Loss. Gin seemed to be used to it at this point as they young man's eyes slowly opened and examined the Island, he had sent Haruka and Rei away- they didn't need to be tainted by what he was becoming after all. The last thing he needed was the idea of them becoming monsters on his conscious- no, his goal had always been that by being alone he would be able to take all the blame when the time comes, and take that pain and suffering with him when he passed on- without giving it to anyone else.
He was not without his flaws, of this he was aware- but at least if he kept this mindset, no one else would be hurt. Sighing, he shook his head as his eyes trailed along the quiet beach, and he slowly hopped up- recalling his training years ago under Tetzou- he pondered how Dahlia was doing, his parents, his teacher. Rubbing at his face, he tried to brush the dark thoughts free of himself, and instead he carefully pulled himself together. Walking along the beach of the island, he noted how much calmer the island had become.
Perhaps it was time to move on- after all, there was no real reason to stay with the slavers defeated, the insane priests removed, and the people freed. Rubbing at the back of his neck he sighed- before he heard the patter of feet rushing toward him, arching a brow slowly he turned and tilted his head curiously as a young woman holding a messengers uniform approached him and saluted. "Commander Xoi, sir!" She stated, offering a letter- he arched a brow and reached out, taking it and examining it a moment.
Waving her off once he nodded, "Thank you." The salute relaxed as she offered a smile before dashing off once more as he slid his finger along the seal to open it, taking the page out with a frown as he examined the information. It seemed a "previous" Gang Lord intended to come here as a sort of sanctuary before his death to change religion to give "his afterlife a chance". Ginjo made a face at this, in other words the bastard was using religion as a cover for ether more underground work, or to keep himself safe till his end days.
Snorting under his breath, Ginjo raised a hand and ran it through his hair as he leaned back a bit in thought. Perhaps he wasn't quite done here yet after all ... he had not anticipated this, so soon after removing one evil another rearing it's ugly head was rather uncommon. But not impossible. Rubbing his temple, he turned and headed forward- making his way patiently through the sands, slopes, and hills until he managed to find his way back to the main marine stronghold he had reclaimed for the island.
Rubbing at his chin, he debated this quietly a moment before he hopped up and meandered forward- going toward the gate that was open. The guards saluting him in-passing as he entered and his eyes curiously glanced around, before spotting his current right hand, a young officer by the name of James Holt. "James, the hell is going on?" Gin frowned as he moved forward, his hands sliding into his pockets as the man glanced back and noddded- "Ah, there you are. A Crime Lord from Alabasta has publicly relinquished his title. He's trying to get out of his bounty we think- he's heading here under the prefix of 'changing religion, to assist in the cleansing of his old ways' or some bullshit like that."
Ginjo snorted a bit as he accepted the full report, scanning it curiously with a frown as he debated what to do. Should they just halt him before he even got there? Would the priests intervene if they thought a possible new member of their fold was being attacked in-front of them, despite his former atrocities? Rubbing his temples once more, Gin sighed- he didn't need this right now. He was tired, of everything really. Rubbing at his eyes he glanced around curiously before meandering toward the window and leaning on it, "... How to handle this tactfully ..." he murmured with a frown to himself.
"I have the nerve to try and smile, ain't been happy for a while."
Sorry it's so long. I don't intend to write this much from now on unless necessary.
It was a story like no other. Satori had garnered a bounty of 5,000,000 beli while in the blues. This was no small amount for that stage. She had been a celebrity of sorts, even, but not in the good way.
She had been hunted.
Escaping from town to town, island to island, and hopeless situation to more hopeless situations; Satori came to understand that she couldn't keep up the facade she had called life before. One could only run away for so long, after all. The girl, small in stature but just now budding with the physical changes of puberty, decided to stop running away.
She needed to change the laws of these seas that had been persecuting her. The biggest issue at hand being that she wanted change and not revenge. Satori didn't hate the marines or bounty hunters who attacked her day in and day out. She didn't hate them for making her afraid to sleep at night; finding solace only in the darkest corners of the rustic downtrodden inns and ships she called home from day to day, she squandered her youth.
