Ash followed Mihawk through the streets, not worried about losing him as she let her gaze wander over the stalls and store fronts. Wherever they went, the crowds parted before him, and she simply followed in his wake. If the people didn't recognize him, the sight of his giant sword was enough to have them backing away in fear or awe.

Of course, there were always times when other swordsmen wanted to try their skill against him, but it wasn't often that any caught his attention enough to actually fight. He could simply measure their skill by looking at them, and determined whether they were a waste of his time or not, and most were found lacking.

In the time since they left Shanks and his crew, her training had increased by leaps and bounds, and she knew it was because she had finally let go of her stubborn need to feel in control. He knew better than she did, and once she let him be in control of decisions involving her training, everything began to click. She knew she would never be the swordsman he was- not even close- but she would be stronger than most, and able to hold her own with the best.

A small rock came flying back, and hit her forehead, and she rubbed the spot, wincing. She looked forward to see Mihawk waiting for her, though his back was to her. This sort of thing had been happening for the past few days. He had spoken to her of his haki- the way he was able to perceive his opponents moves and intentions, and now they were working on building her haki, with no success. However Mihawk was much more stubborn than she was, and so they would continue.

Ash caught up quickly, and stood behind him waiting for direction. She smiled as she thought of the difference in their relationship in such a small amount of time. Her focus and discipline had become great enough that he no longer left her behind during his journeys, and she was constantly learning and marveling at the new things in the world she was seeing.

"Have you finished?" he asked, and she nodded. She had gotten the supplies they needed when they first arrived, and had just been following after him since. Sensing her nod, he took off, and she trailed behind as they made their way back to the boat, leaving the small island as quickly as they had come.

Later that day, Mihawk was navigating the ship, giving Ashley time to meditate, trying to use her haki in sensing things around them- the waves, the fish- anything. She could hear the flap of wings, the call of a bird- but knew that it was not haki, but her regular senses, so she kept her eyes closed and continued to work at it.

The next noises she heard didn't make sense, but she regained her focus, figuring she could question Mihawk about it later.

"Hmm…" she heard him murmur. "Two minor league pirates defeated one of the warlords? I bet this is causing a stir somewhere."

"Master?" she asked, unsure, with her eyes still closed.

"Look," he said, and she opened her eyes as a paper was thrown into her lap. She picked it up, noticing the wanted posters. One she easily recognized as Luffy's, though the amount had been changed from thirty million to … "One hundred million?" she said, impressed. "And…" she took in the other poster. "Roronoa Zoro?" she questioned.

"The one who challenged me at the sea restaurant," he replied. Her mind finally clicked as she remembered the green haired man. "I knew I'd hear those names again, though I hardly expected them to come this far so quickly. Seems they are just as determined as you are."

She beamed at the unexpected praise, and said, "Well, you did tell him to get stronger and then seek you out."

"So I did," he replied, a smirk on his face. "We may meet again sooner than I thought."

Ash looked around nervously, as they sailed up to the dock. Everything had changed once Mihawk received news of a summons for the warlords, and they had now arrived in Marie Jois, which was much bigger than she had pictured. The nerve racking part of course, was what Mihawk had told her of the World Government's leaders, and what to expect. Now that they were here, she was feeling uneasy.

She did as he had instructed, following behind him, keeping her eyes straight ahead. She was unsure of why she wasn't just staying in the boat, but perhaps this was some sort of test, or a demonstration of what to expect in the future. Either way, she determined to follow his instructions exactly.

She followed him through the building, climbing a few flights of stairs, and as they neared a door she could hear shouting coming from inside. They walked towards the sound, as it became quieter, and she wondered to herself what was happening. As they walked to the room at the end of the hall, she could see a large round table, with several people sitting on one side, all wearing marine uniforms, but with different amounts of badges on them, and two large men on the other side. One standing, whom she recognized though she couldn't remember his name. The other one was sitting- not at, but on the table.

"So good to hear your dulcet tones again, Doflamingo," Mihawk said, and the blond man sitting on the table turned to look at them.

