Hey Everyone!
I'm excited to share this new chapter! I wanted to get it out last month but my start to 2022 was rough so I decided it was a good idea to take a break. Going forward, I'll be back to posting monthly.
Get ready to see how the times fly.
2/12/2022
Chapter 6: The Newspaper
In less than a week, the News Coo dropped off a new issued bounty. The headline of the newspaper read:
"Upstart Pirate Topples Big Names"
*WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE*
"Strawhat" Monkey D Luffy
Excitement was buzzing in the restaurant, especially for the staff. The cooks all gathered to read over Reiju's shoulder, laughing at the trouble their boys were getting into.
"That fishman looks like a nasty one." One cook said at the photo of Arlong, displaying his rows of glistening sharp teeth.
"I heard that fishman can bite through bone," said Carne. "Even Sanji would have trouble."
Zeff scoffed. "I trained him better than that."
Reiju nodded in agreement. "You know my brothers are not to be underestimated."
There was no mention of the Strawhats in the newspaper the following day but the seagull had a letter addressed to Reiju.
"Dear Reiju," it began, "I'm writing to update you on our wellbeing. After departing the Baratie, we sought after the girl, Nami, who originally took off with their ship.
We learned she was forced to work for Arlong since she was a child. Though I have known Nami a short while, I can tell she has good intentions even if she is likely to rob you blind. We defeated Arlong and his subordinates. The fishmen were skilled but it was nothing we couldn't handle. Nami has officially joined the crew as the navigator.
Life on the Going Merry is not too different from life on the Baratie, if not a little more chaotic. Niji, Yonji and Sanji have settled in properly. Niji has been working with Usopp (the long-nosed one) to take care of the ship and Sanji has completely taken over the kitchen.
We're charting a course straight for the Grandline. We'll be over Reverse Mountain within a few weeks and don't worry. I'll strap Yonji down this time. The others send their greetings."
– Ichiji
..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..
The cow sea king looked like it could make some of the best sea steak but Yonji would stand by his opinion that it made for a terrible steed. When the stupid cow crashed into the Conomi shore, he was flung out of the ship. Now he was lost. He had gotten a good view of the island while he was in the air and had seen rice fields and a tower and if Nami had to be anywhere it had to be the tower. It was the coolest thing on the island.
Yonji wandered and wound up in a small little town. A town such as this he would usually consider quite boring but most of the house were upside down. That made this town a hundred times more interesting.
"Hey Monkey-brains!"
Yonji's eye twitched in irritation as he faced the ugly looking fishman. "What was that?"
"You heard me! I don't recognize you!" The fishman yelled, stomping over to him.
"Then allow me to introduce you to my fist," Yonji suggested.
The fishman's suspicious expression darkened to one of malice. "Oh, so you're one of those humans who thinks he's a tough guy. You're about to have a rude awakening." The fishman surged forward. Yonji stood as the fishman unleashed punch after punch in rapid succession, causing the wind to tear off nearby roof shingles. When the fishman finally stopped, there was steam wisping off his knuckles but his confidence stuttered.
Yonji lowered his crossed arms, completely unfazed by the attack, and grinned. "Was that supposed to hurt, fish-face?"
"So you're a little durable. Big deal! It's trivial to the strength of fishman!" The fishman bit into Yonji's arm. "How do you like that!?" He boasted though his teeth didn't sink to the bone as it usually did.
Yonji grimaced but reached over with his free arm and grabbed him by the head, crushing into his skull with just his fingers. "I'm a lot stronger than you!"
Then the fishman experienced what it meant to be a puny opponent compared to the hulking Yonji.
..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..
"Reiju!" Niji wrote on a hot and sunny day. "We've made it to the Grandline! It's fantastic. We met an Island Whale named Laboon, I didn't know whales could get that huge. We also got a new member, her name is Vivi. We met her while she was undercover in an organization called Baroque Works, trying to stop them from destroying her kingdom. I was told I shouldn't tell you that but I don't have more paper to start over. Nami's hot but her interest rates are insane, and I'm not going take her map paper because I don't have a death wish."
