The next day was a beautiful one.

With clear, blue skies, Ashe found herself on the pier with the Going Merry. She had ended up falling asleep on the docks last night without interruption. Ashe was not surprised to find herself as the only person awake for most of the morning. The shindig must have gone late into the night.

"It surely is a wonderful day, to be graced by such beauty so early. Good morning, mademoiselle."

Peering up, Ashe found the Sun nearly at its zenith. "Good morning, Sanji, Zoro." Large crate in hand, the swordsman grunts in greeting before boarding the ship. "Seems you all had a long night. Need any help with loading?"

Sanji waved her off with a sack over his shoulder, "No need to dirty your hands when we already have a muscle brained idiot to handle the physical work."

"You're just upset I'm stronger than you." Belted Zoro in confidence. Ashe ignored the bickering Straw Hats that ensued, already growing accustomed to their strange relationship with each other.

"Uh, I could use some help." Usopp groaned while dragging a snoring Luffy. "He still hasn't woken up, thankfully I'm here to watch over my lackies. Such a kind captain I am." He laughed before dry heaving and nearly vomited the booze from last night.

Zoro scoffed from the ship, "Light weight."

"Allow me." Called Sanji from the ship, "Time for lunch."

"Yatta! Lunch time!" Usopp collapsed to the ground, wounded by a fist mark on his cheek, courtesy of Luffy. "Sanji! Meat!" Mission accomplished; the chef disappears into the vessel to get started on an early lunch.

Usopp rose while cradling his cheek, throwing insults to a chuckling Luffy. Ashe stepped forward with a small wave, "Good morning, Captain Luffy, Usopp, or afternoon, I suppose."

Luffy smiled, "Mornin'! Oi, where did you run off to last night? I wanted to see more of that light show. It was really cool!"

"Yea, you really captured the magnificence of the Great Captain Usopp!"

"Sorry, I wasn't feeling to well." A nervous chuckle escaped before changing topics. "Do you remember our conversation from before? I was wondering if you were still willing to help me out."

Perhaps it was from his fight and a night of partying, but the intense thinking showed he forgot. She reminded him of their conversation before it clicked for Luffy, fist over hand. "Oh, that's right! I said something like that, huh. Yea, sure." Luffy and Usopp walked by her, the former patting Ashe's shoulder. Before Luffy steps aboard, he turns with a puzzled face, noticing Ashe was not following him. "Are you coming?"

"Permission to board, Captain?"

Slow on the uptake, Luffy beams while shuffling his straw hat into position. "Yup!"

Boarding the Going Merry once more, she sets her backpack down and out of the way. Ashe noticed Zoro was staring in her direction, a neutral expression before going about his business.

A sudden weight slammed into her side with an arm over the shoulders. "Yea, he's like that with everyone. Bit of a lonesome grouch he is, but you get used to it. Stick close to me and it will be smooth sailing, guaranteed."

"I'll keep that in mind, Usopp." What followed next was the sharpshooter giving Ashe a grand tour of the Going Merry. He was enthusiastic about it every little detail. Going so far as to brag about knowing the previous owner. She listened with one ear, making note of the minor details.

Ashe did not have the heart to tell him she already knew the layout.

It was not long till Sanji arrived with a platter of sandwiches for lunch. Luffy nearly confiscated them all in one swipe, if not for Sanji's expert dodging skills. Hip leaning on the rail, Ashe munches on a sandwich. Eyeing the growing crowd of natives along the harbor. "Nearly everyone in the village is here. Where's Nami?" Questioned Ashe.

Zoro answered over the shoulder, "Who knows, perhaps she got cold feet."

"No way!" Luffy thumped his chest, "She's coming! Even if I have to drag her here. She is our navigator!"

"Nami-swan!" There she is. Seems the navigator cannot escape from the love cook's gaze.

Standing upon the hill with her tangerine hair and white shirt, the inhabitants of the island turned in her direction after a shout. "Get the ship moving!" Nami sprinted down the hill, using gravity to quickly accelerate her strides.