"Hawkeye," one the marines with a hat topped with a bird said quietly, seeming almost glad that Mihawk was there.

"Admiral Sengoku," Mihawk continued, "You've been well, I hope?"

Ash kept her face from looking surprised, and supposed to those that didn't know him, he may have sounded sincere, but she knew he was being sarcastic, and she wondered just what his relationship with these Navy leaders was like.

"Remember this Ashley," he spoke, though he didn't turn to her. "The seven warlords and the marines insist on keeping up appearances of getting along, but no one can ever explain why."

Ash nodded, but kept quiet.

"Hawk Eye Mihawk," the man Mihawk called Doflamingo said with a smirk. "and… friend. Perhaps this little get together will be interesting after all…" She couldn't see his eyes behind his sunglasses, but Ash suppressed the shiver that she had at his voice, and raised one eyebrow before turning her attention to the man at the head of the table as he spoke.

"What brings you here, Mihawk? And who is this?"

"My assistant, Ashley," Mihawk replied. "I wanted you to meet her, so that she will be protected, and not targeted. Though she is not a pirate, she should be extended the same courtesies as if she were a part of my crew. And, I heard of your meeting and thought I might sit in on it. I have an interest in the pirates you'll be discussing, and I like to stay informed."

"Then she should wait outside," Sengoku replied, though he had nodded as Mihawk had introduced her.

"Oh no, she should stay…" Doflamingo said, gesturing to a chair in front of where he sat. "I have a seat here."

A distressed sound came out of her before she could help it, as she felt something foreign grip her body. She was paralyzed, yet her legs began to move, and she walked over towards the blond man. Gripped by panic, Ash concentrated everything she had on herself, and her ability to not look back at Mihawk or say something that would embarrass him.

Everyone stopped short as someone else began speaking, an odd man that suddenly appeared in the window, and the room focused on him as he twirled a cane and tap danced along with his words. The strange feeling of being controlled was suddenly gone, and Ash hurriedly stepped back, returning to her place behind Mihawk.

"Wait outside," he murmured, and she nodded and turned, silently leaving the room, closing the doors behind her.

Once alone in the hall, she took a few deep breaths, calming herself. She stood against the wall, and closing her eyes, and focusing the panic that she still felt into determination. She focused on her senses, seeing the hallway around her in her mind, taking in the smell of the paint on the walls, the cleaner used on the furniture.

Ash stayed that way for some time, sharpening her focus like a blade, until she felt strong instead of weak. The door was opening, and she tensed, standing up straight and opening her eyes. But as she did, and looked over, the door was closed. Just as she noticed the oddity, the door handle turned, and the door opened, reveling several of the navy men leaving in a hurry as they spoke to each other in quiet tones, though she caught their glances at her.

Ash waited there, as the others began to leave the room, but it seemed as if the navy was exiting first, as at the end of the procession she saw Sengoku walking out with his pet… goat… as well as an older woman. They each nodded to her as they passed, and she nodded back in respect. Couldn't hurt to treat them with respect on their own turf after all. No sense burning bridges that I may need in the future, she thought.

Then the huge man that she had recognized came walking out. Her eyes followed him, noting that he didn't even glance her way. She was frustrated that she couldn't remember his name, Kia had only used it once after all, but she distinctly remember flying away from her family because of him.

Ash felt her mind shout, as she saw Doflamingo's arm clamping on her shoulder, and she quickly sidestepped trying to get away- just as he walked forward, his arm outstretched, side by side with Mihawk. She looked at them, noting that each of them had an intrigued look on their faces, though Mihawk hid it as soon as it came.

"So, teaching her haki, are we?" Doflamingo said with a smirk. "I'm curious- why her, after so long of being alone?" He asked as he looked her over, trying to find answers.

Mihawk didn't respond, simply continued walking, and Ash fell into step behind him, knowing the routine. Doflamingo wasn't done, and called out, "What makes her so special?"

