[Episode] Under Control

Fri May 27, 2022 12:59 pm

Name: Under Control
Category: Episode
Player Participants: Anton La'croix (+1), Yumiko (+1), Ryoichi Ayugai (+1), Yūgo Shirogane (+0)
Planned Location(s): Minion Island - North Blue
Planned Time Range: A single day between March 21th 1829 and March 27th 1829, taking place several days after the events of Davy Back Brawl and Homesickness

Summary: After the wild events of the Davy Back Brawl, which is a whole story in itself, Rear Admiral Anton La'croix has spent a long while debating with his higher ups over a reformation and recruitment program for captured pirates. Finally, the key officials have relented, agreeing on a probationary period to test this crazy idea. However, they have sent an inspector to the island to ensure everything is under control.

Meanwhile, Yumiko arrives from her hunting mission with a new recruit in tow. Much to her horror, however, they arrive at a base teeming with pirates, the very same they captured before she left. The devious villains have even dared to don Marine uniforms, making mockery of everything the uniform stands for. So begins another violent hunt.

The new recruit, Yugo, is simply seeking the Rear Admiral's approval to join the crew, only to get tangled in the mess as well. Could this be his chance to prove his worth? Or a disaster waiting to happen? He will have to make some swift decisions.

To make matters more complicated, Ryoichi catches wind of a problematic plot brewing behind the scenes. A crew of spunky, young pirates have infiltrated the island in order to free their imprisoned friends. He has to inform his allies without alerting the inspector, so they can root out the infiltrators and...

...Wait, why does all this sound familiar?

White wind howled. Winter was eternal on Minion Island, only growing milder or stronger with the seasons. The chill reached all the way to the surrounding seas. It painted flowers of frost on the windows and rails of a mighty marine ship slowly approaching the shore.

Dozens of deckhands were busy grumbling about the weather, while preparing for landfall. Red noses dripped, teeth clattered and exposed arms shivered. Most of them had grown used to the warm sun of Notice. With a chorus of quiet sniffles, they wondered why they hadn’t set up a base there instead...

However, at least one soul welcomed the sight of falling snow. For Yumiko, the sight of white flakes dancing in the wind was a sign of home. Of safety. Of a place where the evils of piracy did not reach. It was one of the few places left in the world she could let down her guard.

The samurai stood at the bow of the ship, staring keenly, impatiently at the approaching destination. Every inch of her hair had turned white as snow from the ever dropping temperature. Yet unlike the folks around her, she didn’t shiver. Her features showed no signs of redness either. She was in her element.

In the distance, the familiar silhouette sharpened. Rising hills were surrounded by ruins and trees. Upon the highest hill stood a large mansion with several towers reaching for the sky, easily visible even from this far. And on the highest point of the building, the flag of the Guardian Knights flapped proudly.

Usually, Yumiko would’ve gone on ahead by now. However, this time she was bringing a visitor. A potential recruit even. Thus it was most important to follow the procedure. Requesting proper entry permission upon landfall, confiscating any weapons, applying the seastone cuffs... Standard procedure.

The young shinobi was a guest, yes, but that didn’t mean he was to be trusted. Only a fool would let a stranger approach the Rear Admiral so easily. He might’ve been a devious assassin here to infiltrate the base. If his intentions were pure, he wouldn’t mind the safety precautions.

“Landfall in fifteen minutes!”

Yumiko snapped out of her thoughts, as the announcement rang through the ship. She turned to the nearest deckhand and politely requested that they go and fetch Yugo. The training break was over. Now the true trials would begin.

Though perhaps not in the way anyone expected...

---

Meanwhile, curious eyes peered at the lone Marine vessel through the sneaky lenses of a periscope. The twisted spyglass turned to inspect the island, before retreating. Just beneath the waves lurked a shadow bigger than your average fish. It swam with the muffled, mechanical whirl of twirling fins.

Within the metal maw of the beast, a nervous, ticking voice rattled quick orders. “Meccy, Coals, keep the engine running, running, running. The rest come with me. Gotta be quick, quick, quick. Get in, get out. Free the friends in between.” Understanding murmurs echoed in the cramped darkness.

Something turned thrice, whirred and clicked. A shining finger rose to punctuate a point. “No fighting. If they find you, run, run, run. Disguise, blend in, try again. If you get caught, surrender and wait for someone to bust you out, out, out. Get it? Got it? Good, good, good.” A pair of misshapen eyes opened, or rather lit up with a flickering light. The rumble of the engine grew faster.

“Let’s be heroes.”

