A Tale of Two Marines [Plot/dandead10]

[tried]

At first the day started out like any other; shipbuilding on Marine Base B-4. Seaman Recruit Taavi Jones hard at work as always, yet trying to not put his fellow Marines to shame. After all, he had been a shipbuilder long than anyone else considering his background as a shipbuilder in his father's small business. Putting the rest of the Marines to shape wouldn't garner much anyway considering Taavi is already teased for working harder than everyone else in his brigade.

Anyway, the day started out as usual but then took a turn. For better or for worse was yet to be seen. Taavi was called up by his Lieutenant and ordered around. Same as usual, to be honest. However, the final order consisted of something out of the ordinary; brigade reassignment.

"Seaman Recruit Jones! You are to head over to meet your new brigade and its officer, Ensign Senshi Odayakama! Whether this is a temporary reassignment or not is up in the air at this point! Regardless, hop to it! Dismissed!"

Taavi didn't think twice about his given orders. Things like this do happen every now and again but not normally to shipbuilding brigades. Much more unusual was the inclusion of Taavi, a bit of a weakling, into this newly formed brigade of unknown purpose. If this new brigade involved more shipbuilding, why reassign Taavi at all? Regardless, Taavi just followed orders like a good little Marine and headed for the new brigade's meeting location.

Upon arrival, he noticed a few other stragglers coming in, forming a formation, and facing the newly docked ship. From what Taavi could tell from a glance, he deduced only the officer was missing. He's probably on the ship that just docked. Are we getting on the ship or is the officer coming to meet us off the ship? With no time left to dawdle, Taavi upped his pace and eventually stood in formation with everyone else. His rifle was slung over his right shoulder with his saber on his left hip, just like everyone else in the new brigade.

[Dandead10]

Odayakama Senshi, the newly promoted Ensign had been ordered by her lieutenant to take charge of a platoon and a medium vessel for a new assignment. It wasn't something she had done much before, and it was most certainly rather something she was nervous about. She was glad to have the honor of leading men and woman of the world government through their assignment, but she wondered how they would react to her. Senshi upon finally having reached the Ensign rank, was able to wear the justice coat on her frame. She had been wearing a white dress which reached her knees as well as long navy blue socks followed by shiny black boots. Her red hair blew in the wind as she stood upon the deck awaiting to reach the land. Within a short five minutes, the ship had been parked with her platoon below her of sixty men. She took a deep breath as she planned to greet her new crew. She was only seventeen, and so far was one of the youngest Ensigns as of yet. She was promoted for her heroic acts as well as her skills. Hopefully, her skill to lead were just as sharp as her skills in battle. Odayakama Senshi had quickly taken a final look at herself to make sure she looked representable before beginning to walk down the ramp followed by several marine soldiers looking similar to the ones below with their standard uniforms and weapons at their sides.

She had long flowing crimson hair as well as a flawless complexion. She appeared to be rather charming as her dress had showed her curves rather well with her CC bust outline visible to the onlookers. The Ensign had cerulean blue eyes as she stepped down with a somewhat neutral look on her face. Step after step, until she had stopped at the base of the dock. Immediately, she had saluted with her left hand before lowering it down to her waist. “Konichiwa. My name is Odayakama Senshi and I am the Ensign who will be leading some of the marines of B4 for the time being. I have been assigned to take a platoon of troops to investigate a rebel uprising within the Illusia forestry. We will be taking a second ship with reinforcements to assist us in case of an emergency. We will be sailing off within the hour, so prepare for departure. In the meantime, may I request a meeting between Seaman Recruit Taavi Jones within my office?” Assuming the marine had been located, the crimson head would wave her hand to the ship as she would soon be within her office. Odayakama Senshi sat in her chair with a small smile gracing her lips as she looked to the seaman recruit sitting across from her. “I am sure you are curious on why you have been ordered here. All I have to say is, you don't have to worry. You are not in trouble. I called for you mostly because I heard that you are a Devil Fruit eater and so I was fascinated. I’ve never met a fruit eater other than myself before so I wanted to have a light spar with you to see how good you are. Depending on if you impress me, I’ll slip in some word to the higher ups and get you promoted a bit. May I ask what fruit you ate?”

Senshi had looked at him curiously as she was wondering how he would react. She was essentially offering him a promotion in exchange for a light spar with her. They would most certainly be getting involved in some combat in the future as the rebel forces had a homefront advantage as well as rumors of some sort of powerful weaponry. The young woman had left for some harsh training in the Rokushiki techniques, and had been meaning to use them in combat to see how she was doing with those. Maybe Taavi could help her exercise those and maybe try out some new things with her fruit if she felt like it. She was excited to meet a new face to say the least. Reaching down, she pulled out a bottle of apple cider as well as two glasses. “Care for a drink? It’s apple cider.”

SPOILER: Click to show

I just wanted to say I reached the benchmark for the EXP needed for Rokushiki but hadn't applied for them yet. I'd like this thread treated as if she had already applied for it if that is at all possible. Thank you.

