Restalaan

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

@Nakushita [@PaulHaynek[ @Crowvette@Rezod92 @AzureKnight @Hammerman

Skarsneek and Gringor

“Bah!” Skarsneek said as he missed his chance to learn more about the mission, contrasted to the already grinning Gringor as the latter rolled his shoulders at the prospect of a fight drawing.

“I’ll hold this side, go wherever you want, orc.” He annoyedly said, and got ready, already thinking of what they need and places they can use to defend the temple.

“Then I’ll stay here.”

That earned a glare from Skarsneek before a moment of thought before shrugging his shoulders.

“Don’t embarrass yourself then.” He waved his hand, thinking more on the strategic side.

The one heading out to the other side already has an archer, a frontliner and assassin. No need for him or Gringor to assist the other since this side lacked the head on fighter, distasteful as it is, he suppose he’ll have to work with the high orc on this matter.

“Atsuha, Hinami, take care of whichever side you want,” Skarsneek said, the two of them will handle this area.

Gringor picked this area simply because it was more fun, he had wanted to see how Nobutada fight again but that would mean sharing the fight.

He want it all.

Even if it means fighting next to the goblin and he can just opt to ignore the annoyance for now.

“Alright, saddle up! Choose your post, fight together, watch each other backs and don’t die!” Skarsneek barked out to the task force before looking at the area for any civilians.“Pile anything you can find and block the side road except for the main one! Then evacuate to the temple!”

Skarsneek turned to Ayu and Takeshi before speaking in a much quieter tone. “If things looks to be lost, you two take the civilians and your colleagues to run. We’ll serve as rear guard.”

With a point of his stick, he tapped Gringor's thighs. The latter growled in annoyance at that.

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

@PaulHaynek @AzureKnight @Rezod92 @Crowvette @Nakushita

Skarsneek of the Red Hill

Shifting, Skarsneek moved to bounce around in case Hinami was still not in her right mind.

Thankfully that was unnecessary as Hinami looked to be finally back, just extremely exhausted.

That’s when Atsuha came in, and finally helped by inscribing the proper seals. He made sure to memorize the seal words, process and burned it into his mind.

When it was done, Skarsneek finally let go of Hinami and placed her in a more comfortable position.

“Right, let’s head out then.” Skarsneek said as he opened the door for everyone to head out.

Idly, he wondered what’s going on with everyone else. This was already quite the eventful day for him and with how much things went south.

Surely, it can’t get worse?

Though the moment that crossed his mind, he slapped the back of his head.

He just made it worse, didn’t he?

With that in mind, he wondered where everyone was before meeting them all at the temple.

Skarsneek waved a hand upwards and gestured to them. “Hey, what I missed?”

---

Gringor of the Ironhide Tribe

Gringor snorted in annoyance, looks like that too was another bust.

“Youz got any technique like that?” He asked, so far, it looks like he’ll have to copy the heavenly strike and unfortunately, he only saw the motions but not the deeper aspect.

Then again, maybe Boss Shizuka got something like that?

“Hmph, good talk.” Gringor waved his hands in thanks as he walked. “Try to do something, sitting all day not good for legs. Go see underboss Takeshi, always getting into a good scrap."

With that, he walked along and picked a direction to walk. Nowhere in particular as he just needed some time to think.

Unbeknownst to him, his wandering took him right back to the temple where everyone had gathered.

“Another scrap coming?” Gringor asked as he noticed everyone gathered around.

“Why the hell are you dressed like that? Wait, isn’t that-Did you take Kalaj armor?”

“I found it sitting with no one wanting it, so it means it’s mine.”

“That’s mine you mean! I won that fair and square-! Oh never mind, whatever, at least make sure you color it differently.” Skarsneek annoyedly rubbed the back of his head as he glared the High Orc, one that Gringor returned with a hand on hip and axe rested on against the shoulder.

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

@PaulHaynek

Ah shoot, well that's something to keep track of. Quest have a time limit (Though then again, we have been severely neglecting that quest.)

Right, I'll try to get something soon.

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Just to check, Takeshi took his own quest for pre-emptive quest or is it due to time limit, the quest itself has progress and is coming to us instead?

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

For those wondering, the last post was cut off on purpose. The next scene is in the next post.

Also yea, I apologize for the slow pace.