Ashe turned to Luffy, already predicting Nami's intention. "Orders, Captain?" Usopp was the first to guess what Nami was attempting and saying it out loud. The woman was going to leave without saying goodbye. For what reason? Who knows, but it is Nami's decision and that is all that matters. Luffy still has not given the order, causing Ashe to repeat herself after getting his attention. "Luffy?"

The unexperienced captain ponders for a moment, not comprehending what she is asking before just going along, "Um, yea, do what she says."

"Aye, Captain." Only two people acted, Ashe leaping off the Going Merry to unmoor the vessel and throwing the loading ramp off once aboard again, while Zoro hoisted the anchor. Usopp shuffled uncertainly before joining Ashe and Zoro in unfurling the sails. Securely tied, the masts catch wind, drifting the ship into the ocean.

The Going Merry was caught in a current, slowly pulling out of port as the crew made way toward the stern. Nami was already weaving through the crowd, Usopp broke the silence. "How is she planning to board the ship?"

Luffy shrugged before Ashe answered, "Logically, she'll jump."

"Eh?! No way! Do you really think she will make it?"

Crossing her arms in reply, "Yes, or Nami will look really stupid if she misses." That earned a heartful laughter from Luffy, a chuckle from Sanji, and a snort from Zoro. Usopp proved to be the worry wort of the group.

Thankfully, her hypothesis was proven correct. Nami successfully leapt aboard, lifting her shirt slightly to release her pilfered goods. A plethora of wallets and purses. Ever the huntress for easy Beri picking. Though the villagers seemed to take it in good nature, shouting out their farewells with smiles. It seemed the hidden message was received. Nami's way of conveying, she'll be okay.

"Big Sis!" A familiar voice caught Ashe's attention for a moment. A waving and grinning Chabo, "Come back and play with me again someday!" The alchemist mustered a small wave and nod. By his jumping in glee, he understood.

Now that Nami was safely on board, the mismatched crew scattered around. Considering she was only a passenger amongst the Straw Hat crew, Ashe volunteered for the daily chores. Sweeping the deck, cleaning, and maintaining the functionalities of the ship.

Wiping the sweat from her brow after a job well-done, a drink was offered courtesy of Sanji. "For you, my lady. You know, there's no need for a woman of your beauty to dirty her hands with chores."

Ashe accepts it, "Thank you, and don't worry about it. I'm used to it." Was that pineapple? Delicious, but where did he get one? "Gotta make myself feel useful around here anyways."

Empty glass in hand, Sanji bows. "As you say. Although, a certain muscle head could learn a thing or two from you." That comment earned the chef a kick from the sleeping swordsman as he walked past.

Ignoring the brawl, Ashe enters the cabin to put the broom and bucket up. Upon entering was a surprise that she was not expecting. "Um…Whatcha doin' there?"

Fridge open and being raided was the captain of the ship. Luffy's mouth stuffed full of food and frozen in shock. "…Don't tell Sanji."

Ashe's brow raises with a slight smirk, "I could go for a ham sandwich…What about you?" Ever so slowly, Luffy raises up a succulent slab of ham with his own grin.

The two set about making themselves a snack together. Luffy threw every ingredient he could get ahold of into a massive slop of food between bread. Let it be said he was a connoisseur at eating food and not making it.

Surprisingly, they did not talk all that much. Mostly just about the food before Sanji discovered them. The chef easily threw Luffy out of the kitchen in anger before politely telling Ashe he would make her a proper meal in a minute.

"Hey guys! Come here, you have to see this!" Nami's voice called out to everyone from the stern. Ashe and Sanji found Luffy arrived first and grinning like a mad man. Zoro was amused at the side and a surprisingly smug Usopp. "Here, look at this."

Taking the paper from Nami's hand, Ashe glanced at it, Sanji peering over the shoulder. "Oh, a wanted poster. Congratulations." She whistled at the bounty. "Thirty million Beri? I believe that is the second highest bounty ever given…Maybe third…For a rookie's first bounty. Impressive." Ashe handed it off to Sanji, so he could get a better look.