---

Words: 575
Thread Total: 575

Sun May 29, 2022 6:41 pm

Very light steps indicated the arrival of the young shinobi, whom Yumiko had got other recruits to fetch. They were coming up on the island of Mini Oni or Minion, as everyone else seemed to call it. The air was certainly colder, a different kind of weather compared to Notice or Hoshima. Yugo had to wonder why would someone want to live in the snow, but he supposed beggars couldn't be choosers. If that was all the land you got then all that land you would have to use. If anything, he deeply respected the commendable effort of the inhabitants. Stopping besides the Yokai, Yugo's eyes did not fail to notice the color shift of Yumiko's hair. He did wonder if her weasel form would also have a pure white coat. Now that was something that he was kind of curious to see.

He didn't speak, he wasn't one to start conversations. He had already been informed about the restrictions he would have to face coming in to the island and he was fine with them. He had already given his throwing knives away for safekeeping and he would go on to wear the cuffs that would nullify his powers. He wasn't new to being around important people and thus knew exactly why those kinds of restrictions were in place.

Trust is not something easily acquired, but if anything he would hope his experience coupled with his rare and coveted powers would add substance to Yumiko's good word on his regard. He just hoped he wouldn't be separated from the Petty officer, mostly because he'd rather not find himself with unfamiliar faces on an unfamiliar island. Naturally, he couldn’t protest orders of the people he was supposedly going to work with but he hoped his visit here would be as smooth as possible.

This was quite literally his only shot at getting the means to go back home and telleveryone he was okay. He had already sent word of course, but going there in person was a whole other story. Plus, while it was at the back of his mind at the moment, he still needed to figure out who or why there was a smuggled Devil Fruit in his old Lord's cargo ship.

For now though, he would have to take things one at the time.

WC: 387

Mon May 30, 2022 1:29 pm

Minion had really grown as an island since the Guardian Knights had taken control of it. Apart from the large marine base in the center of the island, a small town had formed along the eastern side. Anton's hard work had allowed businesses to come to the island, providing services to the marines stationed there. Though construction was still going on, the island was now developing a sort of warmth to tackle the cold climate.

The island's western side however had been left as it was. Anton had been convinced to leave it as a sort of training ground for the marines. The harsh terrain and weather were in stark contrast to the warmth of the eastern side. At least it saved on funds for construction.

Up in the large manor, now the heart of the marine naval base, Anton took in a deep breath.

At the long meeting table sat the usual bunch. Celia, his second in command, Ryoichi, one of the crew's top fighters, and Melanie, their navigator. But there were also three new faces at the table.

There was Cicero Caeser, old warrior and the former captain of the Centurian Pirates. Jacques Barnaby of the Big Top Pirates and Greed Nay of the Misfit Pirates. Three of the five pirate crews that Anton and the Guardian Knights had to contend with during the Davy Back Brawl.

The Davy Back Brawl. That chaotic event that led to all this.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, "As you may know, over the last couple of days I had been in...debate with marine high command regarding the offer I made you all."

The Davy Back Brawl had left Anton in possession of three pirate crews in his custody. It was during this time that Anton had made a crazy offer. Either face imprisonment, or serve under him as marines. After everything that had occured, the pirates agreed.

Then it had just been a case of convincing the admiralty. He had been spending the last few days arguing with them over the Den Den Mushi. Even if it wasn't to their faces, it was still terrifying. Anton couldn't believe some of the things he said.

He took another deep breath. "As such, they have agreed to a probationary period." Smiles spread across the table, with Greed giving a small cheer. "Fuck yeah!" "We're not out of the woods yet," Anton interjected, "They're sending an investigator to the island to make sure everything is under control. If we botch this, rhry cancel the whole thing and cart you all off to Impel Down. So I ask you. Please, PLEASE be on your best behavior."

Greed nodded. "No problem boss bug. We'll blow that inspector's fucking mind, right guys?" "No! No blowing of minds. No blowing of any kind! Just be good."

A knock at the door got everyone's attention. "Come in." A seaman poked his head in. "Sir? We just received word Yumiko's ship has arrived. They also say she's bringing a visitor." Anton rose an eyebrow. A visitor? Now? The Rear Admiral sighed. "Fine. Whatever. Just get down there and inform her of the situation, BEFORE she gets off the boat. Then have her report to me on the double."

As the seaman left, Anton looked over everyone at the table. "That's all. Dismissed."

Post Word Count: 552
Total Word Count: 552

Fri Jun 03, 2022 3:56 pm

Unfortunately for Anton's wish and desire, Ryoichi was not feeling like attending the meeting. This may have come as a shock for some of the usuals attending there since most of the time he always was present. But he did not leave the crew hanging, sort of. Instead of him, he had one of the marines place a cardboard cutout of him instead.

One would, however, question themselves. Why does a man even have a cardboard cutout of themselves? It did not even look detailed enough. More like a quick painting. There's a story for everything, and this one is meant for some other time.