"Before I forget, have you heard of Rain Dance? It's being used to control the rain in Alabasta, the country we're going. I'm trying to understand the compounds in it. I want to be able to counteract the substance if I can. Maybe I could prove that Vivi's father is innocent but I need a sample of the powder. If you find any, can you send it to Nanohana in Alabasta? Thanks!"
We're doing okay too. Don't worry!
Niji
Patty peered over Reiju's shoulder and wrinkled his nose, "What's Rain Dance? Is it a drug?"
Another cook gasped, absolutely scandalized. "Patty! Suggesting Niji's doing drugs is accusing Reiju of not raising them properly! She raised them to be good boys!"
"Good boys wouldn't test rocket propellers while we cook!" Patty shot back.
"Niji apologized." Reiju replied. "Rain Dance is a powder that creates artificial rain by maturing a rain cloud earlier. Because it deprives other areas of rain, the World Government has prohibited its manufacturing, possession and use."
"Did that squid-bastard ask you to send him contraband?" Patty asked in disbelief.
Reiju giggled, "You know Niji and his curiosity."
"But Rain Dance? I heard countries have gone to war over that crap." Another cook said.
Carne, who was passing by with a large pot of chowder, paused to point out, "It's not like Reiju can actually send Niji the powder. Where would she even get it?"
"Where indeed," Reiju hummed in such a way that left Patty and Carne feeling perturbed.
..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..
Chopper observed the unconscious humans who had turned this normal day into something strange. Three of them were males and one was female. The female had a serious illness that was carried by a mosquito that went extinct hundreds of years ago and would have been dead soon if they hadn't treated her. She was likely the reason the others traversed up the sheer vertical mountain cliffs of Drum Island during a whiteout snowstorm.
While they made it to the summit, it was not without injury. The one that smelled like smoke had a multitude of contusions and a slipped disk in his back. Chopper suspected he was caught up in the avalanche.
The one that smelled like meat had pushed himself beyond his body's capabilities but most of his injuries were minor. The severest injury was his fingernails. Some of them were split and others were completely ripped off. It was astounding the human was able to carry three injured people up the mountain while in extreme pain.
The third human had the worst case of frostbite of the three, especially on his hands. The third was found will large metal glove on which had no internal heating. It was lucky when Doctorine took them off when she did or he would have lost his hands.
The men were slowly waking up. Chopper didn't want to be seen but, as a doctor, he had to make sure they were recovering so he hid by the door.
The human that smelled like smoke was the first to wake up, curiously assessing the room he had awoken in and looking relieved to see his companions.
"Ow..." The third one groaned as he sat up, bandaged hand instantly going to his ears as if he had a headache. Chopper worried he misdiagnosed the third human and he was suffering because of his mistake. He shifted nervously, worrying if he would have to reveal himself to them.
The smoke smelling human searched around quickly for their personal belongings and found the strange headphones. The other one took his hands off his ears just long enough to snatch the headphones and put them on. Wearing the headphones, he was able to relax. Chopper found this behavior strange.
The third human stared at his bandaged hands for a long moment and grumbled incoherent words under his breath. "This sucks. How am I going to fight?"
"You should take better care of your hands." The smoky one replied.
"You're one to talk. What were you thinking? You could have died in that avalanche."
"Nami would have died if I didn't." he folded his arms in defiance.
"But you're…"
"I will kick you if you say it."
"…. Less durable."
The meat smelling one sat up and looked around. "Oh, you guys are okay."
"We have to make sure Nami is safe." The smoky one said, tossing the straw hat over to his companion.
"Have you seen my gloves and mask?" the frostbitten one asked.
"Who cares, Nami-swan comes first."