Satori was robbed of her childhood by her martial arts master. Then she was robbed of her martial arts training when her master abandoned her. Then she was robbed of the right to even search for her master... Now she had been robbed of the rights to even a peaceful nights sleep. Such was the life of the martial artist.
Despite these hardships she never grew bitter. She never once lashed out at the world. She seeks to eliminate this biased system of vigilante justice. She dreams of fair-handed court system and trials being decided by juries rather than corruptible judges.
There was only one way to make this kind of change possible: Satori needed to destroy the marines. No, she needed to go further than that. She needed to destroy the World Government and its system of absolutes.
For that new goal, and in an attempt to hide like a blade of grass in a field, Satori came to the Grand Line.
The island here is called Cactus Island. Like it's name, the mountains off in the distance resemble the desert plants to a scary degree. If she hadn't been informed by a local that those "spines" were really gravestones then she'd certainly have gone to explore the supposed flora. As it stands, graveyards gave her the chills and she'd rather avoid them for now.
It was a truly fantastic feeling, walking around in a public place again. Satori's bounty was very low by Grand Line standards. Most people here probably wouldn't even have a bounty poster with her visage on it. Still, never failing to be vigilant, the girl had quickly wrapped her body up in a long cloak purchased from a local vendor. She kept the hood up partially to keep her face concealed and partially to alleviate the heat from the sun. It was a bright day.
The marketplace she explored, more akin to a bazaar, was filled with strange things and knickknacks from across the world. It seemed, as one of the closest islands to Reverse Mountain, Cactus had quite a nice trade flow. Even if the island itself was governed by some strange somber religion, it could still prosper.
Satori may have the resolve to destroy the World Government, but, at a glance, one could tell that was more a youthful ambition than anything else. She, an uneducated and fairly wild girl, honestly had no clue where to start. Perhaps she should find allies for her cause?
"And says 'at last' just as the time bell rings Goodnight, now it's time to go home And he makes it fast with one more thing We are the Sultans We are the Sultans of Swing"
Characters 🐐 🐏
"I arrive, brother, for these wretched funeral rites so that I might present you with the last tribute of death and speak in vain to silent ashes" -- Catullus 101
Xia Ji Li • Thief • Bounty: 0 • SD Earned: 0 • Beli: 500,000 Location: N/A • Text Color: #FF00FF
Ginjo stood by the window for several long moments, debating what he needed to do so that he could ensure he wasn't going to step on toes. He needed to go and visit the main village and priest, by the report the tub of lard wouldn't be here for a few days- that gave him time. Slowly rising up he glanced back at his men- "James get a free-flowing blockage set around the island, say it's to protect from possible sea threats and don't allow anyone in without my clearance- but don't be an asshole about it. We can't afford to piss off the higher ups on this."
The young man nodded once, turning and dishing out the order's as Ginjo's eyes slowly trailed toward the ocean once more with a sigh. He had to get over it, Kenji was dead- so were many other soldiers under his command. Death occurred and was a necessary sacrifice to ensure that the world spun on it's correct tip and the least amount of innocents died in turn. Taking a slow breath, he pushed the negativity from his mind and he instead moved toward the door, popping it open as he headed out.
He watched as the men saluted him, most with grins or smiles- he was starting to receive more recognition than before now that he had truly begun to make changes on the island. He wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing. Shaking his head a bit in thought his eyes traveled carefully toward the main gate, heading down the stair's- his feet clicking softly each time the sandals met the cold stone before he finally entered the main courtyard of the base.
Glancing around he rolled his shoulders slightly as he waved to the guard at the gate to open it up as he ducked under and headed out. The nearest of the villages was about a thirty minute walk, but that would be fine- he could use the fresh air and sunshine. Taking a breath of the air that blew off from the ocean he let his eyes trace along the beach, taking his time to enjoy the air and wind. It was nice to get out of the stuffy rooms and laboratories he had been spending his time in to get away from the fact he had lost most of his close friends.
