Serious: Crescendo Pirates: Something Special?

North Blue
Dowsing Brooke Isle

Winds blew by, clouds scattered across the sky whilst a sunshine had departed and the citizens of Calfskin Town were retiring to their homes after a long hard day. At an end for the folk who lived here, it was a pirate's beginning. The pubs flipped their signs to open and patrons flooded in through the doors. Bottle tops were removed & corks popped out of place as the drink flowed. Jaunty music filled the bars and spilled out into the streets along with the occasional drunk.

Marines were now scarce on the island after the large terrorist incident on another local island which drew them all near. A few were left but not nearly enough to stop an impending threat which was coming its way. Whilst the clouds grew dark and skies cracked a loud thunderous roar, drunks cheered downing pint after pint, citizens cowered in fear and pirates all docked their ships at the docks.

Climbing down from a fellow pirate ship, Lister had failed in his attempts to steal a few crew mates. As annoyed as he was, he didn't hold it against them. They were loyal so good for their Captain. Walking through the streets he could see the clouds were bringing a storm, the only question would be, would it be strong enough to rival him? Probably not Watching a few strangling members of the public meander past him, Lister shot them dirty looks. No real reason for doing so other than just wanting to strike fear into their hearts.

Hearing the jaunty tune of music up ahead, he quickened his pace and made haste for the doors. A lively pub meant people and what kinda people hung about in pubs? Pirates! Quickly kicking the doors in and making his entrance, Lister managed to temporarily silence the crowd, they returned to their drinks and chatter as Lister made his way to the bar.

"Hey bar keep, do you know anyone around here who builds ships?" Lister asked with a devilish grin. He wanted to gather a crew, but a ship had to come first. Can't get anywhere without one.

The cold northern winds blew through Arthur's body. Chilling him to the bone. Arthur wasn't use to this weather. Token Island always had an odd climate. There was heat and lots of humidity. Most of the island was in fact covered in a jungle, but the peak of Mount Kyoku was quite freezing. Arthur had spent some of his training hiking up and down the mountain. There were times where he couldn't even feel his hands, and so he had get used to gripping his sword with numb hands. Arthur learned then it was easier if you used gloves to wield a sword.

Arthur continued to walk through the streets of this town he had found himself in. The evening was quite beautiful. The taverns were lively with celebration, and their joyous music was heard through out the town. Arthur thought it was as if pirates all over were celebrating after some large victory. The loud crack of thunder echoed throughout the dark night. Arthur paused for a second, and he started to notice drops of rain showering him. The rain soothed him. It relaxed his mind. In fact, he was so relaxed, that Arthur started to yawn. A drowsiness fell over him. Arthur shook his head to keep himself awake.

Arthur finally came to a pub, where he smelled the fresh scent of large amounts of food. If there was one thing pirates could do well, it was eating. Arthur himself wasn't too bad. He decided to enter the pub to get something to devour. When Arthur walked in, he noticed all the pirates and their crews. He realized this could be the place he could find a crew to go on his adventures with. He hoped that those adventures would take him to Xcalibur.

Arthur bought large amount of food, and kept eating for more and more food, until he had two high stacks of plates where food had once filled. Arthur released an obnoxiously loud burp. He was kind of embarassed, but it seemed the other pirates didn't care at all. Arthur suddenly thought about how, out of nowhere, a new era of pirates began again. There were new pirates sprouting everywhere. It seemed that he had chosen the right time to set sail.

Roberto was walking down the street, wrapped in robes aimlessly wandering. He did this for 2 reasons, the first one was someone with as high of a bounty as him would attract the attention of many people. The 2nd reason was because he had just witnessed the death of his best friend Calupa back in the New World. Roberto recollected his time in the New World, "It's actually good I left the New World, it's not a place for guys who are like me, I need to get stronger in Paradise. The New World was always demanding me and Calupa to put out 110% of our strength we always had to come up with new strategies, and new techniques to survive. It was to stressful on the body, Paradise should be calming and soothing for my body!" Roberto walked into the pub and said, "I want a cold 1 on the rocks!"

Lister

Turning his gaze to the man in white who'd asked about a ship, the barkeep looked towards Lister to reveal a single eye on display whilst the other had a patch sat over it.

"Aye, I know a few people."

He replied.

"Right, well mind sending me his way?" Lister asked tapping his fingers on the bar.

Raising his hand and pointing towards the corner, Lister turned to look to where he was pointing. Nodding and heading towards the disheveled looking man nursing a whiskey, Lister took up the seat opposite.

"Barkeep tells me you build ships/"

Sipping from his whiskey and raising his head to look at Lister.

"Yea, I build ships and what of it?"

"Well I want one."

"Everyone wants one of my ships."

"And whys that?"

"Used to work in Water 7, but then I retired here. I'm a local celebrity."

"Right, well I personally don't give two shits about any of that, can you build me a ship and if so then do it?"

Finishing his drink quickly the shipwright wiped his mouth and got to his feet.

"I can't build ships anymore."

"Why?"

Removing the rags which covered his torso, he revealed his missing right arm.

"I used to be able to do it one handed, but since they attacked me they managed to damage my shoulder, I can't move as quickly anymore."

"Well this was pointless." Lister blurted out as he got to his feet about to storm out furious with having his time wasted. Clenching his fist about to level the bar with his fruit powers. Lister was interrupted in thought.

"However, the Marines took my last ship."

