A/N: Greetings everyone! My updates may become slower over the next few weeks so please bear with me. I'm a college senior and I only have a couple more courses left until I graduate. I hope you all enjoyed your Halloween and enjoy the read!

Chapter 4

Remi's arms were full of food and supplies, the weight of the bags making his muscles strain. He was almost back on the ship and planned to get everything stocked so he and Laura could leave without delay. Once he reached the base of the dock, he stopped and looked back in the direction of the town. He was surprised that Laura hadn't returned yet, but he assumed that she must have gotten distracted.

I hope she's staying out of trouble, he thought to himself as he carried the items on board.

While storing the goods away he tried not to jump to conclusions. Laura was capable of handling herself, and if anything were to happen he was certain she would come find him. When he finished his task he went to the upper deck, leaning against the mast to wait. He eventually let his attention drift to the horizon and his eyes instantly widened at what he saw.

A massive ship was approaching the island and even from his distance, he recognized the symbol on the black sails. It was a jolly roger with crossbones and a forked tongue protruding from the skull. Remi cursed under his breath, realizing that a notorious pirate crew was heading his way. The captain had a 15,000,000 beri bounty and he was known for his strength and ferocity.

Remi's mind instantly tried to come up with the best plan of action. He needed to move the ship to a different part of the island and he hoped that Laura would stay put wherever she was. He hurried to raise the anchor and took his position at the helm, grabbing the wheel and steering the vessel to the opposite side of the harbor.

Meanwhile…

"What do you think you're staring at? Are you lost?"

Laura was taken aback by the unexpected hostility and she shook her head. "No, I was just-"

"This dojo is sacred." The girl stated sharply while cutting Laura off. "You should show more respect than to barge in without permission."

"That's no way to treat a guest, Akali." A voice scolded as its owner drew near the pair.

The person who had addressed Akali was an elderly man who was wearing a white robe. He had a lengthy beard, kind eyes, and wrinkles that showed his wisdom and experience. Akali bowed in respect, a silent apology for her behavior.

"Please excuse my granddaughter's rudeness," he said while shooting a warning glance at Akali. "She is protective of our traditions and has unfortunately inherited her late father's temper."

Laura smiled, of course, not bothered by the other girl's harshness. "I didn't mean to intrude. I'm Laura by the way."

"Nonsense," Akali's grandfather waved a hand, dismissing the comment. "I am Master Li Jin and you are welcome here."

Akali scowled at the exchange, but her grandfather paid her no mind. He then turned to the other students to dismiss them for the day. The group bowed before they dispersed, heading toward the entrance and filing out of the building. Afterward, he gestured for Laura to follow him and she did so, eager to see more of the unique place. To no surprise, the inside was just as breathtaking as the outside. The walls were decorated with paintings and there were weapons of all kinds hung on them.

"I don't normally take an interest in travelers, but you have a strange aura about you," Li Jin said after a moment, his eyes observing Laura. "It's a strong energy, almost as if it has a will of its own."

Akali had felt it too but now that she had calmed down, she realized no malice or evil intent was coming from Laura.

This information was completely new to Laura. "Aura?"

"Yes, all living things are empowered by spiritual energy." Li Jin explained to her.

Although Laura did not know anything about spiritual energy, the idea that everyone had a source of strength within them was interesting and she wanted to know more. They continued to converse for some time, but the sudden sound of screams broke the peace. Akali immediately went to a window and peered outside, hoping to find the cause of the commotion.

"Grandfather, pirates are attacking the shops and they're coming this way!"

Akali's statement made Laura tense and her thoughts instantly fell on Remi. She wondered if he had been harmed or if he was currently somewhere safe.

Akali was already rushing toward a sliding door at the back of the dojo. "You need to leave, Grandfather. I'll stay here and protect the dojo."

"You will do no such thing," Li Jin responded, his tone stern.

"I'll stay with her," Laura offered despite her concern for her traveling companion.

Li Jin hesitated, looking back and forth between his granddaughter and Laura.

"Don't worry, I can take care of us," Laura assured him.

"Very well, but be careful, both of you."