Chopper was intrigued by these humans. They endured so much pain to help their friend. He could tell that they cared deeply from one another even if they were yelling at each other. He felt a little envious; he longed to have friends like that. He wondered what they would think of him. Half man, half reindeer. They would probably think he's a monster but for a moment - just a short moment - he wanted to imagine what it would be like if they worried over him like they did their female companion. Chopper leaned too far forward and knocked over a stool, sending medical instruments to the floor. Three pairs of eyes landed right on him. Chopper froze.
"What is that? Do you think it tastes good?" The meaty smelling human drooled.
"We could use some emergency food..." The smoky one considered.
"Can I dissect it first?" The headphone one asked.
Chopper ran away screaming.
..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..
Strawhat Pirates Evade Capture, Destroy City in Their Escape!
*WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE*
"Strawhat" Monkey D Luffy
100,000,000
*WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE*
"Pirate Hunter" Roronoa Zoro
60,000,000
.
.
.
Reiju and the Baratie staff enjoyed every letter her brother's would send. Even Zeff would occasionally get caught up reminiscing about the Grandline. The news about Alabasta and its civil war had everyone's attention but there were no bounties for their boys and they weren't named in the article. The cooks may have been disappointed but Reiju felt a little relief and happy her brothers were keeping their promise. The Navy gave the credit of stopping the war to a marine captain while the Strawhats received all the blame for the destruction.
Ichiji sent a letter not long after they received the newspaper. He explained how Vivi stayed behind to follow her dream and their captain agreed to let Nico Robin, former enemy, join their crew. It was easy to tell that Ichiji was struggling with Luffy's way of leadership. He had a strict upbringing and he's used to authoritative type leaders. By the fact Luffy first crew member was a pirate hunter, Robin seemed in line with his choice of nakama. Sanji was ecstatic to have another female crew member.
With her brother's out pirating, Reiju found herself with free time on her hands. Patty attempted to find a hobby for her but she preferred to take walks on the islands where the Baratie made port.
She finally received a short letter from Yonji. He was not studious so it was rare for him to write, even to her. It was barely legible but Reiju was familiar with how he wrote.
"THERE'S A SEA IN THE SKY!" Yonji scribbled. "We flew through the sky on a geyser and found a sea made of clouds. Some assholes thought it wasn't real but we proved them wrong! There are people who live up here too. I'm glad I went with Luffy and everyone. I miss you but I've seen some many new places since we left the Baratie.
"Niji and Usopp nerded out over some shells. The Sky people use them for different stuff. Some can play back sound and some can blast fire. Niji's wants to add them to his gloves.
"We found god. He was an asshole and sparky. It was cool to explore and all. Now we get to go to the next island. I don't know how we'll get down. I think if we fall, the Going Merry might break. She's seen better days. But we found a ton of gold while treasure hunting so we can fix her up right!"
Tell the assholes I say hi.
Yonji
"Yonji's having fun," Reiju reported. "But it sounds like their ship is getting worn down."
"That little caravel? The Grandline will wear down any ship and that one was made for the East. Even if they continue to maintain that ship, it will eventually break down." Zeff told her.
"My brothers are fond of the Going Merry."
"They'll have to learn to let go." Zeff stated simply. "Speaking of, have you thought about what you've wanted to do?"
"What do you mean?" Reiju asked.
"Surely you have better ambitions than being a restaurant manager."
"Someone has to keep all these boneheaded cooks organized." Reiju said.
Zeff shrugged, understanding she wasn't interested in continuing the conversation and walked towards the door. Before he left, Zeff casually said. "If you're bored and are interested in learning a new kicking style. Let me know."
..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..
Sanji stood in a tense fighting stance, cursing their luck. Flying down from Skypiea, they landed right in the middle of a marine base. Everyone abandoned the Merry temporarily and split up to avoid getting caught but several crewmembers ended up in the jail cells anyways. Fortunately, it was none of his brothers and no one has been unmasked. Unfortunately, the marines searched the Going Merry and confiscated their belongings, including Niji's Spark Gloves because Niji was an idiot and did not take his weapon when he jumped ship. Now he was the reason Sanji was in his current predicament.