After he had frightened her, she went against her better judgement and glanced back with a smirk and a wink. Turning back she continued to follow Mihawk, not noticing whatever reaction Doflamingo had.

As they exited the building, Mihawk finally spoke. "That was unwise."

"What was?" Ash asked innocently.

"You do not want to get his interest peaked," he said as they boarded their boat and got ready to sail. "Nothing that garners his interest ever survives."

She couldn't help but gulp, and glanced back toward the building, noting that Doflamingo was at the entrance, just standing there. He was too far away to see, but it seemed he was looking in their direction, and she felt her spine stiffen.

"That is sound counsel, Master," she finally responded. "But I felt weak for longer than was acceptable in there. I had to correct the situation."

He didn't say anything, but his smirk and nod were enough.

After the excitement of Marie Jois, they returned to Gloom Island. They had spent most of the trip experimenting with her new found haki ability, which meant that she spent most of the time with her eyes closed, blocking and dodging small attacks from Mihawk, or calling out locations of the sea life below them. It became easier the more she worked, but Mihawk cautioned that it would take much more to use the skill in fighting.

He also took the time to explain more about haki, and its different types, which had her mind reeling at the possibilities. "So you're saying that someone can basically see hits coming, block weapons with their bare hands, and make people pass out just by thinking about it?!" she questioned, incredulous.

The look he gave had her realizing that she didn't quite get it, and she felt ridiculous. "Sorry, master, but I don't understand why everyone doesn't use these abilities."

He explained further, and they got into a discussion about the pros and cons, as well as the limitations of using haki. He admitted that he was no expert, and was unable to answer a few of her questions. There were a lot of things that made more sense though, and he used Shanks as an example of one who used his haki more so than others, and in turn was much stronger than others. Partly because of the strength of his haki, but also in part of his skill in using it.

It was something that had her thinking that this was what she had been looking for. A way to fight without killing, being able to counter attacks before they even happened. It could be a big advantage in her fighting, but only if she strengthened it, as she would with any other muscle. And she determined to do just that.

Ash began the next day with her morning run, laughing happily as she was able to run with more pleasure, rather than a flight for her life, as she could sense where the humandrills were coming, and was able to avoid their attacks instead of always outrunning them.

She returned to the castle with a smile on her face, seeing Mihawk waiting for me. "Master," she said pleasantly as she stretched to cool down her muscles.

"You were gone much longer than before," he noted. "Did you have trouble?" he asked.

She laughed, pleased with herself. "Not at all," she commented. "I just wanted to finally see the whole island."

He smirked back at her, and she could tell he was pleased. "Come with me, I have something to show you."

She followed him inside the castle, hoping that they weren't starting their morning training session before she had breakfast. They walked towards the kitchen, and she had the fleeting hope that he had made her something to eat. As they walked past the kitchen, that hope was dashed, but she was curious as he walked into the dojo room.

She stopped inside the room, and watched as he walked to the wall, and picked up a pair of black sai. He walked back to her, and held them out. She looked at him, seriously now, certain there was some sort of mistake.

"For me?" she asked quietly, hope growing inside her.

"If you do not continue to improve, how can you finally leave me in peace?" he asked, thrusting the weapons into her hands. "Now, first thing… we must teach you how to grip them properly."

Back at Marine HQ-

"Come on Reese!"

"No!" she yelled back. "I'm trying to study!"

Garp had gotten Reese several papers of famous strategies from Vice Admiral Tsuru, which were amazing. Not only was she learning about great strategies in battle, but she was learning the history of her new home, which was helping her fit in even better.

"Sparring is studying!" Helmeppo cried out again, intent on having a three way fight. Reese had to admit, fighting all together pushed them more than just a one on one, but she was busy.

"Leave her alone Helmeppo," Coby said. "Unless you're worried you can't beat me without her help."

"As if!" Helmeppo responded, and the two of them went at it again.

The three of them were left on their own again today, as Garp had meetings, and Bogard was given the time off. They had already finished their regular duties, and so were making use of the free time, though Coby and Helmeppo weren't very interested in reading old reports.

