West Blue: Aftermath

The blood dripped from Desais's fists as he continued to hit Skull. With every hit Desais yelled with a fierceness. He didn't care the bone body of Skull was tearing his knuckles apart, he didn't want this man to take Iken's life. If that meant that Desais was to take him down by giving his life, he would. Suddenly, Skull wasn't taking the hits anymore and Desais prepared for an attack. Damn it! I didn't do a single thing to him! Desais thought as he crossed his arms over his chest and gritted his teeth. Desais glared at Skull as he formed what looked like a hammer. The blood from Desais's fists poured down his arms. Everything seemed to slow down for Desais as Skull swung the hammer at his head. Desais attempted to move out of the way. The opponent was fast, but Desais managed to dodge the hammer. He just barely dodged it though. The hair on his body seemed to blow downwards as the hammer came crashing down into the ship. The next moment Desais saw Skull going up through the hole. At the top Desais saw Iken staring down. The next moment Desais saw Iken move extremely fast and obliterate the enemy. This was the strongest attack Desais had seen Iken do recently. It amazed Desais at the sheer power. Desais looked down at his fists and couldn't help but feel useless to the team. It didn't matter, for Desais was gonna get stronger. He just needed to get over these injuries he has taken.

Desais heard Iken call down to him and to find a dingy and some bags. Desais nodded his head as he began to climb up and out of the hole. Desais went all over the ship and searched for some bags. After getting what he could, Desais came back to the deck of the ship. He threw the bags inside the dingy and then looked over to the enemy ship. There he saw Kaizen on the deck of the ship. Good he is safe. Desais thought as he waved over to him. "Hey Kaizen!" Desais yelled as he got into the dingy and brought it over to the enemy ship. Desais got out of the dingy and tied it off to the side of the ship. He suddenly realized that the ship started to look smaller than he remembered. He could only assume that the ship was starting to sink. Desais looked back and forth wondering where Iken could have gone. "Hey have you seen Iken?" Desais asked Kaizen.

5/15

The woman narrowed her eyes as the man didn't answer her, but started yanking on the his own shackles. She was glad that she wasn't the only one who didn't want to die so easily. She started to chew on her rope, knowing it would be of no use but wanting to try anyway. She could feel the cold sea water creeping up her body, almost messing with her as it rose around them. "damn it" she whispered quietly and letting out a frustrated punch to the water. She had no devil fruit, and knew how to swim, but with her arms and legs bound she would do no more than a stone would.

She looked up, hearing something coming though the ship and looking a bit shocked from the sound of it before wincing as light pored into the room. She closed her eyes before feeling her legs and arms being free'd quickly and the sounds of the man's chains being broken as well. She looked up to see a man standing there, asking them if they would walk. She nodded and stood up, being a bit wobbly at first from not standing for a few days but the will to live pushing her to get control and not stop. She looked to the man, thanking the gods that he had arrived when he did. She looked at the water and gulped as any second now that ship would be filled to the max and sinking to the bottom of the ocean.

Iken was running down a hall with the two former prisoners behind him when he noticed the marks on the walls. They were arrows and Iken was fairly certain they hadn't been there when he came in the first time. Looking at one of the arrows closer he could tell it was fresh, there was not patina on it like there was on the rest of the walls. Water rushing up Iken's thighs snapped him out of his obliviousness. Following the arrows, Iken managed to make it to the next floor via a small flight of stairs.

When Iken reached the top of the stairs he could hear Desais yelling from the outside. Iken wasn't sure what he was saying, but he could definitely tell it was him. With three quick slashes and a swift kick, Iken slashed the side of the ship and kicked out a triangle shaped hole. Looking through Iken could see Desais and the dingy outside. "Hey you two jump down the boat below, I'll be back in a second." Iken said turning back. Iken ran into one of the nearby rooms, and disappeared behind the door for a moment. The next time they would see Iken, he'd be walking out of the same room. Iken had a fridge full of fresh produce in it. Iken had known what he smelled, an aroma could have only come from the kitchen. With the fridge in hand, Iken leaped into the small boat; already overloaded boat. All of the weight threatened to sink the small ship, however somehow it was still afloat.