Luffy threw his head back in boisterous laughter. Nami grumbled in frustration, "Now we have a target on our backs. Maybe joining a pirate crew wasn't the best decision after all."

Clamping a hand on the tangerine woman's shoulder, Ashe chuckled. "Don't worry about it too much. It is not high enough for anyone of note worthy to come after you guys. Keep your heads down and you'll be alright."

Bickering caught their attention, only to find Luffy holding Usopp in a headlock. Gloating over his new bounty. Nami sighed, "That's what I am worried about…"

For the rest of the day, the Straw Hats celebrated by playing games with each other. Ashe kept mostly to herself. Only occasionally being asked to be a judge or referee in their competitions.

When night came around, most of the crew was slowing down and getting ready to sleep. Ashe found herself alone on the stern of the ship for condition training. Push-ups, sit-ups, and squats from the lack of weights to use. Finishing a rep, she sat up, only to find a cup of water before her.

"I don't know who's worse. You or Zoro when it comes to working out."

Ashe perked a brow at Nami, "I'm not that bad. I try not to bother anyone or do crazy routines." She hummed to herself, "But, he gets results, and that's all that matters."

Plopping next to her, Nami shrugged. "I suppose you're right. Every time I turn around, he's lifting something heavier."

Finishing the water, "Yea, but I'm sure that's not why you came up here this late. What's up?"

"I wanted to ask you something." Ashe could not help but be amused and comment about how she always has something to ask. "Oh, shut up, I just wanted to ask if what you meant is true. You know, about thirty million Beri not being worth going after."

"Yes, it is true. Don't get me wrong, small time bounty hunters will try to collect, but any of the big names won't bother. They are all in the Gran Line after all and that's where the real money is made. Why?"

Nami appeared frustrated, "Well…it's just…Arlong had a twenty million Beri bounty…So what you're saying is…"

Ah, now Ashe gets it. "That train of thought, you're most likely right. Arlong had a considerable bounty for the East Blue and was no doubt known at the Marine Headquarters."

"Then why?!" Nami grit her teeth for a moment, "Why didn't they send anyone sooner and not let us suffer for as long as we did?"

"Because it was not worth their time. That is the truth." Ashe could hear Nami's nails digging into the floorboards. "That's how they operate, and I hate it. I won't dismiss that there are other factors, but it really is just that simple."

The truth stung and Nami hated it. "What about Captain Nezumi? He was working for Arlong. Maybe the Marines never knew what was going on."

"Who are you trying to fool here, Nami?" Ashe stood and paced to the railing, leaning against it with her back to the navigator. "Yes, this is speculation and I have no proof, but I could bet my life that they knew what was going on. The higher ups are not stupid." Hands tightened around the railing, groaning under the pressure. "Did it interfere with their politics? No. Did it challenge their Justice? No. In fact, I think it helped them."

"W-What?"

"Think about it. Arlong ruled the East Blue for many years. Any upstart pirates were most likely devoured before given the chance to grow into a threat. So, logically speaking, it was in their best interest to let it continue."

In a frenzy, Nami stood and approached Ashe, forcing her to turn before clutching at her vest. "You're telling me, the World Government just let us suffer? Because it was convenient for them?"

"The truth hurts…doesn't it?" Dull and lifeless eyes peered into the distance. "You…can't fathom the depths they would go…for the sake of their Justice. To keep their image pure to the world." Reaching up, Ashe pries Nami's hands off. "If it is any solace to you, Captain Nezumi will never harass Cocoyashi Village or anyone else again. A new officer will be sent to replace him and may have a better sense of justice."

Nami was confused, "What do you mean? Nezumi escaped. Luffy beat him up, but we didn't have proof of his dealings with Arlong."

"No, he may have run away, but he did not escape." Ashe turned away from Nami, a cloud covering the moon, melding her into the night. "I used to be a Marine and we all have our own sense of justice. For me, all it takes is a scratch to enact mine."

Letting the breeze caress her skin, Nami questioned the former Marine, "What is your sense of justice?"

