[Social] What a Beautiful Crew

Anton sat at the end of the long meeting table, looking at the three officers that had been gathered here for this staff meeting.

"First off," he began, "Let me say how proud I am with you all and the progress you're making, both with your assignments and Minion's rebuild. And it seems the higher ups have noticed too. That's why we've been ordered to start heading out into the Grand Line."

Celia spoke up. "Anton, while I think we can really do some good out there, what about Minion? Who's going to be overseeing it?" "That would still be me," Anton replied, "I'll be relaying orders and receiving reports via correspondent."

He turned to the others. "HQ has assigned us a navigator to help us through the Grand Line. She's with Doc Black now, getting her physical. They'll join us shortly."


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With the hands behind his back, back straight, looking at the table, standing formally, the petty officer known as Ryoichi was standing there... Frankly speaking, it was weird. What is a Petty officer doing in the same room with other officers who were higher ranked than him? Yes, he had been on a mission before with just the Commander and Rear Admiral himself, but this felt a bit more formal thing... Hence why he out of all, simply was standing there. Nevertheless, he took this moment to listen to what they had to say.

Rather interesting news entered his ears. A new member and they would be leaving one of the blues. Off into the lands that are contained within the Grand Line. Sounds quite exciting, while also dangerous. But it is a challenge Ryoichi was ready to take on. One of the members of the crew, however, did not seem to be so eager. Weirdly though, he wasn't that surprised that it was Yumiko who expressed this concern.  While he agreed that it's dangerous, he knew that this trip had to be taken on at one point.

A grin however appeared on his face when he heard something interesting from Yumiko. While it wasn't her intention, it did feel like she compared the marines to pirates. "Commander Yumiko, last time I checked we are not Pirates.". But this was just Ryoichi being a bit nit-picky. He was perfectly aware that the Grand Line has taken plenty of marine lives aswell... It was just a fun moment to poke Yumiko, that's all. "I am quite sure Rear Admiral's honor isn't that fragile." he also added to the remark that followed the Pirate remark from Yumiko.

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Anton was, honestly a little surprised when Yumiko of all people spoke against the idea of them going into the Grand Line. Though her following statements made perfect sense, at least coming from her. She was concerned about HIM, and while he appreciated it, he didn't exactly like her suggestion of him sending thrm off into the Grand Line instead.

Fortunately, Ryoichi spoke up on his behalf, quite wittily as well. Anton couldn't help but give a small smile before turning to Yumiko. "If I was so fragile as to sit back here, I would hardly be deserving of my rank, now would I?" Indeed, effectively conquering an island put into perspective just how much Anton had grown in strength. "Besides, as Ryoichi says, we're not exactly going in alone. As part of the marines, we have their resources at our disposal."

Celia looked over at him. "I'm honestly a little surprised. You're taking this rather well Anton." Anton gave a small, rueful chuckle. "Well, I figured by this point I'm just gonna keep getting ordered into these situations. Why fight it?" There was the Anton we all know, now resigned to the life of danger he was thrown into.

A knock at the door drew everyone's attention, and the masked face of Julius Black poked his head in. "Sorry for the interruption, but our new navigator is ready to meet you all." Anton gave a small smile and a nod. "Of course. Bring her in."

Dr. Black stepped inside, giving a flourish now expected of the eccentric doctor. "Presenting to you all, all the way from Amazon Lilly, Lieutenant Melanie Adder."

The woman who stepped inside was tall, with an almost enigmatic allure about her. What was really eye catching was the dress she wore. Quite stylish and formal, she looked more dressed to be lounging in a parlor, enjoying a fine drink, than to be here in a crew meeting.

Melanie looked over the gathered people, smiling like a cat who had seen something she liked. "My my, what a beautiful group of people here."


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Ryoichi couldn't help but smile as Yumiko was blushing bright red from what he had said. "It's okay, commander Yumiko. I myself may have gone too far aswell." he said with an apologetic manner, which followed with a gentle head bow. It was clear that he was nothing but a bit playful with his comrade and meant no personal harm or an attempt to really sting anyone's feelings.

But it is quite possible that his apology may have flown out of the room with the incoming distraction that was Mr. Plague doctor... Who actually brought some rather good news. No, it isn't that another plague got released... No, that would be bad news. The good news was that the new member of their crew had arrived and he himself introduced her.