Rubbing at his neck he wondered how out-of-touch he had become and shook his head a bit, there was no point worrying about it. Taking a breath he moved forward and just tried to relax until he finally made it to the village. Entering into the marketplace- he would have to pass through to get to the head priests temple at the top of the mountain after all. Moving forward he stopped by one of his favorite shops, the white jacket with the words "Justice" rolling behind him as he went.
As he entered and smiled- he noted a young woman with a hood up was in the store as well but paid her no real mind. Moving forward as he smiled at the short older man behind the counter whom seemed to brighten a bit at seeing the young man. "Ginjo! What a pleasant surprise!" He chuckled a bit, wincing as he slowly rose up and leaned on his cane. Gin smiled softly, "Good Afternoon, Jii-chan. How's the back?" The elder frowned, "Not to well I'm afraid. It's been getting worse."
The dark-skinned young man nodded a bit, "I'll prescribe you some more medication. Can I have three of the chocolate cookies please?" He asked with a smile, getting a nod as the elder went about his business- glancing back at the young woman. "Would you like anything as well miss?" The elder asked, and Gin glanced toward her curiously- offering a simple polite smile as he rested his hands in his pockets. Just happily waiting on his cookies- he had no idea whom she was or what she was there for.
Noting her more feral appearance he smiled a bit and offered something instead, "If you don't have the money I don't mind buying you something. He makes very good baked treats." He clarified with a nod as if to enforce his point- seeming to just be offering to help someone that appeared financially down on their luck a way to get something in their belly really.
"I have the nerve to try and smile, ain't been happy for a while."
The shop was small but quaint. A small bell hanging over the door rang out as Satori entered. The first thing she noticed was the wonderful smell of chocolate wafting through the air. How long had it been since she last baked? The old man behind the counter glanced up at her, but he didn’t raise his voice. Rushing a customer was never a good idea. The longer they spent looking around the more likely they were to buy something, after all.
The bell rang a second time. Someone else walked in. Satori paid them no mind. She was locked in a battle of epic proportions. This fight could very well decide the fate of the known universe! Should she get a slice of cake or some of the fudge?! This decision was weighing on the girl quite heavily.
Despite her floating thoughts, Satori overheard the lively conversation between the Old shopkeeper and the man he called Ginjo. It brought a smile to her face. She had missed out on these things; the small pleasures of everyday human interaction.
When the two were talking the old man finally decided to speak to Satori. His question was perfectly timed for she had just decided.
“Ah, yeah~” Replied Satori with a happy tone as she turned around to face the two. Then she froze in place. That coat… Of all the people to walk into this tiny shop in this tiny town, it had to be a marine officer. Satori, terrible at hiding her thoughts, put on a forced smile and tried to act naturally.
“No it’s okay I have money.” Said the girl at a horrifically fast pace as if it had been spoken on an inhale. She awkwardly pulled out the last bit of money she had and set it on the counter; it was just enough to cover her purchase. After this she'd probably need to find a temporary job if possible. Even a bad revolutionary knew you can't overthrow governments without some start up money.
“O-one slice of that chocolate cake please.” Said Satori with a shaking voice as she pulled the cloak around her a bit tighter to better hide the scar on her left cheek. She had received that scar back on the Island of Rare Animals in the East Blue when she took a Lion-like creature’s paw swipe to the face. She was terrible at acting, but at the same time she really didn’t want to get into a spat with the local marines. The fear that ran through her bloods was paralysing. She could only pray that the marine would leave of his own accord, because her legs were shaking a bit too hard to do so. She’d never faced a marine officer before, but the coat was a dead giveaway. She’d only heard rumors about how powerful they were. Satori, usually fairly level headed, realized that there had to be some fact to these whisperings.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. It worked a little, but her heart was still in her throat.
