Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece or it's characters.

Chapter 2

Laying Low

Nami closed her eyes and let the salty sea air cover her face. She was standing on deck of a small fishing vessel. This was likely the last peaceful moment she would have for some time. The island they headed for was coming into view.

A fairly large city surrounded the port, perfectly framing a large white mansion. The structure towered over the island with multiple balconies and domed turrets. The island had no beaches. The waves from the ocean pressed against man-made wood and stone walls, giving the island itself an almost ship-like appearance.

As they approached the dock, Nami saw her contact waiting for her. Trafalgar Law was tall and lean. He wore black boots under a pair of worn jeans. Short midnight blue locks rustled over the two small golden hoops he wore on each ear. The sleeves of his black and yellow sweatshirt were pushed up, showing he was tattooed on his forearms as well as his hands. He adjusted his black and white hat, securing it so it wouldn't be taken by the sea breeze. Even from a distance, she could see the heavy bags under his eyes. She was relieved to see he wasn't carrying his trademark Nodachi. Despite his somewhat rough appearance, his casual demeanor and attire didn't seem to attract any unwanted attention. She assumed that was intentional, although she was hardly given any information on the mission.

It had been almost a month since Doflamingo agreed to Arlong's terms. After the display she put on during their meeting, she assumed she'd be contacted for some sort of job sooner. It seemed like even though he appreciated her display, Doflamingo was wise enough to keep her at arms length until he could identify Arlong's hidden agenda. Whatever this mission entailed, it was definitely a test. Success would reveal if she was actually as skilled as she boasted. Success would lay the foundation for some type of trust. Success meant she was one step closer to her own ultimate goal. Failure was not an option.

It made sense that they kept her in the dark until the last minute. She barely even had time to pack before they were ushering her onto the boat. All Nami knew for sure was that she would meet Law at the port, and he will fill her in on the details.

He reached out a hand to help her off the boat as they pulled up to the dock.

"Welcome to Germa, Nami-ya." Law said as he helped her onto the dock.

"Thanks." She let out a small sigh. "So, what am I here to steal?"

Law looked down at her with lazy grin. "Straight to business then? I thought the best thief in the seas would know better than to discuss such things so out in the open." He whispered teasingly.

She rolled her eyes. It was a long voyage, and she was feeling impatient. "Alright then smart-ass, what can you tell me?"

His smile widened. "We're staying near downtown. We'll get you settled in, and I'll tell you everything you need to know."

She huffed until he picked up her bags for her and started towards town. "Follow me, Nami-ya. And don't worry," He glanced at her over his shoulder. "I have as much riding on this as you do."

Nami's annoyance was replaced with intrigue. She wondered what he meant by that and if she could indeed be able to trust him enough to get through this task. She forced herself to push those thoughts behind her and focused on the island. Carefully observing the streets and landmarks to map out later.

The sun was still up when they arrived at the small concrete building. An outdoor staircase led directly to the second story apartment. There was a tight entryway with a coat closet that led inside. To the left was a small kitchen with a breakfast nook. To the right was a living area with a couch and two chairs. Law opened the door to the bedroom and set her things inside.

"This is where you'll stay. It's the only bedroom, so I'll take the couch. We'll have to share the bath, though."

Nami hummed. She glanced around the space. "Shame there's no desk."

"It's a good location. Good proximity to the major districts in the island. We don't have neighbors to eavesdrop, and the landlord is never sober enough to bother snooping around." He shrugged, "I know it's small Nami-ya, but it's not so bad."

Nami chuckled softly as she started digging in one of her bags. "The place I grew up in was smaller than this bedroom alone. I assure you, this will do fine." She grabbed several large pieces of parchment and sharp pencils. She motioned to the breakfast table. "Mind if I set up here?"

Law watched her quizzically. "I suppose."

Nami began drawing as she spoke. "Alright, tell me what I need to know."

Law let out a heavy breath as he leaned against the wall. "We're here to find and steal information detailing the genetic modifications of Germa's royal family."

Nami paused her sketching. She wasn't expecting it, but she appreciated his bluntness. "The Vinsmokes?"

