To say she wasn't fully caught unaware would be a lie. Thankfully, she was always trained to stay on her toes, shuffling to the side in a single side-step to avoid a vertical slash of steel. Ashe's only path back now blocked by the green haired swordsman, wielding only one of his three blades.

A slight heavy breeze tickles through her hair, signaling just how heavy his strike was. "Hoh…" Lazily resting his sword upon his shoulder, Zoro angles his body, giving Ashe a side glance with a grin. "I knew it. That look in your eyes and how tense you are. You're a swordsman." He stated it as if it was a matter of fact.

Ashe wrapped her fingers and palm around one of her dagger's hilts in preparation, taking a wide and defensive stance. "I am not a swordsman. I just know how to defend myself. Why did you attack me?" She attempts to recall all her past interactions with the man, but nothing gives any signal as to why he'd attempt to strike her down.

Zoro shrugs in amusement before turning in her direction, "Honestly, I can't find the right words to describe it. All I know is, my instincts are telling me you're dangerous. I want to find out why."

"I'd rather you not." It was not up for debate. The swordsman was already dashing across the pier to attack. Drawing one of her daggers, she leans toward the strike, clashing steel upon steel with a loud pang. It was thanks to her speed that gave her an advantage in the clash.

His raw power was astronomical.

If she retreated, his longer reach would be able to catch her. Instead, Ashe steps into his personal space. Discomfort was easily recognizable upon his features as Zoro reached for a second blade. The force of his blow drastically altering her form and momentum from his surprising strength.

Unable to draw her own second weapon, Ashe reaches out with her free hand and presses downward upon his attempt to draw his katana. Delaying it for a moment before kicking away to give space between the two. Glancing down at her arm, it took a moment to still from his brute force. 'Strong. I can't afford to block head on.'

"Hoh…Interesting." He remained motionless as if he was still processing what happened. Ever so slowly, Zoro draws his second blade, a large grin upon his lips. "I want to see more."

Now equipped with both of her daggers, she takes a defensive stance like a boxer. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end as Zoro charged at her. His presence felt more beast than man.

She was proven right.

His swings were wild and powerful. Upon her toes and fleet-of-foot, Ashe danced around the swings. Maintaining a far and safe distance but rendering her unable to counter. The narrow pier tipped the scales toward Zoro's side.

There was only so much room she could backpedal. Ashe lowers on blade down to her beltline and behind her back with the faintest of smirks. The other sheathed while her eyes flicker for an escape route, the lower path.

Now finding herself at the edge of the pier, Zoro capitalized on the moment. "What will you do now?" Sheathing his two blades, Zoro's black eyes narrow sharply before roaring, drawing his swords in cross slashes.

Raw strength easily sliced through the wooden pier, projectiles parting the nearby ocean waters into a sudden downpour. Flicking off the salt water from his blades, Zoro finds no trace of Ashe in the destruction or waters. Feeling her presence behind him, he turns and quickly notices her frame. Though, he grins, as if he knew she'd find a way out.

Dagger sheathed and curiously eyeing the ship, Ashe spares him a side glance. "Fights over. I wouldn't move too much if I were you."

Zoro grunted in annoyance, "Ah? We are just getting started. The fight is over once I win. Prepare yourself." Coiling himself downward, Zoro dashes forward on his legs. Eager to continue their fight and entertain his boredom.

That was his plan, till his vision and body began to capsize.

Stabbing his Katanas into the ground, he leans on them for support. He feels fine, nothing irregular. Yet when he tries to move his right leg, it refuses to budge. Looking down, it's then he notices the smallest of cuts near his calf through his trousers. A dark yellow droplet oozing out of the tiny cut.

"Doesn't take much." Snapping his gaze up, Zoro finds the alchemist staring at him, a lazy hand resting upon a cocked hip. "Venom from sting rays. It causes muscular paralysis, very fast acting as they use it for hunting their prey." Turning away, she gives a backhanded farewell. "It should wear off in half an hour."

If he hadn't been one of Nami's acquaintances, she'd have used one of her more deadly venoms.

The sudden groan of wood was the only warning Ashe received before ducking under a powerful slice above her head. She managed to catch sight of his sharp eyes, hidden beneath the shadow of the sun. It looked more beastly than man. Once more, he blocks her route back to the Baratie.

"Who are you to say the fight's over, ah?" His two katanas stab into the pier as crutches. "It will take much more than that to bring me down." Suddenly, his expression turns sour while his sharp gazes shift toward the ship.

