Shopping Day [Open]

[long1]

His cloak fluttered in the wind as he walked down the street by his lonesome. He wasn't the only person walking through the street, of course, but his presence exuded a certain power. It wasn't like Haki, but an aura of strength and dominance that he wore like a coat around himself at all times. It made lesser warriors more keen on stepping to the side and letting him go about his way - preferably with a good distance between him and everyone else. Taking the path down the center of the street, the man held a barrel over his shoulder, which he carried as though it were as light as a pillow. Hanging by his hip was a clay jug of water. But of course, what most people noticed was the commissar cap with the Jolly Roger.

And the fangs. They always noticed the fangs.

His teeth were sharp, razor-like. His face was in a perpetual state of frowning, which perhaps made the fangs look a little more intimidating - like he could and would tear a bite out of you if you looked at him wrongly. His face was partially obscured by his blond, unkempt hair, but it was easy to make out a pointed nose and an eye with a sharp gaze. It was easy for anyone to figure out just who he was - After all, how many Fishmen wore that Jolly Roger on their person? How many Fishmen possessed such a hungry, vicious look? How many Fishmen - no, how many people wore that intimidating presence like a coat? This, of course, was none other than the well-known, violent revolutionary himself - Captain of the Rising Sun Pirates, "Sharktooth" Lao Hu Long.

And he was doing his shopping.

"Let's see... Plenty of booze. We'll need some more salt... Plenty of fruit, too..." he muttered to himself, reciting a shopping list. Even the most feared of pirates - the Yonkou - had to do shopping. It was natural. Of course, the cashiers were remarkably nice - plenty of them gave discounts. In fact, some of them were even nice enough to give him supplies for free. People these days were remarkably thoughtful. Especially when they were afraid you'd snap them in two. The Fishman sighed, his eyes fixing themselves on the signs of several different stores along the street. Perhaps if he was lucky, he wouldn't have to deal with any Marines today. Not that he necessarily was worried, but he didn't want a stray bullet making a leak in the barrel. Then he'd have to go all the way back for more booze.

[REI SATSUKI]

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[atrb=style, background-color: #1A1A1A; border-radius: 35px;] [STYLE=height: 250px; width: 460px; margin-top: 6px; opacity: 0.7; border-radius: 30px; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/lqqb6.jpg);][/style][STYLE=font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic; font-size: 45px; color: #E7E1CD; text-transform: lowercase; margin-top: -30px; letter-spacing: -3px; opacity: 0.99; text-shadow: 2px 2px 2px #000000;]YOU ONLY GOT ONE LIFE TO LEAD[/style][STYLE=font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; margin-top: -10px; color: #CEC6AA; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: uppercase;]SO DON'T TAKE FOR GRANTED THE LITTLE THINGS[/style] [STYLE=font-size: 11px; font-family: arial; margin-right: 13px; margin-left: 13px; text-align: justify; background-color: #696969; padding: 13px; color: #000000; margin-top: 6px; opacity: 0.95; margin-bottom: 1px; border-bottom-right-radius: 30px; border-bottom-left-radius: 30px;]"For the last time, nothing bad is going to happen. You guys worry to much." Rei explained seriously, as a few of the crew followed along, looking a bit skeptical of that assumption as they carried the supplies they had managed to pick up on their venturing around the island. Not that they wanted to argue with the Captain, but the young woman had a painful habit of finding trouble on an island if it existed. She was like a magnet, so woman or not, letting her go on an island full of shops was not the best idea. Although, for once, this stop over was more for pleasure than anything. Hector had requested to investigate something on the island and since Rei proved impatient had opted not to wait back on the ship, while the others went to get supplies. Their only alternative was to send a few of them with her and pray nothing happened before the bounty hunter managed to finish... whatever it was he was always venturing off to do. To be honest, the Captain never really bothered to ask him and no one else ever did, though some of them couldn't help get the feeling that Rei knew exactly what Vinland was up to, even without chasing him down. To her credit, the Captain was incredibly perceptive in that manner. However, as they walked through the streets, it was unusual to see Rei suddenly hesitate as those sea-colored eyes dropped back through the crowd curiously. "Something wrong, Captain?" One of the questioned curiously, though it was Rei to become distracted with just anything. Following her gaze through the crowd, it didn't take them long to spot what had her so fascinated as a large Fishman seemed to be doing some shopping. That was weird. "What's the matter? You've never seen a Fishman before?" The crewman asked with a faint smile, though there was no amount of amusement on the Captain's face. She looked surprisingly serious given the situation. "Hm?..... C-Captain?" He questioned, allowing his gaze to travel from the young woman to the fishman, before returning to... Well, what should have been where Rei had previously been standing, but to his surprise the Captain was gone and already on the move through the crowd. "Captain!" The man yelped, attempting to catch up in disbelief. How in the Grand Line did she constantly do that?! It didn't take her long to catch up and soon enough, she had trotted up a few feet from the fishman, stopping a short distance from him. "If I'm not mistaken, your the Yonkou, Sharktooth Lao. Am I correct in that assumption?" Rei questioned, making sure she was loud enough for him to hear and flashing a calm, but cheerful smile. There was something painfully familiar about that smile, but despite being aware to who she was speaking, not an ounce of fear appeared on the pirate's face. Her crew, on the other hand, was a completely different story. The moment they overheard the realization from their Captain, they practically paled in disbelief and concern. Sure, their Captain could be reckless at times, but to so blatantly approach a man that not only looked dangerous, but that she knew for a fact was one of the Four Emperors.... The Captain had gone from reckless to suicidal. What was she even thinking?! [/style][STYLE=width: 400px; text-align: center; font-size: 9px; color: #565656; text-transform: uppercase; margin-top: 0px; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: 3px; opacity: 0.9;]made by kiwii at btn & ote![/style]