Turning back to the shipwright, Lister raised an eyebrow.

"And?"

"You can have it if you get it back."


Arthur Gray

Whilst another barkeep attended to the man known as Arthur Gray and watched him pile up plate after plate, the barkeep coughed as he laid out a hand.

"So do you plan on paying for all this food?"

Stepping up beside Arthur and flipping out a wallet, the gentleman with a grey/silver suit and black t-shirt handed over a wad of beli.

"I'll pay for his food." he said to the barkeep who snatched up the bills greedily and begun to count them. After flicking through them all and stashing them in the register, the man beside Arthur smiled back at him.

A tall man with a black v-neck t-shirt and silvery suit and a smile that told you something was wrong. Offering his hand to Arthur he spoke.

"No need to thank me, I'm Jerrel Jones and I've got a question for you."

Jerrel had seen the man enter the bar from afar and spotted his sword, which was the reason he'd come over. He didn't see himself getting very far with the other pirates in the bar and his tale. but this man, he looked to be something different, someone who wouldn't tell him to piss off and be on his way.

Waiting for a handshake, Jerrel signaled to the barkeep for two beers.

Placing a few more beli down and having them snatched up again, the barkeep loaded them into the register. Two mugs of Red Rascal were placed down before them.

"Drink up."


Roberto

On the far side of the bar as the young man Roberto was attended to and given what he'd asked for, a drink was placed down before him. Keeping his hand out waiting for pay, the barkeep replied.

"2.50"

People had seen the heavily robed man enter through the doors and taken no notice of him. The music flowed and so did the drinks. Swallowing them down and grinning gleefully, the pirates continued to drink it all up.

Singing along to the chorus of the song crudely, Gingerbeard and his men had arms slung around one another. Beer spilling over the floor around their feet, they couldn't have been merrier. Whilst outside a storm tore through the night, thunder cracked whilst lightning shocked the skies. Wind howled through the open doors and out the opposite doors.

Sitting beside Roberto a young lady with short black hair and a cocktail dress, reaching into her bra and removing a card she placed it beside his drink.

"So whats a man like you doing here?" she asked curiously with a cheeky grin on his face.

Upon the card lay a large skull with the words below written in a fancy font.


"The card marks you for death if you linger around here. However, I've done the cards several times since you've entered and they've marked all other paths for you, for death unless of course, you choose to aid me in a little venture of mine."

Whilst the woman waited for a reply, she held a hand up to her eye and quickly started eyeing up the local thugs who sat around the bar. She had her plan all set up, now she just needed a man to escort her and if she was write, a man with a minuscule bounty of 10,000,000 would be enough.

Arthur finished his food and wiped the mess and crumbs off his face with his arms. He had been taught proper etiquette, but there are places and times for everything. Arthur saw the man walk up and pull a large sum of cash out of his wallet, and he payed for Arthur's food. Arthur looked at this man oddly. All Arthur could think was what exactly this man wanted in return? This man introduced himself. His name is Jerrel Jones, and he wanted to ask Arthur a question. But, why? Then Arthur realized Gureken might have caught the man's eye, or maybe just maybe this was just the man Arthur's looking. He bought Arthur some drinks.

Arthur tilted his head back and took a huge gulp from the beer. Arthur asked. "Well, are you a pirate captain looking for someone to join his crew? If you're not, then you're not worth my time." Arthur then considered how the man paid for Arthur's food and bought him a beer. "Sorry, nevermind what I said before. You're already buying me drinks and we just met. Haha, now, my name is Arthur Gray and what can I do for you?" Arthur asked.

"Ugh you dirty wench, you ruined my drink, I really don't need to be stressed anymore then I am already madam so I must say good bye!" Roberto stormed off out of the building in a huff and then used his caminhada anjo move to move in the sky in the same manner as geppo and sat on top of the building staring at the clouds. "I guess getting drunk outta my mind isn't the way to calm myself down, I'll probably end up in the emergency room like that, I'm especially vulnerable to alcohol." Roberto sighed and then looked down and began to slowly slide down the side of the building and sat down next to the pub. "Calupa... if you can hear me, please protect me man, I miss ya and love ya!" Roberto got up and strolled around town.

Lister

Standing and thinking about the offer for a full few seconds, Lister sat back down again and begun the questions. There was something going on here, but the question was what? Why'd the old shipwright let him have the ship if he got it back? There was more to this story than he was letting on.

"Why so kind?" Lister asked.

"Ok I'll level with you, theres something aboard the ship I want back, I didn't get a chance to get it before the Navy took it."

"And that is?"

"Nothing of your concern, you get me my ship back and you can keep it, all I want is a small black box I left aboard the ship that means nothing to anyone else but me."

Sighing and mulling this offer over for a few seconds, Lister finally stood up.

"Alright you got a deal old man, I'll get you your ship back and let you take your precious item back, but if I find out your setting me up I will unleash a shit storm upon you."

Heading out the door and into the harsh weather, Lister prepared himself for the Marine Head Quarters he would soon be invading.

Stepping from the bar and towards a large open plain, Lister made sure he was a safe distance from the town before using his fruit powers. Looking left, right then behind him to make sure he hadn't been followed, Lister used his Lucifer's Fang technique to raise the ground beneath him. Reaching a height of 50 feet and stood atop a large blunt growth from the ground, Lister raised a hand above his eyes and started scouting for the aforementioned Marine HQ.


