Chapter 16

Chapter 16 - Sabaody Archipelago»»——⍟——««

You grinned once you saw the big sign that welcomes visitors and tourists. The drive towards the archipelago was smooth and easy. Only stopping a few times to get something to eat. Fortunately for you, no cops or authorities were encountered. 

You glance at your son to see him glancing at the window. However, because of his small stature, he can only peer at the sky. Smiling a bit at his actions, you continued on with the drive.

You have already booked a room for you both. It is located in an amazing spot that oversees the view of the place. Kid would surely enjoy staring through the big glass that serves as a wall there. 

After a few more minutes of driving, you could finally see the tall building from here. A sweatdropped formed when you saw a lot of reporters crowding the entrance. Fucking shit you didn't think of this!

You slowed down a bit as you thought of a way to get in the hotel without people catching you. There is a possibility that you could just drive through and continue towards the parking spot. However, those paparazzi would surely follow.

Why the hell are there so many people?! You were okay with a handful seeing you with your son but not a fucking battalion!!

Well, now that you look closely, you can see banners and decorations placed around the lobby. A couple of workers and plenty of bodyguards are surrounding the perimeter. What the damn are they doing?! 

You stopped your car a couple of blocks away from the impending chaos as you observe everything that was happening. You glance at Kid to see him just playing with his toy. Sighing at your predicament, you carefully pulled your son on your lap.

Kid peered at you for a second before continuing on with his fun. Though he did make sure to lean closer to your hand as it plays with his hair. 

You promptly closed your eyes as you listened to the voices outside the car. A lot of people are passing through and overseeing the event as well. You didn't expect it to blow this big. 

*Ring* *Ring* 

You grumbled under your breath before taking your time in answering the call. You gave a small smile at your son when he turned his attention towards you.

"Y/N-sama! Are you almost at the hotel?"

Your mood dampens a bit more once you heard the cheerful voice of the man across the call. You could just picture him with that grin and closed eyes of his. 

"Yes." You briefly respond. The hostility behind your voice seemed to be noticed since you were greeted with silence. 

"You seem to be in a bad mood. Is something wrong, Y/N-sama?" 

"Well, you see Sebastian. I just have to wonder why there are a lot of reporters crowding the entrance. You don't have anything to do with that, right?" You glared, already knowing that the man does have something to do with it. 

"Oh! Not at all, Y/N-sama. I didn't invite them nor tell them anything about your arrival. Though, they must have found out because of all the decorations and preparation that we have been doing for the past few days. Still, you don't have to worry, I don't have anything to do with it." 

Don't have anything to do my ass!!!

"You idiot! I thought I told you that my son doesn't fucking like crowds! Also, I'm not planning on introducing him to the damn world yet before he is comfortable enough!!" You shouted across the call. 

At the sudden rise of voice, Kid quickly whimpered before clutching into your arm. You instantly calmed down when you saw the confused and concerned expression of your son. Sighing at the situation, you placed a small peck on his head before returning to your call.

"My apologies, Y/N-sama. We only thought it would be alright to celebrate you finally becoming a mother. As well as to properly welcome the young master into the family. It seems that we have pushed our boundaries, we would take down the decorations right away."

This guilt-tripping bastard of a demon!! He knows exactly how to pull on your emotions!!

"Tsk! It's fine. No need to change anything. I'll be coming now, make sure the guards are on standby." You grumbled while playing with your son's hair. You could imagine the idiot's grin widening at your reply. 

"Well then, we'd make sure to make it grand, Y/N-sama."

And with that, he dropped the call. You cursed uncontrollably as you double think why you even chose that bastard to be the manager of that place. Then you remembered that he is responsible and proficient with his job even though he's a playboy in disguise. 

You gave out another exhale to calm yourself. You patted your son's head as he continued to stare at your figure.

"We're going to stay at someplace for a while, Kid. There'll be a lot of people but don't worry okay? I own the place so I'll make sure no one hurts you." You smiled reassuringly at him.

Though, the only response you received was a small nod. Still, it was enough for you.

Placing your son back to his seat, you started to drove your car towards the hotel. It is true that you own the place, you actually have quite a lot of establishments in this area. Since you are quite fond of Sabaody, you made sure to start a couple of business here. Hence to say, you are quite a well-known businesswoman.

A lot of your friends also own a lot of institutions in the country. It is quite needed if you want to have a bit of escape from the government. Nonetheless, we are still monitored because of some things we have done. Not like they can act on it since you do have an escape plan, as do others. Also because of your power and connections. Some of your friends are actually in a deal with the government, meaning they can do as they please in the underground. But in exchange, a portion of their income is given to them.

You didn't like the thought of sharing your money with people that already have plenty of it so you rejected their offer. Their reaction was hilarious, to say the least.

