A/N: OC main character. The interactions with canon characters will not suffer from this, however I am creating non-canon characters that involve my personal plot points.

- At the end of each arc, I will assess each chapter and update them and try to correct them accordingly.

This story at the moment has no planned ending, until further notice.

- Chapters 1 & 2 are going to be getting touch-ups, possibly.

Today is the day that I will finally go the seas. I am practically beaming at the thought of stowing away on a Marine ship in order to see the sea for myself. The Marines came by in search of a member of the revolutionary army. Well, that's what my uncle said anyways. When I went to the port, it seemed as if they were trying to operate discreetly, but since no one comes by our humble abode, the news traveled fast. Either way, this presented me with the opportunity I had been waiting for. To leave this island for good, and never look back. I love my folks, but the life of a fisher just isn't for me. In fact, the only good it did was make me long to be on the seas even more.

I pack a small number of things with me; change of clothing, my toys, and basic utilities. I fly down the stairs and race to the door. To my surprise, it flung open. A group of Marines marched in, but one of them, in particular, stands out among the rest. He walks in front of them and looks distinctive and important. The Marine glances at me, and sneers.

"Can I help you find what you're looking for?" My uncle asks from the counter. My uncle runs the fishery, while my mother does the fishing, but they switch places each month.

"Yes, actually. I was looking for an average-sized man, who was dressed in tattered clothing… no doubt as a disguise of some sort," the Marine speaks, while shifting glances between my uncle and I. "This man is very dangerous, and I'm afraid he holds a great deal of intel about the workings of our headquarters," finally, the Marine stops shifting glances and gives me an ice-cold glare. "Also, could you tell this bumbling child to stop staring at me, it's quite rude," he snaps.

I didn't notice I was staring at him, and quickly shifted my gaze to the floor, embarrassed.

"I share your concerns sir, but could I ask you to refrain from addressing my nephew that way? He is just a boy, and is very sensitive to harsh words," my uncle tried to sound polite as possible, probably sensing that the Marine is quick-tempered.

My uncle is a very caring person, who always sought the well-being of others, over ourselves. We had enough wealth for my mother and uncle to retire early, but my uncle disagreed with that, usually donating large portions of money to those who needed it. I didn't understand why he did the things he did, but he made sure to teach me the values of giving things to others in need. I tried my best to impose this on myself, but I don't think I can be as kind as he is, although he doesn't consider himself a very warm person.

Just like we thought, the Marine blew a fuse. He rummages through his pocket and pulls out a flintlock pistol. My heart skips a beat. I could already feel my throat parching, as he points the gun at my uncle. All I could do is watch. Is this how Marines act? I couldn't speak or move. I completely froze in place, as my eyes lock onto his weapon. I couldn't avert my eyes. My mind quickly became clouded with negative thoughts and outcomes. Knowing this, I try to move. I still couldn't move, my body feels incapacitated. My heart begins to beat faster, as he advances toward my uncle.

"Did you just tell me what to do?" The Marine speaks, after what seems like an eternity.

My uncle seems less worried than I am. Actually, he almost looks unfazed. "Please put the weapon down, and then we can talk about this man you are looking for. My nephew is still-" My uncle's words are cut short as he is interrupted.

"I don't give a damn about your nephew. I hate children," he spits with venom.

My uncle's expression suggests that he wants to hit the Marine, square in the face. "A man of your stature should be more considerate of other people's feelings."

"To hell with that."

"Then I'm afraid we cannot help you."

"Fine, then. I see that you are unwilling to cooperate, so that suggests that you are in cahoots with this criminal."

"I beg your pardon?" My uncle looks baffled.

The Marine stiffens his posture and looks at the other Marines he came in with. "Alright you morons, give me that transponder snail," the Marine mumbled.

I didn't really give the other Marines any mind when they came in, and I began to wonder if they really agreed with their leader.

I watched as one of the Marines handed him the transponder snail, but it didn't look like a regular one. Although most transponder snails do vary in appearance, this one stood out. It was completely golden.

"Captain Hark here," Hark spoke with formality now.

"Ah, good to hear from you, Hark," came the voice from the golden transponder snail.

"We traced the man to this island, but it seems that the entire island would prefer to keep his whereabouts secret," Hark lied.

"Excuse for just a moment! What are you-" My uncle stops at the irritated sound of Hark's voice.

Captain Hark pointed his pistol at my uncle again, implying that he should remain silent. "Also, with this new information, I feel it is necessary to initiate a buster call, considering the great threat this imposes on us," Hark continued.

A buster call? I've never heard the term. I begin to form the words to ask what it meant, but I knew that would only aggravate him further, so I continue to stand in the middle of the room awkwardly, as he resumes his conversation with his superior.

"And you're certain these measures must be upheld with a buster call? You know what it does, right?" His superior asks, sternly.

Hark just laughs. "Of course. Now, I must be going," with a click, the transponder snail turns off, and he begins to make his exit.

I suddenly begin to relax as he leaves. My adrenaline starts to fade, and I collapse to my knees. "T-That was scary.."

My uncle says nothing in response and walks to the door as well. "Listen, kiddo, I don't know what a buster call is, but it sounds dangerous," he stops walking. "I think it would be a good idea to evacuate the town, out of caution," he finished.

"Do you think it's that bad?" I ask.

My uncle nods. "It sounds like some military code word to me, but I could be jumping to conclusions…"

I agree with my uncle. It does sound awfully strange that he would label us criminals and just leave us here. Maybe it requires regrouping, so they can move in and execute their attack more proficiently. I made up my mind. "I'm with you uncle!" I start to run up to him, but he motions for me to stop.

"No, the Marines are still outside," he says, whilst exhaling.

"Okay, so how do we get out?" I ask, confused.

"Only one way to find out," he replies as he pushes the door open.

Although my uncle's figure is blocking most of the view, I made out a rifle, which was being operated by a Marine. If I had to guess, there were probably more out there as well. The dread quickly overwhelmed me again, making me feel powerless and weak.

"Don't move, we are under orders to open fire if you do!" One of the Marines shouted.

I think it was instincts, but my uncle raised his hands above his head to show that he had no intention of doing so. I could also see tears in his eyes.

"Tell me! Tell me what this buster call enforces!" To his dismay, none of them respond. "You… don't tell me you really plan on destroying an innocent town?" Again, they don't respond.

"I have no choice," he says, lowering his voice. He motions for me to follow, which forces me out of my trance. He kneels down, making us the same level of height. "Alright Jebari, when I say run, you will head east into those woods, understand?" My uncle makes direct eye contact with me, tears still staining his eyes.

No, I don't understand. It seems like flawed logic to me. We will definitely be shot at. "If I do that, then-" my uncle interrupts my response.

"Don't test my patience, boy!" My uncle barks.

He has never spoken to me like that. With the sudden change in tone, I nod slowly, not questioning him this time.

"Good," he smiles and pats my head. "I'll miss you," he murmurs softly.

"Wait but-" he interrupts me again.

"Run!" My uncle yells.

I start running on cue, towards the forest. I don't look back.

A/N:

I'm debating whether or not to go by the anime or the manga. Honestly, I love both. That said, for familiarity purposes, I think most of it will be based of off the anime.