Arthur Gray

Laughing at the man who had acted so rude at first then so pleasant second, Jerrel smiled back at Arthur.

"Not a problem Arthur, its a pleasure to meet you, much nicer than the rest of these dickish men. Anyway I'm going to cut to the business since I'm sure you don't want to listen to me prattle on about pointless stupid shit. I came over to speak with you because one, you looked like a guy who had time to listen and two I noticed your sword."

Taking a sip from his glass and brushing back his hair, Jerrel continued.

"Now I've got a buddy who had a sword, very much like this one you've got here. Except its different. The sword my buddy had was a special kinda sword. It had a thing called a devil fruit infused into it. Now I don't know if you know this, but a devil fruit is this weird fruit with spirals all over it that gives people special powers when eaten cause its possessed by a demon or some shit."

Taking another sip from his drink, a much bigger one this time, Jerrel looked around at the pirates in the bar, as if he was trying to keep an eye on them.

"But anyway, this sword was taken from him by the Marines and put in the storage room at the Head Quarters. Now I know that you probably don't care about it or anything, but hes asked me to find a man who'll get the sword for him. I know it sounds stupid, and I told him just buy another sword, but he refuses. Something about family honor and ancestry in the blade. So I've got an offer for you. I figured since you've got a sword you might be the type to understand what hes going through with the loss of his blade. But anyway heres the deal."

Taking a pause and removing an envelope from his pocket, Jerrel placed it on the bar.

"Get my friend his swords back and I'll pay you 10,000,000 Beli. Half now, half later."

With a hand resting on the envelope with 5,000,000 beli in it, Jerrel awaited Arthur's answer, he hoped it to be a resounding yes to get his buddy off his back and relieve himself of 5,000,000 too. He always was a little wary about having large quantities of cash on him when around pirates.


Saizou Daichi

Sitting in a booth by himself, Saizou held his eyes closed momentarily, he'd seen a swordsman enter a take up a post by the bar and fill his gullet moments ago and a man sit beside him and buy him some drinks. But as Saizou sat on his own drinking from his glass of water, his left arm which hung limply in his robe reached up and lifted the glass to his lips.

Thinking to himself what the man who spoke to the new arrival wanted, Saizou attempted to listen in. Downing his glass of water, he walked up towards the bar using his left hand on to place the glass down, whilst keeping his hand resting on the hilt of his katana.

Taking up a position beside Jerrel, Saizou spoke.

"Hello barkeep, another glass of water please."

He waited a few moments pretending to ignore the man who spoke as he waited for his glass. Hearing something about a sword at the Marine HQ, Saizou retained an expressionless face and as his glass was handed to him, he snatched it up and took a sip. It was good. Observing the contents he could see it was slightly milky in colour.

"Sorry to trouble you again barkeep, but could I get clean water, this seems to be riddled with god knows what." sighing and complying the barkeep walked from the bar with the glass and quickly returned with another much purer one this time.

"Thank you bar keep." Saizou said as he lifted the glass and placed 5 beli down.

"Oh no, waters free sir."

"Then consider it your tip." Saizou said as he made his way back to his seat and sipped at his water. He'd heard all he needed to hear.

((OOC: Blake will be removed from thee crew for reasons discussed on the chatbox however I am replacing him with my character Saizou Daichi from his crew))

Arthur listened to the man's offer through and through. He understood the importance the blade was for the man, but Arthur didn't want any trouble now especially any with the navy. This was a tough decision, but if Arthur was to do it wouldn't be for money. Arthur stretched his fingers nervously. He always did this when he didn't know what to do with a situation. Arthur had his priorities he needed to find a crew to join. The sword did intrigue him. It was infused with a devil fruit much like Xcalibur is also. Arthur stood up. He had made his decision.

"Well sir, I have my priorities..... But, that does not mean I can't help a fellow swordsman regain his honor and his blade." Arthur gladly announced as he took the letter. He shook Jerrel's hand, and just like that Arthur was off to retrieve this blade. Arthur smiled as he left the bar. He had his first mission or job while at sea. He did notice an odd figure in the bar when the deal was being created. The man was also a swordsman, and it seemed as if he was attempting to listen in on Jerrel and Arthur's conversation. Arthur head to the direction of the Marine HQ. He had seen it on his way into town.

Lister

In the distance of the darkness, Lister could see a large white building, squinting he struggled to make out the emblem on top. Lucifer's Fang creating a smaller mound to the one he was standing on, Lister jumped to the next one which was closer and upon landing on all fours he took a second look. This time he was able to make out the emblem much easier.

It was the classic naval emblem.

Satan's Swallow as the two mounds decreased in size and re-entered the earth, Lister waited for them to reach the ground. As his feet touched upon the ground once more, he started to run, running towards the Marine HQ he figured he'd head in a straight line.

Running towards a building just in front of him, he quickly used his Lucifer's Fang technique again to launch himself up and over the building. In a matter of seconds he was on the other side in the heart of the town and sprinting through it.


Arthur Gray

Seeing how Arthur agreed to getting his buddy's blade back, Jerrel was grateful and as he took the envelope and headed for the door, he smiled. Lifting a den den mushi from his pocket he spoke into it with a smile upon his face.

"Hey mate, we've got a guy. Hes on his way now. I'll make sure to meet him on his way out of the building."

Hanging up the call and placing it back in his pocket, Jerrel finished his drink and headed for the bar's door. He wasn't sure how quickly, Arthur would be finished with this job, but he was certain it'd be pretty quickly, he doubted the man would want to hang around the HQ longer than he needed.

