Lara's POV;

The next morning I woke up with Lia lying in front of me, I was spooning her.

Groggily I untangled myself from her and stood up while being careful to not wake her. We had fallen asleep on a couch that was in a side room. Close to the massive dining hall where we partied the night.

With a yawn, I walked out of the room and scratched my ass. It was then that I noticed that my normally soft and rather squishy behind wasn't as soft and squishy. I frowned when I also noticed that the furniture seemed to be smaller.

A quick look down confirmed my thoughts. “Yep, no tits.” I am currently male and am wearing female panties and a bra. With a sigh, I pulled both off and stood naked. Better without clothes than with the wrong kind of clothes.

A quick look around showed me the lack of trousers that would fit my new height. Jonny might be of the correct size, but he's on the ship. Maybe Jo then?

I could have used my special trait to changed back into a woman, but I knew that I haven't changed my gender yesterday on my own. Ivankov thought it would be funny and hit me with one of his hormone cocktails. The changed was not hurtful and I only gave him a shrug, before I continued to eat my chicken.

Anyway, there was no trouser in sight or close range. The sheets would have been a good cover, but they were in use by Lia, so with a shrug, I stepped out of the room and into the hallway. A few moments later I walked into the dining hall. People were laying around. Some sleeping together in groups, others were they had passed out.

Not many were awake, but some were. They gave me a curious glance, the lack of clothing did not seem to bother them. A few of the passed out drunkards were also either naked or partially naked. The whole islands seem to be made out of exhibitionists.

I stepped over the bodies and over to the people I knew. Nojiko and Nami were hugging each other and asleep on a couch. Jo had fallen asleep not far away from them, he had grabbed himself a comfortable looking armchair. At his feet was a group of scantily clad women.

The picture made him look like a pimp king and it would have been quite badass if I hadn't known that those women were all male in mind.

I walked over to Nojiko and nudged her awake. Her eyes fluttered before they opened. In hindsight, I should have positioned myself not directly in front of her face. Because she let out a quite loud shriek and jumped up when she came face to penis.

“I know that it's not the thickest or longest tool, but it's not so ugly that you have to scream,” I said with an awry smile and a light chuckle.

Nojiko's head snapped up, her eyes travelled from my crotch, up to my muscled abdomen and chest, before resting on the slightly girly looking face of a pretty boy. “Who're you?” She asked with an angry snarl.

I just whipped my hair back and showed her my long ears. “Lara or Lia?” She asked perplexed and confused.

By now the rest was also starting to wake. Nojiko's scream has woken them up. Nami was the first to spot me. “Who's the hot guy?” She asked her sister while rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.

“It's me, Lara,” I answered and looked around for anything I could use as trousers. There was not much that could be used. In the end, I found a nearby tablecloth and used that as a makeshift robe. It only covered my hips and went not further down than my knees, but at least now my junk was no longer in full view.

Jo was now also awake, he had just stood up and was trying to not step on any of the somehow still sleeping women. “Why are you a man?” He asked while coming closer.

“I think Ivankov has had hit me with one of his hormone cocktails. They apparently can change your gender, I'll have to ask him to reverse it later,” I answered while he began to poke and prod me.

“Interesting, the bone structure and musculature is completely male. If I wouldn't know better I would not have thought of you as Lara.” Jo was inspecting my body with the interest of a scientist that has found something new to study.

A look over to Nami and Nojiko showed that one of them was also studying me. Her gaze was just a little bit more carnal and with a badly hidden hunger. “Jonny has almost the same body structure, the same with Noa. You can sleep with them, I'm not interested,” I told Nami in a deadpan tone.

Her face flushed red and she threw a nearby pillow at me with a shriek. “Do..don't say something this embarrassing with such a straight face!” I pulled Jo into the line of fire and let him take the hit.

He let out an umpf and rubbed his nose while giving me a glare.

“You look pretty comfortable,” commented Nojiko with a slight snicker at the expense of her sister.

I shrugged, before answering. “I don't see why I should freak out. It is not permanent. If he refuses to change me back I will simply kill him, eat his regrown fruit and do it myself.” Those who were from my crew nodded in understanding, but Nami was gaping at me with an open mouth.

“He...she can't be serious, can she?” She then asked her sister. Nojiko shrugged and said nothing. For her, it was not a big of a deal. If Ivankov refuses to change me back it makes him into an enemy and those have not much mercy points by anyone of our crew.

