I care about you, Cheeks! - Fanfic corresponding Comic
During their visit to Fishman Island, the hotheaded pirates soaked up every moment together, reveling in each other's company. Laughter echoed through the air as Ace shared the island's rich history, while also introducing Nemo to local cuisine. He taught her the art of devouring 100 seaweed candies in under 30 seconds! Priceless knowledge for this feisty lunarian!
Strolling through the markets, they got separated, or more accurately, Nemo stumbled upon something scientifically intriguing—a seashell creating enchanting melodies. At the same vendor's stall, a colossal figure made a purchase, and when he asked Nemo to move, she cursed, letting the stranger know exactly what was on her mind. Unbeknownst to her, this man was the leader of the Sharktide Pirate Crew, a band of fierce fishmen and women known for their strength and rising bounties. Rumors swirled that they were poised to become a dangerous force to deal with.
When the pirate demanded an apology, Nemo's defiance only fueled the flames, leading to a heated confrontation. As the situation turned violent, Nemo found herself hoisted into the air, her guns drawn, ready to fire, aimed to extricate herself from the perilous encounter. However, when Ace finally arrived on the scene and recognized the formidable pirate she was up against, he saw the situation differently. Swiftly intervening, he incapacitated the assailant, sending him crashing to the ground.
Worriedly, he turned to Nemo, his heart pounding in his chest. What if something had happened to her? What if he had failed to protect the girl who had become more than just his best friend?
“I'm so relieved, you have no idea! Are you crazy?! Do you even know who that was, Cheeks? It was no joke!” His voice trembled with the concern he felt, its sincerity undeniable. "The hell?! I had it under control, Firecracker! Seriously, why do you always have to be such a showoff, huh?" But Nemo wasn't in the mood to listen, setting the stage for the argument captured in these pictures...
Author’s/Artist’s Note: Please be aware that this argument and scene have been condensed and contain less detail than it would in the full story. The original scene delves deeper, offering more insights into the characters' emotions and thought processes, as well as a much more heated argument that would stretch a few slides. *thank you for considering this*
The underlying issue stems from Nemo's reluctance to be treated delicately. She desires Ace's friendship based on a mutual recognition of their combat abilities, rather than him assuming a protective role as if he were her “damn babysitter”. This sentiment extends to the rest of the Crew as well. This desire gains further complexity if one considers the years of her big brother Alliqui babying her simply to annoy and irk her. It made her mad! On one occasion, Pops forbade her from fighting, not out of ill will, but stemming from genuine concern, given the government's likely surveillance of the lunarian. Given the events that transpired, his worries were not unfounded but rather quite reasonable. The brat, however, continued to give Pops a pouty face for an entire week following this incident.
Nevertheless, Nemo was determined to demonstrate her prowess as a fighter, a sentiment that resonated with Ace on a personal level, emphasising his understanding of her drive. Therefore, she tended to overestimate herself, at times intentionally provoking conflicts to showcase her skills. She saw herself as more than just a mechanic. Conversely, her understanding of the Blue World and its laws was limited, rendering her unfamiliar with the perils of this environment, while Ace, being born in this Blue World, was well-versed in them. She detested the notion of appearing weak or dispensable, a perception that was far from accurate. If she had only listened instead of reacting with frustration, she would have recognized the unnecessary nature of her hot tempered actions. The Crew was well aware of her combat capabilities, but they sought to dissuade her from engaging in unnecessary confrontations fueled by a need to prove herself.
