Author's Note: I think I am finally done with re-writing the Tequila Wolf Arc. This arc doesn't have fighting like the last arc. But, it does have an okama. But, I promise, the next arc will have fighting. And the introduction of somebody who may become the chef of the crew. No, he or she is nothing like Sanji.
Disclaimer: Eichiiro Oda owns One Piece. Did I mention that this arc has an okama?
Ch. 6: "Walking in a Winter Wonderland."
A few days later, it was smooth sailing for The Hyperion.
"So, how is the sailing power of this ship?" Kartik asked Yuki-Rin.
"It's really smooth. I'm sure we will be fine in any element," Yuki-Rin explained.
"Yuki-Rin, you do know that we're sailing straight into a storm, right?" Hatori asked Yuki-Rin.
"What are you talking about, Hatori? This weather is perfect!" Yuki-Rin asked her fisherman. Hatori then turned Yuki-Rin's head in the direction of some storm clouds on the horizon.
"Shit. That can't be good," Yuki-Rin commented.
True to Hatori's word - about an hour or so later -, the temperature dropped and it began to rain.
"Yuki-Rin, aren't you freezing?" Kartik asked Yuki-Rin, who was wearing a T-shirt under her blue jacket with black sleeves, jean shorts, and brown, furry boots.
"It's not that cold, Kartik. You just need to get acclimated, that's all," Yuki-Rin told Kartik with a shrug.
"You are going to get sick and die if you don't put pants on!" Kartik yelled as Yuki-Rin opened her umbrella and got under it.
"I think I'll just go inside. I hate the rain, anyway," Yuki-Rin commented before she went inside the ship. Exactly one hour later, Yuki-Rin now swapped her shorts for pants, as the rain turned to freezing rain and the temperature got even colder.
"Okay, where the hell are we going and what the hell is up with this weather?" Yuki-Rin asked her crew.
"That is freezing rain, Yuki-Rin. It's basically on the borderline between snow and rain," Z.G. explained.
"We must be headed to a winter island," Matsu commented.
"But, I hate the cold!" Yuki-Rin groaned.
"But, Yuki-Rin, this may be the first time you'll be in actual snow," Kartik explained.
"Really? Cool!" Yuki-Rin said, suddenly cheerful.
"The snow? I'd rather be on a beach in a warm, sunny place where I can get a tan, surf, and just bathe in the ocean!" Kazuma whined. Hatori sneezed.
"Nobody told me we'd have to sail through cold weather!" Hatori whined.
"It's okay, I didn't get the memo either," Heathcliffe said as he patted Hatori on the back.
"I'm just worried that the freezing rain will wreck the ship," Kartik said.
Some time passed as the sun set over the horizon, and the freezing rain turned to snow. All of the Capricorn Pirates were inside The Hyperion and they were wearing their winter clothing. Hatori was busy trying making warm food and drinks as everybody else was watching and waiting for this winter island to cross their line of sight.
"So, which island is this supposed to be?" Yuki-Rin asked her crew.
"It sounds like we're headed to Tequila Wolf," Karin answered.
"That's not good," Molly said.
"Why not? It's snowing outside! Don't you want to see the snow?" Yuki-Rin asked her sister.
"It's not that. The Tenryuubito bastards took over the island two years ago. And, to make matters worse, the residents have been fightin' them for their freedom," Molly explained.
"In other words, it has something to do with the residents of Tequila Wolf gaining autonomy," Karin added.
"Autonomy?" Kazuma asked.
"It's when an area wants to be self-governed, genius," Karin explained as Hatori gave her a cup of coffee.
"I thought Tequila Wolf was already a self-governed island," Yuki-Rin said.
"It's not. The Tenryuubito have been governing the island for two years," Karin explained.
"Wasn't the construction of a bridge stopped there two years ago?" Yuki-Rin asked Karin.
"Yes, it was. The Tenryuubito took over the government shortly after the bridge construction ended. It's a terrible thought to know that you're governed by World Nobles and you could be enslaved at any time for nothing," Karin lamented.
"You know this, why?" Yuki-Rin asked Karin.