Saizou Daichi

Watching Arthur Gray as he'd said his name was leaving the bar and Jerrel speak to a man on the den den mushi, he made sure to listen in to his words to hear if it were some sort of ambush, after hearing clearly that it wasn't Saizou got to his feet and made his way to the door. He'd been in the town long enough to know where the HQ was by now.

Stepping out into the violent weather, he started walking slowly towards the HQ. With wind blowing his hair aside and the sight of some man in the distance flipping over buildings with what seemed to be great ease, Saizou raised an eyebrow. This was a most unusual situation to behold.

Arthur saw a man launching himself through the air with the GROUND?!?! Arthur's only logical possibility for this was the fact that the man was a devil fruit user. Arthur then noticed the man's trajectory was the Marine HQ. This was his ticket in. Arthur hurried after the man. Arthur didn't move nearly as fast as the man. The rain didn't help much either. It only slowed Arthur down. Arthur taking step after step as rain showered him. Arthur lost track of the man, but barely being able to see through the heavy rain he made out the Marine base. He continued his path until he was a short distance away. He looked around, but he couldn't see the other man. Arthur thought. Is he already in the HQ? No, there would be panic. Did I beat him here? That's ridiculous if I did, but I guess its possible. Arthur came to a decision. He would wait until he spotted the man or action started in the HQ. Then, he would infiltrate the building and get the sword.

Lister
Arthur Green

As Lister propelled himself towards the Marine HQ and finally landed atop the next mound he'd raised, he stood looking at the HQ before him. A magnificent white building stood before him. Thinking to himself Lister chuckled at his thoughts of the building.

"Funny, you hold so much authority, yet your so easy to trash."

Looking to the ground Lister spotted another man running towards the building who seemed to be slightly struggling with the rain. Smiling as he saw him he watched the man. He knew that he was out of sight stood atop the large spike which jetted from the ground.

Waiting to see the man's actions, Lister lowered the rest of the mounds he'd created and contemplated his next move, would he bombard the HQ with spikes or crush it within a cave brought up from thee ground? He wasn't sure yet.

Lowering his own platform to the ground, Lister came down through the darkness and finally met with the ground below and stood level, but about 20 feet in distance from Arthur observing him from afar.

Saizou Daichi

Still walking along the path towards the Head Quarters Saizou thought about the blade and what he'd do with it. In his head he thought about wielding it but instead that would mean nothing to him. Was it the money he wanted? No. He wanted to make his own katana feared not someone elses.

Whilst he slowly made his way towards the HQ he could see the other spires of earth shrinking back into the ground and figured this was the doing of the man he'd seen earlier. What Saizou really wanted was a challenge and a man with a devil fruit infused weapon would be one wouldn't it? Of course it would be. So Saizou's goal was set.

He'd steal the sword back for the man and then ask for a dual to prove his worth as a swordsman.

Arthur waited to see if any action would start. Nothing happened. Arthur thought where the man could have possibly gone. Arthur decided to make the first move. Arthur slowly crept around until he could see the back wall of the Marine HQ. He jumped up the wall, and he stabbed Gureken into the wall. Arthur hoisted himself on top of his blade. He barely kept his balance, but he was just fast enough to grab the top of the wall and pull himself up. It looked like all the training of climbing Mount Kyoku paid off. He pulled out Gureken and leaped off the wall. The large white main building where the sword would be.

Lister
Arthur Green

Watching as the man dashed off and climbed the wall, Lister smirked. He could level the entire building just with a simple lift of the finger, but where would the fun be in that? Heading straight for the large steel gate which was unguarded but didn't need to be due to the fortifications around, Lister muttered.

"Luficer's Fang"

Propelling himself into the air and landing on his feet on the opposite side looked up at the marvel of a building that stood before him. Cracking his knuckles and neck, he walked towards the large metallic door.

Lucifer's Fang as the mound rose just below the door prying it open from the bottom, Lister parted his fingers and the mound opened up creating a hole in the mound which he walked through into the building. Clenching his fist and dragging it back down, Lister smiled.

Footsteps, screams and various other sounds could be heard echoing throughout the HQ from his entrance. Now no one would be paying attention to the swordsman who'd entered through the back. Not only had Lister done him a favor but also brought himself some mice for this cat to have fun with.

Saizou Daichi

Hearing some horrific noises from up ahead, Saizou tilted his head to look towards it. He couldn't quite see what was going on, but he knew it wasn't normal and possibly the work of the man he'd seen flipping over the buildings. Picking up the pace to a sprint, Saizou was ready to get involved in whatever was going on here.

Running towards the large building he figured he could find the man from the bar earlier and give him a hand. Clutching his blade tightly to avoid it from falling out, Saizou was curious to meet the man who'd been flipping over the buildings too.

