Mizuke didn't know what to expect from this journey. He was told by Nami that they were heading towards Sea-Shine Island. Mizuke had been there before, but he told the crew otherwise. He'd said he needed to visit the place for some uncommon clothing item they offered, saying his mother had asked for it some time ago. They believed him and let him come along. Everyone had taken to him well because he was so polite. All but one of the, that is.

Zoro had been suspicious of him since the start. He didn't seem to like or trust him, his eyes always following Mizuke around like he was waiting for an excuse to pull out his swords. If he could only win the Pirate Hunter over, this mission would be easy.

He mulled his plan over in his mind. Their bounties were so high, and yet they appeared to be so easily won over. With Roronoa so hard to convince, perhaps Mizuke was underestimating them all. He couldn't let his guard down around pirates. Not after what they'd done to him…

"So, Mizu-bro!" A voice came from behind him and he jumped. "Woah, now. Didn't mean to scare ya! What's got you so jumpy?"

"N-nothing!" Mizuke cursed himself. He was terrible at acting.

Franky quirked an eyebrow but dismissed the issue. He patted Mizuke on the back and smiled. "Are you excited for this island? I've heard a lot of great things about it!"

Mizuke sighed. "Yeah. It's great." He diverted his eyes.

Franky thought it best not to push the subject. "Your old lady will be glad to have a new gift! I'm gonna look for some super carpentry tools, myself. Mine are getting cracked and dull."

Mizuke nodded, even more depressed than before. Franky was startled by his lack of enthusiasm when he was supposedly buying his mother a gift. He backed away and left Mizuke to his gloom. He didn't know what befell the man and his presence only seemed to make it worse.

Soon, they arrived at the island. It was extremely small and only had one place to visit. They docked and entered under a large arched sign that read "Solitude Town". It was nothing like they'd imagined, but then, when were they ever?

It was a glittering gem of a town, with crystal doors and globe-like homes, rooftops reflecting the sun's rays and keeping the heat from weight the citizens down. Fountains lined the center of the roads and vendors displayed their items outside their shops.

"This is amazing!" Nami looked like she was going to pass out. He had learned she liked treasure and this town looked wealthy. "I have to go shopping here!"

Robin agreed. The two departed, visiting a dress shop of silk and suede. Sanji said nothing as he followed his nose towards a street vendor selling kabobs made of odd fruits and fish. By the smell of it, they were spiced very well and were probably hot on the tongue.

As the rest of the crew walked by, he heard Sanji scream behind them. He turned around to see him gulping down a cup of milk and then threatening the man. He last heard Sanji yelling at the vendor, "You're a damn disgrace!" before storming off.

Mizuke felt Zoro's presence behind him as he and the crew walked alongside the fountains. It was a beautiful city, but Mizuke could not hide his indifference. Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper were gaping at nearly everything they saw, yelling to each other about how cool it all was, and pointing in every which way.

Franky stopped off at a carpentry shop, followed by Usopp who was enamored by the building supplies and weaponry. Luffy ran in the opposite direction when he noticed a butcher's shop decorated with freshly grilled game. Mizuke, Zoro, and Brook continued on.

Brook told the two he wasn't sure what he wanted to look at. He was interested in the architecture, but more interested in visiting taverns to become acquainted with the women of the city. Zoro admitted he was interested in having a drink, stating he would join Brook. Mizuke didn't have anything he was even slightly curious about, so he accompanied them into the bar.

After a while of watching Zoro drink heavily and somehow not being affected in the least, and Brook getting next to no attention from any woman in the building, Mizuke excused himself for a moment. He gave them the excuse of relieving himself and stepped outside, walked around the back of the building, and pulled out his den-den mushi. The muffled beats of music from the tavern would cover his speech a little.

"Sir, Mui reporting."

"What's your status?" A deep voice came from the snail.

"The Straw Hat pirates and I are currently located in Solitude Town, Sea-Shine Island, Sir."

"Right, good work. Keep us updated."

"Yes, Sir."

The den-den mushi hung up and he slid the tiny snail back into his coat's inner pocket. He sighed. Why did they assign him of all people to do this job? He'd always hated this place…

Mizuke slumped around the corner and jumped at seeing Zoro leaning against the wall of the tavern next to the entrance. He exhaled.

"You surprised me."

Zoro said nothing.

"Well then, I'll just be going back inside…"

He hadn't gotten through the door before Zoro called him.

"Why don't we take a walk?"

Sweat formed on Mizuke's brow. Did he hear his conversation?