Once your car was close and on sight, people started to get a lot rowdier as they attempt to get closer. You huff when the flashes of the camera overwhelmed you a bit. You stopped your car in front of the entrance.

You peered at Kid to see him shivering at the sight of humans wailing your way. Cursing at the scene, you quickly grab him and place him on your arms. Your son whimpered as he stuffs his face on the crook of your neck.

"Kid, don't worry. I'm here. I won't let them get close to you." You whispered to him while brushing his fiery red hair.

The comment seemed to calm him down a bit but your son is still shivering. You slightly cursed at yourself and all the spectators outside. Could they not jump at every important person they hear is near?!

You took another second to let Kid ease a bit. After a while, you strapped your bag and placed the robot plaything on your son's arm for comfort. He sniffed as he hugs the trinket closer to him. You grabbed the black coat you have on the back and laid it on your shoulders.

The coat was big enough to cover Kid a bit. And seeing him relax, knowing that he is at least not fully seen was enough for you.  Giving another reassuring smile at your son, you proceed to open the car door.

Flashes quickly intensify at the sight. The guards instantly surround you as they push the spectators away from your figure.

You maintained an authoritative stance and composure while you walk towards the entrance. You pulled your son closer to your form when gasps and gossips started.

"Oh my god!"

"So it's true, Ms. Eustass did acquire a child!"

"Ms. Eustass, where did you find him?!"

"Is he going to be your successor?!"

"He has red hair like Akagami Shanks, is there a connection between the two?!"

"Is the adoption official?!"

"Ms. Eustass?!"

You stayed silent, not bothering to answer the stupid questions that the paparazzi have for you. Though, since you plan on staying here for a while, it would still be better to give them a warning.

Shit. This is why you want your visit to not be fucking broadcasted throughout Sabaody.

Now you'll need to make sure that a few of your men are following behind you while strolling the archipelago. And here you thought, it wouldn't need to be like that. However... Maybe one would be enough. Yeah, you'll make him pay for it.

You pull Kid closer to you, giving him a small soothing smile in the process. The action was enough to calm him down since his shivering worsen once you stepped out of the car.

"Just a second, Kid. I'll make sure they won't bother us anymore after this." You whispered to him.

You threw a glance at the guards around the perimeter, the action was instantly caught as they understood what you're going to do. You turned to face the reporters, fully standing in front of them all.

The flashes and mumblings lessened as the paparazzi quieted down once they realized that you are going to say something. After making sure that you have most people's attention, you took a single step closer to them.

"Me and my son would be staying in Sabaody for a while. I hope you could respect our privacy among the matter and leave us alone." You stated, making sure that your face is neutral enough and that your eyes are doing all the threatening.

Even though you are quite a well-known figure in the country doesn't mean you are well-liked. Others call you a cold-hearted demon and some have every right to call you that. Though, you don't give a single fuck what they dub you as.

You are nice to people who are to you as well. Neutral to those who leave you alone. And frankly, you could be quite an irritating person once angered. It all comes down to how others act towards you, really.

The statement was enough to completely silence everyone that was overseeing the scene. From the tone of your voice, neutral face, and glaring eyes, none can say a word. Hence to say, you weren't given this status just because of your looks or money. Your authority and leadership are not to be doubt with.

The declaration was also a warning to the government as well as to those who even thought of harming your son. You are here to protect and you're gonna make sure not a single finger would dare harm him.

Amusingly, the guards seem to like the idea that you were doing. They proudly stood behind you, making sure to pose frighteningly as they back you up. Nonetheless, it was surely an intimidating sight to see.

After a few seconds, you gave one last dark look at a camera before turning towards the entrance. You have gotten your point crossed. Now it's all a matter of who is stupid enough to not follow.

-----

*Ring* *Ring*

"Hello?"

"Captain! Open your television now!"

"Huh? Why? Did something happen, Yasopp?"

"It's Y/N!! She's on live tv!"

"Eh!? What did my best friend do this time?!"

"Just watch it!!"

Shanks wasn't able to reply anymore as the phone call was dropped. The red hair frowned at the device for a second, reminding himself to punch Yasopp if this wasn't anything relatively important. Though, if it is really you in the news then it will surely be serious. After all, you are quite a hermit that could rival Mihawk.

Hence to say, you don't bother too much about putting yourself in the center of attention. Even though you are an important figure in the country. How ironic.

"Luffy, I'm just gonna change the channel for a second, okay?" Shanks grinned at the black-haired toddler. Quickly muttering a silent prayer that the child won't throw a tantrum.

Luffy tilted his head, just staring at his father figure before giving a nod.

The redhead internally cheered in relief. He promptly took the remote from the kid's grasp before flipping the tv to a news channel.

Shanks quickly gape once he caught sight of you standing in front of one of your hotels. But what he's really surprised about is that you have your son with you.

