Three days later, Brynlee accompanied Koala to Arlong Park – she couldn't deny being a bit worried about how things would turn out now that Arlong had had time to properly mull things over. Sabo had also insisted on accompanying them and Brynlee had let him, still trying to figure something out about his dilemma. And then Belo had said she would come too, probably ready to utterly annihilate Arlong Park and its occupants should it come down to it.

Thankfully, it would seem their worries were all for naught.

"The report you gave me… It's the real deal, ain't it?"

Brynlee did not know what report Arlong was referring to, but Belo nodded sharply, her traits darkening a bit.

"Unfortunately. Shady shit like this is the reason all of us are in this in the first place."

"What report, Miss Belo…?" asked hesitantly Sabo.

"The one given by the marine squad that executed Fisher Tiger. It explains the details of the mission given, the means used to succeed, and the final outcome."

"Damn those pigs…!"

With a scream of rage, Arlong crumpled the report and threw it aside, shaking. And then Brynlee had the best – and probably craziest – idea so far.

"Ne, Miss Belo… What exactly is the goal of the Revolutionary Army?"

Belo quirked a brow, but answered, nonetheless. "Point blank? The eradication of the Celestial Dragons and the dismantling of the World Government along with the marine corps working under it." She took a long drag of her cigarette, lost in thoughts. "Our goal… Do you know what a Buster Call is?"

"Unfortunately," replied Brynlee, a bit grimly.

Arlong nodded stiffly.

"Well, we've discovered that they'd been happening for a really long time – but it's only after the destruction of an island called Ohara that its existence and terrors really came to light. The World Government wanted to shut down the archeologist's activities and decided that exterminating an entire island was the best way to do that. So archeologists, civilians, and the admittedly numerous marines who tried to defend them all tragically died that day. As far as we know, there's only one survivor – a child – and the World Government has been chasing after her for years, now."

"Nico Robin," said Brynlee without really thinking.

Thankfully, Belo took it in stride. "Well, I suppose you, of all people, would keep an eye out for people in a similar situation to yours. But yes, Nico Robin. In any case, our organization first started off with deserters who banded together in attempt to track her down and help protect her. And eventually, our leader was elected, and, under his guidance, our ranks grew a lot, and we started planting secret divisions all over the world. With this base now under our control, we officially have people located in all seas of this world, saved for the North Blue – they're tough bastards to infiltrate."

"And what will you do after?" pushed Brynlee, trying not to jubilate as she distinctly noticed Arlong now listening intently. "Once the Celestial Dragons are dead and the World Government is gone?"

"We'll work on replacing it with a new system altogether – something akin to World Nobles, but with each island and nation choosing their respective representatives. We want everyone to have a voice, and a choice – humans, Fishmen, and others alike. We aim to create a world where becoming pirates isn't the only option left in order to earn your freedom."

"Without the World Government to stifle ordinary civilians, a lot of people will stop taking to the seas merely to escape their abuse," added Sabo. "So it should also help resolve a lot of the conflicts centered around the growing number of pirates."

"And we'll put a definite end to slavery," announced firmly Koala. "For everyone."

Satisfied, Brynlee turned to face Arlong, smirking a bit. "Well? What do you think?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Well, I know your initial goal was to take over the entire East Blue and probably eventually the rest of the world in order to impose Fishman superiority overall, but… we both know it's not gonna happen. At best, you'll get a hold of the East Blue for a little while, but then they'll send a couple of Admirals, and it'll be over for you and your crew."

"Get to the point," he snapped, obviously annoyed that she was right.

"Well, I daresay that your real goal now would be to bring about the end of the marines and the World Government, isn't it? You know by now that humans aren't the problem – the World Government and the Celestial Dragons are. So if you want to completely wipe them out, and actually have a shot at succeeding… Wouldn't allying yourself with the Revolutionary Army be most beneficial to you?"

"… keep going."

"Well, we both know you won't join them outright – you're still a pirate for a reason. But if you plan on staying here and eventually make life difficult for the marines corps located in East Blue, you might as well partner up with some really strong people that'll make achieving your goal all the more realistic. With the Revolutionary Army now based here, there's a lot of stuff you'll be able to do without getting caught. In exchange, I believe they'd ask you and your men to accomplish some missions here and there, but I'm guessing they'll all have to do with fucking up the World Government, so win-win anyway, right? You get to extend your influence, they get more affiliations in East Blue and, eventually, you'll reach the same goal: taking down the bastards responsible for everything you've suffered."

"… Belo, was it? What do you think of this?"