"Sweetie, I used to work for the World Government," Karin answered as Tequila Wolf – the winter island everyone was talking about - crept into their field of vision.
"That must be Tequila Wolf," Molly pointed out as everyone went to the window.
"It is! Everybody, all hands on deck! We're docking at Tequila Wolf shortly!" Yuki-Rin commanded.
When the crew stepped foot onto the island, they didn't know how deserted it would be. Even though the snow stopped falling for the time being, gusty, cold winds blew through the seemingly-deserted town.
"It feels like we're in a ghost town!" Hatori pointed out as he rubbed his hands together for warmth.
"I'm seriously not really used to this weather. I'll take beach weather any day!" Karin stated. In the distance, a clock began striking to signal the time – Seven o'clock.
"It's seven," Yuki-Rin said to herself.
"W-What does it m-mean?" Maki-chan. asked, stuttering because of the cold.
"It means it's seven at night," Isabella explained as the crew walked further toward the square.
"Where is everybody?" Kazuma asked as Yuki-Rin pulled him closer in an effort to warm them up.
"Maybe they've been taken away by the Tenryuubito," Drusilla suggested with fear in her voice.
"It seems plausible, given the abandoned nature of the town," Yuki-Rin said as they approached a fountain with its water frozen over. Everyone sat down on the stone base of the fountain, which marked the town square.
"Guys… I'm scared," Yuki-Rin revealed to her crew.
"Don't be scared. Haven't you always wanted to play in the snow?" Kazuma asked Yuki-Rin.
"I do, but… Remember how Karin and Molly said that the Tenryuubito are running this place?" Yuki-Rin asked everyone.
"Yeah, and it's quite the shame that such a lovely town is being subjected to this," Kartik answered.
"Well, only Molly, Hatori, Heathcliffe, and Kazuma know about this, but… My parents are World Nobles," Yuki-Rin explained, which everyone else to gasp.
"Yuki-Rin… You never told us that your parents were World Nobles!" Z.G. cried.
"I agree, Z.G. It's unfortunate of our captain to have blood ties with the Tenryuubito," Kartik agreed.
"I actually have something to say about this matter… My parents are World Nobles, too," Heathcliffe revealed, causing everyone else to gasp.
"I can't believe it! Both of your parents would go as far as to enslave people? That is just very wrong!" Hatori declared. Just then, a cloaked figure put a hand to Hatori's mouth. Everyone screamed.
"What's going on?" Hatori yelled as he struggled to get free, but, the cloaked figure grabbed a knife Hatori had in his pocket and ran off.
"Come back here!" Yuki-Rin yelled as she got out her katana. When she got close enough to the figure she tackled him to the ground and tore off his cloak.
"Okay, okay, you win!"
Yuki-Rin looked down, and saw a boy in his late teens. He had green hair and green eyes, and he wore a black jacket with orange piping, black jeans, and black shoes.
"Sorry about that, miss. I have some kleptomaniac tendencies due to my lifestyle of thievery, but, hey, I had to survive," The boy explained as they got up from the ground.
"You can keep the knife. I really don't need it," Hatori told the thief.
"Thanks. The name's Daisuke Saburo, and I'm a small-time thief. My claim to fame is that possibly robbed a bank in my sleep," The thief introduced himself.
"I'm Yuki-Rin, and I –" Yuki-Rin introduced herself before Daisuke cut her off.
"No way! I think I heard about you! Did you help Cipher Pol 5 try to take down Big Margo?" Daisuke asked Yuki-Rin.
"Yep. I was involved. My shipwright delivered the final blow," Yuki-Rin answered.
"Good. Big Margo was a fugly bitch anyway," Daisuke said.
"I know! As her daughter, I feel obligated to say this; Thank God, my mom is dead!" Maki-chan said.
"You're her daughter? Wow, at least you're not fat and ugly," Daisuke commented with a whistle.
"Where are all of the residents of this town?" Yuki-Rin asked Daisuke.
"Well, ever since the Tenryuubito have taken this place over, they've implemented a 7 p.m. curfew. But, you're not the only ones violating it, the whole town is," Daisuke explained.