Ashe made to follow his gaze before he suddenly leapt at her, katana extended in a thrust for her head. Her lips tighten as the trajectory is off. He wasn't aiming at her. Was it a feint? It was only a moment later she heard the whistle of the wind against her ear.

A projectile.

She picks up the sound of a metallic clang from an impact. Zoro was standing next to her with a red paste splattering around them awkwardly. Lowering his blade, both shift to the source of the interference. There she spots a familiar figure from before, standing upon the vessel's railing with his arms crossed and legs shaking.

"H-Halt you v-villain! I am Captain Usopp of the Usopp Pirates! You dare a-attack my crewmate and my ship. I'll have you know, I have over eight thousand pirates aboard this vessel! If you don't r-runaway with your tail between your legs, I'll order them to beat you up!"

Ashe snorted in amusement, whispering under her breath. "Not even a Marine warship could house that many." Though, it wasn't her that called him out on it.

"Oi." Swiping his katana clean, "Usopp, you're new here, so I'll forgive you this once." Zoro then points his katana at Usopp before placing it upon his shoulder. "Do not ever, interrupt my duel again. I won't have my victories tainted by outside interference. Understand?"

Usopp gestures to retort back, but the sharp gaze promising pain forces him to hide behind the railing. "S-Sorry, I understand…" He suddenly stands and barks out laughter while pointing at Ashe with a smug expression. "Hah! Consider yourself lucky. I only need one of my henchmen to defeat you. Zoro, I choose you!"

Her expression sours in confusion. 'What…What is going on?' Before she could begin to solve this predicament, it was interrupted by the gruff swordsman.

"Oi, lets continue where we left off."

"Ashe! There you are." Zoro groaned and sheathed his katanas in frustration, while Ashe turned toward the feminine voice. "What is going—Whatever, I need to speak with you."

Nami easily snatched her by the wrist before dragging her down the pier in a huff. "Um…Could I have a moment to process everything right now?"

Unfortunately, no.

The Navigator grumbled under her breath and dragged the alchemist. Surprisingly, bringing her to Ashe's old ship. Back in the privacy of her own ship, Nami released a long sigh, gliding fingers through her silky hair. "I have a favor to ask."

"Ask away, but don't hold your breath."

It took a moment for Nami to collect herself. She seemed reluctant to speak before forcing it out. "I spoke with Luffy, and he could be stuck here for around a year." That's nice, but what does that have to do with her? Ashe remained silent, better to let her finish. "So, I was wondering if you'd let me join when you're finished here. I can't afford to stick around here for too long."

Not something she was expecting. "Why are you asking me? You are the one who charted my course and know where I am going. Are you heading to the same place?"

"Well…Here's the kicker. I was hoping you could detour and drop me off at the Conomi Islands. You will be close and it's not a far journey. Just a few days detour!" Clapping her hands into a prayer, she pleads quietly. "Please."

Releasing a deep breath of frustration, Ashe rubs onto the back of her neck. "Fine, I'll be leaving here in about three to four days. So, try to have everything resolved with your crew by then. If not, I'll give you a ride."

"Thanks! You're the best!"

"On one condition." The Navigator tilted her head in a silent question. "If you don't mind, tell your crewmates not to attack me. I'd greatly appreciate it."

Silence.

"Can you repeat that?" Nami questioned, believing she misheard.

With a shrug, the alchemist dug into her own backpack, getting her tools ready for her craft. "For some reason, your friend decided to attack me. I rather not be looking over my shoulder every moment while I am here."

"That…That muscle-brained idiot! I can't leave them alone for even a minute without them doing something stupid. Deal! They won't bother you at all once I am done with them." Clenched fist and gritted teeth, Nami stormed out of the rickety ship on a violent mission.

Peace and quiet, how she's missed it. She will need to stock up on canned goods just in case Nami joins hers on the voyage. Just another headache Ashe will need to account for. Producing samples for Sanji and Zeff to barter with was a sinch.

True to his word, Zeff agreed to whatever Sanji decided. Though they argued at every moment, it seemed they always agreed when it came to restaurant management and upkeep.

What a strange relationship.

The next three days also passed without any issues. Nami indeed kept her end of the deal, rather aggressively at that. Zoro would constantly hound her when he was bored, which was often. Only to be dragged by the scruff of his shirt by Nami in frustration. He considered their fight unsettled and a draw at being interrupted.

Ashe had hoped agreeing would get him to relent, even if only a little bit. Although, it appeared to have had the opposite effect. Zoro appeared more annoyed and frustrated after that conversation with a steadfast conviction. Enough to say the past three days were mentally exhausting.