"Right!" The two girls said simultaneously.

Akali shut the door behind him and the two of them stood there, neither knowing what to say. Laura was aware that the situation was dangerous, but she didn't want Akali to face it alone. As they waited, the silence was eventually broken.

"Can you fight?" Akali asked while turning to face Laura.

"In a way," Laura replied, knowing that her abilities could help them.

The two positioned themselves near the entrance as the sound of footsteps became louder. The intruders' voices could also be heard although they were slightly muffled.

"There's no one here, Captain."

"Good, it should make searching the place a whole lot easier."

Akali and Laura braced themselves, the former clenching her fists and taking a fighting stance. The dojo was a second home to her and she would defend it no matter the cost. Laura respected her resolve and she was willing to do what was necessary to help. Suddenly, the doors were shoved open and three men walked inside, their eyes wandering around the room.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" The man in the middle inquired, a smirk spreading across his lips at the sight of the girls.

He was apparently the leader and his appearance was intimidating. He was tall with a muscular frame, tanned skin, and short, brown hair. His attire consisted of a distressed, white shirt, cotton pants, and dark boots. His most distinguishing feature however was his reptilian-like, amber eyes. The two men standing on either side of him were dressed in typical pirate fashion, but their features were nothing compared to their leader's.

"You shouldn't be here," Akali stated, her gaze fixed on the men. "I suggest you leave while you still have the chance."

The captain's smirk grew, amused by her feistiness.

"We won't be leaving until we get what we came for."

"And what's that?" Akali questioned.

"Places like these always have something that is worth a lot on the black market. An heirloom, a weapon, you get the gist."

He began walking toward the duo, his men following close behind.

"You're mistaken. We have nothing of value." Akali replied convincingly.

"We'll be the judge of that."

His lackeys were on either side of the girls, their knives and daggers in hand. The pirates charged and the two women went into defense mode, quickly dodging the blades. Akali kicked one of the men in the stomach, causing him to lose his balance and stumble backward. Laura figured Akali could handle the two and she focused on the captain, knowing he was the real threat.

"I hope you don't expect me to go easy on you just because you're a woman," he taunted, cracking his knuckles.

Laura didn't respond and her face turned serious. The captain rushed her, his arm ready to throw a punch, but she quickly ducked. She went to move around him, but he managed to grab the back of her neck. Laura grunted and tried to free herself, but his hold on her was too strong.

"Looks like you've got a lot to learn," the captain mocked while lifting her up and slamming her into the floor.

Laura winced from the pain and she scrambled to get on her feet again.

"Not so fast!" He grabbed her ankle, dragging her towards him.

He began to spin Laura around, her body twisting rapidly. He released his grip, sending her flying through a wall, the wood of the building breaking apart from the force. She hit the ground outside hard and rolled for a moment before stopping.

"Laura!" Akali shouted, punching one of the men in the face to knock him out.

"Stay out of this," the captain warned, his attention still on Laura.

Akali growled and went after the last remaining thug, her eyes burning with fury. She landed a swift kick to his stomach, the action being enough to make him spit up blood. He dropped his weapon and she took the opportunity to land a series of punches and kicks until she downed him.

"Now, where were we?" the captain asked, stepping through the hole in the wall to approach Laura.

He was suddenly taken off guard when Akali came out of nowhere and tackled him.

"I thought I told you to stay out of this!" He pushed her off of him, irritated by the interruption.

He was about to attack Akali when Laura got up again. She had a few cuts and bruises, but she wasn't done yet. Laura briskly swung her leg forward before stomping a foot into the ground.

"Rock Slide!"

The earth started to rumble and a large mound of rocks rose from it. They moved in the direction of the captain, closing in on him with great speed. He turned and before the rocks could strike him his body had transformed. The man was no longer human, becoming covered in yellow-brown scales and his limbs had extended with claws. His head was now similar to that of a lizard and a long tail protruded from his backside.

"What the hell?!" Akali exclaimed, her eyes wide with shock.

The captain laughed and swatted at the rocks playfully, smashing them to pieces. "You're not the only Devil Fruit user!"