Restalaan

One Piece: The Devil's Due (Always Accepting!)

sorry all, my post will be delayed, the current festivity is leaving me very little time to write a good post.

One Piece: The Devil's Due (Always Accepting!)

KUROZUMI HAKU

Moving through the twilight hours, Haku shifted slightly as the clothes he was in, fluttered against the night wind.

Choosing a dress and looking like a traveling woman was questionable for anyone in the Marines but this was not the first time he had done this and nor would it be the last. Besides it was the best way to get people's guard down.

So in he went into the town’s bar, lively and bright, as he straightened his long flowing hair and wrinkle in his clothing.

Oh dear. Haku got more attention than he expected as nearly everyone stopped what they were doing the moment he entered.

Taking a few calming and slow steps, he nonetheless continued on and sat on one of the chairs in front of the bar.

“One beer please, and a side dish.” Smiling to one of the barmaids, Haku cordially ordered as he took some time to look around the place.

It was furnished as well as it could, not much patchwork though not of a high quality either. The most sturdy thing here was the bar counter he sat in front, no doubt it was to allow the owner to protect themselves should anything happens.

“I didn’t see you here before, got a name, pretty lady?”

“Haley, I just got here.”

“So what's someone like you doing in our village?”

“Traveling, and delivering supplies to the closest Marine base. I just got off an off day for the job well done.”

“You’re from the Marines?” The Bartender eyes lit up in recognition, one that Haku spied seemed honest. Still, better to play his cards on the safe side.

“Non-commissioned, I simply work on the ships delivering the goods. I was recommended to come here in fact, that the food and scenery here is great.”

“Oh ho, you heard right then! We have the best seafood and beer here! I’ll serve you our special in fact, freshly caught this morning!”

“And here’s your dear, darling.” The barmaid returned and gave a winked, making Haku nodded with his own smile and thanked her as he raised the barrel looking mug to his mouth.

Taking a sip at first, it didn’t seemed poison nor drugged. At least, one he can taste. So down the hatched it went, emptying in one take, letting out a contented sigh and handing it to the barmaid again. “One more!”

The beer was decent at least, Cadog might actually enjoy it. Perhaps he can ask for a barrel to be sold to them?

For now, he had a job to do.

—

Hours later, with most patrons getting swept up as other drank deeply, Haku felt a little flush of his face but he got some information at least.

“-So, there was a storm breaking out of late?”

“Yes, the weather’s been terrible. Sometimes the storm just hits out of nowhere, and it’s been hitting our village hard.”

“My condolence, any injured?”

“Injured, yes, but thankfully, no fatalities.” The barmaid as she cleaned the barrel mugs away. “But we’ve been lacking good catch. You’re lucky since today was a good haul, usually, there’s less.”

That also explains the price. Haku quietly thought, it wasn’t exactly cheap for that amount given.

“But it seems everything alright so far? I mean, food aside, the village looks fine.”

“Mainly because our Mayor has been working hard to get everything running.” The Bartender commented as he wiped a barrel mug clean before giving her a plate of small hardtacks.

“Thank you.” Haku politely said before feigning to miss the biscuit once and then twice, before placing a hand on his head. “I think I might have taken a bit too much-”

“Oh, how about you stay the night? We do run an inn business as well.” The barmaid followed up quickly, and Haku agreed to it as he picked a hardtack, broke it into a small piece and munched on it.

“Sure, lead the way. I’ll pay tomorrow morning.”

So with that, Haku was led upstairs and into a nice single room. No doubt, used for occasions when there are plenty of tourists.

Haku stumbled a step as the door was opened for him, unsteadily thanking the barmaid and then locking the door before finally landing on the bed.

He remained motionlessly there for a full minute before hearing the light footsteps and creak of the stairs before silence reigned, only then did Haku open his eyes and inspected the room.

The door lock was inside, and a latch rather than a doorknob.

No faint blood scent nor any traces of it at the ceiling.