After another hour or so, Reese decided to change activities, feeling her shoulders ache from being in one position for so long. She put the papers inside her bag for safekeeping, and adjusting her hat, headed over to the other two.

"Are you ready to join in?" Coby asked from atop Helmeppo. He didn't have long, as he was thrown to the side and they both stood again, ready for another round.

"No, I think I'm going to work on that shave technique Garp is trying to get us to learn," she said, and the boys both groaned.

"I don't think I'll ever get the hang of that one," Helmeppo said, and Coby nodded along.

"He makes it look so easy!" Coby added.

"It's all about speed and strength, right?" she said, positioning herself away from where they were sparring. "So I'll work on both, until I get it."

Garp hadn't given them any indication as to how they would be able to accomplish the moves he did, leaving them to work it out for themselves, so she started doing everything she could to build up the strength in her legs, as well as her speed.

She started doing drills, marking about thirty yards in her mind, sprinting there as quickly as she could, then doing lunges on the way back, only to turn around and repeat it. It was positively exhausting, but Reese knew she was building muscle and endurance.

They continued that way for a bit and eventually the boys joined her, and they took breaks as needed. Once their legs couldn't take anymore, they laid back on the grass, panting and sweating.

"I don't think I could do another lunge right now if you paid me," Reese said, pointing and flexing her feet in an effort to avoid cramps.

"You say that, but if Garp were here and ordered you to, you'd jump up and do a hundred more," Coby said with a grin.

"And so would you," she replied, laughing. "And even Helmeppo would."

"Hey!"

"Because none of us want to lose the opportunity he's given us," she concluded.

Coby chuckled along with her, and stood up. "Three way spar?" he asked the other two, holding out both hands to help them up.

"You're on," they both answered, grabbing onto his hand and jumping up into their stances.

The three were pretty evenly matched overall, but each had their weak areas, and they each knew the others- so they did what anyone would, and tried to exploit them. Coby was physically stronger, and could usually defeat the others with one or two hits. Helmeppo was more athletic, able to jump over either of others easily, making him hard to catch and easy to catch his opponents off guard. But once caught, he was quickly bested. As for Reese, she was quicker than the other two, often catching them in the back, or with a leg sweep. But, as with Helmeppo, once caught, she couldn't match their strength.

Because their styles were so different, by fighting all together, they were in a constant state of changing tactics, and it helped each of them in their respective abilities, but also in bettering their weaknesses. Coby was getting faster and more agile, Helmeppo was getting faster and stronger, and Reese was getting stronger and more agile the more they sparred together.

There was only one rule- no teaming up. It was winner take all, and all knew it. But that didn't mean they couldn't take advantage of situations.

Reese rolled toward Helmeppo, sweeping out her leg to take his out from under him. As she moved away, and Helmeppo fell back, Coby rushed in to tackle him, keeping him from jumping away. Helmeppo growled, rolling to the side to try to free himself, which helped him dodge a punch Coby aimed straight for his face.

Reese ran back in, kicking out and hitting Coby in the shoulder. He reached out to grab her, but she was already away, and the distraction gave Helmeppo the chance to get away. The three of them were facing off again, their eyes constantly shifting back and forth, waiting for someone to make a move.

Coby started first this time, running towards Reese, and she was surprised at how quick he was, and she moved away from him. She saw Helmeppo move to intercept them, grabbing his kukri from their sheaths on his belt, and Reese pulled her baton from her waist, as she turned toward him, making him adjust his stance, and gaining a moment.

Coby was right on her heels as they ran, and Helmeppo grinned as she came close, swinging out slightly higher than normal, anticipating her leap. She changed tactics, speeding up and then rolling to avoid the hit.

She heard a grunt and a crash and she hopped back up to see the damage, seeing Coby and Helmeppo in a pile. It looked like they collided with each other.