Straightening her back, Ashe peered over the shoulder to Nami, a dullness to her yellow eyes. Her hand clenching into a fist, "My justice…is absolute."

(Elsewhere at an earlier time.)

Stumbling into his office of the 16th branch, Captain Nezumi slammed the door behind him, leaning back against it with heavy breath. Nezumi unbuttoned the collar around his neck. He was burning and chalked it up to a growing fever or fatigue.

Stepping forward to his desk on shaky legs, his hand rested on the soft wood before slipping and knocking a stack of papers over. "Feh, I hate getting sick." Struggling to his chair, Nezumi rubs at his chest, a burning sensation spreading across at a rapid rate. An itch in his throat turned into coughs.

Yelling for a grunt, he orders him to fetch some medicine before using his Den Den Mushi to call headquarters. "This is Captain Nezumi of the 16th brigade; I have urgent information that needs to be processed into a bounty immediately."

He cursed the long procedure and bureaucratic shenanigans.

By the time he was rerouted to the proper department, his vision was beginning to blur, a stabbing sensation made him clutch at his heart. "Yes, I need to report a bounty for one, Monkey D. Luffy, Captain of the Straw Hat Pirates." What followed next was a verbal report asking questions to assess the level of threat. By the end of it, Captain Nezumi was hunched over his desk, his sight nearly blind to the world around him. But he did not even realize his growing lack of vision due to the unfathomable agony within.

Hacking and coughing his life out, he covers his mouth with a hand. Only for a splotch of hot liquid to coat it from vomit. Pulling away to look at his hand, Nezumi noticed the black liquid mixed with his blood.

That's when the gears begin to turn, "P-Poison? W-when?" Realization, he fumbles to remove his coat and all but practically rips his under shirt off. There on his arm, what was once a small scratch, was now a black infection eating away at his skin. The veins under his skin were dark and dying. "T-this is-!"

Quickly speaking into the Den Den Mushi, he knows his time is short. "Wait! I have one m-more re-report for boun—" Panic and adrenaline pulses through his body. Such an action, however, only quickened his heart rate. Allowing the venom to fester and pump through his life at an accelerated rate.

"Yes? What is the name?" Questioned the voice on the other end.

Gurgling, strength left his body, Nezumi could no longer feel his heartbeat. Leaning back against his chair, the voice continued to question after getting no response. "Captain? Captain?!" The snail phone was screaming.

Barging through the door was the grunt from earlier, hands full of medicine at the request of his captain. The sight caused him to drop the medicines to the floor and rush to Nezumi's side. He was a veteran of the 16th brigade who's been around the seas for many years. The black liquid drizzling from Captain Nezumi's lips and blind eyes was an obvious symptom.

Checking his pulse, he was already gone, too late. Picking up the Den Den Mushi, he screams into the snail. "The captain is dead! I repeat! Captain Nezumi of the 16th brigade is dead! Cause of death, Sea King venom!"

(Back on the Going Merry)

Walking forward and standing next to Nami, Ashe places a hand on her shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Don't worry too much. Your home is free and safe now. That's all that matters in the end."

Releasing a breath, Nami smiles, "Yea…you're right. I have Luffy, my friends, and you to thank for that. We should go in. It is getting late."

Stretching toward the stars, Ashe agrees, "Yea, I might wake up early to do some fishing." The two women chuckled and left the stern into the cabin. They missed the resting samurai under the mast that cracked an eye open in their retreat.

The next day was rather uneventful for Ashe.

Deciding to take a nap at noon, she missed the action. Turns out they were attacked. No one even told her about it. Luffy mentioned it in passing while they were eating dinner that night. Considering there was no damage to the ship and the others just shrugged it off, Ashe stopped thinking about it.

That night, Nami grumbled at how useless the others were when it came to basic naval knowledge. Especially when it came to using a cannon. Nami asked for a favor once more. Ashe agreed to teach the others how to operate one.

Lessons went well enough. Sanji and Zoro learned how to efficiently use one and lost interest after that. Usopp just needed one showing and he was a prodigy with the thing. Precision as if he used a cannon his entire life. Luffy on the other hand...