When he saw the tall and frankly, quite beautiful and elegant lady enter the room. He couldn't help but have a broad smile on his face. Yes, another lady who has an alive fire burning in her. But there was no time to admire the beauty... Atleast for now. He immediately moved his right hand to perform the salute as the lady had entered the room.

While Yumiko was performing her greeting... Which of course, involved kneeling, he himself took the moment to move over to one of the free chairs, placing the hands on the backrest and very gently pulled the chair out for Melanie. While doing so, he of course, introduced himself to the lady who hopefully would take up to his kind offer of pulling out the chair and seating her. "Petty officer Ryoichi Ayugai, a pleasure to meet you, and at your service."

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Anton was a little surprised by his new crewmate's statement, regarding them all, before his brain quickly caught up. She was of the Kuja, so when she said someone was beautiful she meant... Fortunately, it seemed like the others either didn't catch the statement, or simply ignored it. They were accepting her into the fold well enough.

Anton took a deep breath. "Miss Adder here will be our navigator, and our guide through the Grand Line. Being from the Calm Belt herself, I'm certain she's used to dangerous seas." he watched as the tall Kuja gave a small, polite bow to Yumiko. "A pleasure to meet you. Modesty is a good virtue to have, but there's no need to be so formal dear." She gracefully walked past her to the chair offered by Ryoichi. She leaned down to get a look at him. "Thank you. Chivelrous, AND handsome to boot. And I get the feeling you will only get better from here."

Anton cleared his throat. "I'm glad you approve of the strength of this crew Miss Adder, but let's save that for later, shall we?" Melanie's eyes lit up as she smiled. "Ah, I see you know of our ways. Not many people catch that." Anton nodded. "Indeed. I've made it a point to read up on a lot of things. Helps prevent any unpleasant surprises. Now then, there's one more matter to address."

He looked over at Ryoichi. "Ryoichi Ayugai. In light of your service on Flevance, as well as on other assignments, we've come to the decision you're due for a bit of a change in position. From now on, you are one of my officers, and are to be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant." He gave Ryoichi a smile. "Congratulations."


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"That is flattering to hear, miss Lieutenant." he smiles as he gently pushed the chair closer to the table with the Lieutenant now sitting there. He then moved back to his previous spot, moved the hands behind his back, taking back in the "at ease" stance. Waiting for other news... And boy were those some news...

"I'm sorry, what now?" did he hear this right? Ryoichi? A lieutenant? Now that is something odd to hear... For him at least. It's been too little time of service for that, right? There is no way he is ready or even deserving of that rank for now... Although it does make him happy to hear that he is up for something like that... Nevertheless... It had to be said.

"With all due respect, sir, I have to decline the promotion and remain as the Petty officer." His voice was serious, he wasn't joking about what he said. It is quite a jump, from petty officer to Lieutenant... Are we sure Anton isn't making any mistakes?

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Both Anton and Celia blinked in response to Ryoichi's decline. Hearing someone turn down a promotion was, honestly, surprising. Granted, Anton had been surprised by his own promotions, but he still had accepted them.

Anton gave Ryoichi a warm smile. "If that's your decision, then I'll respect it. That being said, I still want you here on staff meetings. I do believe you'll achieve great things. And, when the time comes, I'll put the offer up again. So don't think you just torpedoed your career or anything."

Anton sat back in his seat. "OK, What else is there? Grand Line, Melanie, Ryoichi's promotion (except not)..." He thought for a moment, trying to think of what else there was to discuss. "Any issues any of you wish to address?"


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Ryoichi couldn't help but blink as Yumiko then got fairly close to him, simply to perform the talk with him, which was followed by intense shaking. Ryoichi kept himself fairly loose, which made it seem like Yumiko was shaking a ragdoll in front of her. A fairway to talk sense into someone? "Commander Yumiko. I hear you..." he tried to talk while shaking, which slowly and eventually ended.

Finally, he could have a word himself. While Yumiko made perfect sense with her sentence, he had another idea, perhaps it was something to do with his personal desire? "Promotions are a great honor, no doubt about it, and perhaps someday I feel ready to accept one. But right now, just a bit ago I graduated from marine school. To be given the label of Lieutenant could raise some red flags perhaps? Someone receiving such rank so early may make it seem a bit bad to Rear Admiral, some form of favoritism perhaps?"