"Coby! Coby are you okay?" Helmeppo asked, panicking. Reese rushed over as he rolled Coby over, and they both peered down anxiously. Coby's eyes were closed, and there was a horribly bleeding wound on his forehead. She rushed over to her bag, grabbing the first aid kit that she habitually carried around for just these incidents.

Even putting pressure on the wound for several minutes didn't seem to stop the flow of blood, and her hands were soon covered.

"Helmeppo, we need to take him to the infirmary, can you help me carry him?" she asked.

"I can carry him, you get our things," he said brusquely. Reese wrapped a bandage around Coby's head, and went to pick up their bags. Turning back, Coby was in Helmeppo's arms, and though he looked like he was straining, he didn't complain as they rushed away to the infirmary.

Reese gave their names and ranks at the infirmary, and were they would be informing Garp of the situation, which she was actually glad for. She didn't think she could go and try to find him right now, let alone explain. Worst case scenarios were rushing through her head as she and Helmeppo sat in the waiting area.

"I don't understand it," Helmeppo muttered. "I had you, and then suddenly, Coby was there instead." He looked miserable, hanging his head. "I didn't aim to hit him."

"It's not your fault," she replied quietly. "Accidents happen in spars all the time."

"You don't get it," he mumbled, and she didn't reply.

After some time, the doctor came to get them, leading them into the main room filled with beds. He took them over to where Coby lay, explaining that he would be fine, it was a minor wound, but would certainly leave a scar. They both breathed out sighs of relief, and Reese reached over to place Coby's glasses back on his face.

They stayed until he woke, groggy and uncertain of where he was or what was happening. Helmeppo explained what happened, and told him what the doctor had said about a scar.

"Great… the glasses helped me stand out enough…" he said sadly.

"Hey, don't feel bad, it's a battle scar, right?" Reese said cheerily.

He smiled back. "I guess so."

"You can always wear a bandanna or something," Helmeppo suggested.

"That's true," he said thoughtfully.

"No way," Reese said. "You should be proud of your battle scars."

Coby chuckled as Helmeppo argued with her about which way he should go.

"You have to admit," Coby said, breaking up their argument. "I almost had you Reese."

"That's what I've been trying to figure out," Helmeppo said, frowning. "Since when are you fast enough to catch Reese? And how did she get out of the way so suddenly? I had her, she should have taken the hit, not you."

"Maybe you were slower than you thought," Reese said, confused why he was harping on this.

"Or you were faster," he shot back.

Before they could argue again, they heard laughter and turned to the sound. Garp was walking into the room, and had heard them arguing. While Coby was friends with each of them, Helmeppo and Reese were still getting used to the idea, and argued more often than not… and Garp found the whole thing hilarious.

"Can't be too serious, if you two are still at it," he said as he walked up.

"Vice Admiral Garp, Sir!" Coby and Helmeppo both saluted.

"Gramps," Reese said with a nod of her head, and he smiled at us. "Coby took a hit during a spar. Doc said it was minor, no damage, though there will be a scar."

"Hmm, then what's the argument about?" he asked, and she shrugged.

"I'm sorry sir, I just don't understand how this happened," Helmeppo said nervously. "I had Reese cornered, and was going in for the final hit, and suddenly Coby was there instead, and Reese was several feet away. I couldn't pull back in time." He looked like someone facing a firing squad, as he told Garp what happened.

"Sounds like a shave," Garp mentioned, as he leaned down to look into Coby's eyes. Seeing him looking fine, Garp slapped him on the back, and laughed. "Training in one hour, down at the yard," he said throwing a rolled up paper into Coby's lap, and leaving the room.

They all stared at him, then back to Coby as he picked up the paper and unrolled it. His eyes widened as he spread it out for us to see. It was two wanted posters.

"Zoro too?" Helmeppo asked incredulously.

"One hundred million…" Coby said softly. "Everyone will be after him!"

Reese looked down at the posters, noting that while Luffy's picture was the same with a big grin, Zoro's looked like he had been in a huge fight, he was dirty and bleeding. She looked up at Coby with a smile. "Just what they said they were going to do, isn't it?"