Restalaan

One Piece: The Devil's Due (Always Accepting!)

KUROZUMI HAKU

The afternoon sun came as men moved, moving crates inside a mansion quickly as they wore hats. Both to protect themselves from the harsh sun and prevent others from seeing their faces with work continuing in near silence.

A brief gust of wind came across them. No one considered it unusual and even welcome it.

Hence no one noticed another new presence that had just walked in brazenly like he owned the place.

Haku strolled in quietly, looking around before ducking into an empty hallway and aimed to quickly find evidence. Even if there are no papers to keep track of, there are always bound to be some documents or ledgers.

This was familiar territory for him and in such a mansion, there’s always bound to be a clue there.

Faint footsteps approached from the second just as he reached the modest but strong oak staircase. Prompting Haku to duck into a blindspot to keep himself hidden, breath nearly stilled and mind blank.

Quiet, soft, and favoring one side. He idly analysed as the footstep got louder, and descended the stairs as it came closer and closer.

From the corner of his eyes, Haku saw the shadow as an elderly man with white hair moved past him, with a monocle in one side of his face and was dressed rather casually despite the rings that he wore.

The Mayor. Haku recognized from the briefing and photo shown to him on board the Kirin. He was on the right track then as he waited for a while longer before he resumed moving upwards.

It didn’t take long for him to find the office as he checked for traps first before pressing his ears against it, then slowly but firmly, he twisted the door handle to avoid making any sound.

Once opened, he smoothly moved inside the room and closed the door behind him.

Taking a look around him, the place with filled with books, a wide carpet, and wooden oak desk that served as the centrepiece, piled with numerous papers and an abandoned cup with a small amount of leftover liquid alongside traces of camomile scent lingering in the air.

Haku glanced through the papers before he placed them back in the exact position as he ran through all of them systematically. Most of It was reports of the island's current supplies stock, requests for help, trade deals, and numerous messages for urgent deliveries to neighbouring villages.

He now has an idea of just how desperate the situation was, that yesterday's complaints seemed subdued compared to the reality of it all.

Haku shook his head, a crime’s a crime. The Mayor turned to crime for understandable reasons, but all it’ll do is let other problems flourish.

Still, this isn’t enough.

Checking the drawers swiftly revealed a few small books, stamps and postcards. The books had nothing beyond torn pages, used perhaps as scribbling rather than anything concrete.

Haku stopped as he reached a certain section, it contained numbers and alphabets. Random perhaps, but he knew better.

It looked like Marine’s code, one that is reserved for commissioned officers but had a few modifications done to it.

Did someone teach it to a civilian? Haku thought as he quickly memorised it, checked for any more codes, and put it back.

He can only decipher parts of it, the rest has to be sent to Cadog. Acting on partial information was dangerous, and the one who knows this best was Captain Cadog.

Though it didn’t escape his attention that these are explicit instructions on how to move things and the amount expected.

—

From the open seas, fast breeze filled the sails of a marine battleship to its fullest and moved at top speed. Marines moved around the deck as they kept it at top condition and eyes open for any threats.

Cadog tapped his smoking pipe, looking at the horizon and the weather carefully. While his navigator was doing the same, it didn’t hurt for multiple eyes keeping a lookout for it.

He moved the tobacco pipe to the corner of his mouth before letting out a puff of smoke, as they passed through Gosa’s Village sea route.

“Report.” Cadog said without turning his back as a thump of a foot and salute came. That earned a few looks from the crew before returning to their work.

“I uncovered a set of messages Marine coded, in the Mayor's office,” Haku replied back, almost like he had always been there the whole time before the latter handed him a notebook.

Cadog frowned and ignored the damp state of his clothing, focusing on the report instead as he flicked through the pages quickly. Prompting Haku to continue his report.

“Marines from the 77th base were also spotted, offloading supplies and outside of uniform.”

