"Well, well, well – if it isn't our little Angel."

Brynlee stiffened, throwing a wary look over her shoulder – and immediately relaxed as she recognized the man who'd just called out to her.

"Captain Jack!"

She hadn't seen the man in years. He'd dropped by twice since dropping her off on Cocoyashi all those years ago, but he'd retired about five years ago and she hadn't heard from him since. Despite looking fairly older, though, he seemed well, and he answered to her hug with as much strength as he used to.

"Can't say I expected to see you around these parts again, kid," he mused.

"What can I say? It was about time I flew the coop," she teased.

He laughed, shaking his head. "Should have known the call of the sea would be too strong for you to resist much longer. Traveling alone, then?"

"Oh, no. I've found quite a lively crew! We're simply making our last stop before heading for the Grand Line."

He quirked a brow at that. "Grand Line, eh? I'd warn ya to be careful and all, but you might as well be one of the most dangerous people roaming those seas, now."

She laughed, shaking her head. "You've always been good at flattery, Captain Jack. But if it can reassure you, my crew's a pretty rowdy bunch – you'll surely see our name pop up in the news soon enough."

"Is that so? I'll be looking forward to it, then. Would you—"

"Oh, Uncle Jack! Haven't seen you in a while! How's your leg?"

Brynlee paused as a feminine voice called out to her old friend. She watched, a bit bemused, as a familiar bespectacled woman in a distinct marine uniform ran up to the older man with a bright smile.

"Hello, Tashigi," Captain Jack greeted with a warm smile. "You look in a good mood."

"I certainly am! I've just witnessed the might of a true swordsman and—oh, my deepest apologies! I didn't mean to interrupt your conversation!" she gasped, only then noticing Brynlee. She bowed a few times. "I'm truly sorry, ma'am!"

"Ma'am?" scoffed Captain Jack. "She's younger than you. Tashigi, this is Brynlee. Brynlee, this is Tashigi – Jason's daughter."

It took a few seconds for Brynlee's brain to process what her old friend just said. The moment the words properly sunk in, her eyes went wide, confusion and surprise clearly visible on her face.

"W- what? But I thought she was dead—"

"Oh, I was actually believed dead. I was kidnapped and forced to work on a ship for a few years, until I was eventually rescued during a marine raid," explained briefly Tashigi, glancing at her curiously. "You… knew my father?"

"… I was with him on his last voyage, yes."

Understanding suddenly seemed to dawn on her. "You're- you're the girl he protected!"

Brynlee flinched. Though it had been years, she hadn't quite yet forgiven herself for what had happened. Mister Jason had been so terribly kind, to the point where he'd been killed while trying to ensure she stayed out of harm's way – the first time she'd witnessed a death other than her own.

But then, Tashigi grabbed her hands and smiled, full of warmth and genuine happiness.

"I'm glad… I'm so glad to see you safe!"

"I'm sorry—"

"What for?" Brynlee paused, now genuinely startled, and Tashigi's smile turned a bit sad. "My father was a great man. I wish I could have seen him one last time… but I would never blame him, or you, for what's happened. He put his life on the line to do what was right, and I truly admire him for it." Tashigi inhaled deeply, then regained her cheerfulness at once. "I know this may sound strange, but can we… talk? I'd really like to know more about you, the one my father protected so dearly."

She knew this wouldn't turn out as well as Tashigi clearly hoped. Once the older woman found out Brynlee was a pirate, she would undoubtedly feel incredibly hurt and betrayed.

But…

"I'd love to," she answered, sincere. "I'd love to learn more about Mister Jason's daughter."

Hopefully, she won't hate me too much once she finds out…

Alright, only two or three more chapters to go before we wrap up Loguetown!

Making Tashigi Jason's daughter was a bit of an afterthought, but I figured it'd bring about some nice drama and cause for moral conflict later xD

Also, I'll be leaving in two days for a well-deserved, three-weeks-long vacation - in Egypt! So the posting schedule (or what little there is of one) might be a bit messed up because of it. I can't promise I'll be able to post a new chapter again this month, but I will post one as soon as I get back!

In the meantime, I love you guys, thank you for your continued support, and I'll see y'all around!