A Revolution for Rokushiki! Crisis at Crysiland.

[Flame]

Ryouto #1 / Leyla #1

Below deck a raucous crowd of marines were gathered. They stood about a pair standing across from each other in a sparring match. Currently in the ring was a bulky marine, thick arms and a solid chest, made the seaman an imposing fellow. Across from him was a lithe woman, she kept her form tight before him. Out-muscled and shorter by a good foot or two, she was not actually a short woman all things considered. Standing at 6'1" with her short brown hair she fluttered before the man who was grinning amused at his competitor.

"Petty Officer Eli Otterman"

"Seaman First Class Leyla Dubov."

She introduced herself back. "Ahh you're the new girl right. The one we picked up just before the stay at Orchical Hollow? I heard you were a troublesome child from the East Blue." Leyla shrugged in response at that statement. It was perhaps the truth, there was a reason she'd been sent away from her former station in the East Blue. She'd been shipped off to this crew under their until recently absent Lieutenant Commander Ryouto here in the Grand Line. But now she was here.

"Well I'll go easy on you no worries. Teach you how the real marines of the Grand Line fight." He said smashing his fists together. Leyla raised an eyebrow at that statement. "We'll see about that." She lunged forward, faster than the petty officer expected as her lithe form closed the distance extremely quickly. She swiped forward striking the side of her hand against the marine's outer elbow. The officer was surprised for a moment as he staggered backwards glancing annoyed at his elbow.

"So you've got something, that's cute."

He pulled his arm back, taking a faster step forward than she expected he slammed forward with his elbow striking outwards. Using her arm she glanced the blow away wincing as the echoes of the hit ran through her arm. She should've known that strength would've been real. The petty officer across from her grinned as he took another short step his free hand shooting towards her chest. Leyla sidestepped her footwork paying dividends as her arms swung down beating two quick strikes into his extended arm. The petty officer's grin faltered slightly as he narrowed his eyes as he turned to face her once again.

Another short step forward and his fist shot forward.

"Fist-gan!"

The fist accelerated towards her, the seaman first class blinked as it slammed into her sending her flying backwards and into the ring's rope border. It blew the wind out of her, but she grinned nonetheless. Pain radiated from her chest but it was hardly the first time she'd been hit like that, though not often so hard.

"So you want to see my real strength?"

---

Standing at the fore of that same marine ship, Ryouto looked forwards toward the open sea before him. Somewhere out there in the waters beyond lay Crysiland, the reason that he was here. It had only been a few days since he'd been told of the attack. Since then it had apparently been radio silence. Not a good sign, all things considered. As the closest ranking officer with a division of marines under him he'd been called to action. Well that and his experience with this particular problem.

If this is the real deal, hopefully it'll be the end of it. He thought to himself. This had all started with his finding out that his own Rokushiki training camp had been turned by Revolutionary soldiers. And now, they were supposedly attacking Crysiland, another Rokushiki training facility. The Lieutenant Commander bit his lip he didn't have much more information than that.

But now more important things were up. Apparently another near by group of marines had been called in, he was watching as their own ship was coming toward his own. Ryouto drew his hands through his black hair allowing his coat of justice to flutter in the wind for a moment. "Get ready to let on passengers." He called out raising his arm forward.

The ship's deck came ablaze with action, at least more so than it already had. To some extent they'd already been preparing for this since they'd heard about the arrival a day or two ago. But now final preparations were being readied. There were supposed to be a few marines that were joining him on his ship. As the larger of the two vessels it would be the one bringing the vanguard relieving force to Crysiland.

Certainly elsewhere forces were being mobilized at the Grand Steel Flotilla. But the estimation had been made that they'd take too long, and thus his undermanned vessel had been called up. As well as who else could be brought over. Ryouto wondered if he should've taken another look at the list of marines being sent over. He'd been a little lazy about it and forgotten to take a closer look at who was being sent to aid his mission. The marine's eyes narrowed as he looked towards the approaching vessel.

"Right then, preparations."

[Vio]

^{Alexis #1 — Oswald #1}

---

Punctuality. That is already a good sign. Icy eyes gazed out to sea, witnessing the silhouette of a large World Navy vessel as they each made their approach. Such a rendezvous was necessary. Crysiland needed aid, and Conway Alexis just so happened to be amongst the ranks of those few Marine forces able to answer the call. An interesting opportunity, that much was certain, but one she was already thinking through as much as possible. Incomplete knowledge of the situation was the only obstacle, but she hoped — she knew that the assigned commanding officer of this operation would be able to shed light on this.

Revolutionary Army operations targeting Crysiland, a Rokushiki training facility, suggests extensive inside knowledge on the topic. A bold strategy. Dragon’s forces continue to display a worrisome level of understanding of World Navy operations and World Government facilities… Each and every thought was articulated within the woman’s mind as she processed each piece of information. The two vessels had now closed the gap between them, with the less populated of the two already showing signs of readiness to accept the supplementary forces as they arrived. Blue eyes observed the decks, the men, the organisation.

By the book, but not necessarily to the letter, the Ensign noted. Though, I should know better than to judge so quickly…

Hands clasped behind her back, the oddity of an officer that was Alexis began to walk with methodical steps across the deck, onto the presented gangplank, and across to the receiving vessel. White, heeled boots knocked gently upon the wood. A sleeveless, hooded, cool blue coat adorned with various marks in white billowed softly in the sea breeze. Upon its fastened chest was the symbol of the Marines. Upon its back, Justice. And at her back, an organised file of Marines.