From the visit that the redhead and little rascal had, he knows for certain that you won't be giving information about the adoption as of yet. Something must have happened.

"Me and my son would be staying in Sabaody for a while. I hope you could respect our privacy among the matter and leave us alone."

Again, Shanks was left to gawk at your figure as he watches you cradle your son. It was a cute and heartwarming action that the red hair rarely sees you do. And seeing you do it on live TV for thousands of people to catch sight of, hits differently for him.

The redhead smirked when he saw your bodyguards stood behind you. Intimidating not just the paparazzi but everyone watching the news as well. That's one way to show your authority.

Shanks continues to follow the spectacle, his smirk seeming to widen when you threw one last dark look right at the camera.

If someone still comes after your kid, then I don't know if he's gutsy or just plain stupid.

"It seems becoming a mother has changed you, Y/N."

-----

*Swish* *Swish*

Mihawk sighed as he listens to the sound that the bamboo sword was making. He peered at his son, his golden eyes glimmering, to see that Zoro was trying to properly strike the sword. Though with the child's small stature and still frail arms, there was all the green head can do.

The swordsman promptly dismissed the view before taking another sip at his glass of wine. His gaze returned towards the television as he noted every news that may be deemed of importance.

"We are now here in front of Kuro Hotel to oversee the visit of Ms. Eustass Y/N! A lot of rumors have gone around that Ms. Eustass has taken in a child!!"

Mihawk instantly choked on the red wine that he was in the middle of drinking. He grumbled at the spillage of perfectly fine wine before turning his attention back towards the screen.

The swordsman did a double-take at the headline. His eyes widening a bit when it is about you. As someone that he has personally known for years, it is quite a surprise to see you in the news.

You aren't a flashy person when it comes to the public. There are moments that you would do something alarming but those times are hidden for only the underground to see. Never to be known by normal citizens.

Once every Blue Moon, Mihawk will catch you in the headline of a newspaper or on the news channel. But it is mostly about something reasonably trivial such as a new business or franchise. Not something as big as this.

Dracule Mihawk continued to oversee the news, contemplating whether or not you are gonna appear. The man hasn't seen your son in person nor visited you during so. Though he has heard quite a lot about it when you called every once in a while.

Consequently, he has already known how you met your son and all the other details about the encounter. It was one hella long of a phone call. He almost wanted to drop on you once it reached 3 hours.

The swordsman frowned when he saw your ever-familiar sleek black Jeep. His mind going over if it is you inside since he knows for sure that you wouldn't just leave your kid for someone else to take care of while you finish a job.

It is either not you in that customary plate number or you are inside and you brought your son with you. For the first time in his miserable life, he is not sure what to choose.

But then again, you surprise the golden-eyed swordsman when you stepped out of your car with a child tucked on your arms. It was an action that he hasn't thought could happen. After all, you are rather reckless, chivalrous, independent, and sometimes idiotic. Who would ever expect you to adopt a child? And most importantly, acting affectionate and motherly.

It was a sight Dracule 'Hawk-Eye' Mihawk would never anticipate to discover.

Regardless, watching you act like so is somewhat fitting.

The swordsman shook his head at the thought before darting back to the news. He observes as your security made sure to protect you and your son.

"Me and my son would be staying in Sabaody for a while. I hope you could respect our privacy among the matter and leave us alone."

Mihawk's mouth quickly formed a smirk when he heard your ever so powerful voice. The posture, composure, and expression was something he now rarely sees as he has become your friend per se.

Intimidating people is something you only do when it is to someone you don't know or not care about at all. This to say, you and Mihawk's meeting was frightening, to say the least.

His golden eyes glimmer a little bit more when he catches your guardians behind you. Standing like a fleet ready to strike once given a signal.

The swordsman felt the familiar tug on his chest once he saw your dark and threatening eyes. A woman ready to fight, to kill, once provoked.

A demon as always.

»»——⍟——««

Hey guys!!

Sorry for the late update :(

I have been binge-watching a lot of anime, reading manga and fanfiction left and right while also finishing some school stuff.

I also want to inform you guys of a new change. (It is not that important now that I think about it)

I won't be able to update once a week anymore. TT^TT

Online classes are starting for me, thus I would not be able to finish chapters as frequently as before.

I would still try to make my weekly quota but for now, I'm not making any promises. However, I'll make sure to continue writing new chapters and ideas during my free time.

That's all. I hope you guys continue to support and read my book!!

I really appreciate the support. [Just a secret between you and me ;) ] I actually have a list (screenshots) of those of you who vote and comment. It's like a memento of some sort that motivates me to continue writing!! (/ω＼)

Anyways, enough with the babble. Stay safe everyone and take care!!!

Please Vote and Comment!!

- Keira-chan

July 27, 2020