[tried]

It seemed as though the officer of Taavi's new brigade was coming off the ship rather than the brigade coming onto the ship. However, an unexpected figure made herself present; a female Marine. A female is quite rare among the ranks of the World Navy, or at least within the influence of Marine Base B-4. Having not only a female in Taavi's new brigade, but female officer at that truly surprised the blonde haired young man. Fortunately, Taavi wasn't the only Marine surprised, especially considering the apparent age of the officer in question. Taavi could hear whispers questioning the age of their officer. Not out of disrespect, but out of amazement. Someone so young looking in charge of her own platoon.

However, the whispers were cut short when the female officer, Ensign Odayakama Senshi, gave her first orders to her new platoon. Me!? What did I do wrong on the first day!? Wait, calm down Taavi. Just breathe and act natural. Logically this must be about my Devil Fruit powers. As far as I know, I'm the only Devil Fruit user in B-4 so she must be curious...and well informed. Taavi was again surprised by his new officer, but this time about the orders given specifically to Taavi himself. Having called him out, Taavi was given stares and glares by his fellow platoon members after Ensign Odayakama left for her officer.

Taavi ignored the eyes of his fellow Marines, but overheard some envious whispers. They seemed to be jealous of Taavi for some reason. Taavi didn't understand the jealousy, but he may soon find out why.

---

Now within the office of his new officer, Ensign Odayakama, Taavi stood at attention and awaited further instruction. However, Taavi was met with quite the request by his superiors officer; a spar to test out Taavi's potential, more or less. As Taavi surmised earlier, Ensign Odayakama wanted to gain knowledge of Taavi's Devil Fruit powers, but in an unexpected way. This sounded like special treatment to Taavi, something he wasn't too fond of at the moment. Granted, Seaman Recruit Jones was nervous nonetheless.

"Sp-sp-sp-spar with my new off-off-officer!?" Taavi shook in fear more so than he shook in excitement, sweating profusely, too. Getting a promotion would be great if he could impress his new officer without getting beaten to a pulp, but Taavi didn't want special treatment just for being a Devil Fruit user. In order to shake off his nervous behavior, Taavi coughed a few times and tried to speak again, "I-I-I- *cough cough* Erhm, I'm afraid I'll have to decline the spar, ma'am! I ate the Nail-Nail Fruit and became a Nailing Human capable of nailing things together like a hammer! However, I would rather prove myself out in the field, ma'am!"

Taavi didn't mention the phrase special treatment in order to keep on the good side of his new officer. The blonde, male Marine didn't know the personality of his new officer and therefore attempted to be as polite as possible while also declining a generous offer. Unfortunately, if Ensign Odayakama felt like ordering Taavi to spar her, then Seaman Recruit Taavi would have no other choice but to spar his new officer as best he could.

[Dandead10]

The whispers from the marines gathered around her were not unknown as she expected them. She was a marine Ensign at the ripe age of 17. She had heard the surprised voices of others not just because of her age, but her gender. “She's an Ensign and she's only 17? Amazing. Unheard of.” The young marine had decided enough was enough before she had announced her orders to the marines around her. She had addressed the particular marine of her interest Taavi Jones. He was not very difficult to find as she soon saw that most every marine was staring and glaring at the fellow for some odd reason. He stood out as he seemed to look uneasy and was a nervous wreck for a second. As she was followed, the seaman recruit and the Ensign soon found themselves within an office for them to talk in. It was there she had offered a spar and a possible easy promotion depending on how he performed. It seemed Taavi didn't seem too comfortable with it as he suddenly began to sweat and shake from her offer. She put the bottle of cider on the table as she looked at him with concern. “Daiboshka? You seem to be going through cold sweat there.”

It was then that he seemed to recognize what just happened and he stuttered in shock. The fellow said that he would like to deny the training spar with Senshi, but it seemed that he in fact did eat a Devil Fruit. The Kugi Kugi no Mi was the fruit that the man in front of her consumed. Now Senshi was just even more curious on what his fruit power could do. He mentioned that he could nail anything together like a hammer, but how he did it was her curiosity. He would rather get promoted from fighting in the field than from her offer. Senshi completely understood what he meant. He wanted to get promoted for doing heroic deeds on the battlefield rather than just getting promoted for having a power that nobody else did. Therefore, Senshi had spoke to the fellow with a small smile on her face. It seemed that her subordinate hadn't noticed Senshi implied that she herself had a Devil Fruit.

“I completely understand where you are coming from. If you don't want a promotion for having a spar with me, that's fine. However, you will be sparring with me regardless if you want the promotion or not. I am just far too curious on your abilities to pass up this opportunity. You know, I too ate a Devil Fruit. So...I wonder if your ability is as crazy as mine.” The Ensign had stuck her finger on top of the cork of the bottle of cider before somehow spinning it and popping the cork off. She had then placed the cork on the table before pouring herself and Taavi a drink. “Allow me to share the name of my fruit since you shared yours. I ate the Nama Nama no Mi and became a lead human capable of creating and manipulating lead and its properties. However, yours seems much more interesting.” She had sipped her bubbling drink before slowly drinking it all down. “Well, let us get to the field. We’ll use the training field near the base. I want you to go all out at me.”