“Hmm.” Cadog hummed as he closed the notebook with a snap of his wrist and slipped it in his pocket, then reached for his flask and took a brief swig of its alcoholic content. “How many are involved in this?”

“Four to five, perhaps more.” Haku continued reporting on the number of possible collaborators. “But they could also be paid and not told of what they’re doing.”

“Still involved,” Cadog said with finality as he turned to issue a new order. “Navigator, full speed back to base.”

“You heard the captain! Full speed to the 77th Marine Base!”

“Aye, captain!”

Haku quietly took his place and headed to join the crew but a cough from Cadog stopped that as he went back to attention.

“And the people?”

“Shortage of food, prices went up, and there’s rationing. But there weren’t any overt crimes, nor did the Mayor look to be embezzling or profiting from these.”

“Never assume,” Cadog chided as he adjusted the steering slightly, turning an oncoming wave crash into a gentle slide against the hull of the ship instead. “Remember, a crime’s still a crime.”

“And that captain of the 77th Marine Base?” A hard tone came as the strong scent of rum intensified. “If this is true, then that’s multiple levels of breaches. That blistering barnacle will be lucky to be alive at the end.”

Haku kept silent about that as he glanced away momentarily before he looked back to Cadog. “And his subordinates?”

“All of them will be investigated.” A moment of pause from Cadog before the latter added. “But those found innocent will be reassigned, kept under strict probation but that’s about it. We’re only aiming for the ones responsible.”

Haku let out a sigh he didn’t realize he was holding and quickly nodded at that decision, that was as fair as it’ll get.

“In the meantime, get out of that getup. You stick out like an albatross in a bowl of soup.” Cadog grumbled as he turned away.

Haku will never understand why as he filled out the dress quite nicely. He had thought Cadog would be proud that he managed it all the time and with so little resources as well.

Perhaps it was too obvious to tell from Cadog's perspective?

Oh well. Guess I’ll have to do better. Haku quickly went inside below the deck to dress back in uniform and cleaned himself up in the process.

—

77th Marine Base

Currently mostly devoid beyond the skeleton crew left behind, as everyone was expected to take three days off due to the presence of Captain Cadog and the Kirin’s crew.

This was why when the Kirin moored in the afternoon, no one suspected anything out of the ordinary.

Cadog, the Kirin’s first-mate, and Haku, all of three went towards the 77th captain's office. They kept to a leisurely pace as Haku moved behind the first-mate as per protocol and carried most of the incriminating documents.

With a quick rap on the door by Cadog, the latter entered without waiting to be invited as the first mate and Haku filed in together.

“Ah, Captain! Back from your patrols?” The 77th Captain rose from his seat and quickly gestured to Cadog for a seat even as he went to the cabinet to get the latter a drink.

“Aye.” Cadog shrugged and took a seat across the table, letting the 77th captain finished pouring as he too returned to his seat. “So, is there anything? I doubt you brought those two for pleasantries.”

Hands waved towards the First-mate and Haku.

“Nothing much.” Cadog commented as he took the glass, swirled the contents, and downed it in one gulp. “It’s about your activity of sending your supplies to the mayor without permission.”

The air couldn’t get colder than some of the winter Island in the Devil Seas as the accused paled so fast that Haku wondered if the man had a devil fruit that allowed him to turn that white.

—-

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

@PaulHaynek@AzureKnight

Skarsneek of the Red Hills

“Ah, right. Thought you meant another.” Skarsneek quickly corrected himself as Yurine mentioned the kind of seal, which honestly befuddled him. This sort of arcane wasn’t his forte.

But he had a good memory, so Skarsneek had to trace the character out and look for the numerous seal that actually fit the bill.

Yurine was already ahead of him as she placed another seal on Hinami, stating that it would put her in a docile state.

Skarsneek shrugged and only tightened his hold gently around his sister-in-law should anything happen.

“Hinami, you okay?” Skarsneek gently asked after Yurine stuck the piece of seal on her.