Amongst them, a Warrant Officer dressed in standard attire, square of jaw and dark grey of both hair and eye, otherwise abnormal in nothing save for his height. A solid seven feet tall, just over, Drescher Oswald marched behind his assigned command as any good soldier would do. His eyes observed the welcome party, but were quick to focus upon another man of tall stature, dark hair, and equally dark eyes. From his shoulders draped the familiar Justice Coat, the likes of which the Ensign did not seem to don.

^{I’m guessing that’s him, he assessed:
The Lieutenant Commander…?}

Eyes shifted back in time to follow the intended filtering of troops, rank and file spreading out to fill space provided upon the deck. At their fore stood the Ensign. Oswald, as previously instructed, stood to her right as the rest of the seamen — petty officers, first class, even some recruits — assumed their rightful places. A presentation of regime and rehearsal drilled into their psyche over and over during those freshman years. Not easily forgotten, that was for sure. At once, they saluted.

^{“Ensign Conway Alexis,” the blonde announced:
“Providing supporting troops as ordered.”}

---

Conway Alexis
Drescher Oswald

[Flame]

Ryouto #2 / Leyla #2

Leyla turned her head from left to right listening for that comforting crack in her neck. Her fists opened up leaving ceiling facing open palms. "Let me show you." She grinned taking in a deep breath as she readied herself once more across from the petty officer. She wondered if the petty officer knew? He didn't seem troubled by her statement. Well either way it didn't matter.

The officer was the first one to move this time. He lunged forward. "Fist-gan!" The fist shot forward towards her again, Leyla was ready for it this time though. At least somewhat, her arm swung down taking the hit glancing off of her arm as the fist scraped by her side sending her staggering backwards once more. She growled, god it was faster than she had expected even after seeing it once. From about her a cheer went out from the marines about them. The seaman snarled in response to quiet the room. A few of them owned bruises from fighting her.

"Fine, you got that one." She said back with narrowed eyes at the grinning petty officer. This time she lunged forward, nothing would be held back. Not this time, she needed to prove this upon herself and to the others in the room. The Petty Officer seemed unconcerned by her rapid advance as his arm readied for another quick strike. "Fist-" His words stopped as Leyla's hand touched his arm.

Actually it wasn't just that. The Petty Officer as a whole seemed stuck in motion. Silence covered the squad as Leyla held her hand against his arm grinning. "Like I said, real strength." Leyla said her voice obviously pompous. She turned twisting her leg up and straight towards his chest before letting go of the petty officer as her leg slammed into him. They petty officer's punch shot into air Leyla had once stood in a few moments ago before he staggered backwards away from her.

"What the hell?" The petty officer spluttered as Leyla walked forward. "Hmm, what ever do you mean?" She said grinning for herself this time.

"What's going on here?" A voice shot over the rest of the voices. It was a familiar one to most of them as the group of all of them turned at once to see the ensign and formerly the acting division leader of them all. Leyla turned slower glancing over to recognize one Ensign Kokomatsu.

"The marine aid that was sent to us is arriving now. Get up and prepared to receive them marines." She said certainly looking over them.

---

Mmmm, the arrival went well. The march of regimented marines of his force's supplement was a sign to those onboard that the paces were changing. For those who were there to see it they tried to stiffen up their uniforms a bit. There was a bit of laxity in Ryouto's men which was stricken aside in the moment as they saw those now joining their stay on their vessel. From atop aftcastle Ryouto watched them arrive. His dark eyes narrowing as he watched them board looking for whomever was leading the contingent.

As they continued on he came down from it to greet the newcomers. They filtered onto the deck forming up in solid lines at the fore of them was an ensign and it looked to be a warrant officer. They saluted in form as from out of the aftcastle came spewing his own ensign Kokomatsu. She was followed by a few marines, seamen and petty officers who came up from beneath the deck. "Lieutenant Commander Ryouto Aosuki. Glad to have you aboard Ensign Conway." He said certainly returning the salute to the group.

Looking across the group he scanned them all, it was a contingent perhaps a little smaller than his own. That was more a statement on how understaffed his own division was at the moment even with the new members they'd taken on a few islands ago. "Ensign Kokomatsu if you'll deal with the new intake. I'll brief Ensign Conway and her second on the exact situation. I'm sure they'll be interested for more information on the detail they've been assigned to." Ryouto said. From his side Kokomatsu nodded and stepped forward to move among the ranks of marines.

Ryouto nodded. "Right then if you'll follow me." He said gesturing for Alexis and the warrant officer to follow after him. They were going to his staff room for the time being. As he walked back he sent a marine to get their ship moving again having taken on the marine supplement.

"If you have any questions, I'll do my best to answer anything I am able." He said as he led the way to the staff room within which a table was spread with out-of-date maps of Crysiland.

[Vio]

^{Alexis #2 — Oswald #2}

---

Yeah, definitely him, Drescher Oswald noted as the Lieutenant Commander introduced himself properly. The Warrant Officer had heard of him by name and had a rough idea of his appearance, but the man himself was perhaps a little more unique, for lack of a better word. Was it the way he presented himself? No? Ozzy pondered as he and the Ensign were escorted, the ship that had come in on beginning to part ways. Grey eyes turned briefly to Alexis, wondering, what did she think of all this? He dared not to ask. Though he’d known her only a short time, she’d already proven herself to be strict, disciplinarian, and observant.