"That's them. They are a dominant force in the field of weapons technology, and most of their manufacturing is done here on the island. Their research in genetics isn't known to most. It isn't used in their weapons. There have been rumors for years, but our spy network has all but confirmed that Vinsmoke Judge's children have been genetically enhanced. The information we're after is worth more than any weapon, so it's likely being held in one of the more secure labs on the island."

Nami tilted her head, processing the information. "Doflamingo is dead set on getting this research?"

"Yes."

"Replicating something like that would definitely give his family an edge. He may even want to use it himself."

"Seems likely."

Nami paused her sketching again and looked up at Law. "Interesting that he would choose a rookie doctor and a borrowed thief for this job. Why would he entrust such a mission to us rather than anyone else in his family?"

"Because I convinced him to."

Nami raised a brow and waited for him to explain.

"As you said, we are the two newest among his people. Our affiliation with the family isn't widely known, so if we get caught or killed we'd can't be easily traced back to him."

Nami nodded thoughtfully.

"A chance for both of us to prove ourselves. Gain his trust."

"And why would you suggest me? You've been here for the past few weeks gaining your own intel. Could be taking a big risk on someone you don't know."

Law shrugged. "Who knows. Maybe I just wanted the company of a beautiful woman."

Nami rolled her eyes before giving him a knowing glare.

He smirked as he looked her in the eyes. "Alright fine. Consider it my way of thanking you for embarrassing Vergo the way you did." Law slid down into one of the kitchen chairs. Recounting the whole scene in his head brought a devious smile to his face, and he mused, "What I wouldn't pay to see that look on his face again."

Nami perked up a bit and smiled. "I'll remember that when we get back. My rates are high, but you won't be disappointed." She stuck out her tongue and winked, promoting a genuine laugh from Law.

With the tension of the room eased, Law continued to provide Nami with details about what he'd learned so far. The day before Nami arrived, Judge departed with Reiju, his first born and only daughter, on some sort of diplomatic mission. With the king and several of his more trusted guards away, it was the ideal time to make their first move. The trip was expected to last at least a month, leaving the three Vinsmoke sons to rule in their absence. They were after the information alone, not the Vinsmokes themselves. The less of them around, the better. It was safer to go at this as stealthily as possible. Once they located their prize, they could be in and out before anyone even thought to look their way.

The next day, Nami mapped out more of the city. The layout of the island's infrastructure complimented the technologically focused royal family. The streets were all laid out in a predictable grid. The separate districts were well defined and easy to navigate. Although the industrial district was the largest, the downtown area was filled with restaurants and shops geared toward tourists. She focused on routes within these areas, specifically noting the laboratories Law had pointed out as possible targets.

She massaged her own stiff fingers as she looked out the window of the dull, gray apartment. It was getting dark and Nami was feeling a bit restless. She looked at Law, his nose tucked into a medical book.

"Let's get outta here."

Law looked up at her, confused.

"Come on, all we've done for the last 24 hours is work. I didn't even stop to shop while I was out mapping the island!"

Law glanced at the two shopping bags just inside the doorway to her bedroom.

"The drafting supplies I bought don't count, and if you knew the restraint it took for me to only buy one pair of shoes you wouldn't be looking at me like that right now!"

Law frowned but Nami caught the hint of the smile he tried to hide. After a long sigh, he conceded. "Alright Nami-ya. But we're going someplace close, and we leave when I say."

Nami was already skipping to her room to change before he finished speaking.

Something in his gut told him it was a mistake, but for some reason seeing Nami genuinely happy made the weight in his chest a little lighter. There was a bar a few blocks over he had been to previously. It wasn't too rowdy, with mostly local merchants and dock workers. They just had to keep a low profile. Sure, Nami made a bit of a scene in their first meeting, but she was selling her skills to Doflamingo. She survived working with an all fishmen gang, surely she was professional enough to stay under the radar.

"I thought you were going to keep a low profile." Law grumbled into his drink.

"I'm sure I don't know what you mean." Nami smirked as she counted a large stack of cash, rejoining him at their table in the bar.