"How can a whole town violate a curfew when I don't see anybody else?" Kazuma asked Daisuke.
"They're going to a secret meeting," Daisuke explained.
"Where?" Yuki-Rin asked.
"Follow me," Daisuke ordered. Everyone started to follow Daisuke.
"In just a few minutes, we will be at the mayor's house. All of Tequila Wolf's residents are attending a meeting held by the Revolutionary Aria Yakushi. I heard that the Tenryuubito are coming, and the residents here want their autonomy and fast," Daisuke explained.
"Aria Yakushi… Where have I heard that name before?" Yuki-Rin asked herself.
"You probably read about Aria in the paper. She's done some badass stuff," Daisuke explained.
"No, it's not that. I think I heard that last name on somebody else before," Yuki-Rin said as they arrived at the mayor's manor. Daisuke knocked on the door.
"Password?" A cheerful-sounding girl asked on the other side of the door.
"Bridge," Daisuke said. Then, the door opened. A girl of about sixteen opened the door. She had black hair tied in a ponytail, brown eyes, and big, round glasses. She wore a white coat, blue jeans, and light-brown, knee-high boots with fur. Yuki-Rin gasped.
"Hana Yakushi… Is that really you?" Yuki-Rin asked the doorperson as she hugged her.
"Yuki-Rin! What are you doing here? This is a dangerous place!" Hana cried.
"I've become a pirate, and this is my crew. Except for Daisuke, who is just a third wheel in this adventure," Yuki-Rin explained.
"Shut up!" Daisuke yelled as they entered the manor.
"I haven't seen you in ages, Hana! What have you been up to?" Yuki-Rin asked her old friend.
"Aria has been taking me around the North, South, and East Blues as part of her Revolutionary thing," Hana explained.
"Lucky! Aria got to take you as soon as the opportunity to leave became available! Molly and I didn't get to leave until later, and it wasn't easy!" Yuki-Rin complained.
"Hey, quit complaining. You're at sea, now," Hana said as she patted Yuki-Rin on the back.
"Hey, girlie, where the hell is everybody else?" Heathcliffe asked Hana.
"I believe they're off doing their own things," Hana answered. Then, a girl of about eighteen joined them. Despite her age, she had red hair tied into two braids and blue eyes. Her outfit consisted of a long, black, calf-length coat and black boots. She also had a gun holstered to her leg.
"Hana, who joined us?" The girl asked Hana.
"Oh, just some pirates, Aria," Hana answered. Yuki-Rin gasped.
"I get it, now! Aria is Hana's older sister!" Yuki-Rin remembered, which earned her a punch from Hana.
"It took you sixteen years to realize that? Are you that stupid?" Hana asked Yuki-Rin.
"Nope. Might I add, you have a badass sister," Yuki-Rin explained.
"Your friend is right, Hana. I've done many covert operations for the Revolutionaries, and they have been mainly successful," Aria explained.
"Hana, why haven't you guys been to the Grand Line, yet?" Yuki-Rin asked Hana.
"Even I don't know," Hana answered.
"Dragon keeps saying that I'm not ready yet, but I feel confident that as a Revolutionary, I should be able to handle the Grand Line," Aria explained. Yuki-Rin was about to open her mouth to say something, but Aria cut her off. "You know that this island is run by the Tenryuubito, right?"
"Yes," The Capricorn Pirates answered.
"Well, the Tenryuubito have placed us under very strict rules. We have a seven p.m. curfew, all people who break the law will be sold into slavery, the spreading of pro-pirate material is banned, anti-World Noble material is banned, and all uprisings are suppressed and the uprisers will be shot or sold into slavery," Aria explained.
"Wow, which World Noble is running this place?" Yuki-Rin asked Aria.
"Saint Ayame and Saint Sarutobi," Aria answered, which caused Yuki-Rin and Heathcliffe to gag.
"No way! I can't help you get this island's freedom if my mom is ruling it!" Yuki-Rin protested.
"My dad would fucking kill me if he saw me here with you guys! Are you crazy?" Heathcliffe asked Aria.
"Sis, we could die by association!" Hana said to Aria. However, Daisuke didn't seem too concerned.