He took a moment to take a breath, only to then continue for a bit more. "Me being a petty officer does not mean I cannot serve the people and navy exactly as I have always had. Perhaps me remaining that rank can even be considered an advantage for us. No one would expect a Petty officer to manage something." he would smile as he tried to explain... But it really didn't seem to hold water, right?

Yumiko, however, seemed to be stubborn, even making Ryoichi bow, which he of course did then. He wasn't going to argue about it with Yumiko. "If it really means so much to you, I'll accept it, but in the end it is Rear Admiral's decision."

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As Anton watched Yumiko's reaction to Ryoichi's refusal, Melanie couldn't help but give a small chuckle. "My my, I didn't realize you inspired such fear in your officers Mr. La'croix." she smiled in a teasing matter. "I don't," Anton replied, "Yumiko just comes from a...different culture." One he had several issues with. But that was for another time. "Yumiko, if Ryoichi doesn't feel ready for the position, than it is within his right to. I can understand that he doesn't want to let me down, as I know you don't either. As I said, I respect your wishes Ryoichi. If you wish to stay at your current rank a little longer, that's fine. Humility is a virtue after all."

With that matter hopefully settled, he looked over everyone in the room. "Now then, anything else anyone wish to discuss? If not, I believe we should get ready to depart. The Grand Line is waiting for us, whether we like it or not."


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Ryoichi couldn't help but smile at Yumiko as she had finally accepted his decision aswell, which was followed by a deep head bow and the formal salute followed after that. "Commander Yumiko, thank you for understanding me. It means a lot to me.". The smile and words were genuine. Deep down, it felt like a small rock had lifted from his heart. He had not known her nor Anton for long, but them accepting his decision sure meant something to him.

His smiling face however did a full '180 degree' turn. The smile quickly turned into a frown. What he had heard from Yumiko was, to say the least, surprising. Losing against foes is something one cannot always control. There's always someone stronger than you, sooner or later, so that did not bother him. Failing to always capture someone, also not that huge of a deal... However, an attempted arrest, on the innocent, as she claims them to be?

"Commander Yumiko? What... Whe... Why?" the words just couldn't come out of his mouth. With the combination of her requesting for demotion and the incident, he was baffled. He wanted to say something, he knew she had acted wrong, and it had to be pointed out... But the words... They didn't come out.

But that was not all. Oh no. She kept on revealing the rumor mills. Admittedly, he had heard some trash talk about the higher-ups... That's one of the 'joys' of those who are lower ranked, but never had he himself participated in them... The rumors, though, only having heard some, but those that Yumiko had just now revealed... Whispers... Labeled as a bed warmer... Ryoichi knew what all of that meant, and it was probably all false. Rumors were impossible to avoid, but ones with such disrespect... Unacceptable.

The vision, for a brief moment, went dark. Ryoichi had to shake his head to regain it. The fists clenched, he turned his head side to side, letting some cracks escape his neck. A shiver went through his body. It felt, as if the anger was building up within him... And oh it only had increased, once his enhanced hearing picked up the sneaker... Outside of the office, nearby.

A quick turn was performed, and swift steps were taken towards the exit of the room with the door slammed open. "Come out where ever you are!". His shout was to call out the officers and recruits... Some explaining was to be done.

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Anton was glad that Yumiko relented in pushing for Ryoichi's promotion. However, this soon led to something both unexpected, and yet one he should have expected. Yumiko requesting to be demoted.

Anton's expression fell. He knew she had been struggling, that she been having difficulty not only adjusting to her new role, but also the world around her. Her mindset was stuck firmly in Wano, foreign to the rest of the world.

But then she mentioned the rumors. Anton's breath caught in his throat. People had been saying that!? Celia briefly looked shocked before her expression hardened, while Doc Black's mask did nothing to hide the distaste the man was feeling. Anton's own shock turned to a burning rage as his face turned grave.

Especially when he picked up sniggering behind the door. Ryoichi seemed to beat him to it, bursting the door open and roaring at those on the other side, much to the surprised screaming of those caught out. "Bring them in," Anton spoke, though his voice remained calm, there was no denying the sheer anger radiating from those words.

