Chapter 37: To G1 Marine Base
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In one of the taverns on the island, the noise of conversations and laughter blended with the clinking of glasses and the shouts of fishermen celebrating the end of a workday. Around a table by the window, Sachi, Penguin, and Bepo were deep in one of their usual trivial discussions.
Sachi, still wearing his sunglasses despite the dim lighting, explained, "I'm telling you, Bepo," said the redhead, pounding the table for emphasis, "if you really want to improve, you have to learn the Double Flipper Twister! It's an unstoppable move in the water."
Bepo, resting his head on his paws, seemed skeptical. "I'm not sure it really works..."
Penguin, downing his drink in one swift gulp, burst out laughing. "Sachi, you say that every time there's a 'secret technique.' Last time, you threw out your back trying a 'tornado kick' on a small wave!"
Sachi made a dramatic gesture, pointing a finger at Penguin. "That was just a failed warm-up! I've mastered it now."
Meanwhile, Law, seated at the end of the table, seemed completely indifferent to the scene. His eyes were fixed on a man a bit farther in the bar, masked and in deep discussion with an old navigator, both absorbed in a map spread out before them. The man's mask concealed his face, but his precise and confident gestures left no doubt about his knowledge of the area.
Penguin, pouring himself another drink, suddenly turned to Law. "Hey, Captain… What do you think of Sachi's idea? It could actually work, right?"
Law didn't react. He remained seated, his gaze still locked on the masked man, his brow slightly furrowed, betraying his interest in what he overheard from across the room.
"Captain?" Penguin insisted, glancing at Sachi with a smirk.
Sachi, feeling slightly offended, leaned toward Law. "Captain! Say something, at least! I'm talking about techniques that could save our skins underwater, and you just..."
Sachi stopped as he saw Law suddenly stand. Without a word, the captain of the Heart Pirates walked away from the table, hands in his pockets, heading straight for the masked man, leaving his subordinates behind.
There was a brief silence. Sachi and Penguin exchanged confused looks. Bepo, on the other hand, glanced over at the table Law was heading toward. He heard the words "marine currents" and "depths" from the masked man's mouth, which immediately piqued his interest too, his ears perking up in curiosity.
"Hey guys," Bepo finally chimed in, "did you hear that? They're talking about navigation over there—not just surface currents, but also the underwater ones."
Penguin raised an eyebrow, and even Sachi fell silent for a moment, stealing a quick glance toward their captain.
"If the Captain's interested, it means there's something important. Maybe we should listen too, just in case…" Sachi suggested, leaning in to eavesdrop.
Penguin shook his head, amused. "Yeah, or maybe he just doesn't give a damn about your 'Double Flipper Twister,' Sachi."
Law wasn't one to meddle in others' affairs, but the way that masked man described the waters had piqued his curiosity. Ever since arriving on the island, Law had heard rumors of treacherous currents, hidden reefs, and topographical changes that made navigation nearly impossible. But this man spoke with an unsettling precision, as if he saw the ocean in a way few others could.
"I'm telling you, you've misread the marine currents, old man," the younger man said loudly, his piercing eyes visible through the slits of his mask. "These waters aren't safe for a fishing boat your size. You need to follow the route I've laid out."
The old man, enraged, shook his fist. "Don't tell me how to navigate, kid! I've been doing this since you were in diapers!"
"These currents aren't natural," the younger man declared, his fingers gliding over the map. "They're disturbed by changes in the depths. Underwater volcanoes, gas pockets… This isn't ordinary navigation. If you keep following that route, you'll lose your crew."
The old navigator furrowed his brows, shaking his head. "This is the route my ancestors always took. You're too young to understand, kid. Currents shift, but not that drastically!"
The masked man sighed, clearly exasperated. "Currents change, but you haven't accounted for what's happening beneath. The surface is just the visible part of the ocean. If you ignore what's below, you'll end up at the bottom."