"And says 'at last' just as the time bell rings Goodnight, now it's time to go home And he makes it fast with one more thing We are the Sultans We are the Sultans of Swing"
Characters 🐐 🐏
"I arrive, brother, for these wretched funeral rites so that I might present you with the last tribute of death and speak in vain to silent ashes" -- Catullus 101
Xia Ji Li • Thief • Bounty: 0 • SD Earned: 0 • Beli: 500,000 Location: N/A • Text Color: #FF00FF
Ginjo and the older man both looked concern and confused- it was odd, beyond the differential in skin tone they looked like the same man of different ages looking at her. Still, as she stated that she was fine and put down the money- the elder accepted it with a smile and went about getting the pair their "just desserts". Ginjo watched the young woman with a soft frown- she appeared to be having some mental or physical issues with how she was shaking and her voice changed, fear? He supposed it made sense to a degree- many feared the Marines sadly for their corrupt nature.
He finally spoke up after a few moments as they both waited, "The chocolate cakes a good choice. It's really soft and moist though so I hope you don't intend to try and eat it on the more, you'll loose it immediately." He chuckled a bit, "Of course, that's what makes it so good." He grinned a bit as he would meander over to the display, examining it while occasionally offering her a glance as he noticed how she seemed to be smaller and more unsure now than she had before with an arched brow.
Still he had gotten used to the opposite here with all he had helped- so she wasn't from around here in that case? Arching a brow he rubbed his chin in thought before he glanced toward her once more- blue eyes seeming to glint with an idea as he smiled gently. "If you're hard on cash, you could work for some of the shops around here- many of their owners are like Jii-chan here." He pointed his thump in the elders direction, "They usually can do the main part of their business fine, but maintenance and all the more physical labor is just out of their reach to perform."
He glanced at the man as he went over this, the elder struggling with lifting the large sacks of flour out of the way as if to prove his point, he frowned and reached over the counter- helping the man and tossing them to the side for him. Shaking his head with a sight, "I wish I order some men just to be here in town to help out, but there are to many things going wrong lately ... you got here just in time really. We finally finished wiping out the black market and slavers here on this island." He murmured with a frown, seeming to be in his own thoughts.
"... Alot of good men died for that." He stated with a much softer tone as he rubbed at his forehead, his perky demeanor seeming to be haunted as the elder glanced at him with a frown. "You did what you could, Ginjo. It's the curse of being a commander- you have to keep going or this island's going to just go right back tot he way it was." The young man sighed, nodding a bit as the elder offered him the bag of cookies with a smile. "Cheer up. You're scaring the girl with your depression." he commented and Ginjo blinked, glancing at the young woman and wincing a bit.
"Sorry miss. As I said, it's been a hard few months ..." He commented, clearing his throat as he tried to shrug the negative emotions off once more- looking toward the cake that was handed to her with a smile and reaching into his wallet and placing it next to the cake with a smile. "To help you get on your feet here, you have the look of a traveler- or someone trying to get away. I can understand that feeling." He nodded some, glancing at the elder with a grin, "Try and keep healthy Jii-Chan, once this last issue blows over- you all should be able to finally have a normal life here again."
They were analyzing her. She could feel their gazes. Did they know? No, her attempt to react in a “normal” fashion may have flubbed, but there was no way it could have revealed her identity to them. She doubted even if the marine could see her scar he’d recognize her. The Grand Line was supposed to be that kind of place, after all.
After a moment of agonizing silence, the marine named Ginjo decided to break the proverbial ice again. He gave a warning about eating while on the move. His voice here passed over Satori like a garbled mess. She was too disheveled to listen well. She needed to calm down. There was no reason to be afraid. The man was just making small talk.
“Mmhmm…” Hummed Satori in an attempt to make it look like she was paying delicate attention to every word.
Then Ginjo suddenly brought up the idea of money. Satori nearly jumped when he did. She had just been thinking about finding a job to raise up some funds. Was that what they call a moment of mental connection? It was like he had read her mind.
“Ah, yes I’m in very much need of a job at the moment.” Said the girl with a calmer tone than before. She was starting to warm up to the marine. He didn’t seem to be an unkind man. The girl was certain that not all marines were bad people, but Ginjo was the first she’d met who actually helped prove that theory.
“I can help out with physical labor. I’m quite strong.” Said the girl as she followed along at Ginjo’s pace. Satori wasn’t all that weak, after all. She could carry flour, water, or other heavy things for some older merchants here in town with ease. Her body was forged from the fury of wild beasts. She had a martial artist’s disposition after all.