Into the staff room they went. A large table filled much of its floorspace, across its surface all the usual bits and pieces one would have expected of a strategy meeting. Maps of Crysiland lay open, some untouched, others marked with lines and circles and crosses that spoke of previous strategic assessments. To him, it meant very little. He wasn’t a strategist or a tactician. Even so, as they found themselves out of the business of the decks, the soldier took the chance to properly introduce himself.

^{“Warrant Officer Drescher Oswald,” he offered a hand:
“It’s an honour to be aboard, Lieutenant Commander.”}

“Then,” Ensign Conway soon began, “I wish to understand your approach to this situation, Lieutenant Commander.” Seeing the information before her, Alexis’ mind was already processing everything she could see — everything she could find — and piecing together simple tactical solutions to immediate issues that their troops would be facing. With no real understanding of enemy numbers, she could not make any immediate strategic decisions without presenting severe risk to the seamen.

Cold eyes looked to Ryouto.

^{“Your maps are outdated,” she stated, matter-of-factly:
“And I am led to believe that Crysiland has been silent?”}

Her gaze shifted, scanning the details on the few maps that had been scribbled upon, where coloured blocks sat in representation of allied and enemy forces. Without any means of reconnaissance, the position of the enemy could not be accounted for, let alone numbers. Maps suggestive of buildings and fortifications could easily have been wrong at this point, topographical assessments inhibited.

“How many seamen do you have, Lieutenant Commander?” Numerical evaluation had given her an idea, but not one that Miss Conway was particularly fond of. Splitting their forces once they made landfall was a terrible idea, but bundling them all together could likely be just as catastrophic. Simple questions were narrowing down her options — decisions she would be making regardless of authority.

^{“Furthermore,” the blonde continued:
“How familiar are you with this type of incident?”}

---

Conway Alexis
Drescher Oswald

[Flame]

Ryouto #3 / Leyla #3

Behind him the two newcomers trailed into 'his' staff room. As they did, the warrant officer finally made a point to introduce himself. "Then welcome aboard Warrant Officer, we're happy to have you." Ryouto spewed out the usual expected spiel in response to the introduction. His eyes flickered over to the ensign as she started into her first question. She could see her eyes flickering over the maps and the like taking in information.

She wanted to know his approach to the situation huh? Unfortunately for her if he answered that she might find it a little disappointing. Ryouto was more of an on-the-fly thinker solving crisis as they happened. She continued looking straight at him now. "That'd be a correct assessment. Crysiland has indeed been silent. We last heard from them ..." He paused for a moment trying to remember the exact date. "I believe it'd be about a week ago at this point. So while the information is out-of-date it is the only information we have." He said matter-of-factly in response.

He paused as his eyes flickered over to the warrant officer who was idly looking at the maps. "Warrant Officer, if you aren't interested in the discussion you're free to leave and acquaint yourself with the crew." Ryouto said off handedly. His attention returned to the ensign who was continuing to ask questions.

"As to the number of marines not including your contingent, there are approximately sixty of them. They split as you might expect among petty officers and seamen." He said before continuing. "As for my familiarity with the incident ..." He trailed off for a moment.

"There's a lot that I could explain. But suffice to say, I've had interactions with the Revolutionary division that is heading up this specific attack strategy." Ryouto said fairly nonchalantly. He thought back to the incident at his Rokushiki training facility. And then the incident following that. "It is my understanding that they are creating a division of revolutionary soldiers who are trained in Rokushiki. While at the same time they have been cutting off the government's ability to train their own soldiers in Rokushiki by systematically knocking out the facilities for its training." He continued.

"If you're curious about my plan for our arrival. Unfortunately the information is too outdated, so I was planning to do some reconaissance before we set down."

---

Leyla watched as the new seamen and petty officers headed towards Ensign Kokomatsu as she stepped among them. Her view shifted as she watched the Lieutenant Commander walk by with the new pair from the new marine contingent joining them. As the officers left she relaxed her stance and went into a more casual stand. Her eyes glanced over the new set of marines. There's nearly as many of them as us ... She thought to herself as she looked at what was likely the whole contingent.

Normally she'd have been bothered by a whole new set of marines coming onto a crowded ship. But the ship was not crowded it was an obvious fact that could be seen by the relative emptiness of sleeping quarters and unused cots. Leyla stretched for a moment as she watched the ensign take down information.

"Seaman Dubov!" Ensign Kokomatsu called out to her. She blinked surprised looking up to the ensign. She blinked pointing to herself for a moment before heading over as the ensign nodded. Why was she being called over rather than the others. But no matter, she was a little annoyed but she didn't have any reason to not follow along so she jogged over. "Can you take these to the Lieutenant Commander?"] The ensign handed her a few pieces of paper. Leyla glanced down at them for a moment.

"Will do maam." She said failing to give a salute as she turned about. If the ensign cared she said nothing about it as Leyla headed for the door. In her hands she held some papers including an updated roster as well as other information. Leyla headed into the cabin to deliver the papers. Hopefully after this she could get some more training in.

[Vio]

^{Alexis #3 — Oswald #3}

---

Oswald knew one thing. He was out of his depth. All this talk of strategic approaches — this was the Ensign’s forte. Those eyes of hers had already analysed everything in the room. Nothing escaped her, not even a quick cigarette break. Speaking of which, it was the Lieutenant Commander whose voice met his ears, offering him the much welcome opportunity to escape all this tactical talk and meet the crew. Though his face remained calm, the Warrant Officer’s insides practically jumped for joy.

