New Starts And Fresh Views

[Greil9]

Life had not been kind for the young marine Falkarn Siegrif. Even during his time as a recruit, he was transferred once already due to an attack on the Silver Islands marine base. If that wasn't taking him far enough from his home, as soon as he actually managed to get out of boot camp after basically flunking once, he was transferred to another ocean entirely to continue his service. This distance was enough for him to seriously consider just resigning, but a reminder to himself as to why he had to take this job kept him in the marines for the time being.

At the very least being a private meant a slight degree more freedom. Most of his peers used that time to go have some fun or see their friends and relatives. But considering anyone he knew outside the marines was on another ocean and most fun to him was working on his passion projects, Sieg made sure this was time well spent. At the moment he was using the locker room as a place to try putting together a new weapon prototype. As tempting as doing more theoretical testing was, he needed something more practical to showcase.

Only things in his way now were his own lack of engineering skill, inability to properly test his creation, lack of data to draw from real swordsmen, the sub-par scrap material he had to work with and lack of time necessary for such an undertaking. In short, most things were in his way and this was no easy undertaking. But this wasn't about necessarily succeeding in creating what he had in mind. Just getting something together to show his idea had merit might well have been enough to catch the eye of R&D.

As the first version of the weapons internal engine began to take shape, the chemist took it to his hands to give it the first test. "Alright. Project Scarab, engine, first test. Using immolation round." As he inserted the cylinder to the slow and pulled the bolt handle to push it in, opening the round and releasing the content. At first the result was positive, releasing a small spew of fire from the other end. Though before Sieg could smile for too long, the flame was replaced by a heavy spew of smoke for an item that small. After coughing for a moment, the cloud of smoke dissipated, leaving the marine to note down his findings as he repeated what he wrote in his notebook. "Burning reaction unclean, requires more oxygen. Chamber design difficult to alter, consider changing formula. Also keep this formula stored, potentially useful for intentional smokescreen." The failure hadn't taken any of his enthusiasm towards the project. To Sieg each failure was just a small step towards success. After all, he could immediately tell what was wrong and start thinking how to fix it or improve on it.

However in his interest towards research, he almost failed to realize how much time had passed. Only the sun striking his eyes through a window, something that only happened at the late hours of midday, reminded him of just what time it was. Swiftly taking out his watch, he realized the exact time, exclaiming to himself "Oh crap, we were supposed to have an officer demonstration today at one o'clock sharp!" While not mandatory at this point, Sieg required data from a high-level swordsman to get a better grasp on how to form his weapon and replicate their feats via science. Swiftly sweeping all the materials into his bag, the young marine pulled it to his back hurried outside to maybe just make it to see at least some of it.

[Dandead10]

Well...this was an interesting job. Senshi had finished her ties with Bethany, helped deal with some crime, and had now fully recovered from her wounds on Illusia Island. She was asked after her efforts of training the new marine recruits of this island to demonstrate the skills she’s amassed from her experience. Her training was harsh...but she was able to accomplish a lot in less than a year both with and without her devil fruit. Thankfully, the presentation was just about done much to the misfortune of Siegrif. Having demonstrated some of her techniques, the doors would open right as the scientist would arrive.

“That was an amazing presentation. I hope that I can become as skilled a swordsman as Odayakama-San someday.” Line after line, the soldiers would file out. The doors would remain open as the red haired marine stood on a podium with several bits of destroyed targets. “Why is it that I’m the one who has to clean this mess up?” With a sigh, she would begin to toss the broken down wood into a bin. Oddly enough, for a swordsman, she had no sword on her person. What was evident was the Justice Coat she wore around her cloak. Underneath this cloak was a plain white blouse and a modest black scarf. She was a recently promoted lieutenant and was gaining reputation in the marine corps. She looked no older than 17, and frankly she didn’t look that strong. “Oh uhh...I didn’t notice you there? You need something? Have any questions about the presentation?” Looking to the marine in the audience stand, she shined a small smile. Tossing the last two pieces of target into the bin, she would slowly slide it to the edge of the stage.