“She won't kill him if he changes her back. Think about it, if he does not then it can be seen as an attack. Those have to be answered with decisive force, or else others will think of us as weak,” answered Jo when it became clear that Nami expected an answer.

“Why do you think did we fight alongside you on Enies Lobby? They harmed one of us, so we had to show the world that we would not take the blow without fighting back,” I added. Nami looked thoughtful for a moment, but her expression showed that she was understanding our reasoning.

“Well, it's just. My friends and I rarely have threatened someone's life. And even rarer went through with the threat.” I nodded in understanding. Luffy and the Straw Hats were the perfect picture group of adventurers. They had it not in them to kill indiscriminately. Most of them were not even able to actively kill.

I am sure that all of them have killed at some point or another. But almost none of these kills were with the direct intention of taking someone's life. Those that died while fighting them were accidental kills. Done in self-defence or when they used too much force on too weak enemies.

It shows a high moral thinking but is also a weakness. They are unintentionally holding themselves back from using their full strength, in fear of killing their enemies. I think only Zoro is able to cut down someone in cold blood.

“By the way, where's Sanji?” I asked next. I made a slow turned and looked around the dining hall, the blond cook was nowhere to see.

“Don't know, he vanished at some point in the party,” answered Nami. Suddenly she gasped and pointed a shaky finger at me. I quirked an eyebrow but then realized that she must have seen the Sun Pirate symbol on my back.

Would also explain why some of Ivankov's subordinates were staring at my back. But most of those are soldiers of the Revolutionary Army, they won't ask questions. Those who know the meaning of that tattoo know better than to ask and the rest will chalk it up as a pirate tattoo.

"Y..you have Arlong's symbol on your back," stuttered Nami.

Nojiko placed a hand on Nami's shoulder and got her attention. With a side glance, she asked me for permission to explain. I shrugged, it's not as if the knowledge of me having been a slave will change anything. Maybe the Marines will try to catch me alive if the World Nobles hear of their 'property'. Worst case they will send more troops in a false belief that I am out to topple the World Government.

"Nami, that is the sign of the Sun Pirates, Arlong was part of them, as was Hatchan. The Sun Pirates did cast Arlong out for his behaviour."

"Then why has Lara the sign on her back? She is not a fishman," questioned Nami in a slightly confused tone.

"Because many of the Sun Pirates have been slaves, branded like cattle. Thir symbol was burned over the brand to show unity. Marking themselves like that made them pirates and would give them the death sentence if caught, but the brand of their slavers would have been worse," I explained patiently.

Nami has seen Sabaody, she is not completely innocent. But she has yet to see the true darkness behind slavery. Most of my crew haven't seen as well. Nami and Nojiko have a small idea, with their lives under Arlong. But Arlong was nice in comparison to some slave owners.

Nami shakily nodded, seeing that asking more questions about the symbol would be rude. She dropped the matter and our group got out to take a look for Ivakov. On our way, we picked Lia up and then continued our search. We found him out in the garden, sleeping under a massive pink tree.

I poked his oversized head with my foot and waited for him to wake up. “My, what nice sight greets these eyes of mine this early in the morning. Looking good Lara-boy,” greeted Ivankov the moment he had regained some of his mental capabilities.

A news coo arrived while we waited for him to sit up. Nojiko paid the bird and handed the newsletter over to Jo while taking the batch of bounty posters for herself.

“They finally stopped their news rampage over the war and are now describing the break-in into Impel Down. A short summary of Blackbeard's and our crew, as well as Luffy is included.

Hmm, looks as if Blackbeard managed to escape from Marine HQ as well. He sustained some wounds but is still alive. They heavily speculate about the danger his new crew now holds.

Oh, and they also claim that we are now the number one enemy of the Marines. Stating that we are the evil incarnate and were bringing chaos and death over the world by freeing dangerous prisoners and destroying one of the Bastions of Justice.” Summed Jo up after a quick overlook.

“Yeah, and they show that by handing out new bounties with money to spare. Lara is now worth 1.25 billion Berry. Lia comes short with only 700 million.

Oh, and the rest of us got a new bounty as well. You have a whopping 275 million, Josef. I come close with 250 million. Jonny and Yosaku have 285 and 290 respectively. It will annoy Jonny a lot to know that Yosaku has 5 million more. Noa now has one of 220 million, it's the second lowest. Right after Inari, who's has risen from 135 million to 175 million. And last but not least is Fiara, the little arson specialist now has a bounty of 260 million,” listed Nojiko to the ever wider getting eyes of Nami.

