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/qst/ - Quests


What do you call someone who graduates last from medical school? Doctor.

What do you call someone who graduates last from the Marine Officer Academy? Ensign. And yeah, that would be you.

Honestly, you’re kind of surprised you even managed to scrape the bare minimum needed to pass the Academy. The only thing you’re really decent at is

> navigation.
> memorizing laws and regulations.
> stealth (mostly to avoid duties).

Despite this, the Marines are apparently still desperate in the nearly two decades since Gold Rogers died - and even you, the absolute dregs of this year’s class, are now holding your assigned position, which you pull out of its envelope and read with wariness.

Loguetown? Well, that’s good - the Grand Line is dangerous, and of all the Blues, East is safest. Sure, Loguetown is where pirates pass through to get to the Grand alone, but that doesn’t mean they’re strong enough to actually make it. And -

Wait.

You re-read your letter of assignation again, slower this time. You’re not assigned under the local Marine base there - instead, you’re to be an independently functioning (and extremely long-distance) subordinate of the Bounty Department.

‘Your photography equipment will be provided by the Department,’ the letter adds, which explains everything except how the hell YOU were chosen for this job... except it does, doesn’t it? You’re no good at fighting or sailing, but even an idiot can take pictures, right?

Someone needs to track down and take photographs of criminals for their bounty posters. And now, that someone is you.

> Are you a BOY or a GIRL or a GO AWAY PROFESSOR OAK, IT DOESN’T MATTER?
> What age? (17-25)
>>
>>3270160
>> memorizing laws and regulations
>Boy
> 19
> if we get to chose a name ( harry flashman)
>>
>>3270164
+1
>>
You’ll get to pick your name, but a bit later. I’m holding off for now because Reasons (although Harry Flashman is a good choice).

>boy
>19
>good at laws/regs

Packing your small bag of personal items, you pause to take one final look around the dormitory that’s been your home for the past year. Over there is where Michio puked up after sneaking in that sake... over there is where Davy tried to pants a new transfer, and ended up getting punched in the face...

Actually, your memories of here are kind of shit, so you finish packing instead.

Are you meant to run around taking photos in your uniform, or are you supposed to wear civilian clothes and be discreet? Apparently you’ll get more instructions once you report in at Loguetown, but that’s nearly two months away even, even going through the Calm Belt.

Screw it - you pack your uniforms just in case, hefting the pack onto your back, and then the case of (Marine property) photography equipment over one shoulder.

Ambling forwards, you pause at the door to glance back at the few remaining classmates who haven’t already left for their own assignments. You’re not really friends with any of them, considering you’re at the bottom of... pretty much everything, while everyone else has a proud Marine or government family pushing them on to greatness, but still. You’re ten minutes earlier than expected, so you have a little time for goodbyes.

> Say goodbye to your classmates.
> Track down and say goodbye to the one teacher who believed in you.
> Track down the particular teacher who had it out for you and shove your graduation in their face.
> Get to the ship early.
> (Other)
>>
>>3270182
>> (Other)
>visit the local bar for the last sip before embarking
>>
>the quickest beer known to man

With ten minutes on the clock, it’s pretty obvious what you need to do.

ACQUIRE BOOZE.

No more delays; you even speed up a little more than your customary lazy snail’s pace, leavin* the Academy and its grounds full of proud graduates saying their farewells to local family and friends before they head on onto their new positions.

As for your own family... well. Never mind that.

Into the streets of Marineford, you shove open the door of the Cannonball, favorite drinking haunt of Academy students (and sometimes staff), ignoring the tinkling of the bell on the door.

Behind the bar, Redrick, ex-Marine and current drunkard, looks up from where he’s ‘sampling’ his stock. “Well, well...” He runs a sharp gaze over the uniform you wear, shaking his head in amused disbelief. “You actually made it, huh, brat?”

>Told you I would, you old fart. Now give me a beer to remember this shithole by! (Blunt, cocky personality, less self-control)
>Nah, nah, just stole the uniform before I ran, y’know? Just pretend you never saw me and gimme a drink, yeah? (Sarcastic, joker personality, less extroverted)
>Yeah. Beer. (Minimum effort, maximum... sleep.)
>(Other, feel free to mention any speech style or tics, or personality you’d want)
>>
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>>3270202
>>Told you I would, you old fart. Now give me a beer to remember this shithole by! (Blunt, cocky personality, less self-control)
with a cockney accent
>>
>>3270202
>Yeah. One beer. Please. (Minimum effort, maximum... sleep. Exact. Polite)
>>
These two votes are kind of mutually incompatible, so I’ll hold this vote open for a while, and if there’s no more, I’ll roll a d2. In the meantime, if you’d like to pick a primary weapon for the hopefully rare times you’ll enter combat...
>Sword (katana, standard Officer grade)
>Pistol
>Other (will be of average quality, rarer types of weaponry will be harder to train with or mend/replace if broken)
>>
Rolled 1 (1d2)

ROLLIN’ FOR PERSONALITY ‘COS THAT’S HOW I ROLL
>>
>>3270222
officer saber and a pistol in the hip for long-range combat
>>
>Cocky shit
>May or may not have a cockney accent, we’ll see how shit turns out

“Told you I would, you old fart,” you announce, sauntering into the joint and jabbing a finger at one of the pumps for that sweet ambrosia, alcohol. “Now, give me a beer to remember this shithole by!”

Redrick scoffs, which turns into a cough, which turns into hacking off a wad of phlegm, which he he then hawks somewhere behind the bar. Ew. Still, you’re a Marine now, and you can put up with far worse than that!

“Punk, you’re gonna get yerself killed in a week!” He starts pulling a pint for you, chuckling away as he shoves it across the bar. “On the house, kid, you earned it. Where you headin’?”

“Loguetown,” you manage to reply, swallowing the first mouthful. You neglect to mention you’ll be taking pictures and not, you know, actually fighting pirates.

Redrick’s eyebrows raise. “Loguetown, huh? Well, now, isn’t that a coincidence...” He rubs his stubbled chin thoughtfully as you try to finish your pint and keep an eye on the clock at the same time. “Kid, you think you could pass a little something on for me, over there? It’ll take a few minutes, if you can just watch the bar while I grab it.”

“Uh,” you say, all eloquence, eyes darting between the door and your watch.

[COCKINESS ACTIVATES!]

Screw it, you can manage it. “Sure, go ahead,” you decide, shrugging as you drain the last few drops. Yeah, you only have five minutes before you need to run - actually RUN - to make it to the docks, but it’ll be fiiiiiiiine. Probably.

You watch Redrick vanish out the back to get... whatever... and take a quick look around. With its usual clientele graduating today, the place is pretty empty until the next batch of wide-eyed teens transfer in. Neither of the two other customers look like they’re about to cause trouble, so you lean against the bar and keep an eye on the clock.

>Roll 1d10
>>
Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>3270244
>>
Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>3270244
>>
It’s seams that the dice wills it
>>
Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>3270244
>>
Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>3270244
>>
>4
>Just made it!

Four long minutes stretch out, before Redrick returns, clunking down the back stairs on his peg-leg, and appearing at the bar to shove a letter and a long, thin, brown-wrapped packaged into your hands.

Looking at the package, feeling the heat of it... “This is a sword, right, old man?”

“Look at you, functioning eyes and everything!” Redrick coughs again, and motions you to put them away. You shove the letter into your bag, but the wrapped-up sword (a katana?) is... well, yet another thing for you to carry. You tuck it under one arm and hope it doesn’t hit anyone when you run to the ship. “You give those to Captain Smoker, got it? He’s C.O. of Loguetown, so not hard to find - you want another drink?”

“YesbutIgottarunBYE,” you yell, jabbing a finger at your watch, and spinning to run as if Silvers Rayleigh himself is chasing after you.

ONWARDS! TO THE DOCKS!

You hurtle through the streets at top speed (which isn’t very fast, but it’s been a while since you put real effort into running).

A grand total of one minute before the ship is due to pull up the gangplank, you find yourself dashing up it, breathing hard as you stumble and try not to collapse on the deck of the Marine ship ‘Calavera’.

Infantry, performing last minute checks on the rigging, laugh and shake their heads at your exhausted appearance, while a Lieutenant, judging by his uniform, stalks over, frowning.

“You! Are you Ensign -“

>Flashman?
>Teach?
>Portgas? (Not Ace, nor Gol D Roger’s kid, but you are a D)
>[MYSTERY BOX, you’re related to someone canonically important but are not aware it; dice roll to determine who]
>Other
>>
>>3270267
Flasman
A proper gentlemen ( not)
>>
>>3270267
>Flashman
Forgot to greentext
>>
Two 4s and two 5s... I’ll give you guys some kind of bonus for those later.

Also, if you don’t want to be related to anyone in canon, just pick Flashman or use Other to vote for some other name. Voting for primary weapon is still open as well, saber and pistol are in the lead.
>>
OH, forgot to say if you want Flashman AND mystery box, you can combine them. That should be all unless anyone has questions.
>>
>>3270267
>MYSTERY BOX

I'LL TAKE THE BOX
>>
>>3270267
>Flashman!
We forge our own destiny!!!
>>
>>3270267
Flash and mystery
>>
>for queen and country
>>
>>3270275
Yeah I'm fine with that
>>3270267
>Flashman
>mystery box
>>
Do we get bonus to seduction/bluff/cheat or languages. as a flashman?
>>
>>3270267
>Flashman
>mystery box
Who's it gonna be?
>>
Okay, so we’ve got three for mystery and two for JUST Flashman. I’ll wait a couple of minutes, in case anyone wants to change their votes but right now, you’re going to be a Flashman (first name Harry, I assume, the hero of the Marines) AND a mystery box.

If mystery box is confirmed, be aware that unless things go totally off the rails, you won”t ICly be aware of it or have it matter for a long while.

In a couple of minutes if mystery box still stands, a d10 will be rolled.

>>3270287
You guy should rolled dual 4s and dual 5s earlier, if you want to use the bonus I was going to give yo for those to give yourself a +8 (d100) bonus on ONE of those options, I’ll allow it. You guys can discuss if you want, while I -

>>3270290
Okay, mystery box wins.
>>
So people of this chat
>seduction
>bluff
>cheat
Or >languages
>>
Rolled 4 (1d10)

Ignore this
>>
>>3270296
>cheat
Or
>languages
>>
>>3270299
Oof
>>
>>3270303
You actually got one of the best options, I am EXCITE

Writing update now, feel free to continue discussions while I spew words onto my screen.
>>
>>3270305
That lucky 4
>mfw it the noble dragon people ( holy dragon or something)
>>
>>3270305
Why are these 4s so good consistently
>>
>HARRY FLASHMAN, WHAT A GUY
>m-m-mystery box

“- Flashman?”

“Yessir!” You shove yourself to attention, snapping off a salute and trying not to twitch in panic - no, not panic, never panic! - as the officer stands in front of you, arms crossed.

“Are you aware that you nearly missed our departure, Ensign?”

“Yes sir, I’m sorry, sir! I was -“

“I don’t care for excuses, Ensign, only results.” The scowl relaxes slightly as the Lieutenant looks away, causing the rest of the infantry to stop listening in and hurry back to work. “It’ll be just over three weeks to Loguetown, assuming no delays - you’ll be taking lessons in navigation while on board, but apartment from that, your only duties are to familiarize yourself with your new... equipment.” He doesn’t sound impressed by the idea of being a photographer. “Apparently that’s ‘more important’ than training for actual combat, but I’d recommend at least getting some practice in, anyway. If we get into combat, I’m expecting you to take part. Understood?”

“Yessir!” ... Your arm is starting to hurt from all this saluting.

The Lieutenant (Domino, you learn from one of the crew) nods sharply and stalks off to oversee the ship’s departure, while a petty officer shows you to your tiny cabin.

You have (hopefully only) three weeks at See.

>Roll 1d100 for random encounters for first week, I’ll take the middle of 3.

>>3270309
Something something 4 is the number of death something something
>>
>>3270327
>three weeks at SEA, not see
Fuck autocorrect
>>
Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>3270327
>>
Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>3270327
Ahoy shenanigans!
>>
Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>3270327
>>
Rolled 72 (1d100)

Let's see what happens, there aren't many quests in which we can be a Photographer (Probably because that's considered useless in OP's verse, but whatever)
>>
Rolled 97 (1d100)

>>3270327
Praise thee dice gods
>>
>>3270332
Flash lucks
>>
Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>3270327
>>
Holy shit there are so many of you...

ANYWAY, 21 is the middle of the first three! That means you have an incredibly boring first week, with no encounters (because then Calavera is speeding through as quickly as possible to deliver mail and supplies, trying to avoid combat).

So, pick 3 things to focus on for Week 1.
>Photography training
>Sword training
>Pistol training
>Sailing training (rigging, general ship knowledge)
>General fitness training
>Socialising with crew
>Other?

You get an automatic +1 to Navigation as that’s mandatory training.
>>
>>3270347
>Photography training
>Pistol training
>Sailing training
>>
>>3270347

>Photography training
>Sailing Training
>Socializing with the crew

As far as the main character is aware, he is only supposed to be a photographer (Correct me if I am wrong), so he shouldn't be thinking about fighting since it IS his first week, after all.
>>
>>3270347
>Photography training
>Sword training
>General fitness training
>>
>>3270347
>Sailing training (rigging, general ship knowledge)
>General fitness training
>Photography training
>>
>>3270347
>Sword training
>Pistol training
>general fitness
>>
>>3270352
True, but all marines should know self-defense. Plus, he's well aware pirates pass through his neck of the ocean. Doesn't hurt to be prepared.
>>
>>3270352
Well a photographer in the one piece universe
>>
Gonna call it for Photography, Sailing and General Fitness, writing.
>>
>Photography
>Sailing
>General Fitness

Over the course of the first week, while the Calavera speeds through the seas (minus the occasional stop at an island to pick up or drop off mail), you familiarize yourself with your new camera equipment, reading through the manual and experimenting with different angles and lights.

While you don’t join the crew for actual combat lessons, helping out with manning the ship - and exercising up on deck - at least seem to keep Lt. Domino off your back. He isn’t friendly, but you get a brisk nod from him now and then; apparently he doesn’t think you’re slacking off, as proven by your steadily growing understanding of navigation. While the subject isn’t entirely useful in the Grand Line, it’s far moreso in the Blues, and it’s always a useful skill for a Marine to read the skies or water.

Apart from your training and occasionally snapping a picture for practice, you mostly keep to yourself, learning only a few names. Still, probably best for officers and infantry not to mix, right?

>Roll 1d100 for 2nd week, middle of 3.
>>
Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>3270380
>>
Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>3270380
>>
Rolled 20 (1d100)

>>3270380
>>
Damn, this trip is boring. Please try to get attacked for your third week, okay?

>Vote again for same choices, pick 3 please!
>>
>>3270391
>Photography training
>Sword training
>Pistol training
>>
Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>3270380

Hopefully we don't get into a fight soon, since we are pretty green as we are right now
>>
>>3270391
>Photography training
>Pistol training
>Sailing training
>>
>>3270393

What he says, also lol, rolled too late
>>
>>3270391
>>Photography training
>>Sword training
>>Reminscene about the past
Mystery box?

Will try, Captain.
>>
>>3270393
Support. Out of boredom, Flashman starts getting curious about his skill with his weapons of choice.
>>
>>3270380
>Sword training
>Pistol training
>general fitness
>>
Photography, Pistol, Sword, writing.

Actually, might as well roll me that 1d100 for the last week now, while I write You’re traveling through the Calm Belt, so things could get interesting!
>>
Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>3270408
>>
Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>3270408
Buckle up, buckaroo!
>>
Rolled 22 (1d100)

>>3270408

Hoping is not a one, or a hundred.
>>
Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>3270408
C'mon gimme some luk
>>
>>3270411
>>3270412
>>3270413
We are sea king repellent
>>
>Photography, Pistol, Stabbing Things

For the second week at sea, feeling a little stronger (and not prone to collapsing so soon), you turn to combat. Well, practicing it, at least. You drill in pistols with the crew, and Lt. Domino deigns to give you some lessons and pointers in sabers that the Academy neglected to teach - he seems to be warming up to you more, now he knows you’re not a waste of space, although he still seems annoyed by making Marines take Bounty photos. According to what he grumbles one day, he’d rather the Government rely on freelance photographers for that, to free up Marines for more dangerous duties.

Getting close enough to criminals to take pictures of their faces sounds dangerous enough to you, but whatever. A lot of pirates out there really aren’t happy to have their pictures taken - on the other hand, one of the officers tells you at breakfast one day, other pirates are absolutely delighted to have a good Bounty poster, and might even pose for you.

... Pirates are batshit insane.

In any case, you feel a little more comfortable with a sword or pistol in hand now, not to mention a camera. You won’t be winning photography competitions any time soon, but your pictures shouldn’t have glowing red eyes or blurry lights unless your subjects actually HAVE those.

>Third week roll: 23

... After a few days on the Calm Belt, the crew isn’t sure whether to be paranoid and twitchy, or make offerings to a sea goddess.

“This is the first time through the Calm Belt we’ve never been attacked by Sea Kings or pirates,” one of the crew mentions to you, almost in awe, while the two of you help out with respositioning some cannons.

“Really? Is it normally that dangerous?”

“Oh yeah,” he insists. “And the pirates you get here are normally stronger, too, because can afford seastone-lined hulls. Some of them are even Yonkou subordinates!”

Thus, greatly annoying the QM, you spend a peaceful third week:

>Pick 3 training again, after this you’ll arrive at Loguetown.
>>
>>3270437
>Pistol training
>General fitness training
>Sword training
>>
>>3270437
>Sailing training (rigging, general ship knowledge)
>General fitness training
>Photography training
>>
>>3270437
>Photography training
>General fitness training
>Sailing training (rigging, general ship knowledge)
>>
>>3270437
>Sailing training (rigging, general ship knowledge)
>General fitness training
>Photography training
>>
>>3270445
+1
>>
>>3270441
This
>>
File: Slow chortle.gif (1.96 MB, 400x225)
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>>3270437
>>
>>3270445
This I guess. Gotta max out that Photography skill since it's our job, and sailing and fitness are good for being able to travel to different pirates to take their pictures.
>>
Sailing, Photography, General Fitness, writing.

>>3270457
I’ll get you yet.
>>
>Sailing, Photography, General Fitness

By the time you step off the ship at Loguetown, infant racing past you (either loaded down with bags of mail, or just rushing to shore-leave), you’re actually feeling pretty confident.

Three weeks of decent exercise has left you in better physical condition than ever, even if you’d collapsed into your hammock every night feeling like death warmed over. Lt. Domino seems pretty relaxed with you now, even giving you a quick pat on the shoulder and a quick nod as you leave the ship (from him, that’s pretty much a hug and bursting into tears), and you find it’s not nearly as much effort to carry your own luggage, your photography equipment, and Redrick’s mysterious sword package.

Standing on the docks as new, outgoing mail is loaded onto the Calavera, you take in the sights, sounds and smells of Loguetown, city of the beginning and the end.

It’s... it’s pretty much just a dock.

“Right,” you mutter, straightening yourself up and taking a deep breath. “I can do this. I can do this. Okay.”

Let’s see - you need to report to Captain Smoker at the local Marine base, to let him know you’ve arrived. Then...

>you can sort out your lodgings inside the base. (You’re in unform, and will present yourself as a Marine while you work.)
>you can find lodgings somewhere in the city. (You’re in civilian clothes, and will continue to do so - it may help you get closer to criminals without suspicion.)
>Other combination of lodgings/clothes?

(This will be a fairly major decidion; if you decide to pretend to be a civilian, this will cut off some ways you can do things, but open other options. People will also react differently to you depending on whether they think you’re a Marine or not.)
>>
>>3270491
>you can sort out your lodgings inside the base. (You’re in unform, and will present yourself as a Marine while you work.)
We are a gentleman soldier
Plan Competent marine is a go
>>
>>3270491
>you can find lodgings somewhere in the city. (You’re in civilian clothes, and will continue to do so - it may help you get closer to criminals without suspicion.)

I was gonna say let's go full marine mode, but since we know the ins and outs of law, it'll be easier to play as an undercover agent.
>>
>>3270491
>you can sort out your lodgings inside the base. (You’re in unform, and will present yourself as a Marine while you work.)
>>
>>3270491
>you can find lodgings somewhere in the city. (You’re in civilian clothes, and will continue to do so - it may help you get closer to criminals without suspicion.)
>>
>>3270491
>you can find lodgings somewhere in the city. (You’re in civilian clothes, and will continue to do so - it may help you get closer to criminals without suspicion.)
No one (apart from Nami) is gonna agree to do a photo OP with a marine guys. Gotta be undercover
>>
3v2 for undercover versus uniformed, so I'll keep it open a little longer... wasn’t expecting such a close split.

If you guys want to mix it up and do some jobs in uniform and some out, that’s cool too, or even get a Disguise skill and make some separate identities if you want to really go wild.
>>
>>3270491
>you can sort out your lodgings inside the base. (You’re in unform, and will present yourself as a Marine while you work.)

>>3270501

Please anon, we all know that Luffy is too stupid to think much about getting a photo out of him (He was fully smiling at his photo, after all), Usopp is too much of a coward to say no, even though he may attempt to run, Sanji and Zoro may be the only ones to be against it, but you could lure Sanji with promises that he would be popular with women and Zoro with potential strong swordsmen, if not simply catch a photo of him while he is asleep.
>>
>>3270491
>you can sort out your lodgings inside the base. (You’re in unform, and will present yourself as a Marine while you work.)
>>
>>3270491
>you can sort out your lodgings inside the base. (You’re in unform, and will present yourself as a Marine while you work.)
>>
Five for rocking a uniform, writing.

Oh, and

MARINE CAP
>Yes/No
>>
>>3270517
>No
>>
>>3270517
lol no
>>
>>3270517
>If the cap looks good with us then yes
>>
>>3270517
>Yes
>>
>>3270517
>Yes
>>
>>3270517
>hell yeah
The cap makes the man damn it
>>
>>3270517
>Yes!
>>
>>3270524
Yeah, should probably do an appearance vote sometime soon. Hm.

>dat uniform
>holding off on cap until we figure out appearance

Brushing off your uniform (tricky when carrying so much), you start a slow amble towards the local HQ, taking in the sights as you go.

While the place is a lot louder and more... civilian... than Marineford, it seems like a pretty nice place to live. People pass by with smiles on their face, and not with a wary eye out for pickpockets. There’s a few homeless, but they’re relatively clean and begging politely, not harassing anyone. The street-stalls are well-stocked with good and decent-quality goods at sensible prices (or as best you can tell, prices obviously vary depending on supply and demand), and overall, it just looks like a decent city. Some people eye you with concern, but no-one actively flinches away from you or tries to run, like you’ve heard happens to Marines in some places.

At your slow pace, it takes a good twenty minutes before you reach Marine HQ, flashing your ID to the bored but alert man and woman at the entrance.

“I’m looking for Captain Smoker,” you tell them, trying not to look too excited about your shiny new assignment. Their response manages to wipe any chance of a smile off your face.

“The Captain’s at sea on a patrol right now,” the woman infantry apologizes, her salute as crisp as... something really crispy. You’ve never been a word sort of guy. “We can get your paperwork filed and room sorted for you though, sir - he’ll be back sometime next week, assuming no problems.”

Well, that’s disappointing. You were kind of excited about meeting a guy in charge of a whole city. Even though this is just East Blue, he must be strong to be stationed at the main entrance to the Grand alone, right?

One of the infantry shows you inside to get the bureaucracy dealt with and room assigned, as well as a quick tour of the important areas. Like the canteen.

The base is mostly operating on a skeleton crew at the moment, with most patrolling with Captain Smoker; once your belongings are squared away, you

>go for a wander around town to get the lay of the land (civilian clothes/uniform?)
>head to the docks, with your equipment! If a pirate comes or goes, you’ll see (and snap) them!
>ACQUIRE BEER
>Socialize with the remaining Marines
>Other

ALSO
>Appearance vote, either picture or description. 19 year old male human, if picture then ignore whatever clothes they’re wearing. Appearance vote will remain open for a while in case you guys want time to discuss or look for pictures.
>>
>>3270549
>head to the docks, with your equipment! If a pirate comes or goes, you’ll see (and snap) them!

May as well put our training to use.

Blond hair, blue eyes.
>>
>>3270549
>ACQUIRE BEER

Priorities, priorities.
>>
>>3270549
>>3270552
6'2, Shredded, Mix between Schwarzenegger/Clint Eastwood Face
>>
>>3270549
>head to the docks, with your equipment! If a pirate comes or goes, you’ll see (and snap) them!
>>
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37 KB PNG
>>3270549
>>head to the docks, with your equipment! If a pirate comes or goes, you’ll see (and snap) them!
>>
File: download (6).jpg (12 KB, 185x273)
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>>3270549
>>ACQUIRE BEER
>>
>>3270560
>>3270285
a hybrid of thous
>>
Appearance vote remains open, but booze narrowly loses out to
>gotta snap ‘em all, piratemon!

Camera nestled safely in a case slung over your shoulder, you head back to the docks. Not loaded down, you get there a little faster than your trip the previous way, although this time you pay closer attention to the ships docked (or coming in to dock).

There’s small fishing boats, larger merchant ships, a few privately owned boats for pleasure or tours; the docks themselves are busy with workers loading and unloading goods, hauling supplies away to wherever they might be stored or sold.

The Calavera is just leaving now, and you give a quick wave to some of the men on deck who notice and recognize you - with that massive, obvious ship now setting off, maybe some scum will come crawling out of the woodwork?

>Climb up onto a roof and hunker down to get a good view.
>Hide behind something at ground level and keep an eye out from there.
>Just stand in the middle of the docks with your camera out, and look really determined. You never know.
>Other.
>>
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>>3270549
Personality is close enough
>>
>>3270549
>ACQUIRE BEER
Appearance wise I say pic related>>3270285 maybe without the beard. Wouldn't really make sense to be shredded considering we're a bottom of the barrel officer. Still a marine though so obviously as toned as any of the rest. Other than that just an average dude, probably about 5'11.
>>
>>3270592
>Climb up onto a roof and hunker down to get a good view.
>>
>>3270593
ARE YOU CALLING FLASHMAN SHORT?!
>>
>>3270592
>Climb up onto a roof and hunker down to get a good view
>>
>>3270598
Yes, YES! This is what I want!
>>
>>3270592
>>Just stand in the middle of the docks with your camera out, and look really determined. You never know.
time to use our manly charms
>>
also
>Flashman either has, or tries to have, sex with most of the female characters: by the end of the ninth book he estimates that he has had sex with 480 women.
harry flashman: supreme chad
>>
>>3270592
>>>Just stand in the middle of the docks with your camera out, and look really determined. You never know.

They'll come to us.
>>
>>3270592
>>>Just stand in the middle of the docks with your camera out, and look really determined. You never know.
>>
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>>3270593
Fuck it lets just be mustang, just as snarky anyway
>>
That was a joke option but fuck it

>ROLL 1D100, BEST OF 3

Also, did you guys decide to spend that bonus on a +8 to anything?
>>
>>3270592
>Just stand in the middle of the docks with your camera out, and look really determined. You never know.
>>
Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>3270617
>nb4 it works
>>
Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>3270617
tally ho
>>
Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>3270617
>>
>>3270593
this is what i WANT
>>
You’re Sea King AND pirate repellant.

This is incredible. Writing.
>>
Rolled 29 (1d100)

>>3270617
>>
>>3270593
>3270593
nah mate on personality I was thinking of using canon flashman (cocky, womanizer and fucking lucky)
>>
>>3270627
and a supreme coward but a lucky one
>>
Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>3270617
>>
>>3270615
This works too.
>>
>>3270627
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Literature/Flashman
>>
>53, y’all suck

You place yourself in the middle of the docks. To the left of you - ships. To the right of you - ships. Behind you - assorted buildings. Around you - really confused dockworkers, giving you weird looks.

You care not for their petty mortal concerns. You... you are a Marine! And not only that! The finest of breed, you are... a PHOTOGRAPHER!

You narrowly dodge a seagull attempting to shit on you.

For five minutes, you stand there, hands at the ready on your camera, face locked into an expression of sheer determination. Ships dock. Ship pull up anchor. Ships are loaded. Ships are unloaded. You are one with the docks, heart beating to the rhythm of the work and the waves. You are beyond humanity. You are REALLY SO DAMN BORED HOLY FUCK SOMETHING HAPPEN SOMETHING HAPPEN PLEASE AUGGGGGHHHHHH

“Aren’t they amazing?!”

What? Oh. You turn slightly to look at the person next to you - a girl, mid- to late-teens, chubby, braces. She looks as excited as she sounds, holding - oh. A camera?

“Look at that one, it’s incredible,” she gushes, one hand raised to point out a smaller ship just docking now. “That hull is clearly a 1203-style Jagermann! And look at the prow! Wow, the condition is so good! They’ve gotta be waxing the figurehead with baetle-oil to keep the colors that bright.”

Oh. Oh no.

It’s a boat-spotter.