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

KUROZUMI HAKU

The afternoon sun came as men moved, moving crates inside a mansion quickly as they wore hats. Both to protect themselves from the harsh sun and prevent others from seeing their faces with work continuing in near silence.

A brief gust of wind came across them. No one considered it unusual and even welcome it.

Hence no one noticed another new presence that had just walked in brazenly like he owned the place.

Haku strolled in quietly, looking around before ducking into an empty hallway and aimed to quickly find evidence. Even if there are no papers to keep track of, there are always bound to be some documents or ledgers.

This was familiar territory for him and in such a mansion, there’s always bound to be a clue there.

Faint footsteps approached from the second just as he reached the modest but strong oak staircase. Prompting Haku to duck into a blindspot to keep himself hidden, breath nearly stilled and mind blank.

Quiet, soft, and favoring one side. He idly analysed as the footstep got louder, and descended the stairs as it came closer and closer.

From the corner of his eyes, Haku saw the shadow as an elderly man with white hair moved past him, with a monocle in one side of his face and was dressed rather casually despite the rings that he wore.

The Mayor. Haku recognized from the briefing and photo shown to him on board the Kirin. He was on the right track then as he waited for a while longer before he resumed moving upwards.

It didn’t take long for him to find the office as he checked for traps first before pressing his ears against it, then slowly but firmly, he twisted the door handle to avoid making any sound.

Once opened, he smoothly moved inside the room and closed the door behind him.

Taking a look around him, the place with filled with books, a wide carpet, and wooden oak desk that served as the centrepiece, piled with numerous papers and an abandoned cup with a small amount of leftover liquid alongside traces of camomile scent lingering in the air.

Haku glanced through the papers before he placed them back in the exact position as he ran through all of them systematically. Most of It was reports of the island's current supplies stock, requests for help, trade deals, and numerous messages for urgent deliveries to neighbouring villages.

He now has an idea of just how desperate the situation was, that yesterday's complaints seemed subdued compared to the reality of it all.

Haku shook his head, a crime’s a crime. The Mayor turned to crime for understandable reasons, but all it’ll do is let other problems flourish.

Still, this isn’t enough.

Checking the drawers swiftly revealed a few small books, stamps and postcards. The books had nothing beyond torn pages, used perhaps as scribbling rather than anything concrete.

Haku stopped as he reached a certain section, it contained numbers and alphabets. Random perhaps, but he knew better.

It looked like Marine’s code, one that is reserved for commissioned officers but had a few modifications done to it.

Did someone teach it to a civilian? Haku thought as he quickly memorised it, checked for any more codes, and put it back.

He can only decipher parts of it, the rest has to be sent to Cadog. Acting on partial information was dangerous, and the one who knows this best was Captain Cadog.

Though it didn’t escape his attention that these are explicit instructions on how to move things and the amount expected.

—

From the open seas, fast breeze filled the sails of a marine battleship to its fullest and moved at top speed. Marines moved around the deck as they kept it at top condition and eyes open for any threats.

Cadog tapped his smoking pipe, looking at the horizon and the weather carefully. While his navigator was doing the same, it didn’t hurt for multiple eyes keeping a lookout for it.

He moved the tobacco pipe to the corner of his mouth before letting out a puff of smoke, as they passed through Gosa’s Village sea route.

“Report.” Cadog said without turning his back as a thump of a foot and salute came. That earned a few looks from the crew before returning to their work.

“I uncovered a set of messages Marine coded, in the Mayor's office,” Haku replied back, almost like he had always been there the whole time before the latter handed him a notebook.

Cadog frowned and ignored the damp state of his clothing, focusing on the report instead as he flicked through the pages quickly. Prompting Haku to continue his report.

“Marines from the 77th base were also spotted, offloading supplies and outside of uniform.”

“Hmm.” Cadog hummed as he closed the notebook with a snap of his wrist and slipped it in his pocket, then reached for his flask and took a brief swig of its alcoholic content. “How many are involved in this?”

“Four to five, perhaps more.” Haku continued reporting on the number of possible collaborators. “But they could also be paid and not told of what they’re doing.”

“Still involved,” Cadog said with finality as he turned to issue a new order. “Navigator, full speed back to base.”

“You heard the captain! Full speed to the 77th Marine Base!”

“Aye, captain!”

Haku quietly took his place and headed to join the crew but a cough from Cadog stopped that as he went back to attention.

“And the people?”

