A/N: Hello again readers. In the words of DJ Khaled, "another one".

Chapter 16

Upon arriving at the 80th Branch, a troubled Shona stormed the hallways that led to her office. As she turned a corner in one of the base's corridors, her subordinates parted to make room for her, knowing better than to agitate her further. Shona eventually reached her destination and quickly closed the door to take a moment to compose herself. The escape of Remi and his companions had been humiliating, but more than anything else it had been unanticipated. As she pondered the situation, her thoughts soon returned to Laura's words in response to her statement about her Devil Fruit.

"Well, it doesn't matter who had it before me. All that matters is that I'm going to use it to protect my friends."

The way Laura had spoken was so selfless that Shona was surprised to hear it. She hadn't expected anyone, let alone the green-haired girl, to come to Remi Deniz's aid. It was hard to imagine that he had somehow gained the loyalty of not one, but three allies. She sat down at her desk and the sudden ringing of her transponder snail caused her mind to pause. She promptly answered the call by lifting the receiver, "Yes, Shona speaking."

"Commodore Shona, this is vessel P-12 reporting in, ma'am."

"Go ahead, P-12, what's your status?" Shona inquired in her usually calm tone.

"We were patrolling the southern waters just outside Mafia territory when we encountered a rogue marine ship," the man responded, "We engaged the target, but they managed to flee behind the forbidden border."

"So, they're in Mafia territory, you say?" Shona repeated, intrigued by the report.

"Yes, ma'am. They sustained some damage from us and it didn't look like they'd be able to travel far."

Shona considered the marine's words briefly before issuing her command, "P-12, return to base, I'll send out a team to pursue the pirates."

"But ma'am, aren't the Marines supposed to stay away from Mafia territory?"

Shona knew her action was a breach of the protocol she had put in place, but she felt it was necessary at this point. If she sent a small team and they were able to capture the pirates, she could kill two birds with one stone. Remi's desertion would be dealt with and his companions could also be taken into custody.

"You have your orders, soldier."

There was a silence before he spoke again, "Of course, Commodore, we'll return right away."

The call ended and Shona began making plans for the pursuit. She picked up the snail's receiver again and dialed a number, waiting for the person on the other end to accept it. After a few rings, there was a click as the line was picked up.

"Commodore?" The voice was that of Captain Foxglove and she sounded confused to receive the call, "Is there something wrong?"

"Alicia, I have a new assignment for you and your lieutenant," Shona stated, knowing that the captain wouldn't be able to refuse.

Meanwhile...

After wandering away from Remi, the girls each took a separate route to explore. Laura was currently in front of a shop with a sign hanging above its entrance that read: 'Carmela's Clothing Emporium.' Her eyes widened in excitement as she inspected the clothes in the display window. Without hesitation, she entered the store, the bell above the frame chiming as she opened it.

"Welcome, I'm Carmela!"

A tan middle-aged woman with wavy, brown hair and light eyes greeted her from behind a counter. She was dressed in a white blouse with matching pants and a gold scarf was wrapped around her neck. In one of her hands was a cigar and the scent of tobacco hung in the air.

"Hello, I just wanted to browse your collection better," Laura responded politely while she looked around the shop.

"No one simply browses, darling," The woman, Carmela, replied as she blew a puff of smoke, "I guarantee I can find something to your liking."

She stepped from behind the counter and approached Laura, eyeing her up and down.

"Green is an interesting hair color, but I can work with it," She stated, continuing to study Laura's appearance, "Why the tattered shorts?"

Laura blushed and began to feel self-conscious under the woman's scrutinizing gaze, "They're very comfortable…"

Carmela sighed and shook her head, "Your figure is too lovely to be hidden under these rags. Luckily for you, dear, I'm excellent at my job."

Meanwhile…

Akali roamed down an alley after separating from the others, preferring to stay away from the crowded streets. As she walked, a small group of men passed her by in the same direction, whispering amongst themselves about something secretive. Her ears perked up when she heard what sounded like the words 'black market' and she decided to follow them. She waited until she was sure they were far enough ahead before cautiously tailing them from a distance. She stayed close to the walls and the men led her to a hidden path between two buildings.

At the end of it was a red door with a tall and burly man standing guard. The men Akali had followed spoke to him for a moment before showing him an item which allowed them to proceed. She considered her next move and chose to approach the door causing the guard to cross his arms, clearly suspicious of her intentions.

"I was told this was the entry to the black market," Akali said in a confident tone.

The guard remained silent until Akali realized she would also need to show him something to gain access. She reached into her pocket and retrieved the jade case her grandfather had gifted her before embarking on her journey. Opening it slowly, she held up the content for the man to see, "Will this suffice?"

Carmela's Clothing Emporium...

Laura finished changing behind a curtain as Carmela waited impatiently for her on the other side.

"Let me see already!" The shop owner demanded, growing tired of the delay.

Laura complied and came out from behind the curtain to reveal her new clothes.

Her green shirt had been replaced with a cropped blouse of the same color that featured long sleeves and a V-neckline. The ripped shorts she once wore were now traded for a sleek pair of denim capris. If she was being honest, she loved the outfit, but she was hesitant to admit it.

"Aren't you glad you listened to me?" Carmela asked, giving an approving nod, "But I feel as though something is missing."

Her eyes traveled to Laura's bare feet, but Laura instantly dissuaded her.

"No shoes!" She stated in a sweet but firm tone, "My feet need to breathe."

Carmela resisted the urge to roll her eyes, but she obeyed Laura's request, "Okay, no shoes."

Laura sighed in relief and looked at herself in a nearby mirror, "The top is a little revealing..."

"That's how it's supposed to be, dear," Carmela responded as she continued to admire her work, "It will grow on you, trust me. Is there anything else I can help you with?"

"Actually, can you tell me where we are?" Laura asked as she turned to her, "My friends and I sailed here during a mishap."

"The Delitto Isles, a group of islands controlled by the Mafia, or the 'Five Families of the West' as they're officially called," Carmela answered as she went to light another cigar, "Some of the islands are no longer in operation thanks to one of the ex-dons, but we're on 'The Isle of Greed' which is run by the Arvo family."

"The Isle of Greed," Laura repeated thoughtfully, her curiosity sparked, "Why is this island called that?"

"Because this territory is known for its lavish merchandise and luxurious lifestyles," Carmela continued to explain, exhaling a puff of smoke, "We're not the nicest of people, but we take joy in having whatever we could want. Try to enjoy yourself while you're here, but I'd suggest avoiding the black market. Only trouble comes from there."

Laura nodded and decided it was time to pay for her purchase, "Thank you for your help, Carmela!"

"Of course, darling, you were a pleasure to assist. And if you ever need more clothing, don't hesitate to visit me!"

A/N: Next chapter we'll see what Remi and Elsie are up to. I'm considering making a poll to choose the name of their upcoming official ship. If you like the idea let me know, thanks.