"W- well, she's not wrong. We do need more agents in East Blue, so as to secure out foothold. And I'm sure we could work out an arrangement that would please both sides – I'm perfectly aware you won't take orders from anyone, but surely there's no harm in friends exchanging favors, right?"

"Friends…?"

Brynlee held her breath. This was the decisive moment.

And then Arlong started laughing.

"Ah! Well, I certainly wasn't expecting that. Friends might be pushing it, lady, but fine – a mutually beneficial alliance can't hurt. And if I ever grow unsatisfied with our arrangement, I'll just leave you hanging dry and keep on with my business."

"As expected," immediately agreed Belo. "Though do note that should you ever stand in the Army's way, we will wipe you out."

"Sha-ah-ah! In your words: as expected." He rose to his feet, easily towering over the four of them, and extended his hand. "Let's shake on our new alliance then."

Belo grinned, shaking his hand without hesitation. "Welcome to the Revolutionary Army, Captain Arlong. And if it can help move things along, know all agents and affiliates do receive a certain amount of compensation, depending on their contribution to the Army."

"Sha-ah-ah! I'll hold you to that, lady."

[FEAT UPDATE]

Silver Tongue

Level: 9/20

+ 1 bonus (Will of D.)

[SUBQUEST]

Heart Sight

Congratulations! You managed to perceive what Arlong truly wanted and gave him the means to achieve it!

Reward: One (1) FEAT

.

Please choose one (1) FEAT:

Heart Sight

You can see someone's "Heart". What do they want? What would best serve their interests? What are they willing to sacrifice to achieve their own personal goals?

Friendly Foe

Angered minds tend to be easily confused, you know? You're able to make the most of that effect to momentarily convince a foe to fight by your side.

Rallied Forces

True strength is found in the right company. Share your power to momentarily strengthen your ranks!

As Arlong and Belo walked inside to discuss the matter further and hammer out the details of their newly-founded alliance, Brynlee found a quieter corner to settle down and make her choice. It had been a while since she'd been able to choose a Feat, after all, and she needed to be smart about it.

Heart Sight was the only one she'd seen before. There was no denying that it would become mighty useful if she was to pair it with her Silver Tongue Feat. After all, convincing people was all well and good, but she always took a shot in the dark and hoped to be right – and as much as she loved a good gamble, she couldn't afford to play so lightly with other people's lives again. So, knowing what people actually wanted would definitely helped boost her Silver Tongue Feat to its maximum capacity.

The other two Feats were best suited in combat situations, that much was obvious. She figured Friendly Foe would be an immediate effect – unlike Silver Tongue, where she needed to talk people into acting, Friendly Foe would surely just… make it happen, somehow. Something akin to mind manipulation, maybe. And Rallied Forces was somewhat ambiguous, but it would only prove useful once she joined a crew.

In the end, she decided to pick Heart Sight. She still had about a decade to go until Straw Hat Luffy took to the sea, so she'd hone the skills she already possessed rather than hoard one that wouldn't see any use or growth for the next ten years.

[NEW FEAT AQUIRED]

Heart Sight

You can see someone's "Heart". What do they want? What would best serve their interests? What are they willing to sacrifice to achieve their own personal goals?

Level: 1/20

There was only one thing left to do, now.

"Hey, Sabo? Does the name 'Monkey D. Luffy' ring any bell?"

There you have it! The Arlong Pirates have officially allied themselves with the Revolutionary Army. Told y'all things would change xD

I'm now a little torn, however. Originally, I had planned on doing a timeskip to get straight to the original, canon timeline. However, some of you expressed your desire to see her grow up a little more, let's say. So, I leave the choice up to you: would you like a few more chapters with Brynlee growing up, or would you rather get a timeskip and, when needed, I'll use flashbacks to show off the important points?

I just want to hear your voice and get a better idea of what you guys would like/expect.

Also, to answer this one Guest since I can't reply directly: the mention of the Buster Call in chapter 7 was done purely for the shock effect. Brynlee needed to draw Arlong's attention and show that she was more than she let on, and what better way than to name drop one of the greatest secrets and horrors done by the World Government? It isn't a matter of whether the WG would do it or not on Cocoyashi - she just wanted to show that she knew, and to also indirectly spit on his "Fishmen are the strongest" ideal since obviously, his crew could never stand a chance against that kind of power.

Finally, for those wondering, Brynlee is currently 11 years old. That means Nami is also 11, Koala is 14 and Sabo is 13. Also, I'm aware that Koala technically joined the Army at 16, but I also think it makes more sense if they trained her before she officially joined their ranks, so there.

Anyways, that's it for now! Feel free to share your thoughts, and I look forward to your reviews!