—

Gringor of the Ironhide Tribe

Gringor gave a thoughtful as he heard about this chi shield requirements.

“Can’t do peaceful but can do calm. Like hunting.” He waved his hand, besides, those Dragon Warriors used it in battle. So it was possible to be used in battle, that alone was enough to make it worth learning.
Though when he heard the other requirement, he furrowed his brows. That would explain why Yurine got the drop on them.

But at the same time, did it mean he could’ve just grappled them down to the ground the moment they used those shields?

Something to do later.

“A moment or instant is enough, can use to block or become hard when enemy charge.” Undeterred, Gringor said as he figured out different ways to use it offensively.

“So, what I need to do?” He open his arms wide, wondering how this works.

One Piece: The Devil's Due (Always Accepting!)

A broken record, but I'll need more time.

This entire month is rough, between getting a new position, guiding new guys, and getting my ass kicked by my boss, I really am just not in the mood to write until Monday or so.

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

@PaulHaynek@AzureKnight

Skarsneek of the Red Hill

Letting Hinami rest as he gingerly put her onto a bed inside a grain storage, he sat close by even as he relieved some of her stress by using a wet cloth and a small basin to wipe her face.

It felt familiar, taking care of another younger sibling when they fall sick. Though Hinami’s case was more severe and life-threatening to others.

Idly, he wondered if there was anything that could be done. Undead usually was more docile and Hinami certainly wasn’t the lower-ranked variety. That she could talk, interact and retain much of her personality was enough to be counted to be a noble undead.

It being the consequences of a curse or ritual gone wrong, was sobering.

While sitting, nearly silent footsteps caught his attention and his hands went to the clubs immediately as he looked who was approaching.

“Oh, granny, what’s up?” He said and relaxed when the presence revealed itself to be Yurine.

Hearing that she plans to do the spell that’ll help calm her down or do whatever it’s supposed to do had him tense, but he supposed it was better to just get it done.

“I think we should probably wait until her sister gets back first, unless you need it done now...” Skarsneek said, it didn’t felt correct to do this without Atsuha but if it was time sensitive, then he’ll have to trust Yurine on this.

Though on being questioned of what to do to calm her down, Skarsneek looked back to Atsuha and Hinami before coming to a conclusion.

Raising Hinami, and being aided a little with his knee. He placed her in an embrace from the back and had her head rested against his stomach.

It was a bit different from how Atsuha does it, but she didn’t have legs anymore while he had.

“Right, this should do it.” Skarsneek said, though his position also meant he can easily change to a sleeper hold if Hinami decides to go wild again.

—

Gringor of the Ironhide Tribe

Gringor shrugged when Nobutada jested he has joined Varjan army with the new armor. “Make it too easy, no fun.”

The point of a fight was to be hard, an easy fight wasn’t worth it in his opinion.

“Fought Shizuka, and…didn’t win.” Gringor waved his hands as he focused the so-called chi or spirit energy as they’re called by the shamans. The thing desired by all mamono, something he generates and is special.

He didn’t see anything different between the demonic energy or spirit energy, since they’re essentially the same. Different, but same.

Pushing that aside, Gringor focused on what he can do with it instead as he focused it to his fist. It gathered there, made his hits stronger.

But that’s about it.

“Had arm bitten, not strong, not tough enough.” He said, recalling the sensation of teeth sinking into his flesh and bone.

It angered him as he grimaced darkly.

“So was thinking about spirit.” He then turned to Nobutada. “Seen those robe bois, dragon something. Dress little but when hit, axe bounced back.”

“Gravekeeper said it was technique, but it reminds me more of you. And you’re tougher.” Gringor then got to the heart of the matter.

“Can teach, how to make me tough? So I can make axe and armor tougher too.” He grinned, one that he hadn't done so for a while.

One Piece: The Devil's Due (Always Accepting!)

KUROZUMI HAKU

Morning shone through the small gaps of a wooden window before it opened, revealing the inhabitant as they greet the sunny day with sun standing at its apex.

