"So, what you're saying is. You and some Marines got into a scuffle while approaching the Baratie and they fired the cannon." Ashe found herself leaning against a wooden wall, amused at the Straw hat man struggling to put on a simple apron.

"Yeah."

"Which you were then able to misdirect a solid sphere of heavy metal, with enough speed to fly through the sky, as well as a tremendous amount of explosive force…How?" She was honestly curious about his whole side of the story.

He turns toward her direction with a neutral expression across his black eyes. "I'm made of rubber." As if it was the most obvious thing in the world, he pulls onto his own cheeks and stretches them out to an absurd length before they snap back.

Ashe hums in contemplation while cupping her chin, "Yes…that was obviously my first thought as well…Luffy, right?"

Luffy nods while continuously struggling to wear the apron properly and tie it behind his back. "Yea, pretty obvious, right?"

"I was being sarcastic."

"Oh, sorry."

"…Come here, watching you with that apron is pissing me off." She doesn't know how, but Luffy managed to get his foot tangled. He easily complies to her demand, allowing Ashe to tie the apron behind his back with a snug knot. But not without her ulterior motive of pinching his cheek and stretching it out before letting the rubbery flesh snap back.

"Ow."

"Sorry, inquisitive minds just have to know." With a pat on his back, she walks around him with a parting wave over her shoulder while leaving the room. "Good luck, Future King of the Pirates, I'll see you in a year."

Ashe made to close the door behind her, but it was forced open unsuspectedly. Luffy dashed past her while holding onto his straw hat, leaving her in shock. "Damn it! I can't stay here for a year! Oi! Old man!"

Peering in bewilderment, Ashe watches as Luffy skids to a halt before running into the kitchen, yelling out for the old man. The only response was the yelling and screaming of line cooks before the chaotic sounds of porcelain shattering and materials crashing against the floor.

"Oi! You stupid brat!" Raged out Zeff before a painful sound and thud of a body hitting the wall from the kitchen shakes the hallway where Ashe is standing.

"I'll…talk to Zeff later." With her mind made up, she tiptoes across the double doors of the kitchen, but not before peeking inside. She could swear something was already on fire.

Not her problem.

Entering the dining hall, she finds a random table near some rowdy customers. Though, Sanji was entertaining them so she assumes they must be friends of his or at least acquainted with considering how close he was hovering over the orange haired woman.

Minding her own business, she unsheathes her daggers and places them onto the table, deciding to do maintenance while she has free time. Reaching into her bag, she pulls out an oily rag and a vial of fresh oil.

It wasn't long before she felt a pair of eyes on her, but she ignored it for now. So long as they minded their own business.

'It's a good time to take stock of supplies I need. I need food as a priority, grease for explosives and fire ignition, and some metal.' The first two would be a simple matter to acquire, but it's the metal that's scarce. It's a precious commodity for sailors out at sea and generally scrapped and recycled till it disappears from this earthly realm.

Wiping down the blade first, she applies a nice coating of olive oil she made, making sure to cover every inch of metal. It's more of a hassle, but as she was taught. If you're going to do something, don't half ass it, whole ass it. Setting her first blade down onto the table after using a separate soft cloth to wipe it down, she hears the scooting of a wooden chair.

The presence that was watching her grew stronger and closer.

"Oi, mind if I take a look at that blade?"

"Hey! That's not how you refer to a lady. Apologize and act like a gentleman." She could easily tell Sanji's manner of speaking by now.

Ashe perked up in curiosity, draw to the figure beside her who was a young man, slim, but obviously muscular. Black trousers and boots, a white shirt, a green haramaki, short green hair, and three swords strapped to his side.

A very basic and plain style of dress. "Um, sure? Its nothing special though, not sure why you'd want to look at it."

The green themed male was already reaching for her blade before she finished speaking. Ashe notices that he has sharp eyes while inspecting the weapon. A soft hum rings about as he twirls it around and reviewing the blade. "Yea, a cheap blade."

Sanji scowls while leaning into the green haired man in anger, "Oi, oi, didn't anyone ever teach you manners on how to talk to a lady?"

"I told you it was nothing special." Ignoring the sous chef for the moment, Ashe finishes the other blade before placing it on the table for the moment. "They get the job done. That's all that matters to me for now."

The green haired man grunts in either approval or disapproval, she's not sure. "Bollock daggers, you can find them nearly everywhere. They are well maintained though, not a spec of rust. What kind of oil do you use?"

She made sure the cap was on her vial of oil before tossing it over toward the stranger. "It's just a simple olive oil-based solution. I normally make my own special oil, but I ran out and I don't have the proper ingredients to make more."