"Luffy! What are you doing?! You'll blow a hole in the ship!" Nami raged while clobbering Luffy across the head.

The captain had doubled the gun powder amount and loaded two cannonballs. "Ow! What was that for? I just want to see if it would work!"

Nami turned and scowled at Ashe. "And you! Why didn't you try and stop him?"

Ashe stared, shifting her eyes to Luffy and the cannon before going back to Nami. "…I was curious and wanted to see what would happen. Theoretically…it could work…It would be funny too."

"I'm surrounded by nimrods!"

After that fiasco, the voyage to Loguetown was smooth sailing. When the harbor city rose to the horizon, Luffy shouted in excitement. Growing restless the closer they sailed. It was easy enough to dock on the harbor. Even with their jolly roger proudly on display.

Which was surprising for Ashe.

Zoro weighed down the anchor while Ashe moored them to the pier. The crew disembarked with stretches and smiles. While not a long voyage, nothing beats the freedom of land.

"What do you plan to do now, Ashe?" Nami questioned, the group huddled together at the entrance of Loguetown.

"Well, going in order of things." Ashe turns to Luffy, giving him a partial bow. "Thank you for allowing me to tag along. I appreciate it."

He merely smiled, waving it off. "You're welcome! Next time we meet up, put on another light show. That was awesome!" She flinched before nodding.

Usopp agreed, patting Ashe on the shoulder, "Yea, I'll be sure to recount your tales of how you assisted the Great Captain Usopp in his inventions! Your tips really helped."

She grinned, "Appreciate it, just keep the mishaps to a minimum. I won't be there to take half the blame anymore." Nami scowled from the side as the two laughed.

Sanji approached with suave demeanor, taking Ashe's hand before bringing it to his lips for a kiss. "Ah, mademoiselle, it saddens me so that we must part. I will miss waking up to your beauty every morning."

Ashe tuned him out at some point, silently pulling her hand away. "Relax, you'll still have Nami." Hearts in his eyes, he swooned for Nami once more. Much to the navigator's annoyance. "Sanji. Thank you, for the food." He gave her a gentlemanly bow.

When she turned to Zoro, he gave Ashe a side glance before walking off, disappearing into the city for his own devices. His hand never left his sword's handle.

Shrugging it off, she continued, "Remember, keep your head down and you'll be fine. It's a large harbor town, so I doubt you'll be noticed if you don't cause a commotion." That was when the group noticed Luffy was already gone.

Ashe thought nothing of it. He is the captain of the Straw Hats. That means he should be smart enough to not cause a scene.

Having said her farewell and gratitude, Ashe found herself alone in Loguetown. She told them about her plans to shop and then find a ride onto the Grand Line.

The hustle and bustle of the people going about their business. It was a nice place. The people were happy, markets full, and the smell of food proving it lacked for nothing. Sadly, her pockets were empty, so she would need to find some odd jobs before continuing.

An easy place to start is the textile and clothing market. Larger businesses generally have no need for hands as there are always people applying for work. Skill and talent are what they are after. However, they are always in need of materials as their goods fly off the shelves.

Approaching a small clothing store, it was neat and organized. Sometimes, these smaller businesses can sit on products for longer. This allows them to accumulate materials slowly before having a surplus. Which is not financially stable in the long run. So, they perform other services to make up for it.

Fingers tracing the fabric of a folded shirt, it was soft, smooth, and well made. Ashe paces the store for a bit, probing the clothing. While she was no expert at the profession, she was taught how to differentiate good from bad. Skill wise, she floated around novice level.

"Excuse me, do you see something you like? I apologize for my late approach. I did not hear you come in." A thin man approached, well dressed in brown slacks and a white button shirt. Caterpillar mustache hiding his smile with brown hair.

Folding the shirt neatly, Ashe puts it back on the shelf, much to his appreciation. "That's alright, rather I was wondering if I could speak to the owner about some work."