Haku, now freshened up as he adjusted his disguise, headed downwards.

Last night showed nothing, it was deadly quiet and not even any signs of night activities.

Disappointing but hardly unexpected, it’ll take more than that to find out signs of crimes.

Still, he had a job to do.

“Good morning! Thanks for hosting me.” Haku said as he greeted the bartender and placed the money for the overnight stay. “Here, and a little extra.”

“Pleasure doing business, you going back?” The Bartender accepted the money with a pleased smile.

“Not yet, I’m off for a while and I wanna see the place for a bit.” Haku nodded as he stepped outside.

“You can take a gander at our beaches, there’s some beautiful sights there!”

“Will do!”

With that, Haku left the area and looked around the village.

Unlike last night, it was bustling and more people were seen as they moved around to make meets end, plying their trade or rarely, just stopping by for a rest before moving on.

The afternoon market of fresh fish and bounty of the sea, usually on full display by proud fisherman, was sparse. Prices was much higher too and even those sold was often chopped to pieces of fillet instead of a whole fish.

Not a great sign for the village, especially if it’s how they make their livelihood. There was some farms here, alongside livestock but those weren’t enough to provide enough for a whole island.

A perfect moment for people to take advantage of such a problem by selling food at a higher price, alongside other necessities.

But still, Haku mused that it left little signs of who would deal with it. Especially now if everyone is hoarding their supplies to be sold slowly.

Looking around the market for a moment and slowly left to the outer ranges, the one thing that didn’t seem in short supply was the coconuts at least. Large mounds of it stacked, as it was served fresh or being processed in other forms.

It was a novel fruit, so much uses and being so tasty. He had never seen a coconut tree and fruit until he left Wano but if he could, he’ll plant them by the dozens at every shore of Wano so people can taste this wondrous thing.

A small part of his mind however, didn’t deny that it was also possible for the people of Wano to outright reject the fruit simply because it wasn’t a local fruit.

Pushing that aside, he wandered around the beaches. Taking a moment to think and explore Gosa Village completely since he had only seen it at night.

Haku looked at the horizon, a quiet moment for himself with nothing in his ears aside from the noises of seagulls, waves, and wind.

A moment flashed as he recalled a lone grave, unmarked and unnamed, all so to protect its sanctity from being defiled due to its association.

Haku halted in their steps as he counted mentally how long has it been.

Too long.

He settled to one last thought before he continued his stride, she’ll certainly love this place.

—

Walking back to the pier, Haku had already made a round and scouted out a few places that he hadn’t been aware. The beaches was much shallower at the east, and at certain low tides, he could actually walked to another smaller connected island.

One that he had taken a look at, not that he needed the path but it was another thing to note.

Activity had slowed, with the sun now beating harshly down as most people wore hats to continue working or taken to resting under shades.

Moving right along, he’ll soon had to change to another cover or take to hiding. His identity can only last so long and people will grow suspicious soon.

However, he got the gist of the place and information to dig for more. He just need to look for a good disguise and story to-

Wait. He stopped in his steps as he glanced to the side as a new ship was currently berthed to the port. It was unmarked and unremarkable with all the trappings of a merchant ship.

The crew also had a bevy of clothes and hats that covered their faces as they unloaded their cargoes but it wasn’t too unusual as most of the other sailors was doing the same.

No, why he stopped was that he recognized all of them.

They’re marines from the 77th base.

Haku forced himself to quickly moved before he was spotted and disappeared from sight, once he was in a darkened alley, he moved at a much faster speed and double around to get as close as possible.

From there, he observed the disguised marines. With only four large wooden crates unloaded and packed for transportation in a wagon, what he assumed was the captain of the ship quickly shook hands with the transporter and headed back to the ship alongside the crew.

A storm of debate flew in his mind, who to chase after?

That passed quickly as he followed the mission parameters. Find the dealer, they’ll deal with the Marines in due time.

