Chapter 45: To The Masquerade
~~~~o~~~O~~~o~~~~
Emi moved down the narrow alley, her steps faintly echoing on the icy ground. The biting cold stung her cheeks, making her nose red and sore. She pulled her coat tightly around herself, hating every second spent on this winter island. But she had no choice—a mission kept her here.
Her wool hat, though warm, still let in the cold. She quickly adjusted it to cover her ears, shivering as the icy wind crept through every gap in her clothing.
Suddenly, a faint buzzing came from her satchel. Her Den Den Mushi was ringing.
burururu. burururu.
She stopped under a porch for shelter and pulled the small creature from her pocket. Its antennae twitched as it emitted its call.
"It was a strawberry cake," Emi said, her voice slightly trembling from the cold.
"Emi!" The familiar voice of Samuel echoed through the Den Den Mushi, warm despite the distance. "How are you? It's been a while."
"Freezing, honestly," Emi replied, blowing on her numb fingers. "It's so cold I feel like my fingers are about to fall off. And you, how are things?"
"I'm good, but listen, I've got news about Caesar Clown," Samuel replied, his voice taking on a more serious, almost urgent tone. "We managed to track down a cargo ship, thanks to one of Morgans' airships. It led us to… Punk Hazard."
"Punk Hazard?" Emi repeated, raising an eyebrow, surprised by the turn of events. She hadn't expected this to lead her to that devastated island. "That island is supposed to be off-limits by the government… How is that possible?"
"Good question… but what's certain is that something's going on there," Samuel said, a slight hesitation in his voice. "We had to be cautious and didn't stay too long. We didn't have time to confirm if Caesar was actually there, but it's definitely a lead worth considering."
Emi felt a chill run down her spine, Samuel's revelation sparking a stream of thoughts in her mind. "Damn, why didn't we think of this sooner? It makes so much sense. His old lab is still there after all! He'd have all the peace he wants for his experiments... Thanks, Sam, really. I knew I could count on you."
"You know you can always count on me," Samuel replied, his voice soft but firm. "Just take care of yourself, alright?"
Despite the biting cold stinging her fingers, Emi managed a smile. "I always do. You too, Samuel. Stay safe."
Ending the call, she looked down at the Den Den Mushi in her hand. The little creature was shivering, its antennae trembling in the cold. "Poor thing," she murmured. "You're not spared from the cold either."
Sliding the Den Den Mushi into a warmer pocket, Emi blew on her hands again, rubbing them together to regain some warmth. She resumed walking, the wind whistling in her ears as she considered this new lead. If Caesar really was on Punk Hazard... she needed to confirm it as soon as possible.
~~~~o~~~O~~~o~~~~
The Heart Pirates had docked on an island in the New World, known for its cold desert and a rare metal reputed to be as hard as diamond. This island was often described as the polar opposite of Alabasta—a frozen desert where biting winds swept over vast stretches of icy sand. Despite the harsh climate, the port city was bustling. The Heart Pirates, with their now-expanded crew, had come ashore to resupply and search for these rare materials.
Their mission was straightforward: find a very rare and extremely durable metal for shipbuilding. Law wanted the cannons and torpedoes on their submarine reinforced with this material to boost their power.
As the crew wandered through the crowded streets of the port city, they were drawn to the commotion around an auction in the town's main square. A stage had been set up, and rare items were being showcased. With each item sold, a dance performance followed.
Law and Bepo, who was carrying his Nodachi for him, stayed back, observing the scene carefully. Sachi, Penguin, and Hakugan had already found spots near the stage, clearly more captivated by the dancers than the auction itself.
"Look at that!" exclaimed Penguin, his eyes fixed on the stage. "These dancers are amazing!"
Hakugan, though more reserved, couldn't help but smile at his crewmates' excitement. "Looks like we've found the perfect spot for a break," he said with a shrug.
On stage, the announcer introduced a new item, a glimmering crystal shining under the lights.
"And now, ladies and gentlemen," he announced, "we have a fragment of the legendary Eternal Ice, a material so rare and cold that it's sought after by top craftsmen and engineers! Bidding starts at ten million berries!"
Law, still watching from a distance, frowned, wondering if the crystal was real. All the items seemed to have extraordinary value and exorbitant prices, making him skeptical.
The auction unfolded quickly, with bids skyrocketing, and the crowd's excited murmurs heightened the tension. Finally, after a flurry of bids, the Eternal Ice crystal sold for the staggering sum of 700 million berries. The winner, a richly dressed and visibly pleased man, looked proud and smug.
Law observed the scene with suspicion, the sky-high price for a fragment whose authenticity he doubted only adding to his skepticism. He decided he had better things to do than waste time with a dubious auction.
Just as he was about to leave in search of something more worthwhile, the announcer exclaimed, "And now, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our prodigious dancer, the Eternal Snowflake!"