>FLEE
>I don’t speak Lingua Fraca. Please don’t talk to me.
>I’m... I’m just looking for pirates, dude...
>Cool story, nerd.
>Other
>>
>>3270644
well my fair lady, your presence brings a tear to this tired eyes but I am afraid that I am here on duty as a photographer
>>
>>3270644
>I don’t speak Lingua Fraca, Nerd. 'Sides, only thing worth photographing are ~~PIRATES~~! (Blunt, cocky personality, less self-control)
>>
>>3270644
>I’m... I’m just looking for pirates, dude...
>>
>>3270652
>>well my fair lady, your presence brings a tear to this tired eyes but I am afraid that I am here on duty as a photographer
forgot to greentext
>>
>>3270644
>I’m... I’m just looking for pirates, dude...
>>
>>3270652
>>3270659
Are you guys seriously trying to flirt or fail at it?
>>
>>3270663
Oops, same voter, never mind.
>>
>>3270663
both
>>
>>3270642
I like the name for the pun on our job, not for the personality anon. Couldn't care less about it.
>>
>>3270644
>....Y-yeah ya got me that's totally why I'm here. For pictures of...ships. Ships are radical, especially those jaguarmans. I love em.
>try to maintain the cool
>>
>>3270673
I'm fine with the personality quirks though Flashman is a bit much. Maybe lean more towards to a more Ciphas Cain type? Less rape-y more act like a cocky "he's got this" type as he's screaming internally.
>>
>wat le fuk

“I’m... I'm just looking for pirates, dude...” you say, edging away as your eyes flicker around in hopes of an escape. There is none. In the grim monotony of the Loguetown docks, there is only boredom.

“- and that’s the Acapella, she comes in every week like clockwork,” the girl rattles on, either not hearing or ignoring you. “Ooh, that’s a new one behind her - I’ll have to talk to the harbormaster when they register, and get her details. I still haven’t recorded a ship registered at Pollytentia Island, maybe this’ll be my lucky day...”

Her brace-bedecked teeth are beaming wide as she gazes upon the ships with something approaching rapture.

“But,” you attempt. “Uh. Pirates?”

She blinks and turns to look at you? “Pirates?”

“I’m just here for the pirates,” you repeat, louder. She may be deaf. You don’t judge, except when you do, which is a lot. Like, A LOT a lot.

“What pirates?”

You wave vaguely in the direction of the big, wooden sea-going things. “Uh. Well, they’re not. Here. Right now. But they’re gonna be! Eventually! And when they are - I’ll be ready!”

She stares at you.

“Okaaaaaay,” she says, very slowly. Then she sort of shuffles back from you, carefully.

(Self-control failure!)

Your control promptly explodes like a supernova. “I’M A MARINE!”

“Ooooookaaaaaaayyyyyy.....”

“LOOK, LOOK AT MY UNIFORM, I’M A MARINE,”

“ooooookaaaayyyy,” she says, rapidly backing further away.

“DON’T RUN AWAY FROM ME, I’M VERY SAFE AND PROTECTIVE!!” You gently clarify this by flailing wildly, fists clenched as you howl your innocence to the docks at large.

“byyyyyyyyyyeeee,” comes the girl’s faint voice, as she vanishes behind a stack of crates.

... That went well.

[-2 to Seduction! 0 pirates found!]

>CHASE AFTER HER AND TELL HER WHAT A GREAT AND PIRATE-HATING GUY YOU ARE SHE NEEDS TO UNDERSTAND
>Resume your noble stand in the middle of the docks.
>Attempt to use your brain-meat to come up with a better plan.
>Other
>>
>>3270698
>Attempt to use your brain-meat to come up with a better plan.
>>
>>3270698

>Slap yourself in the face for doing that to a girl.

>Go to the top of a building, any building, more view for you and the lenses of your camera.
>>
>>3270698
>>Resume your noble stand in the middle of the docks.
>>
>>3270698
>Attempt to use your brain-meat to come up with a better plan.
>>
ROLL 1D100 TO COME UP WITH A PLAN

Also, each of you gets one guess to autopass, because I gave you two hints over the last two updates for how to better hunt down pirates. This should be pretty easy.
>>
Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>3270725
>>
Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>3270725
>>
Rolled 75 (1d100)

>>3270725
>>
>>3270725
Does it involve a tavern?
>>
>92, auto-pass anyway

Folding your arms, you take your eyes off the ships and scowl down at the wooden boards of the piers they’re docked at.

Pirates. How can you hunt them without them seeing you? How can you find they’re nearby without - waitwaitwaitWAIT.

That girl... a boat-spotter. They pay a lot of attention to different ships, right? So they’d know, y’know, which ships are which, and when they come and go, right? And - she mentioned the harbormaster. That kind of person would have all the details of which shops are docked, wouldn’t they? Sure, they wouldn’t write down ‘this is a pirate ship’, or ‘this Captain is a smuggler’, but they’d hear things, maybe even keep quiet about it for the right price.

The boat-spotters might know less, because they’re working at a remove, but it’s certainly be safer to ask them... but the harbormaster would know more, although people might make a move on you if they think he’s gonna tell you anything...

You gnaw at your lower lip, frowning at the pier.

>Go find the harbormaster and question him on the regularity of pirate ships, and if there’s any sneakily docked at the moment.
>Find out where the local boat-spotter’s association is, and see if they know anything useful.
>You’ve stood here for ten minutes already, and you’re gonna KEEP standing here, dammit!
>Other
>>
>>3270755
>Go find the harbormaster and question him on the regularity of pirate ships, and if there’s any sneakily docked at the moment.
>>
>>3270755
>>Find out where the local boat-spotter’s association is, and see if they know anything useful.
maybe the dockmaster is hiding something
>>
>>3270755
>Go find the harbormaster and question him on the regularity of pirate ships, and if there’s any sneakily docked at the moment.
>>
>>3270698
>actually out weirded the weirdo
Oof
>>3270755
>Go find the harbormaster and question him on the regularity of pirate ships, and if there’s any sneakily docked at the moment.
>>
>>3270755
>Go find the harbormaster and question him on the regularity of pirate ships, and if there’s any sneakily docked at the moment.
>>
>>3270755
>>Go find the harbormaster and question him on the regularity of pirate ships, and if there’s any sneakily docked at the moment.
>>
>master of the harbor

It’s a beautiful day at the Loguetown docks, Lyonel Kapinski, long-time harbormaster, pours himself another cup of coffee as he settles in to complete today’s crossword puzzle. On his desk lies the latest thick tome of ships docked, their origin and destination, their island of registration, owners and captain. What do they carry? How long will they stay? What docking fees do they pay? The great books of records tell all, to those who know how to read them.

Outside his hut, seagulls shriek and squeal, waves break gently against the pier, and the banging and crashing of cargo is accompanied by the calls of dockworkers as they bellow instructions and insults.

Lyonel takes a sip of coffee, carefully considering the clue to 3-across. Eight letters, third letter R. An unexpected happening. Really? That’s so easy, it’s obviously -

“SURPRISE, MY GOOD BITCH,” screams the Marine who kicks in his door, combat-boot-clad foot still raised in the air. “THE BOOK-INSPECTOR IS HERE TO... PEER! AT YOUR BOOKS!!”

Lyonel’s mouth opens. Then closes. Then opens. “Wh-wh-what?”

>Let’s talk pirates! Hit me with who’s here, who’s not, gimme gimme!
>Nice try, buddy, you think you’re gonna sway me with that innocent act?! Not Ensign Harry Flashman, haHA! J’accuse!
>’Sup. Can I borrow your records for a while?
>Other
>>
>>3270818
>’Sup. Can I borrow your records for a while?
Or
>Let’s talk pirates! Hit me with who’s here, who’s not, gimme gimme!
>>
>>3270818
>>’Sup. Can I borrow your records for a while?

Let me tell you, the marine is getting weirder and weirder for a gentleman, indeed.
>>
>>3270818
>’Sup. Can I borrow your records for a while?
>>
>>3270818
>>Nice try, buddy, you think you’re gonna sway me with that innocent act?! Not Ensign Harry Flashman, haHA! J’accuse!
>>
>>3270818
>Nice try, buddy, you think you’re gonna sway me with that innocent act?! Not Ensign Harry Flashman, haHA! J’accuse
I kind of want to see how far we could bullshit through this
>>
>>3270828
People want a cocky, uncontrolled shit, they get one.

He’ll, he’ll mature, if people want it (or once a pirate has punched his face in.)

Next update is going to be last for tonight, because it’s past 2am here in Taiwan, and I have class tomorrow. And the homework I should have done tonight. Ha. Haha. Ha. Fuck. This thread will stay up for any updates tomorrow (today?) though. Will probably finish up appearance vote sometime tomorrow as well, if anyone wants to change/add to that.
>>
>>3270818
>’Sup. Can I borrow your records for a while?
>>
>yo i want ur books

“‘Sup,” you continue, vaguely wondering how long you can keep your leg like this. “Can I borrow your records for a while?”

The old dude hesitantly reaches out and pokes a thick book closer along the desk towards you.

Damn. You’re gonna have to put your leg down. You do so (gracefully, like a really badass gazelle), and saunter over to throw yourself in the chair opposite the guy, reaching out to grab the book and open it.

You can can understand... most of it? Ship names and dates and stuff, surr; there’s company names and something called bills of lading, and fees for unloading shit, and wow, you’re bored.

“So which of these are pirates? Or, I dunno, other crim8nals?” You flip through some of the latest pages.

“I - what? You’re looking for pirates? In - in the harbor records?”

“Well, duh. Obviously.” Is this guy stupid? You scowl, pausing at a record of some drunken idiot setting his ship on fire, and the fees to get it towed away.

>Be charming (diplomance him!)
>Be intimidating (threaten him!)
>Be flirtatious (sedu- NO, THIS OPTION IS FORBIDDEN)
>Be cunning (you’re totally here to take bribes, uh-huh)
>Other

GOOD NIGHT, SWEET PLAYERS and may fleets of Marines sing thee to thy arrest, or something.
>>
>>3270895
>Be cunning (you’re totally here to take bribes, uh-huh)

We're going to get our shit kicked in so bad, I can't wait for it!
>>
>>3270895
>Be cunning (you’re totally here to take bribes, uh-huh)
>>
>>3270895

>Be charming (diplomance him!)
If we want to be mustang this is the next best thing
>>
>>3270895
>Be charming (diplomance him!)
>>
>>3270557
Personally I approve of this look. Guy looks kinda haggard and I think that fits with our hard working but also kinda incompetent person.
>>
>>3270560
>Looks
Supporting this. We bishonen
>>
>>3270895
>Be charming (diplomance him!)
Whatcouldgowrong.jpeg
>>3270560
Gonna go with this dandy. At least give Flashman the looks, seeing as how he doesn't have the moves.
>>
>>3270895
>Be charming (diplomance him!)

>>3270560
This is good for looks. Black haired dude is too bland, Flashman is absolutely NOT a midget.
>>
>>3270895
>>Be charming (diplomance him!)

>>3270285
Backing this for appearance. If we're going to be Flashman, by Jove we'll do it right.
>>
>>3270895
>>Be charming (diplomance him!)

>>3270560
Supporting for the looks vote. Flashman will probably do a better job on the opposite side of the camera (considering our shit rolls)
>>
>>3270895
Ill vote for anything that's not bishonen.
>>
>>3271268
so basically either Edward, Roy, or the british looking dude with the curly hair
>>
>>3271699
Pretty much. I'd be happy with any of those three.
>>
>>3271699
>Edward
>Not a bishonen
No he's super pretty when he's not screaming about being called short.

It's either Roy (still pretty, but too old to be a traditional bishonen) or British guy.
>>
>>3271268

I mean, I don't think that Matsuda (Death Note) is a bishonen character, but sure.
>>
>>3271712
Eh, not really but in terms of looks I'm going mustang anyway.
>>
>>3270563
Those two work
>>
>>3271919
And for personality a mixture of mustang and flashman ( more mustang work ethics and a hint of Harry “i am going to fuck everything from the British islands to California” flashman ( and maybe a bit of that flashman “high level preservation instinct”)
>>
Looks like charming beats out cunning easily, and it seems smiley-blond-guy photo is in the lead? I’ve only skimmed appearance votes, but but not closing it yet.

Writing for diplomacy, won’t be a long run tonight because I’ve somehow inconveniently developed a social life.
>>
>diplomance the old dude

“You’ve got a tough job,” you tell the old fogey solemnly, fixing him with your wise and ancient gaze (for nineteen years old, anyway, that’s pretty ancient, right?). “Ships come and go at all hours, and you - you’ve got to get every detail right. You’ve got a lot of responsibility on your shoulders, and you bear it with dignity, my man.”

“... Seriously, who are you?”

“So I look at these books,” you continue, because you’re wearing a Marine uniform, why would you need to introduce yourself? What a dumbass. “I look at these books, and I see the work of an expert. An expert... like you.”

“That’s... because they’re my books.”

“That’s right! They’re YOUR books! And that’s how I know these books are gonna be perfect, because you”re a man with conviction. A man determined to do his job, come hell or high weather, with dedication borne of passion! A call to greatness! These books - can we even call them books?” You rise from your chair like a phoenix from the flames, except not on fire, and also, not a bird. “Harbormaster - no - master of the harbor! I am... in awe!”

You totally got this.

>Roll 1d100, best of 3. DC 70 to successfully flatter, no bonuses.
>>
>>3273236
>>
Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>3273236
FUCKING really?
>>
Rolled 80 (1d100)

>>3273236
Watch this nat 1.
>>
Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>3273236
>>
>80 you are smooth as eqyptian cotton or something
>+1 to Diplomacy when making nice with people

The harbormaster straightens up in his seat, puffing out his chest. “Well, thst’s - that’s right! I do my best, you know, trained for year to-“

He drivels on for a minute with shit you don’t care about, while you smile at him, eyes wide and giving an occasional nod or appreciative ‘oooh!’. Whatever, dude, you just, like, write down boats and stuff. Whoohoo.

“Boss Harbormaster,” you ask when he finally shuts up, preening his moustache. “Can you explain how these records work? I really REALLY need to find some ships, or my superiors’ll be really mad at me!” You manage not to puke inside your mouth, but it’s hard.

The harbormaster pauses, growing a little unsure. “Well, I’m a busy man, y’knoe...”

“I know!” SHUT UP AND BE USEFUL, DUMBASS, YOU WERE JUST DOING A DAMN CROSSWORD. “But you’re the best, and I reeeally need to learn this stuff fast. Maybe you can help me find the ships I’m looking for?”

This seems like a better option. He smiles smugly, and you manage to look like an impressed, gormless idiot. Haha, you’re totally a natural at this ‘being stupid’ thing! ... wait...

At least you manage to gently ease him into helping you look over the most recent book, telling him you’re looking for ships which might be carrying criminals or illegal goods. “Not that they’d tell you that, Boss Harbormaster, you’d obviously report it,” you flatter him, “but a guy like you has seen a lot of ships, and I bet you have great instincts, right?”

(Gained a better understanding of nautical paperwork/legalities! Bonus to some future research rolls!)

Although he doesn’t out-and-out say ‘yes, this ship here has replaced their pirate flag with a civilian one while docked’. The idiot is only too eager to flaunt his brilliance by pointing out ships he ‘thinks’ might be crewed by criminals. Either they’ve pissed him off, they aren’t paying him enough, or he’s just that dumb. Maybe all three.

(1/2)
>>
In any case, you have three leads now:
- the Fearsome Foursome (are you kidding me?) are a group of four sometimes pirates, sometimes bandits, who commit crimes wherever, whenever. They might leave at any time, but don’t care about keeping a low profile. They’re currently all aboard their small ship.
-the Long Pirates are all out in town, leaving their ship empty (stupid move) - a new crew apparently, no-one knows much about their roster.
- the OpenShut Pirates (what the hell is with that name?) will be heading out probably to the Grand Line, later today - some of the crew are guarding the ship, but the rest are out getting supplies in town.

A quick den-den call to HQ confirms that the Foursome could have their posters updated, but it’s not an emergency - the Long pirates all need Bounty posters - and the OpenShut pirates need better photos of some of their stronger crew. Apparently the Captain of the OpenShut MIGHT have a devil fruit, but no-one’s certain.

What now?
>Head to the Fearsome Foursome (what a name) ship and see what you can do there.
>Go into town and hunt down the Long pirates.
>Try for the OpenShut pirates (in town/on ship?).
>Other.
>>
Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>3273236
>>
>>3273273
>Go into town and hunt down the Long pirates.
We'll get the pics and info on their roster to hand over to our bosses.
>>
>>3273273
>Go into town and hunt down the Long pirates.
>>
>>3273298
Support
>>
>Long pirates: THE HUNT

Harbordumbass doesn’t have a clue where the Long pirates might be , other than ‘in town’. Are they getting supplies? Are they recruiting? Are they chilling in a pub/brothel/cell? It’s a mystery, which is entirely unhelpful.

At least the Marine on the end of your denden informs you that the Captain (Xiaolong Maria) has a distinctive hat, with weird antlers.

Pirates are batshit.

You venture into the city, trusty camera at your side. If you were a pirate captain, where would you be?

>BARS
>The market for supplies
>The execution square
>Other
>>
>>3273325
>>BARS
The supplied purchasing is obviously a job for her lackies. The big boss is gonna be chilling at the bar for sure.
>>
>>3273325
>BARS
>>
>>3273325
>BARS
>>
>>3273325
>BARS

Obvious answer is obvious.
>>
>>3273325
>BARS
>>
>>3273325
>BARS
>>
I RETURN from a terrible night.

Roll 1d100, best of 3.
>>
Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>3273623
>>
Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>3273623
So, named Xiaolong and known to wear antlers. Dragon zoan?
>>
Rolled 82 (1d100)

>>3273623
>>
>>3273629
One day, I will be subtle.

>>3273634
Diggity darn, you made it! WRITING.
>>
>>3273638
>One day, I will be subtle.
Forget it, QM. It's One Piece.
>>
>>3273638
The one thing you're too subtle about is who the hell the mystery box relative is. The closest guess I've got is Trafalgar 'Surgeon of Death' Law
>>
>82

There’s no such thing as a pirate bar in Loguetown (for obvious reasons), but you check out some old ex-pirate joint anyway, just in case. There’s a grouchy old dick in there and zero customers, so that’s a bust. After that, you work your way through the bars HQ recommends checking - near the docks, not too decent, the kind of places a drunk pirate who starts bragging eon’t get reported by terrified civilians.

It only takes three more bars before you find it. Or rather, her.

“ANOTHER!” She slams the shot glass down as the crowd around her cheers and passes money around. Opposite her, a swaying man manages to raise his own glass and force down a shot of his own, gaining yet more cheers, if reluctant ones. It’s pretty obvious who’s going to win.

Captain Xiaolong Maria is pretty damn obvious. Long golden coat with an embroidered pattern of scales, and hair splaying out from under a golden baseball cap (really?) with (again, golden) antlers rising from the sides. Hanging from said antlers are thin gold wires, looping from branch to branch, tiny, jingling (golden!) bells tied to the wires.

Pirates. Are. Baaaaatshiiiiit.

Somehow, the woman - gold eyeshadow, gold lipstick, bright yellow eyes - looks as sober as she is smug.

With all attention on the drinking contest, no-one’s yet noticed a Marine’s come in, but that could change... you’re not close enough for a great shot, but you could manage a decent one if you use flash - although the flash would definitely get attention drawn to you.

Scattered about are people you guess are her crew, due to their mild amusement and the weapons at their sides, but most of the crowd are civilians, burly dockworkers and sailors.

Make a move, Ensign.

>Act casual - you’re an oblivious Marine who somehow hasn’t noticed a bunch of pirates. Hide the camera, and order a drink at the bar.
>Walk over, apologize for interrupting, and ask for a photo.
>Just take the picture, and RUN.
>Other

>>3273650
Well, technically...
>>
>>3273666
>Walk over, apologize for interrupting, and ask for a photo.

Flatter her and ask to give her a pretty photo
>>
>>3273666
>Walk over, apologize for interrupting, and ask for a photo.
>>
>>3273666
>>Walk over, apologize for interrupting, and ask for a photo.

>Might be related to Law
....SO does that mean we might be a D as well? You weren't kidding about us hitting the mystery box jackpot.
>>
>>3273666
>Act casual - you’re an oblivious Marine who somehow hasn’t noticed a bunch of pirates. Hide the camera, and order a drink at the bar.
>>
>>3273666
>>Walk over, apologize for interrupting, and ask for a photo.
Shoot and run and acting like you own the place are both gonna draw pirate aggro. Might as well tell them straight up - this way she'll have a chance to pose to show off her bling to maximum effect.
>>
>>3273680
I’m not going to confirm or deny anything further because Mystery Box is mysterious. ... Kind of disappointed you missed out on being Marco’s son, though.

>eeeeyyyyy gimme a pictcha luv

Screw it. You’re just gonna go over there and ask. politely, even!

“‘Scuse me, coming through,” you say, as you nudge and shove your way through the crowd, hands carefully protecting your camera. You don’t know know HQ would say if you reported it broken on your first day in Loguetown, but you suspect it would be less ‘saying’ and more ‘screaming’,

The civilians grumble as you pass, shifting to let you approach, then falling back with growing worry as they realize what you’re wearing.

“Captain,” someone mutters, voice sharp; looks like one of her crew has finally noticed you. You see hands slowly reach for their weapons, the more perceptive civilians falling slowly back, and Xiaolong’s eyes narrow as her gaze rises from her next shot to where one of her crew nods. At you.

You pause beside her barely-conscious drinking rival. “Hi! Sorry to interrupt, but I’m taking bounty photos. Can I take yours?” You hold up the camera to show her, in the sudden ensuing silence.

Someone drops a glass.

“You... want to take my picture,” Xiaolong says slowly, while everyone else remains motionless, an air of incomprehension filling the bar.

>That’s what I said. What are you, stupid?
>Yeah, you want a cool poster, right? None of that blurry crap.
>Actually, all of your crew would be good as well.
>Other
>>
>>3273666
>take a picture then walk over, apologize for interrupting, and ask for a photo.
>>
>>3273701
>Yeah, you want a cool poster, right? None of that blurry crap.
>>
>>3273701
>Yeah, you want a cool poster, right? None of that blurry crap.
>>
>>3273701
>Yeah, you want a cool poster, right? None of that blurry crap.
>That coat is too fine not to be shown off to maximum effect.
>>
>>3273701
>Yeah, you want a cool poster, right? None of that blurry crap.

>Missed out on being Marco's son
Probably for the best. Flashman would have been green with envy when he realises that HE'S not the 'phoenix from the flames', but his dad is. Stupid dad hogging all the cool devil fruit powers
>>
>>3273701
>Yeah, you want a cool poster, right? None of that blurry crap.
Honesty ftw.
>>
>quality pictures, friendo

“Yeah, you want a cool poster, right? None of that blurry crap.”

The pirate leans back in her chair, eyes flicking you and her erstwhile opponent. “You just take pictures? That’s it?”

Rude, much? “Well, someone’s gotta do it,” you defend yourself, “Look, d’you want a decent picture or not? Otherwise I’m gonna have to stalk you like a creep, and that’s a major waste of my time.”

One of the crew seems to be choking on something, but you ignore that in favor of scowling at Xiaolong, who seems to have come to a conclusion.

“All right,” she says a smile growing wide across her face - and wow, her teeth are kinda pointy. “How about this? You versus me, a drinking contest. If you win, you get to take a photo of me in here. But if I win...”

The civilians lean in as one, intrigued.

“... you have to take pictures of me on the execution platform, looking like a gods-damned badass, capiche?”

>Deal!
>... You’ve already got one guy half-dead with alcohol poisoning, I’m not that dumb.
>I’ve got a better idea... (change bet?)
>Other
>>
>>3273738
>Deal!
I mean, all HQ said was to get a picture, right? If Nami's can look like a pinup and Brook's can look like an album cover then the definitions for what constitutes an acceptable picture are pretty loose.
>>
>>3273738
>Deal!
>>
>>3273738
>Deal as long as the alcohol is on her tab
That's literally a win-win for us.
>>
>>3273738
>Deal!
>>
>>3273738
>Deal!

End game goal is to get a rep for taking the most flattering / cool bounty pics around. Soon pirates will beg to be photographed by yours truly.
>>
>OH YEAH

“Deal!” You thrust your hand out to shake on it, and Xiaolong catches your hand and pumps it (golden-painted nails, surprise), smirking.

“A’right, boys - shove that loser out of the way, I got a new sucker to beat!”

To the backdrop of raucous cheers and new bets, the crew bustle the vaguely confused man out from his seat and away, while you take his place, readying your drinking stomach. A clean glass is slammed in front of you, and someone opens a new bottle and pours you and Xiaolong a shit each,

“Drink up, me hearty, yo ho~” the pirate croons, eyes gleaming wildly as she grabs the shot-glass and tosses it back in one go.

DRINK.

>Roll 1d100, best of 3. This is your first three rounds, the DC is pretty low.
>>
Rolled 33 (1d100)

>>3273764
>>
Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>3273764
>>
>>3273764
dice+1d100
>>
>>3273787
Options field, my dude.
>>
Rolled 69 (1d100)

>>3273788
ty
>>3273764
>>
>69, DC 20, easy pass

First shot goes down smooth. Second shot follows, the burn even easier, cheers echoing around you. One of the Long crew is gently beating his face against a wall, you notice, but not a big deal - you’re too busy slamming the third short down your throat, keeping pace with the crazy-grinned pirate opposite you.

Three shots down, and you’re barely feeling it. You got this shit in the bag.

>Rounds 4-6, Roll 1d100, best of 3. DC is higher this time.
>>
Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>3273803
>>
Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>3273803
>>
Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>3273803
>>
>74, DC 35, you’re undefeatable

“I’m not even feeling this,” you tell Xiaolong after the fourth shot goes down.

She only grins wider. “Bitch, neither am I.”

The fifth burns, but it’s a good pain, and the sixth gives you faintest edge of a buzz. What is this crap, water? Sure, it tastes good, but you’re drunk on adrenaline, not alcohol, right now.

“SHOT, SHOT, SHOT!” The audience yells in rhythm, apparently still not over the novelty of a pirate-Marine drinking contest.

>Rounds 7-9. It’s getting trickier now, 1d100, best of three.
>>
Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>3273819
>>
Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>3273819
>>
Rolled 4 (1d100)

>>3273819
>>
>>3273826
>>3273824
>>3273821
Sheesh, mediocre rolls today. Though I think we just beat it, if it's increasing at increments of 15.
>>
>59, DC 50 OH BOY

Shot number 7, you start to feel. Your skin is heated, maybe flushed, and the press of half-drunk men isn’t helping. You shoot Xiaolong a triumphant grin as it goes down anyway, barely noticing that she seems completely unaffected so far.

Number eight. You almost choke on this one, but manage to swallow, keeping the spluttered liquid firmly inside. Shot 9 follows a little unsteadily, your hand a little too loose on the glass, but you manage to aim at your mouth anyway.

>Same as before, DC this time is 70. An increase of 20.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d100)

>>3273840
>>
Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>3273840
>>
Rolled 3 (1d100)

>>3273840
>>
>>3273844
>>
Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>3273840
>>
Rolled 54 (1d100)

>>3273840
>>
>>3273844
finally

it comes
>>
>>3273844
>>3273846
>>3273848
Gotta start brainstorming ways to make her look badass on that execution platform.

>>3273854
>>3273856
Best of 3 guys stop now.
>>
>>3273859
its the movie hangover irl
>>
>CRITFAIL.. and a 3... and no pass in the three first rolls. Magnificent.

You’re gonna win this. You’re gonna snap a pic, and head off in search of your next target, and that’s the only thought in your mind as you raise shot number 10 to your lips, draining it in one l-

wait

wha-whassa

whysevrythin movin

The alcohol finally hits your system. Your awareness hits it limits.

>Roll 1d100 to find out what you did while you were drunk. Best (or should I say worst) of 3.

>>3273865
Yup.
>>
Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>3273879
>>
Rolled 75 (1d100)

>>3273879
>>
Rolled 96 (1d100)

>>3273879
>>
>>3273884
......... oh boy. That’s, uh. You beat the DC 95 that I was thinking of as a joke, so. Wow. Writing.
>>
>>3273888
Can't waste too much time in this, we got to try to drink other pirates under the table for their pics too.
>>
>>3273884
>96
inb4 we did a drunk photoshoot with the entire crew or something. With props and everything.
>>
>95

Your name is Harry Flashman, given name first, family name second. Not that you have a family name, really, because you have no family - the orphanage picked two words and stuck them together for your surname, and you’re just glad they put them in that order. Harry Manflash would just be stupid.

You grew up on an island not too far from Marineford, got your first taste of alcohol at the tender age of fourteen, and promptly dove right into the habit when you were (somehow) accepted to the Marine Academy, free from the burden of your small-town watchful eyes.

In the year you’ve spent broadening your alcohol-based horizons, you’ve never got as absolutely slaughtered as you did that night.

An orchestra riots through your skull. Your intestines tango with your liver. Your chest aches weirdly. You release a vague groan of agony, light stabbing through your eyelids to gently punch you in the eyeballs with PAIN.

“Nuuuuuuurrrrggggghhhhh,” you say, which translates to, ‘arrrrgh I am in pain arrrrgh kill me now, thank you’.

“I think he’s awake,” someone whispers. You want to murder them, but only succeed in twitching and msking a pitiful moan.

“Hey. Hey. Can you hear me, Ensign?”

“Nurghlerele,” you answer, fingers clawing awkwardly at... something soft? Sheets? Yeah, you’re in bed... why are you in bed? You should be doing something, right?

“You’re safe now, Ensign,” the voice continues, thudding into your skull despite the low tone. “It’s oksy - those pirates can’t hurt you any more!”

Pirates? Hurt you? Wha’?

You manage to twitch an eyelid open slightly, wincing at the awful sunlight. “Huh? What’reyou... what?”

“Poor boy,” another voice whispers, and you see the blur as you feel a cold wash-cloth pressed against your forehead. “Don’t worry, Captain Smoker’ll be back tomorrow. He’ll hunt those monsters down and bring them to justice for what they did!”

What... what who did? The idea is ringing faint bells - wait, bells? Didn’t that woman - yeah, that pirate captain had bells on her fake antlers, right? And - wait, Captain Smoker? Tomorrow? How long have you been unconscious for?!