She would open her door before taking a deep breath of the salty air of the docks. She would then await Taavi to appear from the room before turning and suddenly wrapping her arm around his body. “Geppo.” She had suddenly leapt whilst carrying the blonde before kicking off of the air beginning to float. She had then began to kick off towards the solid land before landing safely with her new found friend. She didn't have too great control over this newly learned skill, so she made sure not to get too over the top with it. “Let's go Ricky Ticky Taavi. Mmhm...nice nickname for you. We've got training to do.” Thus would begin their travel to the training field.

[tried]

Dammit. Taavi's new officer turned out to be stubborn. As the saying goes, curiosity killed the cat. In this case, Taavi was taking the kill for the cat. Then again, Ensign Odayakama would likely not kill Taavi in a simple sparring match. That would be inhumane, to say the least. Curiosity may not kill Taavi in this case, but perhaps curiosity would leave a few scars.

Taavi could only solute and comply with his officer's curiosity, "Y-yes, ma'am!" Now thinking about his words...should he say ma'am or sir? He institutionally said ma'am due to the apparent gender of Ensign Odayakama, but what that correct? Unfortunately, that would be the least of Taavi's worries as he was grabbed tightly by Ensign Odayakama. Taavi blushed for a split second until he was hoisted out of the office through the window. The Seaman Recruit dangled in the wind as Ensign Odayakama used one of the legendary Rokushiki techniques, Geppou, to soften the landing. Taavi was terrified and sick from the sudden experience. He looked like he was on the verge of spilling the contents of his stomach but quickly noticed his new platoon buddies staring from a distance.

Oh no. They see me. I better look tough.

Taavi quickly got up from his knees and attempted to catch his bearings. If he didn't look tough like a normal Marine, then he would end up being ridiculed by his new platoon. The first day was for making friends, not ridicule. Thankfully, the platoon of 59 men were more distracted by the impressiveness of their new officer, Ensign Odayakama; she was able to make a soft landing while carrying a fully grown, adult, male Marine. The group of awing Marine men curiously shuffled behind Taavi and Ensign Odayakama while staying in a loose formation. They didn't want to incur the wrath of such a fiercely radiant officer on the first day.

If I don't do well in this sparring match...I'll never live this down...Ricky Ticky Taavi indeed...

While marching behind his officer towards the training grounds of Marine Base B-4, Taavi thought about the information he knew of his future opponent; Ensign Odayakama knew at least one Rokushiki technique and also had the power of the Lead-Lead Fruit. According to the Ensign, her Devil Fruit granted the power to create and manipulate lead and its properties. She didn't seem to have any weapons on her person, but her Devil Fruit powers would likely allow her to create her own weapons with ease considering she produces a metal substance. Taavi shivered at the presented information at his disposal. What can I possibly do against such a versatile individual!? I probably won't even be able to get close enough to use MY Devil Fruit powers! Taavi's unusual negativity was quite palpable at this point. Normally Taavi would try to be rational and calm, but this was a very special situation, to say the least.

[Dandead10]

As the marine had essentially ordered her subordinate to spar with her, he looked especially nervous. Maybe it was because she was of superior rank, and he felt that if she were to be angered there would be consequences? Or perhaps it was because he felt that it was because she was so overpowering in terms of strength, she would punish him. She really didn't know, but that wasn't what mattered the most right now. As she grabbed her fellow marine, he seemed to blush before they would essentially fly through the air in one hop. She hadn't mastered Geppou, and still needed some practice to land safely. However, she was getting better each passing day. She landed as carefully as possible to see her inexperienced officer friend looked like he was going to heave. Perhaps she shouldn't have offered him the apple cider. However, she didn't even notice her fellow marines at the time being until they walked up close with small gawks on their faces. Some of them had been familiar or at least knew of what the power of the Rokushiki was. She had used one of the methods of transportation, Geppou. As they followed behind the group, Senshi had soon approached the training grounds with several marines. Some of them were within their platoon, but a good number of them were not. "You seem to be quite the nervous fellow Jones-San. As a result, I think I'll even the odds a little bit. That rifle on your back. I'll let you shoot me anywhere with it. One free shot, anywhere you want." She was smiling brightly as she readjusted the justice coat on her back. Surely, this wouldn't be an offer he could refuse. However, just in case...Senshi would make it clear. "Let me rephrase. Seaman Recruit Taavi Jones. I order you to take that rifle off of your back and shoot me with it."