Nor are there any hidden compartments or entrances.

Just a normal room. Haku declared as he turned towards the wooden blinds covering the windows and cracked it open slightly. There was still a few patrons, moving in and out but those are far in between. Only the occasional night lamps kept the area lit.

Haku stayed in the room however, he’ll have to move out later on, once he’s sure everyone below had gone to sleep.

Reviewing so far, there didn’t seem to be any lead beyond the weird weather and Mayor.

He was no navigator, so he can’t tell if such weather was just normal or a coincidence. The Mayor able to keep things together was also a suspect, but that could be a red herring.

Think, who stands to benefit the most from the deficient supplies?

Food was one, and so was contraband like smoke, medicine, or alcohol.

Well, he had his work cut out for him as he cracked his fingers together. He’ll have to drop by the other haunts and see what else was missing from the picture.

Thus, with nothing else, he sat crosslegged and meditate. One that was taught to him by his father and mother, to better focused themselves.

—

With night at its apex as all shops finally closed and inhabitants retired for rest. A window opened silently before a shadowy figure crept out of it silently and almost defying gravity, crawled upwards. Leaving not even a creak of sound as they stood at the top of the rooftop.

Haku looked from atop, dressed much differently as he was fully clothed this time, head to toe, with something that look far more casual yet also making his figure much harder to figure out from a glance.

Then to complete it, he wore a white mask to cover his face with a black marking on it.

No one here would recognize it, but even if people did, he would still wear it proudly.

Pushing that aside, he decided to move around and patrol the area first to familiarize himself. It also doubled to find out if there are any people that snuck around for any underground business.

Jumping and pushing off gently but strong enough to race to another building in a single leap, Haku moved and traversed around quickly.

Come morning, barely anyone noticed the soft thudding throughout the entire village.

—

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

@PaulHaynek

Just a little gear update, Gringor swiped Kalaj armor and is wearing it. Is that okay with you?

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

@PaulHaynek@AzureKnight

Skarsneek of the Red Hill

Skarsneek and Gringor both shared an unhappy glance, though the latter was due to looking like he was taking orders from the goblin.

The former however couldn’t care, and was focused on the health of her sister-in law.

Seeing Ayu helped even as he waved goodbye to Yurine. “See ya later granny, don’t throw out your back so soon, and thanks for herbs.”

“Alright, now sod off will you?” Skarsneek jabbed towards Gringor even as he adjusted his hold from carrying Hinami under her shoulders to a bride carry instead.

“Can gobbo handle dead girl?”

“Hinami, you mud-swimmer.” He followed up even as he grunted before steadying Hinami in his arms. “Also, what kind of man can’t carry a woman?”

“A weak one.”

“Right, how original.” Skarsneek sarcastically remarked before heading off with Atsuha. “Try not to trip and break your neck.”

“And if Gobbo arms gets pulled out of socket, Gringor will help put it back.” With that, Gringor left, presumably to his own device which helped lessened Skarsneek's headache.

With the high orc gone, Skarsneek is finally able to focus on Atsuha and the whole topic of Hinami’s nature.

“We need to talk.” He commented but softly added. “But later in private, at night. Go take a break, wash up, and I’ll get dinner for you two.”

—

Gringor of the Ironhide Tribe

Gringor put the annoyance at the back of his mind as he gripped his hands, today was good. Fight was good, he didn’t win for now but that was okay.

He’ll win next time.

But still, he needed armor, those white-robes were a good start but hearing it was this…chi that powers them put a damper on things.

Wandering around and finally, a makeshift armory place, he caught sight of something interesting.

It was a Varjan armor, heavy, bulky, but also protective.

Gringor stared at it for the moment, before an idea popped into his head as he went inside and disappeared for a while.

A few moments later, he came out walking with bits of armor. Crudely but also methodically fashioned and bolted together as he noisily moved, sending panic to some at first before seeing his head and weapon to realize that it was the High Orc.

