"Dover," Anna began seriously, "I plan to travel between islands on a merchant ship — just to see the sights and enjoy the scenery. So… I won't be joining any faction."
If Anna had known what Doflamingo was thinking, she might've turned and run on the spot.
"Fuffuffuffu… then how about visiting Dressrosa first?" Doflamingo's tone was deceptively light. "That's my kingdom."He looked down at the small girl in his arms, a calculating gleam in his eyes. She's come out on her own this time… he thought. There's no way I'm letting her slip away again. All those moments of pretending indifference, convincing himself not to chase her—nonsense. Now that she'd stepped into his grasp, he would never let go.
"I don't know yet," Anna replied, hesitant. "Maybe I'll visit… If I do stop by Dressrosa, I'll come find you." She wasn't ready to choose her first destination.
"Fuffuffu, alright then. But when you do come, I'll make sure you're treated very well. Don't forget to find me, little bird." Doflamingo smiled, though in his mind, a darker thought stirred.I'll build a beautiful cage for you, my dear little bird. Cherish your freedom while you still can.
"Anyway," Anna said, tilting her head, "since I've come clean, maybe you can help me with training too?"She suddenly remembered: Doflamingo in the anime could use Armament Haki—and not just that, he had Conqueror's Haki as well!
"Of course, Anna," Doflamingo replied smoothly—but he didn't move an inch.
"Then let's start already!" Anna jumped down from his lap, landing lightly. She had to admit—Doflamingo's abs were the perfect cushion. Surprisingly comfortable.
Without another word, Doflamingo flicked his fingers, and five razor-thin colored strings shot toward her.
Anna dodged instantly, eyes wide. "Wait, why didn't you say anything first?!"
"Fuffuffu… Will your enemy warn you before attacking?" Doflamingo grinned as his attacks grew faster and sharper.
There was no denying it—Doflamingo was a terrifyingly effective teacher. Cruel, but practical.
Time blurred. After a long session, Doflamingo finally stopped. "That's enough for today. See you tomorrow, Anna."
Before she could answer, Anna felt herself flung out of the dream. As soon as she landed outside, the dream sphere trembled and shattered into sparkles. She quickly exited the dream world.
The next morning—
"Good morning, Shanks! Come on, let's go train!" Anna was already up, dressed, and bursting with energy. She couldn't wait to test the things she'd learned in last night's dream.
If not for her Dream-Dream Fruit and the time difference between dreams and reality, she didn't even want to imagine how long it would've taken to learn a single technique—let alone master it herself.
From everyone else's point of view, though, Anna's growth looked nothing short of genius. In just a few days, she'd managed to reproduce an advanced attack technique.
"Alright, let's go," Shanks said with a grin, walking beside her toward the mountain behind the village. It was already their third day of training together.
This time, Anna didn't ask Shanks to carry her back. After all, her stamina had improved tremendously under his brutal guidance—but there was still no sign of her awakening either Armament or Observation Haki.
"Shanks," Anna asked as they hiked, "when do you think I'll be able to use Haki?"
"Don't rush it, Anna," Shanks said kindly. "Haki isn't something you can force. It's about feeling. Once your instincts are sharp enough, it'll awaken naturally."
"Yeah, I guess there's no point in worrying," she sighed, taking a few more steps—only for her knees to suddenly give out. She stumbled with a squeak.
Shanks caught her effortlessly with one arm and laughed. "Haha! Anna, are you that used to me carrying you around? Can't walk on your own anymore?"
Anna's cheeks flushed bright red. "N-no! There was a hole in the ground! I just didn't see it!"
Usually you carry me, she thought, embarrassed. But today I wanted to walk on my own, and now my legs feel like jelly!
"Haha, it's fine, Anna. Don't be so stubborn." Shanks smiled and tucked her under his arm again, striding easily down the mountain.
The setting sun stretched their shadows long and golden. But in the quiet warmth, a bittersweet thought lingered.In a few days, Shanks would leave this island—and Anna would too. Would their paths ever cross again out there on the endless sea? Only the ocean itself knew.
"Hey, Anna got carried back again!" Marco called out teasingly as they approached.
"Hey, Marco! I'm back!" Anna slipped down from Shanks' arm and stood on her own, wobbling slightly as she walked toward him.
"Well, this is rare," Sachi said with a grin. "Anna actually standing on her own two feet today! Usually she needs to eat three bowls of rice first before she can even move."
"Right? I've improved!" Anna said proudly, puffing up her chest.
"Haha! Then you must be starving. Come eat, we've already prepared everything for you," Sachi said, placing a steaming plate of food on the counter.
"Thanks! I'm digging in!" Anna chirped and began eating eagerly, humming with delight. "Mmm—Sachi, your cooking's amazing as always!"
While she ate, Marco glanced at a set of papers in his hand. "By the way, Anna, some pirates are expected to dock on the island tomorrow. Want me to leave a few of them for you to spar with?"
Anna's eyes lit up. "Yes, please! It's about time I start some real combat training. Who are they?"
Marco laid out a stack of wanted posters on the table one by one.
The first showed a tall man with a horse-like face. Madaxfian — 110 million Berries. Captain of the Ghost Horse Pirates.
Anna blinked. "This guy really looks like a horse. No wonder he's the captain of the Horse Pirates."
"It's Ghost Horse Pirates, Anna," Marco corrected, sighing helplessly. Then he flipped over the next poster.Dark Vivian — 180 million Berries. Vice-Captain of the Ghost Horse Pirates.
"They both use blades," Anna observed, pointing at the sword visible in Vivian's photo.
"Don't underestimate them," Marco warned seriously. "Anyone who's made it into the New World isn't an ordinary fighter."
"Don't worry, Marco," Anna said confidently, thumping her chest. "I won't take them lightly. With my strength right now, I'll give everything I've got against any opponent."
"Good. Just remember—never judge an enemy by appearances. Always fight with full effort. And you have to protect yourself. You're a Devil Fruit user, after all."
"I understand, Marco," Anna said, meeting his gaze. His tone was so serious, so protective—it almost made her laugh.
Honestly, she thought, Marco's starting to sound more like a mom than a big brother.