That last sentence caught Law's attention. He was well-acquainted with underwater currents—after all, the Polar Tang was built for subaquatic navigation, where most sailors never ventured. But few spoke of the depths with such confidence.
Sensing Law's approach, the masked man lifted his head, and a silent, almost tense exchange began between them. Law took a chair without invitation, his gaze scrutinizing the stranger with curiosity. He didn't need to introduce himself—everyone knew who he was.
The silence stretched for a moment before the old navigator broke the tension. "Ah, Trafalgar Law," he said with a hint of suspicion. "What brings you here?"
Law ignored the question, his focus entirely on the masked man. "You seem to know these waters well."
The man smirked under his mask, his piercing gaze never leaving Law's. "I know more than just the surface waters. The ocean is a fickle creature, and those who underestimate it end up paying the price."
The captain of the Heart Pirates narrowed his eyes, intrigued by the statement. "You were talking about underwater currents disrupted by gas pockets. How do you know that?"
The masked man leaned back slightly in his chair, crossing his arms with calculated nonchalance. "I read the ocean the way others read books. The movement of the waves, the changes in water color, how the winds affect the currents... These are signs for those who know where to look. But real sailors, those who've spent their lives at sea, understand that the true danger always comes from the depths."
The old navigator burst into laughter, as if it were the most ridiculous thing he'd ever heard. "Underwater volcanoes! You've got too much imagination, kid."
The young man didn't seem fazed by the mockery. He pointed to a spot on the map, his fingers tracing a circle around a small island offshore. "Here, a few nautical miles from the island. An underwater volcano awakened two years ago. It's changed the currents around it, creating whirlpools and dead water pockets. If you're not careful, you'll get trapped in one of those pockets, unable to move."
Law studied the map, noting the precision of the markings. He knew that area, and he was aware that the currents there were particularly treacherous. "You talk like you've sailed these waters your whole life."
The masked man nodded. "I know them better than most. And I know that sailors who ignore these kinds of details don't last long."
A slight smile appeared on Law's lips. This man seemed to possess knowledge beyond that of ordinary sailors, and what he said wasn't without merit. The depths of the ocean hid many dangers, and even the Polar Tang could run into trouble without expert navigation.
The old man, frustrated at being ignored, was about to protest, but Law raised a hand to stop him, his eyes still fixed on the masked man. "If you're as good as you say, you should be able to prove it," Law said, a glimmer of interest in his eyes.
Hakugan, visibly amused, let a smile flicker in his eyes, even with the mask on. "I've sailed these waters my whole life. I know the currents, the tides, and the safest routes." He paused, a mischievous tone in his voice. "You're looking for a helmsman, aren't you?"
Law gave a faint smile. "Exactly. What's your name?"
"Hakugan," the young man answered confidently, his sharp gaze never leaving the captain.
The old navigator, realizing the conversation no longer favored him, grumbled and walked away, dragging his feet. Law, however, remained focused on Hakugan. He couldn't yet tell if this man was telling the truth or exaggerating his skills, but one thing was certain: his knowledge could be valuable.
"I might need you aboard the Polar Tang," Law stated. "But I only trust those who prove their skills."
Hakugan briefly removed his mask, revealing determined green eyes and a sincere smile. "I'm ready for the challenge, Captain Law."
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Night had fallen, and Emi wandered through the quiet hallways of the ship, her journalistic instincts pushing her to explore every corner despite Max's warnings. She knew there could be a wealth of information hidden somewhere. The Marines were known for their vigilance, but also for their lack of discretion in certain areas.
As she turned a corner down a narrow hallway, she spotted a door slightly open. Behind it, shelves and cabinets filled with documents stretched as far as she could see. An archive room.
Bingo.
Her mind lit up with excitement. Surely, there would be confidential and important information here. Without hesitation, Emi slipped inside. The air was dusty, but she ignored the stale smell of old papers. Her eyes were already scanning the titles of the files piled high on the shelves.
"Operations Reports," "Maritime Patrols," "Prisoners." Each title could hold precious information. She pulled a file from the pile and quickly skimmed through the first few pages, but nothing seemed relevant at first glance.