>Force yourself to demand an explanation.
>Fake unconsciousness for now, try to remember what happened.
>Try to get them to give you your camera. It’s gotta be okay, right?
>Other
>>
Going to sleep now, update in morning.
>>
>>3273929
>Try to get them to give you your camera. It’s gotta be okay, right?
If its still around, it'll give a better idea of what the fuck happened last night than these two bozos.
...At least Captain Smoker isn't throwing our hungover ass in the brig for this, that's a plus.
>>
>>3273929
>Try to get them to give you your camera. It’s gotta be okay, right?
>>
>>3273929
>Try to get them to give you your camera. It’s gotta be okay, right?
>>
>>3273929
>Try to get them to give you your camera. It’s gotta be okay, right?
At least we're just hungover instead of beaten up
>>
>>3273929
>Try to get them to give you your camera. It’s gotta be okay, right?
>>
>>3273929
>>Try to get them to give you your camera. It’s gotta be okay, right?
>>
>>3273929
>Try to get them to give you your camera. It’s gotta be okay, right?
>>
Tried to get an update through earlier, thanks whoever got the IP address in the building I was in banned. That was a big help. Anyway, back now!

>muh camera

Slowly, your eyelids flutter open. Ow. Ow. Light. Ow.

"Camera," you groan, and have to repeat it because it comes out as a harsh gurgle.

"Camera?" The man leaning in - a doctor, judging by the stereotypical white coat - frowns. "It's by your bedside - I'm amazed those filthy pirates didn't steal it, considering how expensive it is."

You hadn't really considered the price of it beyond 'a lot', but yeah; it's one of those new-fangled ones that can store the pictures on itself, like a video-den-den, and seriously high-quality ones at that. You hope it isn't damaged, or you're screwed.

The second person, a nurse, gently places it in your hands, while you squint around and try to figure out whether you're in a civilian hospital or at the base. It looks... sterile.

"Only just woken up, and your only thought is for your duty! You're a credit to the Marines, Ensign," she good, proud tears in her eyes.

"Nnnnergghh," you say, wanting to die, while the doctor pats your shoulder.

"We need to go check your paperwork. You just rest up - I'm sure the base will send someone to take your statement soon. Once you're all healed up, you can even get that tattoo removed!"

... what.

>hahahahahaha what tattoo
>How long have I been unconscious for?
>What happened to me?
>Other
>>
>>3276333
>hahahahahaha what tattoo
>>
>>3276333
>>hahahahahaha what tattoo
It better be fucking out of this world. We did pass the DC after all.
>>
>>3276333
>hahahahahaha what tattoo
Is it a Dragon? I bet its a Dragon.
>>
>>3276333
>hahahahahaha what tattoo
>What THE HELL happened to me?
>>
>>3276333
>hahahahahaha what tattoo
Hurry up and check the camera already. Did we at least get one picture out of this mess?
>>
>>3276333
>hahahahahaha what tattoo
>>
>dat tat

“Haha,” you mangle to squeak out. “Ha. Haha. There’s no tattoo, right? Y-you’re kidding me?”

The doctor looks at the nurse. The nurse looks at the doctor.

“Er.” The nurse looks awkward, but at least she doesn’t beat a hasty retreat like the doctor. “We bandaged it over, because it’s still fresh, but you may want to have a look at your chest. And stomach. And back.”

You stare at each other, your head still pounding.

“Bye!” Oh, and now she’s running, too. That’s nice.

... MOTHERFUCKER.

You don’t yet have the strength to sit upright, but you manage to pat a hand under the sheets to feel that yes, layers of bandages are covering a good portion of your upper body. Fantastic. That... would explain some of the aching? You’ve never had a tattoo before. Is that normal? Are you diseased now? Oh sea-gods, what is ON you?

No. Not the priority. Right now, you need to check the camera and make sure that a) you got the pictures, and b) there’s nothing that could compromise you as the kind of guy who hold someone drinking competitions with pirates. That doesn’t tend to reflect well on Marines, you suspect.

Slowly, so as not to jar yourself (especially your poor, still-throbbing brain), you manage to hold the camera closer and jab at the tiny buttons until the gallery of previous pictures comes up.

Stomach rising to your mouth, you start at the beginning.

Practice photos from the Calavera. More of them, you really need to delete those. More - ah, here you are, the day you arrived in Loguetown. So, there’s -

Um.

(1/2)
>>
There’s Captain Xiaolong striking a dramatic pose on the execution platform. The same, but in a backdrop of golden glitter - was someone standing off-camera and throwing it around her? There she is ON the execution platform, dressed up as Gold Rogers, including a giant fake moustache, one of her crew in - is that your jacket?! And wielding an ax in one hand, and a bottle of beer in the other?!

Oh gods.

Next - is that her entire crew dressed up as famous dead pirates? Did they raid a costume shop?! Wait - is that you, cross-eyed and being held up between some of the crew while each of you pour more booze down your throats?

The next - what bar are you all in now? Is that karaoke? Where did you even get that feather boa? Why is Xiaolong still wearing the Gold Rogers moustache? Who’s taking these photos when you’re clearing in-shot?

That’s - that’s one of the crew drunkenly puking outside yet another bar, somehow still managing a thumbs-up at the camera. That’s the entire crew striking sentai poses. That’s - well, you’re pretty sure the next few are a bar fight, but it’s all s little too blurry to say for sure. The chair caught smashing through a window points in that direction though. Oh, and now two of the crew are... in church. Getting married.one of them appears to be in drag, while everyone stands around (looking highly unbalanced) and and applauding.

Xiaolong is still wearing the moustache.

You keep flicking through, suddenly devoid of headache. Your entire life is suffering, instead. There’s you, playing Russian Roulette against... a cat. Okay. Totally normal. There’s a pair of prostitutes making kissy-faces at the camera, oh boy. Then - yeah, you’re pretty sure that’s you, though it’s hard to tell with your face buried in the cleavage of one of them. At least she’s hot.

More, more, more. Is that the inside of ship? Why were you on the Xiaolong’s ship? Why are you riding a dolphin? And - there you are, passed out on some table while a guy is clearly starting to tattoo your chest. Another crewmember is passed out under the table, while yet another makes a peace sign at the camera, despite his hungover face.

That’s the last one. The tattoo is barely started, so you can’t tell what the hell it is, but you slowly turn your terrified gaze away from the camera and down to the bandages covering you.

“Ensign,” the nurse calls from outside the door, muffled but cheerful. “Someone’s here to take your statement! They’ll just be a minute.”

“!!!!!” you say, which translates as a high-pitched shriek.

>Try and force yourself upright so you can take the bandages off and check the tattoo.
>Quickly delete as much incriminating evidence from the camera as you can.
>PANIC AND ESCAPE
>Insist on visiting the bathroom to buy time
>Other
>>
>>3276418
>Quickly delete as much incriminating evidence from the camera as you can.
We don't have much time, so delete everything that shows you explicity partying with the crew.

Since we have the wedding photo, we can make up a bullshit story that we infltrated the Long Pirate's under the guise of posing as a photographer for the wedding of two of their crew...but the festivities got a little TOO out of hand.
>>
>>3276418
>>Try and force yourself upright so you can take the bandages off and check the tattoo.
>>
>>3276418
>Quickly delete as much incriminating evidence from the camera as you can.
>>
>>3276436
support
we can just say we pretended to be a photographer
>>
>>3276418
>Quickly delete as much incriminating evidence from the camera as you can.
Dont delete everything cos there's gonna be witnesses to our antics in town and an empty camera is gonna raise some red flags. Get rid of everything with Flashman in shot, and the hooker pic (after burnin the image into your retinas first)
Then go with>>3276434 wedding photographer excuse. Since the happy couple are in drag say it was a costume wedding and Flashman got in by claiming his marine uniform was also a costume. (Obvs insist everyone was completely hammered before you even got there, which is why they bought Flashman's story)
>>
>>3276418
>>Quickly delete as much incriminating evidence from the camera as you can.
>>3276434
>>3276448
These two have the right idea.
>>
>I’m going into wedding photography

Oh shit.

You’ve probably never moved so fast in your life. Ignoring your aching bones, you rush your way through the camera gallery as quickly as possible, checking each photo as you go - you and a pirate clinging to each other as you dramatically wail along to a song? Delete. You drawing flowers on a passed-out Long pirate’s face? Delete.

“- crapcrapcrapcrapcrap -“ you keep whispering as you go, mind working overtime to come up with an explanation for the remaining photographs. People must have seen the execution platform stuff, right? And - well, a lot of it. Oh shiiiiiiiiit...

You just about manage to finish deleting everything too incriminating. Flinging the camera down the end of the bed, as harsh footsteps thud to a stop at your door, followed by a sharp rap. “Ensign Flashman?” A woman’s voice, brisk and businesslike.

“Yes!” Your voice croaks, and you try to avoid thinking about might happen if you get found out, “Come in!”

Opening, the door reveals a woman, maybe mid-twenties, dressed in a black pantsuit. “Ensign, I’m Doctor Ophelia,” she introduces herself, striding into the room with a gentle smile and closing the door behind her. “I hear you’ve had a terrible few days as a pirate crew’s prisoner, yes?”

She positions herself near the end of your bed, pen and notebook at the ready, looking at you with concern. “Before we begin, how are you feeling?”

>I feel fine, doc, now I’m away from those awful villains!
>Confused, mostly... I remember infiltrating the crew, but nothing after.
>Terrible - I can’t even describe the pain I’m in.
>Shouldn’t a Marine be doing this, doctor?
>Other.
>>
>>3276469
>Confused, mostly... I remember infiltrating the crew, but nothing after.
Cue wedding photographer story here.
Also if the tattoo looks bad for us then we can claim we don't have ANY memories of it whatsoever, no siree.
>>
>>3276469
>Confused, mostly... I remember infiltrating the crew, but nothing after.
>>
>>3276469
>Confused, mostly... I remember infiltrating the crew, but nothing after.
>>
>>3276469
>Confused, mostly... I remember infiltrating the crew, but nothing after.
>>
>who am i, where am i

“Confused, mostly... I remember infiltrating the crew, but nothing after.” You paste the most honest expression you can muster across your devilishly good-looking face, and the doctor nods.

“That’s not surprising, considering the circumstances.” Before you ask exactly what she means by circumstances, she ,over on. “Now, Ensign... you say you were attempting to infiltrate the Long pirates? In your own words, can you explain exactly what you intended, and what you recall?”

While her expression remains placid, you notice her eyes flick to your camera and instantly back to you.

You’re suddenly very glad you deleted those photos.

>(What’s the story, bro?)
>>
>>3276488
>My intention was to get a photograph of the pirate to update the bounty image.
>>
>>3276488
>Decided to try to photograph the Long Pirates since the crew mostly unknowns apart from their captain
We're a diligent marine!
>Got wind that they were planning a costume party thing, offered to take some photos for posterity (passing my uniform of as a costume)
That will explain our first meeting in the bar. Also I bet there are a ton of costume shops selling knockoff marine gear for better execution reenactments
>Turns out the costume 'party' was actually a costume 'wedding'
This is where the wedding pic comes into play (assuming Xiaolong is still wearing the moustache here to sell it further).
>Pirates insisted I join them in the pre-pre-pre game drinks. Had to accept otherwise I'll blow my cover
This explains the drinking contest.
>....and that's where things became a blur. Before now I honestly though my alcohol tolerance was pretty damn decent.
>>
(Specifically this vote is to confirm whether you want to go for the ‘infiltrating a wedding party’ idea, and whether you can keep your story straight and convincing. You don’t know what your tattoo is, so you can’t really use that, but you HAVE deleted the photos so there’s no hard evidence (at least on camera)).
>>
>>3276529
Confirm vote for me. Seems as good a plan as any.
>>
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>>3276526
the codex Astartes support this action
>>
>>3276488
>>3276526
+1
>>
>>3276529
Locking into wedding photographer vote. There's literally no other explanation that will even fly.

>>3276526
This is good. All the crazy pics still left can be explained away by stating that 1)pirates are crazy
2)pirates like to party
3)there was a lot of booze involved
Any inconsistencies and the tattoo can be explained away by us being blind drunk. We heard the rumor from a guy who heard it from a guy who has probably left the island by now anyway (and was more than a little drunk himself), and since we had no other leads decided to check it out.
>>
>>3276526
>>3276529
Supporting this.

Flashman could have probably held his own if nat 1 didn't strike. What the hell was in that last round? Moonshine??
>>
>>3276561
bout fuel, vodka, and absinthe
>>
>wedding confirmed

THINK FAST, FLASHMAN.

Building on the bare bones of the plan you'd come up with, you spill a magnificent story - a tale that grows with every layer of bullshit.

There you were, looking for the Long pirates, when you heard someone mention they were planning some kind of costume party - how you cunningly infiltrated them 'in costume' - discovering the party was really a wedding - and then...

Beer.

So, so much beer.

"I thought my alcohol tolerance was pretty good," you dolefully admit, full of (not entirely faked) woe, "but I guess that isn't compared to pirates, huh?"

You add a few blurry memories in; something about the execution platform? And you maybe remember some singing, so sorry, can't remember the details. Maybe it'll come back to you?

Doctor Ophelia nods with each sentence, pen moving gracefully across her notebook, before she smiles reassuringly at you. "I see. And the tattoo?"

"Tattoo? Yeah, the other doctor mentioned something about a tattoo, but I don't remember getting one." You poke at the bandages, looking despondent.

"Hm. So you don't recall getting a giant dragon coiling around from chest to waist, holding a sign it's mouth saying 'Property of the Long Pirates?"

... No. No, you do not.

"Do you have any idea why the Long pirates might want to mark you as their 'property, Ensign?"

>I guess I'm just a really good photographer, y'know?
>No, and I'm gonna rip their heads off for it!
>... Obviously they're claiming me as their future target. For death.
>Other.
>>
>>3276599
>Pirates are fucking crazy.
>>
>>3276599
>>No, and I'm gonna rip their heads off for it!
how dare them for claiming a member of the corps, tally ho lads
>>
>>3276599
>Pirates are fucking crazy.
We've learned that the hard way.
>>
>>3276599
>Pirates are fucking crazy.
But real talk if we just get the sign removed that will actually be an awesome tattoo. And it's free too! Thanks long pirates!
>>
>>3276599
>Pirates are fucking crazy.
*Insert our most doleful expression here*
It's only been day one and we've seen some shit.
>>
>>3276599
>Pirates are fucking crazy.
>>
>>3276599
>Pirates are fucking crazy.
Don’t know, don’t rightly care, Ma’am. I’d just like it off my chest.
>>
>>3276599
>Start the next day already
>>
>>3276599
>Pirates are fucking crazy.
>>
>>3276599
>Pirates are fucking crazy.
>>
>sometimes it do be like that

"Pirates," you slowly explain, "are fucking crazy."

There's a long pause.

"I guess that makes sense," Doctor Ophelia mutters, before tucking the clipboard under one arm. Then she reaches out and snags the camera from your bed, nodding finally at you. "We'll just need to make sure the camera's working after everything, and see if there's any suitable pictures for the bounty photos. There's no problem with that, is there?"

She eyes you perhaps a little too fixedly as you shake your head and casually say, "That's fine, I haven't had a chance to look at it yet."

Does she look a little disappointed? You can't quite tell, but the doctor nods, givers her goodbyes, and disappears out the door with your camera in hand, promising to have it back to you by tomorrow.

For now, you sink back into the hospital bed and try to figure out what the hell could go wrong next.

(Gained: +5 to all Bullshitting rolls! +1 to Photography! Successful completion of the Long Pirates' photos! A giant tattoo! Mostly avoided burgeoning suspicion!

Lost: Opportunity to photograph other two targets! Xiaolong's Mysterious Secret! Your dignity!)

---

CONGRATS on completing your first mission! You have truly proved yourself to be... a guy who barely scraped a passing grade, or something. In any case, please vote on these two, uh, votes.

Firstly:
>Appearance: Young Mustang
>Appearance: That Smiley Blond Guy I Don't Know

Secondly, next update (same thread) will be a post from the POV of:
>Smoker
>Doctor Ophelia
>Long crew's first-mate
>Other?

If you guys have any comments or criticism, or stuff you'd like to see, please let me know, because I'd like to git gud at this shit. Going to hang around a little longer, then sleep.
>>
>>3276710
>>Appearance: That Smiley Blond Guy I Don't Know
It's Arthur Pendragon from Fate Prototype (+ Fate Grand/Order) by the way. The male one, not the female one seen in Fate Stay/Night.

>Long crew's first-mate
We need to the story of last night.
>>
>>3276710
>Appearance: Young Mustang
>Long crew's first-mate
>>
>>3276710
>Appearance: That Smiley Blond Guy I Don't Know
its the guy who interpreted harry flashman on the royal flash movie
>Doctor Ophelia
>>
>>3276710
>Appearance: Young Mustang
>Long crew's first-mate
>>
>>3270560
This is the second option, by the way.
>>
File: pvc_parfait arthur.png (1.47 MB, 978x1089)
1.47 MB
1.47 MB PNG
>>3276710
>Appearance: That Smiley Blond Guy I Don't Know
Assuming its pic related from >>3270560

>Long crew's first-mate
Is he the guy banging his head against the wall in the bar?
>>
>>3276728
oh ( my vote still stand because it's better than Mustang)
>>
>>3276731
>Is he the guy banging his head against the wall in the bar?
Yup.
>>
>>3276710
>Appearance: That Smiley Blond Guy I Don't Know
Xiaolong was obviously taken with Flashman's golden hair, which is why she wanted to claim him as her property.

>Long Crew's first-mate
>>
did we bang the pirate so hard that she wanted to take us with her
>>
>>3276710
Appearance fullmetal alchemist edward
>Long crew's first-mate
>>
>>3276710
>>3276710
>Smiley blond
>Long’s first mate
>>
>>3276710
>>Appearance: That Smiley Blond Guy I Don't Know
>>Long crew's first-mate
>>
liking the quest so far
>>
>>3277091
Thankee, good sirrah.

Okay, looks like King Arthur is confirmed for appearance, I’d say he could definitely pull off the Marine coat + hat combo, but that’s up to you guys. Gonna write interlude for the Pirate of Eternal Suffering now.
>>
THE MANY TRIALS OF FIRST MATE TONGKU, VICTIM OF FATE

The Long crew’s first mate was a man of simple pleasures; a cold drink on a hot day, or a hot drink on a cold one. The sound of the ocean under a gentle breeze. Not serving under a batshit insane Captain who thought she was an actual, literal dragon.

Alas, being Tongku was suffering.

“We can’t keep him,” he had patiently (and repeatedly) told his pouting long-time tormento- no, friend. “He’s a Marine, we have to put him back where we found him.” In reply, the Captain (and several other idiots) had looked utterly distraught, because gods forbid anyone on this ship had common sense except Tongku.

He’d probably have agreed with kidnapping the Marine if the kid hadn’t also seemed to be a lunatic. Who just walked up to a bunch of pirates and asked for a picture? For BOUNTY photos?

Of course, Maria had actually agreed to it, so...

Now, they plunged through the earliest part of the Grand Line, with the wind in their hair and one functioning brain between them all.

“How can we have run out of meat!?”

Chichi shrugged, not even bothering to look embarrassed at Tongku’s disbelief. “Everyone got a little hungry over the last few days, I guess.”

“A little? Are we ravening wolves?”

“Well, Captain IS a dragon...”

“SHE ISN’T A DRAGON!!” He buried his face in his hands. Again. For the third time today. “Just... we’ll hit the next island tomorrow, right? We’ll just have to go hunting. And any of you idiots who don’t have work are now on fishing duty.”

A chorus of ‘Awwwww’s and ‘But moooooom’s rang out, followed swiftly by Tongku hurling a series of rapid-fire needles at the dumbasses. Why was he even here? He should have stayed back home, not followed his mad friend on a quest to become Pirate King or Dragon King, depending on what she felt like day-to-day. He should have been a grocer or something.

“Oh, and we’re short of ink for tattoos as well,” Kalli butted in, busy tying up a length of rope. “It’s not urgent, but we used up a lot for that Marine.”

Tongku paused, turning slowly to face her. “We used it on... who?”

“The Marine. The one you wouldn’t let us keep.” Her sulky expression told him exactly what she thought of that decision.

“You guys... tattooed the Marine.”

It started to slowly dawn on the assorted Long crew that maybe, just maybe, they shouldn’t have admitted this. “No?”

Tongku’s eyes narrowed. “What tattoo did you give him?”

For miles around, fishermen and sailors looked around in confusion at the faint, high echoes of a horrified voice, screaming “WHAAAAAAAAAATTTT?!”
>>
All right, me hearties, we’re going to skip ahead to the next day. You’ve pretty much recovered from your hideous hangover now, only to find it’s the day that local bogeyman, Captain Smoker, will be returning to traumatize you and everyone in Loguetown. As your superior officer (even if you’re not technically directly under him), you’re gonna have to report to him, plus you have Redrick’s letter and sword to pass on.

Considering you managed to get good-quality photos of a pirate crew, you guys also get a +1 to some kind of skill roll.
Photography? Diplomacy? Pistol? Anything you like. You’re currently at:
Navigation +3
Photography +5
Pistol +6
Sword +6
Seduction -2
Sailing +6
General Fitness +1
Diplomacy +1
Bullshitting +5
Ship legalities +1
Regulations/laws +10

VOTES:
>+1 to (CHOOSE SKILL)
AND

Marine Base HQ, pre-meeting
>Socialize with infantry
>Check out current bounties
>Check out the on-base combat training
>Other
>>
>>3279493
>Check out the on-base combat training
Bullshitting for the + 1
>>
>>3279498
Forget that changing the on base stuff
To checking the local lady of the night bar
>>
>>3279493
>General Fitness
>Check out the on-base combat training

I feel like general fitness will help out more in the long run.
>>
>>3279444
Voting to stick him in an outfit like pic related if we're not going with the marine white/blue. He seems like a renegade who doesn't obey uniform rules anyway.

>+1 to general fitness
Those pistol and sword skills won't do shit if he doesn't have the stamina to back it up. Plus I assume run the fuck away falls under general fitness too.

>Check out the on-base combat training
Smoker can see we're at least trying to be a good marine when we're not making stupid decisions.
>>
>>3279509
Nah mate the lady’s like a man in uniform
>>
>>3279493
>+1 general fitness
>Check out the on-base combat training

>>3279513
That outfit could be his civves maybe. Too bad he's never gonna reach a rank where he's allowed to rock a three piece suit, because that will get him ALL the ladies. (see: White Day Arthur)
>>
>>3279515
If we get particularly luck ( like nat 20 a whole pirate crew we prob are going to get promoted really quick( like that marine in the show that was useless and so fucking weak that chefs KO him)
>>
>>3279493
>+1 general fitness
>Check out the on-base combat training
If he's king Arthur we need to get him a cool sword soon.
>>
>>3279525
A sword and a six shooter
>>
>>3279518
Technically speaking, if you just stick to photography (and running away), Lieutenant is probably the highest you can reach (or go sideways into more Government roles than Marine ones). If you want to get to Captain or higher, you’ll need to be combat-capable.

That said, you do NOT need to do any combat in this quest unless you actually want to, as long as you can out-sneak/out-run/out-talk your opponent.

You’re in standard Officer coat (and hat?) for now, but if you guys want to switch to wearing civvies at any point rather than uniform, just vote for it.

Calling it for +1 fitness and checking out the combat training.

Are you going to look at:
>the sword training
>the pistol training
>the general training area (hand to hand, etc)
>>
>>3279535
>the sword training
Swords
>>
>>3279535
>>the pistol training
>Fastest hand in the west
>>
>>3279535
>the sword training
We can practise our pistol skills on the go, but might be good to learn formal sword forms + how to duel sword wielding opponents and that when we have the chance.
>>
>>3279535
>>the sword training
>>
>while you got drunk with pirates, i studied the blade

With your appointment with the much-rumored Captain Smoker more than an hour away, you decide to have a look at the training facilities. Now that almost all the crew are on-base (excluding those out on patrol or off-duty), the building is bustling, and the training schedule is once more full.

Swords sound like the best to find - it’s be embarrassing if you end up going to your meeting with ringing in your ears and can’t hear the damn Captain. Today, with beautiful weather,the sword training is outside, and you find yourself being directed to a small courtyard containing about a dozen marines; several are clearly training by themselves or sparring in pairs, while the rest are being led in a kata by a wiry old guy with an obscene amount of scarring.

You stand at the sidelines for now, glancing between the various groups.

>Watch the kata and see what you can pick up.
>Join one of the solo or paired people and ask for a spar.
>Random encounter?
>Other

As a reminder, you guys have a katana, while infantry tend to use cutlasses, so if you watch the kata you’ll learn more about how to fight AGAINST a cutlass than how to fight WITH a katana.
>>
>>3279573
>Join one of the solo or paired people and ask for a spar.
>>
>>3279573
>Watch the kata and see what you can pick up.
>>
>>3279573
>>3279577
Fuck I can't read. Ignore my first vote, going with
>Join one of the solo or paired people and ask for a spar.
>>
>>3279573
>Join one of the solo or paired people and ask for a spar.
Gotta polish our skills first.
>>
>>3279573
>>Join one of the solo or paired people and ask for a spar.
>>
>>3279573
>Join one of the solo or paired people and ask for a spar.
>>
>>3279573
>Join one of the solo or paired people and ask for a spar.
>>
>buddy system

You amble over to a pair of infantry who are taking a short water-break, raising a hand in casual greeting. “Hey, mind if I spar with you guys? I’m a little rusty?”

Rapidly saluting you, the pair glance at each other questioningly, then back to you with some awkwardness.

“That’s fine with us, sir, but...”

“But?”

One of them shifts apprehensively. “Didn’t you, uh, get kidnapped and tortured by pirates, sir? For nearly a week? I mean, if the doctors cleared you to spar...”

>Yes. Yes, I absolutely did get kidnapped and tortured, but I’m good to go.
>That’s a... misunderstanding of the situation. Nothing happened to me. Just ignore the bandages around my chest.
>Other.

The spar okayed, one of the infantry steps aside, while you and the other draw your blades (his one a cutlass), and get into your ready positions.

>Roll 1d100, best of 3, I’ll add on +6 afterwards.
>>
Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>3279613
It was just a flesh wound *smile*
>>
>>3279622
Forgot to greentext again
>>
Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>3279613
>That’s a... misunderstanding of the situation. Nothing happened to me. Just ignore the bandages around my chest.
>>
Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>3279613
>It was just a flesh wound *smile*
>>
Rolled 47 + 6 (1d100 + 6)

>>3279613
>That’s a... misunderstanding of the situation. Nothing happened to me. Just ignore the bandages around my chest.
>>
Writing for combat (excellent pass), just waiting for anyone to break the tie on whether you want to let the infantry think you’re an amazing and tragic hero, or correct them.
>>
>>3279613
>It was just a flesh wound *smile*

Fake it till you make it.
>>
>>3279652
>It was just a flesh wound *smile*
Let them think we're just putting on a brave face. The tragic tale of Harry Flashman.
>>
>but you haven’t got any legs

“Only a flesh wound,” you demur, smiling brilliantly at the pair, who look awed at your humility (and the no doubt terrible wounds you’ve endured). “Shall we?”

>88 + 6 = 94

The spar begins by testing each other’s reflexes. Your opponent is obviously unused to fighting against a katana; cutlasses are more for hacking, while your own blade is good for either slashes or thrusts.

In return, you have little idea of fighting against a cutlass-wielder. The pair of you rely on footwork at first, stepping back and aside from blows rather than meeting them, before picking up confidence and allowing your blades to meet.

Captain Smoker clearly keeps his men fit and well-trained - despite having been sparring previously, your opponent is still full of energy and focused, his blade rising to block yours with speed and skill; but luck and Officer-training is on your side as you step in with the wooden-training katana you’d picked up, slamming the slightly-rounded point into the man’s chest, a killing blow if it had been a live blade.

“Again?”

The man nods, eyes flashing with eagerness this next one will be trickier, now he’s a little more familiar with your style.

>Roll 1d100, same as last time.

For your information, you are currently using Marine Standard style (katana version). This is a good, solid style (in the basics as well), especially if you don’t want to become a world-class expert, but it’s fairly well-known. If you want to really become an expert swordsman, it’s recommended you find a teacher and train in another style as well.
>>
Rolled 70 (1d100)

>>3279693
Flashman more like Fakeman kek
>>
>>3279695
All flash and no substance.
>>
Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>3279693
>>
Rolled 40 (1d100)

>>3279693
>>
Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>3279693
>>
Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>3279693

>>3279695
Flash by name, flash by nature.
>>
Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>3279693
Tally ho lads
>>
>>3279710
Fourth roll, so sad!

>70 + 6 = 76

The next round starts with more enthusiasm, your opponent lunging forward at the first second, half-turned to present a smaller target as his wooden cutlass slices through the air towards your wrist.

Too slow - you step back, shift to the right and forwards, aiming to attack his stomach that he’s left angled to the side; he responds in turn, cutlass rising to block your blade, which you deflect in turn -

Your blades thud loudly against each other or just barely skim past each other for nearly half a minute, before you finally manage to bring down your ‘blade edge’ in a long slice down his sword arm. Not fatal, not certainly disarmed (though not literally).

(+1 to swordsmfor winning two bouts!)

>Try a third round?
>Try out a cutlass/different style of sword?
>Talk to the men (subject?)
>Other
>>
>>3279752
>Try out a cutlass
>>
>>3279752
>Try out a cutlass/different style of sword?
Cutlass, since its gonna be the next most common sword we can get our hands on if we ever lose our katana.
Also this guy knows too much of our katana style now.
>>
>>3279752
>Try a third round?
>>
>>3279752
>Try out a cutlass
>>
>>3279752
>>Try out a cutlass
I'm scared of third rounds after what happened LAST time we had one.
>>
>>3279752
>>Try out a cutlass/different style of sword?
>>
>AND MY CUTLASS

“Mind if I give a cutlass a try?” You motion in the direction of a weapons rack which holds an assortment of wooden swords (mostly cutlasses). “You’ve got me curious now.”