The crowd erupted in applause, with Sachi and Penguin particularly thrilled. A young woman stepped onto the stage, her silver-white hair flowing around her. The long sleeves of her dress were made of transparent fabric adorned with delicate silver embroidery, creating the appearance of snowflakes along her arms. She wore a mask to hide her face, but Law, who had turned back toward the stage, recognized her instantly.
A smirk appeared on Law's lips. Emi. What was she doing here, on this remote island in the New World, and why was she performing on stage? He was well-acquainted with her style of dancing—always captivating and graceful. Each fluid and precise movement carried the same passion and determination he'd seen in her before. She held the entire audience's attention effortlessly.
Bepo, noticing the intense look on his captain's face, turned to him.
"Captain?" Bepo asked, confused.
Law tilted his head slightly toward his crewmate, whose confusion clearly showed his lack of insight.
"We're staying after all," he said calmly, his piercing gaze returning to the stage.
He knew she wasn't here by chance, and that her presence on this icy island had a specific purpose—and he fully intended to find out what it was.
As Emi's performance drew to a close, applause echoed through the frigid air. Determined, Law signaled Bepo to follow as he began moving through the crowd toward the backstage area. Bepo nodded, still a bit bewildered but ready to follow his captain's orders. The crowd continued cheering as Law pressed forward, his focus unwavering on the spot where Emi had disappeared.
They reached the back of the stage, where the backstage area was a tangled mess of curtains, boxes, and costumes. Law scanned the area quickly.
Finally, he spotted a familiar figure moving nimbly among the crates and stored items. It was Emi, her mask now removed, revealing her determined face. She was approaching a large wooden crate filled with several gemstones, likely items that had been auctioned off.
"Em...?!" Bepo blurted out in confusion, only for Law to cover his mouth, stifling the sound to avoid drawing attention.
Law observed carefully as Emi took photos of each gemstone before tucking them into her bag. He quickly pieced together what was going on: Emi was on a mission, and this auction was indeed a sham, just as he had suspected. She was gathering evidence.
Engrossed in her task, Emi didn't immediately notice Law and Bepo. After snapping one last photo, she slid the gemstone into her bag, closed the crate carefully, and prepared to slip away unnoticed. But as she turned, she found herself face-to-face with the two pirates. Startled, she instinctively clutched her bag. She had noticed Penguin and Sachi's loud enthusiasm earlier, making them hard to miss, but she hadn't expected Law to be here—let alone confronting her directly.
"What are you doing here?" she whispered, keeping her voice low to avoid attracting attention.
"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" Law replied, a smirk tugging at his lips. "You're on a mission, aren't you?"
Emi nodded, her gaze unwavering. "These auctions are a front for smuggling. All the items sold here are fakes, and the real treasures are being funneled off by a secret organization tied to a Noble."
Law sighed, his understanding of the situation deepening. "And you're here to sabotage their operation."
"Exactly," Emi confirmed, a hint of pride in her voice. After a brief hesitation, she asked, "How long do you plan on staying here?"
Intrigued by her question, Law replied cautiously, "We're here until tomorrow morning."
Emi's lips curved into a small smile. "Perfect. I need a favor tonight. After all, you owe me one."
Law furrowed his brow and thought for a moment. He wasn't particularly thrilled by the idea but gave her a chance to explain. "What kind of favor?"
Emi glanced around, mindful of the need for discretion. "Let's talk about it once we're out of here."
Before heading out, Emi grabbed her thick coat and quickly slipped on her snow boots, ready to face the cold outside. Together, they made their way out of the backstage area, carefully avoiding attention. They soon came across Sachi, Penguin, and Hakugan, who had slipped behind the stage and appeared to be in the middle of a conversation.
"Guys... Do you really think they'll go out with you just because you hit on them so directly?" Hakugan remarked, his disapproval obvious even through his mask.
Penguin, embarrassed, scratched the back of his head. "I know, but it's a golden opportunity! They were amazing on stage, and I bet they're just as cool offstage."
Sachi nodded vigorously, full of enthusiasm. "Exactly! It's just for a drink and a chat, nothing wrong with that, right?"
Hakugan was about to reply when he noticed Law and Bepo approaching. He froze, followed closely by Penguin and Sachi, all three caught red-handed.
"Oh… uh… Captain!" stammered Sachi, awkwardly trying to regain his composure.
Penguin frowned, noticing the woman behind Bepo, before his face lit up. "Emi!? What are you doing here?" he exclaimed, still in shock.
Emi gave them an amused smile, clearly happy to see her old companions again. "It's been a while, guys."
Hakugan, ever the most observant, squinted as he noticed details of Emi's costume peeking out from her coat. His eyes widened in surprise. "Wait… you were one of the dancers on stage?!" he exclaimed, stunned.