Meanwhile, Ryoichi had other plans. And those plans were not really anything significant either. In fact, the man had decided to take a walk in this lovely weather on Minion island. The lovely, snowstormy weather. The man was clearly adapted to it, being a creature of snowy lands himself.

He would, however, have taken the form of the polar bear, a giant walking one on all of his four limbs. What a way to blend in with this snowy land. He could even become a local forest predator, catch animals... If only he was smaller. His big size certainly did not make him any favors, especially not in the open field.

Actually, perhaps he could become a big pile of snow. The curiosity in his mind was killing him, and he had to try it. So he decided to curl himself up into a big lump of white fur on the ground. Unfortunately for him, he could not tell what he looks like. Does he look good and hidden? Does he look very misplaced there? Is he easy to find?

But then, he heard a noise. Someone talking... And the answer to his questions was given.

"Da 'ell ya 'pose to be? Sum big pile 'f bird shit?"

[313/313/5000]

Sun Jun 05, 2022 1:00 pm

As the mighty vessel drifted to a stop, the walkway reached out and kissed the dock with a puff of fresh snow. The soldiers started moving the captured criminals, herding them like human cattle. Cuffs and chains rattled rhythmically as they moved.

Yumiko turned to check on the potential recruit. Much to her quiet comfort, he had already given up his weapons and accepted the cuffs without a fuss. Naturally, the cuffs were light on seastone, merely meant to contain his curse.

Still, the weasel woman was all too familiar with the unpleasant sensation of wearing them, the creeping weakness that dulled every motion... “I apologize for the precautions. ‘Tis necessary to maintain the safety of our base.” She offered solemnly.

However, just before the two could step ashore, a sudden shout stopped the warrior in her tracks. “Miss Petty Officer Yumiko dude! Hold up!” A pimply-faced seaman rushed over, clutching a notebook in his grasp.

After an awkward exchange of salutes, the boy started stumbling over his urgent message. “So, like, we got a message and stuff that there are pirates in the base.” He paused to flip the page on his notebook. “And, like, you gotta go report on the dou...double to... Uh...” Brushing a finger against the paper, he squinted at the hastily scrawled text, before glancing up, only to find the woman gone.

“Huh? Where did she go?”

In Yumiko’s place now stood a rapidly vanishing and vaguely samurai-shaped cloud of dust. A billowing trail of powder snow lingered briefly over the path leading through the portside town, before scattering into the wind. Bystanders shrieked in surprise, as a violent whirlwind tore past them at breakneck speeds. Rapidly tapping footsteps faded into the distance.

Left behind, the poor messenger slumped like a deflating balloon. “Aw man, Mister Rear Admiral dude is not gonna like this...” He glanced at the cuffed boy, then at the prisoners being moved... Then back at the boy. A couple of awkward seconds crawled by, before he called out to the guards. “Uh, guys, you missed one dude!”

---

Meanwhile, on an entirely different side of the island, a looming shadow approached the shore. As it broke through the surface, it resembled a monstrous mixture between a grinning shark and a prickly blowfish. Its eyes burned like lights and skin gleamed like steel.

The maw of the metal beast opened and five shadows burst onto the shore. They shared a quick glance as a metallic voice gave a hushed command. “Split, split, split.” Right on cue, they rushed off in different directions at impressive speeds.

White uniforms blended into the snowy landscape, hiding their silhouettes in the blizzard. Falling snow swallowed the footprints. Only the sharpest ears could catch muffled ticking, reminiscent of a pocket watch. Likewise, it would’ve taken a honed nose of a hunter to pick up the scent of oil drifting in the wind. ...Assuming the hunter wasn’t preoccupied.

---

Several minutes later, a status report from the ship finally reached the island... The poor seaman messenger from earlier poked his head into Anton’s office. “Uh, sir... Do you have a moment?” The question was a formality at this point. He was sweating bullets and shaking in a way that screamed urgency.

Standing at attention, the soldier offered a sheepish smile. “Remember how you told me to inform Petty Officer Yumiko about this new... arrangement?” He awkwardly fumbled for words. “And um, hypothetically, what should we do if... she sort of... only listened to half of the message...?” A purely hypothetical question, of course.

---

Words: 593
Thread Total: 1168

Sun Jun 05, 2022 3:29 pm

"Aaaand there she goes again." Yugo commented seeing the lady disappear and finding out her weasel alter ego flying off somewhere. Turning around to the messenger, noting his comment, the young shinobi couldn't help but make one small remark. "First time?" He asked with a hint of sarcasm. The cuffs on him were unpleasant to wear, they felt like he was being drugged up with some sort of sedative. Still, he could bear them for a while he was going to be put back to work soon enough, hopefully as a guardian knight, if Yumiko was to be believed.

