The next few days came and went… it was time again for the man to make the announcement.

"An unplanned marine ship has entered from east blue to the grand line."

An uproar up excitement spread through the crowd.

"The crew needs a few more men, including a doctor, swordsmen and gunners."

This caught the girl's interest.

"Sir, could I got with? You said they needed a doctor…"

He was busy sorting through people that wanted to go, but managed a response of "Sure, go by the others."

She did as instructed. It was awhile before he came over and started going through people, until he came to her.

"Name and rank, please."

"Montblanc Tonnin. Doctor."

He went through everyone else. Finally, he spoke to everyone. "You'll be departing tomorrow, so gather your things and be ready by dawn."

"Sir, where will we be going?" one of them asked.

"The desert country of Alabasta."

He started to walk in circles around them. "I suppose you'll need to know about the people you're going to work with..."

He stopped walking.

"The First-in-Command is a white-haired man by the name of Smoker. He ate the Smoke-Smoke Logia devil fruit, hence his name."

He eyed the group, looking skeptical. "The Second-in-Command is a Female Swordsman by the name of Tashigi."

"Why are they going to Alabasta, of all places?"

"Because the pirates they're tracking are headed there."

"Damn pirates..."

He stared at them for a moment longer. "...What're you still doing here? Get your stuff and get ready."

The group split up in and wondered off in different directions, rushing to get ready.