Cadog however was not going to be happy with this. Barely a day and they’re already moving things out? The base captain was a lot bolder than he gave credit for.

Then again, it was the best time. Cadog was no doubt on patrol, and they just resupplied with a few days of relaxation on top of it. There was no better chance.

Was that why Cadog gave that off days as well? Haku wondered as his eyes now saw the transporter leaving on the wagon.

He quickly moved, this time, fully utilizing his stealth as he moved into the crowd like they didn’t even exist. All people saw at most was just a passing glimpse at the corner of their eyes, hardly worth remembering.

As the wagon slowly left the village, this was Haku changed his approach quickly by sticking to the foliages and keeping at a distance.

Hidden as the oblivious wagon continued onwards, Haku listed the places the road leads to, there was the farm, the plantations, and dried fish processing plant.

Yet the wagon seems to go to neither of those places. Almost moving leisurely in fact as it made a whole round across the island before coming back.

That’s when Haku saw at a distance where the wagon was going.

It was the Mayor’s residence, a large mansion that probably doubled as an office or shelter in times of crisis..

Nothing too grand compared to other more extravagant mayors he had seen but it had tall wooden fences to mark its territory.

Haku changed as he put his mask on and tied his hair into a bun, ensuring that if he was spotted, no one would put the two disguises together.

During this time, the transporter stopped and opened it before resuming the journey, urging the horse to go in quickly as already, a few other men was waiting for his arrival.

Haku was wary enough and tried to spot any traps or alarms from the open field, the fence and then to the mansion proper.

Luckily, there didn’t seem to be any nor are there dogs. A quick look at the windows showed no one hidden observing as well. Security like this was way too lax and might he even say, completely negligent.

East Blue was really different, such a thing would never fly in the Grandline and Devil seas, but he supposed it was simply how it is.

With that, he quickly blurred and made his way past the open area, past the fence and then stuck close to the mansion walls, moving silently all the way.

Gather evidence, find any documents, and then get out to report this. Haku quietly thought.

One Piece: The Devil's Due (Always Accepting!)

sorry all, my post will be delayed, the current festivity is leaving me very little time to write a good post.

One Piece: The Devil's Due (Always Accepting!)

KUROZUMI HAKU

Moving through the twilight hours, Haku shifted slightly as the clothes he was in, fluttered against the night wind.

Choosing a dress and looking like a traveling woman was questionable for anyone in the Marines but this was not the first time he had done this and nor would it be the last. Besides it was the best way to get people's guard down.

So in he went into the town’s bar, lively and bright, as he straightened his long flowing hair and wrinkle in his clothing.

Oh dear. Haku got more attention than he expected as nearly everyone stopped what they were doing the moment he entered.

Taking a few calming and slow steps, he nonetheless continued on and sat on one of the chairs in front of the bar.

“One beer please, and a side dish.” Smiling to one of the barmaids, Haku cordially ordered as he took some time to look around the place.

It was furnished as well as it could, not much patchwork though not of a high quality either. The most sturdy thing here was the bar counter he sat in front, no doubt it was to allow the owner to protect themselves should anything happens.

“I didn’t see you here before, got a name, pretty lady?”

“Haley, I just got here.”

“So what's someone like you doing in our village?”

“Traveling, and delivering supplies to the closest Marine base. I just got off an off day for the job well done.”

“You’re from the Marines?” The Bartender eyes lit up in recognition, one that Haku spied seemed honest. Still, better to play his cards on the safe side.

“Non-commissioned, I simply work on the ships delivering the goods. I was recommended to come here in fact, that the food and scenery here is great.”

“Oh ho, you heard right then! We have the best seafood and beer here! I’ll serve you our special in fact, freshly caught this morning!”

“And here’s your dear, darling.” The barmaid returned and gave a winked, making Haku nodded with his own smile and thanked her as he raised the barrel looking mug to his mouth.