Arthur had drawn his sword, when all of a sudden he saw multiple groups of marines heading to the main entrance. The possible devil fruit user must have arrived. Arthur approached the back of the large building. The only for him to get in was the front door. There were no back entries, that is saying Arthur doesn't make an entry of his own. Arthur swung his sword extremely quickly with enough force that caused a blast of air pressure to take out part of the back wall. Arthur saw three marine soldiers right inside where the wall came down. Another soldier had been knocked out in the blast. "Well I guess avoiding contact with the navy didn't work out." Arthur chuckled. Arthur quickly leaped to one soldier slicing his neck open before he could react. The next one charged at him with a sword while the other was busy loading his rifle. Arthur easily parried the marine who charged and swung his sword right at Arthur. Arthur, quickly after the parry, stabbed the soldier straight through the heart and left lung. He would be alive for a few seconds. The fired a lousy panic shot that arthur didn't even need to dodge, because the shot missed. ";b'Gray Sword slash."[/b] Arthur said. He quickly dashed right past the marine. He left a large wound right across the marine's chest. "Now where are they keeping the sword?" Arthur said, as he looked around for a map of the building.

Lister
Arthur Green

Watching a few of the marines sliced open before the mystery swordsman ran from sight, Lister raised an eyebrow. Whilst three marines charged him with swords, Lister used Satan's Swallow as the ground beneath them dropped down, the Marines vanished down the pit letting out little screams.

Stepping towards the edge, Lister looked down into the pit and smiled.

"You prick, let us out of here!"

Shaking his head, Lister begun to clench his fist as the walls of the pit begun to close in over the marines. Satan's Swallow: Bite  Hearing the screams echo out whilst walls closed in, Lister stood up and turned to the swordsman.

"So swordsman. What are you doing here? Friend or foe? In other words, do I have to kill you or are you going to stay out of my way?"

Whilst Lister waited for an answer, he shook the ground beneath his feet a little in gentle wave out of sheer boredom. Keeping an eye trained on the corridor, he made sure to seek out any marines who may pass by. Waiting for an answer he heard footsteps and as he turned to see a marine taking aim with his rifle, Lister used his technique.

Beelzebub's Cell

As the ground swarmed over him, Lister quickly used his Beelzebub's Cell: Clench

Whilst screams echoed from the marine's lips and the ground swallowed him up whole, Lister turned back to Arthur awaiting a reply. He knew more men would be arriving soon and held a hand out ready to impale anyone else.


Saizou Daichi

Arriving at the gates, Saizou could see that whoever had done this was definitely powerful, he stepped towards the gate and could see a large mound reaching over the wall. Slowly climbing up it with a single hand whilst the other remained on his hilt, Saizou managed to climb to the top in time to hear screams of agony from men and women. Just what the hell is going on in there?! he questioned in his mind as he looked towards the gate.

Leaping over and landing in a roll which ended on his feet, Saizou looked towards the hole and heard the sounds of Marine voices echoing out from all over the building. Dashing for the wall, he pinned himself to the wall whilst still gripping the hilt and waited for the alert to die down or someone to find him.

Arthur pulled his sword out of another marine's body, when he heard multiple screams from outside. It must be that guy. He thought as he remembered the man leaping to HQ with what looked like a devil fruit power. Arthur thought of how he must be massacring the simple marine soldiers. The man walked inside to the room where Arthur was.The man was tall and had short dirty blonde hair. He looked fairly muscular. He asked Arthur if he was a friend or foe. He asked it in a way where sounded like a threat. The man was clearly formidable, and if he really had a devil fruit power Arthur might not stand a chance against him unless he stabs him with Gureken.

"Well seeing that were both attacking this base for our own reasons, I guess that makes us allies for now." Arthur said, as he said this a marine prepared to fire at him, but it seemed like the other man, Arthur's "ally", controlled the ground and made it crush him. "I hope you realize you have started an all out war on this Marine base, which means you will probably be dealing with a navy captain." Arthur said, as he prepared himself for more marines to attack, and he got in his Gray Sword stance.

Lister
Arthur Green

Listening to the swordsman who displayed no signs of fear, Lister grinned. Allies? he thought to himself as a smile reached over his face. Nodding Lister agreed/

"Alright, allies it is."

Listening to man speak about how he'd brought about an all out war on himself, Lister's grin grew even wider.

"Even better. Names Lister and yours?" he asked. Lister could already hear alarms going off left right and center and footsteps of someone sprinting down the corridor Weirdly enough, the footprints sounded as if they were coming from the door into the building.

As he listened he could hear someone was running up the stairs and soldiers were being sliced up. Raising an eyebrow at the curious sounds, Lister poked his head out the door into the corridor and could clearly see three marine corpses on the floor with bleed leaking in between the bricks on the floor filling them.

Whoever this man was he sure had some way with a blade.


Saizou Daichi

Whilst the screaming temporarily stopped, Saizou peered inside the building and could see a few bodies cut up and how the brick work was slightly altered, raising an eyebrow as he heard voices he took this as his chance to move.

Sprinting past the room the two men were in he quickly unsheathed his blade at the foot of the stairs at the sight of three soldiers dashing down.

Wasp's Sting

Plunging the blade deep into the soldier's neck, blood burst from his neck as the blade was removed and his corpse fell down the stairs bleeding out, as the next soldier raised his sword to block, Saizou used Eagle Talon Whilst his attack was partial blocked the projectile that made it through cut up his torso and lowered his defenses. Lunging up the stairs and stabbing the katana into the man's stomach, Saizou quickly whipped his blade to the right tearing out the soldier's stomach and stepped aside to let him drop.

Grinning as he looked at the third, Saizou knew he would have had a chance to learn from his fighting of dealing with the previous two. Raising his sword as if he were to strike with Wasp Sting again, Saizou quickly swept his arm the opposite way and brought the blade upwards to slash against the soldier's leg, waist & torso, whilst his blade was hold up high to defend his neck.