Satori nearly fell off her feet when the marine made mention of wiping out slavers and a black market. The marines on this island must be quite powerful to be able to do that. Not to mention those sounded like decent acts of police work. Perhaps she would need to redefine her non-existent revolutionary plans to take into account good marines…
“I’m sorry.” A meek response and a bowed head was all Satori could give in honor of the fallen soldiers. It really stung at her heart and she relived a terrible memory in that moment. Thankfully the old man returned with the baked goods and helped change the mood.
Ginjo decided to offer one last gift before parting, setting down some money even for Satori. She stood dumbfounded, her brain awash with strange emotions. Was this what kindness looked like? It was strange she had forgotten the warmth other people could exude.
“Th-thank you.” Said the girl as she turned towards Ginjo and bowed deeply. She had completely gotten over the initial fear that plagued her. Her heart was beating quite fast now, but she had a warm smile on her face. When she stood upright she pulled back the hood of her cloak so she could meet this incredibly gentle man’s eyes.
“My name’s Sat… Sumiko, and if there’s anything I can do to pay back your kindness feel free to ask.”
It was a close call. She had nearly slipped and named herself Satori. Her real name was a bit too easy to notice. Not many women went by a man’s name, after all. It was a shame she never learned her last name, lest she could use that instead. Still, Sumiko was the alias she used back in West Blue, and it’d probably work here now. She just hoped Ginjo didn’t have his curiosity piqued and try to pry. Her feelings of gratitude were earnest, though. Even if her tongue lied when it spoke her name, her heart didn’t.
"And says 'at last' just as the time bell rings Goodnight, now it's time to go home And he makes it fast with one more thing We are the Sultans We are the Sultans of Swing"
Characters 🐐 🐏
"I arrive, brother, for these wretched funeral rites so that I might present you with the last tribute of death and speak in vain to silent ashes" -- Catullus 101
Xia Ji Li • Thief • Bounty: 0 • SD Earned: 0 • Beli: 500,000 Location: N/A • Text Color: #FF00FF
At her apology and how she seemed earnest he smiled weakly, "Don't be. To feel sorry for those that have died doing what they believed in, is to insult that resolve. They chose their path knowing full well they may die and never hesitated, my only regret is that they had to take up that dream of their's in the first place." He murmured, frowning a bit before sighing and rolling his shoulders. Letting such thoughts go before he looked toward her as she introduced herself- a name slip up? It could have been the same stutter but the tone was off.
A false name then? Well, that was fine. Not everyone just gave out their names freely here after all, he was lucky he even got something to call her by really. He nodded once, "Ginjo Xoi, Son of a Pirate and Commander of the Marines." he stated with a surprising amount of pride as he gave a simple salute with a grin. "If you need anything let me know, I don't know how much longer I'll be stationed on this island now that most of the issues are solved, but I'm here and happy to help if need be really."
Ginjo smiled a bit as she offered to "Pay back" the kindness, and actually shook his head. "If you had to pay me back for it, it wouldn't be a kindness now would it?" He stated with a grin, "Just use it to get on your feet here, maybe get some decent cloths and meal so you can work. I'm sure Jii-chan would appreciate it, as would alot of the other shopkeepers. I'll put in a good word, for some reason it holds alot of weight around here." He chuckled softly and gave a wave of his hand- then recalling the black market lord that would soon be coming to the island he slowly halted his movements at the door.
He needed to encourage as much in the way of solid-behavior, good reasoning, good will and just kindness as he could if he was going to help heal the scar's left over from what had occurred. He couldn't bare the thought of him leaving and it going back down into a shithole that it had been. If he started acting like all the good things he had done and was doing, needed to be paid-back he would instill that thought in the people here, and he knew it. He couldn't afford for that to happen.
Glancing back at her he pondered something, "Do you know how to fight?" He asked curiously, his tone was not in an accusing way as to have possibly learned her identity, no- it was more simply a question as if he was trying to debate something, figure it out. It came with the concept that if she was going to be here during the fight, it was likely they would try to attack the village as a whole. The more people he knew could fight here, the better really- believing that whole-heartedly as he waited for her response with a curious glance.