“Shortage of food, prices went up, and there’s rationing. But there weren’t any overt crimes, nor did the Mayor look to be embezzling or profiting from these.”

“Never assume,” Cadog chided as he adjusted the steering slightly, turning an oncoming wave crash into a gentle slide against the hull of the ship instead. “Remember, a crime’s still a crime.”

“And that captain of the 77th Marine Base?” A hard tone came as the strong scent of rum intensified. “If this is true, then that’s multiple levels of breaches. That blistering barnacle will be lucky to be alive at the end.”

Haku kept silent about that as he glanced away momentarily before he looked back to Cadog. “And his subordinates?”

“All of them will be investigated.” A moment of pause from Cadog before the latter added. “But those found innocent will be reassigned, kept under strict probation but that’s about it. We’re only aiming for the ones responsible.”

Haku let out a sigh he didn’t realize he was holding and quickly nodded at that decision, that was as fair as it’ll get.

“In the meantime, get out of that getup. You stick out like an albatross in a bowl of soup.” Cadog grumbled as he turned away.

Haku will never understand why as he filled out the dress quite nicely. He had thought Cadog would be proud that he managed it all the time and with so little resources as well.

Perhaps it was too obvious to tell from Cadog's perspective?

Oh well. Guess I’ll have to do better. Haku quickly went inside below the deck to dress back in uniform and cleaned himself up in the process.

—

77th Marine Base

Currently mostly devoid beyond the skeleton crew left behind, as everyone was expected to take three days off due to the presence of Captain Cadog and the Kirin’s crew.

This was why when the Kirin moored in the afternoon, no one suspected anything out of the ordinary.

Cadog, the Kirin’s first-mate, and Haku, all of three went towards the 77th captain's office. They kept to a leisurely pace as Haku moved behind the first-mate as per protocol and carried most of the incriminating documents.

With a quick rap on the door by Cadog, the latter entered without waiting to be invited as the first mate and Haku filed in together.

“Ah, Captain! Back from your patrols?” The 77th Captain rose from his seat and quickly gestured to Cadog for a seat even as he went to the cabinet to get the latter a drink.

“Aye.” Cadog shrugged and took a seat across the table, letting the 77th captain finished pouring as he too returned to his seat. “So, is there anything? I doubt you brought those two for pleasantries.”

Hands waved towards the First-mate and Haku.

“Nothing much.” Cadog commented as he took the glass, swirled the contents, and downed it in one gulp. “It’s about your activity of sending your supplies to the mayor without permission.”

The air couldn’t get colder than some of the winter Island in the Devil Seas as the accused paled so fast that Haku wondered if the man had a devil fruit that allowed him to turn that white.

—-

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

@PaulHaynek@AzureKnight

Skarsneek of the Red Hills

“Ah, right. Thought you meant another.” Skarsneek quickly corrected himself as Yurine mentioned the kind of seal, which honestly befuddled him. This sort of arcane wasn’t his forte.

But he had a good memory, so Skarsneek had to trace the character out and look for the numerous seal that actually fit the bill.

Yurine was already ahead of him as she placed another seal on Hinami, stating that it would put her in a docile state.

Skarsneek shrugged and only tightened his hold gently around his sister-in-law should anything happen.

“Hinami, you okay?” Skarsneek gently asked after Yurine stuck the piece of seal on her.

—

Gringor of the Ironhide Tribe

Gringor gave a thoughtful as he heard about this chi shield requirements.

“Can’t do peaceful but can do calm. Like hunting.” He waved his hand, besides, those Dragon Warriors used it in battle. So it was possible to be used in battle, that alone was enough to make it worth learning.
Though when he heard the other requirement, he furrowed his brows. That would explain why Yurine got the drop on them.

But at the same time, did it mean he could’ve just grappled them down to the ground the moment they used those shields?

Something to do later.

“A moment or instant is enough, can use to block or become hard when enemy charge.” Undeterred, Gringor said as he figured out different ways to use it offensively.

“So, what I need to do?” He open his arms wide, wondering how this works.

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

A broken record, but I'll need more time.

This entire month is rough, between getting a new position, guiding new guys, and getting my ass kicked by my boss, I really am just not in the mood to write until Monday or so.

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

@PaulHaynek@AzureKnight

Skarsneek of the Red Hill

Letting Hinami rest as he gingerly put her onto a bed inside a grain storage, he sat close by even as he relieved some of her stress by using a wet cloth and a small basin to wipe her face.

