to throw an injured person into the middle of the ocean.”

Ikkaku grins “And because you wanna study their suit more.”

Law’s eye twitches.

“I don’t care about their suit.”

Shachi leans back, arms crossed “Mmm, right. So that whole time you were staring during the fight—”

“I was analyzing a potential ally’s combat effectiveness.”

Penguin snorts “Nah, you were nerding out.”

The whole crew bursts into laughter.

You grin, propping your elbow on the table “It’s okay, Captain. You can admit it. You think I’m cool.”

Law exhales sharply.

Then, in the most neutral, deadpan tone possible, he says “You’re marginally less annoying than the rest of my crew.”

Everyone gasps dramatically.

“That’s basically love” Penguin whispers.

Law stands abruptly “Dinner’s over. We leave at dawn.”

You watch him go, chuckling “He likes me.”

Shachi nods “He totally does.”

Bepo smiles “Welcome aboard.”

You glance around at the crew, at the warmth, the laughter, the feeling of belonging, even if just for now.

You might not be a pirate.

But for now this isn’t a bad place to be.

YOHOHOHOOOOO

Happy Birthday to the king of soul!!🎶

Three birthdays in a row….can you believe it😵‍💫

Been trying to keep up with inktober (but it’s not actually ink) this year, so far I’ve succeeded the first 4 days! Prompts for these are: Backpack, Discover, Boots & Exotic

Law's fivehead makes a debut

I adore modern happy vinsmoke au's

More modern au stuff this time with reiju :3

Cross guild bring your kid to work

I redrew this