The more he could get here with combat experience, and the more he could prepare and warn before it actually happened the better. Rubbing at his neck a bit in though he blinked some curiously as he realized something- he should likely alert the other members of the island as well. Looking toward "Sumiko" and the elder he frowned, and finished his previous question with a thought. "If you can good, because a Black Market Lord is heading here. We're going to try and get legal action to just stop him immediately at the ocean but if we can't ... be careful." He murmured with a concerned tone, to both of them.
"I have the nerve to try and smile, ain't been happy for a while."
Satori attempted a quick salute in response to Ginjo's. She had terrible form and it was clear she had never served in any kind of military outfit by it. Still, she tried; it was an earnest effort, even if her hand was sitting above her hairline and her palm was showing.
The girl listened on the balls of her feet as the marine explained that no thanks were necessary. The theory of kindness itself was an interesting thought. Satori had often spent hours meditating over just what kindness really was; in its purest form. Did people ever do things without the aim for some kind of gain? She often remembered doing actions to help others, but the feeling of entitlement that followed such things was grimy. It was really eye opening when she realized her own greed.
"Thank you." Replied the girl as she nodded her head. She was very grateful for the assistance. It felt a bit dirty that she was going to one day repay this man's kindness by attacking the organization he worked for. Still, that was in the future. Who knows how life will turn out. Perhaps she'll end up abandoning her goals for some reason or another along the way.
The question Ginjo asked next gave Satori pause. She didn't feel any malice from his tone, but it was an odd thing to ask. Perhaps even more odd than the question was her own trepidation when it came to answering it. She had been trained as a martial artist and she had fought for her life many times, but could she really fight? Was the total worth of her encounters on this massive journey thus far merely attributed to luck?
She thought on this question. She deeply considered it. Was she strong?
Satori recalled many times where her own lack of strength had proven fatal. She could recall times when it had even lead to the deaths of innocent men. But there were also times where she performed extraordinary things. Back on Pharsalus Island, to protect a young woman, she jumped onto the back of a bear. While that wasn't a measure of combat prowess it was still a form of strength.
She was strong in many ways: her resolve, her ambitions, and her tenacity. She wasn't a great fighter, but she had enough power to survive in this terrible world and continue moving forward with her own two feet. So was she strong? Satori could only offer a nod as she concluded the answer to be 'Yes'. It wasn't a resolution born from pride or overconfidence. She knew what her weaknesses were and she trained to eliminate them daily, but she still considered herself strong.
"A black market lord, huh." Mused the girl as she tried to find the right words. "I've trained in a martial arts dojo before, but I never finish my training. I can hold my own against any barroom brawlers or lowlifes. So I guess you could say I know how to fight. I'm not terribly powerful but I consider myself strong."
Satori's voice was almost a hum, reflecting just how deeply she had thought this answer out. She stuck to the truth of the matter and managed to word it in a tactful way. She doubted this marine officer, someone most likely far above her, would consider her a strong fighter... But she didn't need to be as powerful as him, yet.
Thinking about it, Satori decided she'd increase her training. She may not need to stand up to a man of Ginjo's status now, but if her ambitions hold then she will one day. If she keeps putting off the thought she'll never progress.
She never once thought about how silly it was to simply assume Ginjo was leagues more powerful than her without any proof, but she didn't really need proof more than the long white coat hanging from his shoulders. Not very many earned something like that in their lives.
Satori recalled how she once dreamed of joining the marines. It was a child's fancy but it wasn't a bad ambition. Over the years things have changed greatly, but she still held onto her love of true justice.
"If this crime lord attacks this town I'll help defend it." Said Satori with a humph. She crossed her arms and had a very commanding posture with that. She may not like the World Government very much but it seems there were marines out there she could trust. And, no Black Market Mob Boss would get near these tired merchants without her having a say or two about it! While some of them were shady or a bit crooked, they were altogether a good people.