Odayakama Senshi knew that the standard marine bullets were made from lead, and were very inaccurate most of the time...but she knew how to incorporate that knowledge into her fighting style. Senshi had opened her arms wide as she smiled brightly to her marine audience gathered for her spar to witness it. Senshi wanted to make sure Taavi was committed to the spar and wouldn't hesitate to follow her orders. She stood as still as possible as she looked to the blonde marine in front of her to see if she would comply. She had then awaited the bullet to fly from the barrel towards her. Then, the marine would see quite the surprise. Upon contact with her body, the lead bullet would suddenly turn into a liquid and had splattered all over her body. She stood there as the liquid would then suddenly sink under her layer of clothes and would then sink into her skin. "Oh? Did you shoot? I think you weren't shooting enough. I'm just joking with you! However, at least I know your committed to sparring with me now Taavi Jones. I want you to come at me with everything you've got! Either that, or else I will come at you first."

The lead marine had just giggled cutely with her small dainty hands at her cheeks. It was quite a thrill to scare her marine like that. However...the real thing to be scared of was what her skills might behold. One of the reasons she became a Ensign so fast was because of her combat abilities and her skill in battle. She was eager to see his hammering fruit in action. She had yet to show him any of her real offensive skills yet. "I assume that your Devil Fruit is among the Paramethium class. Impress me with what it can do. Maybe if you don't want a promotion, you could get another kind of award." The young woman had given the marine in front of her a wink with her right eye before assuming a loose stance with both arms hidden beneath her justice coat. She wanted to make her name known to all the marines and to grow famous all around the world. Let's see if she could start with the marines of B4 Illusia Kingdom.

[tried]

Soon after arriving at the training grounds, Taavi was first asked to take a free shot. Then he was ordered to take a free shot. The stubbornness of this young woman was beyond words. Taavi shivered as he grabbed his rifle from his right shoulder and aimed it. The pre-loaded rifle was aimed for Taavi's new officer, Ensign Odayakama, and inevitably fired. Taavi aimed as best he could for the Ensign's left shoulder so as not to severely injure the stubborn woman. Granted, Taavi could tell this wasn't an actual free shot he was given. Instead, Taavi's free shot using his standard lead bullet rifle was a way to show her superiority to the rest of Marine Base B-4. Taavi was just a tool for the Ensign, at least for now.

Ugh, ordering me to shoot her like this. This is too humiliating for words.

The lead bullet was fired from his rifle and hit true to Taavi's target, Ensign Odayakama's left shoulder. A remarkable shot, in Taavi's opinion considering his amateur skills, but the true show came from Ensign Odayakama; she simply allowed the bullet to hit her, though not without using her apparent Lead-lead Fruit powers to absorb the lead bullet.

The surrounding Marines had given Taavi some nasty looks for firing the free shot, regardless of the order given. However, those glares quickly turned to stares of astonishment when the Ensign absorbed the bullet. Thankfully, Taavi's dirty deed was soon forgotten as cheers from Ensign Odayakama's platoon rung through the crowd. Taavi simply sighed as he tossed his rifle to the side with his unbuckled saber.

Why do I feel like a guinea pig for this woman's ambitions?

Taavi wanted to feel disdain towards Ensign Senshi Odayakama, but he still felt he didn't know her well enough to judge her character as an officer of the World Navy. Perhaps Ensign Odayakama was showing off in order for Taavi to look better when he landed a single hit? Only time, and a single hit, would tell.

After having tossed his weapons aside, Taavi stretched his arms and legs, popping his fingers in the meanwhile. If Taavi could just get close enough to use his Devil Fruit powers, then maybe he'd have the upper hand? After all, Taavi knew a little bit about his new officer's skills before the spar even began. Information is key to victory. However, Taavi knew he wouldn't win this battle, so he set a seemingly attainable goal for himself; land one good hit on Ensign Odayakama.

Having stretched and made a goal for himself, Taavi sprinted towards Ensign Odayakama with all his might! While sprinting towards her, Taavi put up a guard in front of his head and attempted to ram against her like a tackle. A very simple tactic and one not likely to succeed, but Taavi wanted to try and create an opening nonetheless.

[Dandead10]

It seemed Taavi was indeed willing to do as ordered if it ever came down to it, and he was going to take the fight seriously. Odayakama Senshi had realized the scowls of the marines were directed at Taavi for following his orders. “Don't mind the stares Jones-San. Just come at me with everything you've got.” Senshi had planned on restraining herself and would hold herself back a bit for she wanted to see just what her fellow devil fruit user could do. He was going to come at her unarmed based off the look of it. He removed his sword and his firearm. That immediately told her his devil fruit ability didn't work well in combinations with other tools. He had no real fighting style it seemed though from the looks of it. As he aimed to tackle her while sprinting as fast as he could, she had stood there until the last possible second. It was then she would do a quick sidestep to the right to avoid the attack. Taavi’s plan to get up close to Senshi wasn't a bad one, but she could already think of many flaws in that plan. She had no intention of hurting the fellow however. She just had the thought of seeing what he could do and maybe teach him a thing or two about combat. Kugi Kugi no Mi sounded interesting, but she imagined how it worked in terms of applications...what he’s learned to do with it not only in combat but his everyday life. Well, no real time to think about that really.