Stopping for a moment, she realized that she hadn't been using her etiquette mannerisms. The redheaded teen hadn't asked for his name at all! How rude! Quickly the marine officer would attempt to correct her mistake. If her father were here, he would likely slap her upside the head for her rudeness. "Sorry about that, scratch that. Before anything, mind telling me your name? I wouldn't wanna be calling you soldier this whole time." She would slowly take a seat, allowing her legs to hang off the edge of the stage. Slowly reaching into her jacket, she would take out a small canteen before taking a sip. The redheaded marine was going to hear this fellow out. Maybe he needed help, or was looking for some personal training in the art of the sword. It really didn't matter. As an exemplary marine, she was willing to help any fellow marine no matter what they needed it for.

Perhaps Siegrif knew about her and the devil fruit possessed? Maybe not. She was only becoming popular in the West recently for her recent acts. After all, Siegfried came all the way from another ocean. That was something that the young lady had in common with the scientist.  

[Greil9]

Despite his physical condition still being noticeably below an average marine, Sieg somehow managed to run the entire way to lecture hall despite carrying his backpack all the way there. Metal parts used for the engine were not light either, so his physique had clearly improved significantly from the boy who failed to even finish some physical exercises during the first few months. However his speed still proved inefficient to make it in time, seeing people pour out of the doors just as he arrived to them. Despite knowing it was too late, he tried pushing against the stream of people to maybe catch any glimpse that might add to his research. Alas, all he managed to arrive in time for was witnessing the cleanup of what he assumed to be broken training dummies from between the rows of seats. 

Despite having next to nothing to work with, the young chemist still tried to assemble any crumbs of info left over for his research. Swiftly taking out the notebook in his uniform pocket, he began jotting down anything his mind considered worthwhile. "No sword visible. She do it without one? Heard of such feats, rare but possible. Air pressure perhaps? Dummies in fine-cut pieces, little splintering. Properties of blade? The method? Needs consideration. Consider hardiness of wood, pressure needed..." While he couldn't even begin to think about any of the mechanics behind the leftovers of the feats, dissecting the questions themselves was nothing new to Sieg as he took apart every facet to gain info about later. How he'd actually get any of it or apply it, assuming he could apply any part of it to a degree of being useful to his project, would be another matter entirely.

Once again focusing entirely on his research, he managed to shut himself away from the outside world. Only the officer giving a presentation calling for him managed to snap him out of the research boom he was having. Tossing his hand to salute as swiftly as possible, he stammered out "Sir, Seaman Apprentice Falkarn at your service. I... I was simply tardy for the presentation sir. Won't happen again." His nervousness wasn't just about showing his worse qualities to a superior officer. Mostly it was the fact that said officer was around his age, yet already wore the coat of justice. The readhead seemed to have climbed the ranks in the time it took for him to simply make it into the marines proper, so there was the feeling of inferiority in addition to considering someone his age a superior.

[Dandead10]

Now this man here...was a thinker. The powerful marine smiled brightly as the man introduced himself as seaman apprentice Falkarn. Slowly taking the black cap of her shining silver canteen, the young woman tucked it neatly into her coat. “So you missed the presentation huh? Nothing to apologize over. Lieutenant Odayakama Senshi at your service. Although feel free to call me Odayakama or Crimson.” She slouched as the soft edges of the justice coat hung from her posture. Observing all of what the marine was writing about, her cerulean eyes looked interested. However, reaching her hand out in a moment, she grasped the notepad before tossing it behind her left shoulder in a fluid motion. “Enough of that. I’m guessing you’re here to see the sword tricks I had and to analyze them am I right?” She might have been a teenager, but her eyes were analyzing him like an experienced superior. Those orbs were glaring into and reading his soul by the looks of it, but yet mouth was curled upward into a bright grin.

Placing her hands onto the recently cleaned and waxed floor, the woman spoke in a very quiet voice. “I’ll show you what I can do. Although look closely. Because if you blink, you might miss it.” Holding her right hand out, a black like liquid would begin to spray from her hand...almost like a faucet as the thick like spray would drip onto the floor and move across the wood. It crawled almost as if alive, travelling five feet and clumping into some sort of mass ahead of Falker. It would clearly be visible right in the middle of the stage. The mass would rise taller and taller before suddenly thinning out surprisingly. Soon enough, he would perhaps notice the human characteristics that were forming as the flow stopped from her palm. Ahead was now a dummy replica of an individual holding a rifle in its hands and pointed straight at Senshi. It was a statue and a basic one at that. Clenching her left hand, another gout of black liquid as a blade standing roughly three feet tall with a slight curve was evident. The sword guard and blade were all black as night. In the spotlight, it shined in a beautiful radiance.