His curiosity must have been piqued, because he quickly pulled up a seat at her table as he pulled up one of his three swords, a white scabbard. "Roronoa Zoro." Finally putting a name to his figure, he examines his own weapon. "Mind if I try some of that oil?"

"Ashe, and what's your offer? Beri is fine, but I prefer bartering and trading." Not like cash will do her a lick of good out in the middle of the ocean. Her stomach growls for a moment, reminding Ashe that she hasn't eaten in a while.

Sanji lights himself a cigarette, having observed their interaction for a while. "Forgive me, Mademoiselle. I was so caught up with this uncivilized monkey that I nearly forgot my sworn duty. I'll be but a moment and I shall bring you a feast that will eradicate the disgrace from earlier." He turns toward the newly faced Zoro with a scowl. "Disrespect her in anyway and I'll kick you out of here myself."

With his face paused in thought for a moment, the swordsman nods toward the table beside her, "I have nothing to trade, but she has Beri to pay you with." Zoro doesn't even wait for Ashe to fully turn around in that direction. Already taking a dab of her oil to maintenance his own sword.

What she finds is a tangerine, shoulder length haired beauty and a long-nosed male who was scrawny with black curly hair. By the looks of it, the woman must have heard because her facial features were morphing into pure rage. "Hey, jerk! Who the hell gave you the right to use my money to pay for your stuff?!"

"Don't be so stingy."

"What was that, jackass?" The orange haired girl began stomping toward her table as she noticed the scrawny long-nosed person choking on food with an expression of panic and worry. "I'm already paying for y'alls meal!"

Waving her hand dismissively with a sheepish expression, the woman gives a slight bow toward Ashe, "Sorry, but you'll have to collect from him."

Zoro casually deadpans, "I'm broke." While already finished applying what oil he needed to his blade.

"He's already used my oil too."

The poor woman was shedding tears of frustration with a clenched fist, "Idiots…I'm surrounded by idiots. How did I get myself into this situation?"

What has this lady been through? With a mental shrug, she decides to take pity on the poor woman. "Well, if you're low on Beri, do you have anything to trade or skills…Ms…?"

"Nami." With a sigh of defeat, the now named woman thumbs at her previous location. "That's Usopp." The poor man was wheezing over the table after his life flashed before his eyes.

"Oi! I could have died! Why did no one help me! You guys are so cruel!"

Nami ignored him entirely, "I'd much rather not waste any of my Beri if possible, but I don't really have any trade skills. Unless you need something sewn or navigating."

Ashe perked up in intrigue, "Navigating? Are you perhaps a Navigator?"

"Yes, I am."

"Chart a course for me to Loguetown and I'll consider us even."

The woman leaned in with a smirk and glint in her eye. "That's a bit one-sided. A course plotting is valuable. You'll have to offer me a bit more."

Ashe snorts in amusement, "Guess someone has a head for haggling." All she gets in return is a snicker and hand gesture of 'pay-up'. "Alright, since you're a navigator, would you be interested in two refined inkwells?"

The light in Nami's eyes showed she was intrigued at the offer. "Refined?"

"Yes, I'm sure you've used plenty of ink from the common markets and have seen the quality they have for sale." To her surprise, Sanji approached with two plates of dazzling food. Ever the gentleman, he sets them quietly before her and Nami, proving the professional he is and not interrupting.

"Tell me about it." Bemoaned the navigator. "The quality has truly gone down lately. I mean, I get it. Ink is in high demand, so people must bite their tongue else someone else will swipe it from under them. It's always a thick sludge of crap. It's a hassle how much more careful I must be else it gets everywhere." Grumbling under her breath, Nami takes a bite of the food before lighting up.

"This is good!"

Sanji even refills the wine glasses with elegance and poise. "Pasta, shrimp, scallops, with garlic, cream, parsley, and mozzarella. Enjoy, Mademoiselles. I am but a call away." He flashes them a wink, which would look more handsome if not for his squiggly eyebrows.

Ashe chuckles under her breath as Nami grumbles about how her traveling companions could learn some manners from him. "You are correct. In short, I got the good stuff. The high-quality ink that will make you never want to buy from anywhere else. Light, thin lines, and doesn't drip. Right now, I only have black and blue, but I could craft other colors for topography as well."

The woman practically shot out of her chair at that. "Really?! You could craft other colors as well?"

"Uh, its just ink. Why are you getting so worked up for?" At some point, the long-nosed man was quietly listening in at their table. Usopp, if she remembers his name.

"You don't understand my struggles! Quiet, before I make you pay for your own meal."

"Sorry."

"Yes, I can craft any color ink you want. Provided I have the pigment. Though, some are rarer than others."