She was about to open another file when she heard a distant sound.
Footsteps.
They were getting closer.
Panic gripped her. If she were caught here, things could go very, very wrong. Without further thought, she searched for a place to hide. Her eyes landed on an old metal cabinet in the corner of the room.
She rushed over, opened the creaky door, and squeezed herself inside, leaving the door half-closed behind her. The space was tight, cold, and the smell of metal and rust filled her nose. She clenched her teeth to keep from sneezing.
The footsteps grew closer, echoing in the hallway just outside. Emi held her breath, her heart pounding loudly in her ears. The footsteps stopped right outside the door.
A murmur, then a voice, deep and familiar, broke the silence.
"Where's the file on the Vergo case?"
Emi recognized that voice immediately.
Smoker.
Oh no. Anyone but him. The very thought of him standing just outside the cabinet sent a chill down her spine.
Another voice responded. Softer, but just as firm.
"Here it is, Commander. I filed it with the other confidential documents, in the special investigations section."
Emi frowned. That voice... she had heard it somewhere before. She thought hard, trying to match a face to those words. Then it hit her. Tashigi. The young Marine officer who followed Smoker everywhere. She had briefly crossed paths with her in the mess hall. On one hand, Emi admired her courage and dedication, but on the other... she always wondered how Tashigi managed to stay so close to such an irritable man.
They continued to talk, exchanging details about the investigation, but Emi couldn't focus anymore. All she could think about was not getting caught. The tension in the dusty, heavy air of the archive room was palpable, and Emi measured every breath, careful not to make a sound.
Then, suddenly, a heavy silence fell. No more talking. No more movement. The voices had vanished.
Emi's heart started pounding wildly. Had they noticed her? Her mind raced with confused thoughts, each second stretching into an eternity. She imagined Smoker tearing the cabinet door open in one swift motion and yanking her out of her hiding spot.
Just as she mentally prepared herself to be discovered, a loud noise echoed right above her head. A metallic crash that rattled the inside of the cabinet.
Someone had just slammed into the door.
Emi quickly clamped both hands over her mouth to stifle a gasp of surprise. Her eyes widened in fear and confusion. What was happening out there? Her thoughts were a whirl of panic and uncertainty as she forced herself to remain absolutely silent.
The noises continued, but this time, they weren't the sound of footsteps or conversation.
No. Emi's eyes widened in disbelief.
Muffled sounds.
Quiet sighs.
Was she hearing this right?
She realized it then. They… they were kissing? Here, in this dusty archive room, in the dead of night?
It couldn't be… Smoker and Tashigi? She had never imagined such a situation. Her mind struggled to make sense of what she was hearing, but every sound only confirmed what she didn't want to believe.
The noises continued, as if nothing else existed around them, and Emi, still hidden, felt her face growing hot. She closed her eyes, praying they would leave soon and let her breathe again.
As the sounds grew more intense, Emi heard Tashigi's trembling, hesitant voice.
"Smoker… we shouldn't be doing this. Not here."
But instead of stopping, Smoker responded in a low, gravelly voice,
"Tashigi… shut up."
Before she could protest any further, he pushed her harder against the cabinet. The impact rattled the metal, and with a muffled thud, a cloud of dust shook loose from the top, falling directly onto Emi.
She tried to stay calm, her hands already poised to cover her mouth, but it was too late. The dust instantly tickled her nose, and she couldn't stop the sneeze that followed.
"Ah… AH… ACHOO!"
The sound echoed through the archive room, shattering the intimacy of the moment and leaving behind a stunned silence.
Oh crap.
They all froze. Tashigi immediately straightened up, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, while Smoker furrowed his brow, his eyes locking directly on the cabinet where the noise had come from. Emi, on the other hand, felt her heart stop.
It was over. No, no, no…
With a swift motion, Smoker yanked open the cabinet door, revealing Emi, curled up and mortified, trying to hide behind a weak, nervous smile.