“No problem, sir!” The Marine flashes a brief salute, and escapes to his friend to grab his water-bottle while you look through the rack.

Sword swapped, you ready yourself in position while the infantryman finishes his drink and gets back.

The cutlass is a little unfamiliar, but you’ve seen enough to know how to hold one properly, and a basic idea of technique. The balance is somewhat unfamiliar, too.

>Roll 1d100, same as usual. Instead of a +7, you’re going to get a +4 due to lack of specialisation.
>>
Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>3279783
>>
Rolled 95 (1d100)

>>3279783
>>3279783
>>
Rolled 97 + 4 (1d100 + 4)

>>3279783
FLAAAASH STYLLLUUUU
BLINK BLAAAADEEEE
>>
Rolled 63 (1d100)

>>3279783
>>3279789
jesus >>3279790
>>
>>3279789
>>3279790
What the fuck we really can fake it til we make it
>>
>>3279794
just like old flashy
>>
Diggity darn...

Maybe you should switch from katanas?

>97 + 4 = 101! And another 95.

You give the wooden cutlass a couple of gentle shakes, hefting the weight, then turn and tilt it slightly to gave down the length. Yeah, you think you’ve got a better understanding of it now.

“Ready, sir?”

“Let’s go,” you confirm, and the pair of you lunge forwards, swords lashing out -

(C-C-C-CRITICAL PLUS 2ND HIGH ROLL!)

Everything falls into place. Your cutlass twists around the infantry!s, step in, gentle turn of the body, sway back to dodge his own blade, bob forwards and -

The edge of your blade pauses just a fraction of an inch before the wide-eyed man’s throat. If this were a lovemaking blade, his throat would have sliced through, maybe even his whole neck - even with a wooden blade, if it had hit, he wouldn’t have been breathing long.

... Yikes.

“R-round to the Ensign,” chokes out the Marine standing on the sideline.

The pair of you step back, your opponent’s eyes darting between you and your cutlass in disbelief. You can barely believe it yourself; even your katana has never felt so smooth in your hand as this hunk of wood.

(Cutlasses will now be rolled at standard swordsmanship skill until the level of +15, with no malus! +1 to swordsmanship as well.)

>Another round with the cutlass?
>Try out another sword type?
>Talk to the Marines (subject?)
>Other.

You’ve got time for one more general action (spar/talk/whatever), then meeting with Smoker.
>>
>>3279818
>>Another round with the cutlass?
>>
>>3279818
>Another round with the cutlass?
>>
>>3279818
>>Another round with the cutlass?
Friendship ended with Katana, now Cutlass is our best friend.

>Cutlasses will now be rolled at standard swordsmanship skill until the level of +15, with no malus!
I'm actually stupid, what does this even mean.
>>
>>3279829
we will roll a +7 until we are level 15
>>
>>3279818
>Try out another sword type?
Let's try out a Great sword.
>>
>>3279829
When you get a +1 in swordsmanship with the katana, you’ll get an automatic +1 with cutlasses, up until you reach +15 in katanas. At that point if you get another +1 in katanas, your cutlass will stay the same unless you start training with a cutlass.
>>
>>3279818
>Another round with the cutlass?
Look at us being the sword pro right after days of being tortured.
...everyone is gonna think the Long Pirates are some beastly fucking crew if they were able to subdue swordsman Flashman, aren't they.
>>
>>3279818
>Another round with the cutlass?
>>
>>3279818
>>Another round with the cutlass?
>>
>cutlass 4 ly-fu, it’s now ur waifu

“Last round,” you say. “I need to go meet your Captain after this.

“My condolences,” mutters your opponent, and you both ready your blades.

>1d100, I’ll add the +8 myself, best of 3. If you guys crit again...
>>
Rolled 95 (1d100)

>>3279858
>>
>>3279860
Are you fucking shitting me.
>>
Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>3279858
>>3279860
holy fuck
>>
Rolled 99 (1d100)

>>3279858
... are we actually fucking king Arthur or something
>>
>>3279871
WHAT THE FUCK
>>
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>>3279871
>>3279864
>>3279860
>>
Rolled 19 + 7 (1d100 + 7)

>>3279858
UNLOCK STYLEEEEE BRAAAAP
>>
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>>3279860
>>3279871
We're getting a custom cutlass after the meeting, right?
>>
>>3279871
we are the chosen one
>>3279872
are you sure mihawk isn't our dad
>>
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>>3279860
>>3279864
>>3279871
Step aside Zorro, the ONCE AND FUTURE KING is coming through.
>>
>>3279874
criesinQM.gif

>>3279877
Up to you guys, honestly I’m pretty sure you should change to cutlass now. Not sure what bonus I can give for this...

>>3279878
I’m ashamed to say that Mihawk wasn’t necessary option. Silvers Rayleigh was, but you sadly missed him.

Okay. Give me a minute. I’ll figure something out for this, somehow...
>>
>>3279871
>>3279860
...Flashman really was fated to look like proto arthur, huh.

Too bad >>3279710 was 3 second too late otherwise we'd have critted 3 times in a a row.
>>
>mfw smoker challenge us to a spar
>>
>i give up

You’ve wielded a cutlass (admittedly a wooden one) in a single spar, for a grand total of about five seconds. Even so, it’s somehow enough.

The instant you see your opponent’s own weapon move, his gaze darting to check your feet, your elbow, your eyes, it’s as if the wooden blade in your own hand is the simplest tool in the world - less than that, even; one of your own fingers, and wielding it is as simple as pointing at where you want to strike.

Your every movement flows. Even your heartbeat and breathing thrum to the rhythm of the strangely graceful sword as you step forward, twist your blade under and around your opponent’s, step in to block his own step, your blade against his wrist, gentle as a feather -

If not for your sudden, strange control, the way you feel you can start and halt your blade in a fraction of an instant, his wrist would be broke - and if it were a metal blade he’s be missing a hand.

“... round to the Ensign. Again.”

The pair look at you with awestruck eyes as you return the weapon to the rack, thanking them for their time. “Is that really the first time you’ve used a cutlass, sir?” It’s obviously blurted out, the one you didn’t spar having had a better view of exactly what you did, and clearly amazed.

“Well, I’m sure it’s different to wirelding real blade, like you guys,” you say, being the humble and charming guy that you are. Yeah, that’s right. Praise me! Praise me!

Waving a brief goodbye, you collect your own things and head up to see Captain Smoker.

(+2 to swords, +1/10 to ???)

VOTE ON CUTLASS BONUS BECAUSE YOUR ROLLS ARE BULLSHIT:
>You’ll soon come into possession of an incredibly high quality cutlass
>You’ll soon come across an excellent cutlass style/teacher that you can learn from
>You can auto-crit success on any cutlass-related roll 1 time every in-game day.


Swordsmanship is now at +10, and my tears are full of salt.
>>
>>3279930
>>You’ll soon come into possession of an incredibly high-quality cutlass
>>
>>3279930
>>You’ll soon come across an excellent cutlass style/teacher that you can learn from
>>
>>3279930
>You’ll soon come across an excellent cutlass style/teacher that you can learn from
Will benefit us in the long run.

>Swordsmanship is now at +10
This better be for both styles my dear QM. The triple crits demand it.
>>
>>3279930
>You’ll soon come across an excellent cutlass style/teacher that you can learn from
>>
>>3279942
It is.

Other swords remain with a malus depending on how similar they are to katanas/cutlasses.
>>
>>3279930
>You’ll soon come across an excellent cutlass style/teacher that you can learn from

Also seeing as Marco and Silvers were mystery box candidates, can we get some other names of other potential relatives we missed out on?
>>
>>3279930
>You’ll soon come across an excellent cutlass style/teacher that you can learn from
All that alcohol has unlocked the master swordsman within us.
>>
>>3279948
is the teacher Vice Admiral Onigumo?
>>
>>3279957
In light of your stupid luck, I’ll say that one of them was Shiki (you missed rolling him), but I won’t name any more just in case you guys can narrow it down from them.

I think it’s pretty much called for the teacher, so writing for Smoker. Let’s hope I can write decently for the guy.

>>3279967
If you guys REALLY want it to be him, I can try to figure out a justification, but I can’t remember him so that means I’ll have to go back and re-read stuff, which in turn means you’ll have to wait longer for a teacher. Otherwise ai’ll just make an OC.

And no, you cannot have Mihawk for a teacher unless you crit again really well. ... I hope I don’t regret saying that.
>>
>>3279930
>You’ll soon come across an excellent cutlass style/teacher that you can learn from
>>
>>3279930
>>You’ll soon come across an excellent cutlass style/teacher that you can learn from
>>
>meet with cancer-man

Your polite rap on the door nets you an, “Enter,” in a harsh growl that suggests not so much a frequent smoker as a man who lights a dozen cigarettes at one and then shoved them right down his throat.

Taking a death breath, you paste a professional look across your face and open the door, trying not to think about how a Marine you passed mouthed, ‘Good luck!’ at you when he saw you approaching the door.

Captain Smoker. He’s... intimidating to say the least. Stepping in, you promptly shrink down about five feet in his presence as he looks up from glaring at a heap of paperwork to scowl at you instead.

You snap a salute. “Sir!”

“Don’t give me that ‘sir’ bullshit.” He keeps glaring, his - two? - cigars sending up plumes of furious smoke. “If you cared about respect, Ensign, you wouldn’t have caused half of THIS.” He jabs a waft of smoke at the aforementioned paperwork, and you have a horrible realization of how much bureaucracy must be involved in a Marine getting ‘kidnapped’ by pirates.

>Yessir! I mean, yes. With no sir! Sir. (Flustered)
>To be fair, sir, I think that’s more the pirates’ fault... (Mumbled grouchiness)
>I believe in your paperwork prowess, boss! [THUMBS UP] (Cocky shit)
>Other
>>
>>3280022
>>To be fair, sir, I think that’s more the pirates’ fault... (Mumbled grouchiness)
>>
>>3280022
>I believe in your paperwork prowess, boss! [THUMBS UP] (Cocky shit)
>You're not the pride of Loguetown for nothing!
Bullshit: ON
>>
>>3280022
>Yessir! I mean, yes. With no sir! Sir. (Flustered)
>>
>>3280022
>I believe in your paperwork prowess, boss! [THUMBS UP] (Cocky shit)
>You're not the pride of Loguetown for nothing!

It's going to get our asses kicked but I DON'T CARE.
>>
>>3280022
>I believe in your paperwork prowess, boss! [THUMBS UP] (Cocky shit)
Flashman will face death like a true man
Also this IS the only option where we don't call him sir so
>>
>>3280022
>I believe in your paperwork prowess, boss! [THUMBS UP] (Cocky shit)
>You're not the pride of Loguetown for nothing!
Gotta stay true to ourselves in our final moments.
>>
>>3280042
What the hell count me in with the pride of Loguetown line
>>
>>3280022
>>I believe in your paperwork prowess, boss! [THUMBS UP] (Cocky shit)
>>
>>3280022
>Si... Smoker-sama! Before I forget, I have something for you.
>>
>commit suicide

You give him him a double thumbs up, because apparently you want to die, and extreme panic makes you lose all inhibitions. “I believe in your paperwork prowess, boss! You’re not the pride of Loguetown for nothing!”

The Captain stares at you, face blank, chewing on his cigars.

You beam back, thumbs still raised, and consider changing to finger-guns instead.

Then, he snorts, one corner of his mouth curling into a smirk. “Mouthy shit,” he scoffs, before using one gloved hand to shove the pile of paperwork off the desk, slamming into s metal trash basket.

Then he flicks one of his cigars into the bask as well, followed by a faint crackle of flames, and smoke rising from the trash can.

“At least you have balls,” he adds, leaning back in seat and kicking combat-boot-clas feet up onto the desk, ignoring the small fire beside him. “All right, here’s how it goes - if we suspect there’s pirates in town, we’ll call you and see if you can get a picture. Frankly, I think this is a stupid idea. The second I hear of any criminals around, we’re going to arrest them, not sit around taking photos, so if you don’t get there fast, tough shit. The only reason I’m not kicking you off my island or having you transferred to an important position is because there’s not enough crime here for you to get in my way. Got it?

>Got it!
>Seems like you can’t be around all the time though, sir.
>Bounty posters are an important resource, Captain, if not to you.
>Other
>>
>>3280076
>>Got it!
>>and sir a friend from (the academy island) told me to bring this to you
>>
>>3280076
>Got it!
>Oh Boss, I also have something for you
Please tell me Flashman remembered Redrick's package because I certainly didn't
>>
>>3280080
Supporting
>>
>>3280080
>>3280076
Support
>>
>>3280076
>>3280086
Seconding.
>>
>>3280076
>>3280080
I forgot about that. Backing.
>>
>>3280076
>Got it!
Also combine these two maybe, because he told us not to call him sir
>>3280086
>>3280080
>Boss, a friend from (the academy island) told me to bring this to you
>>
>>3280076
>Got it!
>and sir a friend from (the academy island) told me to bring this to you

Honestly thought we were going to get our ass kicked. Have mixed feelings now.
>>
>>3280119
We won over (?) Smoker wth the sheer force of our cockiness. Play stupid games, win amazing prizes in Flashman's case.
>>
>>3280126
just like in the books
>>
>here, have a sword

“Got it!” Then you pull the letter from your pocket with one hand, the other reaching for the paper-wrapped katana shoved through your sword-belt beside your own blade. “And boss, a friend from Marineford asked me to bring you these.”

Captain Smoker raises and eyebrow as you step forward to place the items on his desk, and then step back. Without bothering to wait for you, a tendril of smoke curls out and snags the letter, ripping the envelope open and placing it in the Captain’s hands.

His expression becomes mildly interested as he reads - at one point, his eyes turn to give you a once-over, before returning back to the paper - before he finally tosses this too into the burning trash.

“You know what Redrick says about you?” He doesn’t wait for an answer. “He says he’s amazed you graduated, but you’re not a complete punk like most of the rookies.”

>He’s wrong, I’m definitely a punk.
>That’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said about me!
>Thanks, boss, I try.
>Other

>>3280119
He wouldn’t have physically hurt you, but you might have got a verbal ass-chewing if you’d been a whiner about it. He already knows you weren’t actually hurt, or he’d have been more sympathetic.

You’ve made a good first impression, the question is if you can keep on his good side when he’s predisposed to not like having a Marine in a Loguetown who’s not under his direct command, and is running around taking pictures instead of anything ‘useful’.
>>
>>3280137
>He’s wrong, I’m definitely a punk
>*cocky grin*
>>
>>3280137
>Thanks, boss, I try.

>>3280137
Okay so we need to stab the pirates with cutlass-chan and THEN take their picture to get him to like us, got it.
>>
>>3280137
>Thanks, boss, I try.
>>
>>3280137
>Thanks, boss, I try.
Then swagger on out of there. Time to awe these scrubs with how we made it through a meeting with the Boss unscathed.
>>
>>3280137
>>That’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said about me!
>>
>>3280144
If you guys get adopted by Smoker, I really am gonna cry.

I’ve also just noticed it’s nearly 3am, so going to sleep! On the bright side, I don’t have plans for tomorrow evening, so should be updating sooner than these last couple of days.

As ever, any comments/criticisms/things you want to see, leave a comment.
>>
>>3280137
>>Thanks, boss, I try.
Also looks like the story Flashman fed Ophelia held water, if Smoker isn't chewing us out for deliberately fraternizing with pirates.
>>
>>3280154
>Adopted by Smoker
...well I now know what I want to see in this quest.
Also the look on his face will be priceless when mystery box comes into play and he discovers his taken the child of, I dunno, one of the yonkos, under his wing.
>>
>>3280137
>He’s wrong, I’m definitely a punk
>>
>>3280137
>>Thanks, boss, I try.

>>3280154
Good night. You're doing great.
>>
>>3280154
>Things you want to see

Flashman becoming the blademaster the dice has decreed he shall be

Smoker adopting us, screw you QM you wet blanket

Really liked the humor in this quest - was cracking up at Flashman almost fingergunning Smoker.

>>3280167
If Flashman does get adopted by Smoker and is related to an active big gun pirate like the Yonkos, would Smoker sell his out his own subordinate out if HQ wants use Flashman as ammunition against them?
>>
>>3280137
>Thanks boss, I try, but he's wrong, I'm definitely a punk! *Cocky grin*

>>3280154
Gnight boss, just caught up and I've been laughing my ass off the whole way. Until next time!
>>
>>3280185
We probably going to get in trouble by flirting with every good looking woman we meet ( everyone from nami to boa , none shall escape the flasmans swag, never tell me the odds )
>>
>>3280200
>flirting with every good looking woman we meet
>-2 in seduction
Dunno if this if gonna be good or bad
>>
>>3280217
Good obviously
>>
>>3280217
>Incredibly charming and charismatic personality
>Utterly abysmal at flirting, loses all charisma when trying It

Maybe not effective but funny as hell. Maybe one day we'll come across as sauve and not a total creepo. Maybe.
>>
>>3280137
>Thanks, boss, I try.
>>
>>3280297
It becomes funnier when you realise he's a totally prettyboy as well.

He and Sanji are either gonna get along like a house on fire or try to kill each other within 5 minutes of meeting
>>
>>3280310
Best of friends, right up until a woman enters the room.
Cue fireworks.
>>
Thank you to everyone who said they were enjoying the quest (and to everyone taking part, really), it's good to know I'm doing something right!

Before I vanish to class, if anyone hasn't seen it already, I HIGHLY recommend One Piece Headhunter Quest, which is currently running its second thread. This is what finally made me dust off my old Bounty Photographer quest notes because non-pirates can have fun too. Seriously, check it out, I'm enjoying it immensely.

Update around maaaybe 3 or 4pm Taiwan time, so probably not too many people around. We'll start slow anyway, so no adopted-papa Smoker today. I hope.
>>
>m’boss

“Thanks boss, I try!” Must. Resist. Urge. To finger-gun. You cross your arms to stop yourself, and try to turn your smirk into a grin. It mostly works, but fortunately, the Captain doesn’t seem inclined to punch you.

“Looks like he got the wrong impression,” he suggests, leaning back again. “Still, it’s good to hear from my old crewmate - and it looks like you didn’t even open the package he sent.”

>(You’d considered opening it, but thought you’d get caught.)
>(You were curious, but opening it never crossed your mind.)
>(You didn’t even care about it.)
>(Other.)

You shrug. “I’m a simple guy. I get a package, I deliver it.”

“In that case, I’ll stick you on mail-duty when you realize we’re catching the criminals instead of taking pictures of ‘em.” The Captain opens a drawer, rooting through for something. “All right, kid, you managed to impress Redrick, so congrats - now try and impress me. I’ve got a group of men staking out an illegal gambling ring, waiting for the big fish to turn up. The night we take ‘em, I want you on hand to take photos.”

“Photos of... people being arrested?”

“No, no.” Smoker waves a hand irritably at your confusion. “Photos of the scene - where the games are in the room, the amount of money and people’s possessions left there, that kind of crap. Make sure everythibgmlines up nice and neat with the final report.”

That seems... odd, but you don’t know enough about crime scenes to dispute that. “That’s, uh, not really my job...”

The Captain raises an eyebrow, face studiously blank. “Your job is whatever I say it is, Ensign.”

>Boss, yes, boss! (Vigorous saluting)
>With all respect, boss, this sounds weird as hell.
>Tyrannical leadership style, huh? Gotcha.
>Other
>>
>>3282241
>(You were curious, but opening it never crossed your mind.)
There's being a rebel, and there's actually trying to get killed. I'd like to think Flashman knows the difference.

>Tyrannical leadership style, huh? Gotcha
>Fingergun
Smoker probably won't appreciate too much of a kiss ass either.

I'm sad Flashman's camera can't record footage, because if it could I'd totally be voting for him to record and narrate the arrest like it's an episode of Cops.
>>
>>3282241
>>(You’d considered opening it, but thought you’d get caught.)
>>With all respect, boss, this sounds weird as hell.
Still do it, but it probably goes against some regulation somewhere.
>>
>>3282261
>I’m sad Flashman's camera can't record footage, because if it could I'd totally be voting for him to record and narrate the arrest like it's an episode of Cops.
... Okay, if you guys want to do this, you can get a video Den Den for the event. Just because.
>>
>>3282261
All of this sounds good, supporting.
>>
>>3282267
>>3282267
>>3282261
>Fuck yes
Okay adding onto my vote
>Petition Captain Smoker to let us have a video denden to better capture the scene
Or maybe just have Flashman's original denden be ridiculously high tech and be able to record and take photos at the same time? Because that's what I thought it could be before I re-read its description
>>
>>3282241
>(You’d considered opening it, but thought you’d get caught.)

>Boss, yes, boss! (Vigorous saluting)
>>
Two wanted to open it, two didn't consider it, so waiting for more votes on that. Two votes for tyranny and finger guns are in the lead but still keeping it open.

Your current camera is pure tech and can only do pictures, not video, but you can get an upgrade later once you've proved your worth. For now, do you guys want to borrow a video den den for the arrests or not? Yes/No.
>>
>>3282292
>yes
>>
>>3282241
>(You’d considered opening it, but thought you’d get caught.)

>Tyrannical leadership style, huh? Gotcha
>>
>>3282261
Seconding
>>
>smooth as a pothole

"Tyrannical leadership style, huh? Gotcha." You click your tongue and AAAGH, NO, YOU DID FINGER-GUNS BEFORE YOU COULD STOP YOURSELF, AAGH

The Captain's stare slowly travels from your twitching grin, to your finger guns, back to your grin, chewing steadily on his cigar. You think you might see a corner of his lips curl up in amusement, before he jabs a thumb at the door. "Get out, brat. I'll call you with the details - and don't let any of the men know you'll be coming along."

This just gets weirder.

"Goooooiiiiinnng," you sing, still fingergunning (finger aiming?) as you walk backwards, drop one 'gun' to reach reach behind you and open the door, an continue walking out with just the one finger gun still on the now visibly smirking Captain.

Then you slam the door closed in front of you.

"That went well," you say aloud, wanting to die.

A nearby office-drone pauses their paperwork to stare at your hand. "Why are you pointing at the door?"

"Classified," you announce, and scurry - no, majestically saunter away.

>Go train. (In what?)
>Hunt for CRIMINAL SCUM to take photos of.
>Acquire beer, cry a lot.
>Other
>>
>>3282314
>CRIMINAL SCUM
>>
Going to keep sword vote open because it's still a draw as of last voter.
>>
>>3282314
>Hunt for CRIMINAL SCUM to take photos of.
>(You were curious, but opening it never crossed your mind.)

>>3282292
>Yes
>>
>>3282292
>Yes

>>3282314
>Hunt for CRIMINAL SCUM to take photos of
We gotta level up our photography skills if we want to make M.A.R.I.N.E.S a success
>>
>be wewy, wewy quiet, we're hunting piwates

Screw this. You re going to take your mind off your brilliant first impression with a rousing round of badass photos of criminal scum!

... Where are you going to find those again?

>Check out the docks.
>Drinking establishments.
>Markets where they may buy supplies.
>Actually, you re just going to wander around town and trust to luck. (Random encounter)
>Other
>>
>>3282347
>Markets where they may buy supplies.
>>
>>3282347
>Check out the docks.
See if any new ships have come in since our chat with the harbormaster. Or see if the Foursome or the other crew are still around.
>>
Rolled 10, 52 = 62 (2d100)

Ignore this, background stuff.
>>
>>3282347
>Drinking establishments.

Just look for the most flamboyant, extravagantly dressed individuals we can find. It's foolproof!
>>
>>3282347
>Check out the docks
Find the best vantage points for pictures.
Also see if any ship a that look like they carry high rollers are in port. Might be faces we'll see at tonight's sting
>>
>>3282347
>>Markets where they may buy supplies.
Let's get something to eat. Best way to cure hangovers is with some greasy food.
>>
>>3282347
>Check out the docks
>>
In light of docks juuuuust beating out markets, I'm going to call it here.

>Check ship by ship (externally)
>Go see the old dumbass harbormaster
>Get up on a roof and watch the comings and goings.
>Other
>>
>>3282427
>Get up on a roof and watch the comings and goings.
Find a chimney, post up next to it.
>>
>>3282427
>Get up on a roof and watch the comings and goings.
Look for suspicious activity.
>>
>>3282427
>Get up on a roof and watch the comings and goings
>>
>>3282427
>Get up on a roof and watch the comings and goings
I am the nigh- the day
>>
>i can see my base from here

It's time

TO CLIMB A GODDAMN BUILDING.

It doesn't take too long to find a building on the docks that not only has a good height and view of the main exit/entrance, but also looks like the roof won't cave in under you.

Rubbing your hands together, you then flex your fingers and prepare yourself. Now all you have to do is... actually get up there.

>Roll 1d100, best of 3. I'll add a +2 for General Fitness.
>>
Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>3282440
>>
Rolled 5 (1d100)

>>3282440
>>
Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>3282440
>>
Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>3282440
Nat 1 incoming
>>
>>3282449
Eureka mr flashman
>>
Rolled 63 (1d100)

>>3282440
>>
>45 + 2 = 47. Minor failure.

By the side of the building, you kick some trash aside and reach up, locking your fingers into some grooves in the brickwork. Then you shove yourself up, boots scrabbling until they too manage to find some grip.

Another push up, reaching higher. Another. Another. Ano- ACK, SHIT.

Fingertips clawing at the air, a small spray of cement erupts from between some shoddy brickwork as you fall back down a meter to the ground, losing your balance and landing painfully on your was.

...Good thing no-one saw that. Unfortunately, that doesn't help your tailbone.

>Second try?
>Screw climbing, you'll try something else.
>Other.
>>
>>3282459
>Second try
BRUTE FORCE
>>
>>3282459
>>Second try?
Do it again.
>>
>>3282459
>Second try?
Flashman ain't no quitter
>>
>>3282444
Missed this trips, minor bonus to the next rolls.

>Roll 1d100, best of 3, I'll add +3.
>>
Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>3282468
lets GO
>>
>>3282459
>Second try?
>>
Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>3282468
>>
Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>3282468

Hopefully, I won't be too late this time.
>>
71 + 3 = 74

You can do this. You have the nimbleness of a monkey, and the tenacity of a... really... tenacious... thing.

Whatever! It's time to climb!

Repositioning yourself along the wall, you look further up this time, squinting to have a look at the books and crannies, before stepping in and latching onto the slightly pitted surface.

One push upwards. Two. Three. Carefully, you shuffle slightly to one side to get better access, away from some crumbling mortar. Four. Five. Turns out supporting most of your weight on your arms is a lot more strenuous than swinging a sword. Ow. Six. Seven...

Finally, you male it to the top, dragging yourself over the edge and crouching low as you pick your way across some tiles to hide behind a low, wide chimney.

Camera at the ready, you catch your breath and settle in to wait.

>Roll 1d100, middle of 3.
>>
Rolled 13 (1d100)

>>3282475
>>
Rolled 41 (1d100)

>>3282475
I am the... mid-afternoon!
>>
Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>3282475
>>
>>3282477
>The roof cave in and we fall inside a pirate lair
>>
>>3282459
>Second try?
>>
>19... wow.

You are a bastion of patience. Of calm. Of alert THIS IS BORING, THIS IS REALLY BORING. You start shuffling slightly, then turn to watching the seagulls without realizing it, then humming along to some dockworkers' songs, and then -

The den-den ringing jerks you awake, hand flailing for it as you try to figure out what's going on. You're... behind a chimney. On a roof. The sun hasn't quite started to set yet, but it's close.

Whoops.

You manage to answer the den-den without sounding like you just works up. "Yeah?"

Den-den Smoker-face squints up at you. "Ensign, it's time. Get over to base now - officially you're just there as an extra pair of hands to help make arrests, got it?"

"Right, boss!"

The den den frowns at the sound of a pile of crates toppling over, and the yells of panicked dockworkers. "Where are you?"

>On a roof, boss.
>At the docks.
>... In despair.
>Other.

>>3282480
That's more like a crit success.
>>
>>3282493
>At the docks.
>>
>>3282493
>At the docks
>>
>>3282493
>On a roof, boss.
>Keeping an eye out in case any of these criminals make a break for the docks
They can get a facefull of cutlass-chan if they try
>>
>>3282493
>At the docks.
>If anyone tries to flee we'll nab them
Also isn't middle of 3 41?
>>
>>3282506
Sorry, when I say middle I mean between the highest and lowest roll, not physical position. I don't want to put people off rolling because they think the roll automatically won't matter.
>>
>>3282493
>>On a roof, boss.
He might then we're being a smartass.
>>
>pirates, prostitutes, same thing

"At the docks," you promptly reply. "Looking for pirates."

The Captain makes a vague noise of acknowledgement. "Right. Well, get moving, rookie. We're not going to stand around and wait for you."

The call ends without even a goodbye, although you get the impression that's pretty standard for him, and you quickly shove the den-den den (and your camera) away, moving to shimmy back down the building.

Moving at a quick jog, you make it to the HQ in decent time, waving at the infantry on guard as you enter the grounds.

Going over last-minute checks are Captain Smoker, a pretty female Ensign (Tash-something?) and about thirty assorted infantry. Cocking his head to motion you over, the Captain roughly shoves a video den-den into tour grip once no-one's looking. Holding his hand out impatiently, as soon as you give him your normal den-den, he slips it away. No-one seems to have seen the swap.