2/15

The light was overwhelming after being held in the dark for Gods knows how long. Putting on his goggles they managed to block some of the brightness letting him adjust faster. With water rushing aboard he made haste running from behind the man who saved and the woman allowed him to float just above the water before it got to high.  Once above deck the water level was still low enough to briefly walk in with out sub coming to the negative impact of the sea.  Getting on top a barrel that wasn't covered in water yet he reached his hands out.  Leo wasn't about to go down with ship but he had to make some kind of effort to find it. Listening carefully he heard a thump just under his feet and felt the slight vibrations it gave off as hit the lid. His weapon was inside had he not been concerned  about on looker he probably would have just broke it apart.  But it wasn't the wisest decision they wouldn't seal up just one weapon the were probably other valuables inside. Hopping over to the next box over he bent over and went through motions as he were lifting it up with his own strength. He would carry it Iken's ship and look through it later.

"They have a ship after all, I won't have to leave them to die."  Leonardo spoke to no one in particular but with the barrel in hand he jumped the next ship gracefully landing. Placing the barrel down he sat on top of it and waited.

15/15

Kaizen was almost glad when Iken ended up leaving the area with.. two other people. One of them was a woman with an attractive body, compared to most women in the world. Kaizen was just too focused on his ideals to give her too much of a thought though; all he knew was that she looked very well for a woman in general. The other man Kaizen had seen before.. but he couldn't remember where. Then, suddenly, it hit him. This man was in the tournament that Kaizen disqualified himself to leave. He might recognize Kaizen's face. Kaizen gritted his teeth; something happened that Kaizen didn't plan for, this was a cruel twist of fate. This man was one of the only that walked in the underworld in the South Blue and ended up on the outside world in the West Blue. Kaizen secretly wanted him dead before he could spill the information about Kaizen being a part of the underworld. However, unfortunately, he couldn't do it in Iken's ship. The fact was that Iken was a dangerous man to catch him in the act of murder. He'll have to wait and see how things play themselves.

Kaizen jumped to the other ship, next to the man who's name Kaizen couldn't remember (Leo), and spoke.

"Don't say anything about me. If you remember me then it's better you forget.. unless you plan on hiring me." Kaizen whispered this in Leo's ears so only he could hear them. His back was to the ship, and his face was towards Desais whom asked if he had seen Iken earlier only moments before he showed himself (there was no answer needed).

Desais smiled gratefully as he saw Iken cut a hole in the ship. He was very happy he was okay. Then he noticed that Iken had two new people with him. Well looks like we have two others that will need taken care of and to feed. Desais thought as he looked at them. The wounds on his body started to hurt but he knew this wasn't the time to feel the pain. The battle wasn't over, not until everyone was safe on their ship. Desais knew that so he got back on the dingy and prepared it for sailing back to their ship. He saw the ship had definitely been sinking, and at a fast rate due to all the damage it had sustained. Desais wanted to grab the rampant lumber that fell from the ship to repair any damage to their ship. Instead, he decided not to since it wouldn't be of much use to him. At the next port he would have to obtain some tools for future repairs.

Desais eyed both of the new people, not certain who they are and what their motives are. He didn't know that they happened to be slaves. Either that or they were just people that were captured. Either way they had been set free. Instead of worrying about the two new people Desais awaited for Iken. The ship was just nearly sunk when he finally appeared caring a whole fridge. This surprised Desais for he didn't think Iken would grab such a thing. It didn't matter, they were all safe. Desais started rowing the dingy back to the ship, which wasn't very far. Once there, Desais jumped on board and tied it off. He gave a hand to whomever would take it and helped them aboard the ship.

6/15

The woman kept running, not saying anything as she wanted to get out of this ship as quickly as possible. She fallowed the man, running next to the other person whom had been in the cell with her. She could feel the cold water as it filled the boat, getting deeper and deeper making it harder to run till the man came to the side. She watched as he easily cut a hole in the side of the boat and told them to jump out, before running back into the ship. She looked around before gulping, the other man being able to jump and fly over to the other boat all while caring a barrel. She bit her lip before jumping down, missing the dingy at first before swimming up and climbing in, shivering slightly but glade to be safe for the moment.

She watched as the man whom had saved her jumped back out of the ship, carring an entire fridge. She was a bit shocked at how he seemed to carry it with ease before moving back to the over ship. She rubbed her arms and didn't say anything as the dingy moved back, going to the stable ship and the others got up. She smiled and took the man's hand, climbing to the safety of the other boat and smiling softly "thank you" she said and let out a relaxed sigh.