"It's always satisfying when a lure brings in some big game." Commander Jonathan smiled confidently as he held up one of the gloves. The commander must have known that the gloves were important so he used them as bait to draw out more of the crewmembers. Sanji knew this walking casually into the Commander's office like he belonged but leaving the gloves was not an option.
"I don't give a shit about your shitty allegories. I've come for those."
"Yes. I guessed as much." Jonathan admitted, placing the glove back on his desk but at an angle which it would be awkward for Sanji to lunge for them. "Not interested in your loot?" he gestured over to where the treasure they found in Skypiea.
"I'll take that too."
Jonathan laughed, "How bold."
"Nami-swan will be upset if I don't bring back her treasure." Niji would also be upset if Sanji didn't bring back his gloves. He just upgraded them with Thunder dials, increasing their power and lighting the weight, giving him greater agility. Sanji wouldn't hear the end of it if Niji had to construct his Thunder Gloves from scratch.
Sanji only shifted his foot and the commander struck out with his fishing pole. Realizing the he was aiming for his mask, Sanji backed off, raising a foot in defense. The hook caught onto his pant leg. The commander would have knocked him flat on his back if it wasn't for Sanji's superior leg strength.
"A shy one, huh?" Jonathan said, keeping the fishing line tight. "What's hiding under that mask of yours?"
Sanji didn't reply.
"In the reports regarding your crew, there are four unidentified crewmembers. Originally, the Navy bunched these four together because of their similar appearence and choice of face wear. The Mask Quartet, as they were unofficially named in the document, was suspected to be related, working as grunts for Strawhat Luffy." Jonathan eyes hardened. "But there's more to it, isn't there? Never do they reveal their faces, always remaining covered, and their crewmates call them by codenames in public. Either they're committed to their shtick or there's something to hide. What do you think, Mr. Black?"
"You should stick with fishing," said Sanji and gave a hard tug on the fishing line, bringing the marine off balance before he charged.
.
.
.
"Enies Lobby destroyed! Strawhat Luffy declares war on World Government"
*WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE*
"Strawhat" Monkey D Luffy
300,000,000
*WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE*
"Pirate Hunter" Roronoa Zoro
120,000,000
*WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE*
"Cat Burglar" Nami
16,000,000
*WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE*
"Sniper King"
30,000,000
*WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE*
"Cotton Candy Lover" Tony Tony Chopper
50
*WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE*
"Cyborg" Franky
44,000,000
*WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE*
"Devil Child" Nico Robin
79,000,000
*WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE*
"Red-Eye" Akaji
66,000,000
*WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE*
"Strong-Arm" Midoji
64,000,000
*WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE*
"Electric-Fist" Aoiji
62,000,000
*WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE*
"Black-Leg" Sanji
77,000,000
The Baratie was overflowing with laughter, echoing through the kitchens and the dining hall. The object of ridicule was a poster of the Strawhat pirates.
"It's too good! Hahaha!" Carne wheezed.
Patty slapped the table repeatedly as he tried to control himself. "Only a mother could love a face like that!"
Another round of howling overtook the chefs.
Patty looked over to Reiju from where she was reading the newspaper article, "Hey Miss Manager! I got a great new look for the Baratie!"
"No." she replied.
"You didn't even think about!"
Zeff snorted a chuckle under his breath.
"I'm not going to let you remodel the ship after my brother's wanted poster."
"Give me three good reasons why not!"
Reiju held up one finger, "It's a waste of funds," she held up another finger, "It wouldn't be fair to my other brothers," The last finger went up, "It's hideous."