Anton turned his attention back to Yumiko, his face softening to a sad expression. "I fear you might be right Yumiko. I had thought one who was assigned as my second in command should have an appropriate rank. But I didn't stop to think if you could handle it. I put too much upon you and did you a disservice as a result. I hope you can forgive me." He took a deep breath. "As such, I am granting your request. However, I will not demote you to recruit. Despite how you feel, you ARE better than that rank. I will instead bring you down to the rank of Petty Officer, the same as Ryoichi." He looked over at Celia, "Would you be able to handle Yumiko's duties in the meantime?" The shorter woman nodded, though her expression made it clear she wished it hadn't come to this.

He looked back at Yumiko. "I do believe you have great potential Yumiko. I really do. I just hope this gives you a chance to realize it." All the while, Melanie watched quietly.


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"What the hell are you on about? We have done nothing!" the group of recruits, mixed with some petty officers and seamen without hesitation began to defend their position. Ryoichi slammed his right fist into his right palm and cracked the knuckles. "For the last time, go and step into the office. Rear Admiral's orders." the orders had reached Ryoichi's ear just after he had exited the room.

"Who the hell do you think you are to tell us what to do? Punk, you are nothing but a petty officer here." the group remained to defend their position, stooping so low as to mock one's rank. Perhaps at this point, his rank of Lieutenant would have come in handy... No matter. "We won't come anywhere without the Rear Admiral telling us. Now go rub off.". Disrespect for Ryoichi seemed to increase. Despite all his efforts as the marine, his simple one-time burst of anger here had played it all away. Perhaps him gently trying to defend the former Commander had done that aswell.

Ryoichi's hand extended out towards the back turned petty officer and placed on his shoulder. Last chance to talk some sense into the main spokesperson of the current gossiping group. "Ah so she has climbed into your bed... Sorry... Hammock aswell? Considering you have defended her in the past and tried to win our favor.". Bam! A fist into the face of the petty officer, which followed by a couple more into the faces of the marines who tried to defend their spokesperson. Ryoichi was no ordinary Petty officer... He was head and shoulders above them in terms of strength

"For someone who talks some mad shit... You certainly aren't able to land a hit. ANYONE ELSE?!" he looked at the small group of marines that he had caught. Crickets were chirping. Ryoichi grabbed a hold of the petty officer and then motioned at the rest. "Pick the other two up and follow me."

Off they were, back to the big office where the other higher-ups were sitting. "You people never learn. Respect matters a lot, and you did not make it easier for the Commander. If you get caught with your bullshit, be ready to admit it. Be a man." he sighed, feeling a small regret of having to raise his fist against them. It was the wrong thing to do... But deep down, he was ready, for whatever punishment. And oh the marines were ready to rat on him... Oh, they were ready, the moment they got through the door. "Read Admiral sir! Petty Officer Ayugai raised his fist against us and beat three of our members to the pulp for no good reason!". Ryoichi let out another sigh as he placed the knocked-down marine on the ground. He was conscious, but a bruise could be seen on his cheek.

As calm of a tone as he could have, Ryoichi responded. "I admit I raised my fist. But the group from behind the door is here." "You brought us here with a lie! You said the rear admiral ordered us!" an immediate fire was shot back.

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Anton's expression fell further when he heard Yumiko's response. That was the woman he knew. Considering herself less than human. "Oh Yumiko," he sighed sadly. He just wished there was some way to reach her.

However, that would have to wait as Ryoichi dragged in the offending crewmen. It had seemed that Ryoichi had to get violent with them, as they tried to defend themselves, claiming Ryoichi had lied to them. "I did." Anton's voice was immediately followed by silenced as they realized their mistake. They sat there, trembling as Anton rose to his feet and walked over to them.

"It has come to my attention that there have been some disgusting rumors floating around my ship, regarding Yumiko here." His eyes narrowed as he spoke, keeping the boiling anger inside him in check. "First of all, you may be interested to know that Yumiko has voluntarily stepped down to the rank of Petty Officer, while Ryoichi here just turned down a promotion to Lieutenant." Hopefully learning of such humble acts would make thrm realize what jackasses they had been. But Anton wasn't done.

"And second, I want to make this perfectly clear. I did NOT promote her to have sex with her. I have NOT had sex with her. And frankly, I'm fairly certain she doesn't even know what sex is!" He didn't want to embarrass anyone by being so blunt, but it seemed like the only way to get this across. "So these rumors stop NOW! Understand?"