Turning to Falker, her pearly whites were exposed in a bright grin as she wanted to see the look of excitement, shock, and anticipation on his face if any. Before he would go blabbing though, the mysterious red head spoke. “I am a devil fruit eater who ate the Nama Nama no Mi. (Lead Lead Fruit) As a result, I have gained the ability to create and control an indefinite amount of lead and manipulate all of its properties. Currently at this state, this sword is capable of slashing stone with ease...and denting iron. Just letting you know the quality of the blade. Any questions before I show you a thing or two? You seem to be one of the curious types.” The lead Katana was heavy...weighing around 40 pounds at the moment. However, Senshi seemed to hold it as if it was light as paper. That would say a little something. She had simply made it incredibly thin and condensed into a small sword. Trivial with such fine tune manipulation with her Nama Nama no Mi. 

She was a power class swordman. Her blades were heavy and had increased density to increase mass. Along with her own strength in tandem with the powerful durability of these blades, they were strong weapons. It made her a powerful swordsman as well. So far, the katana seemed very standard...although she supposed she could make it intricate if she so wished. Lead is known to be associated to be extremely brittle, but as he may have noticed, the lead seems to be very smooth almost as if black iron or steel. She had modeled it nicely after such intimate practices with this power she called her own. The dummy in front of him was a soldier of darkness and armed with a gun of matching design. It likely weighed much more than the sword she weighed. Of course, further analysis would be necessary for Falker if he wanted too the secrets to the intricacies Senshi presented. If he wanted to analyze, she had no such problems indulging that request.

[Greil9]

Thankfully the officer didn't seem too angry about the private being late, allowing his posture to lower a tiny bit. Though that presumption seemed to take a severe blow when the lieutenant grabbed his notebook and threw it away. Immediately Sieg forgot the situation and ran after his research, shouting "My notebook!" As it contained everything solid about the project Scarab and a ton of notes from before he ever joined the marines, the young private scrambled after his notebook as swiftly as he could. thankfully there was nothing but the stand behind Odayakama, so the book itself was untouched save for some dust. After swiftly swiping off any dirt, he pocketed the book as soon as possible to avoid any repeats of this event. "Lieutenant, with all due respect this notebook is important to me so I'd like you to treat it with care. It contains all my research data and development notes on something special." 

As he had been crouching to grab his notebook, Sieg had completely failed to notice how a human-sized statue, made of black substance he couldn't immediately recognize by sight, had appeared between him and the officer. The answer soon became apparent as the same black substance, which he could roughly approximate to lead, soon dripped out of the lieutenants hands before forming into a sword. Immediately question about how this was accomplished filled his mind, trying to grasp any thread of logic to this. "How is she doing that? Lead volume too great, no visible container, poisonous anyway, larger volume than body mass. Compression technology? Substance not lead? Possibly useful for research-" Before he could get too far in theorizing, the lieutenant kindly enough explained the whole deal to Sieg. Startled by the revelation that a seemingly magical fruit he had only heard legends about was real, he took a quick step backwards. However in the very next second his mind began to burst at seams with questions on the scientific explanations behind it all. 

In a rapid succession, the young chemist began asking one question after another as he pulled out his notebook and began writing down every angle of inquiry, not even waiting for an answer for each one before blurting out the next one. "Does the production of lead require energy or material to convert within your body? How large a portion of lead does the substance require for you to control like that? Do you decrease the density to be able to wield a heavy material like lead? How do you achieve a liquid state without achieving the melting point of lead? Are you able to mix the lead with other substances to create materials such as lead oxide? Are you rendered immune to lead poisoning, a known and severe health risk among smelting and mining industries. Has you biology been-" The questions kept coming and coming, though seemingly forgetting entirely about the original reason Sieg came for the showing in the first place: learning about swordsmanship for research on his project.

[Dandead10]

The sudden massing of questions made the redhead made her smile brightly at the awe. All of the people she’s talked too in the blues seemed too shocked when she explained that the devil fruit powers were certainly more than a myth. Waiting until the end of the man’s tirade of questions, the lieutenant couldn’t help but burst into a laughter that was in no means disrespectful, but yet it was. It was light, melodic, and was yet to intricately gentle in its delivery. “One step at a time. Let’s start with some of the questions I know for sure I can answer for you. Is that alright?” Awaiting a response, the teen leader took the initiative to count off questions with her fingers in an attempt to recollect everything.