Slicing the man open and allowing blood to pool and trickle down the stairs, Saizou watched the man on the verge of screaming, before a single sound left his mouth however, Saizou sheathed his blade and grabbed the man's head. Slamming it against the wall he dropped him to the foot of the stairs.

Continuing up the stairs with haste, Saizou looked either way down the corridor to see marines preparing themselves for the next attacker. Quickly opening a broom closet and stepping inside he took time to breath and plan out his strategy.


Captain Gorosey

Brandishing a glass of Bombay Sapphire, the notorious Captain Gorosey left behind because of his brutishness heard the alarms flying off left, right and center. Shaking his head at the pirate's incompetence, he ran his fingers over the "Crescent Moon"

He watched monitors of the three pirates who attempted to brave the fort he had been left in charge of. Stepping in through the door and taking up position in the center of the room a new Marine stood tall over the desk gulping as he was about to speak.

"Captain Gorosey?"

Spinning in his swivel chair to the young Commander, Captain Gorosey peered through dark eyes at the Commander with auburn hair and a thick cut across the left side of his lips. Smiling at the sight he gestured towards the chair in front. Sitting as he was allowed, the Commander spoke.

"Sorry to bother you, but 3 pirates have stormed the HQ, what're our plans of action?"

"My name is Arthur Gray, and I'm here to find a certain sword. Now, if you could excuse me I must find out where the sword is located." Arthur said. "Now, let's continue." Arthur added as he started up the stairs. Arthur saw Lister admiring three dead bodies on the stairway. They were bodies of navy soldiers. Did Lister just kill these men? If he did then why is he so interested in their bodies?. Arthur thought

Arthur approached one of the bodies. They clearly died by sword wounds, so Arthur realized another man was attacking the Navy base. This man was also a swordsman like Arthur. Arthur thought if he could possibly be an accomplice of Lister, but that didn't seem likely. Arthur continued up the stairs, and he was prepared for any moment if this Lister guy was to back stab him. On his way up the stairs, Arthur noticed multiple marines in the corridor preparing for an attacker. Arthur peeked around the doorway. "Lister, I could use some help." Arthur said as he pointed to the marines in the corridor.

Lister
Arthur Green

Hearing Arthur's name and reason for being here, Lister was curious as to why he was collecting this sword, but not enough to ask. Watching the swordsman charge well into what could be his death, Lister walked along behind in no real rush. As the footsteps stopped and he saw Arthur whispering down the stairs towards him how he needed help, Lister shook his head.

As the swordsman stepped into the open, the marines on either side held their rifles in hand aiming directly at Arthur. They were 10 feet away on either side and hardly about to let him escape so easily.

"Freeze!" a marine shouted at Arthur with an authority stricken voice.

Stepping into the corridor without a worry in the world, Lister heard the voice repeated and guns cocked. Raising his hands as his eyes fell shut and a smile rolled out over his face, Lister elevated two large walls from the ground. A hail of gunfire opened up on the walls and Lister quickly flicked his wrists out. The two walls of earth which had risen begun to roll as if like a carpet were getting rolled up, towards the naval soldiers.

Turning back to Arthur, Lister spoke.

"Well young man, I'm looking for the harbor of this place, but I'll probably be destroying this entire building when I'm done with it, count that as your warning. When I'm on my way out of here, I'll be bringing the place down."

Reading the sign on the wall, Lister found his way to the harbor, heading towards the left he calmly walked down the street with a devilish grin on his face whilst. As he reached the end of the corridor he could see the large roll of earth had flattened the soldiers against the wall.

Taking the first right and walking down a large set of stairs towards the courtyard he held a grin over his face. The signs on the wall pointed right for the storage and this was said to be where Jerrel's mate's sword was currently being held.

Arthur nervously stepped into the corridor. He was prepared for incoming shots at any moment. He watched as Lister calmly stepped in to the corridor and easily dispatched the group of marines. Arthur realized calling him was the right idea. Lister clearly had a devil fruit, and he was extremely powerful. Lister warned Arthur about how he was going to destroy the whole building, and Lister just smiled as he headed to the harbor for whatever reason. Arthur took an odd interest in this man. Arthur nodded as a sign of understanding to get the hell out of here as soon as possible, and hurried after Lister as he slowly left for his destination, until Arthur found the sign which was labeled "STORAGE" and was pointed to the right. "Well, "ally" or Lister, we will be parting ways now. I must go." Arthur said as he quickly left in the direction the sign pointed.

Lister

Arriving at the foot of the stairs & seeing the large courtyard just ahead, Lister ran towards it, a grin still on his face. Sprinting as quickly as he could towards the courtyard, he knew that he didn't stand a chance in shoulder barging the doors down, however that wasn't his plan. Whilst sprinting towards the doors he quickly propelled himself into the air with aid from his devil fruit.

Flipping through the air as he flew over the gate and landed on the other side on his feet, Lister glanced over the courtyard to see if he could find any foes. Looking form left to right then straight ahead he found no one. Seemed that courtyard was empty.

No late night training.

Hearing the waves crashing just in the distance, Lister knew he was approaching the Naval harbor and would find the ship the old shipwright had spoken of.

Dashing through the center of the courtyard towards the harbor Lister found this whole job a little too easy, it irked him how easy, but it wasn't something he was about to complain about.


