SailorStar9: So with Chapter 276 uploaded, this is Chapter 277 of this fic. . For everyone who put this fic on your favorited and followed lists and/or story alerts, thank you, but remember everyone, a lot of authors (myself included) sustain on readers' reviews.

Pairings: Married!Ace/Sasha, Sibling!Luffy/Sasha, Sibling!Sabo/Sasha, Background Protector!Law/Sasha

Disclaimers: One Piece belongs to Oda Eiichirō-sensei. Me, on the other hand, own absolutely nothing, except my OC, the pairing and the fic idea.

Chapter 277: Arc 17: Undercover Mission Start!


In Orochi Castle...

"Don't be reserved." the usurper laughed at his retainers. "Raise your heads. Now, what's for dinner tonight?"

"It's all ready." one of his servants reported. "Bring it here."

On cue, the maidservants brought in the prepared dishes.

"Yes, you should have a variety of sake." the fuming Orochi smacked the tray bearing the sake bottles away. "But how about women?"

"Of course, we have women." his servant answered.

"Good." Orochi grinned. "Good. I can't wait anymore." he stalked forward. "Let me see them. Pretty ones." he flung the doors open to see the five women prostrated on the ground. "So gorgeous! This is great. Let's have a banquet now. Drink! Dance! Sing!" he broke out the sake. "Don't hold back. Are you new?" he drooled over the bashful Orobi.

"Yes." Orobi nodded.

"You're quite beautiful." Orochi was impressed. "But I don't see the most important one. What's going on?"

"I'm here." Komurasaki strolled in.

"Komurasaki, I missed you." Orochi hurriedly gestured the Oiran in.

"Me, too." Komurasaki blushed. "My Lord."

"Did you?" Orochi blabbered, obviously love-struck.


At Sangoro's soba stall...

Sangoro was chopping some spring onions when he sensed someone behind him. "Torao, what brought you here?" the chef asked his fellow North Blue resident. "You're unwelcome here. State your business or leave."

"It's an emergency." Law warned. "Hide somewhere, Black Foot."

"Is is about the fight earlier?" Sangoro inquired. "If they come back, I'll beat them again."

"That's not it." Law corrected. "Some guys who know our faces are on their way."

"Is it Hawkins?" Sangoro frowned.

"It wouldn't be so bad if it was just him." Law answered. "The strongest six among the Shinuchi are called the Tobi Roppo. And two among them: one is Page One from the Tobi Roppo. The other one is X. Drake from the Tobi Roppo."


In Orochi Castle...

"Komurasaki, come here." Orochi gestured.

"No," Komurasaki blushed. "I am not worthy of it."

"It's all right." the love-struck Orochi insisted. "Come a little closer."

"Yes, sir." Komurasaki complied and nestled right beside Orochi.

"Everyone, the Fire Festival is coming up!" Orochi reminded, swallowing Sahiko's intricate nerikiri in one bite. "Let's have a pre-party."

"Where's Bonekichi?" Shinobu asked as she and Onami snuck from the roof.

"He said he's already snuck in." Onami replied.

"Then, we must go, too." Shinobu nodded.

After Sahiko served her last set of ohagi, she exchanged looks with Orobi and the two disguised Straw Hats headed out.

Meanwhile, Brook had stuck himself in the water wall of the castle, using the wooden bucket as a seat before he sent his soul out to start searching.


SailorStar9: Any OOC-nes is regretted. *Sighs* Don't you just hate plot bunnies sometimes? Reviews are much appreciated.