"And says 'at last' just as the time bell rings Goodnight, now it's time to go home And he makes it fast with one more thing We are the Sultans We are the Sultans of Swing"
Characters 🐐 🐏
"I arrive, brother, for these wretched funeral rites so that I might present you with the last tribute of death and speak in vain to silent ashes" -- Catullus 101
Xia Ji Li • Thief • Bounty: 0 • SD Earned: 0 • Beli: 500,000 Location: N/A • Text Color: #FF00FF
Ginjo debated her answer a moment and leaned against the door-frame as he considered her answer- if she was a decent combatant he was glad to know he had someone else helping to guard the island. What worried him however, was the idea that the girl would get herself into to deep an level of danger that she couldn't handle because she wanted to do the right thing. Rubbing at his chin in thought, he didn't want her to end up dead because he mentioned the idea- so he sighed a bit and slid his hands into his pockets.
"Just don't go overboard. If you can tell your outmatched call for the marines, me and my men will be covering the entire sector of the island so as long as we're near we'll come." He smiled a bit, before he took a step forward and once more waved as he left, "Be safe. Hopefully this all blows over without anything going to badly." He commented as he moved forward- however not but a few steps from the door a messenger dashed up panting, Ginjo arched a brow as he halted his steps and watched patiently- waiting for the young man to catch his breath without to much concern.
Finally, the man managed to get out- "We got denied, approval." he stated through pants as Ginjo sighed and rubbed at his temples, "This is going to get messy ... alright, in that case I want the civilians posted with all guards, drop guard duty on the base if we have to- but get these villages maintained. Understood?" His voice was hardly hidden, he saw no point pretending there was no danger after all. Of course it was true, the man may be coming here to "change his ways", but he doubted it.
A "retired" black market lord decides to stop by an island that just got its black market and slave trade shut down? Yeah, not likely just a visit to better himself. He needed to ensure that the people were safe before all else, and he blinked and glanced over his shoulder as he heard the sound of gunfire in the distance. "What the hell ...?" he murmured as he turned and watched as smoke seemed to come from one of the main temples. "One thing after another ..." Of course, that didn't seem to be the end of it.
Within a few moments calls were being sent his way of attacks from pirates, at the marine base- several temples and even several villages all at once. As if an actual small fleet had decided that they were going to attack -right- as they were preparing to try and slow down a crime lord. How perfect for the said time lord. His lip twitched in annoyance as he cursed, he didn't have enough men to handle something like this- and he sure as hell couldn't be everywhere at once.
Rubbing his face he tried to gather his thoughts and leaned against the wall. A total of seven attacks, the marine base, two temples, and four of the villages- all only with docks so they had to be sea-based assaults. Taking a few moments he sighed and opened the door once more and glanced inside as he looked toward "Sumiko" and rubbed his neck. "If you were serious about helping, we'e going to need it. It looks like he's sprung something in order to ensure he gets to the main temple while we're distracted- the attacks aren't doing any real damage but I can't take my men from their posts while their protecting civilians and go and track him down to stop him."
He frowned a bit as he sighed, "So if you're up for it, and you were serious about being much stronger than normal individuals- me, you and a small squadron are going to go and try to stop his advance. Or at least make sure he doesn't re-establish connections, overtake a church, and so forth- while my men push back the attacks." He looked uncomfortable at the notion of asking for her held, and voiced his concerns. "I would normally never ask a civilian for assistance, but in this case I'm already short staffed and I need someone besides me strong enough to hold their own against several opponents- or stronger opponents if my men need the help."
Glancing at the rising smoke of the large ship approaching he sucked his teeth and sighed a bit. "We don't have much time, so if you want to help follow after me- if not, just try and stay safe." He nodded some, offering a weak smile before turning and looking to the messenger. "Get the orders to the men, everyone holds their ground- get base to send a battalion to the main church, tell them I'll be there shortly and their to not let -anyone- in that doesn't belong to this island until I get there! Got it?" The marine saluted, "Sir!" before turning and taking off- he then waited a few sparse moments to see what the martial artist's response was going to be.
"I have the nerve to try and smile, ain't been happy for a while."