Odayakama had followed her sidestep with a quick backwards hop three feet back as she then decided that perhaps her friend was going to need to work a little bit harder than that to land a hit. She wasted no movements as she would force her opponent to work to land a hit. Senshi’s cerulean eyes shined when looking to the blonde awaiting a strike, a blow, an attack of any sort. She wasn’t aware that she was making him humiliated and or embarrassed in any way. This was a combat spar, and more of a test to see what her fellow devil fruit user was capable of. Hopefully, he could do something to impress her. He was a Devil Fruit eater. Of course he would be able to surprise her. Her fruit was only as versatile as she was, and so she had devised ways to be quite innovative with the basic ability. “Your movements were a bit too obvious there Jones-San. Try doing something else perhaps.” Hopefully her opponent would be able to utilize his fruit in a different way to utterly shock her. Her crimson red, wavy hair blew in the wind as she seemed to be staring into his inner being. Trying to get a feel on his movements as she took a deep breath. She was getting into the groove for battle. She knew that the individual in front of her had potential, but she was going to be the one to draw it out of him.

The marines gathered around stared with grossed interest as they were waiting for some action. "You think she's gonna beat Taavi to the ground?" Another marine had answered in reply. "Naw. She seems too nice for that. Besides, she's just toying with him right now surely. Going easy on the guy." A third marine had just stayed quiet as the rest had wanted to see something cool. Some of the marines gathered had never even seen a devil fruit user in their lifetime, and so they wanted to see the spectacles it may hold. Hopefully, they wouldn't be disappointed.

[tried]

If I overuse my power, will I become hammered enough to disregard this swelling embarrassment? Ugh...no, that's too easy of an out...

Taavi thought to himself how best to disregard the elevating levels of shame and embarrassment, but came up with nothing of equal substance. He could overuse his powers in order to force a drunken state upon himself, but Taavi didn't want to get hammered while working. The best he could do right now was just shake his head and stare down his officer, Ensign Odayakama. The blonde, male Marine had hoped to use his ramming action to get her to strike him. Sounds stupid, but Taavi's powers required contact in order to work; being hit by the enemy directly was more of a boon for Taavi than most anyone else.

Regardless of his previous intentions, Taavi knew he wouldn't be able to get away with simple tricks based on his Ensign's reactions. In his current state, Taavi was stuck with close ranged combat, something he desperately needed in this situation. If I ever learn Rokushiki, I'll concentrate on any long ranged technique...if such a technique even exists.

Taavi put up a proper guard while staring down his Ensign from across the mock battlefield. If Taavi couldn't get close enough to Ensign Odayakama, then Ensign Odayakama would have to be the one to come closer to Taavi. Therefore, Taavi just slowly circled around Ensign Odayakama and waited for her to act. Taavi ignored the sarcastic boos, drowning them out with negative thoughts; I hope she doesn't knock me out with just one hit...or outright torture me...

[Dandead10]

It seemed her subordinate was one that wasn't going to act brashly as at this point all he did was circle around Odayakama Senshi. Now...this was rather disappointing really. It seemed she was going to have to do something She was going to have to make the first attack. "Well...I guess you want me to come to you then Jones-San?" It was then Odayakama Senshi looked the man from head to toe. He didn't look very unattractive at all. His face was rather handsome and his body seemed to look pretty buff from working on ships most likely. Senshi thought for a second as within her sleeves, she had formed a set of lead handcuffs of all things. They wouldn't be visible from the fact she was concealing her arms, but they were most certainly there. Suddenly, Senshi would say one word that would be rather scary to Taavi most likely. "Soru." Suddenly vanishing in a high speed, she would appear right in front of Taavi before she stopped with a skidding motion as she pressed her lips against his for a brief moment. A kiss from his officer, how scandalous. In that moment, the crimson headed officer would attempt to take advantage of the shock to place her handcuffs on Taavi's arm and one end on her own. It was then that Senshi had parted her lips from his with a slight smile.

"That was my first time kissing a young man. Although...you really need some breath mints." The marines around the two were frozen as some were feeling some very mixed thoughts at the moment. Some were hooting loudly, some were jealous to their cores, and some were just simply awed and amused by the situation. By all means, Senshi did in fact entertain her platoon to some degree. However, it was then Odayakama Senshi had wrapped herself around Taavi's right shoulder. "I guess it's such a shame that we are handcuffed together. Maybe you can show me your power now that we are up close with each other. On her face was a slight blush as she was partially joking. She didn't know why she really did it. Normally she was the serious marine that everyone respected and saw as a moral example to follow. However, today could be an exception. It was her first kiss given and first one received. Their spar hadn't even been five minutes, and Senshi certainly had no intention of releasing Taavi until he impressed her and or the spar was over.