^{“Thank you, Sir,” he saluted:
“I’ll take my leave. Ma’am.”}

Nodding to Ensign Conway as he made his exit, Mister Drescher made sure to close the door behind him. Almost immediately, a sigh escaped his lips as he made for the main deck. There, he would be able to liaise with the seamen and petty officers — learn their ways and ask questions that he dared not ask before the Ensign. It hadn’t taken him long, but he’d noticed something of a relaxed air about Ryouto, and that same aura seemed to shine about his troops.

^{—— STAFF ROOM ——}

Less than one hundred able bodies to serve in this endeavour… Again, Alexis’ mind whirred, crunching numbers and visualising possible regiments and subdivisions of what limited numbers they had. Numerical advantages were indecipherable without additional information, the likes of which she had hoped to pry from her superior officer’s explanation, but he gave her too little to work with outside of a comment on his familiarity. A theory, too, was presented. She nodded slightly in agreement.

“For such knowledge to become prevalent amongst the Revolutionary Army would be disastrous, considering that the average seaman is seldom aware of the principles of such techniques,” Miss Conway stated, more out of a personal want to clarify the seriousness of the situation than anything. But, a part of her wished to assess this man who stood before her, so nonchalant in his ways. For a Lieutenant Commander, he lacked something. He lacked the strictness and command for discipline that she strived to maintain.

^{“And how, Lieutenant Commander,” the blonde quizzed:
“Do you intend to scout what is now the enemy’s territory?”}

Icy eyes stared into his, trying to pick out a response before it even escaped him. Not one to dare to take risks that she could not calculate the results of, Alexis was unwilling to allow a single man to make landfall so long as they lacked a truly suitable approach. Every life was valuable, even if they were willing to sacrifice it for a greater cause, but having such loyal troops at her side was of far more worth than disloyal fools and cowards. Each seaman was an opportunity — each man and woman an asset that could be developed into something greater if given the experience and time.

^{—— CABIN ENTRANCE ——}

Mister Drescher was about to exit onto the main deck, an as of yet unlit cigarette in his hand, when a shadow broke into view. Momentary surprise soon faded as he identified dress indicative of a regular seaman — or in this case seawoman. A good few years his junior and standing exactly twelve inches below him, an impressively tall and similarly lithe form with short, light brown hair and dark yet fiery eyes stood before him with a small bundle of papers in her hands.

^{“Oh… Sorry,” Ozzy said, stepping aside:
“Didn’t mean to stand in the way.”}

Though he gestured for her to pass, the martial artist was at least curious as he always was. Unfamiliar faces prompted a want within him to know more — to get a feel for the people he was to work with. Just because they wore a uniform and knew the typical military rigmarole like it was breathing did not make them ideal comrades in the field. He wanted to act all disciplined and appropriate, but after dealing with a certain someone for the last few weeks, the thought of emulating that cold exterior immediately put him off the idea. Instead, he offered a hand in greeting.

^{“Name’s Oswald. You are…?”}

---

Conway Alexis
Drescher Oswald

[Flame]

Ryouto #4 / Leyla #4

"Hmm?" Ryouto wondered at the question for a moment. He scratched his head with a lazy dig of his fingers into the back of his head. "Oh, yes I suppose it would not be updated in the files." Ryouto said nodding to himself as he thought for a moment. He'd expect the information to be out since it was such a rarity but then again. It had not been so long since the event. Not long indeed even if it felt like a long time for him. It was maybe a few weeks at most? And he hadn't been particularly forthcoming about the information though he was certain he had noted it down somewhere. Certainly it was a well-known fact among his own crew.

The Lieutenant Commander returned the gaze of the ensign who was questioning him though he did not look quite as seriously. "If you've read a file on me, then you'll know that I'm a former Cipher Pol Agent. So in this sense, I'm fairly good at information gathering already and specifically have dealt with Revolutionary tactics in the past." He paused for a moment before commenting "Though none quite so bold as these." Ryouto blinked taking a moment to think to himself.

He shook his head, no he was getting off track now. Ryouto tilted his head left then right taking a moment to breath. "The other skill I have that'll be helpful in the scouting is a ... unique devil fruit. I'd show it to you here, but I'm not really interested in making a mess of this room. So you'll have to take my word on that part." The marine was of course talking about his recently consumed Tengu fruit, it'd allow him to fly ahead of the group to scout out the area.

"Anything else you want to ask?" He put forth the question once more. Making sure he covered his bases with this one.

---

Pushing through the cabin door Leyla came to a halt as she nearly ran herself straight into another marine. She glanced up staring for a moment before realizing that she recognized whom she was looking at. This was that marine who'd been the second in command of that new contingent of marines who had so recently boarded their ship. If she'd heard the name of the marine than it had escaped her. But a quick glance told her that he was a warrant officer.

Strangely the officer apologized first stepping aside for her. She blinked oddly for a moment as he gestured for her to pass him before inwardly shrugging the thoughts away. She did have orders she needed to be following even if the urgency wasn't quite so immediate. "Thanks ..." Leyla said firmly as she started to slide past the warrant officer and get on her way. But before she could continue to do so he stuck his hand out and introduced himself.

The seaman first class paused halfway through stepping past him and glanced down at his outstretched hand. Looking up towards him she blinked for a few moments not certain what this was. What did she do to prompt this? Maybe it was just how he was? "Mmmm, my name's Leyla. Leyla Dubov. Seaman First Class from the East Blue." She responded her eyes taking a quick roll over the warrant officer again.