"Ensign Flashman will be taking part in the raid today, and his recordings will be used as a training video in future," he loudly announces, calling attention to the pair of you. "It should give him some much needed experience, and something more useful to do than just taking pictures."

The mocking words draw some sympathetic glances from the infantry, before they salute you and go back to their checks; in your case, Smoker leans in slightly, voice low.

"Be discreet. The men can see you taking pictures of the arrests, but not any focus on evidence. We go in, arrest everyone, and you stay behind while the men leave to take pictures of everything left behind. Then come straight to base, got it?"

>Right, bossman. (All business)
>Not even a hint to what's going on, boss? (Curious)
>I'll try to catch your good side, boss. (Cheeky little shit)
>Other.
>>
>>3282528
>I'll try to catch your good side, boss. (Cheeky little shit)
>>
>>3282528
>I'll try to catch your good side, boss. (Cheeky little shit)
*ready cutless-chan*
>>
>At the docks
>>
>>3282528
>I'll try to catch your good side, boss. (Cheeky little shit)
>>
>>3282528
>Right, bossman. (All business)
>>
>>3282528
>Right, bossman. (All business)
>>
>>3282528
>Right, boss man.

We're still professionals, let's not overstep too much.
>>
Just to remind you guys, you still have your katana, not a cutlass. Do you want to go find one before you leave?

(inb4 katana-cutlass dual-wielding)
>>
>>3282548
Switch the katana out for a cutlass please.
>>
>>3282548
Cut chan
>>
>>3282548
Yeah grab cutlass-chan too
>>
Still waiting for votes to break deadlock, but you can safely assume you have managed to borrow a cutlass from the armory. It's standard Marine issue, not bad but not amazing, and you note that someone has carved a tiny 'カット' into the handle.

CUT-CHAN GET.
>>
>>3282528
>I'll try to catch your good side, boss. (Cheeky little shit)
>>
MOTHERFUCKER I ACCIDENTALLY DELETED ALL THIS DAMMIT

>your entire life is infinite asshole works

"I'll try to catch your good side, boss," you say, saluting as you try to keep your face as straight as possible.

"I don't have one," he blandly replies.

... Okay, never challenge Smoker to a deadpan-off.

Fortunately, before you can tell him that he's the prettiest one here, Ensign Tash-something declares everyone ready for the raid.

You'll be splitting into several groups to more discreetly get to the warehouse in question, now that the sun's set. As for you, you'll be going with

>Smoker's group
>The other Ensign's group
>a group of infantry
>>
File: 1550420389576.gif (1.84 MB, 325x244)
1.84 MB
1.84 MB GIF
>>3282587
>The other Ensign's group
We're all noobies. We'll more than likely be put in the back for this operation

>Salvador Dali's private moments.
>>
>>3282587
>The other Ensign's group
>>
>>3282587
>a group of infantry
Tally ho lads to victory
>>
>>3282587
>a group of infantry
>>
>>3282587
>The other Ensign's group
Infantry will most likely look to us for guideance, so are more likely to cAtch us doing Smoker's undercover work
Every one in Takahasi's group will be too busy fawning over her to pay much attention to us filming the evidence
>>
>>3282587
>a group of infantry
>>
>>3282587
>The other Ensign's group
>>
>>3282587
>The other Ensign's group
>>
Sorry guys, fell asleep. Am going to have an early night, I clearly can't pull too many of these in a row.

As preparation for tomorrow, if you guys decide whether you want to film on the way there as well, that's fine. If you decide on Tashigi's group you can also talk to her (and show off Cut-chan). Night, all!
>>
>>3282802
YES! This is what we're going for.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYbe-35_BaA

Good night Ansel Adams.
>>
>>3282587
>>The other Ensign's group
Flashman can let her take command while he hangs around at the back taking pictures of the money/booze/drugs/whatever these criminal scum are wagering.
>>
>>3283003
Take some pictures of her!
Navy pinup calendar when?
>>
>>3283027
seduction roll when
let's do the Flashman justice
>>
>>3282587
>>The other Ensign's group
>>
>>3283034
>Seduction -2
Do we take the name too literally and just flash women we want to seduce?
>>
>>3283068
We rolled reaaally poorly earlier In the thread to hit on a girl. - 2 to seduce was our punishment.
>>
>>3283078
Deserved. I'm tired of waifus. Best penalty ever.
>>
>>3283034
Nah I'm with >>3283135 here - Flashman should crash and burn every time he tries to flirt. Truly he and Sanji are kindred spirits.
Plus Cut-chan is our one and only waifu!
>>
>>3283221
The cutlass has shown us true love so far.
>>
>>3282587
>The other Ensign’s group
>>
>>3283363
We should become a weapon master and specialize in every possible melee weapon, maybe switch between them mid combat for shenanigans
>>
I LIVE

8-3 for chillin’ with Tashigi. She isn’t your cutlass teacher, but maybe she can give you pointers (ha, pointers, get it!) on how to better stab people.

Writing.
>>
>>3284873
Fuck you, I'm loyal to cutlass-chan.
>>
>>3285223
At what point of the time-line are we at? Have the straw hat arrived yet?
>>
>>3284873
Nah we've got a good thing going with cut-chan as our main squeeze and Katana-kun as our side piece
>>
>>3284873
This is actually possible, the more types of weapons you learn, the faster you’ll pick up learning other weaponry...

>>3285224
... or stick with Cut-chan, it’s all good.

>>3285226
You’re at a nebulous point sometime before their arrival. In theory, Luffy has left home but now I’m not certain whether you guys will want to stick around East Blue or go with Smoker when he chases them. (There may be another canon crew or two appearing soon who would otherwise have got past Smoker, which might seriously change canon if you end up helping them get caught/killed.)

So basically: Schrodinger’s timeline. If you guys want to go back a bit in time to just before Luffy left home, I can do that as well. Depends if you want to stay in the Blues or follow papa-Smoker. Maybe I’ll hold a vote for it, but it won’t be an urgent decision for a while (unless you guys want the Strawhats to turn up tomorrow and really kick up the pace).

Back to writing!
>>
>the ensign formerly known as whatever-her-name-was

You end up grouped with the other Ensign (Tashigi, she introduces herself as - to a lamp-post. Then she puts her glasses on and manages to face your direction), and the group of ten infantry she’s leading.

Technically you’re second-in-command of the group, based on rank and seniority, but unofficially, it doesn’t look like you’re expected to do much leading. Everyone’s aware that you’re green as grass, even if most of them DO think you’re a badass who resisted nearly a week of torture. Alas, martial skills don’t necessarily translate to leadership qualities.

... On the other hand, you can actually see further than five inches in front of your face, so maybe you’re more qualified than Ensign Tashigi.

Trotting along beside the older woman (to call her senpai or not to call her senpai, that is the question), you spare a glance back at the quietly marching men as you’re led down small, quiet side-streets and empty back-alleys.

>Soooo... why’d you become a Marine?
>Nice sword. I mean, mine’s better, but yours is cool too.
>Flirt (will involve roll not to fling spaghetti around)
>Other
>>
>>3285243
>Soooo... why’d you become a Marine?
>>
>>3285243
>Soooo... why’d you become a Marine?
>>
>>3285243
>Soooo... why’d you become a Marine?
>>
>>3285243
>Soooo... why’d you become a Marine?
>>
Thread archived at suptg now that we’re in auto-sage territory.

>polite conversation

“Soooo,” you drawl, hoping to break the silence, amiable as it is. “Why’d you become a Marine?”

She glances over at you in mild surprise, eyes wide behind the thick glasses. “Oh, for a lot of reasons, really - I mean, it’s partly to do with swords, and improving my strength, but mostly it’s about doing the right thing, you know? Making civilians safer, putting dangerous criminals away where they belong. Making the world a better place.” Her voice is honest and face cheerful, words ringing with enthusiasm.

>(... What a goody-two-shoes.)
>(That’s kind of inspiring, actually.)
>(Eh, that’s a decent reason, you guess.)
>(Other.)

Before you can comment, she continues. “Why did YOU join up, Flashman?”

>I got an anonymous invitation to the Academy in the mail one day, and didn’t have anything else I’d rather be doing.
>I wanted to see the world, and get off my crappy little island.
>I wanted to do something with purpose, and this seemed like a good choice.
>I wrote down a load of options, pinned them to a board, and threw a dart,
>Other.

(If you want to tell Tashigi a lie, just pick which you want to tell her, and then write the truth in brackets.)
>>
>>3285281
>(Eh, that’s a decent reason, you guess.)

>I wrote down a load of options, pinned them to a board, and threw a dart,
Was tempted to go with the anonymous invite, but kinda want Flashman's heritage to take everyone by surprise and the invite implies that someone high up in command knows his family background.
>>
>>3285281
>(Eh, that’s a decent reason, you guess.)
>I wanted to see the world, and get off my crappy little island.
>>
>>3285281
>(Eh, that’s a decent reason, you guess.)
>I wanted to see the world, and get off my crappy little island.
>>
>>3285281
>(Eh, that’s a decent reason, you guess.)
>I wanted to see the world, and get off my crappy little island.
Does anyone in the Marines know who Flashman's mystery box relative is?
>>
>>3285314
If you pick the invitation option then someone definitely knows, if not, then it’s also a mystery.
>>
>(Eh, that’s a decent reason, you guess.)
>ultimate tourism

“I wanted to see the world, and get off my crappy little island,” you say, shrugging. no point lying and making up some righteous bullshit. You’re a (mostly) honest kinda guy.

Tashigi looks almost surprised, before she docks her head and nods. “How’s that working out?”

“I saw Marineford! And... docked at a couple of places. And now I’m here.”

Trying to be quiet, the Ensign manages to hide her giggles behind a hand as your group keeps walking. “That’s - that’s not a lot of sight-seeing!”

“It’s working out okay,” you defend yourself, searching for a reason. “I mean, I’m seeing a lot of Loguetown, right?”

You both take a moment to look around at the dirty alley you’re currently traversing.

“... Maybe it’s not going great,” you admit, Tashigi making a vague noise of sympathy. “But! I might not be here forever. There’s a lot in the rest of the Blues, let alone the Grand Line.”

“Considering a lot of pirates try to pass through here on the way to Reverse Mountain, you might be here a while,” Tashigi suggests apologetically. “If I were you, I’d get used to thinking you you’re going to be here long-term. Not that that’s a bad thing!” She hurries to explain herself, eyes widening. “We do good work here, and Captain Smoker is a great Officer!”

>(What are your opinions of Smoker? This will have some bearing on your personality and your continued interactions with him.)

You open your mouth to respond, when she holds a hand up, motioning you to silence. “We’re here.”

——
(Going to take a short break before I do next post, feel free to vote on Smoker-opinion while I grab some food.)
>>
Smoker's a pretty cool guy
>>
Seems like a decent guy, but only time will tell you what he is really like.
>>
>>3285355
Supporting
>>
>>3285355
Supporting. Probably the best boss we can hope for.
>>
>>3285345
>Smoker's a pretty cool guy
That thing with burning the paperwork? Totally cool
>Don't want to get on his bad side, though.
>the bossman of our heart
>>
>>3285355
>>3285355
Support
Smoker please adopt Flashman and teach him your cool ways
>>
>smoker world’s number 1 boss

You get your video Den Den ready, nudging it awake as your group stands at the ready near a massive, disused warehouse. Well, disused for legitimate purposes, you guess - lights are on, and faint noises can be heard from inside (music?); even though this area should be empty at this hour, except perhaps for security guards.

“The other groups are getting into position,” Tashigi whispers, hand moving carefully to the hilt of her sword, as she nods pointedly towards some faint movement barely visible a bit around the side of the warehouse. How she saw them, even with glasses, you have no idea.

You lean in slightly, whispering back, “What’s the signal?”

Then Captain Smoker strides out of the darkness and into the fluorescent-lit front of the warehouse, slamming thick clouds of smoke through the front door, followed by muffled screams from inside.

“... That,” Tashigi sighs, and then your group is hurtling towards the warehouse, along with the other two squads.

>Focus on recording, your cover-story is making a training video.
>Draw Cutlass-chan and try to split your attention between recording and fighting.
>Don’t bother with the Den Den, the infantry are probably too busy to notice, and you can always say you didn’t get a chance with all the fighting.
>Other.

(If you film:)
>Stay mostly quiet.
>Go full COPS.
>Other.
>>
>>3285409

>Focus on recording, your cover-story is making a training video.
>Full cops
Plan:impress smoker is go
>>
>>3285409
>Focus on recording, your cover-story is making a training video.
>Go full COPS.
>>
>>3285409
>Focus on recording, your cover-story is making a training video.
>>
>>3285409
>Focus on recording, your cover-story is making a training video.
>Go full COPS.
>>
>>3285409
>Focus on recording, your cover-story is making a training video.
>Go full COPS.
>>
>mfw I remember I’ve never actually seen COPS

Writing the best I can, be gentle with me, good anons.
>>
>>3285432
Bad bois bad bois, watchugondo watchugondo wehn they come 4u
>>
>>3285432
You have no one to blame but yourself on this QM.
>>
>>3285432
"Marines is filmed on location with the men and women of the marine admiralty. All suspects are guilty until and will be shipped to Impeiral Down"
>>
>>3285449
... Okay, stealing this and rewriting some of what I've got.

>>3285448
That doesn't mean I'm not going to bitch about it.
>>
>>3285460
We'll make smoker a star.
>>
>BADDEST OF BOIS

You'll rely on the other Marines to deal with the criminals; as for yourself, you need to focus on filming.

Den den up, you activate it's recording functions, even as you charge forwards. Sure, there'll be some jerking around, but who cares?

You slap on your 'professional' voice, which some might call 'suspiciously deeper and more dramatic than your real one. "This training video is filmed on-location with the men and women of the Marines. All suspects are considered guilty until proven even more guilty, and will be sentenced to Impel Down. Captain Smoker has signalled the raid's start by kicking down the door like -

>- a badass."
>- a dumbass."
>- a really bad surprise birthday-stripper."
>other.

"Accompanying me are Ensign Tashigi and thirty infanHOLY SHIT GUNFIRE!"

You throw yourself through the front doorway just in front of the infantry, nearly stumbling over the shattered remains of the door itself, Tashigi ahead of you and wowohwow, did she just deflect a bullet with her blade? Holy crap. You make sure to frantically zoom in on her determined expression and pose as she slices down some black-suited security asshole.

Still running through, the small entry room widens into a massive, open space - doubtless once filled with goods, and now lit by reddish mood lighting, tables previously laden with alcohol and assorted gambling items now overturned by enthusiastic Marines, spilled cards and poker chips littering the floor.

(1/?, feel free to vote now on this one)
>>
The music has stopped, the panicking musicians either with their hands in the air or trying to run (and failing), while Smoker casually snatches fleeing gamblers in plumes of smoke, tossing them to Marines waiting with handcuffs.

In the midst of all this, you dart aside to let the Marines behind you go past, spinning the den den to capture a panoramic view of the ensuing chaos, bullets crashing through the air accompanied by screams of panic and fury.

Making sure to keep your den den focused on the action, you dodge over to where a pair of Marines are arresting a downed yelling, struggling man - hey, you think you've seen the guy on a bounty poster at HQ - one of the infantry pinning the criminal to the ground as the other cuffs him.

"LET ME GO," the man screams, despite his writhing only succeeding in smashing his own face against the floor. "I'M GETTING OUTTA THESE CUFFS, AN' I'M GONNA KILL YOU!"

"It's generally recommended that you don't release resisting prisoners from their restraints," you casually advise potential viewers, while one of the Marines slaps the back of the guy's head, informing him that he can't break the damn cuffs. "Oh, I think that's brutality, I might have to cut that."
>>
The Marines, now realizing you're there over the noise of the continuing fights, look up, panicked. "Uh, there was a fly on his head."

"NO THERE WASN'T! HE JUST HIT- AGH!"

The Marine pulled his hand away once more. "There it was again!"

"Seems legit," you cheerfully allow, zooming in to show how the two are restraining the howling criminal. "As you can see, the infantry here are now patting down the prisoner to disarm him, despite his current restraints. One can never be too sure what dangers - is that his wallet? Are you taking his wallet?"

"It's attracting that fly."

"Well, carry on, then. Continuing, you can also see our prisoner is himself being made safe, by the removal of items which may cause him injury or distress, such as his wallet."

"THE ONLY THINGS INJURING AND DISTRESSING ME ARE YOU ASSHOLES!"

Leaving the pair to their arrest, you move around the rest of the warehouse, avoiding the few remaining fights and instead filming from a distance, narrating as you show how several Marines work together to take down a couple of criminals shooting from behind an overturned table. You get some pretty nifty shots of Smoker's plumes winding through the air to trip up and restrain people (Logia powers are total cheats), and even manage to get one Marine to explain the best way to obtain cover in a firefight.

Finally, the fighting dies down, and you take the opportunity to zoo in, slowly and dramatically, on a bloodstained Ace of Spades playing card. Maybe you can edit in some music later.

>Sneak off and hide while everyone leaves.
>Make up an excuse to stick around longer without admitting you'll be filming more. (What?)
>Other.

>>3285492
He's already a star~
>>
>>3285497
>-a badass.
>Make up an excuse to stick around longer without admitting you'll be filming more. (Even though we were sure the others could handle things and we wanted to focus on doing the job we were given to the best of our abilities, we still feel guilty about not taking active part in the combat and so are offering to stick around to secure the crime scene.)
>>
>>3285504
>- a badass.
>Make up an excuse
>Help in the securing the crime scene / general clear up
>>
>>3285536
Supporting
>>
>>3285504
>- a badass."
>Make up an excuse to stick around longer without admitting you'll be filming more. (Even though we were sure the others could handle things and we wanted to focus on doing the job we were given to the best of our abilities, we still feel guilty about not taking active part in the combat and so are offering to stick around to secure the crime scene.)

You did good QM, you did good.
>>
>>3285536
>>3285504
Support
We're really sorry that our harrowing ordeal at the hands of the long pirates prevented us from fighting alongside our brothers and sisters in arms, but we're resolved to help our where we can.
>>
Dude as I was reading this update the cops theme song started playing on tv. Stop doing voodoo shit.
>>
>a badass."
>hard worker

Putting the den den carefully away (poor little guy looks a bit dizzy from all the activity), you take a quick look around to make sure there's a decent number of people within hearing range, and then causally call out, "Hey, Ensign Tashigi? I don't feel like I really did much, can I secure the scene or something?"

Tashigi pauses where she's busy searching a sulking, jewel-clad woman, but Smoker gets there first, appearing nearby in a cloud of quick-moving... Well, smoke.

"You can stick around for a while to make sure no-one comes out of hiding, but don't touch anything or get too close to all this mess," he orders, waving a hand towards the crime scene as if he doesn't really give a shit, looking utterly bored. "If there's no-one who tries to sneak out within an hour or so, just get back to base."

You flip a salute, managing not to finger-gun, and settle yourself against a wall as the rest of the Marines pack up their prisoners and head out, several giving you quick salutes of their own. Looks like everyone's riding a high from the successful raid.

You wait five minutes after they leave, and then move in to start taking pictures.

>Roll 1d5, best of 3
AND
>Roll 1d100, best of 3

(Wasn't exactly COPS, but I hope it turned out okay! Will try and watch a couple of episodes in case a similar vote crops up again.)
>>
Rolled 1 (1d5)

>>3285616
How can we roll two diff dice again
>>
>>3285622
You can't, I don't think, just do separate posts.
>>
Rolled 3 (1d5)

>>3285616
>>
Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>3285616
>>
Rolled 34 (1d100)

>>3285616
>>
Rolled 2 (1d5)

>>3285616
>>
Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>3285616
>>
>>3285657
Nice
>>
>>3285626
+3 to new Video Recording skill from your training video.

>>3285657
... DC 90, I was NOT expecting anyone to make that. Wow. Writing.
>>
>92, DC 90, noice
>+1 to ??? skill

Moving through the chaos, you thoroughly map the entire place - here, someone's necklace clasp has broken, a thick gold chain abandoned across a table; there, a pile of beri sits, waiting for a bet that'll never come.

You take wide, scenic shots first before moving in closer, capturing the details, and it's that intense, silent focus that lets you hear it.

A muffled, stifled whimper, from somewhere nearby.

... Smoker's bullshit excuse came true. There really IS someone here.

>Don't let on that you heard, search quietly.
>"Come out now, and I won't have to hurt you!" (Intimidating)
>"Dude, just come out already. Show's over, you're not doing yourself any favors." (Casual.)
>Other.
>>
>>3285730
>Don't let on that you heard, search quietly.
>>
>>3285730
>Don't let on that you heard, search quietly.
>>
>>3285730
>Don't let on that you heard, search quietly
>>
>sneaky sneaky

Roll 1d100 for search, best of three.
>>
Rolled 4 (1d100)

>>3285777
>>
Rolled 14 (1d100)

Get down miss obama I'm gonna roll a dice
>>
Rolled 27 (1d100)

>>3285777
>>
>>3285789
I can't believe you killed one of the Obamas.

>27, your luck has finally failed
>But I'm allowing you one more chance because of the 777 trips I managed to get.

Trying to act as before, you keep taking pictures, ears pricked for any little noise. Unfortunately, there are none - by the time you've made another circuit of the massive room, you're no closer than before to figuring out where the person might be hiding.

>One last shot at finding them? (If chosen and then failed, you won't be able find them by yourself.)
>Try and intimidate them to come out.
>Call Smoker and let him know someone's here.
>Other.
>>
>>3285844
Call smokey
>>
>>3285844
>Call Smoker and let him know someone's here.
>>
>>3285844
>Call Smoker and let him know someone's here.
>>
>>3285844
>Call Smoker and let him know someone's here
Sneakman we are not. Time to play good cop to Smokey's bad when he turns up. In the mean time let's make sure no one gets in, or out.
>>
>>3285844
>>One last shot at finding them? (If chosen and then failed, you won't be able find them by yourself.)
>>
>PAPA, SOMEONE'S WITH ME AND I'M SCARED

When in doubt... kick shit upwards. With that sterling advice in mind, you sneak over to a corner, and call your favourite boss-man, who picks.up on the third ring. The den den scowls up at you. "Problem?"

"Yes."

There's a pause. "Huh." Clearly wasn't expecting that for an answer. "Well, out with it, brat."

"Someone's here, in hiding," you say, voice low but still holding the den den close just to be sure. "I definitely heard them, but I can't find them. Should I start threatening them, or randomly shooting, or something?"

Smoker snorts. "Tempting, but no. They know you're onto them?"

"Pretty sure not, boss."

"Right. Wait there, call me if anything happens. I'm coming back."

Once more, he hangs without even a goodbye. You need to start training him out of that bad habit, it's rude.

At the very least, you can finish taking pictures, still alert for any sounds. There are none, until the thud-thud of heavy combat boots, as the Captain strides into the warehouse just ten minutes later, jitte slung across his back, and chomping on a cigar between gritted teeth.

He nods.sharply at you, flicks a finger to his lips in a 'hush gesture, and promptly turns to smoke.

As it turns out, that really helps with searches - billowing out, the smoke swells and rushes around the wide space, weirdly quickly, seeping into books and crannies, behind furniture and walls, while you at and and wait.

Then - the smoke pauses. Then reforms into a man again, frowning even deeper. "Kid, it's a good thing you look so damn harmless."

>Why?
>That's a funny way to say handsome, boss.
>Wh-what?! No, I'm really intimidating!
>Other

(Nearly 3am, I'm going to lurk a little and then sleep. Night anons, thanks for playing!)
>>
>>3285910
>>That's a funny way to say handsome, boss.
>>
>>3285910
>That's a funny way to say handsome, boss.
>>
>>3285910
>That's a funny way to say handsome, boss

Also thanks for running QM, the cops segment was on point.
>>
>>3285910
>That's a funny way to say handsome, boss.
>>
>>3285910
>>That's a funny way to say handsome, boss.

G'night! Fantastic as always.
>>
>That's a funny way to say handsome, boss.

As an aside, I wonder where in the timeline we are. Probably sometime during the timeskip; after Flaming Attach was fired and before Smoker was reassigned?
>>
>Do your job and record the evidence.
>>
>>3285910
>>That's a funny way to say handsome, boss.
>>3286009
We're really early in the timeline, judging by the QM comments here >>3285239
Luffy might even show up at Loguetown for the first time while we're here
>>
>>3286213
Ah dag, I missed that post somehow.
>>
>>3285910
>>Do your job and record the evidence.

>That's a funny way to say handsome, boss.
>>
>>3285910
>That's a funny way to say handsome, boss.

Oh shit, Is there actually a serious pirate holed up In here? Kind of hope there's two of them so we get to fight and not just watch Smoker mop up.
>>
>i feel pretty

“That’s a funny way to say handsome, boss,” you tell him, humble guy that you are.

The Captain runs his gaze over you, obviously disbelieving. “’Handsome’. Sure. In any case, put the Den Den away and get over here.”

You do as he says, curiosity rising as he leads you over to a normal-looking area near the back of the room, not too far from where you heard the noise. Then he jabs a finger in the direction of the floor - and looking a little closer, you can faintly see what looks like seams cut into the cheap flooring.

“Stand there, don’t move,” he mutters around a cigar; then his arms are two billowing tendrils of smoke, rushing down to press into the edges, yanking up the hidden trapdoor.

There isn’t a set of stairs down. Just what looks like a large empty space underneath, the terrified eyes of a curled-up, shaking child staring up at you.

Yeah, you guess a confused pretty-boy is a better first sight for a scared little girl than Captain ‘Looks like he eats children for breakfast’ Smoker. And you’re not liking the look of that weird, thick collar around her neck, either.

>... Hi! (awkward waving intensifies)
>I, uh, don’t think that’s a criminal, bossman.
>That doesn’t seem like an appropriate place to leave a kid, but what do I know?
>Other.

(Just a quick update, will be heading out soon. I think most people are asleep now anyway.)
>>
>>3287304
>Boss! I found your secret lovechild
>>
>>3287304
>... Hi! (awkward waving intensifies)
>>
>>3287304
>>... Hi! (awkward waving intensifies)
>>
>>3287304
>I, uh, don’t think that’s a criminal, bossman.
>... Hi! (awkward waving intensifies)
>>
>>3287304
>... Hi! (awkward waving intensifies)
>>
>>3287304
>>... Hi! (awkward waving intensifies)

Time to irresponsibly adopt/mentor this kid after we drag him Into the marines. Assuming this kid suffers from dead parent syndrome of course.
>>
Okay, had other stuff to do, one more update and THEN I leave.

>y helo that

You stare at the small human. It states back, eyes red-rimmed and threatening more tears. You give a small wave. ".... Hi?"

Behind and above the kid, Smoker turns one smoke plume back to a hand, and rests his forehead against his gloved palm. "Which one of you is the child?"

The girl flinched and squeaks as her head turns to look at the new speaker, while you shrug and - oops, fingerguns again. "If there's candy on offer, it's definitely me!"

"Thought so." The Captain stares contemplatively down at the child, fully human now. "Kid - girl kid, not rookie kid - Why are you down there?"

Still shaking, the girl at least seems to have calmed down slightly now that no-one's attacked her. "M-my owner put me h-here for safekeeping, i-in case he ran out of m-money..."

She trails off, as if scared of giving the wrong answer, watching your responses. It takes you a moment to grasp the general idea that her 'owner' probably intended to use her as collateral, because Marineford isn't really a place where one uses children as gambling prizes. In fact, you're pretty sure that's a little bit illegal.

"Well, you can come out now," you encourage, smiling genially as you try to look as unthreatening as possible. Which is hard, because you're such a manly and intimidating guy.

... She just huddles further back in the hideyhole. Huh. Maybe you really are scary!

Oblivious to your pride, Smoker squats down, even going so far as to put his cigar aside. "Kid, the guy you call master is either arrested or dead. You can't stay here."

"Yeah, this building doesn't have a residential permit," you helpfully add, before dodging the thin smoke-tendril that aims to flick your head. "What? It's true!"

With a little more coaxing (unfortunately, there's no candy on hand to assist), the girl finally crawls out, letting you get a better look. Maybe nine or ten years old, currently grubby, dressed reasonably nicely except for the collar, which you can now see is... seastone. Oh crap.

Smoker keeps a straight face throughout, closing the trapdoor behind her after you've taken a picture of the space. "Back to base," he finally says, voice studiously bland. "We're done here, I'll get this sorted out." The girl's gaze flits between the two of you, still nervous.

>Hey, kid, our base is kind of a walk. My boss should give you a piggyback! (Still a cheeky shit, but nice)
>Want a piggyback, kid? (Nice without cheeky, shocking!)
>(Let the girl walk a while, she seems in decent health.)
>Other.
>>
>>3287543
>>Want a piggyback, kid? (Nice without cheeky, shocking!)
>>
>>3287543
>Want a piggyback, kid? (Nice without cheeky, shocking!)

Dunno who’d give a kid that young a Devil Fruit, but that can be answered later.
>>
>>3287543
>Want a piggyback, kid? (Nice without cheeky, shocking!)
>>
>>3287543
>Want a piggyback ride, kid? (Nice without cheeky, shocking!)
>>
>>3287543
>>Hey, kid, our base is kind of a walk. My boss should give you a piggyback! (Still a cheeky shit, but nice)
Papa Smoker is best Smoker.
>>
>>3287543
>>Want a piggyback, kid? (Nice without cheeky, shocking!)

Poor kid. Oh no I can feel It, the need to protect a smile, It's rising!
>>
>>3287543
>Want a piggyback, kid? (Nice without cheeky, shocking!)
>>3287686
Many be the same sickos who fed Boa and her sisters devil fruits.
>>
>>3287543
>>Want a piggyback, kid? (Nice without cheeky, shocking!)
This...doesn't feel like the work of pirates at all. Not many would 1) be able to afford a Seastone collar and 2)be willing to waste a devil fruit on a glorified slave instead of giving it to one of their crew.