Somewhere on the other side of the Illusia Forestry, the rebellion had been preparing for battle. This time around, they would succeed and liberate the land for sure. they had a devil fruit eater as their leader and had received revolutionary support and reinforcements. Although the marines were most certainly strong, they would not be able to win the battle this time. Several men and women had gathered preparing for full scale warfare if needed as they had made their base hidden within the forestry. Walls, trenches, traps, and other preparations were made. This was going to be the battle for freedom, and it most certainly was going to be one in the rebels favor. A giant creaking through the trees would be heard as now they waited. Waited for the first move from the dogs of the world government. Most likely they would send hordes of their soldiers to engage them and capture them. They would fight tooth and nail, because this most likely meant death.

[tried]

(OOC: If at any point you (dandead10) see an opportunity to counterattack, then by all means, do so. Don't worry about nullifying any of my post as long as what you post makes sense~)

Well, Taavi's waiting paid off, to say the least. Using her Rokushiki, Ensign Odayakama zipped closer to Taavi but didn't quite seem to have control over stopping. She must be a relative novice in Rokushiki to have such trouble using Soru, a technique Taavi had only heard rumors about. Taavi was indeed surprised and terrified upon hearing the rumored Soru. Though, Taavi certainly didn't drop his guard, waiting for a strike from the young woman.

Come on...hit me!

Unfortunately, something far worse took place; a kiss. Taavi was too stunned by the sudden pressure on his lips to use his powers. As besides, doing so would put Taavi in a much more awkward position. Anyway, Taavi's guard was up but pretty useless it seemed. Ensign Odayakama easily slipped past the guard and temporarily cushioned her lips against Taavi's own. The brief exchange only served to fuel Taavi's embarrassment and frustration. Thankfully, one good thing to come out of said exchange was Ensign Odayakama's new position; wrapped around Taavi's right shoulder.

Stuck Nail

Taavi took the sudden opportunity to nail Ensign Odayakama against his right shoulder. Everything of Odayakama's that was currently touching Taavi was now essentially stuck to Taavi. Granted, Taavi felt as though the Ensign was just strong enough to use brute force to undo Taavi's little trick. Though, hopefully the Ensign would also be surprised enough to allow Taavi to do the following;

With Ensign Odayakama seemingly stuck to Taavi's right shoulder, Taavi took this new opportunity to try and sweep Ensign Odayakama off her feet, or at least the Seaman Recruit would try. Taavi took a quick glance at the floor where he believed the Ensign's feet to be. He then attempted to quickly move his right foot behind the Ensign's feet. Doing so would allow Taavi to trip the Ensign as he leaned against the Ensign with his weight while shuffling his right foot closer to her feet.

If tripping the Ensign worked, then Taavi would undo the nailing, and subsequently catch the Ensign in his arms. The entire maneuver would be called literally sweeping the Ensign off her feet. The handcuffs were quite bothersome and he couldn't even begin to predict what she could do with them, so he'd try to end the fight if his tricky maneuver worked.

"That was my first kiss, too, ma'am."

Taavi would then lean in close, give a smile, and drop the Ensign. The cuffs would force Taavi to drop his cuffed hand closer to the ground, but he certainly didn't mind. I hope that was impressive enough for her. She certainly isn't unattractive which makes this spar all the more dangerous for my manhood.

[Dandead10]

The kiss between the Ensign and the seaman was short, and Senshi couldn't say she liked or disliked it. It was her first kiss, and it wasn't very bad at all. However, when Senshi had wrapped her arm around his arm, she soon saw him launch an attack. “Eh? Did anything even happen?” As he touched Senshi, she suddenly felt herself unable to move from her spot. The marines looked at the two in confusion as Senshi would try and tug her arm free to no avail. “Woah. So this is what your fruit does hmm? I'm pretty impressed although surely there's more.” Senshi had soon felt a sweep as Taavi leaned into the woman with his weight. She did in fact did trip, but fell into his arms safely as he then leaned closer to her face with a smile. Senshi smiled and blushed a little as suddenly, she had felt...extremely heavy. “Nama Nama no:Lead Armor.” Senshi had created a liquid lead from her pores under her justice coat as she was gaining more and more weight. The handcuffs would have liquified and drained into her body. She would add around fifty pounds or so more. No biggy right?

She didn't want to hurt her subordinate, that would be absolutely silly. Now when he mentioned that was his first kiss as well, Senshi didn't know if she should have been pleasantly surprised and or perturbed at that. She had felt somewhat bad for stealing his first kiss, but enough was enough. She decided to go a little bit easier on the fellow. She would lessen her weight soon after as she absorbed all that lead back into her skin. She upon being released would stand up with a small smile on her face while looking at Taavi. “You did an okay job. I think you need a lot of work also though. You need to learn how to fight more effectively. I'll be seeing you more Ricky Ticki Taavi~” She had had enjoyed being carried by the fellow, but she would soon get out from his grasp before looking out to the other marine forces. “Well, I think we will be heading off folks. Get ready and let's mobilize. We have a job to do.”

