It was something both awe-inspiring yet almost infuriating, seeing the mighty Roronoa Zoro tied to a post like some common, low-level criminal. Seeing him in such a poor state greatly clashed with Brynlee's memories from Before – she remembered glinting cursed swords and hardened, scarred traits and the clashing of wills strong enough to shake a mountain's very foundations—

But we're not there yet. One day, but not yet.

Awe-inspiring, because he was only there because he wanted to be. Because his honor was worth more than gold and whatever humiliation the marines were trying to put him through. And infuriating, because seeing the marines try and crush a man merely for being kind only cemented her very low opinion of the corps as a whole. She knew this particular branch was corrupted to the core but, hopefully, the Revolutionary agents would be able to take out all the trash and rot once they took over.

"Gah, Luffy!"

Brynlee resurfaced from her own thoughts just in time to see her new Captain propelling himself towards the roof of the marine base.

"Damn it, that idiot…" Nami shot Brynlee a dry look. "Are you sure this guy is good enough to be our Captain? Reckless as he is, he'll die before even reaching Loguetown."

Brynlee smiled, stretching her arms a bit. "Don't worry. He might be a moron, but he's strong enough. Anyway, I'll be back in a bit!"

Before either Nami or Koby could try and stop her, Brynlee jumped over the wall and swiftly landed on her feet. She could feel Zoro's eyes digging into her as she approached, and she simply offered him a friendly smile once she got close enough.

"If you're here to convince me—"

"Nah, I'll leave that up to our Captain."

He scoffed. "Our Captain? That idiot? As if."

Her smile sharpened the slightest bit. "Care to bet on it?"

A small glint of interested came alive in his eyes. "Oh?"

"Let's say… If Luffy manages to convince you to join his crew, you'll owe me one. And if he doesn't, then I'll leave his crew."

"High stakes – you're either overly confident, a complete fool, or a liar."

There was a harshness to his voice as he spat out the last word – he obviously wouldn't accept her going back on her word. But Brynlee was confident and, more importantly, she knew Luffy, and the rest of the crew wouldn't make it without Zoro with them. If, for some reason, Zoro didn't join, then the future as she knew it was officially screwed, and so joining Luffy's crew wouldn't be a viable plan anymore.

She might be putting a lot on a secondary character's shoulders, but Zoro was the First Mate for a reason. And, well, she trusted that he'd do anything to achieve his dream, if nothing else – even if it meant becoming a pirate.

"I like dangerous odds," she simply stated, still smiling. "So, bet?"

He scoffed again. "Fine. Bet."

"Great! See you in a bit then, Pirate Hunter!"

Satisfied, she headed right inside – she still had a job to do.

As it turned out, infiltrating a marine base wasn't all that complicated when all of the marines were outside trying to beat up her newfound crew. She could hear distant shouts and gunshots and clashing steel, as well as the whistling of the gas bottles she'd unscrewed before spreading around the office, but she didn't really pay it much mind while she rummaged around Captain Morgan's office to find the required documents. Finance books, various ledgers, some sealed envelopes with a bright red 'CONFIDENTIAL' stamp on each of them, and even—

Ooh, a contract with a local gang to keep the civilians under control? Miss Belo is definitely going to like that one.

Satisfied, Brynlee slipped the last of the documents in her bag, before glancing through the window, which had a direct view on the courtyard where the fight was taking place. Almost all of the marines were down for the count, and the few still standing now knew better than try to get involved – it was only Morgan versus Luffy, Zoro and Nami, now.

Well, about time to head out, then.

She grabbed the Den-Den Mushi on the desk and stepped outside. Glancing around to ensure she was alone, she then closed the door, summoned a small ball of fire, pushed it through the lock, and promptly walked away – half a second later, a loud explosion made the entire base tremble, dozens of windows bursting in rains of glass shards and a couple of lights going out.

She quickly found her way outside and simply placed the Den-Den Mushi on a nearby crate, at a safe distance from the base, before going to join her companions, a spring in her step.

"You have no right to look this giddy after blowing up a marine base," deadpanned Nami, wiping some sweat and dirt from her brow.

"Look, you find joy in swindling pirates from all their wealth and pride – I find joy in taking down a global dictatory power one building at a time."

"Don't say that in front of Koala, or she'll try to coerce you into joining the ranks again."

"Nah, they wouldn't be able to handle me."

"Oh, Bryn! There you are! You missed the fight!" exclaimed Luffy, grinning her way.

"Sorry, Caps – had some business for your brother to get done," she shrugged.

"Shi-shi-shi, no worries! And look, we've got another crewmate!"

She couldn't help but grin as Zoro shot her a look, half-glaring, half exasperated. She sauntered up to him, trying her best not to look like she was gloating – though she definitely was. He scoffed upon noticing her expression.

"You win. What do you want?"

"I want…" She paused for dramatic effect, and his eye twitched. "The name and address of your jeweler."

"… my what?"

"I just love your earrings! Where'd you get them? I absolutely need to know!"

A strange mix of mild wariness, genuine confusion, and absolute horror dawned on him – it would seem their Captain wasn't the only idiot on their crew.

In case it wasn't obvious before, the fights are NOT going to be the main center of attention - or at least, not in the way you might expect. Of course, I'll do my best to show off or at least mention non-canon progress and abilities, and Brynlee's own abilities will have their time to shine, but I really want this story to focus on the friendships/bonds and the adventure rather than the fights.

Sorry, as much as I adore One Piece, I do grow tired of fights that last over a 100 episodes xD

Also! I was asked about my posting schedule and... I don't have one. I just post when I feel like it/have the time, though I do try to at least post one chapter a week.

That's all for today! As always, love your reviews, and see y'all next chapter!