Tashigi was in the midst of practice when Smoker entered the training room. She hit the straw dummy once last time before placing her shinai back in its stand. She toweled off her face as she jogged towards her superior.
"Tashigi," Smoker addressed her.
"Yes sir!" Tashigi answered, saluting him.
"Good work today," he said. Though the praise would seem minor to anyone else, Tashigi knew that Smoker rarely used those words, and that they were to be treasured.
"Thank you, sir," she replied, smiling.
"Now," Smoker cleared his throat, "I understand that in joining the Navy you had a goal?"
"Err, yes," Tashigi said sheepishly. "I want to retrieve all the Meito being used by criminals." Her dream seemed almost childish to admit. To collect all the Meito would be amazing, but it would mean going up against Dracule Mihawk for the famous Saijo O Wazomono Yoru. Just the idea of going against a Shichibukai made Tashigi nervous.
"Hm," Smoker muttered, "would this be of use, then?"
He ducked to the side of the door, and retrieved a long package wrapped in brown paper.
"That's can't be…" Tashigi muttered.
"It's a katana, alright," said Smoker, placing the package in Tashigi's hands.
Tashigi tore open the package, revealing a white sheath and green handle.
"Shigure," Tashigi breathed. "This is one of the of the Meito!" she exclaimed, eyes widening. "I can't-surely someone else-this isn't-" she stuttered, baffled by the gift.
"We found it in a raid about a week ago," said Smoker. "I don't use katana," he said, gesturing to the seastone-tipped jitte strapped to his back. "And none of the other captains do either. We figured it would be best if you had it."
"This… This is mine?" Tashigi asked, unsheathing the katana. God, it was gorgeous. The metal shimmered in the dim light, and flickered about as Tashigi tested the blade's weight. The difference between shinai and a real katana was astounding. Tashigi felt capable. She felt powerful. Her nervousness vanished. She felt confident.
"Are you sure I can have it?" she asked once more.
"Just take it," Smoker smirked, "it's already taken a liking to you; I can see that much."
Tashigi smiled, and gripped the handle harder.
"Happy birthday, by the way," Smoker called, strolling back to the base office.
"Oh," Tashigi blurted, dumbfounded. Was that what the occasion was?
A.N.: I hit some blocks with Bartolomeo and Law, so please expect them to be posted tomorrow or the day after.