Collecting herself, Nami takes her seat once more. "I gotta ask, you seem to make everything yourself. How are you able to do that?"

With a shrug, Ashe responds casually, "I'm an alchemist. You learn a thing or two."

"An alchemist? Wait a minute. Are you the person I've heard rumors about?"

"Pardon?" What rumors would she be referring to? First, she's heard of this.

Nami nods while leaning an elbow onto the table, "Yea, I have a habit of hanging around the markets and docks for a chance to swipe, I mean, earn some Beri. And the vendors would always bemoan how they missed out on the purple haired alchemist."

Leaning back in thought, that makes sense.

In this world, nearly everything is an island of some sort. So, resources are limited to what can be found on land and surrounding waters. What might be common on one island, might be exceedingly rare or scarce on another island.

Meaning, people would be reliant on trade and import of certain goods. But with the rise of pirates, those imports are far and few in between.

"Ah, I suppose I am. I'll have to keep that in mind as I am trying to keep a low profile. Thanks for telling me though."

A dismissive hand wave signals camaraderie, "I know what you mean. I'm the same way. So, about that ink. Show me those two inkwells and we'll have a deal."

"Sure, I have them on my boat. Once we finish our meals, I'll show them to you and then you can plot a chart for me."

And like that a deal was made.

It was a simple one, the kinds she prefers. They finished their meals with some small talk. Nami was a bit of a chatter box when it came to personal investment. Asking a barrage of questions about items and materials she could craft for her and what she would be willing to accept as trade or payments. The tangerine woman was interested and constantly inquiring about candle wax, lantern oil, and papers along with the ink.

Sadly enough, Nami didn't have much else to bargain with as she wasn't willing to part with her Beri.

Surprisingly, the long-nosed male, Usopp, would interject into the conversation. Mostly listening in and curious about her methods of crafting as an alchemist. Ashe made sure to keep her secrets safe and only quoted the obvious.

Seems he was a bit of a craftsman himself.

It wasn't long before the two women left the Baratie. Nami having a tearful farewell with the Beri she parted with for her companions. Zoro, who was sleeping in his chair, and Usopp who was panicking about being left alone with him.

Ashe boards onto her ship with a groan of wood underfoot. The rays of sun are beginning to grow hot on the skin as she seeks shelter in her cabin. "Here they are, two inkwells. One black and blue."

Nami takes them into hand and inspects them before nuzzling them against her cheek happily. "Ah, finally. Some good quality ink. How I've longed for you."

With a snort, Ashe hands Nami her rolled up map of the East Blue. "Don't forget your end of the bargain."

Rolling her eyes, Nami snatches the map in jest. "Right, right. Business before pleasure. Perfect opportunity to try out this ink." With a hum and tap of the chin with a quill, the navigator begins a simple plot course. "Normally, I would suggest going west, but considering the condition your ship is in. I would not recommend it."

"A bit to old to handle the rough waters?"

"Correct." Nami beckons her over with a nudge of the head while pointing onto the map. "To the west is Oykot Kingdom. As you get closer to Loguetown and Reverse Mountain, the currents pick up in strength and become more unpredictable. Its still a good distance away, but why risk it."

True, while it may not be too dangerous, Ashe is still just one person on a boat. There's only so much she can do by herself. "Makes sense, where do you recommend then?"

"North, then west before going southwest."

"Bit of a long voyage detour, isn't it?"

Nami perks a brow with a knowing grin, "Yes, but you don't seem like the stupid type. You could go south and then west for a much shorter voyage." Her finger trails along the map toward the south. "That brings you extremely close to the Calm Belt."

"I haven't heard much about the Calm Belt, are the rumors true? It's a breeding ground for Sea Kings?"

Nami snorts in amusement, "That's putting it mildly, but yes. And if you happen to accidentally enter the Calm Belt, you'll be stranded. It's a load of fun."

"I'm not sure what's worse, being stranded at sea or being stranded with an anchor. North it is."

With a bark of laughter, Nami gives Ashe a good smack on the shoulder, "See, I knew you weren't stupid. Not like my companions."

"You mean your crewmates?"

"Not a crew. Definitely, not a crew." Nami makes to leave the sailboat. "Now that you have your plot course, I take it you're setting sail?"

"Not yet." Following suit, Ashe leaps back onto the Baratie. "I need to restock some provisions, and thought I'd cut a deal with the owner to stock my food supply for some work. If he agrees, I might be here for a few days."

Nami hums with a pleased nod, "Gives me time to scrounge up some stuff for you then. I'd like to get some more ink before you leave."

"Sure, just bring the materials and I'll make them for you. For a fee of course." Ashe's words slowly trail off as something catches her eye.