It felt familiar, taking care of another younger sibling when they fall sick. Though Hinami’s case was more severe and life-threatening to others.

Idly, he wondered if there was anything that could be done. Undead usually was more docile and Hinami certainly wasn’t the lower-ranked variety. That she could talk, interact and retain much of her personality was enough to be counted to be a noble undead.

It being the consequences of a curse or ritual gone wrong, was sobering.

While sitting, nearly silent footsteps caught his attention and his hands went to the clubs immediately as he looked who was approaching.

“Oh, granny, what’s up?” He said and relaxed when the presence revealed itself to be Yurine.

Hearing that she plans to do the spell that’ll help calm her down or do whatever it’s supposed to do had him tense, but he supposed it was better to just get it done.

“I think we should probably wait until her sister gets back first, unless you need it done now...” Skarsneek said, it didn’t felt correct to do this without Atsuha but if it was time sensitive, then he’ll have to trust Yurine on this.

Though on being questioned of what to do to calm her down, Skarsneek looked back to Atsuha and Hinami before coming to a conclusion.

Raising Hinami, and being aided a little with his knee. He placed her in an embrace from the back and had her head rested against his stomach.

It was a bit different from how Atsuha does it, but she didn’t have legs anymore while he had.

“Right, this should do it.” Skarsneek said, though his position also meant he can easily change to a sleeper hold if Hinami decides to go wild again.

—

Gringor of the Ironhide Tribe

Gringor shrugged when Nobutada jested he has joined Varjan army with the new armor. “Make it too easy, no fun.”

The point of a fight was to be hard, an easy fight wasn’t worth it in his opinion.

“Fought Shizuka, and…didn’t win.” Gringor waved his hands as he focused the so-called chi or spirit energy as they’re called by the shamans. The thing desired by all mamono, something he generates and is special.

He didn’t see anything different between the demonic energy or spirit energy, since they’re essentially the same. Different, but same.

Pushing that aside, Gringor focused on what he can do with it instead as he focused it to his fist. It gathered there, made his hits stronger.

But that’s about it.

“Had arm bitten, not strong, not tough enough.” He said, recalling the sensation of teeth sinking into his flesh and bone.

It angered him as he grimaced darkly.

“So was thinking about spirit.” He then turned to Nobutada. “Seen those robe bois, dragon something. Dress little but when hit, axe bounced back.”

“Gravekeeper said it was technique, but it reminds me more of you. And you’re tougher.” Gringor then got to the heart of the matter.

“Can teach, how to make me tough? So I can make axe and armor tougher too.” He grinned, one that he hadn't done so for a while.

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

KUROZUMI HAKU

Morning shone through the small gaps of a wooden window before it opened, revealing the inhabitant as they greet the sunny day with sun standing at its apex.

Haku, now freshened up as he adjusted his disguise, headed downwards.

Last night showed nothing, it was deadly quiet and not even any signs of night activities.

Disappointing but hardly unexpected, it’ll take more than that to find out signs of crimes.

Still, he had a job to do.

“Good morning! Thanks for hosting me.” Haku said as he greeted the bartender and placed the money for the overnight stay. “Here, and a little extra.”

“Pleasure doing business, you going back?” The Bartender accepted the money with a pleased smile.

“Not yet, I’m off for a while and I wanna see the place for a bit.” Haku nodded as he stepped outside.

“You can take a gander at our beaches, there’s some beautiful sights there!”

“Will do!”

With that, Haku left the area and looked around the village.

Unlike last night, it was bustling and more people were seen as they moved around to make meets end, plying their trade or rarely, just stopping by for a rest before moving on.

The afternoon market of fresh fish and bounty of the sea, usually on full display by proud fisherman, was sparse. Prices was much higher too and even those sold was often chopped to pieces of fillet instead of a whole fish.

Not a great sign for the village, especially if it’s how they make their livelihood. There was some farms here, alongside livestock but those weren’t enough to provide enough for a whole island.

A perfect moment for people to take advantage of such a problem by selling food at a higher price, alongside other necessities.

But still, Haku mused that it left little signs of who would deal with it. Especially now if everyone is hoarding their supplies to be sold slowly.

Looking around the market for a moment and slowly left to the outer ranges, the one thing that didn’t seem in short supply was the coconuts at least. Large mounds of it stacked, as it was served fresh or being processed in other forms.

