Sun peeking over Melonberry, the town began to rise. Fishers scuffled to their boats, farmers tilled the fields, and Mafia goons went on their patrols.

"I'm going, Lino," Reno said, leaving his home, a blue coat over his island garb, his head still bandaged and arm in a sling, though otherwise he'd healed well. His eyes went alert as he saw the terrible trio of Gin, Kin, and Seido.

"Oi, Reno: there's a visitor for you."

As his thoughts turned to what day it was, Reno felt a cold sweat breaking out on his forehead.

---

Stepping into the Azure Company estate, Reno winced as he saw the huge form sitting in front of Momo. He was almost Reno's height though he rested with one knee propped up. He had heavy black boots, gray combat pants stuffed into them, and a white tank top over his large chest. Coiled around his waist was a black and white sash. A blue coat and its sleeves dangled over his shoulders, two tanned, thickly muscled arms poking out. One of them seemed to be holding up...a hand mirror? As Reno entered, he lowered it, the face within the mirror turning on Reno, contorted into a surly gaze. Sunglasses covered his eyes, and a thin, pointed beard jabbed from his square chin.

Getting closer, sitting in range of both him and Momo, he began, "Boss Cerulean, I presume?"

Boss Cerulean [Azure Company Commander – Boss "Iron" Cerulean, 30 Million beli bounty] replied, "And you're the punk who elbowed his way into our ranks?"

Reno answered, "I'm sure you're up to date on the situation."

Leaning down, Cerulean demanded, "Where's Chester?"

Despite himself, Reno leaned away slightly. Cerulean made no move to strike him, but it wasn't about whether or not he would, it was about whether or not he [i]could[/i]. Remembering the stakes, he said, "No clue. Do pirates still care about the Grand Line?"

Momo tapped out her pipe, stating, "The other Companies have been told to keep an eye out for him. If he's active we'll hear in a day or two."

Cerulean growled, "And then what? We send my other Lieutenants after him?"

Momo recalled, "He wanted to go fight you specifically."

Cerulean snorted, "Then he'll be getting a fight."

"And then what?" Reno interjected.

Cerulean cricked his neck. "I'll win."

"Not what I was asking. What happens here?"

Cerulean insured, "I'll be back in control."

Reno hissed, "And? So what?"

As Cerulean stared daggers, Momo began, "Actually, since we've stopped our sugar monopoly, productivity has increased. We aren't making more profit, but it's not much of a loss at all. And that's accounting protection costs..."

"It's not about money!" Cerulean roared. Slamming his fist on the ground, he continued, "It's about the message. Some random brat sailing around with the rights to Melonberry's affairs in his pocket... I won't accept that." Standing up, he spat, "I'm going after him."

Momo began, "But the Meet is in a month!"

"I'll adapt." Cerulean squeezed his way out the door, moving back to the docks.

Once he was gone, Reno loosened, letting out a sigh of relief. His heart twinged as he considered his sister... Standing, Reno looked to the window, mentally praying for the best.

---

"Coo, coo."

"Bout time."

Tossing a few coins into the news coo's pouch Macario took the days paper. Adjusting his purple dress shirt, he looked up to the gray morning sky, which was already starting to darken. What a pain...

Taking a look at the paper, he saw the front page advertising the annual Four Color Festival on Stagio Island. He grinned. A few days ago he'd suggested that as the next stop, but he'd forgotten the festival entirely.

Heading into the Breeze, he caught the whiff of food, but strangely enough, Lina was cleaning dishes, wearing a dark red coat over a pale pink blouse and white, knee length pants. "Hey, where's breakfast?" Macario demanded.

Lina huffed. "Early bird gets the worm. The slowpoke mole not so much."

Macario sighed, before taking a seat. "Mole?" he repeated. Cracking open the paper, his eye twitched as he caught a double page spread going on about Terra. The Government loved their propaganda, and when combined with what was basically celebrity gossip, Macario had to avoid gagging.

Leaning over his shoulder, Lina wondered, "Who's that?"

Macario turned to her, blinking, "Have you been living under a rock?"

"I kinda know, but I figured since you like talking I'd just let you have a go."

"...If I had food I'd think about it."

"Leftovers are in the fridge. Be earlier next time," Lina stated, before heading out, a slight limp in her step from her still burned leg.