A large cruiser-like ship with a green hull and three sails. What caught her gaze the most was the wording etched onto the sails, "Marines."

"Marines?" Nami follows her observation before a deep sigh escapes her lips. "Ah, those jerks. They are the ones that shot us with their cannons on our approach. I'd be careful around them. Their leader is a hothead and not very bright. You should have seen that blond waiter put him in his place before you arrived."

She hums in response, "Is that so…Hey, I forgot something on my boat. Mind going on ahead of me? I'll join you in a bit."

"Sure, I heard they have a bar somewhere on deck. Meet me up there, I could use some company and a drink from the adventure I had." Nami's lips curl into a nice smile, "It's been a while since I've met someone normal that's able to hold a conversation."

Ashe nods with a parting wave, "Sounds nice, save me a seat and some rum."

With that said, Nami disappeared into the Baratie. Ashe waited a moment for the footsteps to fall silent to signal she was out of hearing range. With a casual stride, she slowly approaches the Marine vessel. The security seemed lax and undisciplined as there was only one guard.

Surprising, considering the Marines are the military powerhouse of the World Government. One of the three great powers of the entire world. Dictating what is law and enforcing said laws with their own military organization. Whether you judge them to be a force of good or evil, justice or injustice. It all depends on the eyes of the beholder.

Regardless, this is a good opportunity to get her hands on some information from a disorganized bunch.

With her mind made up, Ashe approaches the Marine vessel with a wave of her hand in a call out. "Excuse me, Mr. Marine!" She disliked this ploy, but it always worked like a charm.

The guard turned in her direction with a bored expression, as if he'd rather be anywhere else. "Are you referring to me?"

A bright smile curled on her lips with a nod, "Yes, I was wondering if you could help me properly tie down my ship, since you're a Marine and all that."

He waves her off dismissively. She could tell he was a low-ranking member by his uniform. A simple white shirt with buttons, sleeveless, and a blue handkerchief around his neck. "Sorry, I am on duty. You'll have to ask someone else."

Ashe could tell he was around her age. He still had some baby cheeks in the shadow of that plain, white Marine hat. "Oh, that's a shame." She sulks in appearance, "I'm here by my lonesome and was hoping I could find someone to join me later for lunch too. Guess I'll try one of the other Marines." She exaggerates her turn to ask another Marine.

"Now hold on a minute. I should be able to spare a moment or two."

Bingo.

The cutesy smile was starting to hurt her cheeks. Ashe may not have the curves and looks of the tangerine navigator, but hers aren't anything to scoff at either. "Oh, thank you! I knew I could count on such a strong looking Marine."

Leaving his post, he wore a blush upon his cheeks, making a show of puffing out his chest in pride. "Of course. It is the duty of the Marines to protect and serve the civilians. Show me to your ship and I'll be happy to assist."

"Its right around the bend, it's the small sailboat." She allows him to lead while following his shadow. Ashe's hands plotting behind her back, one clutching onto a handkerchief from her pocket as the other pulls a vial with a clear liquid from her belt. "Its that one right there." Gazing about, she finds no one else on the pier.

"Hm, that's strange." He kneels to inspect the rope tie down. "It seems to already be firmly in pl—" A powerful fume strangled his senses. A damp cloth choked his nose and mouth with the scent of toxins assaulting his respiratory system.

The Marine struggles for what it's worth, kicking his legs and clawing at the arm around his neck, but the fumes were fast acting. Already his body is heavy and fails to respond to his commands before his back meets the pier. He couldn't even budge his fingertips, the only freedom he had was the movement of his eyes.

A shadow eclipsed over him, his dull senses blared in alarm to flee, yet motionless he remained. The Marine couldn't even feel the hands that were undressing him from his marine vest and handkerchief before removing his hat.

"Sea urchin toxin. A paralysis that will affect the body in a matter of seconds, but it cycles through the body in a few minutes. A trade off." His world spins as if someone was rolling him upon the wooden floor toward the edge.

"Though, you will not be alive for that long." Standing above him was the young woman from before, disguised in his Marine uniform in proper fashion. Fear coursed through him as sweat coated his skin, but his throat remained dry.

He tries to scream and struggle. A desire to escape and live. It was in vain.

His body was a doll with its strings cut. The desperate silence is deafening to his mind before his world drowns in ocean water. Unable to breathe or swim, saltwater fills his lungs as he drifts further down into the abyss. The light of the sun fading into the dark. Another soul lost to the depths along with their hopes and dreams.

The last moments of life etching a color into his soul before the endless blue claims another victim.

Yellow eyes, overflowing with hate.