He took a deep breath as he turned to Ryoichi. "Ryoichi, while personally I approve of you giving these miscreants a good punch to the face, you did commit violence against them and there are rules. As such, I'm confining you to the brig for our voyqge into the Grand Line. I hope you understand." He personally didn't want to, but rules are rules, and Anton couldn't afford to play favorites right now.


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Bluntness was... Certainly appreciated, but at this moment it felt like it could have been a bit less blunt, some beating around the bush perhaps. Either way, it had to be said, and the gossip had to be put down by the rear admiral himself, and boy did he do that. Ryoichi had retaken his at-ease stance while listening to the scolding... Until it was his turn to tell at.

A soft sigh escaped him after he had heard about his punishment... But frankly, it did not come as a surprise to him. What he did went against everything he had learned in the marine school, even if he did not agree with the absolute justice system. "I... Understand, I come in peace." he extended his hands, indicating his willing surrender and to be cuffed.

All the things that Anton had talked about didn't seem to reach everyone... Especially the loudest of the current gossiping group. He felt a soft vein throbbing around his forehead when he heard the vulgar suggestion right in front of all the higher-ups, and Yumiko with Ryoichi himself. His surrendering extended hands swiftly moved and the cracking sound of knuckles could be heard once more. "I have heard of rumors about a certain level of Impel Down. It had this interesting common activity... What's it called... Ah yes, the regular soap-dropping contest. Certainly poppycock but... One can wonder... Perhaps we should send you there to find it out?"

Ryoichi aimed his piercing gaze and a warning at the loudmouth of a marine for even suggesting anything so vulgar, but he did not move to raise his fist at him, as the hands were then yet again set at the surrendering position, with them in front of him and ready to be cuffed. That certainly must've silenced him finally, right?

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Anton glanced at Yumiko with a sympathetic look. Her not knowing about sex explained so much. In fact, remembering her actions and her world view, that statement had other, more unsettling implications. Just what did Yumiko know about the world? He gave a small sigh. At least Ryoichi wasn't arguing about going to the brig. A show of character that further convinced Anton the man deserved a promotion.

Then, one of the seamen just had to open his mouth.

Anton slowly approached the three. The offending man in question. His eyes were bugging out, a part of him trying to fully grasp what this guy just said, as the doomed man's comrades tried to put some distance between them and him.

"Seaman Bowork, was it?"

The man flinched. It was bad enough getting chewed out by your boss, but it was worse when said boss knew your name off the top of his head. "I had JUST explained how these filthy rumors are to stop," Anton said, slowly leaning towards him, "And the first, the FIRST thing you do is sexually harass Yumiko, in FRONT OF ME!?" Everyone was bracing for it. Being yelled at by someone with the word "screaming" in their epitaph was not something people wanted.

Instead, Anton stood up and took a deep breath. "Celia, see to it that these three are put on cleaning detail, until we get to the Grand Line." Bowork flinched under Anton's glare, "except for Seaman Bowork here, who's to remain on cleaning detail until I say so!" Celia nodded as she got up to herd the men from the room.

He looked over at Yumiko. "Yumiko, please escort Ryoichi to the brig. Thrn report to Doc Black. There are things he needs to teach you." Doc Black nodded, getting up to leave as well.

Anton slumped back in his seat. "Dismissed."


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A smile crept on Ryoichi face as Yumiko cuffed his hands, for absolutely no reason. He did not mind it one bit that he is being cuffed and taken to the brig, he didn't resist the arrest nor rebel. He simply followed Yumiko as she was towing him away.

The silence ensued on their way to the brig, which Ryoichi couldn't take. He was about to enter into the room full of silence for a good few days anyway. He tried to kill the silence with some whistling... Then some humming... And then he tried to speak. "You really are the silent one, warden.", a smile followed that, only to not get any response from Yumiko herself. Saddening, but understandable. For all he could know, she probably thinks of him as a criminal right now.

He shrugged it off and got himself ready to be locked up. A nice added mercy bonus was that his handcuffs were removed right before he stepped into the cell. A couple of steps in and he turned around to face Yumiko, giving her a small smile and waves with his hand, "See you soon.". The door slammed shut... The smile faded.

"So this is where it begins.". Knuckles were cracked, neck aswell. Arms and legs were warmed up... Imaginary opponent showed up. It was time to face it... It was time, to strengthen his will and determination, to his duty... And come out a better man.

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