Deigning finally to react to his hand she stuck out her own grasping his firmly in a shake. Leyla flashed a slightly mean grin as she tightened her grip.

[Vio]

^{Alexis #4 — Oswald #4}

---

The Lieutenant Commander’s response was rather relaxed, much to Alexis’ confusion. Indeed, she was one to invest in research into what she was getting involved in, and had most certainly requested a copy of Ryouto’s personnel file — a file that had not been updated in quite some time. The librarian and archivist within her was somewhat disparaging to whomever had failed to promptly update the records in a punctual manner. Nonetheless, she had heard it straight from the horse’s mouth; the man before her was an Ability User like herself.

Unique Devil Fruit? Are they not all unique, or is he referring to something more specific… The intellectual gathered her thoughts on that field of study, recalling hours spent studying within the halls of her homeland’s immense archive — the Grimnoire Libra. Unfortunately, with Ryouto as unforthcoming as possible, there was little more she could do than speculate on the dozens, if not hundreds of possibilities that were out there. It could have been any one of the three classes.

“Well, if I am to be honest,” Alexis replied, “I believe any further questions will not herald any informative answers with what knowledge we share between us. That being said, there is but one question I feel I must ask, Lieutenant Commander. You mention your Devil Fruit is uniquely suited to this venture, but do you plan on going alone?”

^{—— CABIN ENTRANCE ——}

^{“Alright. Leyla,” Oswald repeated:
“Don’t worry about formalities with me.”}

He could tell from the moment she accepted his offered hand that she was a fighter. Her grip was strong, perhaps a little too so. He saw that grin on her face as she squeezed, seeing that spark of competitiveness. For whatever reason, he surmised she had something to prove — a search for greatness. He sighed slightly, not too disturbed by the tightness of her hand about his, but simply loosened his own grasp to indicate the end of the handshake. Introductions over, and having learned a surprising amount from just a brief exchange, the Warrant Officer made to continue on should she have allowed him.

Strange woman. Hope she doesn’t fall foul of Ensign Conway with that attitude… Thinking to himself, Mister Drescher stepped out. Beyond was an open deck bustling with people being organised into action by what appeared to be the ship’s own Ensign, whose name he had yet to ask. Other seamen and petty officers did regular rounds, while members of his own contingent were already at work wherever they were able to lend a hand. Regime had been drilled hard into most of them. He, on the other hand, instead chose to approach the side railings of the ship and light up his cigarette, looking across the horizon.

^{“Revolutionaries,” Ozzy muttered, exhaling smoke:
“This’ll be my first time dealing with them…”}

---

Conway Alexis
Drescher Oswald

[Flame]

Ryouto #5 / Leyla #5

"You are correct. My plan is to do the additional scouting on my own." Ryouto said with a simple nod to go alongside it. The Lieutenant Commander scratched his chin for a moment as he looked at the ensign with mild curiosity. He wondered if she would disagree with his plan or ask if she could come with. The point of the question, was what was curious to him about the ask.

He considered both options, he'd never really tried carrying someone else while flying. He was not very practiced with it either, though that did not really rule out the option entirely. Ryouto might've accepted that response but he was lazy at the best of times so that was to be expected. The Lieutenant Commander looked across at her. "Is there a reason you wanted to know this?" Ryouto asked bluntly he was too tired of thinking it was a waste of time when he could just ask in any case.

---

Her handshake was taken held for only a moment before the grip that she met it with was loosened. Wanting the end of the handshake that seemed certain to her. The shake ended with Leyla sporting a prideful smile spilling across her face. Oswald moved to go past her and 'graciously' she complied taking a step to the side so that he could step past her. Allowing the warrant officer past her she gave a quick wave of her fingers as she stepped out into the open sea air once again.

"Later Oswald." She said with a further grin feeling happy with her own little greeting to the newcomer on the ship. Though she was outranked Leyla thought to herself she'd come out that exchange the victor. The one who had made the greater impression and asserted dominance. She felt good about it, for one reason or another. Watching the officer walk out for a few seconds she finally turned around and headed in to finish up the job she'd been assigned by the Ensign.

Heading in Leyla moved with haste walking down the center of the corridors and forcing other marines heading down them to make way. She normally did this anyways but now she had more reason than not given that she had papers for the Lieutenant Commander.

Leyla passed her way through the marine ship quickly finding her way soon enough to the commander's staff room. Based on what she knew about what was going on this was where she expected him to be. Her hand rose and she rapped against the door three times in quick succession.

"Lieutenant Commander? I've got some papers from Ensign Kokomatsu." She aclled out from the other side of the door.

[Vio]

^{Alexis #5 — Oswald #5}

---

Bold was the statement of Lieutenant Commander Ryouto. Overconfident, however, it was not. At least, that was what Ensign Conway surmised from her brief interactions with the man in question. It did not soften her outlook any, but at least it answered the question at hand. Now it was just a matter of time — time she had no intention of wasting while she was aboard this vessel.

“Simply a matter of comprehension, Lieutenant Commander,” Alexis responded. “I will admit I know very little of you aside from minor background details, name, and rank. I do make a habit of knowing about my allies in each and every operation, officer and soldier alike. That being said, this particular division has thus far eluded many of my attempts to establish background checks and factual information on its personnel. Perhaps that lack of information might be beneficial to us in this endeavour.”