"What are you doing here?!" Smoker barked, his eyes burning with both anger and embarrassment.
Tashigi, for her part, was completely flustered. Her hands trembled slightly as she adjusted her clothes, unable to meet Emi's gaze.
Emi, though intimidated, knew she had to act fast. If Smoker reported her for snooping in the archives, she was done for. But she had an ace up her sleeve, and she intended to use it.
"I could ask you the same question, Smoker," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady despite the situation. "But I don't think you'd want this getting out, would you?"
She gave a subtle nod toward the space where Smoker and Tashigi had been just moments earlier.
Tashigi's eyes widened, and her face turned a deep shade of crimson. "T-That's not what it looks like!"
"Oh really?" Emi raised an eyebrow, trying to sound confident. "I have a good memory, and I know certain revelations would make quite the headlines in the Marines. Imagine the front-page news…"
Smoker, still frustrated, glared at her, his fists clenched. But he knew she had the upper hand. Turning Emi in would mean risking their own reputation.
"I could just as easily say you have no business being here," Smoker growled, his voice low and dangerous. "But you're smarter than that, aren't you?"
Emi nodded, flashing a victorious smile. "Exactly. I'm just wondering how the Marines would react if they learned what's really happening in these halls."
Tashigi, mortified, covered her face with her hands, unable to look at either Smoker or Emi.
"Fine," Smoker finally said through gritted teeth. "You keep quiet… and we'll keep quiet. But if you set foot in here again, I won't let you off so easily."
Emi nodded, feeling a wave of relief, though she knew she'd need to keep her distance. But for now, she'd managed to get away with it.
As she slowly stepped out of the cabinet, Smoker and Tashigi watched her leave in tense silence. Once she was out of the room, Emi couldn't help but smile. What an absurd situation… But at least now, she had a little leverage on them, just in case she'd need it later.
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It's been a week since Emi boarded the ship of the Marine's 5th division. The sea breeze was strong today, and she stood near the railing, notebook in hand, pretending to write an article about their assignment at G-5 Marine base. She did everything she could to maintain the illusion that she was there as just a regular journalist, but she knew that some, particularly Tashigi, had their suspicions. It was true that she spent more time observing the Marines than taking notes, but it was hard for her to keep up the act all day long, and she quickly grew bored. Her eyes followed their precise, coordinated movements as they trained on the deck, under Tashigi's watchful eye.
Tashigi stood in the middle of the deck, sword at her side, arms crossed, correcting postures and encouraging her men in a firm but fair voice. It was clear she had the full trust of her subordinates, and Emi couldn't help but feel a certain admiration for her dedication. But that didn't stop her from staying on her guard. Emi knew that Tashigi had been watching her closely since the beginning, likely because of her recent inquiries and rummaging through the ship's archives.
She flipped through the pages of her notebook, her thoughts drifting back to the scene from a few days ago. She had never imagined that Smoker and Tashigi had such an... intimate relationship. A smile tugged at the corner of her lips at the thought. She could sense that the commander was on edge every time they were face-to-face, although Tashigi tried her best to keep her cold, authoritative mask.
A group of Marines executed a series of katas, and Emi pretended to write in her notebook. She heard footsteps approaching from behind her, and before she even turned around, she knew it was Tashigi.
"Still hard at work, Emi?" Tashigi asked, her voice neutral but laced with poorly concealed suspicion.
Emi slowly closed her notebook and turned to face the commander. "Yes, you know, the work of a journalist never stops. I have a lot to say about this assignment at G-5, especially when there's so much... to see."
Tashigi narrowed her eyes slightly, clearly trying to uncover the journalist's true intentions. "I wonder if that's really all you're interested in. There's not much of interest for a journalist here unless you have other... motivations."
Emi knew Tashigi wouldn't let her off easily. She remained calm, but her gaze became more piercing. "Are you implying that I'm doing something wrong, Tashigi? I thought the archives were open to journalists like me. I was simply curious to understand your organization better."