"Oh I am not a prisoner." He said to the messenger as he signaled the other guards to come and collect him. "I'm actually a new recruit...kind of. Yumiko-sama picked me up at Notice and I was supposed to meet the leader of her Marine Unit. The cuffs are because I have a curse, so they wanna make sure nothing bad happens." He curtly explained, still walking over to the rest of the guards as he still did not know where to go. He was in foreign land again and the only person he had a little bit of intimacy with had vanished in thin air. "You may ask the ship's captain to know I speak the truth.

Nevertheless, he would continje to comply with the other's requests. It looked like he was going to be held in a cell for a while, at least until Yumiko or De la Croix deemed his release reasonable as well as deciding to finally let him join and put him to work.

"Oh, one more thing." He asked the Marines that were accompanying him. "I might need a new uniform and all, so I was wondering if you perhaps had a Tabi boots laying around." He raised one of his feet up lightly and wiggled his toes to briefly show the flexibility of his footwear to the guards. "Not to diss regular footwear, I can do with whatever, it's just that I'd be much more effective with Tabi, as I have been using those for most of my life. Used to the mobility you see."

He hoped that even if they did not have something like that they could still procured it. With Yumiko being part of the island though, wano wear would at the very least be a known thing. He didn't catch if she herself wore Tabi boots but seeing her hyper-traditionalist mannerism he could guess there was going to be something held up somewhere he could use.

Tue Jun 07, 2022 1:42 pm

Anton sat at his desk, trying to get some last minute things done before the inspector arrived. In reality, he was more trying to distract himself from the growing anxiety. He kept reminding himself that things were under control. He had given his orders, everyone will behave. They just had to last until this inspection was over.

A knock at the door got his attention. "Yes?" He had hoped it was Yumiko, reporting to him. Instead a familiar, pimply face peeked in. “Uh, sir... Do you have a moment?” Anton blinked. "Seamen Jensen? Yes, what is it?" As the nervous marine stepped in, a sinking feeling started to form. “Remember how you told me to inform Petty Officer Yumiko about this new... arrangement?” Anton's eyes narrowed. Jensen was sweating bullets. "Yes?" “And um, hypothetically, what should we do if... she sort of... only listened to half of the message...?”

Anton's face started to go pale. "Which part?" Jensen's face split into a frightened grin. "The...part about pirates being here?"

Anton's face slowly fell into his hands. "No..." he groaned, "No no nonono! I do NOT need this! Not today!" He took in a deep breath, before letting out a sigh that was more akin to a very heavily restrained scream. Everything was quiet for a moment. "Seaman Jensen..." Anton rose to his feet and walked around the desk until he was right in front of the nervous marine. "Here are your orders. Find Commander Stanson and give her these instructions." He spoke slowly and deliberately, so that there was no misinterpretation, "Find and apprehend Yumiko, ASAP! Use all hands available, but minimize any harm to Yumiko, and any damage to the island. Understand?"

Jensen blinked, "You...want us to capture a fellow marine?" The order just sounded strange to him. Anton let out another strained sigh. "Yes, Jensen. I want you to capture a marine." "But..." "MOVE!"

Jensen bolted out of the room at top speed. Anton let out a pitiful whine as he leaned back against the desk. Trust things to go wrong.

-----@^@-----

Yugo's introduction to Minion was about to get a little stranger. As he was being escorted through the township, the small marine party had paused to a curious site.

A young, spritely woman was bouncing and dancing around in the middle of the street like she was the happiest woman on earth. Now, this wouldn't be so unusual, except that it seemed like snow flakes were coming off of the woman herself as she danced around.

"Come on Sol! Isn't this great!" She was addressing another who was standing off to the side. Though it was hard to tell due to the sheer multitude in layers she was wearing. The only part of her that could be seen were her eyes and fiery red hair poking out. "No. It's horrible and I hate it." The snow woman, who was in the middle of making a snow angel, sat up and poked her tongue out at her, "Then, you can always leave!" Sol's eyes narrowed beneath her hat. "Oh, you'd like that wouldn't you?"

Now, logically the marines could have simply walked around them, but the woman's enthusiasm was just distracting. "Erm, Miss?" The snow woman blinked, noticing them for the first time. She sprang to her feet, giving them a grinning salute. "Hey there! How can I help ya?" The marine blinked, realizing they had no business with her. "Oh, erm, nothing. We were just escorting this young man here to the Rear Admiral."

The heavily clothed woman, Sol, glanced at the cuffed Yugo. "You're taking him to see Anton? What did he do?"

Post Word Count: 608
Total Word Count: 1,160

Sun Jun 12, 2022 7:35 am

"Man ya real dum'. How da 'ell you think ya fool anyone while still dressed up?!" almost immediately after the first comment about how Ryoichi looked, another remark followed, and following that, another. "An' they say people be smart. Liar he was."

It was time to put the mystery to rest. Who was it that was talking like that to Ryoichi? He rolled himself off from the curled state and right into the sitting position. The polar bear wearing the marine colors looked down at the creature. A fitting-looking creature for this snowy land.