[long1]

The tall figure had almost missed the call. But his name rang in his ears and brought the Fishman to a halt, stopping in the street. Other people around the marketplace chose to begin moving away quickly now that someone had caught the man's attention - they didn't want to be nearby in case the situation turned grave. As for the Fishman himself, the muscles in his arms bulged a little as he lifted the barrel off of his shoulder and set it down on the ground beside him. His cloak flowed around his figure like water as he turned, with his sharp eye soon coming into vision as he stared down at the pink-haired figure who called out. He caught the smile of the pink-haired woman before him and for a brief moment looked as if he'd seen a ghost.

"What... What was that? For a moment, I could have sworn-" he stopped himself, shaking his head of misguided thoughts. It couldn't have been the Captain. The Captain was dead. He'd seen him fall and die with his own eyes. But something about this woman was reminiscent of the Captain. There was something about her that was familiar, as though they had met before. And yet, the Fishman knew he'd never met the girl at all. His face turned sour, his mouth set in a frown again as his only visible eye stared down. He kept his hand on the barrel as he looked at her, as if trying to figure out who she was. Or possibly wondering what the hell she was thinking, trying to get his attention. Nevertheless, he didn't make any sudden moves.

"... That's right. Lao Hu Long. I'd ask for your name, but to be honest... I'm more interested in knowing what you want. Most people know to keep their distance," he remarked, his eye gazing over her. There could be any number of reasons for her coming - she could have been some young upstart looking to take a Yonkou's throne. Wasn't uncommon. Or perhaps she was looking for some sort of alliance. Allying oneself with a Yonkou wasn't entirely uncommon. But for some reason, Lao Hu felt it was neither. There was something else going on here.

[REI SATSUKI]