"Aria, the meeting is starting in a few minutes. We need to get ready," Daisuke told Aria.
"Daisuke, we need your help. It turns out that the World Nobles that are running this island are Yuki-Rin's mother and Heathcliffe's father," Kazuma explained.
"Really? Well, we can't have Yuki-Rin and Heathcliffe caught. But, I do have an idea," Daisuke said. A few minutes later, Yuki-Rin was now dressed in a white, collared dress shirt, a black tie, a black blazer, khaki pants, and black Wellington boots. Her hair was pulled back and stuffed into a newsboy's cap.
"Now, nobody knows that you're Yuki-Rin! To the residents of Tequila Wolf, they know you as a farmer from outside the village!" Kazuma told Yuki-Rin.
"What about Heathcliffe?" Yuki-Rin asked Kazuma.
"Uhh… Daisuke, where did he go?" Kazuma asked Daisuke.
"I'm not coming out. Leave me here until my dad leaves," Heathcliffe said from a wardrobe.
"Come on, Heathcliffe, I'm sure it's not THAT BAD," Hatori said.
"Well… Okay," Heathcliffe said from the wardrobe. He stepped out of the wardrobe… Dressed as an okama. Everyone else began laughing.
"Daisuke," Heathcliffe said.
"Yes?"
"I hate you."
A few minutes later, the Capricorn Pirates made their way down a secret tunnel. Heathcliffe was still mad that Daisuke made him dress as an okama.
"I look ridiculous. Can Yuki-Rin and I swap outfits?" Heathcliffe asked everyone.
"No, Heathcliffe, it's too late," Aria answered. Just then, Daisuke was knocked down.
"What the –" Daisuke said, but he was cut off.
"Daisuke Saburo, what the hell were you thinking?"
Everyone turned back, and they saw a girl who was about the same age as Daisuke. She had shoulder-length, wavy, pink hair, and black eyes. She wore a black tank top under a baggy, green coat, green pants, and black boots.
"Yulia, really?" Daisuke asked the new arrival.
"What the hell were you doing outside after curfew? You could've died!" Yulia asked Daisuke.
"That's not the point! I was watching for the Tenryuubito! It was for everyone's safety!" Daisuke protested. However, the two noticed everyone else, and the stopped protesting.
"Guys, this is Yulia Tadase, my business partner," Daisuke introduced Yulia to everyone. Yulia began laughing.
"I didn't know you were in cahoots with an okama!" Yulia laughed.
"Shut up! It was for his own safety, since he's the son of Saint Sarutobi!" Daisuke yelled, which caused Yulia to stop laughing.
"Wait, THE son of Saint Sarutobi is here? I thought he died or something," Yulia asked Daisuke.
"I didn't. I just got really sick one day and went into a coma. My parents were idiots, and they thought I died, so they sent my body to sea. I managed to wake up and live in a tenement apartment until I got into this pirate crew," Heathcliffe explained as the gang made their way to the end of the tunnel. Aria opened the door, and everyone walked down the stairs.
"Step lively, or else you could fall down," Aria explained as they made their way down the stairs.
"Where are we going?" Yuki-Rin asked Aria.
"We shall see," Aria said. When they got to the bottom of the stairs, they came across a door. Aria got out a key.
"Alright, guys, are you ready to liberate Tequila Wolf? Aria asked Yuki-Rin, who gave a hesitant nod.
"Well, here we go," Aria said as she put the key in the lock and turned it.
Ending Note: And, I leave it at a cliffhanger.
Here's the current crew standing since I forgot about it last chapter.
Captain - Yuki-Rin
First Mate - Molly O'Flannigan
Musician - Heathcliffe Sarutobi
Fisherman - Hatori Chidori
Swordsman - Kazuma Miyafuji
"Resident Ghost" - Isabella Sarutobi
Shipwright - Kartik Abingdon
Snipers - Karin Kotetsu, "Blind" Drusilla, and Z.G.
Singer - Maki-chan
Tailor - Matsu Takeshima
And, that's that. Until next chapter, review, fav this fic, follow this fic, and send in SBS questions!