Moving around in it, it was hot, uncomfortable and tight around his chest. The previous owner body mass was much smaller than he thought.

But it was armor nonetheless, and he walked around with it to get used to the weight.

Gringor realized that to win, he needed aside from thinking, spirit energy and techniques. He needed more weapons.

The armor? It wasn’t to protect him.

It was so when he barged into others, it’ll hurt them more instead.

Still, he needed more before an idea came to him from observing those white robe bois. Recalling his strike being deflected completely, almost like how that lazy monk did it.

So off he went to where Nobutada was, hopefully, he was doing something else and not sitting there the whole day again.

One Piece: The Devil's Due (Always Accepting!)

I missed the last SBS, so here's one for Haku reaction to most of the other PC.

Annabelle: Haku reaction would mainly be wary, since while he doesn't know much of Annabelle's history, the scent of gunpowder alone would stand out as he knows that not many people can get that scent unless they're using it a lot. If he does know Annabelle other nickname and what she's done, he'll have to arrest her.

Rico: Would find him pleasant to be around, but since he's a pirate, Haku is obligated to arrest him on sight. That being said, if he has to chase Rico or a criminal, he'll go for the latter first since Rico crimes are not that high just yet.

Morgan: Finds Morgan a great person from a first impression and wouldn't mind be stationed there if there was an opportunity. A role model citizen by all accounts and respectable ambition.

Luna: Haku would find Luna a surprising sight since he only heard of the Minks tribe. Luna would be the first mink he would see, and would be excited to know more about the Minks.

Suiten: Similarly, Haku seeing a mermaid will make him very excited as he has never been to Fishman island. Will ask a lot of question if given the chance to know more about her homeland.

As to additional information, Cadog favorite alcohol is rum. He carries multiple flask with him and has a whole roomful of crates next to his private room.

Lots of other marines also like this because they can often barter with him to get a bottle of good quality rum, so long the alcohol they trade is something he likes.

One Piece: The Devil's Due (Always Accepting!)

KUROZUMI HAKU

“So here’s the 77th marine base?”

Haku looked at the base, noting immediately the pristine condition of the area. The bay itself was being occupied but it was not at full capacity, aside from one fully functional warship, the rest was empty.

If anything, their presence was the only reason why the bay looked busy. As the supplies ship made their landing and unloading to the harbor.

One he observed carefully as he moved multiple crates stacked on top one another easily while the ones unloaded by the normal workers carried one in pairs.

Still, as he made his way past the bay and gates. The guards didn’t paid attention to them, which honestly disturbs Haku with how lax they are. Was the East Blue so peaceful that they didn't need to worry about potential sabotage?

Well, no need to point that out for now as he quietly looked around to see some suspicious signs as he placed the crates in front of their quartermaster.

“Ah, yer a strong one aren’t ya?”

“Yes sir.” He then tilted his head to the sides and gestured with a nod toward the warehouse. “Want me to help put them inside, makes it faster.”

“Sure, hey, you! Show the lad where we keep our usual!” Voice raised loud enough to one of the passing marines had them quickly shuffled Haku inside as they guided him.

Cold, pristine, and only one exit. Haku mentally noted as he scanned his eyes around, the chill in the air increased as he entered the warehouse.

Purposefully, he dragged his feet and slowed himself in an effort to get more information. The floors smooth but wasn’t dull, so if things were being smuggled out, it wasn’t from the front.

So the operation was done from another route, or only a few people were involved.

Which points to the top rank officers in this base.

Though Haku had to snap out of it as the marine hollered at him to stop.

“Right! Just place them here, old ones at the front, new ones at the far back.”

“Understood.” He nodded and followed the instructions, once done, he gestured his head to the sparse warehouse. “You seen a lot of action? That’s a lot of supplies gone.”

“Nah, just minor ones. We just restock late most of the time.”

“Won’t you guys go hungry?”

“Well, there’s the village island just a few hours from here and we get paid well enough that we can afford buying extras if needed.”