Arthur Green

Whilst leaving Lister and running down his own way the corridors were empty and alarms bells rang throughout the stony corridors alarming the soldiers who'd never arrive. Too many of them were already helping elsewhere, too many gone and unable to aid in the protection of the HQ.

The pathway to the storage room however had a few muddy footprints over the stony floor which led to the wall and then the ceiling. The further along the path went and down some stairs, a few speckles of blood could be seen, followed by a dismembered hand then a head & a stack of dismembered limbs.

Deep breathing could be heard in the shadows whilst small beady yellow eyes remained vigilant, just waiting for the foe to arrive.

[Introduction Box]
Name: Tezz Athena
Occupation: Commander
Appearance: Looking down from a height of 5 ft 9 with beady yellow eyes and long wavy hair Athena's fringe hangs slightly from his head dipping down then curing upwards slightly, his face is pentagram shaped and skin tone olive. A soul patch sits upon his chin and over his body he wears a whit shirt which has the top 3 buttons undone and a series of beads and various other bracelets around his right wrist. Over his legs he wears black cargo pants and nothing over his feet.


Saizou Daichi

Listening to the chaotic outcome beyond the door, Saizou waited for the perfect chance to leave from his hiding place. Upon stepping out to see no more guards and the ground slightly lower, he took a look to the left then right and down the stairwell he'd just run up. Things were strange but he wasn't sure how strange. Reading the signs on the wall, Saizou read clearly the word STORAGE this was the place for him.

Heading down the corridor he stopped as he noticed a door open leading outside and to a set of stairs. Stepping out and looking out, he could see the man who'd arrived earlier via propelling himself from the raising ground. Looking back down the corridor then towards the man who ran down the courtyard, Saizou questioned running after him and questioning his ability.

With his hand still resting over the hilt of his blade he stood for a couple of seconds. Finally something powerful smacked him over the back of the head and in seconds he was sprawled across the floor with blood leaking from his head and a pained look over his face. Grunting in pain as he tried to pick himself back up with a blurred vision he heard a grim laughter followed by the feeling of a foot the face.

[Introduction Box]
Name: Viten Spokes
Occupation: Commander
Appearance: Standing at a height of 6ft 3 Viten's height is what makes him most notable that and his auburn hair and scar. With green eyes and slightly darker skin than normal, Viten blends with the darkness better than most people. With an incredibly muscular body but a recklessness in combat, his torso & arms are littered with scars. Over his head, he wears the classic marine cap and over his torso he wears a white marine dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up, navy blue pants & boots. Around his waist he wears a belt with a cutlass that hangs from it along with a cosh for the more stealthy jobs like this one.


Captain Gorosey

Whilst the Captain watched the screens of chaos that came to fruition below, Captain Gorosey slammed his fist down into his desk with rage. Commanders Athena would be running into the swordsman soon and Spokes had just taken down the other one.

Lifting his den den mushi, he had to admit he was happy to see his plans working out.

"Commander Spokes, bring the swordsman to my office for a little interrogation and then go after the other man with the obvious devil fruit. Hes in the courtyard currently."

Nodding on screen, Commander Spokes hoisted Saizou over his shoulder and started to journey to Gorosey's office. Hanging up the den den mushi he continued to look over the screens in the courtyard. As he attempted to watch over Lister, the camera went dead and connection was lost.

Arthur continued on his path. Arthur found a trail of muddy footprints. He decided to follow it and see where it goes. The footprints ended up leading onto the wall and then the ceiling. This was too odd for Arthur. It almost seemed like a trap. Arthur touched the prints to see what they were made of. All he could smell was blood and mud. Was there conflict before Arthur even arrived here? Did Lister do this? No, he couldn't have. Arthur thought. Arthur after a lot of thinking decided to keep following the footprints.

They ended up leading to a stairwell. They just went down. It started getting a little creepy for Arthur. Small drips of blood started to appear on the path. Arthur continued to follow it. "Shit!" Arthur yelled as he found a dismembered hand. He picked it up and examined it. Arthur could not tell what caused the hand to separate from the body. Arthur just kept on going. He then found the head of the body. Arthur was about to pick it up, when he heard an odd noise. "Show yourself." Arthur demanded. He knew someone was there watching from the shadows.

Lister

Whilst sprinting towards the other end of the courtyard, Lister felt something slam into his ankle and hit the floor, turning his tumble into a roll he quickly steered himself on to his feet and turned around to catch sight of the fool who dared attack him.

"Alright dick wad, show yourself!"

Lister called out. Moments later he was met by a swift knee to the face and landed on his back.

"You can't harm what you can't see and I don't intend on being seen."

"I don't need to see you to beat you."

Lister replied with his eyes shut and attempting to sense the ground and its movements. Whilst he twisted his hands over to feel the grounds vibrations, Lister could sense someone to the right.

Lucifer's Fang

As the sharp point struck up with haste, another kick came to Lister's left cheek.

Shit! Left he'd never been good at left & right. Picking himself up, Lister felt a kick to the back which caused him to stumble, turning back to look at his foe, Lister found nothing but footprints.

Grinning he'd found his chance.


Arthur Gray

"Show my self you say? Well as you wish."

Complying with the fool's demands Tezz propelled himself from the wall towards his foe as a ball spinning through the air towards Arthur, as he gained range and sat directly atop Arthur, Tezz dragged down the heel of his right foot in an attempt to dig it in to the swordsman's face.

"Kikishishishishi" Tezz laughed whilst looking down into the swordsman's face.