“Ah here, Luffy also has a new one. It rose to 400 million, there are no other changes for you or your friends Nai-chan.” Nojiko then showed us our new bounty posters, but only I have gotten a new picture.

“Oh boy, dangerous. You and your friends are quite the danger Lara-boy,” commented Ivankov, he was reading the posters from over my shoulder. One eyebrow was raised when he saw the symbol of the Sun Pirates, but he did not ask. His eyes flicked to mine and they showed that he knew. He was also trying to tell through his expression that this was one of the reasons for his fight against the World Government.

I decided to ignore the silent question about my history and acted as if I hadn't noticed his looks. “Not my fault that they are in our way. We would not have any bounty at all if some parts of the Marines weren't corrupt. Since then it was them who attacked us, we only want to roam the seas and watch the world,” I defended ourselves.

Ivankov waved his hands in surrender, both for the accusation and the silent question. “I am not going to judge you or your crew. We all have a history and sometimes it is unavoidable to defend yourself. I am part of the Revolutionary Army because of exactly those reasons.” The topic was closed with that and we fell into a brief silence.

It was broken by a slightly fidgeting Nami. “Ivankov-sama? I heard from Lara that you have helped Luffy. Do you know where he currently is?”

“He should be in a hospital,” stated Ivankov seriously, before sighing, “but from what I have seen of him that is most likely not the case. Luffy-boy is as stubborn as his father. The last time I have seen him he was carried away from the battlefield. But I have confidence that he is either on or close to Amazon Lily, the island of the Kuja Pirates.”

Nami looked at me with hopeful eyes. “Nojiko, how close is Amazon Lily to Poultry? We still have to bring Mrs Chicken Wing home,” I asked instead of agreeing instantly.

“Hmm, if I remember correctly than a week or two away, so for us a day or two,” answered Nojiko after a pause. She had memorised the most important islands in our navigation book. Or at least their relative position on the map. Those islands were Poultry, Sabbaody, the islands of the Warlords, main islands of the Marines and the main islands of the Yonko.

“Very well, we'll take you there, afterwards we will bring Mrs Chicken Wing and her husband home,” I decided. I then turned around and stared at Ivankov, he stared right back.

“You do know that being male suits you better, do you?” He finally said in an attempt to convince me of staying male.

“I don't care, I feel the most comfortable in a female body. Lia also does not really like this kind of body scheme, so change me back,” I replied with a tone of finality.

Ivankov sighed, muttered something about self-betrayal and then activated his Devil Fruit. He pierced me with his hands and my body began to change. I got smaller, gained my breasts and lost the stick between my legs.

Once the change was complete Lia gave me my underwear and clothes. I quickly pulled them on and then nodded to Ivankov in thanks. “Here, this is our transponder snail number, call us if you want to speak or need something. We might be around to help out.” I handed a piece of paper over and then waved in parting.

The rest followed me out of the palace and to the beach. We stepped on the speedboat and shot off back to the Raptor. The engines were powered up and within minutes we were flying through the air.

“I have the feeling that he did forget something,” said Jo suddenly. I looked at him, waiting for him to elaborate, but before he could our transponder snail started to ring.

Yosaku was the closest, so he picked the receiver up and greeted whoever was on the other line. “Kage Pirates, Yosaku on the phone. What can I do for you?”

Loud cursing came back, it was so colourfull and diverse that Nojiko had to put her hands over Fiara's ears. “You fucker forgot me on this hell of an island!” Screamed the obvious voice of Sanji through the transmitter.

Yosaku looked over to me, unsure of how he should answer that accusation. It was true, we did forget Sanji. Or more like they forgot and I simply did not want to remind them. “Give the speaker,” I ordered.

Yosaku handed the speaker over and then watched silently how I will resolve the matter. “Hi Sanji,” I greeted in an overly sweet and friendly tone.

The expression on the snail changed 180° and the raging inferno was exchanged with a love-struck heart eye face. “One of the elven goddesses is gracing me with her sweet voice. May this lowly servant of yours request voyage on your vessel?”

“Yeah well, we are already pretty far away,” I began. I threw a quick look over the railing, down at the still visible island. Turning around and picking him up would take at most a few minutes. “And Nami voiced her desire to eat more of these delicate dishes we have eaten during yesterdays party. She wanted to ask if you would sacrifice yourself for her and learn some of them. She implied that she would be grateful beyond belief. I think she would even show her thankfulness in a physical way if you know what I mean? But don't tell her that, she is shy about it.” Nami was loudly protesting any sort of claim, too bad that Sanji couldn't hear her, as the sound wasn't travelling over to us.