A village close by?

That bears investigation then, after all, where there are people. There are always traces of crime. It’s merely a matter of finding it out, not to mention accomplices could also be there.

This was truly getting complex, he had sneaked and stolen precious things before but an investigation like this was a new experience for him.

Perhaps he was overthinking it too.

“I see, “ He ended with a gentle smile before saluting. “If you don’t mind, can you tell me the village name? I might go there to have a look during my break before we sail off.”

“Sure no problem.”

—

Returning from the transport, Haku sighted Cadog speaking with the captain of the 77th base. The former looked like he was browbeating the latter as Cadog was grumbling a storm as the two toured the area.

“-you water loafer, look at the place. Barely kept well, you have too many unused ports as well.”

“Yes, sir. We’ll make sure to keep things at peak condition.”

It was a weird sight to see two similarly ranked men but Cadog had seniority not just in age, and experience but also in his service record. In comparison, the 77th Marine captain was almost a greenhorn.

Though Haku kept that last comment to himself, regardless, both men are far more experienced than him in being part of the Marines.

Cadog noticed the latter even as he quietly follow the two behind and decided to let it go for now. “Aight then, you lot however keep a good job in patrolling the waters. So we’ll help patrol the area for three days, you and your boys get some rest in the meantime.”

”Thank you, sir! My men certainly will like it!” And with that, the man left a much happier mood as Cadog continued walking down the pier and lit up his smoke pipe.

“Report.”

“No visible signs of trap doors or hidden entrances. Floors are clean and not replaced, plaster was also not made old intentionally.”

“So the amount stolen or smuggled out is a small amount, or they have some other way of bringing it out without being detected.” Cadog surmised but that didn’t mean anything, they needed much more solid proof.

Quickly boarding back to the ship, the first mate and quartermaster were already assembled with a map in hand.

“Here’s what we can gather, there are many islands in between but not many of them are populated.” The First mate reported, marking a few of the sea routes used.

“Hmph, plenty of hiding spots.”

Haku agreed with the Quartermaster assessment, they’ll have to comb for weeks if that’s the case.

“Forget about the routes, focus on the endpoints.” Cadog waved it away and looked at the settlements instead. “There’s always a buyer at the end.”

“There’s a village here, I shall take a look at it,” Haku suggested, one that met no objections.

“I can think of a few other locations for a hidden cove or base.” The Firstmate quickly followed up as he scouted the areas that could host people comfortably, or long enough for a transfer.

The Quartermaster deliberated as he looked to the skies. “Dividing our men, we can cover those areas far quicker but that’s assuming the weather does not have a tantrum.”

“This is East Blue, not the Devil Seas. Our Navigator will spot a rain or thunderstorm miles before it happens.” Cadog huffed as he crossed his arms. “We’ll finish this in a day.”

“Very well, I’ll plan our course then.”

“Good, once the crew has their break and meal, we’ll cast off immediately.” Cadog then looked at Haku. “You too, get enough food to fill your belly for a day. You’re going in deep.”

“Yes, sir!” He saluted stiffly at that before being dismissed by Cadog, the latter already uncorking a liquor bottle before drinking it in big gulps much to the consternation of the First mate.

The moment Haku left, the Firstmate turned to Cadog. “You sure he can handle it?”

“Of course, and the seagull got to leave the nest.” Cadog watched Haku shrinking back and took another swig. Letting the rum settle in his mouth first before enjoying the aftertaste.

—

Later come the evening, sun was already slowly setting as most fisherman stayed for one last haul before heading back to Gosa Village.

Seas and wave gentle before a larger wave rock the surface, making way for a larger ship as it cut through the sea and horizon.

The proud white flag that flew the Marine banner made the inhabitants at ease, though some noted that it was a much larger ship, as they waved at it.

Sailors waved backwards as they sail onward without stopping before long leaving the area.

So fixated, that not many noticed that there was a blurring dot making its way rapidly toward the village harbor.