Tashigi crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Curious? It seems more like you're looking for specific information. Perhaps things you shouldn't know. Smoker has already had trouble with journalists like you."
A smirk appeared on Emi's lips as she stepped closer, refusing to be intimidated. "Smoker, huh? You two seem to know each other well... maybe even a little too well, don't you?" She emphasized her last word, letting the insinuation linger.
Tashigi stiffened, a faint blush rising to her cheeks, but she didn't lose her composure. "That's not the point," she retorted, her tone growing sharper. "If you think you can steer the conversation away, you're mistaken. I'm keeping an eye on you, Emi."
Emi shrugged, her smile still in place. "Keep an eye on me if it makes you happy, but don't blame me for doing my job."
Tashigi clenched her fists for a moment before turning on her heels without another word, her sword lightly clanging against her hip with each step. Emi watched her go, satisfied that she had maintained control of the situation. She picked up her notebook, jotting down a few phrases quickly, this time for real. The journey was far from over, and she needed to stay vigilant.
As Emi scribbled down a few notes, Max approached with his usual grin. "So, Emi, what's the story with Coco? I mean, how did you meet a seagull like that?"
Emi sighed inwardly; Max always seemed to interrupt her moments of concentration. She tried to hide her irritation. "It's... a long story."
Max rested his elbows on the railing, fixing Emi with a big smile. "I've got all the time in the world."
Emi raised an eyebrow, hesitating for a moment. She would have liked a moment of peace, but she resolved to tell him. After all, it would help pass the time.
She sighed and began, "It was back when I was in charge of gathering the newspapers for the New Coos. One day, while I was filling the bag for the birds, I noticed a seagull with an injured wing and leg, looking completely exhausted." She paused, recalling that particular day. "I decided to take her aside and take care of her. I nursed her back to health, and she started to recover."
Max listened intently, his eyes filled with curiosity. "And then what happened?"
Emi smiled faintly as she recalled what happened next. "Once she was healed, she could have gone back with the other seagulls, but she stayed and started following me everywhere. We developed a sort of bond. I eventually named her Coco, and she became much more than just a seagull to me."
Max nodded, clearly fascinated. "That's incredible. I've always wanted a pet. Do you think I could get along with a seagull, too?"
Emi narrowed her eyes. "She's not a pet."
Max leaned closer to Emi, excitedly changing the subject. "So, what's it like being a journalist for the World Economy News Paper ? It can't be easy every day, right?"
Emi stared at him for a long moment, irritation beginning to rise within her. He was starting to get too intrusive. She really couldn't catch a break with him around.
Just then, Kelly came onto the deck, looking annoyed. "Max, could you give her a break? She's not here to answer your endless questions."
Max scratched his head, embarrassed. "Sorry, it's just that... you know, she's interesting."
Kelly rolled her eyes. "Emi, I'm sorry about him. Sometimes, he doesn't know when to stop."
Emi nodded gratefully. "No problem."
Kelly turned to Max. "Come on, let's go. We have training to finish."
Max, looking a bit miffed, reluctantly followed Kelly. "Yeah, yeah, captain."
Emi watched them leave, feeling a slight sense of relief. She realized that, despite her efforts to remain detached, she was beginning to appreciate Kelly. It was nice to have a female presence, someone she could talk to without ulterior motives.
She found herself thinking about the Heart Pirates, feeling a small pang in her heart as she remembered her time with them. Despite the current circumstances, she knew she had been much happier with them by her side. But she quickly brushed those thoughts away. Things had changed, and she needed to focus on her mission.
Emi took a deep breath, reminding herself why she was there. She had a promise to keep. And no matter what, she couldn't afford to be distracted by memories or emotions. She had to stay strong and determined, no matter what happened.
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Lilly: Thank you so much for your comments !, I'm really happy you're enjoying it! Sorry for the cliffhangers, but I'm glad they kept you hooked haha
I hope you'll like the rest ! :D