Odayakama Senshi received a mass reply of Hai as she soon would have lead Taavi and the other marines to the ship. On the way, some of the seaman recruit would step up to him and ask, "Yo. You did pretty good! How did you enjoy the kiss buddy? I bet those lips are ones of anangel aren't they?" Suddenly, another marine would speak up. "But she ate one of those devils fruits. She must be evil in my opinion. She's crazy strong also. I think she's a Devil in human skin personally. Nobody is supposed to as freakishly strong as she is." As they reached the ship, a crimson voice had spoken. "I think people talking behind my back is going to earn some of you push ups if you don't stop." Immediately several marines were startled by her sudden appearance behind the group. "Eh-heh...sorry. Whoops." Crimson smiled and then walked off as the ship would then prepare to set sail.

[tried]

Just before letting Ensign Odayakama drop, she suddenly became noticeably heavier. With Taavi being a little bit flustered from the kiss earlier, he wondered if his body was having a delayed negative reaction to said kiss. After all, he couldn't see the lead armor his Ensign had produced underneath her justice coat. Therefore, the kiss is all Taavi could currently think of as the reason for the weakness in his arms. Anyway, the Ensign was dropped and she immediately got back on her feet. Taavi noticed the handcuffs were gone from his wrist, something which ended up confusing him. I didn't see her use a key to unlock the cuffs from my end. Were the cuffs a manifestation of her devil fruit power? Damn, that kiss definitely did something to me; I can't think straight!

Thankfully, after everything that happened, the spar was over. Taavi seemed to have impressed his Ensign enough to stop the teasing, for the time being. The Seaman Recruit felt as though this would be the first of many similar situations involving Ensign Odayakama. She was a stubborn, curious, and not unattractive officer; a dangerous combination. Taavi's new platoon had a few things to say after the spar to which Taavi simply blushed out of embarrassment. His serious face didn't help hide his flushed cheeks in the slightest either. From now until who-knows-when, Taavi would be in this tormenting platoon. Ensign Odayakama eventually stepped in to hush the whispering Marines surrounding Taavi and ordered everyone to get on the ship she came off of earlier.

Finally we get to do some actual Marine business. I'm gonna try my hardest to get promoted out of this platoon...for JUSTICE!

[Dandead10]

A fresh new platoon under her command, she had already known her orders well. She was to set off with this group and meet with Ensign Yamadori at the east coast. There, they were to regroup and lead their groups into the Illusia forestry and eliminate any and all rebel resistance. The soldiers of the kingdom had been facing fronts on the west. In case there was more assistance needed for the Ensigns and their forces, there was to be support from Ensign Kokuro who was to be coming back soon from the sea. Senshi was slightly nervous. She was no stranger to battle, but she was a stranger to leading forces. Despite her training in the Rokushiki, and her promotion to this rank she had doubts in the recesses of her mind. Senshi stood on the front of the ship looking out to the ocean as the marines had been heading to their destination. It was a thirty minute sail at full speed. One might be able to see that the young lady was far more serious than she previously had been. This was going to be a battle where people were going to die most likely on both ends. Turning back to the ship, Senshi had decided that the best thing that she could do was to lead her forces wisely and to assist in any way she could. That was the righteous thing to do. However, as she thought more and more about the situation, the more troubled she was. This rebellion was made up of people that had been starving and long suppressed by the nobility of this island. Her job was to go and quell it by eliminating and terminating any rebellion members they came across.



For this moment, Senshi Odayakama wondered if this was really justice. If so, it was a cruel and evil justice. The question was if Senshi would embrace that. She felt disgusted at the mere thought of committing such an atrocity. However, it was her job and she knew that becoming a marine wasn’t sunshine and lollipops. The justice coat had blown in the sea breeze as Senshi took a deep breath then exhaled with a sigh. She had heard that the rebellion has only been growing bolder and growing in numbers every day as marine efforts of quelling them grew more and more difficult. Based on the briefing, she had heard that the rebellion was being supplied arms and supplies, and rumors had spread that they were gaining assistance from outside forces. This worried her to some extent, but not enough for her to be afraid. Senshi was a good person at heart and wished the violence could be avoided if possible. Perhaps it was just a foolish dream of naivete that was impossible to grant. A hopeful illusion where everything could be good and where negotiations could always be made.



