They needed to leave Shells Town ASAP, but Luffy insisted they grab a bite to eat, first. So, they found their way back to the small restaurant where they'd met earlier.

"So, how many others are on your crew?" asked Zoro as they settled down.

"Oh! There's me and Bryn and you and also Nami but she says it's only maybe so I still got to convince her!"

"… you mean that's it?"

"Yeah!"

"What about your ship?"

"Don't have one! Shi-shi-shi!"

Before Zoro could lose it and strangle their Captain, Bryn swiftly stepped between them, squeezing Luffy's shoulder while she smiled at the swordsman.

"Nami and I have a ship. It's small and we should definitely try to find a new one, but it'll work well enough to take us safely to the next island."

"Awesome!" cheered Luffy. "New ship!"

Zoro and Nami facepalmed, and Brynlee simply laughed. Their Captain might not be the type to think ahead, but they'd all learn to work around it. Frankly, she'd been a bit worried his lack of functioning braincells might irritate her, but she found that his innate joy and recklessness inspired the same happiness any proper gacha system would – there was no telling what he'd do next, and wasn't that exciting!?

This is going to be fun!

While Luffy and Zoro started bickering, Nami leaned closer, whispering. "You were right – he's pretty strong. But are you sure he can make it?"

Brynlee nodded firmly, squeezing Nami's shoulder. "He will. His conviction will take him further than anyone else. If anyone can find the One Piece, it's him."

"How do you know?" Surprised, Brynlee glanced towards Koby, who was shaking in his seat, obviously still high on adrenaline. "How- how can you say for certain that he'll make it, when all others before him failed?"

Huh. I completely forgot he was there.

There was something… irritating, about Koby. She'd never thought much of him Before, but in what little time they'd actually known each other, she found herself actually disliking him. It wasn't so much his personality – more his misplaced faith in the marines he oh-so-desperately wished to join.

She knew he'd become strong, one day. But when that day came, he'd be standing with the World Government – against them. He'd be defending killers and slavers and monsters alike, deeming it justice and calling it a day. And Brynlee knew there were some good people in the corps, knew that not all marines were downright evil, knew that most of them weren't even remotely aware of the horrors the higher-ups committed and covered and promoted.

Knowing all this didn't erase the bitter taste in her throat.

"Koby… Why do you want to be a marine?"

"W- what? Well, I- I want to help people… I want to uphold justice and make sure that- that everyone can live safely and happily…"

"Everyone," she repeated, narrowing her eyes. "Including Fishmen, Mermaids, Giants, and all other people?"

"W- well, yes, I suppose… Everyone deserves to live a happy, safe life, right?"

"You know, you called Luffy a fool for believing he can become the King of Pirates – but you're downright naïve, thinking you can achieve justice for everyone in the world."

Koby immediately jumped to his feet, appearing genuinely angry. "Why is that naïve? It's true! It's my dream! That's why I want to become a marine!"

"Marines aren't as good as they make themselves out to be. I mean, you said yourself that what they did to Zoro and the people here was cruel and unjust, right?"

"But- but that's only because of the abuse of one person in power—"

"Well, what if all of the people in power are like this, too?"

"They're- they're not!"

"How do you know?"

"They can't be! They're marines! They—"

The anger brimming at the surface suddenly surged and, without warning, Brynlee stabbed her knife into the table, mere inches away from Koby's hand. The pink-haired boy let out a meek sound, now pale, and Brynlee gritted her teeth.

"What if I told you that they're at the beck and call of the worst scum in the world? That this justice they're duty-bound to uphold doesn't mean anything compared to the lust for power and wealth that drives most of them? That people like Morgan, who abuse their power and influence, who hurt innocents for the sake of their ego, compose the majority of the corps?"

"How- how can you know for certain—!"

"Because the marines you're so fond of eradicated my people. Trust me: I know."

[FEAT UPDATE]

Anger of the Fallen

You carry the legacy of those long passed.

Level: 2/20

+1 (Lunarian)

A gentle squeeze snapped Brynlee out of her anger-driven state, and the previous rage melted away as suddenly as it had taken over. She let out a shaky breath as she leaned back in her seat, forcing herself to calm down. It had been years since she'd last lost control, let alone leveled up that ability, and it took a lot out of her.

"… the marines are rotten to the core, Koby. So tell me: can you still join them knowing what they're actually worth? What they're actually doing? Knowing the flag you're so eager to parade under is one of pain and injustice for a lot of innocent people?"

A heavy silence now weighed heavily, and it took Brynlee a second to realize the others were listening intently, now – even Luffy. And so were the rest of the people in the restaurant, most of whom seemed to agree with her.

Koby gulped, obviously feeling the pressure of expectations.

"… I can. I will."

"Why?"

"Because- because I believe in the marine's integrity as a whole! Because- because so many people like me join so they can do good things and help people…" He straightened up a bit, finding a spine for the first time in his life. "The- the marines can still be good! The marines can still stand for the right thing! I'll become a marine and become strong enough to change the entire corps if need be!" He lowered his head, and she only then noticed his tightened fists. "And I can't- I can't accept what you say as the ultimate truth. But if- if what you are saying is true, then rest assured that all of those who abuse their power and hurt innocents will be punished! I'll make sure of it!"

"Shi-shi-shi! That's a great dream, Koby!" instantly cheered Luffy.

Without really thinking, Brynlee called upon a particular feat she'd never needed or cared to use before, despite the lengths' she'd gone to to obtain it.

[HEART SIGHT]

Target: Koby

"I will become a Marine capable of helping people. I will become strong and do what is right to achieve Sincere Justice."

.

[FEAT UPDATE]

Heart Sight

You can see someone's "Heart".

Level: 5/20

"… maybe all hope isn't lost for the marines, if there are still people genuinely determined to do things differently," amended Brynlee, offering him a small smile. "I look forward to the changes you'll bring, then."

"Miss Brynlee, what you said about your people—"

"A Vice Admiral will be dropping by soon. If you can convince him to take you in as his apprentice, you'll definitely get the chance to grow much stronger. And he's… one of the good ones, let's say, so you'll definitely be in good hands. And one day… one day, what I told you today will make much more sense. Let's just hope that, when that day comes, you'll be able to keep your word."

Genuinely taken aback, Koby then nodded firmly. He was smiling confidently, though he was shaking from head to toe.

"You can count on it!"

And another one down! The Anger of the Fallen [FEAT] is going to be a fun one, let me tell you that.

I'm always happy to read your reviews and theories! Thanks again for your support!