Thankfully, the man was forthcoming about needing an extra pair of hands. He had been commissioned for some suits and had a backlog of mends to do. A few patches here and there were simple enough work for her skill level. Regrettably, he was unable to pay her in Beri, but it ended up working in her favor in the end.

After a decent amount of time and finishing her work efficiently, Ashe walked out with a few bottles of dye. They were basic colors. She could work with that. New destination in mind, Ashe heads toward the upper-class section of the markets.

Along the way, she notices a squad of Marines rushing down the street. It seemed some pirates were making a ruckus near the harbor from their yelling. They were heading to the other end from the Going Merry, so she left them to their own devices.

"Oi." That familiar gruff voice.

Zoro approached her at the corner of the street. Familiar hand on the hilt of his blade. Her brow perked at the soap residue on his boots. "Should I ask?"

They both knew what she was referring to, but he chose to ignore it. "You said you're good with bartering, right? Follow me."

"You could always ask nicely." There was still plenty of time in the day, a small detour. The two walked next to each other at a slow pace. "What do you need and what's in it for me?"

The swordsman frowned, "Two new swords. A favor."

Ashe hummed with a snort, "I question how valuable a favor from you would be."

A vein ticked on his forehead. "Shut up, there's plenty I could do for you." Another snort irritated the swordsman before they arrived at his destination. Ashe stopped beside him at the store's entrance. "This is the last weapon store in the city."

With a hum, she followed behind the samurai. It was a small store, weapons haphazardly piled around with no semblance of order. A familiar odor of oil polish and metal. Wood groaning underfoot, they approached the salesman at the counter.

Thin, lanky, and a red pointy nose from one too many pints. Once he caught sight of the duo, his clerk's face lit up in greed. "Welcome, welcome, feel free to look around. Looking for something in particular? I'll point you in the right direction."

A fist full of Beri slammed onto the counter, "Sell me two good quality katanas for a hundred thousand Beri."

The clerk counts the amount before frowning, "Two quality katanas for a hundred thousand…"

"Oi." Ashe turned to Zoro with a hand on her cocked hip. "You asked me to follow you to help barter a deal…Don't tell me you're broke? I can't work miracles."

She could swear the tips of his ears turned red. "…Shut up. I can't afford to borrow anymore from Nami."

Arms crossed; her brow rose. "How much is she charging you?"

"300%."

A low whistle escaped Ashe's lips. "I can't believe you agreed to that. What were you thinking?" Grumbling, he shirked away from her judgmental gaze. With a sigh, she turned back to the clerk. The two stared at one another with frowns. "Well…how about—"

"No."

Ashe threw her hands up, walking away from the counter. "Whelp, I tried. I'll be over here browsing." She ignored Zoro's angry rant at her back. The barrel of cheap swords received no attention from her. A few bizarre weapons piqued her interest, but nothing more than that.

If anything, she only paused for the cutlasses. There was a varied assortment of designs, from small curve to large and different hand guards. Mostly the standard Marine quality. Which makes sense considering the Navy presence here. Grabbing one from the display, Ashe gave it a few practice swings. An emotion swells with each slice.

Familiarity.

A fragmented smile appears on her face, the cutlass bringing back those practiced nights. Even with the partial gaze on the back of her head, it was ignored till a jingle rang out. Ashe peered at the store's entrance as a new figure walked in.

Feminine in appearance, black short hair, a yellow shirt with pink flowers, blue pants, and a notebook in hand. It was easy to decipher the woman was trained by how she carried herself. Yet Ashe could not help but stare when she walked by. The woman turned her head to Ashe, squinting her eyes before politely nodding with a smile.

When she arrived at the counter next to Zoro, a nagging sensation kept stabbing onto the back of Ashe's head. 'She seems…familiar.' Even her voice when talking with the clerk and Zoro kept teasing the tip of her tongue. It was right there, but nothing came to mind. Only then when the lady pulled out a pair of red glasses did it finally click.

Thud. Wham.

As the group turned to the source, the shop's door rattled after being slammed shut. One occupant short from just a moment ago. The only remnant of their presence was a wobbling cutlass upon the store's floor.