Penguin and Sachi exchanged an incredulous look before turning back to Emi, their expressions shifting between surprise and admiration.
"We didn't even recognize you!" admitted Penguin, amazed. "You were incredible up there!"
Emi crossed her arms, a teasing smile on her lips. "You completely forgot about me, huh? Didn't recognize who that dazzling, mysterious dancer was?"
Sachi, flustered, tried to explain awkwardly. "It was hard to recognize you in that costume… you looked so… different!"
Emi laughed softly. "I'm just teasing." Her mischievous smile grew. "So, you still want to invite the dancers for a drink? I can set it up for you if you'd like." She added a playful wink to her offer.
Sachi and Penguin glanced at each other, then shook their heads, both with a sly grin. "Actually…" Sachi began, "we'd rather enjoy your company. Would you join us, Emi?"
Emi smiled warmly. "With pleasure." She then turned to Law with a playful smile, "If your captain allows it, of course."
All eyes shifted to Law, who remained impassive for a few seconds before letting out a light sigh at the enthusiasm and joy on his crew's faces. Finally, he gave a slight nod. A little time with her wouldn't hurt, and besides, it was past noon—an opportunity to take a break and find a nearby restaurant.
.~~~~
After wandering through the lively, snow-covered streets of the island, they finally came across a seafood restaurant, much to Bepo's joy. The sign above the door proudly displayed "The Ocean Delight," and Penguin and Sachi's eyes lit up at the thought of a good meal.
They entered the restaurant, and a waiter quickly approached to greet them. His eyes widened as he recognized Law, now a Shichibukai. He stammered slightly as he addressed them.
"W-Welcome to The Ocean Delight. We're honored by y-your visit, Captain Trafalgar Law. Please, follow me; I'll show you to a table."
The waiter led them to a table tucked away from the main area, offering a bit of privacy. As they settled in, Emi noticed the admiring and curious looks from other patrons. None of them dared approach, but their interest was clear.
She glanced over at Law, an amused smile on her lips. "Your new title definitely comes with perks, Law."
Law shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. "Seems that way."
They had barely taken their seats when a man timidly rose from his table and approached Emi. Still wearing her glittering dancer's costume, she hadn't had time to change, unintentionally drawing attention.
"Excuse me, are you the Eternal Snowflake? Would it be possible to get your autograph? You're amazing on stage!"
The pirates exchanged surprised glances, and Sachi couldn't help but comment, "Looks like you're as popular as our captain, Emi."
Emi blushed slightly, feeling a bit uncomfortable. "Thank you, that's very kind," she replied, signing the autograph.
Once the client left, Hakugan leaned toward Emi, curious. "How come you're known here? You're supposed to be a journalist, right?"
Emi nodded. "Yes, that's right. But I've been here for a good month already. I'm on an important mission, so I had to prepare and stay low-key. The dance performances were a cover, but they also ended up getting me fans, even though that wasn't my intention." Emi sighed, rubbing her arms, and continued. "And honestly, I keep complaining about the cold. I'll never get used to this climate."
Sachi laughed. "Well, at least we're all together now. That should warm you up a bit, right?" he said with a wink.
Emi smiled in spite of Sachi's questionable comment and winked back at him. "Yeah, you're right."
Flipping through the menu, Hakugan broke the brief silence with a practical question. "So, what are we having?"
Penguin, true to his usual enthusiasm, responded without hesitation. "Anything that looks good!" His grin widened as he spotted several appetizing dishes.
Bepo nodded vigorously, his eyes fixed on the fish section. "They have smoked salmon… and grilled tuna…" he murmured, already salivating at the mere thought.
The waiter returned with a professional smile, taking down the orders with flawless precision, despite the palpable excitement around the table.
Once the orders were placed, the conversation resumed with even more energy, each member of the group sharing anecdotes and memories. Laughter mingled with lively discussions about their past adventures. Emi, though sometimes staying in the background, couldn't help but join in the general cheer. She'd always felt comfortable with the crew, and despite the seriousness of her mission, this lighthearted moment was a breath of fresh air.
When the dishes finally arrived, the pirates' eyes lit up at the sight of the platters overflowing with grilled fish, juicy seafood, and crispy vegetables. A true feast.
"This looks amazing!" exclaimed Penguin and Sachi in unison, their enthusiasm almost childlike.
Bepo, eyes fixed on the fish platter, sat mesmerized, his ears perked up, when Sachi suddenly grabbed a bottle of hot sauce.
"Needs a bit of kick, don't you think?" he said, already shaking the bottle with enthusiasm.
Penguin, helping himself to the food, shot him a dark look. "Hey, go easy on the sauce! Not everyone likes their food blazing hot!"
But Sachi, defiant, ignored the warning and squeezed the bottle even harder, splattering Bepo's plate with sauce. Bepo immediately flared up. "Don't ruin the fish like that, idiot!"