As the boat drifted from the sunken enemy ship to Iken's, Iken examined the front of his ship. There was a good amount of damage from ramming the foe's ship. A good number of the planks that stretched from the stern were either cracked or broken completely. With a sigh, Iken knew it was another thing that had to be taken care of when they reached port. Once the small boat had arrived, Iken lifted the fridge and then the barrel up onto the deck before then lifting himself up. Desais was helping the other two, so Iken opened the barrel and the fridge.

Inside the barrel was a strange bladed weapon that didn't really interest Iken; however the treasure stuffed in it down at the bottom did. Iken took out the weapon and placed it aside before emptying the contents of the barrel. It would have to be split amongst the crew later. Moving on to the fridge, it contained food items that the crew lacked in their kitchen. There were vegetables and fruit, as well as some other fresh items that the crew hadn't been able to obtain yet. Sifting through the food stuff booty, Iken noticed something different. Iken pulled out what appeared to be a massive mutated strawberry. A moment passed before Iken's eyes widened as he stared at the strange fruit in the palm of his hand.

"Hmm..." Iken mumbled as he contemplated what to do. The moment Iken reached a decision, it was apparent through his body language. He seemed to relax a bit, in both his face and body. Iken turned his head to a slight angle to look at Desais. "Desais Mizuki, you're the first mate now; replacing Jack "Cat" Gato as first mate." he said taking a step towards Desais. "Congratulations." smiled Iken as he tossed the fruit to Desais. "It's a devil fruit, probably the one we seen Skull using." Iken said informing his new first mate.

Total: 4/15

Leo eyes glanced over the woman he had been held captive with it was pleasing to see her in the light.  But he had seen many attractive woman most whom had served him bringing him meals and giving him baths.  Because they were easily untainable if that were his desire he wasn't excited over it. Then his eyes passedd over Kaizen then back again without resting on him so it wasn't as if he stared.  At first he had difficulty recalling just who he was.  It wasn't as if they had been formally introduced.  But as soon as he started speaking a picture flashed in his had of how they first encountered each other. Sneering at the words said by Kaizen.  They didn't go over with Leo at all.  Being told what not to do came across as threat. And if he had end conversation with just those words tension would have only risen.  Leo wouldn't have naturally have brought up their brief interaction expecially not to strangers who he knew nothing about.  Then he mentioned 'hiring'that information was more valuable, in Leo's mind, than anything already knew.  Those words had diffused the situation for the most part.  While most people would dwell on what work he was in Leo had moved on to the cirmumstances at hand.


As the boat sailed away from the ship he thought about what it was like before he flew from island to island. Sometimes Leo forgot what is was like to sit back and let the currents carry you. It was enough to make him miss swimming even if just for a momment.  When the boat reached Iken's ship Leonardo stood up and before he had the chance to grab the barrel Iken had already grabbed it.  Figuring it would be ok for him to lift it up Leo grabbed Desais hand and let him assist his boarding the boat.  Before he was even on the ship all the way he saw the contents spilled across the floor. "What the hell...!" Leo's words were shocked and flustered at how presumptuous Iken had been.  "Thats mine!" Jumping down his cape caught the breeze he quickly picked up his weapon.  These people were obviously crazy he wanted to be ready to leave a momments notice.  "I brought this barrel here" Leo spoke the truth he picked up what he already owned and one could assume that barrel he picked up was also his if even only cause he took it from the sinking ship.  But he never expressively made claims to the loot.  

It had been hectic but even though things had calmed down Leonardo and the woman still had not been given an explanation. "Who are you people."

2/15

Desais smiled happily as the two newest members grabbed his hand and were assisted on board. Desais got a good look at the two of them. He eyed them with a little suspicion. Of course he didn't know that they were held captive by the crew who were just annihilated. Then again Desais was more preoccupied that they had made it out alive and with minimal damage to their ship. Desais turned towards Iken once all the members had boarded the ship.