Taking a sip at first, it didn’t seemed poison nor drugged. At least, one he can taste. So down the hatched it went, emptying in one take, letting out a contented sigh and handing it to the barmaid again. “One more!”

The beer was decent at least, Cadog might actually enjoy it. Perhaps he can ask for a barrel to be sold to them?

For now, he had a job to do.

—

Hours later, with most patrons getting swept up as other drank deeply, Haku felt a little flush of his face but he got some information at least.

“-So, there was a storm breaking out of late?”

“Yes, the weather’s been terrible. Sometimes the storm just hits out of nowhere, and it’s been hitting our village hard.”

“My condolence, any injured?”

“Injured, yes, but thankfully, no fatalities.” The barmaid as she cleaned the barrel mugs away. “But we’ve been lacking good catch. You’re lucky since today was a good haul, usually, there’s less.”

That also explains the price. Haku quietly thought, it wasn’t exactly cheap for that amount given.

“But it seems everything alright so far? I mean, food aside, the village looks fine.”

“Mainly because our Mayor has been working hard to get everything running.” The Bartender commented as he wiped a barrel mug clean before giving her a plate of small hardtacks.

“Thank you.” Haku politely said before feigning to miss the biscuit once and then twice, before placing a hand on his head. “I think I might have taken a bit too much-”

“Oh, how about you stay the night? We do run an inn business as well.” The barmaid followed up quickly, and Haku agreed to it as he picked a hardtack, broke it into a small piece and munched on it.

“Sure, lead the way. I’ll pay tomorrow morning.”

So with that, Haku was led upstairs and into a nice single room. No doubt, used for occasions when there are plenty of tourists.

Haku stumbled a step as the door was opened for him, unsteadily thanking the barmaid and then locking the door before finally landing on the bed.

He remained motionlessly there for a full minute before hearing the light footsteps and creak of the stairs before silence reigned, only then did Haku open his eyes and inspected the room.

The door lock was inside, and a latch rather than a doorknob.

No faint blood scent nor any traces of it at the ceiling.

Nor are there any hidden compartments or entrances.

Just a normal room. Haku declared as he turned towards the wooden blinds covering the windows and cracked it open slightly. There was still a few patrons, moving in and out but those are far in between. Only the occasional night lamps kept the area lit.

Haku stayed in the room however, he’ll have to move out later on, once he’s sure everyone below had gone to sleep.

Reviewing so far, there didn’t seem to be any lead beyond the weird weather and Mayor.

He was no navigator, so he can’t tell if such weather was just normal or a coincidence. The Mayor able to keep things together was also a suspect, but that could be a red herring.

Think, who stands to benefit the most from the deficient supplies?

Food was one, and so was contraband like smoke, medicine, or alcohol.

Well, he had his work cut out for him as he cracked his fingers together. He’ll have to drop by the other haunts and see what else was missing from the picture.

Thus, with nothing else, he sat crosslegged and meditate. One that was taught to him by his father and mother, to better focused themselves.

—

With night at its apex as all shops finally closed and inhabitants retired for rest. A window opened silently before a shadowy figure crept out of it silently and almost defying gravity, crawled upwards. Leaving not even a creak of sound as they stood at the top of the rooftop.

Haku looked from atop, dressed much differently as he was fully clothed this time, head to toe, with something that look far more casual yet also making his figure much harder to figure out from a glance.

Then to complete it, he wore a white mask to cover his face with a black marking on it.

No one here would recognize it, but even if people did, he would still wear it proudly.

Pushing that aside, he decided to move around and patrol the area first to familiarize himself. It also doubled to find out if there are any people that snuck around for any underground business.

Jumping and pushing off gently but strong enough to race to another building in a single leap, Haku moved and traversed around quickly.

Come morning, barely anyone noticed the soft thudding throughout the entire village.

—

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

@PaulHaynek

Just a little gear update, Gringor swiped Kalaj armor and is wearing it. Is that okay with you?