Knock— Knock— Knock! Alexis’ eyes shifted momentarily to the door, then back to her superior as a woman’s voice called from beyond the frame. Her stern, straight face almost broke into a frown at the lack of identification provided by what was very likely little more than a regular seaman. She inhaled sharply through her nose, but refrained from any comment. This was not her ship to manage, after all.

^{—— MAIN DECK ——}

I’ll be interested to know what the plan of action is, Ozzy thought to himself as he drew on his cigarette. Elbows and back against the side rail, the man himself now looked to the movements of the ship proper, observing all the little nuances of the Ensign and the other seamen of the ship. Like clockwork probably wasn’t the best description, especially after what he had witnessed in recent weeks, but smooth was certain. If anything, the most jarring sight was the difference between the men he had boarded with and those already present. Arguably, the difference was staggering.

Then again, this is Ensign Conway… He exhaled, thinking. She’s probably already devised some kind of strategy and already working on a backup. Well, no sense dawdling, he told himself as he emptied his lungs of one last wisp of white, safely stubbing out what was left of his light and casting it overboard before making his way to the fore. At a glance, it seemed most staff had been assigned their duties — roles that required filling on what had seemed an almost undermanned ship.

^{“Ma’am,” the martial artist saluted as he approached:
“Warrant Officer Drescher Oswald. Anything I can help with?”}

---

Conway Alexis
Drescher Oswald

[Flame]

Ryouto #6 / Leyla #6

Ryouto raised an eyebrow, was this division so unheard of. Maybe it was because until recently they were working in a different part of the Grand Line? The marine was a little uncertain, they were certainly an unremarkable group compared to some of the other marine sets out there. He realized what it probably was, given the role of the division. At least as he'd discussed it with the Rear Admiral Yuudai, it was unlikely they were a group that was easily researched. He'd also not considered that a decent part of them were former CP rather than marines so their backgrounds weren't fully written out in the marine documents.

Then there was the other thing. Ryouto paused his eyes wandering nowhere as he thought through the ensign's statement. The other point she'd made. "Ahhh, hmm well it might be." He said taking a moment before continuing "But if any Revolutionaries were to know about my abilities at least, the one's we're facing are perhaps most likely." Ryouto commented.

"I'm certain some in their structure will have heard of me given my multiple run-ins with what I assume are groups under the same structure."

The marine scratched his chin as a trio of knocks rang at the door. Sharp black eyes turned towards the door as a voice rang through it. He didn't recognize it, must've been one of the foot soldiers. "Come in." The door opened to reveal an unfamiliar seaman. Ryouto's eyes flickered over her for a moment, she looked vaguely familiar.

Leyla looked in finding the lieutenant commander alongside the new ensign she'd seen earlier. She frowned slightly but then shrugged to herself. She gave a half-assed salute to the pair before holding out the papers she'd been given. "Ensign Kokomatsu asked me to send these along." She held the papers out further.

Ryouto glanced at the papers in the seaman's grasp. It was a bit strange that the ensign had not brought them herself. Perhaps she was too busy with the new influx of soldiers? Yeah that was probably it. "Alright. Bring them here seaman. Let's see what Kokomatsu has for me." He said beckoning her in.

From the door Leyla paused and glanced about for a second. Then without worry she walked in, her eyes wandered going about the staff room. As she walked forward she was instantly pulled to the maps layed out on the main table they stood beside. Her paced slowed slightly as her eyes flickered over the map. But soon enough she found herself before the pair of officers and she held out the papers again.

Ryouto took them from her, "Thank you seaman, you're-"

"That where we're headed?" Leyla said the rhetorical question. "Everything's been so urgent, something crazy must be going on there." She had simple ideas of what might be happening. As a a seaman she didn't know much and even her direct superiors knew very little as well. But even she could see that they were being fairly urgent, so wherever they were going, if this was it, there was something, hopefully violent incoming.

The lieutenant commander paused, this really was not any of the seaman's business. Especially with all the, ahh that's who it was. Ensign Kokomatsu had told him about this one. The troublemaker from the East Blue with the devil fruit ability. Mmmm, another headache.

---

( OOC: Uhh, I don't know how long this intro scene will last but eventually we'll probably skip forward to arriving at the island, if you want me to control the ensign you're talking to just let me know and i'll update my post )

[Vio]

^{Alexis #6 — Oswald #6}

---

Ensign Conway watched as a seawoman of significant height entered at the Lieutenant Commander’s behest — a woman whose entire presentation of self was nothing short of disastrous. In fact, all Alexis felt she could do was stare coldly at her as an informal salute was presented alongside documentation. Worse still was her manner of speaking, showing no signs of respect to her commanding officer as she rudely butted into the matters at hand. That was all the officer could take.

“Seaman,” Alexis said sternly, arms crossed as she spoke. “Do you require familiarisation with proper etiquette when one addresses a superior officer?” Her intonations were sharp as needles, words bitter as a winter gale as she stared down the soldier before her. “Any and all necessary information will be recounted to you — and to all the other operatives of this mission — when you are briefed on the situation. Do I make myself clear?”

The woman simply awaited a response. Ideally, a formal one. It seemed discipline was severely lacking, though the strategist surmised this to be an exception rather than a rule aboard Ryouto’s ship. His charge was an unknown lot and, for their sake, she hoped this wasn’t going to be a weak link. Identity unknown, the most she could gather was from linguistic cues — a slight twang of East Blue dialect, if an educated guess.