When he had turned to Iken, he saw Iken rummaging in the fridge. Then he pulled out a weird looking fruit that seemed to look like a strawberry. Iken looked at it a bit before throwing it to Desais. "What? Me?" Desais asked as he looked at the Devil Fruit that was in his hands. Desais looked up questioningly at Iken and then back down at the Devil Fruit. This is what I have wanted after all, but to become the first mate already? Desais thought as he lifted the Devil Fruit up to his mouth and ate it. Desais swallowed it down only to be spitting up with a disgusted face. "UGH! That tasted terrible!" Desais yelled as he spit a bit. The next second, Desais ended up passing out and falling straight into the ships poop deck. Either the Devil Fruit caused it, or the extreme pain he felt had suddenly been felt from Desais. Either way he passed out in front of everyone.

8/15

There was no question about the situation, Desais had just eaten a devil fruit. Leonardo didn't seem to show any interest in what Kaizen had said, which didn't help the situation at all. However, Leonardo didn't say anything to the others when he did speak. This meant his little secret was safe. Kaizen smiled and put his fedora in a position where nobody could see his eyes. His smirk grew so it's cheek to cheek long. He made it through their first encounter without revealing his identity or his devil fruit powers; the longer he walked with these people the more they'll 'trust' him. Kaizen will be in a good position if he manages to gain the trust of these pirates. He also couldn't help but smirk at how the captain had defeated the enemy captain. Iken was a scary man. Kaizen knew of Skull's name. If what Iken said was true then Desais will now have Skull's power; whatever it was. Kaizen never saw or heard of what it was.

Soon after Desais fainted Kaizen waited for the ship to reach the ship. He looked at the woman from the crew, the one that Iken apparently saved, and talked with his eyes seemingly closed.

"So I take it you're joining this crew then? I guess that means we'll have to be well acquainted." Kaizen smirked, knowing that if he made friends with the new people it would be harder for them to kill him mid-way through the ocean. He wasn't a part of the crew, but he knew he'll have to survive somehow.

Iken eyed Leonardo as he complained about the barrel being his and how he brought it aboard the ship.  Raising his palm to his face Iken closed his eyes rubbing his temples with the tips of thumb and index finger.  After a moment, Iken kicked over the barrel with minimum force.  Iken put his foot up on the barrel bending his knee.  Leaning in Iken rested his elbow on his knee and his chin on his upward facing palm.  As Iken stood there a grin began to spread across his face, it was imbued with confidence; some might have even said it looked smug.

"You think this is yours?  What gave you that impression, the fact that I'm a pirate or maybe it's the fact you're out in the middle of the ocean on MY ship?  If you're talking about the weapon, a proper warrior would fight for his weapon and not whine that "it's mine"...boohoo.  No, you can have it.  I'm not interested in it.  But the treasure inside the barrel, that's mine, and my crews.  If anyone tries to take what I consider part of my crews', they'll end up split like a side of meat on the sharp side of my blade.  Now if you want some of the loot, that's fine.  Like I just said, my crew will get some of it; so in other words the join me, and the crew and you'll be sure to get your share.  That goes for everyone here." Iken said with enough spirit and confidence to make even a hardened skeptic to believe he had more than enough power to back up his words.  

Iken slipped under Desais catching him before he fell to the ground.  He lifted his newly made firstmate onto his shoulder carrying the man with seemingly little to no effort.  Iken turned to go to take Desais to a bed, but stopped.  He turned back around and looked at Kaizen with a smile, the same grin he had given to Leonardo.  "Kaizen right?  Care if I call you throat slitter?  Hehehe" Iken said before turning around and walking off with a chuckle.

Total: 5/15

It took know time for Leonardo to come to terms he understood the situation clearly.  Had the shoe been on the other foot he would have probably said something along those that Iken uttered.  A person could not exist on this ocean and survive.  The treasure was no big deal so if Leonardo did join it wouldn't be for meager financial gain.  If he lived for money then he float valuables by the hundreds and one day thousands wherever and whenever he wanted.  No Leo lived for something else entirely. Leo wanted to stir a change in the world.  These people well Iken at least seemed to meet his preliminary requirements well Kaizen to but he didn't seem to be apart of the crew at the moment.  However the person just announced as first mate passing out from eating a devil fruit made Leo wonder if it would be worth it casting his lot with this one.  