Surprisingly, she found herself with a new companion in the least expected place.

"Finished! What do you think about this one?"

Peering back from her workstation aboard her ship, Ashe lifts her simple, brown goggles to rest upon her forehead as she finds a red pellet held out to her. Taking it into her leather gloved hand, she gives it a curious one-over. "This is what you shot at me a few days ago, right? What is it exactly, Usopp?"

Usopp grinned with a smug pose cupping his chin, "No-no, this is a different variant. What I shot you with earlier was a Tabasco Boshi. Again, sorry about that. This right here is something new I've been working on. I call it the Flame Star."

Interesting. While she's never dabbled in projectiles in this nature, she's always willing to learn more about other crafts. "Neat, I assume that means it explodes in a fireball of some sort? That could have all kinds of uses…I might have to investigate this."

"Right? The Great Captain Usopp does it again! Pyu-haha~!"

Ashe waves it around experimentally, "Only question I have is, how fragile is this and does it malfunction while carrying?" As if answering her question, the pellet slowly catches fire, causing Usopp to panic.

"Don't do that!"

Throwing it out the window of her ship, the pellet explodes into a fireball.

The two slowly rose up and peered out the window, it was midday and the Baratie was packed. It was then they heard the frantic shouts and cries of sailors, trying to snuff out the flames as they take their battle stations, believing they are under attack. They then hid beneath the window to not be spotted.

"We didn't see anything." Stated Ashe in a neutral expression.

Usopp agreed, "Lunch?"

"Lunch."

Sneaking away in the frantic chaos, Usopp sighs while ruffing his head in frustration. "So, you see the problem. The Flame Star works, but it's volatile. I don't really know how to solve it."

"Have you tried mixing in another additive? Another substance could help make it less volatile, but you may lose some fire power in return."

Usopp crossed his arms in thought, "Like what? Everything I tried doesn't seem to work."

Fist resting against her chin in thought, "Have you tried baking soda? If I remember correctly, its non-flammable and noncombustible."

"Eh, will that work?"

She shrugged, "I don't know. Experiment and try it out. That's where most of the fun is after all." Opening the doors into the Baratie, Usopp proceeds within, mumbling calculations in deep thought. Ashe pauses for a moment, the hairs on the back of her neck standing on end for a second. Slowly turning around, she notices off in the horizon of the vast ocean, a growing object.

It appeared to be a massive vessel heading in their direction. Which shouldn't bother her as much, considering there are always ships boarding and departing the Baratie.

Yet, something feels off.

Not giving it another thought, she enters the Baratie. Business carried on as usual with the jolly conversations and symphony of silverware. A wave from Nami greeted her from a table, along with a stare and grunt from Zoro before Usopp joined them.

Returning one in kind, Ashe passes them by after exchanging greetings. She was enroute to find Sanji or Zeff to finalize their dealings. Thankfully, Sanji was easy enough to find. "Hey, Sanji. I've finished the last batch and here to collect."

The handsome chef greeted her with his usual vigor, "Ashe~ How lovely it is to see you again. Wonderful, I'll hurry and get your supplies, praise me when I'm done." Not even a chance to respond before he dashed off to complete his task.

With a sigh, she noticed he left behind a familiar face.

The two stared at one another before he tilted his head while adjusting his straw hat. "…Rash, right?"

"…No…Fluffy, the future pirate king, right?"

The silence was deafening before he scratched his cheek, "Sorry…What was your name again?"

She approached in amusement and gave his shoulder a pat, "Ashe, and try not to forget this time, Luffy."

"Got it." Shadows creeped along the floor, swallowing up the interior of the Baratie as the two glanced out the window. She could feel his body become tense by proximity.

The same feeling from before creeped along her spine and neck, "You feel it too?" A grunt of acknowledgement, "Not very reassuring honestly." As if on cue, the shriek of a woman all but confirmed their senses. Bringing attention to all guests aboard to gaze out the window, a massive galleon nearly upon them.

"That jolly roger, it's the Krieg Pirates!"

"Don Krieg has arrived! I'm getting out of here!"

Chaos erupted within the restaurant as most of the guests began to flee as the doors strained against the frenzied panic. "Try not to cause a ruckus."

Luffy tilted his head, only to respond with a goofy grin, "No promises."

Giving him another pat on the shoulder, Ashe smirks as their conversation ends. Only for Sanji to descend the spiraling stairs with a bag slung over his shoulder. "Oi, what's going on down here."

"Pirates are approaching, people are panicking, the usual."