In his frustration, Bepo tried to swat the bottle away with a paw, but in the scuffle, a massive jet of sauce shot straight into Penguin's eye.
"AHH ! Damn it! My eye! What the hell is this?!" he yelled, writhing in pain, hands clutching his face. "It burns!"
"Hold still, I'll rinse it out!" Sachi exclaimed, grabbing the water jug and, without thinking, pouring the entire contents right over Penguin's face. Penguin froze, drenched to the bone, sauce and water dripping from his hat.
Penguin shot him a murderous look. "Are you serious ?! You call that rinsing?! You did that on purpose, you bastard!"
"I was trying to save your eye, moron!" Sachi shot back, clearly offended.
Penguin had enough; he grabbed Sachi by the collar, his face still stinging from the sauce. "My ass ! My eye's on fire and you dump a river on me! You're a complete buffoon!"
Emi, watching the fiasco, stifled her laughter, her shoulders shaking. "They'll never change!"
Law, sitting at the end of the table with his arms crossed, let out a deep sigh. "If you two are done with your nonsense, maybe we could eat without risking everything flying off the table."
The two troublemakers froze, sheepish under their captain's icy gaze.
From there, they settled down to eat in peace, though the lively atmosphere remained, and Emi savored the moment, delighting not only in the food but also in the cheerful mood around the table. She leaned in slightly to listen to a story from Sachi, nibbling absentmindedly on her plate.
When the waiter brought over the dessert menu, the atmosphere had calmed, and satisfaction was evident on everyone's faces. Law, who had kept a relaxed but silent demeanor until then, turned to Emi, studying her for a moment before breaking the silence.
"Emi-ya," he began, his tone calm yet direct, eyes fixed on her. "That 'favor' you mentioned... What exactly is it?" he asked in a measured tone.
Emi felt herself snap back to reality, Law's piercing question pulling her out of the comfortable warmth of the evening. Right. There was still this matter to handle—her mission. She cast a quick, cautious glance around, aware of the need for discretion
"There's a private event tonight where some rare objects and jewels will be displayed before an auction," she began, lowering her voice so only Law could hear. "Only high-ranking dignitaries are allowed in. I have a fake identity, and as a recognized dancer, I was invited... but I need to come with a companion. I need you to be my escort."
Law immediately frowned. Attending a high-society event? Not really his style. Worse, it could compromise his reputation. He opened his mouth to decline, but Emi, sensing his intention, quickly cut him off. "It's a masked event; no one will know it's you."
He stayed silent, weighing the risks. It could be an opportunity to meet influential figures and gather useful information, but he was wary of the circles that frequented these kinds of events.
Seeing his hesitation, Emi played one last card. "You'll get to keep part of the treasures. And that rare metal you've been searching for? I'm almost certain you'll find a buyer there."
Law raised an eyebrow, still unconvinced. He cast a quick glance at Sachi and Penguin, thoughtful. He could always suggest that one of them accompany her instead, but a part of him wasn't comfortable with the idea of leaving Emi in the hands of his crewmates in such a delicate situation. He found himself considering alternatives to help her, even though he would have refused her outright just months ago.
"Emi-ya…" he began in his usual tone, "I could get that metal without getting involved in this masquerade."
Emi fixed him with a determined look. Convincing Law was no easy feat, but she wasn't ready to give up. A mischievous smile then appeared on her lips as a brilliant idea came to her. She spoke just loudly enough to catch Bepo's attention, deliberately emphasizing her words.
"There will be female polar bears."
As expected, Bepo, who had been absorbed in his dessert, snapped his head up. His white ears perked up with excitement, and his eyes gleamed with a hopeful spark. "Female polar bears?!" he exclaimed, his voice slightly trembling with excitement.
Law shot Emi a look, fully aware of her tactic. He let out a long, resigned sigh, though he couldn't help a flicker of doubt. Female polar bears here? Aside from Minks, the odds of finding any other talking animals here were slim at best. He wasn't entirely sure if she was bluffing, but he knew Bepo's excitement would be unstoppable now.
"Really, Emi-ya?" he said, exasperated.
Emi nodded, her triumphant smile in place. "We're on a winter island, after all. Those polar bears live in town; I'm surprised you haven't come across them yet."
Bepo, still brimming with enthusiasm, looked ready to leave the table right then and there to search for his kin. Law cast one last glance at his friend, realizing he didn't have many options left.
"Fine," he conceded with a sigh. "But we're not staying forever. Make sure you do this quickly."
Emi, victorious, straightened with a radiant smile. "I knew I could count on you, Trafalgar."
~~~~o~~~O~~~o~~~~
Thanks for reading this chapter! A new mission is on the horizon for Law and Emi—what challenges will they face next? Stay tuned to find out in the next chapter! Hehe, things are about to get interesting !