In the evening light, a silent figure crept into the village easily as a quick change of clothes had them blended into the village.

“Beautiful night.” Haku looked at the skies, it was a new moon and clouds was gathering. as he adjusted his clothes.

[GOSA VILLAGE]

One Piece: The Devil's Due (Always Accepting!)

Alright, I need a bit more time to pump out a post out.

Really sorry for the delay.

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

@AzureKnight@PaulHaynek@Enkryption@The Irish Tree@Hammerman

Skarsneek and Gringor

“Could’ve mentioned that sooner!” Skarsneek struggled to maintain superiority as he constantly adjusted and shifted the excess strength that Hinami had whenever she tries to burst out of his grip.

That was until she finally managed to do so as a single hard kick knock Gringor backwards and he skidded for a good inch.

“Bah.” Gringor snarled, and turned his axe forward, Skarsneek saw it before he desperately changed to grabbing Hinami by the hips, controlling her center of gravity, and shoving her back whenever she tried to move.

The pair struggled continued until Atsuha managed to bind the sister, letting Skarsneek finally able to relax as he rolled away from Hinami before panting in exhaustion with shoulders slumped.

Though he cheered up immensely when his lover came, wiped the dirt away, and helped him up.

“I’m always alright and all ready for some ground fights.” He cheekily said before hugging Atsuha and pulling her closer to him, her hips feeling his chest heartbeat. With that, Skarsneek felt a lot more invigorated by her presence alone as he shared an intimate moment.

“Dead sister usually isn’t like this.” Gringor ruined the moment as Skarsneek eyebrow twitched at that.

“Her name is Hinami, you bone-head!”

“What gobbo said,” Gringor continued without much of a concern.

“So what next, boss? We take the ones still alive and go back, or go after the rest?” Gringor gestured to the other living Shizuyamans that he took out, including some of the Dragon Warriors. “We need more bois, and can make them join us.”

"Do we have what Yurine got for us?" Skarsneek decided to focus the topic instead rather than agreeing with what Gringor said. It was something they could do as monsters, they're particularly good in 'convincing' others to fight for them.

One Piece: The Devil's Due (Always Accepting!)

KUROZUMI HAKU

“Destination, Captain?”

“77th branch, those blistering coconuts in need of supplies again” Cadog said, lighting his pipe and letting the tobacco smoke fill his lungs. “It’s not right. Any Marines worth their salt can last longer than that.”

“But isn’t it the standard? Fighting takes lots of supplies.”

“Not in this sea.”

Haku nodded at that, learning that particular details mattered a lot. If it wasn’t combat, did it meant-?

“They’re sneaking the supplies and selling them?” The quiet air settled between the two as Haku accompanied Cadog, the latter continuing his walk.

“That’s one, or they’ve been in combat and haven’t been reporting it.”

“Isn’t that silly?” Haku blinked but Cadog shook his head.

“Pride does silly things,” The old captain shrugged as he adjusted his smoke pipe. “If those rats are keeping the loot for themselves instead of giving it back, I intend to tan their hides.”

“I…see.” Haku said, eyes looking down to the ground at that and his fingers twitched.

“But we need proof first.”

“Understood.” He replied back and bow, one that Cadog ignored the breach of protocol for now. This was his ship after all.

Cadog turned back to the first mate as he stood at the quarterdeck. “Once the supply ships begin to leave, we do the same as well!”

Like a bee hive, the crew sprung into action, easily practiced hands had them ready for sailing within minutes, and readied with supplies. It’ll allow them to last for months, or a full year if they ration and fish from the sea.

Haku was already at the top of the poop deck and took it further by standing upright on the pole itself with his toes. Arms crossed as he watched the supply ship loading itself in a snails pace.

“Ships are leaving!” He announced once the final supply ship cast off.

Immediately, the crew hoisted the sails with a grin as their captain approached the back of the ship.

“Anchors raised!”