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[atrb=style, background-color: #1A1A1A; border-radius: 35px;] [STYLE=height: 250px; width: 460px; margin-top: 6px; opacity: 0.7; border-radius: 30px; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/lqqb6.jpg);][/style][STYLE=font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic; font-size: 45px; color: #E7E1CD; text-transform: lowercase; margin-top: -30px; letter-spacing: -3px; opacity: 0.99; text-shadow: 2px 2px 2px #000000;]YOU ONLY GOT ONE LIFE TO LEAD[/style][STYLE=font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; margin-top: -10px; color: #CEC6AA; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: uppercase;]SO DON'T TAKE FOR GRANTED THE LITTLE THINGS[/style] [STYLE=font-size: 11px; font-family: arial; margin-right: 13px; margin-left: 13px; text-align: justify; background-color: #696969; padding: 13px; color: #000000; margin-top: 6px; opacity: 0.95; margin-bottom: 1px; border-bottom-right-radius: 30px; border-bottom-left-radius: 30px;]]Rei had noted the curious look on the Yonkou's face, but thought little of the matter, assuming it had more to do with the surprise of someone approaching him. All things considered, she couldn't really blame him. Most humans were still rather wary of fishmen to begin with, but one that was ranked among pirates and the Four Emperor was normally someone to be avoided like the plague. To be honest, Rei was rather surprised to run into any of his species this far north of the Grand Line and wasn't about to miss an opportunity to become familiar with what was surely to be someone she would more than likely cross paths again in the future. What seemed to allude her or perhaps, what she seemed to be neglecting was the very real possibility that such a relationship would be as enemies, rather than friends. As Lao confirmed his identity, it appeared even he was rather curious over the young woman's motives as to confronting him considering the actions of others. The words soon caused her smile to widen a little bit. "I thought so, I recognize your picture from the newspapers and the wanted posters. It's really a pleasure." She explained proudly, before offering a hand in greeting. "Rei Satsuki. Captain of the Black Moon Pirates and the next King of the Pirates, at your service. Nice to meet ya!" Rei spoke, her smile widening a bit, though the blunt confession cause the jaws of her crew to drop in disbelief. "Captain! That's way to bold!" They snapped in unison, causing Rei to glance back at them in confusion, before letting out a chuckle in amusement at that behavior. "Captain, sometimes I have to wonder if you all here. Are you trying to get us into a fight?" One of them questioned in concern, since Rei clearly seemed not to realize the dangers of what she was trying to do. If Lao got offended and decided to wipe the floor with all of them, there would be no one to stop him and her manners wouldn't get them out of it, no matter how good they were. "I don't want to fight him. Actually, more to the point, Mister Long, I wanted to know if you had some free time, if perhaps you would like to have some drinks with us. On us, of course." Rei offered politely, though at the very least, seemed to pick up how unusual it was for some stranger to ask a Yonkou out for drinks. To ease his mind though, she decided to quickly add her reasons for the curious request. Besides, the last thing she wanted to do was set him on edge, since that was hardly her intention. "Truthfully, I'm rather familiar with your work, but I won't trouble with duels for your title or prospects of alliance, since I have no intention of working for anyone at the present. However, as one pirate to another and as a matter of respect for your work, it seems a shame to turn down such an opportunity to enjoy such company when fate grants it." The Captain explained calmly, wanting to reassure Lao that she had no ulterior motives in the request, though the custom was somewhat rare for pirates these days. Not many of them had the moral sense, let alone the manners to go out of their way for someone, especially when there was little monetarily to be gained from the prospect. Still, Rei had her reasons, ones she wasn't really in the mood to share with the crew at the moment. [/style][STYLE=width: 400px; text-align: center; font-size: 9px; color: #565656; text-transform: uppercase; margin-top: 0px; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: 3px; opacity: 0.9;]made by kiwii at btn & ote![/style]

[long1]

The Tiger Shark Fishman very nearly gaped in surprise. There was a twitch of his eye, but it was a testament to his self-restraint that he avoided showing anything more than a glint of surprise in his visible eye. His arms moved, crossing over his chest as his teeth grit together. It wasn't the declaration that she was going to be King of the Pirates that bothered him. It was her name. Rei Satsuki. Truth be told, he'd left some of the lesser pirate crews slip beneath his notice in his vendetta against the World Government, but he was now very interested in this young woman. Satsuki, he thought to himself. He remembered that name very well. But she couldn't possibly be, could she?

"Captain Satsuki..." he breathed the name, reawakening old memories as he looked to the young woman's face. His face began to twist into a bit of a smirk, baring his sharpened teeth in a manner that might have been intimidating to anyone else. Unfolding his arms he used one to grab the barrel and lift it, hoisting it onto his shoulder. There was a bemused look on the Fishman's face as he stared down into her eyes. He listened to the words she spoke - of meeting and sharing drinks and discussion. The Fishman placed his other hand on his hip whilst the shark-like smirk on his face slowly subsided but never truly vanished. This was no ordinary woman and no ordinary Pirate, he reasoned. If anything, he was curious.

"As long as there's plenty of drinks... Sure, I'll humor you, Satsuki," he remarked. This woman had managed to catch his attention, he'd admit. It wasn't every day someone walked up to him and called out to him. It wasn't every day someone asked him to come and share drinks. And it certainly wasn't every day he came across someone who so reminded him of his old Captain. The Fishman took his arm from his hip and gestured, as if to ask the Pirate before him to lead the way.

He didn't like to be kept waiting, after all.

[REI SATSUKI]