“I see, yes that sounds exactly like my Nami-chan.” Did not, but I am not going to burst his bubble. “For her, I would sacrifice everything, for my Nami-chan. Tell her that I will learn any and all dishes these savages have to offer. Once I know everything there is to learn I will find a way off this hellish island and over to you. And then, after eating my new creations, she will shower me with praise and affection.” The eyes of the snail were burning with an unholy fire.

“Great to hear, good luck with that. I'll have to end this conversation now, Lia is just about to make breakfast,” I replied. The snail hummed in agreement and I ended the call.

The moment I stopped my sound manipulation it became quite clear that Nami was not really happy. “Why did you say that?!” Screeched Nami loudly.

“A few reasons. First, claiming that you want him to learn was the easiest way for him to accept us leaving without him. Secondly, it will be good for your crew if you eat the food they serve, it helps in getting stronger. And thirdly, I don't want Sanji on my ship for more than a few hours. His whole behaviour is creepy. I can live with you, you aren't annoying. But Sanji, Franky and Luffy are not people I want to have around for a prolonged time.” She stopped her threatening advance on me and remembered who she was speaking to.

She looked over to Nojiko, but she didn't get any support from her. Nojiko too dislikes Sanji's behaviour. She can stomach it for a few hours, but living with him on the same ship is not something she wishes to do. And instead of speaking, she chooses to stay silent. She could, and most likely will later claim that this was an order by the captain and that she wouldn't be able to convince me otherwise. Which is true.

“But it would be so much easier for us to unite again if we had the help of your flying ship,” pleaded Nami.

“You are forgetting something Nami. Your friends are not in immediate danger, they may be in positions of discomfort, but no true danger. They are also perfectly able to find a way back on their own.

My crew and I are not a ferry, we have taken you with us because you are the sister of Nojiko. We might take Zoro too, as he is a friend of Jonny and Yosaku, but the rest of your friends are at most acquaintances. We will help if they are in danger, but we won't hold your hand for something like this.

You and your friends were going through the Grand Line too quickly and with too little preparation. It bit you in the ass when you lost against the Pacifista. And let me make it clear that those robots are by far not the most dangerous thing in the New World. You need to be able to beat those with relative ease if you want to survive in the New World.

You all were lucky when the real Kuma sent you away. It saved your life, period. Having Sanji learn the dishes that help in strengthening the body will benefit you greatly. It is only a small thing that you'll need on your future journey.

If Luffy has any sense of responsibility as a captain he too will come to the same conclusion. I'm not sure how, but he will surely find a way to contact you all and tell you to train. Because training is the only thing that will keep you alive.

Or why else do you think are all of us, every single member of the Kage Pirates, spending so much time on honing our skills or training our bodies?

We know that there are still stronger foes out in the world and we know that we are not undefeatable. And that is why we are this serious about fighting, why we are ready to kill and why we are so vastly stronger than you and your friends.”

The deck was silent when I finished my long rant. Nojiko was looking at Nami with an expression that showed the fear of a big sibling for their younger one. She knew that Nami wasn't ready for the New World and she also knew that she would most likely die, or worse, if she were to go there with her friends at their current strength.

The others knew this as well. They didn't want me to rip into Nami like that but knew that defending her now would be harmful.

Thankfully, Nami was an intelligent girl. She did not protest out loud, she did not scream like a child or pout quietly. She thought about the words I said and went through her head about her adventures and how close they came to dying. And how those cases were piling up more and more the farther they came on the Grand Line.

Finally, she accepted my words and her body fell into itself. She slumped down to her knees and began to cry. Nojiko was quickly at her side and gave her comfort by hugging her.

She began to sob loudly. “I know, you are right. Zoro, Sanji and Luffy are getting increasingly worse wounds. Each fight is harder and the victory becomes narrower and narrower. But what can I do? I am not as strong as Zoro, Sanji or Luffy. I can't fight on par with them. I wish I could, but I am not strong enough.”

“We are going to Amazon Lily and you'll have to convince Luffy that you all need to train. Once he sees the need for it you can plan further ahead. It's not shameful to take a step back and prepare. Rushing headlong into danger is stupid, you all are in a good position to train and get strong,” I answered, now in a softer tone.

Nami nodded silently and Nojiko helped her up, before guiding her inside the ship. “Fiara, please set course to Amazon Lily,” I said once they were gone.

The ship made a slight correction in its course, before it rushed forward, off the Grand Line and over to the Calm Belt.