“I’ll run away if I find myself outmatched.” Replied Satori as she returned Ginjo’s smile. She knew full well when a fight was pointless. It hurt her honor but honor be damned if it means death. Living to fight another day was always a great way to look at things. Satori had fought enough times to preserve her life to just let those experiences amount to nothing in the end, after all. It’d be like spitting in the grave of everyone she had ever buried, even if it was a shallow grave to begin with.
The marine left the shop and Satori, unconsciously, breathed a sigh of relief. She hadn’t managed to kill all of her anxiety after all, it seems. Still, it was nice to finally be able to breath right again. Satori decided she’d eat her cake in the shop. She took off her cloak and sat down at a small table. In the corner of her eye she noticed the marine Ginjo was still just outside the building, talking to another marine. They both had very serious looks on their faces.
Instinctively the girl swallowed hard at that. She knew it was very unlikely that their discussion had anything to do with her, but she hadn’t stayed alive this long by being negligent. She ate the cake without tasting a single damn bite of it due to worry. It was a rather unfortunate waste.
Suddenly, after thinking alone for a moment, Ginjo opened the door to the shop again and spoke to Satori. The girl had just finished her last bite of cake when it happened, and that bite went down harder than all of the ones before. It felt like she had just swallowed a brick whole. Her throat stung a bit but she listened to the marine’s spiel.
It seems this crime lord had managed to pull a fast one on the marines. There was some kind of attack going on. With the door held open Satori could hear gunshots echoing off in the distance herself now. Ginjo left after making his request, giving Satori the options to assist if she so desired. The simple fact that he left the decision up to her was all the motivation she needed. He really was a kind man, but she doubted he’d stay kind if he knew she had a bounty herself. Still, she thought about what she was like before getting this bounty. She, herself, would have looked down on a criminal just the same. It was amazing how much her worldview had changed in the recent years. Life wasn’t so simple or black and white as she had once thought. Just because someone has a bounty or is a marine doesn’t make them a bad person.
Satori stood quickly and handed her plate to the shopkeep. The scar on her face was clearly visible to the man behind the counter as she bent down and checked her boots. They were made from the bear she had killed with a young woman named Zella back on Pharsalus Island. They were hot in this kind of summer island, but they were well made and breathable. A leatherworker from a local shop back in West Blue had made them for her. She smiled slightly as she checked the lacing. She went up her body, ensuring her clothing was in good fighting shape. Once she finished she walked towards the chair where she had set her recently purchased cloak.
The shopkeep looked at her with a careful eye.
“You don’t have to go fight, Miss. There’s no reason for a nice young lass like you to get hurt.”
The shopkeep’s voice was sweet and sincere. Satori only smiled as she turned towards the door. Her cloak fluttered behind her as she slipped her left arm into its sleeve.
“I’m not nearly as nice a woman as you give me credit for.” Said Satori as the tail ends of fabric billowed in the wind from the open door. She snapped her hands against the collar, tossing the hood up over her head. “Besides, I always pay back a kindness.”
She was nervous about fighting. She was always nervous about fighting, though. It was something that came with experience from many battles. She had learned that anyone can kill anyone on the right day. Negligence was the greatest weakness a warrior could have. Satori didn't plan to be negligent, though.
With that said she walked into the sunlight and took a deep breath. She could see smoke rising from a large ship that was slowly approaching the island. It seems the blockade idea had failed. Satori couldn’t suppress her anger, though. These pirates or black market minions were attacking civilians. They were willing to ruin the lives of innocent people to better their own positions.
Satori cracked her knuckles as she walked up to Ginjo.
“Lead the way.”
ooc
The patriots won and I was in a drunken stupor for a few days. Sorry for the delay. It wont happen again. Until they win the super bowl. :)
"And says 'at last' just as the time bell rings Goodnight, now it's time to go home And he makes it fast with one more thing We are the Sultans We are the Sultans of Swing"
Characters 🐐 🐏
"I arrive, brother, for these wretched funeral rites so that I might present you with the last tribute of death and speak in vain to silent ashes" -- Catullus 101
Xia Ji Li • Thief • Bounty: 0 • SD Earned: 0 • Beli: 500,000 Location: N/A • Text Color: #FF00FF