The poster was an awful drawing of Sanji. Unlike the rest of the crew, all her brothers had a drawn poster. Apparently, Ichiji was very efficient at ensuring cameras were always collateral during any scuffle with the Navy. So much so, he was on a first name basis with the Head of the Navy Photography Department, Atatchi, as Chopper decided that Ichiji was bullying the cameramen too much and has him write apologies occasionally.
Troublingly, Sanji's drawing had him without his mask and the sunglasses he favored, as best as Reiju could tell the others had their disguises but the drawings were mostly splotches of color. She pulled out the letter which arrived the same day as the newspaper. The first line was crossed out but she recognized Yonji's chicken scratch.
"Sanji got his cover blown and it was over a girl!"
A few blotches of ink followed after it and she deduced her brothers fought over who was the scribe, Sanji's must have won because his handwriting followed. "I'm sorry, Nee-san. I don't want you to worry because of a mistake I made. I lost my mask during our raid on Enies Lobby. I know you'll think we're pushing our luck by picking a fight with the World Government but they took Robin. There was no way we were going to let her go and sacrifice herself for us. I made sure no one was able to get my photograph and there was a lot of commotion, I doubt the marines got a good look at me."
"They captured his likeness exactly!" Niji scribbled in.
"Anyways. They did get my real name but that wasn't my fault– "
"That was my fault," Ichiji wrote.
"If I can finish without the others interrupting, I want to tell you not to worry because I'll get stronger so you'll never have to worry about me every again. I know my words are fanciful right now but I'll prove it to you. I'm not the same as I was as a boy…"
After reading the rest of Sanji's letter explaining everything that happened and their goal of reaching the Redline in a few months, Reiju said quietly, "At least it's a drawing."
"Worrying about them?" Zeff asked.
"A little," Reiju admitted but smiled nonetheless. "Wouldn't any sister worry over her trouble making brothers?"
Zeff nodded, picking up she didn't want to speak on the matter. "Bounties are made so that a civilian can recognize pirates but I doubt Sanji will be considered to be the same man in that drawing. The others aren't much better. More like interpretive art than pictures."
"Thank you for trying to reassure me but I'm fine. Even if my brothers get into trouble, they have each other to help them out." Reiju replied, standing to her feet and went off to work, humming under her breath.
..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..
Ichiji sprinted through the corridors in the Tower of Justice. He needed to find one of the CP9 agents in order to obtain their key. He understood the bastard Spandam is wasting their time on searching for the key to Robin's cuffs but since it was certainly made out of seastone, this was the only way. The Strawhats had numbers on their side and they could cover more ground. despite that, Ichiji had not found a single agent. Robin was being taken to the Gates of Justice and if they don't reach her, they would lose her forever.
Ichiji hadn't trusted Robin at all when she invited herself onto their ship. She had been there enemy and, if Yonji didn't have a strong body, she would have killed his brother in Whiskey Peak. He was frustrated with Luffy for letting her walk freely about the ship without a second thought. Ichiji had been wary of her skills as an assassin but her intellect was the greater threat. While she never confronted the brothers, she would casually make a comment about his glasses or Niji's headphones. The crew wasn't aware of their enhanced conditions but Robin was quick to notice something was off. That made her dangerous.
While she may have suspected he and his brothers had their secrets, she respected their privacy. Ichiji guessed Robin understood what it was like having a sordid past, he was the son of a warmonger after all. Slowly Ichiji felt comfortable around her. It was pleasant having another scholarly member on the crew who he could discuss history. Robin was a part of their crew and that's why he refused to let her go.
The scent of flowery soap filled his nostrils as Ichiji entered a large hall where the main staircase was located. There was a crater and Sanji was in the middle of it but there was something wrong. He was clearly beaten but his skin and clothes shined, every edge had been rounded to the point of rubbery smoothness. Chopper's head peaked out from the other side of him and exclaimed, "Ichiji!"
"Chopper," Ichiji said, coming to a halt, "What happened to him?!"
"Sanji will be alright but he fell from the upper floors."
"He fell?" That didn't sound like Sanji.