It was a novel fruit, so much uses and being so tasty. He had never seen a coconut tree and fruit until he left Wano but if he could, he’ll plant them by the dozens at every shore of Wano so people can taste this wondrous thing.

A small part of his mind however, didn’t deny that it was also possible for the people of Wano to outright reject the fruit simply because it wasn’t a local fruit.

Pushing that aside, he wandered around the beaches. Taking a moment to think and explore Gosa Village completely since he had only seen it at night.

Haku looked at the horizon, a quiet moment for himself with nothing in his ears aside from the noises of seagulls, waves, and wind.

A moment flashed as he recalled a lone grave, unmarked and unnamed, all so to protect its sanctity from being defiled due to its association.

Haku halted in their steps as he counted mentally how long has it been.

Too long.

He settled to one last thought before he continued his stride, she’ll certainly love this place.

—

Walking back to the pier, Haku had already made a round and scouted out a few places that he hadn’t been aware. The beaches was much shallower at the east, and at certain low tides, he could actually walked to another smaller connected island.

One that he had taken a look at, not that he needed the path but it was another thing to note.

Activity had slowed, with the sun now beating harshly down as most people wore hats to continue working or taken to resting under shades.

Moving right along, he’ll soon had to change to another cover or take to hiding. His identity can only last so long and people will grow suspicious soon.

However, he got the gist of the place and information to dig for more. He just need to look for a good disguise and story to-

Wait. He stopped in his steps as he glanced to the side as a new ship was currently berthed to the port. It was unmarked and unremarkable with all the trappings of a merchant ship.

The crew also had a bevy of clothes and hats that covered their faces as they unloaded their cargoes but it wasn’t too unusual as most of the other sailors was doing the same.

No, why he stopped was that he recognized all of them.

They’re marines from the 77th base.

Haku forced himself to quickly moved before he was spotted and disappeared from sight, once he was in a darkened alley, he moved at a much faster speed and double around to get as close as possible.

From there, he observed the disguised marines. With only four large wooden crates unloaded and packed for transportation in a wagon, what he assumed was the captain of the ship quickly shook hands with the transporter and headed back to the ship alongside the crew.

A storm of debate flew in his mind, who to chase after?

That passed quickly as he followed the mission parameters. Find the dealer, they’ll deal with the Marines in due time.

Cadog however was not going to be happy with this. Barely a day and they’re already moving things out? The base captain was a lot bolder than he gave credit for.

Then again, it was the best time. Cadog was no doubt on patrol, and they just resupplied with a few days of relaxation on top of it. There was no better chance.

Was that why Cadog gave that off days as well? Haku wondered as his eyes now saw the transporter leaving on the wagon.

He quickly moved, this time, fully utilizing his stealth as he moved into the crowd like they didn’t even exist. All people saw at most was just a passing glimpse at the corner of their eyes, hardly worth remembering.

As the wagon slowly left the village, this was Haku changed his approach quickly by sticking to the foliages and keeping at a distance.

Hidden as the oblivious wagon continued onwards, Haku listed the places the road leads to, there was the farm, the plantations, and dried fish processing plant.

Yet the wagon seems to go to neither of those places. Almost moving leisurely in fact as it made a whole round across the island before coming back.

That’s when Haku saw at a distance where the wagon was going.

It was the Mayor’s residence, a large mansion that probably doubled as an office or shelter in times of crisis..

Nothing too grand compared to other more extravagant mayors he had seen but it had tall wooden fences to mark its territory.

Haku changed as he put his mask on and tied his hair into a bun, ensuring that if he was spotted, no one would put the two disguises together.

During this time, the transporter stopped and opened it before resuming the journey, urging the horse to go in quickly as already, a few other men was waiting for his arrival.

Haku was wary enough and tried to spot any traps or alarms from the open field, the fence and then to the mansion proper.

Luckily, there didn’t seem to be any nor are there dogs. A quick look at the windows showed no one hidden observing as well. Security like this was way too lax and might he even say, completely negligent.

East Blue was really different, such a thing would never fly in the Grandline and Devil seas, but he supposed it was simply how it is.

With that, he quickly blurred and made his way past the open area, past the fence and then stuck close to the mansion walls, moving silently all the way.

Gather evidence, find any documents, and then get out to report this. Haku quietly thought.