A penguin. A walking, talking, penguin, wearing a hat. It should not be such a strange sight, the penguin part. After all, this climate is a fitting one for them... But a talking one at that. Now that's storage. Really really strange.

Ryoichi could not help but blink at that sight. Confusion hit him like a truck. He had never seen a penguin like that. The questions were running wild in his mind. "W..What? Who? What?" words could not escape further from his lips.

"What's tha'? Spit it out ya fool. Ya swallow a tongue o' somethin'? Speak up ya stupid bear!" the penguin seemed to have a short fuse. He was not having it already. And that leads him to jump up and smack Ryoichi's big bear head with his flipper.

Ryoichi who was still trying to understand what was going on had his guard down and got smacked. It felt like the man got hit by a piece of iron. Such an amateur move. Letting guard down like that can kill someone! "OW! WHAT THE HELL?!" "What kind o' marine are ya? Lettin' ya guard down!"

The clawed paw was swung towards the penguin, whose quick feet moved him away to immediately dodged it. "Short temper ey? Catch me if ya can!".

The chase began. Loud stomps of the polar bear could be heard echoing into the snowy lands and forest, but not all the way to the closest city or base. For very very nearby listeners, that being Ryoichi only, one could hear a weird mechanical sound. Is it possible that the strange penguin is... Even more strange?

[362/675/5000]

Sun Jun 12, 2022 11:44 am

Running like a man possessed, Jensen carried the message all the way to the command center, where the First Commander was managing a whole platoon of den den mushi. The orders from above were handed over with the kind of panic that left no room for questions. Soon, every snail phone on the whole island snapped awake.

“Attention all units! Find and arrest Petty Officer Yumiko immediately. Minimize injuries and collateral damage. That means you can’t let her inside the base, no matter what. Her powers make a mess indoors. Tie her up and restrain her with seastone. I repeat...”

The strange orders were met with varied reactions. Confusion and worry shook some soldiers, while excitement and fervor fueled others. For every soldier worried for their comrade, there was another eager to take down a traitor. Somewhere, a hundred berries begrudgingly exchanged hands as a bet was lost.

By the time the samurai had crossed the island, the welcome committee was ready for her. At first, relief washed over her. None seemed hurt. Suddenly, however, a chilling sensation slithered down the back of her neck and coiled around her heart. She saw many familiar faces, yet all she felt from them was eerie hostility...

Snow scattered and billowed, as the wind warrior came to a screeching halt before the barricade. The whirling winds died down. She swept her icy, suspicious gaze over her comrades. “What is the meaning of this?” She demanded bluntly, as her fingers slowly wrapped around the grip of her blade. Every silent second that passed sharpened her senses further.

One of the officers stepped forward, proudly puffing his chest, showing off a freshly polished insignia of a Lieutenant. “You’re under arrest, Petty Officer. Rear Admiral’s orders. Stand down.” He brandished his weapon, a fearsome flail with a metal fist at the end of the chain, to emphasize the command.

The chilling sensation squeezed Yumiko’s heart, strangling it slowly. Disbelief felt like ice water dripping down her back. “What? No, no that cannot be... He would never...” All of a sudden, a strange feeling shot through her skull, like a warning siren going off inside her head. She spun around, drawing her blade on pure reflex.

A streak of blood splattered onto the pale blanket of snow. One of the Marines yelped, recoiling with a fresh, dripping wound on his chest. He fell backwards, away from the woman he had been sneaking up on from behind. A pair of shackles slipped from his grasp with a soft rattle.

As soon as the shock wore off, Yumiko’s expression darkened. She sheathed her blade and joined her hands together, as if in prayer. The winds started whispering in seething tones. Her voice filled with grim fury. “I see now... Thou are all pirates... Wearing the uniform, pretending to be mine comrades...” Any retort thrown her way was torn apart by the howling gale.

A monstrous, white cyclone erupted near the base, reaching all the way to the clouds and stirring the murky blanket. Like a localized blizzard, it filled the air with shards of ice. The barricade was torn apart and scattered into the violent winds. Even the strong soldiers were struggling to stay on their feet.

In the eye of the storm stood the samurai, her gaze burning with the embers of righteous fury. Slowly she marched forward, bringing the vortex with her. When the closest foe tried to bravely bring his weapon down on her, she responded in kind. Only she was much faster... Strokes of crimson brush painted the white snow.

---

While the warrior was drawing all the attention and the perimeter guard was busy chasing an unrelated distraction, the five shady figures reached the base. They circled the building, slipping in through whatever entrances they could find. Two slipped through unlocked doors, two through open windows and one brave soul even snaked in through the chimney like a contortionist.