Chopper nodded. "He ran into Kalifa and she's got a devil fruit now. Nami went up to get her key."
Ichiji was silent.
The sound of stone cracking resounded through the tower. It came from the upper floors. Ichiji ran up the stairs, calling back. "Take care of him, Chopper!"
Ichiji followed the sound of conflict and entered into a room full of steam. Nami was armed with her Climatact and covered in injuries. Ichiji needed to get his eyes checked, there was another wider Nami to his right and taller one to his left. Kalfia was standing further into the room.
While she was surprised to see him arrive, a smug smile graced her lips. "Oh? Another one of the quartet?"
"Ich- Red, what are you doing here?!" The short Nami exclaimed. Was Nami shimmering?! No, he needed to focus on his target.
"I'm interjecting myself into this fight." Ichiji stated, drawing his sword.
"Please, if you're just like that other weak fool who can't even find the strength to strike me," Kalfia brushed her fingers across her arm, creating bubbles along it. "This will be quick."
"Don't laugh at Sanji's convictions. He honors a man who saved his life and I respect him for his resolve." Ichiji stalked forward, clearly enraged. "Still, just because my brother lives by his creed never to harm a woman..." A red light gleamed from behind his ruby glasses. "...Doesn't mean I share the same sentiment."
..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..
Letters of their adventures continued to come and enrapture the Baratie's staff. Occasionally when her brothers wrote passionately about what they've experienced, Reiju felt she was living their dream alongside them. She couldn't be more content.
There were other letters that made her wish she could be there for her brothers. The one she received after they faced Kuma on Thriller Bark made her incline to traverse the Grandline so that she could comfort Sanji. She wouldn't, of course. Sanji worked hard to be a capable fighter. The last thing he needs after losing to Kuma was to be coddled by his elder sister. It helped that the letter ended on a hopeful note as the Strawhat pirates sailed towards Sabaody.
Not long after, the News Coo brought news from halfway around the world.
"Celestial Dragon Assaulted! The Worst Generation Rampages on Sabaody!"
Time passes.
No new letter.
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"FireFist Ace to be Executed"
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"Marine Claim Victory! Whitebeard and FireFist Ace Confirmed Dead!"
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"Strawhat Luffy Returns to Marineford, Signals New Era?!"
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Droplets of rain gently pittered against the window but Reiju stared at the letters and numbers on Luffy's arm. He didn't have a tattoo before this photograph. It had to be a code. Luffy believed his message would reach his crew and that meant her brothers were out there and they were alive. She had to hope they were safe.
Her door opened with a creak. Zeff stepped in.
"Heard of knocking?" Reiju asked, refusing to look in his direction.
Zeff grunted and placed a letter in her lap.
She turned it over, it was from Ichiji. In small, subdued writing, he wrote:
"We weren't strong enough. I wasn't strong enough to protect them, any of them. I swore to myself that what happened at Thriller Bark, what happened to Zoro, feeling so weak, would never happen again. But the exact thing happened on Sabaody and there was nothing I could do. Luffy did everything he could to keep our brothers safe but I couldn't even return the favor. He was on his own.
I'm alright, physically. I'm not sure exactly where I am but I was able to track down the News Coo so there must be civilization nearby. I don't know where the others are but it's likely they were sent flying at least three days from Sabaody. I have faith they survived. I suspect they will all write as soon as they get access to the News Coo. Our crew will be taking a break for a bit to get stronger. When we reunite, we'll be ready for the New World."
– Ichiji
"They're alive," she confirmed with a sigh of relief.
"The Grandline can beat a soul down but what matters is that they persevere." Zeff said. "It's harsh but what happened at Sabaody was a bit of a boon. If they continued into the New World, the seas would have swallowed them." Reiju remained quiet. "What's on your mind?"