He hands the bag over to Ashe, canned goods rattling about. "Seriously? People act like we don't serve pirates here daily." Lighting a cigarette, he points at it with a soft smile. "I added a special bottle of our finest rum. A token of appreciation for your quality of goods and being such a lovely lady."

The number of times she's rolled her eyes these past few days should drastically increase her vision with the work out they are getting. "I don't know if I should be happy or annoyed at being addressed like that all the time." Her hand extended in a friendly gesture. "Still, I appreciate the business. See you guys around, ya?"

Sanji shook her hand with a smile, "Of course, just say my name and I'll come running. No matter how vast the ocean is between us. Ah! I'll miss you, mademoiselle Ashe!"

"And you were doing so well there. Take care and tell Zeff I appreciate the work." Bag slung over her shoulder; she left the Baratie. Though, she was surprised to hear Luffy call out to her, waving frantically with a goofy smile.

"See you later, Ashe!" Heh, he remembered.

"So long, Future Pirate King Luffy." A grand dream he has, more than likely out of his reach, but a dream. Why not give him a little nudge. Most of his marbles are loose, but he was nice enough. Who knows, maybe she will run into him again as he chases that wild dream.

Something she wouldn't know anything about.

A chill breeze caresses her exposed skin upon encroaching outside. She notices the Galleon had docked upon the Baratie, crashing against most of the ships along the pier where her ship anchored. Hopefully her ship is undamaged. Speaking of damage though.

That galleon was damaged beyond repair. She has no shipwright experience, but even she knows the ship is doomed to sink and on its last voyage. Shame really, that damaged panther mast would have been a magnificent sight to see.

Nearing the base of the Baratie, she notices two shadows hobbling in her direction. Her free hand rested near the hilt of her blade as they approached. One was a massive male with a flamboyant black cape and golden armor. Short purple-gray hair with large sideburns and a rumbling stomach.

The other was a familiar face causing the corner of her lips to ascend into a grin. The former prisoner from the Navy ship was carrying the larger man who was struggling to walk. Their eyes met and he slowed to a stand-still. "You are…familiar."

"Perceptive, as I should be, Former-Prisoner. I'm here to collect the debt you owe me."

His eyes widened for a moment as realization set in, "So…it was you. I understand, I always repay my debts."

A gruff but weak voice whimpered out beside him, "Gin…Who is this…?"

"This is the person who helped me escape from the Marines that I told you about. She did so on the condition that you may have some information that they desire."

Ashe once more glanced to the weakened man, "I take it, you are Don Krieg? I have a question that I'd like answered and then you two can be on your way."

His stomach howled into the sea in starvation, "Ask and I'll answer…Hurry…I am so hungry."

"Tell me everything you know about the Buster Call on Tincture Island, outside of the official statement."

The Don remained silent, as if he was trying to process what he was just asked. Out of all the potential questions he imagined, that was not on the list. "Nothing…other than the official statement."

Ashe shifted her goods at the answer, it was what she expected. Another dead end, one of many after all. "I see. Not unexpected, consider your debt paid in full."

Gin bowed his head in an apology. A pirate he may be, but he seemed a decent fellow. The groups continued their separate ways before a booming voice enticed her to turn back around. "Wait…I just remembered something."

"Hm?"

Don Krieg wheezed as he clutched his stomach, "On that day, I was battling some Marines. I don't know if its much but…During the battle a marine reported to the Captain I was fighting." A pause as he recollects the old memories, "Something…about a secret group being betrayed and they were to respond to their S.O.S. in the Grand Line about a calamity."

Ashe turned away and continued her path, "That's not unusual, but I thank you none-the-less."

The Don nodded his head for Gin to continue carrying him into the Baratie, "Indeed…the way they stated it was a toxic gas that turned all life and earth to ash was…strange. Hurry up Gin…I'm so hungry." A moment later, they disappeared into the Baratie, the cries of the few remaining guests ringed hallow in Ashe's ears.

Her world was consumed in shadows, the waves hollow and dull, frozen in place and unable to take another step. She could feel it, constricting, entwining around her, suffocating. The beating in her chest throbbed and quickened painfully yet felt as if it could cease at any moment. Gritting her teeth, she covered her mouth and nose with her hand, as if it was a makeshift mask, squeezing with all her might.

Compressing, choking, strangling.

Lifesaving.

Exhaling through clenched teeth, Ashe stumbles forward, nearly buckling to her knees to catch her breath. Her hand shivered uncontrollably in blurred vision. Wiping away the sweat from her face, she noticed fresh red liquid upon her skin.

Blood was trickling down her nose and chin.