Whilst the body parts were scattered over the area and blood spilt everywhere, the Marine Commander Tezz wasn't aware of the still breathing foe in the corner, slumped in agony doused in blood of his comrades as well as his own. Groaning in pain as he reached for his flintlock pistol, he sat in the shadows unseen and unwell.

Practically knocking on Death's door the young man was certain he wouldn't be going anywhere good any time soon.


Saizou Daichi

Whilst Viten dragged the Saizou Daichi to Captain Gorosey's office, he could feel the man's sword digging into his back. Removing it from the man's waist, he glanced over it and smiled. It was a nice looking sword, nothing special about it just good looking. Placing it on his own belt, Viten continued down the corridor and up the stairs.

Finally arriving at Captain Gorosey's door he pounded three times before dropping the man off as the door opened at the hands of Gorosey.

"I'm off to the courtyard!" he called out as he left the unconscious swordsman at Gorosey's feet. Sprinting down the stairs and corridor, Viten leapt and bounded down stairs and over the former foes they'd faced this night. Finally diving from the window and crashing down outside before the courtyard gates he could hear the sounds of a fight already playing out and withdrew Saizou's sword in one hand followed by his own in the other.


Captain Gorosey

Kicking Saizou in the side Captain Gorosey was certain he was out cold. Lifting him up by the scruff of the neck and dragging him in, Captain Gorosey threw him on to a chair and snatched up some old chains from his torture chest in the corner of his room. Quickly tying up the man and placing some hand cuffs on for good measure he lit up a cigar.

Slapping Saizou trying to wake him up, he finally realized the man was too far out cold. Grabbing his glass of whiskey he tossed it at Saizou.

Still no reaction.

"Alright, lets see if this gets a raise from you, I'm going to take a long toke on my cigar and then I'm going to burn that purdy little face of yours and if you don't wake up before then, I'm going to burn you alive."

Inhaling and almost finishing his cigar off within seconds, Captain Gorosey exhaled leaving smoke to fill the room and swam over Saizou. Whilst he continued in his unconscious state sitting on the chair, Captain Gorosey leant forward with cigar in hand pointed for Saizou's cheek.

Arthur turned to see his flying opponent. The man looked insane and he was covered in blood, but not his own. Arthur lifted Gureken with both hands to block the incoming attack. Arthur would take the force of the blow, but the man's foot would be very wounded by the blade. Once Arthur was finished withe attack he leaped back and prepared for another attack. He looked around to see if he could us any thing around him to his advantage. There was lots of blood everywhere including the dismembered head. What was going on here? Arthur thought. Arthur slashed his blade with lots of force sending a blast of air pressure at his new opponent. He was going to have to make this quick.

Lister

Lucifer's Fang

Raising from the ground a sharp spiked segment of the ground ripped into the foe's groin. Releasing a scream into the air, the invisible foe became visible as he sat impaled on the spike glaring at Lister angrily. His spiked cyan hair & nose ring made him look vulgar.

Approaching the man Lister grabbed his nose rang and tore it from his nostrils.

"Don't mess with me. I'm here for the ship and nothing else."


Coughing up blood the foe convulsed as blood leaked from his body. Dripping from his nostrils & groin, he was finished.

Kicking open the courtyard doors Viten discovered a young man in white inspecting a corpse in the center upon a mound he'd never seen before. Raising an eyebrow he called out as Lister turned.

"And what do we have here?"


Arthur Gray

Feeling the blade slice clean through the front of his foot, Tezz yelled into the air allowing his screams to echo from the walls. With blood spilling from his foot and anger in his eyes as well as vessels in his face exposing themselves he looked Arthur in the eye.

Seeing the man preparing for another attack, Tezz stood up and raised a foot ready to counter the attack as he held his hands in his pockets.

"You think you stand a chance? Kikishishishishi"

Whilst his laughter bounced off the walls, he waited and watched as Arthur planned his next move. Sniffing the air he could taste the blood from his previous foes. Spotting the head, he launched a quick kick sending it towards arthur.

"That was former Pirate 1st Mate Singjo! Kikishishishishi Kikishishishishi Thought he stood a chance too. You'd never believe how many people think they stand a chance when marines are caught up elsewhere, they don't leave the weakest behind, oh no, not at all. We are the strongest. The weakest go and fight. Kikishishishishi Kikishishishishi"


Saizou Daichi

Feeling the heat against his cheek was more than enough to wake Saizou from his unconscious state. Letting out a howl of agony he tugged his face from the painful burning.

"So you're awake at last."

Trying to pull himself free and rattling the chains, Saizou allowed himself to fall into a moment of panic which was wrong for him. Remaining silent and struggling to slip his hands out he listened to the Captain Gorosey who spoke.

"Now you see I'm the last Captain left remaining here whilst the rest are on a job elsewhere, allot of people attempt to attack this place and I wanna know why? What did you come here for? Cause I doubt your one of Silva's men. In fact I very much doubt your one of Silva's men cause if you were, you'd have a mark on you. And I don't see the slightest glimmer of a mark anywhere upon you. So tell me, just who the hell are you and what are you doing in my HQ?/"

Pausing his attempts to break free, Saizou raised his head to look at the Captain mid speech, he liked the sound of his voice too much.

"I don't even know who this Silva person is or what you're on about, but I can tell you know I'm only here for one purpose."

"And that is?"

"A challenge"

"I've never heard such bull shit in all my life, now tell me, why you're really here."