The minisub cut through the dark water, its engines humming with a steady rhythm that vibrated through the hull. Marya sat in the pilot's seat, her fingers dancing across the console with practiced ease. Her raven hair spilled over her shoulders, and her golden eyes—ringed like her father's—tracked the instruments with cold focus. The leather jacket with the Heart Pirates insignia creaked as she leaned forward, adjusting their course.
Law occupied the co-pilot's seat, his long legs stretched out, his expression unreadable. Behind them, Jannali, Atlas, Bō-Zak, and Kaburo filled the passenger seats.
Bō-Zak blew out a plume of smoke, the fragrant herb filling the cabin. "Wonder if the subs are repaired."
Atlas shrugged, his rust-red fur bristling. "Noodle-Neck said they should be ready to go, the last time I spoke with him."
Law's fingers drummed against his thigh. "Good. We need to figure out where the Straw Hats are and start making our plan."
Jannali cursed under her breath, adjusting the headscarf that covered her third eye. "Bloody hell, I've got to suss this out."
Marya didn't respond.
Law looked over, his brow furrowing. Her expression had shifted—something cold and sharp settling behind her eyes. "What is it?"
Marya scowled.
Atlas leaned forward. "Boss?"
Without a word, Marya stood. She crossed the cabin in three strides and kicked the hatch open.
Kaburo's dry voice cut through the sudden tension. "Maybe we should—"
Marya was already on the deck. Then she was gone.
Law cursed, surging to his feet. "Dammit!"
Jannali sighed, her accent thick with resignation. "She does that heaps."
Law stood, his hand reaching for his sword. "Where did she go?"
Atlas rubbed the back of his neck, his ears flattening. "I may have forgotten to mention something."
Bō-Zak chuckled, smoke curling around his weathered face. "And what would that be?"
Atlas looked away, his blue eyes fixed on the far wall. "I think Bianca said she asked her Consortium friends to come and help or something."
Law snapped, his voice sharp as a scalpel. "You didn't think to mention that?"
Atlas shrugged, his rust-red fur bristling. "They are her friends too, right?"
Jannali sighed again, louder this time. "Bloody hell, flat out like a lizard in a jam, mate."
Bō-Zak belted out a laugh, the sound echoing through the cabin. "Someone is about to get a workout."
Kaburo's hand rested on Kalamaru's hilt, his expression unreadable. "Should we assist?"
Atlas shrugged again. "It should work itself out… maybe."
Law snapped, his patience frayed. "Let's go!"
---
Master Gaius Vesper stood on the dock, his long silver hair swaying in the calm breeze. His kiseru pipe trailed smoke as he spoke with Jax Boone, Riggs Cohen, Penguin, and Shachi. The conversation centered on a section of the facility the archaeologists wanted to investigate—but D.I.G.O.S. had them locked out.
Jax's scarred face was set in its usual serious lines. "If we can bypass the authorization protocols—"
Master Gaius's head tilted. His grin spread slowly.
"Stand down," he said, his voice calm.
Jax cocked his head, confused. "What?"
Master Gaius had already drawn his sword. "DUCK!"
Jax, Riggs, Penguin, and Shachi looked over their shoulders. Penguin and Shachi opened their mouths to say hello—
Marya was already in motion.
Nisshoku carved through the air, its obsidian blade leaving a trail of crimson light. Jax started to move, his hand reaching for his staff.
Master Gaius yelled, his voice sharp. "I told you to stand down!"
Jax attempted to protest—
Marya was there. Her strike forced Jax, Riggs, Penguin, and Shachi to scatter, diving away from the blade's path.
Master Gaius lifted his blade, meeting Nisshoku with a clash that sent sparks cascading across the dock. The old mentor's grin never wavered.
"Hey, kid. Long time no see."
Marya glared, pressing forward, her weight behind the blade.
Master Gaius chuckled, holding his ground. "I know that glare all too well."
Whack. Whack. Swing. Clash. Sparks flew as Marya pressed the attack, her movements fluid and relentless.
Master Gaius held his ground. "Come on, kid. No need to hold back."
Marya scowled. "You want to go to your grave early, old man?"
Master Gaius smirked. "Nah. I just want to see how much you've grown, is all." He parried another strike, their blades singing against each other. "I am impressed, though. It must be hard to hold back this much. Your old man would be proud."
Marya's jaw flexed. Sparks flew.
---
Shachi watched the exchange, his mouth slightly open. He looked at Jax. "I thought you were friends."
Jax rubbed the back of his neck, his scarred face flushing. "Well… it's complicated."
Penguin crossed his arms. "It doesn't look complicated to me. Looks like she hates you."
Riggs stood slack-jawed, his shaggy blond hair falling into his eyes. "Whoa. How is she—"
Shachi cut him off. "Dah. You know who she is, right?"
Jax nodded, sighing. "Yeah. We know."
---
Bepo was at the helm of the Pluton when the ship rocked.
He looked up from the console, his white fur bristling. "What is that?"
Jean Bart pulled his head out from inside the guts of a console, his massive hands covered in grease. "I don't know. But it feels like someone is fighting."
The hatch to the bridge flew open. Ikkaku, Zola, and Hakugan barged in.
Ikkaku's eyes swept the room. "What is all that rocking about?"
Zola pointed a finger in the air, her violet eyes sparkling. "If I may—I think we can deduce from the evidence that there is some sort of confrontation occurring. I am sure the guardians are engaged in—"
Hakugan cut her off, his voice tight. "Confrontation? Does that mean—"
Bepo interrupted, yelling. "Captain!"
He rushed to the hatch.
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