Turning back to the marine crew, she looked at the proud individuals working along the ship bustling about as she reminisced to the time where she had been that cannon fodder seaman recruit tending to the ship and its tedious duties. Thirty minutes had passed quickly as what the marines would see was terrifying. There on the ocean were bits of debris and a floating wreck on the middle of the ocean. There were several strewn about liferafts with marines floating upon them as they yelled and waved. “Nani?! They took down a medium vessel?! Everyone at attention! Help those men onto the ship!” That was a fatal mistake as when the majority of the “marines” had been brought onto the ship, a cry had been heard. “ATTACK! TAKE EM DOWN NOW!” It was then that suddenly every new person brought onto the ship had drawn swords and guns as the crew was ambushed. From the sudden shock and surprise, several of the crew had been sliced and shot. However, the crew had quickly gotten their wits and had defended themselves against their attackers and engaged them in battle. Odayakama Senshi had been at the middle of the ship to greet her new guests only to find out that it was treachery, a trap. She had saw three men rush at her with blades raised and battle cries quickly aiming to slay the keeper of the law. Senshi had wordlessly formed twin lead Jitte in both her hands as she held her blades out easily stopping all of the blades at the same time. The marine officer had then quickly pushed all three blades outward as she had rushed forward slamming a man in the face with her nonlethal weapon sending him reeling and falling into the ocean. The second had been jabbed in the gut as he gagged and leaned to meet a strong sidekick to the side of his face as he slammed into the mast. The third man had charged at her for a jab only for the crimson headed ensign to leap to avoid being stabbed through and then flipped to slam her right leg down on the man's chest. “Brick Break!” Chaos had ensued on the borrowed vessel as then two seamen recruits had appeared at Senshi’s right side. “Odayakama Taicho! We are here to help you!” Senshi had looked to them both before nodding. She had to hurry and do whatever she could. The rebels were clever to dress up as marines and then attack them. They were cunning, brave, bold, and highly effective. The marines were unsure of who was a rebel and who wasn't.

[tried]

And their ship set sail! Nothing out of the ordinary so far, aside from the spar earlier. Just a regular platoon and its officer sailing to halt some rebellious behavior. Granted, Taavi didn't like the idea of quelling a rebellion via brute force, but the Marines would likely only have been sent to stop the rebels if peace talks fell through. Anyway, Taavi didn't give the idea a second though and simply did his duties. Justice would be served, one way or another.

The sailing didn't last any longer than half an hour and already the newly formed platoon would meet with danger. They arrived at the scene of a World Navy vessel, wrecked by the rebels most likely. The crew of said vessel seemed to be just fine though, somehow. I don't see any injured Marines. It's as if they didn't fight back...strange. Nonetheless, Taavi helped his platoon help the shipwrecked Marines. They piled onto the ship and made themselves at home. Unfortunately, just as Taavi felt in his gut, a foul scheme was in the works.

The shipwrecked Marines started attacking once a sizable amount had invaded the ship, taking down a few Marines at the start! Taavi, like most everyone, wasn't too familiar with combat. His old assignment didn't involve combat whatsoever! However, even a Seaman Recruit needed experience and what better way to get more than to battle in the field! Unfortunately, even though Taavi did encounter battle once before, he had knocked himself out cold through overuse of his devil fruit powers. Having been knocked out, he could hardly remember the feeling of adrenaline pumping through his veins.

Not again, not again, not again! How many more times will I encounter fake Marines!? I wish I could remember what I did last time to survive!

Taavi shook in fear at the battle that raged before his eyes, just like last time. His body was used to combat but his mind was not, overwhelming his senses and taking hold of the body that withstood a similar ordeal already. Taavi couldn't think of anything but to look his Ensign's way in hopes of gaining some courage. However, his vision was suddenly blocked by another Marine who didn't take too kindly to Taavi being a Marine; a saber came down over Taavi's head, aiming to kill the young man. In spite of fear having taken hold, Taavi's body moved on its down, dodging to the left of the downward blade strike.

That was too close! Come on, Taavi! Do something...FOR JUSTICE!

"FOR JUSTICE!"

Taavi quickly grabbed his rifle slung around his left shoulder and aimed it at the Marine that had just attacked Taavi. Unlike last time, Taavi didn't hesitate the pull the trigger, firing the rifle before the enemy could take another action against Taavi. The Seaman Recruit's body seemed to have remembered the last time he fired a rifle directly at a human body. The feeling felt like déjà vu. However, this time Taavi was able to motivate himself quicker, allowing himself to aim better; the rifle's target was the enemy Marine's saber-wielding shoulder.

BANG

"Gah!" cried the enemy, dropping the saber to the ground and grabbing his bullet-pierced shoulder. TO be honest, the shot was from point blank so missing would have been pretty disgraceful to Taavi's training. Anyway, Taavi took this opportunity to use the butt of his rifle to bash the head of the wounded enemy into submission, knocking the fake Marine out cold.

"Phew...I think I'm finally getting the hang of this."

"Die, asshole!"

"Wha-!?"

Taavi turned around to see yet another Marine attacking him with a saber. However, this time the Marine was not an enemy, a friendly face for once. Taavi and his new attacker recognized each other and unlocked their clashed weapons, "My gosh! You scared the dickens out of me!"

"Sorry Ricky, I thought you were the enemy!"

"Yeah, this tactic is annoying as hell! Let's stick together and try to round up as many familiar faces as we can!"

The adrenaline pumping through Taavi caused him to ignore being called Ricky by one of the Marines that had whispered to Taavi after the spar again the Ensign. The nickname given to him by the Ensign seemed to be grabbing hold, fast. Taavi would simply have to deal with such a ridiculous nickname until who-knows-when. For now, Taavi and his new buddy attempted to stick together and round up as many familiar faces as they could, defending themselves and their friends as best they could. The more familiar faces they gathered, the easier it was to take down the real enemy.