^{—— LATER, MAIN DECK ——}

Drescher Oswald’s assignment had turned out to be rather simple, yet well thought out. Ensign Kokomatsu, though an otherwise unknown quantity, had charged him the basal task of organising his own men into squads and keeping tabs on them and their settling in. Nothing he hadn’t already considered — nothing to ask questions about despite his best attempt to think of something.

Truth be told, he was somewhat in the dark on this one, but that didn’t bother him so much. Indeed, Ozzy’s concerns had been more on the ongoing relations between Ensign Alexis and Lieutenant Commander Ryouto, wondering who had won out on the battle of wits and understanding of the situation. Even so, he went about his duty as the ship closed in upon its destination. Groups were quick to scramble into position. Just a matter of moments now and they would be disembarking.

^{“This is… different,” he mused:
“Actually a little nervous…”}

“Me too,” said one of the Petty Officers he’d boarded with as the last group organised itself. Oswald looked them over with dark grey eyes. Each group had been organised based on Ensign Kokomatsu’s information, with the Warrant Officer factoring in the sharply drilled tactics of Conway’s own making. They might not have looked like it, they might not have known it themselves, but the men under his charge were undeniably ready for practically any standard military event. Oswald closed his eyes, recalling a number of cues, then begged to ask himself the question:

^{Will any of them understand her signals…?}

---

Conway Alexis
Drescher Oswald

[Flame]

Ryouto #7 / Leyla #7

Yep, a headache, just as he expected. Ryouto shook his head back and forth as a stern response returned from the ensign in reprimand of the seaman's lack of proper decorum. What was worse was the face he saw upon the seaman taking it. There was an indignant annoyance that was surrounding her. The lieutenant commander furrowed his brows, Yes yes, there was something about being annoyed by officers in the files He thought to himself as he watched not actually stepping into the minor situation unfolding before him.

That indignance was not hidden at all, she never cared about masking it before, and she did not now either. Her eyes were aflame, Leyla's eyes flickered upon the ensign and then to the lieutenant commander. Hands turned to fist with tensing strength. She took in a deep breath, the air filled her lungs in a moment as she thought for a moment of keeping her trap shut. Yeah ... not likely Leyla turned to the ensign opening her mouth and raising her fist when a cough from the lieutenant commander turned her attention.

Ryouto wasn't particularly into what seemed to be coming so he broke the conversation with a cough interrupting the seaman before she could get a word in. "Seaman, you're dismissed. Leave." He said firmly, looking down at her with hard eyes which she returned the favor with before storming out once again without saluting. The lieutenant commander shook his head.

"Her assigned officer will deal with her later. Unfortunately that girl is semi-useful and can be punished after whatever lies beyond the coming mission." Ryouto said with a sigh. "Anyways, now that that's taken care of. I'll be doing some preliminal scouting." He said walking over to a cabinet from which he retrieved a small snail. "If there's something urgent I'll send word to you and Ensign Kokomatsu with this. She already has a similar snail. I hope that the two of you can manage to get along." He said with a disinterested tone.

---

Standing among the rest of her marine compatriots in line, Leyla was fidgety to say the least. Her fingers curled and uncurled from a fist form. And her eyes were still full of rage. About her were mostly members of the squad she'd been assigned to for her time upon the ship. Unlike her they stood properly at attention awaiting final go-ahead to start their disembarkation.

Teeth ground together as she thought back, but also to the point that ahead of her and in the lead of her squad and a few others was the ensign she'd nearly hit earlier in the day. "Great ... just great ..." She muttered obviously annoyed to herself earning her a pointed look from the petty officer in charge of her. Leyla growled back in response glancing up at the sun as it poured its hot rays upon her. With a move of her head she adjusted her marine cap down slightly to better shade her face. She was always standing at a little less than attention much to the chagrin of her superiors.

---

Perched in a high tree on the edge of Crysiland, the dark shadow of a man stood carefully using the leaves to obscure most his figure from anyone who might wander below. Though to say he was a man was bit of a misnomer at this point. Reddish-pink skin, large burly arms, and a pair of black wings spread from his back made him not quite a man, but definitely humanoid. Ryouto glanced down through the leaves and then out to sea once more watching as his ship slowly made its way in towards the port.

Hmmm, nothing ... He softly clicked his tongue, he'd spotted nothing that had piqued his interest as something to watch out for. Which in itself was perhaps a little weird. Ryouto pinched the bridge of his nose trying to think. From his scouting the marine base or what he'd seen of it from a distance looked battered but not fallen. The daily lives of those ants as they went up their marine duties seemed to have not changed too much from what he might've expected. Further in where the training center was he'd not seen much but even that seemed relatively unharmed from his glance. All and all, nothing too serious, a place in recovery.

Ryouto reached into his pocket and pulled out the mini den-den mushi from it. By now the ship was close enough that the signal should reach. "Everything looks fine. Time to disembark ...." He said pausing for a moment before adding a last line. "Be careful." Something was tingling for him, something was off, everything was too correct ... he thought.

---

(OOC: Sorry for the long hiatus, I'll try and post a bit more often >:) )

[Vio]

^{Alexis #7 — Oswald #7}

---

The ship moved into position, making the final adjustments for landfall upon Crysiland, and no sooner than that did the Den Den Mushi — Ensigns Conway’s and Kokomatsu’s alike — relay the message. With almost simultaneous response, the two lady officers gave their affirmation, and the finely oiled machine that was the World Navy began to turn its gears in kind. The anchor was dropped, gangplanks positioned, and by squad and rank and file each and every assigned soldier began to pour forth.