No, this screams World Nobles to me. In which case Smoker and Flashman better watch themselves.

Oh QM, is the +1/10 to ??? we got from acing this perception check added to the +1/10 to ??? we got from cut-chan? Or are they two seperate mystery skills?
>>
>>3288276
I don't think a World Noble would bother with gambling. Too much mingling with inferiors.
>>
>>3288281
better check for a tattoo in any case
If she has one, we'll find a way to ship her to the rebellion
we aren't aware of boa hancock having been a slave to the nobles right?
>>
>>3288300
burn mark, not tattoo
>>
>>3288300
No we don't, that's a secret she's willing to kill to keep.
>>
I return! Protip, don’t go to two museums in one day, your legs might fall off.

>>3288276
Same mystery skill, it’s at 2/10 now, which is basically 0.1 in function. If you ever reach 10/10, then the skill will complete and become a +1. You’ll probably know what it is by then.

Writing for giving the kid a piggyback, did you all get attached or something?
>>
We’ll start slow, because it’s early.

>flashma has evolved into rapiflash

Looking at the girl’s short legs and thin-soled shoes, you can’t imagine her keeping up with two adults (of whom you are the most adultiest, naturally). You smile at her, jabbing a thumb at your back. “Hey, want a piggyback, kid?”

Her eyes widen again, in surprise rather than fear this time. “Can I?”

You nod, crouching down to let her carefully get on, Captain Smoker lighting up another cigar while he waits for you. You can’t tell exactly what he thinks of giving the girl a ride, but he isn’t telling you off for being unprofessional, so good enough!

Somehow being the girl’s ride (and you really should find out her name soon) translates to being a tour guide as well, as you start pointing out various roads you pass, cheerfully announcing what little you’ve seen of Loguetown, and what you’ve read on maps.

“- and down there is the best pie shop in East Blue,” you’re saying (with all the authority of a man who’s spent about three days awake and sober on the island, and hasn’t been anywhere else in East Blue), when she tugs slightly at your jacket.

“Mr Flashman?” She whispers the words into your ear, ducking her head low, although you’re pretty sure Smoker can still hear her. “If master can’t have me any more, where’m I gonna go?”

>Back to your family, I guess.
>You’ll probably get a nice new home in Loguetown.
>You’d have to ask my boss that.
>Other.
>>
>>3288547
Something like" We'll find you some place go, in the meantime we'll let you stay with the marines. Do you have any family anywhere, kid?"
>>
>>3288547
>You’d have to ask my boss that.
>>
>>3288547
>Back to your family, I guess.

>Inb4 'I don't have any family' then say-

>You’d have to ask my boss that.
>>
>>3288558
Basically this, yeah
>>
>>3288558
>>3288547
Support. Making Smoker a grandpa kek
>>
>>3288558
>>3288547

Supporting
>>
>>3288547
>You’d have to ask my boss that.
>>
>slave-girl was a mistake

You’re not really sure how to answer that one. Is there a standard protocol for enslaved minors? If her family’s dead, which seems likely, would she go to an orphanage here, or back at her home island? What about people who’d want to kidnap a helpless Devil Fruit-using child?

You got nothing.

“We’ll find you some place to go,” you say vaguely, trying to sound like it’s no big deal. “In the meantime, you can stay with the Marines.” Then, because you have to ask, “Do you have any family, kid?”

You feel her nod slightly behind you. “Uh-huh.”

Oh! “That’s great! You can go back to them, then!”

There’s a pause, her hand tightening it’s clutch on your coat. “But they’ll just sell me again?”

... oh. Um. Not good.

“OH LOOK, WE’RE HERE,” you point out, not panicking at all. “You can stay here as long as you need, okay?”

As you enter the HQ grounds, Smoker side-eyes you, face still blank. “Any other promises you want to make on other people’s behalf, rookie?”

You shoot him a thumbs-up. “Nah, I’m good for now, boss. Maybe later.”

Ha! Despite his narrowing eyes, the Captain can’t hit you when you’re carrying a child! Genius!

Unfortunately, said child now has to get off, so you stay alert for any smoke-tendrils, handing over the video Den-Den from as far a distance as you can.

“I’ll call you sometime tomorrow,” he informs you, tossing your original Den-Den back over, while the girl looks curiously around at the base grounds. “Go get some sleep, and stop causing trouble.”

That is highly inaccurate, and you take offence to it, but the lure of sleep is too strong. You toss him a jaunty salute and turn to head towards the base accommodation - which is when a smoke-plume flicks across the back of your head, hard, followed by then kid’s giggles and a sadistic chuckle from Smoker.

... Vengeance will be yours. Somehow.

The next day, you

>head to the training grounds (sword? Pistol? General?).
>go looking for big, bad criminals.
>track someone down to mess- Uh, talk to them.(Smoker? Tashigi?)
>Other

—-
Also going to do a vote now because we’ve had a couple of timeline questions and I can’t decide.

>Six months before Luffy arrives in Loguetown.
>Two months beforehand.
>One month beforehand.
>He’s literally going to turn up tomorrow.
>Other? (Can’t be longer than six months.)
>>
>>3288645
>head to the training grounds sword
>Two months beforehand.
>>
>>3288650
this
>>
>>3288650
Supporting tho maybe we can time skip with some training montage until their arrival
>>
>>3288650
Support. Quality time with cut-chan
>>
>>3288657
That’s what I was planning, on be honest. With a lot of dice rolls.
>>
>>3288650
Support
>>3288657
>Training montage
*Muffled eye of the tiger in the distance*
>>
>>3288650
Let's use a greatsword instead.
>>
>>3288672
What about a huge cutlass?
>>
>>3288672
>Cheating on cut-chan
Cease. We already have a squeeze on the side in our katana anyway
>>
>>3288676
>>3288674
Weapon master route. Blades, spears, axes, maces, anything and everything,
>>
>>3288672
Yeah, we a living armory now.
>>
>TWO MONTHS BEFORE LUFFY
>do sweet, sweet training with cut-chan

>Spar with someone.
>Spar with two people at once.
>Spar someone while dual-wielding a wooden cutlass and a wooden katana.
>Acquire some actual training from the sword trainer.
>Other?
>>
>>3288683
Okay I'm prefer this rather than turn Flashman into Swords R Us.
We gotta pick up an axe or a mace next.
>>
>>3288688
>Acquire some actual training from the sword trainer
When are we gonna meet that cutlass teacher?
>>
>>3288688
>Acquire some actual training from the sword trainer.
>>
>>3288688
>Acquire some actual training from the sword trainer.
>Spar with someone.
>>
>>3288691
That has a couple of options, one of them being a random encounter, and the other you’ll have to do something impressive with a sword to get their attention. If it takes too long, I’ll just have them turn up anyway.

If you plan to leave with Smoker, don’t worry, it eon’t get in the way of any training they give you.
>>
>>3288688
>Acquire some actual training from the sword trainer.
>>
>>3288688
>Get Tashigi to train with us
>>
>>3288688
>Acquire some actual training from the sword trainer.
>>
>actual education

The new morning comes, and you somehow find yourself heading to train rather than sleeping in as long as possible. Don’t technically have a schedule or any duties outside of photography, that’s kind of amazing.

In any case, there isn’t any planned training going on right now, so apart from some people doing individual training and spars, the courtyard is empty. The sword tutor, meanwhile, is fine with leaving his weapons-maintenance for a while, to give you some pointers in using a cutlass.

>Roll 1d100, best of 3, I’ll add a +10

(Sorry for slow updates just now, they should speed up now I’m not doing chores.)
>>
Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>3288724
>>
Rolled 12 (1d100)

>>3288724
>>
Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>3288724
>>
>21 + 10 = 31, you suck

After nearly twenty minutes of going through the motions of corrected footwork and testing your swings, out have to admit... this just isn’t working.

“I swear I’m better than this,” you complain, frustrated with a slash that you just can’t seem to put the right amount of force into.

The instructor, an ex-Marine, rubs his chin in thought, squinting at your wooden cutlass. “I saw you doing well with one yesterday... might just be an off-day?”

>I can’t afford off-days... can I try with my real cutlass?
>How about you teach me the katana for now?
>Any ideas for getting my back in the mood for stabbing people properly?
>(Try another type of sword.)
>Other.
>>
>>3288742
>I can’t afford off-days... can I try with my real cutlass?
CUT-CHAN BLESS US
>>
>>3288742
>I can’t afford off-days... can I try with my real cutlass?
Of not then switch to katana.
>>
>>3288742
>I can’t afford off-days... can I try with my real cutlass?
>>
>>3288742
>I can’t afford off-days... can I try with my real cutlass?
>>
>>3288742
>>I can’t afford off-days... can I try with my real cutlass?
>>
>battle couple with cut-chan

“I can’t afford off-days,” you say bluntly, and the instructor can’t argue with that. He’s seen the kind of shit that’s out there, even if you’re not supposed to be getting involved in combat. “Can I try with my real cutlass?”

He considers for a moment, obviously surprised, but then agrees, fetching his own cutlass.

“If we were sparring, I’d make sure you were wearing some light armor, but this’ll do for basic training.” He motions you into position, running you through the movements once more.

>Roll 1d100, same as before.
>>
Rolled 55 (1d100)

>>3288765
>>
Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>3288765
>>
Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>3288765
>>
>56 + 10 = 66, good enough

This time, everything goes much more smoothly - the instructor works you through various strikes and their responses, the blade feeling comfortable in your hand.

An hour of training, and the instructor declares you’ve got a solid foundation, some niggling issues with your stances and grip having been removed.

(If you are in reasonable health and using a sword in combat against 1 or 2 normal civilians (or rookie combatants) whether they’re unarmed OR armed with knives/sword, you will now be unable to fail a sword roll, even on a crit fail.)

>Keep training?
>Try a spar with the instructor.
>You’re done here, go do something else. (What?)
>Other.
>>
>>3288780
>Keep training?
>>
>>3288780
>Try a spar
>>
>>3288780
>Keep training?
>>
>>3288780
>Keep training?
Use him while we have access to him. If we do go with Smoker sword tutors are gonna be few and far between
>>
>>3288780
>Keep training?
>>
>choo choo

You’re like a sandwich, A sandwich... full of CONFIDENCE. “Let’s keep training!”

“... You’re really enthusiastic, huh?”

>Roll 1d100, same as normal.
>>
Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>3288814
>>
Rolled 85 (1d100)

>>3288814
>>
Rolled 99 (1d100)

>>3288814
ALmost though you were gonna say we're an idiot sandwich QM
>>
>>3288822
oh baby
>>
Oh my fucking god

Cut-chan is real and she loves you
>>
>>3288832
I fear not the man who can swing 1000 swords but the one who can do 1000 swings with one sword.
>>
>99 + 10 = 109, along with a 90 and an 85... what is this...

This time, the instructor moves you on to some more advanced forms. Admittedly, ‘more advanced’ is still only intermediate, but still.

He stands beside you, showing the strikes to make, how to deflect or parry, and... it clicks.

(+1/10 to ???)

Effortlessly, every move comes together. You fall into the flow, body and mind moving in perfect harmony, Cut-chan once more an extension of yourself. You run through one kata, then the next, barely a fraction of a second behind the instructor, as though you know which move he’s going to make before he even does it, engraving them into your mind and muscles.

By the time you come to an end, you’re physically spent, but more mentally alert than you’ve ever felt.

(+2 to Cutlass/Katana Skills)
(+1/15 to ???????)

“Yeeeeaaah,” the instructor drawls, crossing his arms. “Gotta say - that was weird.”

Trying not to collapse, you manage to give him a thumbs up, and totter over to sit on a bench before you fall down.

Head between your knees, you’re just about managing to regulate your breathing, when heavy footsteps clunk near you.

“Not the worst I’ve ever seen, pretty-boy,” the man says languidly, followed by a small yawn.

You manage to look up; he isn’t dressed like a Marine. In fact, you don’t think you’ve seen the guy around base at all.myou’re pretty sure you’d remember a shabby-looking, forty-something guy in a long brown trench coat, especially one with a massive gourd attached to his belt, and... wow. That’s... a lot of swords.

He stares down at you, eyes half-lidded with sleepiness.

>Thanks, whoever you are.
>I guess you’re some kind of expert?
>Yeah, well the instructor didn’t need to sit down afterwards...
>Other
>>
>>3288865
>>Thanks, whoever you are.
There you are
>>
>>3288865
>Thanks, whoever you are.
>>
>>3288865
>Thanks, whoever you are.
>>
>>3288865
>>Thanks, I guess you’re some kind of expert?
A little sass never killed anyone.
>>
>>3288865
>>Thanks, whoever you are.
>>
>a wild cutlass instructor appears

“Thanks, whoever you are,” you manage to croak out, still breathing hard.

The guy half-collapses beside you, lazy eyes dragging themselves across the view of the courtyard. He diesn’t bother looking at you as he takes a long swig from his hip flask, or even respond for a long few seconds. “You’re welcome.”

... That was all.

Trying not to look annoyed, you open your mouth to inflict him with a sass-attack, but he speaks first.

“Dirk says you only picked up the cutlass yesterday.” He sounds bored, but you nod slowly, confused. “Mm. Get up.”

“Uh- wha-“

“Up. Now.”

>(Force yourself up.)
>You... are not my boss. He’s a lot smokier.
>What? Why?!
>YOU get up.
>Other?

(You ARE going to get this guy as a tutor, no matter what, so don’t worry about trying to game the system and make him approve of you. Just go what response you like.)
>>
>>3288904
>(Force yourself up.)
>>
>>3288904
>>You... are not my boss. He’s a lot smokier.
We must stay loyal to cut-chan and Smokey
>>
>>3288904
>You... are not my boss. He’s a lot smokier.
>>
>>3288904
>You... are not my boss. He’s a lot smokier
>>
>>3288904
>>YOU get up.
>>
>my papa’s scarier than you are

“You... ar enot my boss,” you say, staying right where you are. “He’s a lot smokier.”

A smile crawls languidly across the man’s face, still not looking at you. “How forthright. That’s good.” He takes another swallow from his flask, before releasing a sigh as he puts it back on his waist. “Okay. I’m going to attack you now.”

And then he’s in front of you, metal flashing through the air towards you HOLY SHIT

(DEFEND)
>Roll 1d100, best of 3, I’m only going to add a +5 because you’re sitting down and completely unprepared.
>>
Rolled 16 (1d100)

>>3288951
>>
Rolled 57 (1d100)

>>3288951
Wait what
>>
Rolled 26 (1d100)

>>3288951
>>
>>3288956
What what? Problem?
>>
>>3288960
Wait what where did lazy fucker of 1 second ago vanish to
>>
>>3288904
>You... are not my boss. He’s a lot smokier.
>>
>>3288963
You be in One Piece world now, me hearty. Prepare for bullshit and lunatics, yaaar.
>>
File: Spoiler Image (13 KB, 236x356)
13 KB
13 KB JPG
>57 + 5 = 62, scraped a success

You let out a rugged, manly shriek as Cut-chan swings up in a panicked rush, even as you shove yourself backwards. Unfortunately, you’re... on a bench. Which means you manage to shove yourself, flailing, OFF said bench.

On the bright side, Cut-chan meets the crazy guy’s blade - also a cutlass, you vaguely note - in a faint ‘ting’ of metal, the other blade just barely touching; stopping Cut-chan with that light brush, and then moving a fraction of a hair back, leaving you flat on your back on the ground, legs splayed up over the bench, holding Cut-chan in the air like an idiot, and gasping up at the again-lazy-eyed man peering down at you.

“Mm. Not bad.” He steps back out of sight, and the faint sound of a blade being sheathed follows.

.....

>WHAT. THE FUCK. WAS THAT?!
>(Just lay there for a while, in disbelief. Staring at the air. Maybe twitch a little.)
>... Who... the hell are you?
>Other
>>
>>3288983
>... Who... the hell are you?
>>
>>3288983
>>... Who... the hell are you?
>>
>>3288983
>... Who... the hell are you?
>>
>>3288983
>... Who... the hell are you?
Man Flashman sure is a magnet for scary authority figures.
>>
File: Get on the floor.png (9 KB, 304x203)
9 KB
9 KB PNG
>>3288983
>>(Just lay there for a while, in disbelief. Staring at the air. Maybe twitch a little.)
>>
>>3289001
I’ll just, uh, leave your family roll out of sight...

>>3289006
Beautiful, I love it like Cut-chan loves Flashman.

>what is going on

“Who... the hell are you?” Oh manage to push yourself up, awkward as it is with your legs at such an angle, scrabbling to your feet and taking in the sight of lazy guy now standing slouched, hands tucked carelessly in his coat pockets.

“Your new teacher,” the guy casually states, matter-of-fact. He reaches up to scratch his stubbled chin, squinting at you. “We’ve got a long way to go, so we’ll begin now. Hope you’re recovered already.” He shrugs, obviously not particularly caring at all, the liar.

“Wha- bu- what if I don’t want you?!”

“Yeah, it’s, uh. Not really a choice.” He gives a vague ‘what can you do’ motion. “Be a shame to have to kidnap you, lot of effort, but whatever. Now get in the square, or I’ll attack you here.”

>(Get in the damn training square.)
>(Make like you’re going to obey... and then run like hell, FIND SMOKER, FIND SMOKER)
>”Then you’ll have to kidnap me, asshat.” (Fold arms and death-glare.)
>Other
>>
>>3289031
>(Get in the damn training square.)
>>
>>3289031
>(Get in the damn training square.)
Flashman ain't fraid of no swordsman
>>
>>3289031
>(Get in the damn training square.)
>"Let the record show that I'm doing this under protest"
>>
>>3289031
>>(Get in the damn training square.)
Well, I hope you're better than your sneak attack or this is gonna be over real quick. Then give a grin.
>>
>>3289031
>(Get in the damn training square.)
>>
>>3289031
>>(Get in the damn training square.)
Stat boosts over pride

Also that mystery box is getting more and more ~mysterious~
...I really don't think it's Law now.
>>
>first rule of crazy guy fight club

You... get in damn ring. Reluctantly. Aching all over. Still tired. Stared at by bewildered infantry who'd previously been training.

But you still get in the damn ring.

"Are you going to warn me, this time?" Despite your sarcasm, you keep Cut-chan at the ready as crazy guy shuffles into place, yawning again.

"I warned you last time," he mumbles, drawing his own cutlass, despite the half-dozen or so other blades strapped around his waist and back. "But sure, it's your first day. We can take it easy. So - I'm gonna attack your chest. Defend yourself."

>Roll 1d100, best of 3. I'll +10 after.
>>
Rolled 94 (1d100)

>>3289131
By the power of the cutlass!
>>
Rolled 94 (1d100)

>>3289131
Let's go Cut-chan
>>
Rolled 87 (1d100)

>>3289131
>>
what the shit
>>
Rolled 67, 91, 39 = 197 (3d100)

>>3289131
Natural 1. WITNESS ME!
>>
>>3289133
>>3289135
>>3289137
>D-D-Dupe crits
Cut-chan is a goddess! A GODDESS!!
>>
Rolled 17 (1d100)

>>3289142
Aw, never mind.
>>
>>3289000
Oh, and extra +5 bonus for this set of trips. Holy crap. Not that it really makes a different.
>>
>>3289133
>>3289135
Why hello there my fellow cutlass bro. How are you doing on this fine day?
>>
>94 + 5 + 10 = 109, plus another 94, plus another high roll... two rolls the same... why...

His blade is suddenlycomingatyouwhendidhemove

And you step back, smoothly this time, feet moving before you even told then to, body positioning itself automatically, Cut-chan rising to -

Tap lightly against his blade again, before the other cutlass gets pulled back.

(+1 to ??? Skill, +1 to ??????? Skill)

"Huh. That was... not terrible. I might go a little less easy on you, now."

... You regret everything.

>Roll 1d100, best of three, for the rest of your 'entrance exam'. No bonus this time, he's holding back a little less.
>>
Rolled 40 (1d100)

>>3289187
>>
Just realized the bonus should have been +12, not 10, but it doesn't make any difference.
>>
Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>3289187
>>
Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>3289187
We shall ride into Valhalla, shiny and chrome.
>>
>>3289201
>mfw we're Zoro now
>>
>>3289208
Literally a perfect fusion of Zoro and Sanji desu
...Luffy is totally gonna call us their timetravelling kid when he meets us, isn't he.
>>
>>3289201
84 works.
>>
>>3289211
Well, NOW he will...

>84, no bonus, still a very good success!

You've never done anything so hard.

You were still tired even at the beginning, but this guy matches pace with you easily; his blows are constantly exactly the same difficulty to match, slowing down at the same rate you tire.

Slashes to the stomach, to the arms, the legs, the sides, the head - sometimes he casually curves his blade around yours amd through your guard to gently pat your now unprotected body with the at of the cutlass. Other times, he gives a small nod of approval as you manage to brush your own blade against him, the faint nudge being considered an effective parry.

(+1 to Cutlasses/Katanas, +1 to ???)

"All right," he finally says, as you sway on your feet, barely able to hold Cut-chan. There's a slight curve to his lips that wasn't there at the beginning, and he briskly sheathed his sword, pulling out the flask again. "That's enough. Come here every morning at 7am." SEVEN AM?! "Send a message if you can't come, but it had better be a good reason. I won't abide a slacker."

... You stare at the lazy, unshaven, slouching, messy-haired guy in the battered trenchcoat. He gives a slow shrug, swallowing some alcohol. "Well, not when it comes to swords, anyway."

Weirdo.

"I'll see you tomorrow morning, bright and early." He turns and ambles away, not even a goodbye or a wave.

You stare after him, trying to catch your breath, as he vanishes from the courtyard.

Then you remember you never got his name. ... DAMMIT.

>Clean yourself up and go find SmoBoss. There's no way you're waiting for his call now.
>Clean up and go get a drink. You need one. Or five.
>Find Tashigi. As a swordsman, maybe SHE can explain what the hell just happened.
>Other

(Past 3am, going to sleep. If anyone has any comments or criticism, again, please let me know! After this in-game day, we're going to start having more timeskips and montages, in case you're concerned about pacing. Night, all.)
>>
>>3289295
>Find Tashigi. As a swordsman, maybe SHE can explain what the hell just happened.
>>
>>3289295
>Clean yourself up and go find SmoBoss. There's no way you're waiting for his call now.
I wanna know what's gonna happen to that kid.
>>
>>3289295
>>Clean yourself up and go find SmoBoss. There's no way you're waiting for his call now.
>>
>>3289295
>What the hell just happened? Let's hit the showers and check out our tattoo. Afterwards, go to sleep early. It's time for some night photography.
>>
>>3289295
>Clean yourself up and go find SmoBoss. There's no way you're waiting for his call now.
We're in real danger of falling asleep on our feet and completely missing the meeting.
Also RIP Flashman's quiet life, it was nice knowing you.
>>
>>3289295
>What the hell just happened? Let's hit the showers and check out our tattoo. Afterwards, go to sleep early. It's time for some night photography.
Can be slacken in our real job
>>
>>3289295
>Clean yourself up and go find SmoBoss. There's no way you're waiting for his call now.

Anons who want to sleep through the day - Smoker does want to meet with us at some point to discuss last night, and probably during the daylight hours.
>>
>>3289295
>Clean yourself up and go find SmoBoss. There's no way you're waiting for his call now.
>>
>>3289295
>>Find Tashigi. As a swordsman, maybe SHE can explain what the hell just happened.
>>
>>3289295
>Clean yourself up and go find SmoBoss. There's no way you're waiting for his call now.
>>
>>3289295
>Clean yourself up and go find SmoBoss. There's no way you're waiting for his call now.
>>
>>3289295
>Find Tashigi. As a swordsman, maybe SHE can explain what the hell just happened.
Hmm, is the mystery skill Haki?
>>
>>3291263
I can neither confirm nor deny that it is totally Observation Haki.

wait, shit

>find papa, love papa

You shower as quickly as you can, pulling on a fresh uniform, and takingnthr opportunity to check out your new tattoo again. You don't know how the hell hey managed to do it all, but it's pretty much entirely healed up now, the colors fresh and bright.

The dragon itself is one of the long, snake-like, wingless ones; it's head and raised front legs snarl on your chest, windind down and around to your stomach, then coiling around your waist to finish it's tail half twisting across a thigh.

Why did they have to make it so damn big?! Even the 'property of the Long pirates' text is totally legible, the assholes.

Seeing the tattoo again certainly doesn't improve your mood, but at least you feel less like you're going to fall over. Forget waiting for Smoker's call - you're going to go see him right now, and maybe even let him know there's a crazy sword guy wandering around (or snoozing in) his base.

Finding out from some infantry that he's in his office, you

>kick open the door. "HEY BOSS, WHATCHA DOING, DID YOU MISS ME?"
>knock politely.
>knock impatiently in a catchy rhythm.
>scratch your nails down the door. "Let me iiiiiiiinnnnn... let meeeee iiiiiinnnnnn~"
>Other
>>
>>3291467
>>scratch your nails down the door. "Let me iiiiiiiinnnnn... let meeeee iiiiiinnnnnn~"
>>Also there's some really tough hobo here kicking my ass.

Man, I really like that tattoo design, if we can get rid of the 'Property of The Long Pirates' part I'd be perfectly fine keeping the rest of it.
>>
>>3291467
>knock impatiently in a catchy rhythm.
>>3291503
I agree we need to get rid of the sign. Maybe replace the words with something else
>>
>>3291467
>>knock impatiently in a catchy rhythm
some navy boot camp song or simply "Shave and a hair cut"
>>
>>3291503
Support
>>
>>3291503
Begin a drum solo on Smoker's door.
>>
>>3291467
>>knock impatiently in a catchy rhythm.
>>
>knockity knock knock

The door stands before you, an undefeatable obstacle. Behind it, your target.

You lift your hand, curling it into a fist, and then... start knocking away to ‘shave and a haircut, two bits’. “Get i-“ the Captain’s muffled voice calls from within,which you promptly ignore as you switch over to a catchy tune you heard the Marine’s singing on your voyage to Loguetown. Everyone loves sea shanties, right?

Apparently not Smoker, because the door gets yanked open, and a lasso of smoke grabs your unbalanced body and drags you in at high speed.

“AGH hi boss,” you say, waving from your position of being dangled nearly a foot in the air.

Narrowed eyes glare at you. Poor guy looks like he didn’t get any sleep last night, and - wow, that’s a lot of paperwork on his desk. Ouch.

Finally, he snorts, and you get unceremoniously dropped to the floor. “Now, how the hell did I know it was going to be you, rookie?”

>It must be my unmistakable and awe-inspiring presence. How’s things, mon Capitan?
>You must be developing Observation Haki! Exciting! (Thumbs up)
>Becaaaause I’m the only one on base with no sense of self-preservation?
>Other?
>>
>>3291851
>>You must be developing Observation Haki! Exciting! (Thumbs up)
>>Just think boss, keep it up and you'll get promoted out of this place, and leave it in Lieutenant Tashigi's hands!
>>
>>3291851
>>3291863
support
>>
>>3291851
>>3291863
Backing.
>>
>>3291851
>You must be developing Observation Haki! Exciting! (Thumbs up)
>>
>>3291851
>Becaaaause I’m the only one on base with no sense of self-preservation?
>>
>papa is so inspiring

“You must be developing Observation Haki! How exciting!” You throw him a cheesy grin along with a double thumbs up. “Just think, boss, keep it up and you’ll get promoted out of this place and leave it in Lieutenant Tashigi’s hands!”

The glare is replaced by blank eyes and a full-body shudder. “Don’t even joke about that, brat.” You’re not sure whether it ‘s getting promoted, leaving, or having Tashigi in charge that horrified him, but whatever the case, you’ve found a weak point you can troll for massive damage! Success!

“Why are you here?”

Oh, yeah, right. “I came to see my favorite cloud of smoke!” You answer, hand on heart and eyes innocent. “Plus, y’know, there’s a crazy hobo going around the base and attacking people.”

The Captain smirks, settling behind his desk again. “Ah. You met.”

>You know that asshole?!
>’Met’? He would have murdered me if I hadn’t bravely fought him off! Like a badass!
>... yeah, well, I’m running away with him. Goodbye, FOREVER.
>Other.
>>
>>3291944
>>You know that asshole?!
>>Be honest with me boss, that guy looked super sketchy, do I need to be afraid for my purity around him?
>>
>>3291944
>You know that asshole?!
He said he was my sword master for some reason
>>
>>3291944
' I'm to handsome for my own good. He ants to do thing (train) to my body
>>
>>3291944
>You know that asshole?!
>>
>>3291944
>>You know that asshole?!
>>
>>3291971
>>3291952
>>3291951

Hey anons, when Luffy eventually swings into town we're going to do everything in our power to help Papa Smoker catch him, right?
>>
>>3292082
Sure, I love the crew, but I'm not going to let my meta feelings for them mess with the character.

That said I 100% want to fight Zoro with our Katana, lose, and then comeback for Round 2 with Cut-Chan in a full on 'I Am Not Left Handed/This Isn't Even My Final Form' type deal.
>>
>>3292101
>Implying that we would even leave without our cutlass now
>>
>>3292082
Nah we're gonna meet up with Sanji and becomes friends, challenge Zoro to a drinking contest and lose, flirt with Nami and loose our wallet, then eventually realize that our new friends are actually pirates.
Which ends of course in a massive photo shoot and more tattoos we didn't ask for showing up on us the next day.
Or something else wacky i dunno
>>
>>3292108
Never said we wouldn't have her on us, just that we would start out with the Katana, and then pull out the big guns in the second fight/round.
>>
>betrayed by best boss

“You know that asshole?!”