“First of all, I can create an indefinite amount of lead as mentioned before and it takes no energy or substance to do so. If anything, all it takes is a little bit of concentration here and there. Second, I did decrease the density of lead at first. However, I’ve grown so strong that I can feasibly lift several hundred pounds of lead without much impedement. As a result, I typically compress the lead down. This sword here weighs around forty some pounds. As for the melting point, not too sure really. I always supposed it comes out from my pores much like sweat and then hardens. Third, the lead poisoning aspect, not only am I completely immune to it, but I can cure as well as remove symptoms of lead poisoning from other people. My lead seems to be incredibly toxic as well. When ingested, depending on quantities, it gives the symptoms of lead poisoning but acts like a rapid poison.” This marine sure did like to ask a lot of questions. Anyways, she was sure he wasn't asking all of this for no reason. Based on the types of questions he was asking and the manner he was writing all these notes, she assumed he was not a fighter but a man of knowledge/science. If she could help him by sharing some of her knowledge, then that was fantastic. It was all for the benefit of the marine corps right? Her cerulean eyes lazily looked at the man's expressions as the small grin on her face was ever present. 

That was a mouthful. Anywho, she decided to address the matter of the swordstyle techniques. “Now, while I know that you must be awfully excited, I believe that you haven’t come to know about my Akuma no Mi. Were you not here to learn more about my swordsmanship?” Stretching her toned arms, she rolled them backwards in a circular motion before turning to the marine known at the moment as Falker. “So, make it clear to me what exactly it is that you’re looking to learn at the moment. Or rather, what you’re hoping to analyze.” She was surprisingly patient lately. Hmm, must be in a good mood. Maybe she should try to relax more often. Perhaps all this work and hard built issues were taking a toll on her. Whatever the case, Senshi was enjoying herself right now. On this stage, she had the spotlight. On this stage, she had his utmost attention. 

[Greil9]

With each sentence the lieutenant finished, the young marine wrote down both the answer given and one or two more questions each one raised. Problem with devil fruits was that they seemed to ignore most fundamental laws of physics, meaning his preconceptions of several factors had to be thrown out. However Senshi was the one to keep the two on track, reminding Sieg what he actually came to do. "Right, my apologies sir. Sometimes my curiosity gets the better of me. My actual goal was to observe the swordplay here, try and see the motions and what muscles one uses for the motions."

While the boy usually put on a rather timid expression, it seemed to always disappear whenever talking about his work. His passion was one thing that overpowered his fears and anxieties. Thought it also overpowered any social conduct, situational awareness and few others things he probably shouldn't start ignoring on a regular basis. Going through his notes for project Scarab, he traced few lines with his pen as he began explaining his purpose for attending the display. "While I can't say for certain without some further research if it's possible, my plan is to acquire as much data as possible from people who are experts with swords. The exact motions, the amount of force behind them, conditions of the environment, the muscles used and such. My hope is to try and replicate those feats via a technological system that would compensate for lack of physique and allow at least partial proficiency with fraction of normal training, therefore elevating the baseline abilities of a common private. For example I've come to understand some people are capable of striking a sword in a manner that allows them to cut a target several meters away. Perhaps using a structure that allows what I presume to be air pressure to form more easily and a pushing force caused through a small explosive reaction." 

While every part of his explanation was always clear to himself, the boy had noticed he often left other people out of the loop with the more scientific explanations. The short version in the way most people would understand followed almost as a reflex, stating "So in short, my goal is to study moves of a swordsman to attempt translating them into a weapon that could replicate those feats with minimal training required."

As soon as the technical part of his explanation was over, the chemists more nervous side rose to the surface and his confidence in actually managing to complete this task was shown to be less than what it could be. "Though I'm pretty sure copying that kind of feats of precision and strength aren't going to be any easier to translate to technology than by learning them through muscle memory. In fact, I'm pretty sure it'll be harder. I'm also not an expert on a few fields required for that precision in replication so... guess I got my work cut out for me." While dedicated to the task, Sieg was still a realist who wouldn't make the presumption passion alone would somehow overcome this task. However this outlook also meant he'd not have started the project at all if he didn't have a worthwhile chance of succeeding eventually. Presuming he'd actually be able to gain the data he was seeking.