They may have seemed rather lax aboard the ship, but it seems Ensign Kokomatsu at least has control over them, Conway Alexis noted as she steadily paced the area and observed it with her own eyes. Most of them, I should say, she furthered as she cast those piercing eyes of hers upon the unit to which the upstart Dubov belonged. The Lieutenant Commander’s words echoed in her head, though despite that the Ensign was very much worried about the repercussions of such a woman’s behaviour. Firebrands like that could cripple operations.

The snail clicked.

^{“Lieutenant Commander,” the horned woman addressed:
“All forces are in position… Beginning our advance.”}

With a nod to Ensign Kokomatsu, Alexis raised a hand in silence, then gave the gesture. A simple wave to follow. Movements began with little hesitation — at least not from her own subordinates — and the march was underway. This was routine. In fact, it was almost a little too routine to the outsiders. Everything about their formation was eerily perfect, following in each others’ footsteps as they advanced further inland. As far as their available maps had dictated, they were out of sight, but not necessarily out of mind.

Meanwhile, Drescher Oswald kept his eyes peeled. Though Crysiland’s terrain was hardly a jungle, it was still very lush and unusual, not least of which due to the country’s main feature — arrays of light to moderate blue crystals that grew from the stone and soil as any greenery would. Glittering gently, the near-transparent growths formed strangely ornate clusters in the shadows of lush trees, or crowning rocky outcrops. Such stones were almost alien to him, but he knew better than to let their abnormalities distract him from their objective.

“They say the whole island glows at night,” one of the seamen said, perhaps in hushed enough tones to avoid the ears of the Ensigns, but not him. He mused the image of the island he had seen on their approach, seeing in his mind’s eye a dark shape illuminated only by glittering specks of blue. Somehow, Ozzy dismissed the image as inadequate, adjusting his pace somewhat to move a bit closer to the commissioned officers as they neared their first designated way-point.

---

Conway Alexis | #4682b4 (Steel Blue)
Drescher Oswald | #213439 (Gunmetal)
Marines | #eeeeee

[Flame]

Ryouto #8 / Leyla #8

"Sounds good Ensign. Make for the base."

He responded across the den den channel as he watched the men begin to disembark. The marines rolled out in orderly enough columns before spreading out. Men grouped into commands and then squads, everything was running smoothly. As per planned for the time being. His sharp eyes picked out the pair of ensigns in the lead of their respective groups. Good, good, Ryouto nodded to himself as he looked down upon his men.

Soon enough the groups were marching. Making their steady progress they passed through the crystal studded terrain. Ryouto licked his lips considering his options in the moment. Let's keep going like this for now. He told himself thinking ahead. Dark eyes narrowed as he looked up the path. He considered whether this was a trap, Ryouto might've expected a welcoming party, even if just a few marines. Not that they had announced themselves, but ...

He took a breath and closing his eyes for a moment. The Lieutenant Commander winced slightly as his wings shrunk back in. His body reduced in size and his skin went from a burnished red-pink to his usual barely pinkish white color. "Much better." Ryouto said in a whisper as he squatted perched upon that same branch in the canopy. Glancing down at the marines beneath him he smiled. A small amount of pride rose within him as he looked at their orderly approach.

Alright then, Ryouto's eyes peered forward and the Lieutenant Commander disappeared. The branch he'd been standing on shook rattling leaves like they might've with a flock of birds leaving it. The canopy sped through his eyes as he shot from trunk to trunk. Tree to tree he moved each time taking a look about the strange island watching over his marines with sharp eyes.

---

Their march began, the rhythmic stomp of feet was in the end what kept Leyla's steps in time with the rest. Otherwise she would've been unlikely to hold that time with them. The marines about her, of her squad did their best to keep up the whole unit's display of military form. But Leyla was having little of it. Though her feet were in step she flexed her fingers lazily. Her stance was a bit more relaxed, and her rifle was definitely held over the wrong shoulder compared to the rest of the marines.

Whether it went unnoticed or unpunished Leyla hardly cared. Her attention was elsewhere, before she'd noticed that the Lieutenant Commander had not been at the rally. Actually she'd not seen that asshole anywhere since their talk in his office. Leyla growled slightly, Not even participating in his own mission? She snorted, the opinion she'd heard of Ryouto from her crewmates was not particularly holding up at this point.

She shook her head upset to even be caught up thinking of the man. Leyla brought her eyes elsewhere looking about. The island was, something else. There was nothing like this where she grew up in the East Blue. Even from her position mid-rank of the unit she could tell something was different very different. The rumors about the Grand Line seemed as true as ever from her vantage here. Structures of flat looked like glass rose up about them interspersed with the trees. Through them light pierced shining in different colors about the forest floor. If for a moment she was caught in the wonder of it all.

She - a nudge hit her in the side. Glancing over obviously annoyed Leyla glared holes into the seaman next to her. "Petty says to get your form in order. Apparently there's still time for you to go back to the brig." Leyla grunted as she continued to bore holes into the marine. Who in a low whisper continued "Don't blame me, just the messenger Leyla" The annoyed seawoman clicked her tongue. She'd no interest in going into the brig and miss whatever was coming up.

Taking a quick glance about she shifted her rifle onto her other shoulder. For a short while she made a show of trying to walk in line though it quickly lazed away as the walk continued.

"Is it just me, or is this island rather empty?" Leyla commented as they continued to march on. There was no spectators, nothing on their path as they made it further in. She'd have expected some, any really, but she'd seen none at all.