“Cast off!” Cadog replied as his appearance turned to a liquid state, air intensifying in the alcohol scent as he raised his comically large fist that grew into the size of a water tower, compressed itself then pushed against the dock hard.

All crewmates rode upon the ship, some needing to hold themselves but the majority easily found their footing. Haku barely needed to move as he continued to stand upright.

Their ship shot off like a bullet, sending waves as it outright drifted across the ocean, parallel to the supply ship's route and then right into the lead position as it smoothly fell in line.

So with that, the journey begins.

—

Days turn into weeks, as the convoy of ships trailed behind the leading Marine ship. None dared to challenge or even come close despite only one marine escort ship being assigned to it.

Still, in this peaceful ocean. There was still plenty of things to do.

The supply ships from far can hear traces of noise loud erupting from the marine ship. Prompting them to wonder if they’re partying.

They couldn’t be further from the truth.

Right in the middle of Cadog ship, a ring of men formed around as everyone cheered rowdily. Both in amusement of the spectacle and partly ordered.

In the center of it, Haku stood alone, eyes blindfolded, and one arm tied to his back. Surrounded by the marines as they stood in formation, relaxed but ready to burst into action.

From an elevated position, Cadog nodded once as he sat down with his legs dangling.

Two marines came together and struck out with sticks that originally belong to a broom, currently repurposed as a training weapon.

Haku stood still as the nape of his neck rose before dodging at the last moment. Narrowly escaping their strikes as he hit one of them back but failed on the second marine. The latter was back in position by then, leading to another pair of marines coming from opposite directions coming this time.

This exercise continued relentlessly with no breaks or stops.

“Concentrate your sense, feel your surroundings.” Cadog monitored as he gave another signal. Adding another two more marines in the attack in a much more frenzied and chaotic pace.

“Your basics of Haki, or Ryuo, is there,” He explained as he pulled out a flask and took a sip. “Now you just need it to fully crystallize.”

Haku breath slowed, but he was slowly sensing more. The breath, scent, air, and even the gentle waves of the sea transmitted from the ship's hull to his foot.

Right now, he was surrounded by fifteen marines. Only four of them attacked at once but each with different timing, Haku thought to himself as he pivoted on his foot and spun downwards to his knees, finally hitting all of them at once with one single slash of his wooden stick.

“Finally.” Cadog waved his hand to the marines surrounding Haku.

All at once, they attacked him with their own strikes infused with a little haki. Enough to crack a boulder.

“Armament.”

Haku twitched as he held himself in place and curled his body inwards, hardening himself as he wreathed Ryuo all around his body.

Each strike landed perfectly and rung out like a gong before it was forced backward, breaking the formation apart as their attacks was repelled violently.

Standing upwards quickly, Haku felt an attack far faster than anything so far coming straight for his stomach. The cold sensation ran up his spine that he jumped to the sides hard enough that the wind whipped past his hair.

This energy, Cadog! He wryly thought as he knew exactly what it was.

From a bird’s eye view, Cadog body had his fist detached from his body. A feat only possible with the Booze-Booze fruit.

The mass of hardened liquid then swerved and followed Haku accurately, forcing the latter to swing at it with his infused Ryuo stick. A brief clash and resistance rocked through his arms before it lessened in a blink of an eye but the feeling of danger was still there.

Thinking fast, he dropped flat on his back and tucked his legs in. Allowing the liquid fist to flew over him harmlessly as he rolled backwards and snapped back up to his feet immediately.

“Hmph, good. Let’s stop here.” Cadog voice announced as his fist rejoined the main body, allowing Haku to finally take off the blindfold.

After numerous lessons, he had finally gotten observation to a decent level that he can deal with most surprise attacks.

Granted, Cadog hadn’t used his armament, just the basic of Ryuo for most of his strike.
Haku held his stomach and winced from the phantom pain.

I kept my lunch this time.