Clenching her fist, she wipes the crimson blood from her face onto her palm. 'Still…Still it lingers. Pull yourself together, it's a new clue.'

And it was.

Tincture Island is not in the Grand Line, yet Don Krieg mentioned it was in the Grand Line. If his words are true and a matter of fact. "There was a second incident…In the Grand Line. Going there was the correct decision after all."

Vigor renewed, Ashe takes a shaky step forward, but it was quickly extinguished upon reaching her ship.

Rather, what was left of it.

The old vessel was crushed up against the pier after the Krieg Pirates smashed into the Baratie. The only saving grace was that it didn't sink, so she could salvage the supplies she made working here. Now, she will need to find another ship, but hitching a ride will come before that and no telling how long she will be stuck here.

"Ashe! Thank God, you're still here." That voice was recognizable anywhere, Nami approached her in a jog. "You're leaving now, right? I would like to collect and go with you to be dropped off at the Conomi Islands. Its about to get violent here and I rather not stay any longer."

A depressed snort escapes from the alchemist, "I'd love to, but as you can see. There might be a bit of an issue."

Nami finally noticed the crushed vessel and furrows her brow in dread, clutching at her head in frustration. "Damn it! I knew those pirates showing up was going to be an issue!" She suddenly lifts her head with widened eyes before squeezing them shut.

Ashe noticed that expression, she has an idea but doesn't like it. "You have another means of transportation, don't you?"

The navigator snapped in her direction before clutching her fists, "I do…But I was hoping to avoid it."

The tables have turned now, "New deal, take me with you. In return, I know how to sail, and I'll bring all the food that I earned for the voyage." She's glad she thought ahead to earn extra supplies, it was a smart decision. Ashe extends her hand.

She must act quickly while Nami is still in the process of quick thinking. Less chance of being rejected and denied.

Nami ruffled the back of her short hair before shaking Ashe's hand. "Argh, fine! Deal, but once we reach the Conomi Islands, you are to leave immediately. Understand?" She found herself catching the large bag of canned goods with a heave after it was tossed into her chest.

"I accept. Let me get my backpack and another bag of goods. I won't be more than a minute." Without a response, Ashe collected the said supplies before reuniting with Nami upon the pier. The woman appeared to be looking at a piece of paper and by the coloring, it was a wanted poster.

None of her business.

"I'm done, lead the way." Nami quickly lead the way in a sprint, she was very much in a hurry. That suited her just fine. Either way suited her, so long as she had a ride. Surprisingly, she brought her to a familiar vessel with the strange sheep head as the mast.

Is she planning to take the vessel? Such thoughts can wait.

Nami yelled at her from the above helm, "Prepare to sail! We are getting out of here on the double."

"Aye, ma'am." Ashe unraveled the sails while Nami began to weigh anchor, continuing down the list of steps, Nami took helm as the navigator. Ashe unmoored the ship and quickly double checked for any missteps. "Ready to set sail, Ma'am!"

"We're out of here!" While staring at Nami for further instructions if issued, Ashe could have sworn she saw the tiniest of smiles upon those lips. As if she was enjoying herself for a moment.

It was short lived as a booming explosion forced their ship to roll drastically as they are nearly thrown from the ship. Nami thankfully grabbed the steering wheel, while Ashe instinctively grabbed one of the ropes to keep her footing.

As their vessel shakes and steadies, Nami wipes the salt water from her face after the sudden ocean shower, "What the hell was that?!"

Thunderous sounds roared and cracked as wood was destroyed asunder. Before their eyes, the massive galleon was sliced into halves within an instant as it began to sink. The sudden destruction surprised even Ashe while her sailor legs carried her to the port side of the ship. There in the distance, she notices a small vessel upon the ocean currents. Ashe rubbed her eyes, disbelief refusing to leave at the sight before her. A ship she's seen before.

That cross shaped sail and green flames.

Color left her face as she raced to Nami in a panic, even though she knew her body was cold and shivering. "We need to leave. Now."

Nami didn't question it, the destruction behind them had her of like mind, "You don't have to tell me twice. We're getting out of here."

Ashe released a deep breath, not even realizing she's been holding her breath for so long. The sudden pain in her chest brought her back to the real world. She was afraid of having to waste time telling Nami to quickly sail away, but they should be able to escape. That man has no reason to hunt this vessel or Nami.

Provided he doesn't notice her.

"Well…well…I thought I recognized this presence. How nice to see you again, Hatchling."

Slowly turning around, dread and fear filled her cold, husk of a body. Only to find two sharp and predatory yellow eyes, staring directly into her soul.