Smoker tugs a new cigar from a case, casually lighting it up as he leans back in his chair, swinging his boots up onto his desk (and paperwork). Fucker’s still smirking. “Yep.”

You glare. He smirks harder. You glare more. He breathes out a small cloud of smirk in the form of a small, also smirking face.

“WHHHHHHYYYYYYYYY,” you absolutely do not howl, fingers spasming at the air. “Boss, he’s creepy and lazy and evil! He attacked me! He attacked Cut-chan!”

“Cut-cha-?”

“And and and he said he was my teacher now?! What the hell?! Who just decides that? You can’t decide that! It’s a two-way thing! I demand the right to say ‘no’!”

Smoker takes another, slower puff, still smirking like the evil dickface that he is. “Do you actually want to say no?”

>THAT IS NOT THE POINT YOU ARE MISSING THE POINT THE POINT IS THAT HE’S EVIL AND NEEDS TO BE PUNCHED
>... no (sulky grumbling ensues)
>Y-yes, I totally wanna refuse! (i-it’s not like I want to be trained by a genius swordsmaster, baka!)
>Other
>>
>>3292129
>...no (sulky grumbling ensues)
>>
>>3292129
>>.....*Sigh* "Fuck it. Could you pass me one of your smokes? You can dock it from my pay or whatever."
>>
>>3292129
>>... no (sulky grumbling ensues)
>Other
Can you at least tell me who he is? And why he picked me to train?
>>
>>3292129
>>... no (sulky grumbling ensues)
>>
Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>3292129
>... no (sulky grumbling ensues)
>>3292111
Found the pirate. GET HIM MARINES!
>>
>>3292246
>>I’ve been doing pretty well with a cutlass, I guess? Even switched over from my katana.
>>So what's that guys story? He's a former marine I'm guess but what's really up with him?
>>
>le pout

Your eyes shift side to side as as you try to find a face-saving answer. “... no,” you finally grumble, crossing your arms as you slump into a position best described as ‘extremely disgruntled’, or maybe just ‘sulking’.

Smoker ignores your ensuing bitter mumbles about how the guy’s still a dick, preferring to grab some papers, pull a disgusted face at them, and toss them aside. “Then quit bitchin’. He’s an old friend called Klaus. Taught me a thing or two about fighting swordsmen. Came here to take a look at that sword you brought, then went to look in on the training grounds. I’m guessing you impressed him somehow?”

>What can I say, boss, I’m an impressive kind of guy.
>I’ve been doing pretty well with a cutlass, I guess? Even switched over from my katana.
>I was just training and he came out of nowhere and tried to stab me! My life flashed before my eyes! ... It was kind of boring.
>Other
>>
>>3292249
Apologies, I was getting fed up with my damn typos and deleted to repost. Your vote still holds.
>>
>>3292250
>I’ve been doing pretty well with a cutlass, I guess? Even switched over from my katana.
>What can I say, boss, I’m an impressive kind of guy
>>
>>3292250
>>I’ve been doing pretty well with a cutlass, I guess? Even switched over from my katana.
>>
>>3292270
+support

I'm afraid at this rate we might actually give Cut-Chan sentience after seeing how attached we are getting to it.
>>
>>3292361
*Slams hands on the table* Someone get me Vegapunk. I got a Sword that needs to be feed a Human Human fruit!"
>>
>>3292361
... Please stop looking at my notes.

>muh cut-chan

You shrug. “Well, I’m an impressive kind of guy, boss. I’ve been doing pretty well with a cutlass, I guess? Even switched over from my katana.”

“Hm. I did wonder why you were going around with an infantry blade. You’re not planning on getting a better-quality one?”

Your hands rapidly move to cover Cut-chan from his wicked and unappreciative gaze, a look of horror crossing your face.

“... Never mind.” He sighs, looking back at the paperwork. “Good job on the recording, rookie. There’s been some evidence ‘disappearing’ lately your recording showed exactly what SHOULD have been at the crime scene, and this morning most of the cash has vanished. Now I can open a proper investigation.” He scowls. “... And punish those two idiots for stealing someone’s wallet.”

Oh yeah, you didn’t edit that out. Ha ha?

You cough nervously, but it doesn’t look Look you’re going to get punished for not telling them off at the time. Or he’s just too tired from pulling an all-nighter.

“In bad news, though,” Smoker grunts, scowl only increasing, “that kid we pulled out. She’s going to be a problem.”

>What? But I wanted to be the only problem around here!
>How so?
>Yeah, where is the kid?
>Other.
>>
>>3292383
>How so?
>>
>>3292383
>>Let me guess, we can't send her back home since she'll just be sold, we can't keep her on base because she's not a marine and she's too young to recruit, and if we ship her off to an orphanage there's nothing stopping her from being snatched again...not to mention all the trauma she's got.
>>That about cover all of it?
>>
>>3292383
>>3292416
This is good.
>>
>>3292383
>How so?
concerned
>>
>fuck it, combo time

“How so?” You ask, then quickly, “ Wait, let me guess. We can't send her back home since she'll just be sold, we can't keep her on base because she's not a Marine and she's too young to recruit, and if we ship her off to an orphanage there's nothing stopping her from being snatched again... not to mention all the trauma she's got. That about cover all of it?”

Smoker arches an eyebrow, visibly amused. “That pretty much covers it, yeah. The best bet for her safety is to keep her on base, but for that, we need a good excuse for her to stay here. Right now, she’s officially ‘undergoing medical evaluations’ and questioning, but that’ll only hold for a couple of days at most.

>Got any ideas, boss?
>(Suggest a plan.)
>She could go live in Marineford? Lots of Marine families, and no-one will grab her there.
>Other.
>>
>>3292492
>She could go live in Marineford? Lots of Marine families, and no-one will grab her there.
>>
>>3292492
Hrm.....we could hire her to assist in day to day chores, cleaning, cooking, ect, and she should stay in the women's barracks at the end of the day, and get her an appointment with a Therapist....maybe mark her down as somekind of hired help?
>>Otherwise I'd suggest she go live in Marineford.
>>
>>3292492
"Your hands rapidly move to cover Cut-chan from his wicked and unappreciative gaze, a look of horror crossing your face."

Oh OP you are just unironically making me want it more

She could go live in marineford?
>>
>>3292510
I'll support suggesting keeping her around as some sort of hired help for now. Maybe Smoker could use some sort of personal assistant? A few years of training and she could be helping take that paperwork load off of him.
>>
>>3292492
>>3292520
Yeah, just incase OP didn't see it, the 'hire her' part of my post was meant to be a vote, I just forgot to add the > >
>>
>>3292517
Making you want what more?

>>3292521
I saw!

It looks like favorite is keeping her on base as a kind of trainee assistant, or Marineford if that’s not possible? (Honestly surprised you’re not telling Smoker to adopt her like the shitty brat that you are.)

Also using a tripcode now because I’ll probably be posting from other WiFi st some point.
>>
>>3292531
I mean, I'd 100% suggest that, but I didn't think it was ACTUALLY possible.

Any such vote I'd expect to go 'Haha you little shit got anything else?'

I'd totally support Papa Smoker though.
>>
>>3292531
Don't worry about the "what" OP just know you are pleasing me and I encourage you to continue. :^)
>>
>>3292538
My dudes and dudettes, if you want to see if something’s possible, just ask or vote for it ICly. Marine families can live on base housing (though it isn’t great), so she could totally get adopted by someone on base and live there if you can find someone willing.

In other news, it’s been raining for six hours now and I suspect I’ll be running this thread the entire damn day, because like fuck I’m going out.

>>3292554
D-do you want to fuck the sword?! Please don’t fuck the sword, anon, I’ll give you an automatic crit fail. It’ll hurt. Papa Smoker will be disappointed in you.
>>
>>3292568
Five Words QM. Vegapunk Science. Human-Human Fruit.
>>
>chore girl acquired

“Could we employ her?i mean, as a civilian,” you suggest. “Cleaning, Running messages, 5at sort of thing?”

Smoker considers. “The age laws are a problem, and civilian staff don’t live on base unless they’re married to a Marine...”

(SUDDENLY the QM remembers you’ve always been good at Marine regulations and legalese! Auto-success!)

You hold up a finger. Dramatically! “Wait, boss! If you register her as emergency staff on 24-hour call, that grants dispensation for base accommodation. I don’t know how you’d work schooling around that, but it shouldn’t too hard to solve.”

“... huh.” Smoker stares at you, hand paused on his cigar. “You’ve actually got a functioning brain in there.”

“Let me have my moment, boss!”

Ignoring your distress, Smoker opens a desk-drawer, pulling out what you recognize as the official book of regulations regarding civilian staff members. “All right, rookie, I’ll check that out, but I’m pretty sure you’re right-“

“Of course I’m right,” you grumble.

“- so that’ll make things a lot easier for Mina. Now, is that everything?”

>That’s all, boss.
>Well... (anything you want to say/ask/suggest?)
>... Have you heard anything about the Long crew, bossman?
>Other.

>>3292597
This quest was a mistake.
>>
>>3292568
>>3292597
Cut-chan is not for lewds. Cut-chan is for cuddles and headpats and being told she's a good girl after a long day of eviscerating filthy pirate scum with her stabbyface.

>>3292634
>Do you know anywhere I can get a tattoo removed?
>>
>>3292597
I See you understand my intentions brother.
>>
>>3292643
Don't worry fellow, my intentions are not that dark
>>
>>3292634
>Do you know anywhere I can get a tattoo removed
>>
>>3292634
>Do you have any ideas for how I can alter the sign in this tattoo to be something less embarrassing?
>>
>>3292676
support
>>
>my skin requires help

“Do you know where I can get a tattoo remove?”

The Captain’s face darkens at the reminder of your ‘kidnapping’. A Marine getting permanently marked by a pirate, in such a large way, and especially with those words on you... yeah, it’s not good.

“We’ll get it sorted,” he asserts, and you”re pleasantly surprised by the ‘we’. “I won’t have one of my men wearing something like that any longer than necessary. Luckily for you, a lot of Marines get drunk and regret their stupid tats later, so I’ve heard of s couple of guys who do good work at removals or cover-ups. We’ll take it out of the medical budget, you need it gone.”

>Actually, the dragon itself is pretty cool... can I just get the writing {taken off/replaced?}?
>Great, I want the whole thing gone as soon as possible.
>Other.

(I’m reasonably certain you guys want to just change the writing on the sign and keep the dragon, so if you do, and have any suggestions for what to replace it with, please say now. Thins won’t lock it in, but it’ll give me an idea what you want to go with. Other option would be getting the sign removed and having it touched up so it’s not holding anything.)
>>
>>3292699
>>Actually, the dragon itself is pretty cool... can I just get the writing {taken off/replaced?}?
>>Maybe replace the writing with ‘Carries Justice Across All Seas’ or something?

Night QM
>>
>>3292719
Sweet dreams, anon!
>>
>>3292699
>actually the dragon itself is pretty cool.
>>
>>3292699
>>Great, I want the whole thing gone as soon as possible.
Decent odds the dragon is from their flag. Keeping it might not be the best of ideas.
>>
>>3292723
Hmmm what if we change the dragon into something else?
>>
>>3292723
*Looks at CD’s*
*Looks at Kaido*
*Looks at Monkey D Dragon*
There are many kinds of dragon in the world anonboy.
>>
>>3292699
>Actually, the dragon itself is pretty cool...
As for the writing?

>Crazy Justice.
>>
>>3292723
The Long crew symbol is a dragon’s head, by the way, so just a dragon isn’t recognizable as related to them. (Plus, they’re not really that famous, having just entered the Grand Line.)

Your dragon tattoo is mostly silver with... I dunno, gold accents? Red? You guys can pick if you want and if you end up keeping the tat.
>>
>>3292740
Or maybe "Fun Justice"? "Flippant Justice"?
>>
>>3292742
In that case, change my vote >>3292723 to
>>Actually, the dragon itself is pretty cool... can I just get the writing taken off?

>>3292744
I'd say Flashy Justice, but nobody wants to be the marine's answer to Buggy.
>>
>>3292699
>>Actually, the dragon itself is pretty cool... can I just get the writing taken off?
Or maybe get flames painted over the sign, so we have a badass firebreathing Dragon all over our chest.

>mfw I also forgot Flashman took the legalese boost
Flashman proving himself competent is the best gag of the quest so far
>>
>>3292759
>not appreciating Buggy, greatest pirate in the world
Condolences on your shit taste, anon.

>well, ack-shally...

“Actually, the dragon itself is pretty cool,” you admit, shrugging. “I was just thinking of a having a cover-up for the sign. Maybe just replace it with someone different writing?”

“Huh. Can’t complain about a smaller cost,” Smoker admits, not sounding too bothered by the idea. “Hell. the doctors did say it was a good quality one, at least.”

“Everything about me is high quality,” you agree, while Smoker scrawls down the address of a tattoo shop and hands it to you. Wow, his handwriting is awful. “Considering yesterday’s work, I won’t complain if you take today off to go see the artist there. There’s a new list of bounties we need photos of in the Bounty Office, when you’re ready.”

“Aye aye, bossman!” You flip him a cheery salute, and turn to leave, reaching the door when OW, did you just get a smoke-flick to the back of the head? You turn to give Smoker a betrayed look, reaching up to rub the stinging spot.

“That’s for not stopping the men from stealing that wallet, dumbass,” he says, nothing bothering to look up from the regulations book.

... Valid.

>Go check out the tattoo shop.
>Go to the bounty office.
>Find the kid (Mina?) and see how she’s doing.
>Other.
>>
>>3292785
>Find the kid (Mina?) and see how she’s doing.
We can check out the tattoo shop after this, since smoker has given us permission to slack off all day.
... ALSO WE STILL DIDN'T GET MYSTERY CUTLASS GUY'S NAAAAME
>>
>>3292790
Yeah we did, I think? Klaus?

>Go check out the tattoo shop.
>>
>>3292790
His name is Klaus, papa SmoSmo mentioned it in passing.

... Also the Klaus / Claws (as in slicing and dicing) wasn’t intentional, but I’m going to pretend it was.
>>
>>3292785
>>Go check out the tattoo shop.
Get it out of the way before we pass out. Early morning tomorrow.
>>
>>3292802
Ah well that's what I get for speed reading.
Speaking of reading this
>He breathes out a small cloud of smirk in the form of a small, also smirking face.
had me rolling. QM your humor is on point (and also perfectly one piece)
>>
>>3292785
>Go check out the tattoo shop.

>Tattoo is not a bigass golden Dragon
Considering the captain's gold fetish I'm honesty surprised it's sliver.
Personally I'm seeing it with (marine)blue/green/gold accents to match Flashman's colouring.
>>
>>3292819
Fuck me, I’m an idiot.

APOLOGIES EVERYONE, the dragon is GOLD, not silver. I forgot which color she’s obsessed with. Feel free to color-coordinate to your heart’s content.

>>3292811
Thank you, I really hope I’m getting the humor right and the canon characters IC! It’s good to hear things like this.

Writing for tattoo shop.
>>
>dat tat (shop)

While a lot of tattoo joints only open in the evenings, this one seems to be open despite it only being midday. It looks clean and decent, even a little upmarket... could it be a tattoo shop that doesn’t prey on drunken morons, and thus can make money during regular hours? ... Nah.

When you enter ‘Ink Inc.’, you get a better idea - there’s two staff currently either designing for, or tattooing, a pair of customers, and another staff member free. With this many people working, they can certainly cover a lot of shifts.

The unoccupied artist, herself covered in swirling, intricate tattoos from her fingers up to her buzzcut head, notices your arrival, and steps over to greet you.

“Hey, looking for anything in particular?”

>Yeah, a beautiful lady. (Fingerguns) And I found her~
>I’m looking to get a cover-up for a, uh, mistake on my chest.
>Mind if I have a look through your designs?
>Other.
>>
>>3292860
>Mind if I have a look through your designs?
>>
>>3292860
>>Mind if I have a look through your designs?
>>
>>3292860
>>Mind if I have a look through your designs?
>>
>artistic appreciation

“Mind if I have a look through your designs?”

Thr woman nods, motioning you over to a display board, and a shelf full of thick binders. “They’re right over here, take as long as you want. There’s seats and water if you need them.”

Thanking her, you pull out the first binder and start perusing, while she heads back to her reading.

What exactly are you looking for?
>(Just checking out their quality in general?)
>(Getting an idea for a cover-up?)
>(Looking for additional tattoos to get?)
>(Something else?)
>>
By the way, how are you guys doing for time-zones? It’s still goddamn raining, so if anyone’s in desperate need of sleep, I’ll be running for a while yet.
>>
>>3292889
>Getting an idea for a cover up
Partial to flames, but if we're going for words (and she has cool fonts) absolutely voting for FLASHY JUSTICE.
>>
>>3292889
>>(Getting an idea for a cover-up?)
>>
>>3292889
>(Getting an idea for a cover-up?)

>>3292894
It's am time for Europeans (those who didn't spend Saturday night down the pub) so you should see more people trickling in
>>
>>3292894
Coming up on 9AM. I should be sleeping but it's too hot, so screw it.
>>
>>3292889
Checking on her quality in general and getting an idea for a cover up. Maybe ask her some questions while we peruse, about what kind of tattoos marines usually get. Possibly show her what we've got and ask her for ideas.

It's heartening, at least, to see that she's inked herself. They might be wrong about never trusting a skinny chef, but you REALLY never should trust a tattooist who doesn't have any tattoos.
>>
>>3292910
>Euro time
oh noice

>>3292923
Keep yo’self hydrated, Euro-non, you don’t want to be found dead in front of a One Piece Quest on 4chan.

>cover-up
There’s... wow, a lot of possible options here. There’s a couple of binders just of fonts, whether clear and bold, flowing and elegant, or sharp and exotic.

Then there’s fire, which makes sense, what with it being a dragon and all. Are these types of dragons meant to breath fire? In any case, the fire designs are pretty sweet, ranging from realistic to completely dramatic. You could also have it breathing a cloud of smoke, which has hilarious connotations, or there’s a coup,emof designs with your type of dragon, holding weird pearl-things in their mouths? You guess that’s a legend thing.

Of course, you could also just have its mouth open but empty, or spewing lightning or water. Or swords! Wait, no, that’s stupid.

>(Any preferences? Or hold off deciding?)
>(Ask the artist some questions?)
>Other.

(Feel free to discuss, you’re presumably going to have this plastered across you permanently, after all. As a reminder, the dragon’s scales are gold, but you can pick what other colors if you want.)
>>
>>3292945
Smoke dragon
>>
>>3292945
Ask the artist some questions.
>>
>>3292945
>Or swords! Wait, no, that’s stupid.
You mean perfect. We should make the dragon breathe a stream of cutlasses. This is a great idea that nobody could ever mock.
>>
>>3292945
>Smoke + fire dragon
FIRE AND BRIMSTONE
....but also because I can't chose between JUST fire or just smoke
Make the smoke silvery and have the fire be in various accents of greens and blues.
>>
>>3292967
You know what? support
>>
... so currently at 2 for sword-breathing (why did I ever bring that up), 1 for asking some questions, and 1 for fire+smoke combo.

In light of the split and current small number of voters you are NOT going to decide on a cover-up just yet, but you’ll be leaning slightly towards the idea of cutlasses, because Flashman is a dumbass. If he could do things for the Vine, he would.

I regret everything. Ever.

By the way, is it interlude time yet?
>YAY INTERLUDE (who?)
>NO, ASK THE ARTIST ABOUT MY SWEET SWORD IDEA, DUMBASS
>>
>>3293006
Jumping on the fire-smoke combo.
Maybe have the smoke weaving around the dragon's body in silver, and then have the dragon breathing blue+green fire. That will save the mouth part from looking too budy.
>>
>>3293068
>interlude
Wut?
>>
>>3293076
A scene from someone else’s POV, to shoe ehat’s going on with them when Flashy isn’t there. You had the Long pirate’s POV a while back.

Also busy eating noodles, updates will be slow for a little while.
>>
>>3293068
I think you're supposed to sleep on a tattoo idea, at any rate.

But if we do get it now, I vote that we go maximum bad idea and get flaming lightning cutlasses with smoke. An interlude might be a good idea, though... Dr. Ophelia, or maybe Mina?
>>
>>3293006
Yeah fire and smoke.
Flashman will have the flashiest tattoo around.
Supporting the smoke winding around the dragon's body giving Flashman a whole body spanning gold and silver pattern, with blue and green firebreathing to make the dragons face pop

>>3293068
>INTERLUDE
>YES
>SMOKEY
Now that Flashman has grown on him like a bad rash, wanna see what he thinks of us.
>>
>>3293068
FUCK forgot interlude vote
>Yes
>Smoker
>>
>>3293068
>I regret everything. Ever.
I think we broke him. I feel pride, but also regret. Oops?

>>YAY INTERLUDE (who?)
Mina would be good.
>>
>>3293006
>>3293092
>>3293096
Okay the smoke around the body is inspired and I fully support.
>>
>>3293068
>Yes
>Smoker
Does he appreciate us for calling him a badass in the training video
>>
>>3293097
>him
Am gril, but remain unbroken and unbowed. FOR NOW.

Writing interlude for Papa SmoSmo, interest in body smoke on art has been noted.
>>
>>3293006
Supporting
>Silver smoke around body
>Blue and green fire

If you guys want swords so badly just get a tattoo of our supreme Goddess Cut-Chan on our sword arm.

>>3293068
>Yes
>Smoker
>>
>THE EXCITING ADVENTURES OF PAPA SMOKER, IN WHOM CANCER IS TOO SCARED TO INFLICT ITSELF

Running through the video one more time, Smoker finishes double- (no, quintuple-) checking the locations of money and jewelry, before closing his notebook and sighing. Deeply.

Now he has to figure out which of his men managed to get back to the scene overnight and pocket the goods - has to sort out the prisoners themselves, one of whom is a damn slave-owner - has to do all the paperwork for hiring a ten year old girl, because like hell she can do it herself - and above all, has to do the normal rest of his job, which is thankless and unremitting.

Joy.

He spares a quick glance at the new bounty posters, ones with the photos already there - that Strawhat kid looks like a total idiot, he won’t last long - and shoves the completed paperwork into his OUT tray.

Damn, he needs a drink.

Even without this mess, it’s been a long week; patrolling at sea, then an urgent call about a Marine (not technically one of his, but the kid keeps calling him boss, so good enough) turning up mutilated by a bunch of pirates. They’d managed to escape into the Grand Line without Smoker ever coming across them - but at least the rookie was still alive, which was more than most would have been in that situation.

One more cigar, for luck (and stress relief), and Smoker hoists himself up, plodding over to stare out of the window. Somewhere out there is Klaus, probably sleeping or drinking, but maybe checking over the sword that bundle of chaos brought - a named sword at that, with a mind of its own.

And somehow, after years of putting off taking a student, that slob decided on Ensign Flashman.

Smoker isn’t sure how to feel about that one. On the one hand, it’s good to see Klaus interested in passing his skills on beyond just a few tricks or spars here or there. On the other - why did it have to be Flashman? Sure, the kid apparently had talent, from the rumors spinning around base from infantry who’d seen his training, but the kid wasn’t even supposed to BE in combat.

Not that Smoker doesn’t want him to be able to handle himself, but... ugh. The brat’s grown on him. Like mold. What a pain.

Grinding his teeth down on the cigar, he seethes with annoyance at the kid for being rude enough to make him give a shit beyond the usual cursory concern for a subordinate.

Hell, Tashigi would never have the nerve to sass her way through a training video, even if she thought to do!

... And really, ‘badass’? He’d not amused. Or flattered. Honest. Even if his mouth maybe twitched a little, watching the tape.

Idiot, flashy punk.

So yeah, however good the kid is with a blade, he isn’t needed for that - Smoker’s official subordinates can handle the take-downs, and the kid can settle for scouting. At least Klaus isn’t trying to take the brat out of Loguetown for training, it’d be a shame to have to hunt him down and break the lazy shit’s nose. Fun, though.

(1/2)
>>
But - the rookie’s a trouble-magnet who needs constant looking-after. Fortunately, he’s in Loguetown, and Smoker’s the best troubleshooter there is; still, Smoker isn’t going to borrow more trouble by letting him know about shit he can avoid, like the mark on Mina’s back, or the usual idiocy of the brass.

Nah, the rookie can stay bouncing around base, like an idiot ball of enthusiasm and rainbows, taking photos from a safe distance, and learning Klaus’ stupid cutlass style.

... But why couldn’t the brat want to learn the jitte instead? Far more useful for the wide-eyed little twerp, dammit.
>>
Taking a short break by the way, you’lol be talking to tattoo lady about SMOKE EFFECTS when I get back.
>>
>>3293187
>>3293192
Awww Smokey really DOES like Flashman! This is 10/10 QM keep it keep.

>that Strawhat kid looks like a total idiot, he won’t last long
Pretty amused how everyone Smoker labels an idiot (Luffy, Flashman) is destined for greater things.
>but maybe checking over the sword that bundle of chaos brought - a named sword at that, with a mind of its own.
CUT-CHAN MYTHICAL GODDESS SWORD CONFIRMED. We need to get a tattoo in her honor on the double.
>like the mark on Mina’s back
Oh so she is like Boa. Damn.
>Smoker wants us to learn the jitte.
....Okay weapon master Flashman is a go. Katana and cutlass AND jitte oh my.
>>
>>3293218
The sword you brought to Loguetown is NOT Cut-chan, sorry to say, Klaus currently has it (after Tashigi spent an hour fangirling over it).

Cut-chan currently doesn’t have a mind of her own, although developing one is a real possibility.

Currently writing for smoke effect discussion. In other news, it is STILL FUCKING RAINING.
>>
>>3293187
>>3293192
>a named sword at that, with a mind of its own
So there's a magical thinking sword. Who cares? Cut-chan is much better on grounds of being Cut-chan.
>he seethes with annoyance at the kid for being rude enough to make him give a shit beyond the usual cursory concern for a subordinate
D'aww, smoke-daddy really does care. Even if he is a tsun.
>like the mark on Mina’s back
...well, shit.
>why couldn’t the brat want to learn the jitte
...I suppose we could stand to pick up a good non-lethal option. After all, Cut-chan is obviously far too powerful to use against anything we don't want to obliterate.
>>
>it’s not inspired by your papa or anything

A brief conversation with the artist, and you’re stripping off your jacket and shirt (for a woman, holy crap! Don’t blush, don’t blush, be smooth) to let her peer across your tattoo.

“It’s good work,” she praises, admiring the clean outline. “If you like, we can add a little shimmer to the scales as well, really make it shine.”

“I got this from the pirate crew that held me prisoner,” you say, gravely.

“... or not? Um, anyway, a smokey background should definitely by doable. Maybe make some parts curl over the dragon itself, that’ll be tricky but not impossible on this kind of color... got to keep the smoke in the same style as the dragon, csn’t go for anything too realistic or too cartoony... yeah, that’s fine.
“And you said about breathing fire to replace that sign... what color, again?”

>Red
>Blues and greens
>Black
>Wait, no, I want it to breathe swords.
>Hold off for now, just confirm the smoke background.
>Other?
>>
>>3293256
>>Blues and greens
MARINE blue and green to match Flashman's eyes
>>
>>3293226
Cut Chan gaining sentience confirmed boyos
>>
>>3293263
What else do you think that ‘1/15 ???’ Is for?
>>
>>3293261
Supporting
>>
>>3293265
OP please don't do this, don't feed me any more
>>
>>3293256
>>3293261
Support
....But can we add the shimmer too? When he commits Flashman commits 1000%
>>
>>3293261
Support
>>
>>3293261
Backing this + shimmer.

And see if there's any space on our back for FLASHY JUSTICE
>>
>>3293256
>>Blues and greens
I still kinda want the sword breath, but QMs REGRET meter is already pretty high.
Does the dragon have hands, or is it a purely serpentine type? Because I could see us giving it a weapon after we git gud with a particular type.
So, put a cutlass in one claw, then if we made progress with a jitte come back and put a jitte in another? Does that seem workable?
>>
>>3293261
Okay put me down for
>+ shimmer
We're gonna look ~fabulous~
>>
>>3293261
>>3293256
This + shimmer
God how hard is smoker gonna facepalm when he sees our 'cover up'
>>
>>3293275
Eat up, anon, grow big and strong.

>>3293276
Adding the shimmer is also a valid vote if anyone wants it!
... as a side-note, the Marines I’ll be paying for the cover-up, NOT for any extras, but you can easily afford the smoke and any shimmer.

>>3293284
It’s got two front and two back legs, the front legs are workable for holding weapons if you’d like. That would require changing the position of the hands/feet though, because they’re currently clawing at the ‘air’ which doesn’t really work as a holding-weapons pose.

>mfw i start a bounty photographer quest and end up focusing on the accurate positioning of a tattoo coverup
>>
>>3293261
>>3293256
Going with this and shimmer.
>>
>>3293290
Pls QM Flashman is obviously destined for a career infront of the camera rather than behind it, with that prettyboy face of his.

Also thank your for your service in making Flashman look as good as he can be.
>>
>>3293290
>That would require changing the position of the hands/feet though, because they’re currently clawing at the ‘air’ which doesn’t really work as a holding-weapons pose.
Ah. Never mind then. Worth asking.
>start a bounty photographer quest and end up focusing on the accurate positioning of a tattoo coverup
The whims of anon are strange and capricious. We appreciate your dedication to putting up with our bullshit.
>>
>>3293290
OP you really dont want me to grow on said path, no more feeding
>>
>>3293308
It’s still an option, just letting you know it requires some reworking, rather than just slotting weapons into an already good position.

>this is now tattoo quest

“Marine blues? That’s fine, we use a lot of that shade, and a dash of some lighter shades to give it the full effect. As for greens, maybe your eye-color? Then some brighter shades along the edges... yeah that should work.”