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

@PaulHaynek@AzureKnight

Skarsneek of the Red Hill

Skarsneek and Gringor both shared an unhappy glance, though the latter was due to looking like he was taking orders from the goblin.

The former however couldn’t care, and was focused on the health of her sister-in law.

Seeing Ayu helped even as he waved goodbye to Yurine. “See ya later granny, don’t throw out your back so soon, and thanks for herbs.”

“Alright, now sod off will you?” Skarsneek jabbed towards Gringor even as he adjusted his hold from carrying Hinami under her shoulders to a bride carry instead.

“Can gobbo handle dead girl?”

“Hinami, you mud-swimmer.” He followed up even as he grunted before steadying Hinami in his arms. “Also, what kind of man can’t carry a woman?”

“A weak one.”

“Right, how original.” Skarsneek sarcastically remarked before heading off with Atsuha. “Try not to trip and break your neck.”

“And if Gobbo arms gets pulled out of socket, Gringor will help put it back.” With that, Gringor left, presumably to his own device which helped lessened Skarsneek's headache.

With the high orc gone, Skarsneek is finally able to focus on Atsuha and the whole topic of Hinami’s nature.

“We need to talk.” He commented but softly added. “But later in private, at night. Go take a break, wash up, and I’ll get dinner for you two.”

—

Gringor of the Ironhide Tribe

Gringor put the annoyance at the back of his mind as he gripped his hands, today was good. Fight was good, he didn’t win for now but that was okay.

He’ll win next time.

But still, he needed armor, those white-robes were a good start but hearing it was this…chi that powers them put a damper on things.

Wandering around and finally, a makeshift armory place, he caught sight of something interesting.

It was a Varjan armor, heavy, bulky, but also protective.

Gringor stared at it for the moment, before an idea popped into his head as he went inside and disappeared for a while.

A few moments later, he came out walking with bits of armor. Crudely but also methodically fashioned and bolted together as he noisily moved, sending panic to some at first before seeing his head and weapon to realize that it was the High Orc.

Moving around in it, it was hot, uncomfortable and tight around his chest. The previous owner body mass was much smaller than he thought.

But it was armor nonetheless, and he walked around with it to get used to the weight.

Gringor realized that to win, he needed aside from thinking, spirit energy and techniques. He needed more weapons.

The armor? It wasn’t to protect him.

It was so when he barged into others, it’ll hurt them more instead.

Still, he needed more before an idea came to him from observing those white robe bois. Recalling his strike being deflected completely, almost like how that lazy monk did it.

So off he went to where Nobutada was, hopefully, he was doing something else and not sitting there the whole day again.

One Piece: The Devil's Due (Always Accepting!)

I missed the last SBS, so here's one for Haku reaction to most of the other PC.

Annabelle: Haku reaction would mainly be wary, since while he doesn't know much of Annabelle's history, the scent of gunpowder alone would stand out as he knows that not many people can get that scent unless they're using it a lot. If he does know Annabelle other nickname and what she's done, he'll have to arrest her.

Rico: Would find him pleasant to be around, but since he's a pirate, Haku is obligated to arrest him on sight. That being said, if he has to chase Rico or a criminal, he'll go for the latter first since Rico crimes are not that high just yet.

Morgan: Finds Morgan a great person from a first impression and wouldn't mind be stationed there if there was an opportunity. A role model citizen by all accounts and respectable ambition.

Luna: Haku would find Luna a surprising sight since he only heard of the Minks tribe. Luna would be the first mink he would see, and would be excited to know more about the Minks.

Suiten: Similarly, Haku seeing a mermaid will make him very excited as he has never been to Fishman island. Will ask a lot of question if given the chance to know more about her homeland.

As to additional information, Cadog favorite alcohol is rum. He carries multiple flask with him and has a whole roomful of crates next to his private room.

Lots of other marines also like this because they can often barter with him to get a bottle of good quality rum, so long the alcohol they trade is something he likes.