Inside the base, no one paid much mind to an uniformed stranger passing by. After all, with all the recent additions to the troops, few were on track who was and wasn’t supposed to be here. The shadows were quick to notice, as they were free to skulk through the quiet hallways uncontested.

---

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Thread Total: 1875

Sun Jul 10, 2022 5:05 pm

Yugo was walking around at a quick pace, mostly trying to get where he needed to go as fast as possible so that he could take off the cuffs. While they weren't really all that bad, they still were having a weird effect on him, mostly due to his curse no doubt. He was feeling sluggish, winded and slightly dizzy. He could contend with the nausea and all, but why bear with things when you can deal with the problem and be free?

Two ladies would cut off his escort mid-way. From the little he could tell, the two were pretty much completely different personalities and tastes, yet seemed to find some common ground. Perhaps they were sisters? Probably, or perhaps just old friends.

"I'm a new recruit, actually." Yugo replied to the question the same way he had replied to his current escort. "I was recruited by Petty Officer Yumiko. I was going to meet my new boss before the interruption." He concluded, raising up his cuffed hands. "These cuffs are... a precautionary measure I believe. I have a special curse much like Petty Officer Yumiko you see... and apparently this thing keeps it under control...though it doesn't exactly feel that confortable to wear." He smiled sheepishly. They could probably tell he was a little whiter than what he should be. He still had that light nausea to contend with.

"My name is Yugo Shirogane. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, by the way. While I would like to stay here a while, I better not keep my new leader waiting. Perhaps we will meet again after I am stationed around here. You both are residents of Mini Oni island no?"

Indeed he would rather not make someone this important wait. It would do bad to his image and maybe also tarnish his chances of getting this job. He didn't travel all that way only to get stuck on an even worse island than the one he had crashed into before. Becoming a marine would give him the means to travel back home eventually and he would not allow himself to throw that opportunity away just because he decided to entertain idle conversation at the worst time ever.

WC: 370

Tue Aug 16, 2022 1:09 pm

The two sisters listened to Yugo's explanation, that he was a new recruit picked up by Yumiko of all people. His strange pronunciation of the island's name effectively confirmed his story. "Yep, definitely spoke with Yumiko," Sol murmured. That woman had been strange since day one.

Lune smiled. "Well, nice to meet ya Yugy! Guess we're in the same boat, though our circumstances are a bit different than yours." Her eyes then lit up, "Ooh! But if you're going to see Anty, we can bring you to him! Throw in a good word for you. What do you think Sol?" "Anything to get out of this cold," the sister grumbled.

Lune grinned wide, pointing towards the large mansion on the hill, "Well then, let's go!" "Erm," the marines that had been escorting Yugo were at a bit of a loss. Lune laughed and waved it off, "Well, yeah, you guys are coming too. You're escorting him after all."

-----@^@-----

Meanwhile, in his office, Anton was trying to keep himself calm. He had left this whole situation in Celia's hands. She was a highly competent marine officer. If there was anyone that could handle this, it was her. "Keep cool Anton. You've got this."

"Well, I would certainly hope so."

Anton yelped, bouncing to his feet at the sound of the voice. He didn't even hear anyone coming in. Standing in the doorway were two men, dressed in suits and flanked by a pair of seamen. One was a young man, with black and blonde hair, a monocle, and a long nose just made yo be looking down at people. The other was an older gentleman with long white hair and a beard, giving off an aura of sophistication.

Inspector Charles Closou:

Edmund Darlington:

The younger man stepped forward. "I am marine inspector Charles Closou, and this is my associate Edmund Darlington." The older man gave an acknowledging nod, "We were sent here by marine command to look over this little...project of yours."

Anton walked across the desk towards them. "Ah, yes, welcome to Minion. I'm sure you'll be most impressed by what I have here for you." He extended a hand out to Charles, who merely looked down at it. Could the man sense Anton's uncertainty? Not in his project, but of something colossal going wrong while he was here? "I would certainly hope so, considering how much you're putting on the line for it. Though it confuses me why you'd stick your neck out for the criminal scum."

He then gave Anton an arrogant smile, "Well, let's not waste time, shall we? Let's begin."

Post Word Count: 429
Total Word Count: 1,589

Sun Aug 28, 2022 9:31 am

"Man... Dat it?. Dat all mighty boxin' bear able to do?"

With comical-looking speedy legs, the mechanical-sounding penguin kept on running forward, and then in zig zags as he dodged the paw's incoming flails by an unamused and somewhat annoyed Ryoichi. "Get back here you black and white turd!"

The chase did not last long, especially since it seemed like Ryoichi had managed to chase the penguin into a dead end. They had reached the cliff, and down the cliff, there was awaiting the cold sea with slabs of ice floating on top of it.

"Prepared to be pinned down?!"