Pirates? I have never of heard of pirates saving people.  But pirates did live freely after all living as they pleased and even though they were criminals it was still safer than announcing oneself a Revolutionary.  Neither of these thoughts came to mind however.  Instead Leonardo wondered their (Iken & Desai) motivation if the leaderships vision was in line with Leo's or it was mission that he could get behind then he would settle here as a crew member of theirs. Letting out an easy laugh "Rohorhor". Walking up to Iken every bit as confident but with no fighting spirit or malicious aura.  "Well said lets call it fare for my passage, for now, my life to perhaps?" Leo had said his life as after thought it was clear he didn't believe that his life was saved only because of Iken's actions. Leo was gracious and grateful for the ride at the least.

"Kaizen is it?  You sure are a sharp dresser." This was Leo giving his answer for what Kaizen had said to him earlier.  For the shrewd it was a statement about more than his clothes it was compliment to his nature his mind.  Tapping his own head Leo referencing the hat worn by Kaizen.  Iken didn't appear to be in hurry for Leonardo's answer about what he would do so Leo used this time gather more information.

3/15

The woman sighed softly as she leaned on the rail of the ship, watching as everything happened, the captain of the ship giving the man whom was locked up with her a speech about now whining and they where given the option of joining the crew. She blinked a few times and sighed, wondering about the offer before looking up to the sharp dressed man whom spoke to her.

She gave him a soft smile and lightly laughed. "well, i guess joining is the least i could do, after all i'd be down at the bottom of the ocean now if it wasn't for your captain, and who ever else took care of those other guys" she said as she started to stretch out her arm, turning it in circles and around until a loud crack came from her shoulder and she wince "ow ow ow" she said and smiled "much better, I knew i had popped that out of place with all that flailing" she said softly, more to herself before looking at him. "so..does your crew have a doctor?" she asked with a grin.

Kaizen smirked when the girl answered, it seemed like she'd join the crew. Kaizen was half disappointed, because it meant that he was in danger if the captain decided to make Kaizen an enemy. Leonardo also made a shrewd comment; he said that Kaizen knew how to dress. Kaizen didn't know if he had another motive for saying that. Kaizen only knew that Leonardo had commented on his clothes. What surprised Kaizen the most, though, was the captain smiling at him. Kaizen didn't expect that treatment from the man in the ship; if anything Kaizen expected Iken to be suspicious of his performance. This was confirmed by Iken calling Kaizen a throat slitter, or 'cut throat' in other words. Kaizen didn't know how to answer to that.

The captain seemed to laugh after he called Kaizen such a dangerous name. Did Iken have instincts that told him Kaizen was dangerous? That's impossible. Kaizen didn't know about observation haki, and he didn't know the captain didn't have enough observation haki to know that Kaizen was dangerous, so he thought that psychic powers were impossible. Kaizen took out two capsules form his pocket and looked at them. They had black on them with a skull on the outside. He put them back in his pocket and looked back at the group; he managed to survive todya without needing to use his forms. It was a good thing the opponent wasn't strong enough to take on Kaizen's full and hybrid form.

"Aye. I suppose it would be a fair trade for safe passage." Iken answered the man with the strange laugh. "There are bunks below deck, two doors down on the right and left; women's and men's respectively." he said taking Desais into his chambers. When Iken came out he heard the woman asking if they had a doctor. The fact was, they didn't. At the very least they didn't have a permanent doctor. "Sadly, we don't. Not yet at least. Hmm but with you asking such, I assume we do now?" Iken asked with a grin.

"Well if you can, I'd like for you to try and look over my mate, for me. He's been in a couple tough battles and hasn't had much time to recover yet. I think he'll be fine with some rest, but it can't hurt to have a professional double check." Iken admitted. Even with all of his battle experience, Iken wasn't a doctor and therefor couldn't be totally sure of his diagnosis. Once Iken and doctor were in the room, Iken shut the door. “He was recently treated for wounds he had sustained during a previous battle. It’s kind of ironic, but it was almost right after that; that we were attacked by your captors. And it was the same doctor that treated him, that they were after…” Iken said looking to the side with a bit of frustration.

Total: 7/15

Well I think we can end it on that. The next chapter of our adventure should be up soon. I think we're going to have a thread with down time in it. Unless anyone has any ideas for a short thread, I'm open to suggestions.

Share System Breakdown:
Ship: 10 million belli
Iken: 6 million belli
Desais: 4 million belli
Taphie: 3 million belli
Kaizen: 2 million belli
Leonardo: 2 million belli