“That’s enough for Paradise but still a far cry for the Devil’s Sea.” Cadog broke his thoughts as he slowly walked down from the quarterdeck as water was distributed to those who participated in the exercise. “Same for your armament.”

“I know.” Haku said, past moments of Wano came as he remember the strong samurai that did exist there. He would be ranked as a low to mid samurai at most, nothing compared to the elite, daimyo or shogun.

He still had a long way to go.

“Captain! Land ho!”

That drew everyone's attention, prompting them to return to their station as Cadog and Haku went to the front.

“Finally, any longer and I might have to pull those barnacle-ridden ships myself.”

“We do have enough rope and anchor chain.” Haku smiled, eliciting a harumph from Cadog who blew his pipe.

Still, Haku looked on at the 77th Marine base contemplatively.

They had a mission here, and it was something only they can accomplish.

[77TH MARINE BASE, CONOMI ISLAND]

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

@PaulHaynek@AzureKnight@Hammerman@The Irish Tree@Enkryption

Gringor of the Ironhide Tribe

Gringor eyes narrowed when the Dragon Warrior sat down before glowing blue for a brief moment, idly, he wondered what the latter did.

That got answered when his weapon bounced off from the body like nothing, reversing nearly all the momentum in his strike. Almost like what Nobutada did against his strikes.

Though it felt different, Nobutada also didn't need to sit on the ground as well to do that.

Any other questions he had flew out as a paper charm came to rest on the Dragon Warrior shoulder and dissipated the blue aura which was why the next strike of his landed squarely to knock him out cleanly and drain his spirit energy.

"What's that?" He pointed to the paper curiously before bending down and grabbing the Dragon Warrior clothes roughly. Examining its material closely to have an idea of what it does.

Looking to the current fight, seems like Gobbo trying to restrain wife's sister. Not sure what's going on why dead girl lose mind but it didn't looked fun.

A brief glance to the Dragon Warrior white robes and back to the action, Gringor had a thought.

Skarsneek of the Red Hills

Left.

A swipe that would've cut deep was barely evaded.

Right.

Hardened wooden club met thrusting steel at an angle, sending it to off to the sides.

Skarsneek's heart pounded as he weaved past the attacks, gets closer and under their guard before sliding past them in a push. Separating the two apart as he turned to face them again, his club coming together into a staff.

It was not good, Skarsneek thought as his mind reached to a conclusion. This delicate balance would crumble soon, and he had to prevent the worse scenario.

So when a sword erupted from the Dragon Warrior he fought, Skarsneek blinked several times to both clear droplets of blood from his eye and wondering what just happened.

“I owe you one! I’ll tell you later about it!” Skarsneek gestured to Takeshi, his full focus on Hinami now.

Though it seems she had different plans, as she turned towards Alice. Skarsneek didn’t let this chance go to waste for whatever reason as Hinami dove right towards her.

Swinging his body forward for momentum and nearly kissing the ground as he ran parallel to it, his staff twirling rapidly before he struck the ground deeply and embedded his club deep into the earth.

Then vaulting forward for extra speed, Skarsneek managed to catch up to Hinami mid-dive. Disassembled his clubs and snapped onto her like a predator, his clubs locking Hinami's movements as he held on tight like a barnacle.

“Gotcha!” Skarsneek triumphantly said as he went to work.

Arms wrapped around her midsection before he followed it with his legs, sealing her arms and legs completely from moving as he twisted and turned to fall flat on their backs.

All he need to do now was to keep Hinami legs in the air, it wasn’t perfect as she could very much pull herself up-

That ended when a white piece of cloth suddenly lashed out and tied both of her feet together, stringing like she was a hunted deer.

Skarsneek had to blinked in between before seeing Gringor standing over with a familiar white clothing article in his hand.

“Cloth strong. Can hold, if not, Gringor take care of it.” He hefted his axe, Yurine in particular would look at the Dragon Warrior that they both took down, now lacking his famous white robes that are being used as an impromptu binding material.