"The five guys you just bled of all their belli over that pool table say different. I should've known you could rob a man blind without stealing from him."

Nami winked and stuck her tongue out. Law closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"What's the big deal? It's just harmless fun, and I'm not doing anything illegal."

Law leaned toward her and spoke lowly. "The second one of those guys decides it isn't harmless fun and starts asking too many questions about us..."

"They won't. And if they did, you already have your cover. Doctor on sabbatical."

"And you're the good doctor's wife." Law pointed his finger at her as he spoke matter of factly.

"Absolutely not!" She snapped, finally looking up from her winnings.

Law softened a bit, "Come on, it's a good cover."

"No way! Sounds more like a creepy excuse for you to cop a feel in public."

Law rolled his eyes at the accusation. "It's believable enough, and I'll be able to step in and scare off anyone who gets too close to you without being suspicious."

"It's unnecessary. Plus with any luck, we won't be around long even for anyone to catch our names at all. Now if you'll excuse me, there's more belli in this bar to be won."

She stood up from the table, but Law grabbed her arm. They needed this settled before anyone else started really paying attention to them. He hoped an air tight cover wouldn't be needed, but it was too risky to continue without it now, especially with the games she was playing that night. He ground his teeth at her cavalier attitude.

"Nami-ya, we need to have-"

"Give it a rest!"

"Stop being stubborn!"

"Let me go!"

A voice from behind them cut the argument short.

"Is there a problem here?"

The pair turned to find a tall, muscular man frowning at them. He wore a white button down shirt and black dress pants adorned with a large skull belt buckle. If his trademark green slicked back hair didn't give him away, the curly eyebrow he raised at the two did.

Law quickly released his hold on Nami. She took no time to compose herself, giving the man a sweet smile.

"No problem, thanks to you." Nami batted her eyelashes.

Vinsmoke Yonji, fourth prince of Germa, stood before them. He took a long glance over Nami's body before shifting his gaze to glare at Law.

Nami interjected before either of them could speak. "I'm so sorry that we made a scene. I hope we didn't bother you too much." She touched Yonji's arm, bringing his attention back to her. "We were just leaving anyway. I promise we won't cause you any more trouble."

Yonji softened his gaze as he looked down at her cautiously.

Nami's performance gave Law a chance to compose himself. This was exactly the type of situation they needed to avoid. He stood up casually, readying himself to leave.

Yonji looked back at Law. "It's no trouble," He mumbled.

The brooding prince continued to stare down Law. He started to furrow his brow more deeply in thought. Nami could feel the tension rising, and she worried he had recognized him. She had to think fast.

"Don't worry about me, my prince. He was just being overly protective. You know how brothers can be." She smiled innocently.

Both men whipped their heads to stare at her in surprise.

"This guy is your brother?"

Nami nodded and smiled.

Yonji loosened his posture a bit and let out a huff of air as he smiled back at her. "What's your name?"

"Nami" She said coyly. She knew it was risky to give a fake name. She wasn't well known enough in the world of crime to be recognized anywhere, and there was a good chance he heard Law say her name during their argument.

"Well then, Nami." He brushed a piece of hair behind her ear as she forced herself to not pull away from his touch. His hand drifted to rest on her shoulder. "I suppose I can let you leave, on the condition that you join me for dinner tomorrow."

"I-" Nami's first instinct was to get out of it, but she stopped herself when she realized the opportunity he was presenting her with.

Yonji noticed her hesitation and leaned in to whisper, "It's the least you can do after taking all that belli from my paying customers."

"How did you-" Nami knew he wasn't present in the bar when she was playing pool. There weren't any surveillance den den mushi on the walls either.

"I know everything that happens in my businesses." He flashed a smug grin. "Come to the manor tomorrow. Dinner is at 7 sharp." His smile widened as she looked up at him stunned. "See you later, Nami."

Yonji turned on his heels and strolled into a back room of the bar. Nami grabbed her coat in one hand and Law in the other, pulling him out of his stupor and out of the bar. The plan they had was out the window, and she could tell Law wasn't happy about it.