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[atrb=style, background-color: #1A1A1A; border-radius: 35px;] [STYLE=height: 250px; width: 460px; margin-top: 6px; opacity: 0.7; border-radius: 30px; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/lqqb6.jpg);][/style][STYLE=font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic; font-size: 45px; color: #E7E1CD; text-transform: lowercase; margin-top: -30px; letter-spacing: -3px; opacity: 0.99; text-shadow: 2px 2px 2px #000000;]YOU ONLY GOT ONE LIFE TO LEAD[/style][STYLE=font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; margin-top: -10px; color: #CEC6AA; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: uppercase;]SO DON'T TAKE FOR GRANTED THE LITTLE THINGS[/style] [STYLE=font-size: 11px; font-family: arial; margin-right: 13px; margin-left: 13px; text-align: justify; background-color: #696969; padding: 13px; color: #000000; margin-top: 6px; opacity: 0.95; margin-bottom: 1px; border-bottom-right-radius: 30px; border-bottom-left-radius: 30px;]The crew looked on with some amount of wariness of the situation considering that such offers were rare among pirates.Sure, the Captain was known to be gifted with a silver tongue and could fast talk just about anyone, but a Yonkou? It took more than talk to impress someone with a reputation like Lao's, but as the Fishman flashed a smirk and agreed to accompany them, even they had to admit Rei's actions were somewhat impressive. Upon hearing his acceptance, Rei flashed a cheerful smile. "Great!" The Captain spoke, motioning to the men. One of them could inform the crew and the others could stick around to make sure nothing went wrong. Not that Rei seemed very worried about that as she turned to show Lao to the tavern. "There's a small bar a couple blocks from here, but it should give us privacy and have more than enough drinks." She explained calmly, keeping a steady pace, so that she could walk along side the Yonkou and talk on the way. Of course, as Rei had promised it didn't take them long for her to push her way past the swinging wooden doors of the place. The tavern was somewhat darker in comparison to the outdoors, but the crowd seemed to be rather sparse, perhaps due to the hour of the day, since it was still rather early for most people to be drinking. However, what few patrons were there, quickly managed to spot the pirates as the entered the establishment and particularly the Yonkou as he joined them, a sight that immediately earned a few surprised looks. Needless to say, most of them headed for the back door or attempted to slip out without notice. The crew followed behind as Rei spotted a booth that was large enough to accommodate them. "Oi! Barkeep, set us up a round of drinks, would you? And keep 'em coming. The good stuff and whatever else they want, I'm paying." She called out in order, the same air of confidence and calm never wavering. The barkeep nodded in understanding, not about to argue with someone who was willing to throw money around, because despite their reputations, pirates were rather notorious for their generous spending in such establishment. Moving over to take a seat as the bar maid brought over the first series of drinks, Rei settled in comfortably and motioned for Lao to join her. "So, I'm rather curious. If you don't mind me asking, Captain Lao, what brings you to the East Blue?" Rei questioned curiously, not wanting to pry. However, the pirate knew that most of the Yonkou tended to stick to their territories, which were often in the New World. It stood to reason that a man like Lao must have had some greater purpose. Although, whether it was another attack on the government or aiding some revolutionary, was another matter entirely. There were numerous possibilities with a man of Lao's reputation. All of which fascinated the younger Captain and whose actions, even the crew had noted, seemed to almost bare some personal spite toward the Marines and the World Government. [/style][STYLE=width: 400px; text-align: center; font-size: 9px; color: #565656; text-transform: uppercase; margin-top: 0px; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: 3px; opacity: 0.9;]made by kiwii at btn & ote![/style]

[long1]

The Fishman followed close behind as the pink-haired pirate led him to the bar. He couldn't deny that a part of him was impressed by someone who was willing to stroll right up to him and ask to speak with him in a bar, knowing he could very easily tear apart her crew with his bare hands if he wanted. But more than that, he wanted to speak with the pink-haired woman because of lingering thoughts in his mind. Of the name Satsuki and what it meant to him. She held the name of the former Captain and his very smile. She had taken it upon herself to become a notorious pirate with grand, extravagant goals. Even he couldn't deny these were more than coincidence. Yet he wished to remain silent. At least, for now.

Stepping into the bar, he ignored to looks he gained. He was used to it, after all. After experiencing the same looks hundreds of times, he tended not to care. As soon as the pink-haired woman ordered the drinks, they strode over to an empty booth and the tall Fishman sat himself down opposite the young woman. His elbows rested on the table whilst his hands were joined together in front of the lower half of his face as he stared over at the young woman. She was quick to begin with the questions, though he could not help but feel they were remarkably simpler than he was expecting. She asked him why he was spending his time out in East Blue. He didn't consider it much of a secret why, but he had an answer regardless.

"East Blue is often called the 'weakest Blue'. But the reason its considered the weakest is due to the lack of piracy in East Blue - to the Marines, East Blue is a model of their so-called peace. But it's peace in name only," he told her, thinking of his experiences in the Blue. He snorted, thinking of the loathsome, hypocritical World Government. "East Blue is home to one of only a few Kingdoms outside the Grand Line where the World Nobles have dared to visit - Goa Kingdom. They hail it as nation worthy of visit by the World Nobles. And they're perfectly right - the World Nobles would only ever respect a country willing to cast out its poor and unprivileged as trash. It's as disgusting as any slave camp I've ever seen. So naturally, I intend to throw the World Government's influence here into disarray".