[Dandead10]

Listening to the onslaught of dialogue from the seaman recruit in front of her Odayakama Senshi just seemed very neutral, perhaps a bit numb about all of the technical talk, though she at least tried to remain respectful by hearing it all out. So he was looking to mimic and or replicate the skills of a trained swordsman through technology alone. That was definitely an interesting goal, but Senshi didn’t know if it was really as beneficial as the seaman was thinking it would be. It was true that individuals would be able to use swordsmen techniques even if they weren’t skilled physically or mentally for such things. However, that didn’t mean they had the skill of an actual swordsman of such grand calibur, nor the skills needed to wield the powers of a swordsman correctly. The thing that the seaman was looking to replicate right now was what was known as the flying slash.

“Ahem...well, I can show you, but that is about all I can do. As you may be able to guess, as a lieutenant, I’m rather spread thin on my time, especially considering you’ve appeared late for the presentation. So, as a result, I’ll only be able to show you so much. I’ll show you some things now and keep your questions to a minimum and ask only the most important to your research.” Standing far enough back, the farthest back on the stage, the redhead marine widened her stance, the lead blade held firmly in both hands as she took a deep breath inwards. A flying slash at her level wasn’t so difficult, she could pull it off fair enough. Concentrate on the force, the exertion, cutting the lead dummy before her. Raising the blade upwards, she froze for a moment, and swung downward in one fluid motion with her maximum speed and strength.

There was a resounding shock for a moment, a whir noise before the aftershock delivered a crescent of wind, flying through the air before clashing, colliding with the metal body of the lead soldier. It was incredibly dense, that may have been so, but the quality and durability was beyond the possibility of what normal lead would have to offer. So, within the three seconds of clashing, the wind dispersed leaving a large but relatively shallow slice vertically from the statue’s body. ‘IItoryuu:Surrashufu’ Lowering her blade, she turned to Siegriff before deciding to explain. “The flying slash you’re talking about isn’t about some sort of precise timing or method of movement. It’s pure power and speed given into a swing so that it pushes the wind with it, creating a slice that can be made from a range. At least, that’s what mine is. Take notes, you’re going to need them.” To be strong, a warrior for justice, a girl looking to improve herself all the time should know everything about her current skill set. It was something of course she was heavily invested in, so who else know better how her power functions? 

[Greil9]

Knowing full well it was entirely his own fault being so late, the young seaman focused his gaze on the slash to come. He'd need to at least understand the principle of the technique. He'd need to absorb as much information from the single swing before his eyes. "Approximate speed, estimated weight, combine to get the force of...  also angle of the blades arc, consider length of blade, shape for aerodynamic purposes." With the event still clear in his mind, Sieg was writing furiously to consider all aspects he could use for the research. His pen was moving faster than most could scribble gibberish, yet he kept this up while writing the complex notes of this feat. He was never strong, agile, hardy or anything else that would allow him to shine in the marines. Two thing of any use for such cause were that he could observe and analyze. "Did I just hear some crackle or was it just me? But that would mean the blades speed would need to be at least... 343 meters per second!? Is that even human? From what I've seen, the best of my unit can do around 40 meters per second at best, meaning hers is around 8,5 times faster. Didn't think even the most trained swordsmen would go beyond 120 meters per second... no, I'll make a note but it's entirely possible I was wrong." 

Not only the numbers running through his head, but also the visible dent left on a lead statue from nothing but pressurized air from medium distance left the chemist speechless. The feat always seemed superhuman, like something sailors tell tall tales about. But here it was, right in front of him as an observable fact. Now he just had to understand the physics behind it to replicate the feat artificially. As difficult as that may have seemed, but then again so might have most feats of modern science in years past. 

After inspecting the statue to ascertain the depth of the cut, Sieg considered the data he could get to be enough, especially considering he was only working with rough estimates for the time being. He could hardly bother the officer by asking to get exact measures on all the factors. Finishing the last of his three full pages of notes, he replied "Sir, I think I could get some estimates to work on for initial calculations of something like that. Might not be good to start with it though, considering this would take me... not really sure, months? Might go into years considering my resources are, well... limited to put it nicely." Though despite the daunting nature of the task, the young scientists mind was already working on five different concepts. Most likely none of them valid for actual use, but he found the best way was to try all angles and see what did and didn't work for future reference. Even if this particular project fell through, some parts could be salvaged for different projects. Dead-end research was just not something he considered to exist. "Thank you for the aid, even this much allows me to work on something. I'll be sure to come earlier next time and see more continuous swordplay. Just putting in some moves like that would be useless if I can't make a sword that supports the wielder in regular combat."