You let the lady do her job, as she starts sketching out a design, making tiny corrections here and there, then fetching some samples of the intended color to shoe you which parts of the design will be which shade.

... It looks pretty fucking sweet, you’ve gotta admit.

“And, uh, what was that about shimmer...?”

Her eyes light up.

Ten minutes later, you have a thorough understanding of, and appreciation for, the aesthetics of making a tattoo almost literally shine, shimmer and glitter, by use of some weird inks that require hunting down certain Sea-Kings and bleeding them. Which is also pretty cool, really.

In any case, the end result is that it’s entirely possible to add a beautiful, shimmering sheen to the golden scales. It’ll be expensive, because the ink is rare, and the Marines won’t finance it as part of your cover-up, but with your room and board paid for, who cares?

“There is one more thing you could do,” the woman says slowly, as a reluctant afterthought, “but you might consider it going a little far?”

You look her straight in the eye. “There is absolutely no such thing as going too far, and I wish to learn more.”

“I don’t know why I expected otherwise. Well, i still think it might be a little too extreme when you just want tattoo work done, but...” She pulls up the sleeve of her t-shirt, showing... huh.

There’s a whirlpool on her shoulder, a beautiful watercolor one, except it actually has depth. Not even just inked on; she runs a finger over it, showing how it falls in small layers, the rings of water seeming to get sucked down into the center point.

“Some small incisions, and some special materials placed under the skin, and you can make a 3D effect,” she explains, dropping the sleeve back into place. “I just though it might be cool to do that at a few key points on your dragon, really make parts of it pop.”

>I think that really is a little too far.
>I WANT.
>(Other?)

(I promise this is the last tattoo choice, my dudes.)
>>
>>3293324
>>I WANT.
FULL COMMITMENT
>>
>>3293324
>I WANT.
This thing is gonna be on our skin for the rest of our lives, let's go all out.
>>
>>3293324
GIMME
>>
>>3293324
>I WANT.
We need to emulate Papa Smoker's post timeskip style and walk around shirtless for MAXIMUM EFFECT
>>
>>3293324
>>(Other?)
Would it have any impact on range of motion? It sounds cool, but the tattoo's over an area where our ability to flex and stretch is pretty vital.
>>
>>3293324
>I think that really is a little too far.
>>
>>3293324
>I WANT.
>>
>>3293337
Rather than all over the tattoo, she’s suggesting only putting it at certain points to make them stand out from the rest - to make the trailing whiskers more 3D, a few of the scales, claws, the snarl of the lips, to. So no problem with movement. The inserts are small and flexible so not obvious from a distance, but are more so when reasonably close (or to touch, obviously).

This tattoo studio does a lot of work for Marines, so assume they know what they’re doing when it comes to keeping the body working at optimum.

ALSO
Looks like there’s some interest in picking up s jitte so Papa SmoSmo isn’t jealous of Kl- I mean, to make him proud?
>Yes to trying out a jitte
>No to jitte
>>
>>3293324
>I WANT
Can we give it some cool movement effects?
>>
>>3293346
>Yes to trying out a jitte
Breach the conversation with Cap'n by asking him about the jitte and why he uses it.
>>
>>3293346
>Yes to trying out a jitte
>>
>>3293346
>>3293346
>>Yes to trying out a jitte
A good non-lethal take down method for pirates we need to put a decent showing against but don't actually want to lose limbs.
>>
>>3293324
>>3293337
>>3293346
Thank you. In that case,
>>I WANT.
and
>>Yes to trying out a jitte
>>
>>3293346
>>Yes to trying out a jitte
I'm sure bossman will be amenable to smacking Flashman around with his jitte after seeing Flashman's amazing new coverup.
>>
>>3293347
Uh, I don’t think so? Can you clarify what you mean by that? While the inserts are flexible, it’s more to allow good movement than to create any ripple effect or the like, and more noticeable plates would definitely start to impede you.
>>
>>3293346
Yes to trying out jitte
>>
>>3293359
An optical illusion I meant, i won't go into specifics if it's not very do-able then forget I asked
>>
>>3293361
If you can give me any examples, feel free, I can do another vote to retcon some more stuff in if it’s doable and people like it.

... I’m honestly amazed you guys went for this, I underestimated the power of shiny, useless but attractive bullshit. Also, jitte is confirmed.

>shut up and take my money

“GIVE,” you declare, managing not to drool, but unable to resist a fist-pump of joy and the gleam of victory in your eyes.

“Wow. Okay, good choice!” She seems honestly impressed, clearly pleased you can recognize an amazing style choice. Naturally, you have only the finest of taste.

The priority is to get the fire done, which is the actual cover-up, with the rest at a lower priority. Fortunately, even if you were last in class at the Academy, you’re still a much faster healer than a random civilian; the cover-up can be completed, and some of the shimmer done today, if you don’t have anything better than to do.

>Have cover-up and start shimmer, will take you up to early evening.
>You’ve got stuff to do today, come back this evening/tomorrow.
>Other?
>>
>>3293363
>Have cover-up and start shimmer, will take you up to early evening.
Full speed ahead. Before Smoker catches wind of what we're planning and drags us kicking and screaming back to base with his smoke tendrils.

Also
>LITERALLY called FLASHman
>Not going for the most eyecatching and flashy option there is
The adults at the orphange knew what they were doing when they named him, all right,
>>
>>3293363
>Have cover-up and start shimmer, will take you up to early evening.
>>
>>3293363
>>Have cover-up and start shimmer, will take you up to early evening.
Don't think we have anything to do until tomorrow except rest. Smoker did give us the whole day off to deal with this.
>>
>>3293363
>Have cover-up and start shimmer, will take you up to early evening.
Mystery box relative better appreciate an awesome tattoo when they see one.
>>
>t-t-t-timeskip

By the time you leave the tattoo shop (parlor? Studio? Whatever), your new dragonfire is safely hidden under gauze until it heals, along with the shimmering tail and hind legs. You’ll have to head back sometime soon to get the rest done - another five hours or so for the rest of the scales, six for the smoke, and three hours for the inserts - but from what you saw before the gauze covered your most recent additions, it’s going to be worth it. If the tattoo quality was an 85/100 before, it’s going to be at 95/100 when it’s finished. The gleam on the tail looks even more brilliant than you’d expected.

Yep. You’re a badass.

With the sun now firmly setting, you strut yourself over to
>base, to check out which bounties need photos
>base, to check how Mina’s settling in
>base, going to get some training in (maybe a jitte, hint hint)
>a bar, you’ve got the rest of the day off
>Other
>>
>>3293363
>>Have cover-up and start shimmer, will take you up to early evening.
>>
>>3293375
>base, going to get some training in (maybe a jitte, hint hint)
So we've got Cut-chan, Katana-kun and now Jitte-san.
>>
>>3293375
>base, going to get some training in (maybe a jitte, hint hint)
We still technically have the day off. Work TOMORROW!
>>
>>3293375
>base, going to get some training in (maybe a jitte, hint hint)
>>
>>3293375
>base, going to get some training in (maybe a jitte, hint hint)
>>
>>3293375
>base, going to get some training in (maybe a jitte, hint hint)

Luffy is due in under 2 months. If we want to tag along with Smoker we need all the training and weapons we can get
>>
>>3293375
>>base, to check out which bounties need photos
We do have to do our job at some point. Might as well find out who we'll need to go looking for ahead of time.
>>
>make papa proud

Screw it, you can pick up that list of criminals tomorrow - for now, you’re gonna git gud. Considering this is a day off for you, any work you do is a bonus, right?

That decided, you bounce- no, STRIDE into HQ’s courtyard in a totally manly fashion, and look over the weapon racks.

>Pick a wooden sword (what type?)
>Try out Cut-chan again
>Hey, why’s there a wooden jitte there? It’s almost like someone wanted people to try it out... (Smoker is not subtle)
>Other?
>>
>>3293387
Hey, why’s there a wooden jitte there? It’s almost like someone wanted people to try it out... (Smoker is not subtle)
>>
>>3293387
>>Hey, why’s there a wooden jitte there? It’s almost like someone wanted people to try it out... (Smoker is not subtle)
How strange. Whoever could have left this out?
>>
>>3293387
>>Hey, why’s there a wooden jitte there? It’s almost like someone wanted people to try it out... (Smoker is not subtle)
I love him
>>
>>3293387
>Hey, why’s there a wooden jitte there? It’s almost like someone wanted people to try it out... (Smoker is not subtle)
>>
>>3293387
>Hey, why’s there a wooden jitte there? It’s almost like someone wanted people to try it out... (Smoker is not subtle)
>>
>the jitte jitterbug

“Hey, Look at this!” You grab the jitte and pull it out of the rack, giving it a practice swing. Wow, the balance feels weird. Lot different than a sword. “Who’d leave a jitte in the sword training grounds? That’s weird.”

The pair of infantrymen, who are putting their own practice weaponry back, stare at each other blankly.

“Yeah,” one says. “Yeah, that’s weird. I wonder who could have done that.”

“I have no idea either, and we should leave,” the other promptly replies, grabbing her friend and dragging him away to leave.

For some reason, you think you hear the guy yelling, “Make him proud!” from down the corridor, but you’ve got no clue what THAT might be about.

Man, people are strange.

In any case, jitte are rare enough that you might not have many chances to try this out, especially if the owner comes back for it... and you did see Smoker use his own a little at the warehouse.

It WOULD be kind of cool to give it a go. You know, just for fun.

>Roll 1d100, best of 3. I’ll add a bonus of 5 due to general weaponry experience.
>>
Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>3293403
>>
Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>3293403
>>
Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>3293403
>>
>92 + 5 = 97, what the hell is with you and weaponry, are you Ten-Ten?

The jitte is... good.

Really good. With a few swings, you’ve got the weight and balance of it, and within a few more you’re figuring out how to twist and turn it in way you think might catch an opponent’s blade.

Lunge forwards, shift your weight to accommodate front he change in balance, angle it to hook around a blade, and then - what, pull it back? Or twist it harder, maybe, to lock it betweennyour two points and shatter a weaker blade?

Within ten minutes,you think you’ve pretty much got as much as you can figure out by yourself.

>There’s some infantry training, even if they’re weirdly trying to avoid your gaze right now... ask one for a spar?
>Ask the instructor if he knows how to train you in the jitte.
>Other?
>>
>>3293412
>Ask the instructor if he knows how to train you in the jitte.
>>
>>3293412
>Ask the instructor if he knows how to train you in the jitte.
>>
>>3293412
>are you Ten-Ten?
She did have a dragon motif at one point, IIRC...
>>Ask the instructor if he knows how to train you in the jitte.
>>
>>3293412
>Ask the instructor if he knows how to train you in the jitte.
>>
>>3293412
>Ask the instructor if he knows how to train you in the jitte.
>>
>>3293420
I've never actually seen Naruto, so I just know her as the multi-weapons girl.

>sensei sensei help me sensei

Ambling over to the instructor, you hold up the jitte to show up. "Hey, you know any jitte techniques you can show me? I mean, if it's okay for me to use this, seeing as someone left it over there..."

"I don't think anyone has a problem with you using it," the instructor says, face oddly expressionless. Man, everyone is acting weird today. "You looked like you knew what you were doing, though, hasn't the Captain already shown you something?"

"Nah, never touched one before. I just thought I'd give it a try, seeing as it looks cool," you shrug, giving the jitte a graceful swing and twirl.

The instructor has a small choking fit, despite not drinking anything.

"Uh, are you okay...?"

"Never touched one before..." he mutters, slapping his chest, and then rubbing his forehead once he can breathe. "Yeah, I'm not an expert, but I know the basics. Here, let me show you."

>Roll 1d100, same as before. You now get +7 due to more familiarity.
>>
Rolled 95 (1d100)

>>3293429
>>
Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>3293429
>>
Rolled 99 (1d100)

>>3293429
Smoker what did you do
>>
>>3293433
Oof the dice gods favor us
>>
File: Hehehe.gif (1.9 MB, 320x200)
1.9 MB
1.9 MB GIF
>>3293433
>>
>>3293431
>>3293433
I...what???
>>
>>3293433
Smoker's adoption of stupid ducklings is not subtle. 'Oh, a practice version of the weapon the Captain likes has suddenly ended up in his new favorite's training area, I wonder why,' said no-one ever.

>99 + 7 = 106, unnatural crit plus a 95, wtf

Your instructor has a wooden katana. You have a wooden jitte. Your instructor has a couple of decades on you. You have... a really sweet tattoo.

You don't kick his ass or anything - the instructor is way more fit, for one thing, and clearly excellent with a katana - but you promptly swallow up every lesson he gives you, even improving on a couple of them,

(... +9 to jitte now, +1 to to ???)

After an hour of training, the instructor finally puts down his sword. "The jitte... is a tricky weapon to learn. I don't even know it all that well myself, and you've exhausted my knowledge in one lesson."

He stares at you in incomprehension. "I think... you're tonight have to ask the Captain if you want to learn more."

You bite your lip. "He's pretty busy, though... do you think he'd have time?"

For some reason, the guy rolls his eyes. Hard. "You know what, I think he'd make time."

Huh. Well, that's nice, you guess? And the thought that Smoker mightgo out of his way to give you some training is pretty cool. You kind of hope it's true.

>Find Smoker, git gud!
>Spar with a Marine.
>Practice with Cut-chan.
>Other?
>>
>>3293446
>Find Smoker, git gud!
>>
>>3293446
>Find Smoker, git gud!
Hey boss this jitte is pretty cool
>>
>>3293446
>practice with cut Chan

Why not? We still have it
>>
>>3293446
>>Find Smoker, git gud!
We train with Cut-chan in the morning. Today is for Jitte-san.
>>
>>3293446
>Find Smoker, git gud!
>>
>>3293452
Understandable
Switching my vote
>>
>find papa

"All right! I'm gonna try asking Smoker!"

"I'd wish you luck, if it were needed," the instructor mumbles, waving you off. You don't bother to put the jitte back - what if someone takes it while you're gone? If Smoker says yes and has free time now, you'd look like a moron if you went back down and found it gone.

That decided, you ask around for your No. 1 Boss, and find he's actually training himself, in the general training hall.

Tashigi is there as well, doing a sword kata off to one side, and looking so intensely into it that you don't want to distract her by saying hi. Instead, you give her a polite nod in passing, hurrying over to the side of where Smoker's training, ignoring the curious looks at your jitte from several infantry.

"Brat," Smoker says laconically, not looking at you as he keeps practicing strikes with plumes of smoke. "More problems?"

"Nope, just found this jitte in the training area and wondered if you'd show me a little about how to use it!"

... You'd swear his ears pricked up as he freezes. "You... want me to show you how to use a jitte."

"Uh." You hesitate. "If that's... not a problem, boss?"

"That's fine! Get over here." Wow, that was... really easy. You step inside his training space as he draws his own jitte.

>Roll 1d100, best of 3, for going through some basic training. You'll get a +15 instead of a +9 for this, due to instruction by a very enthusiastic expert.
>>
Rolled 75 (1d100)

>>3293473
>>
Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>3293473
>>
Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>3293473
>>
Aren't we rolling a bit too well?
>>
>>3293484
it's just our pirate hertiage finally choosing to make itself known.
>>
>>3293484
The weapons love you. You are their friend.

>75 + 15 = 90, noice

Smoker starts off easy, but you've already learned these from the instructor - once he sees you've already got those down, he ups the difficulty, and moved you through a workout that honestly, kind of makes you want to die.

In a good way.

It's exhilarating, as Smoker shows you exactly how to catch different kinds of blades (or other weapons), how to break them, how to keep someone at range and where to jab or hit them for maximum effect. He's an excellent teacher, attentive to any confusion you might have, and it's fun working with a weapon with greater range than a sword - not that you don't love Cut-chan and the katana, of course.

"You're doing well at this," Smoker decides at that, looking pleased and a little smug. "A natural, maybe. Feel up for a spar? I can use a sword, since that's mostly what you'd be fighting."

>(Spar against a sword)
>(Spar against his jitte)
>(Keep doing training instead)
>(Other)
>>
Oh, and you're now +10 in jitte when in spars/combat.
>>
>>3293488
>(Spar against a sword)
In practise that's what we'll be doing the most of when fighting pirates. Jitte vs blade / knife
>>
>>3293488
>(Spar against a sword)
>>
>>3293488
>>(Spar against a sword)

Are we gonna dual weild Cut-chan and a jitte?
>>
>>3293505
You can do that if you want, although it'll take time to train dual-wielding.

>Roll 1d100, best of 3.
>>
>>3293488
>>(Spar against a sword)
>>
Rolled 99 (1d100)

>>3293509
>>
Rolled 29 (1d100)

>>3293509
>>
File: 1549448227158.jpg (54 KB, 567x813)
54 KB
54 KB JPG
>>3293511
>>
File: laughing.gif (2.9 MB, 290x189)
2.9 MB
2.9 MB GIF
>>3293511
>>
Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>3293509
>>
...

writin'
>>
I swear, I've never seen as many crits in a row in any other quest.
We gonna pay for that someday but until then, let's enjoy.
>>
>99 +10 = 109, and a 91

(+1 to jitte, +1 to ???, which is now at 6/10... how?)

Smoker wields a training sword (weird to see). You wield a wooden jitte.

It's totally. Fucking. Awesome.

Much like with the instructor or Klaus, you don't actually WIN against Smoker, even with him clearly holding back, but the entire spar is a learning experience - and you still manage to clearly surprise him, catching a couple of swings and thrusts he obviously didn't expect you to, while some of the infantry (and Tashigi) pause their own training to watch.

Much like the times with Cut-chan, the jitte just FITS into your grip, and you can feel more comfortable with it every second.

By the end of the spar, as Smoker gives you a final, gentle whack to the leg.that you're too exhausted to block, he gives you a nod, teeth bared in a pleased grin.

"Not bad, rookie," he allows, shoving his training sword at an awestruck infantryman to put away. "Not bad at all. I'm impressed. Keep that jitte, we'll make this a regular thing."

Then he swaggers past to the exit, and... did he just pat your head as he walked past?

From the blatant jaw-drops of the audience, you think that was a yes.

You feel something strange welling up inside. Something... happy.

>Roll 1d100 to play it cool, best of 3


>>3293523
>that feeling when you become a master swordsman and jitte wielder within a month
Luffy's fucked...
>>
Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>3293527
Give a salute

THANK YOU SMOBOSS!
>>
Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>3293527
Keep it cool, keep it cool
>>
Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>3293527
>the
>>
Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>3293527
>>
Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>3293527
Please let us fail this roll.
>>
>67, not too shabby

You manage not to squeal or hug the jitte, but you can't help the brilliant red flush that rises across your face.

A little stiffly, you duck your head down so it's a bit harder to see, not sure if you want to melt into a puddle of pride or embarrassment.

Actually, considering how you can hear the whispers from the infantry, make that embarrassment.

"BACK TO TRAINING," Tashigi thankfully yells - and damn, what a pair of lungs.

The infantry immediately snap back to their previous spare and katas although you can sometimes almost feel them peeking at you. Meanwhile, Tashigi walks over, obviously trying to turn a beaming grin into a smaller, more casual one, and failing.

"That was a good spar," she encourages, reaching up to adjust her glasses. "If you're not busy now, do you want to try with me?"

>Spar with Tashigi
>Make excuses and FLEE
>Other?
>>
>>3293542
>>Spar with Tashigi
In for a penny, in for a pounding.
>>
>>3293542
Spar with Tashigi
>>
>>3293542
>Spar with Tashigi
>>
>>3293542
>Spar with Tashigi
>>
>spar with potential big sisteru

"Yes! Let's!" Anything so you don't stand around being an awkward lump. You nod frantically, and Tashigi barely manages to smother a laugh.

>Roll 1d100, best of 3.
>>
Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>3293555
>>
Rolled 97 (1d100)

>>3293555
>>
>>3293557
OH COME ON
>>
Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>3293555
>>
File: EvilLaugh.gif (499 KB, 480x228)
499 KB
499 KB GIF
>>3293557
>>3293558
>>
>97 + 11 = 108

One day, you might have trouble in a spar.

Today is not that day.

(+ another damn 1 to jitte, + another damn 1 to ???, +1 to katana/cutlass from seeing another swordsman in action close-up)

Tashigi is a better swordsman than Smoker, naturally, but even so, you can just barely manage to keep up with her. Sure, she's pulling some blows, and not using all her skill, but you're tired and have never picked up a jitte before today.

Even so, despite straining yourself, you block and parry her blows, trapping her katana, more often than she manages to hit you. Your understanding of the jitte progresses by another leap, as well as in swordsmanship.

Half an hour later, you have to call for a halt, more exhausted than your opponent, but still not feeling like you lost.

In fact, you'd call this one a win.

Now though, you're too exhausted to do anything but sleep, especially with work tomorrow.

>Head straight to your quarters.
>Swing by the bounty office and grab the new needed-photos list before you sleep.
>Other?
>>
>>3293573
>Swing by the bounty office and grab the new needed-photos list before you sleep.
>>
>>3293573
>Swing by the bounty office and grab the new needed-photos list before you sleep.
>>
>>3293573
>Swing by the bounty office
>>
>>3293573
>Swing by the bounty office and grab the new needed-photos

Did we get an Onee-san?
>>
>>3293573
>>Swing by the bounty office and grab the new needed-photos list before you sleep.
Save us a trip in the morning.
>>
>>3293573
>>Swing by the bounty office and grab the new needed-photos list before you sleep
>>
>>3293586
Maybe...

>b b b bounties

You trot over to the bounty office on legs that feel dead, hoping to get this over with quickly. Thankfully, either no-one's told the office guys about the head-pat, of they just don't care, because you don't get any weird stares in here.

"Here they are," one tired-looking woman says, handing you the quick list of names, along with some thin files and a significantly thicker one. "Most of them are fresh newbies, but they still need pictures, and they're heading this direction... assuming they don't get killed on the way."

"Cool, thanks," you flick through the thinner files, resisting the urge to scratch your itchy new tattoo additions. "What about this big file?"

"Oh, that's a pirate from South Blue who'll probably reach Loguetown in a couple of days. The crew might just sail past if they don't need supplies, but we really need an up-to-date photo of their Captain."

You nod sleepily and say your goodbyes, turning to leave. Hopefully this crew will just sail on past, because 'Captain Kidd' looks kind of terrifying.
-----

(Okay, I have class tomorrow and seriously need to sleep, so I'm going to lurk a little longer to answer any questions, but no more updates tonight! Again, thanks for playing, and to prepare for next update:

>Tomorrow morning: What do?
>>
>>3293610
>Train with Klaus
7am Sharp
Then
>Check up on Nina
See if she's settling in.

Thanks for running QM!
>>
>>3293610
>Hopefully this crew will just sail on past, because 'Captain Kidd' looks kind of terrifying.
Oh, Flash. You have no idea.

>>Tomorrow morning: What do?
Training with Cut-chan. Oh, and hobo-sensei.
>>
>>3293610
>Train with Klaus
Then
>Finish the tattoo
Finally
>Train Jitte
>>
>>3293629
Supporting
>>
>>3293610
>Klaus
>Tattoo
>The kid
Goodnight OP
>>
>>3293629
You won't finish the tattoo in one session, but you can get a couple of hours of it done. It'll take fourteen more hours total to complete, right now.

Also I completely forgot about Klaus at 7, kudos for remembering, guys. Heading to bed in like... 5 minutes now, so any questions better be quick! I'll try to get an update out in the morning but classes are all day and the IP there is banned from 4chan (thanks, whoever did that), so no promises.
>>
>>3293641
So, how many sessions for the tattoo?
>>
>>3293646
I listed it in a post somewhere above (search for the word hours), but the inserts are two hours and will have to be a separate session. The rest can be done in any number of sessions, you'll just have to see when both you and the artist are free. You can go do a couple of hours everyday, or take two days off and go in for full-day sessions... You have One Piece Marine Officer endurance/recovery, you can take it.
>>
>>3293523
The best thing is the narrative these rolls are building (Flashman's Haki, inherited from his mysterious pirate relative, finally awakening.)

Also we've now got
>Training from hell with Klaus in the morning
>Training with bossman in the evening
RIP Flashman. Just wait till those two start competing over how can train him better
>>
>>3293660
>pirate relative
So sure it's a pirate?

>Just wait till those two start competing over how can train him bet
Anon, you have NO idea...

All right, heading to sleep! Night all, or day, depending on your time zones.
>>
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>>3293660
>>3293670
Found our relative
>>
>>3289211
I can see that and him getting unsure who the dad is out of the 3 and even more unsure when he meets franky we just need to say "FLASHY" or something like it when we see something cool
>>
Now we just need to train in guns under Daddy "The Father" Masterson, and we will be all set for weapons master flash!
>>
Here is Hoping we get a Pocket Dimension Devil Fruit to change weapons mid fight without carrying 100 billion tonnes of metal in the form of weapons.

Arms master Flashman is a go!
>>
>>3293670
You should create a new thread and archive this one QM, we're nearing the bump limit.
>>
With all the Flashyness we have I want to somehow be related to Buggy. It would be amazing just knowing that out of all the old generation we are related to him.
>>
>>3295271
Thread is archived, probably no update tonight as going to a movie, sorry! New thread tomorrow.
>>
Good news, class finishes early tomorrow, so probably new thread around... 5pm Taiwan-time?

Until then, just do whatever with this thread, it’s in autosage anyway.

(I’m also now wishing I put Buggy on the list of potential family, because honestly, that would have been amazing. Maybe you need an extra-~flashy~ friend? Hmm...)
>>
>>3296874
>Buggy
Having Flashman be the blood relative of the fearsome pirate who knew Gol Rodger in his prime AND gained the respect of Whitebeard would make Flashman be waaaayy too OP, QM. This quest needs to have some challenge, you know?
But you can NEVER have too much ~flashy~. Support Flashman becoming flashier but gaining an fabulously flashy friend
>>
Then again, that one person who knew Gol Rodger and Whitebeared was not really well respected. Rather he was just in the right place at the right time. Also, once again, its Buggy. Also, BPQM, we still don't know the parentage so nothing says we can't have Buggy as a potential candidate...
>>
>>3297193
I disagree, if our parent is who I think is is then the fallout from him having a secret kid be delicious. Far better than Buggy (even though having him as our pops would have been great too)
>>
>>3297201
I’m curious, anon, who do you think it is? (I’m actually really tempted to make it Buggy, now, that would be kind of amazing.)

Update post is ready to go up tomorrow morning, will probably be in a new thread if I’m awake enough to make one. Considering it’s nearly 2am, I might just stick it in this thread, though, so keep a lookout.
>>
>>3297205
Cora-san
Putting together the various things you've said
>>
>>3297222
... Fuck, you’re good.

NO-ONE CLICK THE SPOILER UNLESS YOU ACTUALLY WANT TO BE SPOILED.
>>
>>3297222
Also double posting to say pls don't actually retcon it to Buggy, because if I'm right the only reaction Flashman will be on the receiving end of when it's revealed is sorrow and/or tears, and I thrive on anguish.
...Also if I'm wrong I'd rather our dad be an actual big shot (sorry buggy) just to see Smoker have a conniption
>>
>>3297226
Good choice QM. I approve.
>>
>>3297304
Praise the dice, QM rolled a 1d10 after we picked the mystery box to determine the relative. Others we missed out on were Silvers, Marco and Shiki (But not Mihawk???)
...although I'm really glad we went with Arthur over mustang for the appearance vote, knowing this.
>>
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Binged it all in a couple hours last night and I coulnd't breath.
You did it op, here comes your fan art.

Took me an hour and two scraps to decide a nice pose for the dragon.
Finished at 2am while tipsy: it's not great but dragons are my shit so it's still ok.

today i got some more sketches,
stay tuned for something more clean tomorrow
>>
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And now to get done something a bit more seriuos

btw if you have preferences, speak up
...just don't ask me the manga's style.
>>
>>3297309
Would the same choices have occurred if we picked Mustang though?
>>
>>3297421
Yeah the family vote was locked in way before the appearance vote >>3270299
- but with Arthur way father and son resemble each other a lot more than they would if we went with mustang, which is cool.
>>
I gotta admit, I was hoping our dad would be Sengoku or something, but this is hilarious and something I approve of. It's going to be great down the line.
>>
>>3297320
That's some fucking nice art anon, cheers!
>>
>>3297446
I mean we're still technically related to Sengoku...you're just one generation off. The best part of this whole thing is that Garp can make all the grandpa jokes he likes about Sengoku now.

>>3297333
>Flashman and cut-chan
This is too fucking precious anon. Also that Dragon tattoo is amazing and is how I'm gonna picture it in my mind from now on.
>>
>>3297320
>>3297333

... holy fucking shit.

This is absolutely goddamn amazing, art-anon. I had to take about ten minutes after seeing these to try and contain the twelve-year-old-girl-who-just-got-a-surprise-pony spasms of joy, and I’m still ecstatic. Flashman is amazing. The dragon is unbelievably fucking awesome. Finger-guns are... as always, regrettable, but hilari- I mean, a sad fact of life. The camera one is a really interesting pose (and also I had no idea what his camera would look like, so that’s that settled), and Cut-chan cuddles are too good and pure for this sinful world. ... Also, goddamn, Flashy is hot.

Yeah, I gotta give you something for these, some kind of bonus to a skill? Appearance of someone you wanna see? Say the word, my dude, because this is some seriously badass shit.

(As for preferences, your style is great, I have no complaints. I’m going to post the next thread and then go back to fangirling over shiny art like a dumbass. So thank you!)
>>
>>3298094
>>
>>3298081
i am a guy and i can admit girl would think he was really hot and i like how is chin is realistic and not just a sharp corner



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