Just as Ryoichi was ready to put the 'hammer' of fist down to pin the penguin... The Penguin had other ideas. It takes a brave man or a woman to perform a leap of faith from the height they were on, and the penguin did just that.

Like a professional diver, the penguin had its flippers extended towards the water, and with a very soft splash, the penguin had broken through the water surface, into the water... And a few moments later, immediately burst out of the water onto the ice slab where he slid for a bit.

"I WASN'T GOING TO KILL YOU OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT YOU WALKING TALKING CREATURE!"

"AHAHAHA! YE THOUGHT YA CAN CATCH ME! FOOL! LET DAT BE DA DAY WHERE DA BEAR ALMOST CAUGHT PEFONSO DA BIG BRAIN PENGUIN'!"

"PEFO- WHAT?!"

"BY DA WAE! DO CHECK IT OUT IF YA DUN HAVE MORE PIRATES AMONGST YA THAN YA RECRUITED! UNTIL NEXT TIME!" the walking talking penguin gave his last regard with a somewhat confused but eventually concerning message.

Ryoichi looked at the slab of ice drift away from the island with the penguin on top of it, left with the riddle. "What did he mean by that?"

He undid his full Zoan to return to his regular self and walk away from the edge of the island, rubbing his chin while trying to understand what the penguin meant about having more pirates amongst them. He understand what he meant by the part about recruiting them, as it was his captain's weird new campaign, but what about the others...

The right thing to do at this very moment was to direct call his captain with Den Den Mushi and let them know about the situation. While doing so, he set his way back towards the base of operation.

"Rear Admiral La'croix. Petty Officer Ayugai here... You won't believe what I just saw. It was a walking talking penguin! That creature was so fast and rude! It just slapped me in my face and then ran like a madman away from me, only to then jump off the cliff into the ice-cold sea! It survived!"

Ryoichi had a momentary pause to catch his breath from delivering his message over the Den Den Mushi to Anton, only to then continue.

"Anyway before the madman left the island on that ice slab, he said something to me. Something like 'check out if we don't have more pirates amongst us than we had recruited". Did we recruit more than we had before?"

As he kept walking towards the base, the noise was increasing, the noise of clanking and... Screams even. Even the wind felt different from the usual wind that he feels on this already cold and windy island... It felt more, familiar. And the closer he got, he began to notice that the snow was not so white anymore... It had been painted red.

"What the heck is going on here?!" Ryoichi shouted out. The Den Den Mushi call ended immediately, leaving Anton wondering what was going on exactly. Ryoichi however saw a familiar figure wreaking havoc against what seemed to be the marines themselves.

To budge in and stop whatever is happening, Ryoichi immediately turned himself into a walking talking polar bear-human hybrid, letting out an echoing roar to gain attention if his already calling out shout did not gain it. He wanted answers at this immediate moment!

[671/1346/5000]

Sun Aug 28, 2022 10:53 am

ROUND 1
Yumiko uses:
Kenbunshoku Haki
[AoE] Eye of the Storm on Her Comrades
[UT] on Her Comrades

Her Comrades use:
[MT] on Yumiko
[LT] on Yumiko
[LT] on Yumiko
[UT] on Yumiko

---

COMBAT TRACKERS:

Sun Aug 28, 2022 10:53 am

The member 'Yumiko' has done the following action : Dice Roll

#1 'Reflex Check' : 3, 1

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 2, 10, 5, 13

Sun Aug 28, 2022 11:02 am

ROUND 2
Yumiko uses:
[AoE] Weasel's Wrath on Her Comrades
[UT] on Her Comrades

Her Comrades use:
[MT] on Yumiko
[LT] on Yumiko
[LT] on Yumiko
[UT] on Yumiko

---

COMBAT TRACKERS:

Sun Aug 28, 2022 11:02 am

The member 'Yumiko' has done the following action : Dice Roll

#1 'Reflex Check' : 12, 7

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 8, 7, 18, 20

Sun Aug 28, 2022 11:17 am

ROUND 3
Yumiko uses:
[HT] Weasel's Claws on Her Comrades
[LT] Weasel's Tail on Her Comrades
[UT] on Her Comrades

Her Comrades use:
[HT] on Yumiko
[LT] on Yumiko
[UT] on Yumiko

---

COMBAT TRACKERS:

Sun Aug 28, 2022 11:17 am

The member 'Yumiko' has done the following action : Dice Roll

#1 'Reflex Check' : 19, 18, 6

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 15, 3, 2

Sun Aug 28, 2022 11:33 am

ROUND 4
Yumiko uses:
[Toggle] Hunter Form
[MT] "Have at thee!" on herself
[LT] Gale Warning on Her Comrades
[LT] Storm Chaser on Her Comrades
[UT] on Her Comrades

Her Comrades use:
[MT] on Yumiko
[LT] on Yumiko
[LT] on Yumiko
[UT] on Yumiko

---

COMBAT TRACKERS:

Sun Aug 28, 2022 11:33 am

The member 'Yumiko' has done the following action : Dice Roll

#1 'Reflex Check' : 5, 14, 20

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 12, 16, 8, 8

Sun Aug 28, 2022 12:00 pm

ROUND 5
Yumiko uses:
[HT] Final Mercy on Her Comrades
[LT] "Defend thyself!" on Her Comrades
[UT] on Her Comrades

Her Comrades use:
[MT] on Yumiko
[LT] on Yumiko
[LT] on Yumiko
[UT] on Yumiko

---

COMBAT TRACKERS:

Sun Aug 28, 2022 12:00 pm

The member 'Yumiko' has done the following action : Dice Roll

#1 'Reflex Check' : 1, 17, 3

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 7, 11, 9, 14

Sun Aug 28, 2022 12:25 pm

ROUND 6
Yumiko uses:
[MT] Weasel's Song on Her Comrades

Her Comrades use:
[AoE] on Yumiko
[UT] on Yumiko

BOSS DEFEATED

---

COMBAT TRACKERS:

Sun Aug 28, 2022 12:25 pm

The member 'Yumiko' has done the following action : Dice Roll

#1 'Reflex Check' : 13

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 13, 1

Sun Aug 28, 2022 1:53 pm

Mythical or not, no fruit was invincible. It was merely a force multiplier, one that could be overcome with skill, tactics or even sheer numbers. Yumiko had learned that lesson several times over, yet once again she got a painful reminder.

Despite the winds raging around the swordswoman, the foes put up a respectable fight. Swarming her from all sides, they quickly forced her on the defensive. Blunt strikes showered her sides. One nailed her ribs with a crack. She coughed and staggered.

Suddenly, the samurai spun around like a top gone out of control. The surging winds grew far more violent, painting a spiral of crimson in the air. A mighty blizzard swallowed the screams... As well as the echoing roar.

As Ryoichi rushed to the scene, he would find a grim sight. Reminiscent of a violent painting, crimson splatters decorated the frozen path. The wounded marines had been left scattered across the mansion exterior. None had died yet, but... Writhing and groaning in agony, they wouldn’t last long out here without medical assistance.

Worse yet, the target was gone. The front door had been slashed apart. Snowy footsteps ran inside, slowly melting against the floor. The trail headed up the stairs, before finally fading.

Yumiko reached the second floor, with her breath wheezing weakly. She clutched her bruised side. Every step sent needles across her ribs. The taste of blood permeated her mouth. Careless... She had gotten careless and those brutes had immediately taken the advantage.

However, another obstacle stood in the samurai’s way. A young woman blocked the path, carrying a scythe-shaped quitar on her back. The marine uniform didn’t seem so dignified, when it had been stylistically shredded. Likewise, the white and blue went poorly with spiky, green hair, dark makeup and sharp piercings.

The samurai came to a screeching halt. Her heart sank, making her feel sick. She remembered this woman all too clearly from the latest mission. So it was true then... Pirates were walking among them, making mockery of the uniform.

Upon seeing the target, the former punk rock pirate stirred out of her bored stupor. “That look in your eyes...” She muttered. After a brief moment, she found a small smile. “...It’s okay. You don’t need to say anything.” She shook her head, reaching for her instrument. “I hear your blade loud and clear.” Brandishing the strange weapon, she took a stance.

---

Meanwhile, the stalking shadows were making progress. One was creeping behind a corner next to a particular hallway. Large steel ears turned towards the muffled conversation, finding it most intriguing.

Another shady silhouette slithered near the communications room. Beady eyes gleamed like glass, quietly watching the people inside. None of them noticed the silent spy.

Two of the infiltrators accidentally met near the stairs of the third floor. Sharing a wordless look, they decided to head down to the second floor hallway. ...Only to run into an ensuing showdown. With another nod, they decided to steer clear of whatever was going on in there.

Finally, the fifth shadow had found the holding cells at the basement, where there had formerly been a wine cellar. Wooden barrels had been replaced with metal bars. Now, it was a home to the lawbreakers awaiting their one-way trip to the island of justice.

Suddenly, the yawning guard next to the cells got what he had been silently wishing for this entire time... A nap. Granted, it was the courtesy of a steel rabbit foot kicking him in the face. Misshapen eyes cast their pale light into the murky cell. “Kommandantin... Are you in there, there, there...?” A metallic whisper asked with a whirr and a click.

A bulky shape stirred. Slowly, it... she rose to her full height. The faint light revealed a towering, muscular woman dressed in striped prison fatigues. Her cold, steely features warmed up with a pleasant surprise. “Is good of seeings you again, Jack.” Even the thick accent couldn’t hide the fondness in her voice.

---

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