"Just remembering. Sanji was a crybaby when he was little. I can't tell you how many times he would come running to me over a scrapped knee. I would comfort him and bandage the wound, get him a pastry from the kitchen if he was good. The others were… tougher but they still came to me when they were feeling troubled. And I would be there for them when they needed me." She smiled fondly. "They've grown so much. They get knock down but they're able to wipe away their own tears and stand again."
Zeff carefully studied Reiju, "I'll give you some time for your thoughts."
"Hey Zeff." She said when he was about to exit. "Does your offer still stand?"
He nodded, "Training starts tomorrow."
"Sounds perfect."
..oo00oo..Zero..oo0000oo..Reasons..oo00oo..
Eventually more letters arrived from her other brothers, confirming that they were safe and determined to train in their own respective ways.
For the next two years there wasn't a whisper about the Strawhat Pirates in the newspaper but Reiju received plenty of letters.
Yonji split his time helping Franky and fighting enhanced animals that inhabited the surrounding mountains.
A scientist hermit living on a small sky island found Niji when he was injured and took him in. Though far from the sea, Niji gained a closer understanding of diverse technologies.
Ichiji became a village's shadowy protector even though the denizens feared him for his strange appearance and red eyes. Eventually he gained their respect and led them to victory when an enemy nation attacked.
Sanji never revealed where he landed but he described it as his "own personal hell but at least the shitheads are decent cooks."
With every letter, Reiju could track how her brothers have grown. A thought occurred to her one day when she was taking inventory. She wondered if staying at the Baratie was fulfilling her promise to her mother. Her brothers were free and strong, strong enough to remain free too. What was she needed for? As brief as it came as quickly as it went because she was needed, someone had to mind the nest.
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"Strawhat Luffy Spotted in Sabaody!"
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"Heart Pirate and Strawhat Pirate Alliance"
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"Doflamingo Relinquishes Warlord Status"
"Doflamingo Arrested! Navy Admiral Bows his Head"
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"It's here! It's here!" Patty ran through the Baratie, clutching the newspaper tightly in one hand and a letter in another. Because of a volcanic eruption in the South Blue, the News Coo was delayed for a few days. After reading about the conflict starting in Dressrosa, everyone was eager to see the outcome of the battle and what new bounties would be issued. The delay had been agonizing and it felt like another two years had gone by before they received any word of the battle's conclusion.
The whole ship shook, nearly knocking Patty over. Frustrated, he kicked down the door and stepped outside. "What the hell are you squid-bastards do'n?"
Carne, armed with a large metal fork, glanced over and received wave of sea water on his back. A sea monster thrashed about in the water. "Enjoyed you're beauty sleep?"
"Sea monster!"
Carne shrugged. "Yeah! We're restocking."
"Keep the Baratie from capsizing!" Zeff ordered. He stood at the edge of the fin, undaunted by his precarious position and called up to the large fish. "Are you going to finish the job or not?!"
A pink head of hair peered down from the sea monster and Reiju replied, "I had to…. cut the poison out or the meat would have been spoiled!"
Zeff nodded knowingly. "Then what are you waiting for?"
Reiju laughed. "So impatient!"
She leapt into the air and spun to gather momentum before striking down on the sea monster's head with a devastating axe kick. The sea monster swayed and crashed into the water, the wave engulfed the Baratie's fin.
"CAN'T GET WET!" Patty shrieked before he was swallowed by the water.
Reiju landed gracefully on the deck and glanced over to Zeff who nodded in approval. "You've honed your technique well."
She giggled slightly. "I aim to please."
"Ah crap!" Patty shouted, emerging from the water. "It's wet!"
"Your clothes will dry."
"No! The letter." Reiju accepted the wet envelop as Patty explained, "I managed to hold onto it but I lost the newspaper. Which sucks, 'cause the Strawhat bounties were in there."
"It's unfortunate but thank you for saving the letter." Reiju said and examined the letter, the ink was bleeding badly. "I'll see if I can get anything from it."
"Should we get the newspaper?" a cook asked.
"Don't bother," Zeff dismissed. "It's ruined by now."
"And you should be in bed." Reiju scolded.
"I threw out my back, that's it."
Reiju placed her hand on her hip, "And it's serious. Take a break for once."
The cooks busied themselves to get the meat ready for storage while Reiju went off to decipher the letter.
The newspaper sank further into the watery depths of the ocean, the bounties floating around it, having come loose when Patty was hit by the wave.
*WANTED ONLY ALIVE*
"Black-Leg" Sanji
"Red-Eye" Ichiji
"Electric-Fist" Niji
"Strong-Arm" Yonji
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Reiju was sitting at her desk trying to decipher who wrote the letter when she heard cannons fire moments before the Baratie was hit. Rushing to her feet, Reiju grabbed a dagger on her way out to see which pirate was foolish enough to attack the Baratie. She came to a halt the moment she locked eyes with the blank stare of giant snails. The two sixes painted on their black shells left no doubt to the identity of their attacker.
More cannonballs rained down, destroying half the Baratie in one volley.
The cooks, unprepared for the attacked, laid beaten and injured across the wreckage. One of the snails lowered its eye stalk. Upon it was a group of uniformed soldiers, obediently waiting for commands. Only one towered over the rest.
Reiju's first thought to seeing her father after 13 years was that he hadn't changed at all, he was exactly as she remembered. The same grey uniform; the same long, wild, blond hair and; the same piercing and merciless eyes. He held the same threatening presence and poised stature. He was the same and that didn't bode well for the fate of the Baratie.
Judge kept his eyes trained on her as he stepped on the Baratie, the wood cracking under his steps. He stopped right before her, forcing Reiju to crane her neck back to maintain eye contact.
"Why are you here?" she asked sternly.
"Is that any way to greet your father?" Judge said, equally stern. "Doesn't a father have right to see his daughter especially after he thought all of his children died in war?"
"A war you thoughtlessly sent them to."
Judge's eyes shifted to her arm, or lack thereof. "It seems like I wasn't the only reckless one."
Reiju held firm. "What do you want?"
"Come home, Reiju." Judge said. "Leave this pathetic life you're living, I can give you a greater purpose. Or refuse and stay on this sinking ship."
Reiju glanced at the wreckage around her, understanding her father's terms completely. The Baratie was completely surrounded and outgunned. This ship had been her brothers' home for years now and half it was gone in an instance. Judge held the power to give the cooks and the ship a seafloor grave with just one word.
Some of the broken wood shifted and Zeff emerged from it, coughing harshly. "What in blazes—" he stopped himself short when he saw the situation.
More cooks rose to their feet, recovering their senses and their weapons.
"Move aside Reiju," Carne said, struggling to stay up.
"No bastard messes with the old man's restaurant and gets away with it." Patty growled.
"If we fight together we can take 'em!"
"Yeah!"
No, they couldn't take them on. Germa was the scourge of the North Blue and, if Reiju's sources were correct, it influences has been reaching into the New World. Nothing in the four Blues could stand against the technologically advanced army, especially not a ragtag group of cooks. Judge would accept any excuse to completely wipe the rest of Baratie and her crew from the face of this earth.
Reiju sighed before smiling, "Sorry everyone. Didn't mean to cause such a ruckus!"
The cooks looked at her with confusion.
"Tou-san came to pick me up." Reiju explained as she walked over to Zeff. "I'll have to submit my officially resignation. Sorry for the short notice."
Zeff stared at the storeroom key Reiju was holding out to him. "Reiju, explain."
Reiju bent down and put the key in his hand, whispering into his ear. "If you tell my brothers, I'll kill you."
Without another word and without looking back, Reiju confidently walked back towards Germa 66. Judge would not get the satisfaction of seeing any regret because she didn't have any. Her brothers should have a home to return to but she doesn't need to be there for such a place to exist.
-DigitalGuardian