Tusked Raiders! The Boreal Pirates Attack!

[Sam]

Waves crashed again the boat Gen was on... cold winds cutting at his face. Something that most would find rather uncomfortable. But for the Tengu this was perfect, Gen found himself slightly more relaxed with a big smile on his face. Just within view, he could see Drum Island! Place of ice, snow, and no sunlight! The Tengu who often despised the sunlight was extremely happy! This cold weather was just what he needed... and in fact, he was wearing no coat or winter clothing.

He didn't need to. His body was naturally hot! Blazing in fact. Not something that would hurt you if you touched him but you'd surely feel the heat itself radiating from within him. He looked up at the high Drum shaped mountains. It was an odd formation one that probably gave the Island its name. However, from the things he'd heard it would seem this Island's kingdom was not the Drum Kingdom. At least not anymore.

Aside from the Perfect weather though, Drum was actually nothing special. At least not for Gen... this was just another stop in the Grand Line. A pleasant stop but a stop nonetheless. He just hoped that like every other stop he wouldn't run into some uncomfortable shenanigans. But that was having high hopes... the more Gen traveled the Grand Line around the more he felt he had a weirdness magnet attached to him. One that seemed to draw all these odd and crazy problems to him. The Tengu frowned, his smile gone again now replaced by the usual scowl he had plastered on his face once more.

"Land ho! This is our final destination for a few weeks."

Captain Nick, the merchant ship's captain hollered. He was a man in his early to mid-fifties... a jolly bearded fellow of a stocky build with a bright red nose. One of the more wizened types... used to sailing the Grand Line. Gen turned to the man who was sitting at the ship's wheel. He gave him a grateful bow! The Tengu was thankful for having been allowed on the ship. These days most merchants were not too keen on letting on strangers. Especially with the recent escapades of super rookies... you never knew who was up to what. To summarize there were a lot of bad people out at Sea.

"Alright Captain Nick, that's fine by me!"

Gen replied to the Captain, the man nodded giving the Tengu a wide toothy grin followed by a hefty laugh that went something like 'Har Har Har'. The Tengu smirked for a second but it disappeared as soon as it had appeared on his face. Gen hopped off the ship and landed on the wooden dock his geta (sandals) clattering onto the hardwood below as he landed. He stretched, a bit his skin and bones getting a bit more accustomed to the cold. Soon he would not be able to feel a thing as his body adapted more and more to the cold.

"Guess I should head into town then?"

The Tengu said to himself, looking ahead at the various cabins with smoke coming from chimney's above. It was a cute town, to say the least... it looked cozy amongst all the snow. Gen wondered if he could get himself some hot cocoa. He was very fond of chocolate and well winter foods in general.

---

Captain Nick - #f2f5fa
Gen - #ee1d41

[odango]

T H E  S T O R Y  O F  T S U B A K I

II - I

- T U S K E D  R A I D E R S -

---

The air was brisk and everyone would clearly see their breath in front of them. The crushed snow under her feet made noise with every step as Tsubaki made her way into town. She was sent to liaison some supplies. It made little sense to send a lot of people and other officers were taking care of the ship or were sent elsewhere for different reasons. At the time, Tsubaki was alone – she didn’t even have her trusty, adorable, weak recruit with her. It was best, probably. What if Pluto were to get sick from walking around on the island? She’d feel awful if he caught a cold on such a simple errand. The girl would feel bad if anyone caught a cold because of going with her so she asked to do it alone – how hard could it be, anyway?

The brunette was dressed in winter clothing – unlike her usual navy trousers and baggy shirt, petty officer Taighana wore a navy issued duck feather coat. These they didn’t really get to customize so the size was actually hers. As it was, for once in a long time, Tsubaki had curves again. She had been busty since early teens and was picked on because of it so, when entering the marines, the girl chose to wear shirts way too big to somewhat mask it. It felt odd to have something well-fitting again.

”C-c-c-cooooold!” she let out in a freezing stutter midway and her now glowed hands crossed over her chest to warm up her shoulders and arms in a quick rubbing motion. She began walking faster and the sound of freshly stepped on snow followed her even louder. The regular navy issue flats were swapped for warm winter boots with thick soles. Her katana – Ryūran, a longer katana with a flower shaped guard and black and indigo coloured scabbard and hilt – was tied to her hip under the coat so the lower part of it was open and had the handle sticking out on her left side. The girl seriously thought about her weapon choices. Her hair was under the hood of the coat and only strands escaped at the sides and were flowing backwards due to a breeze.

She soon passed a small café that smelled deliciously inviting of chocolate, coffee and some spices. They were as good a place as any to ask around. The thought of getting a warm drink crossed her mind many, many times. The girl’s body wasn’t used to the temperature yet. One of the reasons she wanted to go in was just to get something warm in her gut. The asking around was secondary.

”No, no, I’m working!” she told herself as she was just about to pull open the door of the café. The young woman shook her head and released the door. The word “MARINE” was very obvious on her back - as was the seagull symbol - and the same with writing on her biceps, and there would also be a smaller symbol on the left upper side of her chest. It was almost as if the marines were walking advertisements. It did make sense to notify people of why they were armed, though.

”I’ll just ask for more information… and, if there’s no line, I’ll get something warm to drink. It’s for my work. Yes… yes!” she nodded twice to herself and once again grasped at the handle to open the door – this time successfully.

”Good day!” she called out to the staff politely and her gloved hands moved up to remove her hood from her head. Her cheeks and nose were rosy from the cold air. The hazel eyed girl began her stride towards the counter of the cosy little cafe. There were just five or six round tables and they were meant to sit two people each.

”Um… could I get some hot cranberry juice with a bit of cinnamon, please?” Tsubaki asked with a happy smile. She wasn’t asking the right question at all…

---

Tag: Sam
Words: 668
Tsubaki: 393597

[Sam]

The town wasn't particularly large, nor was it particularly small. It was somewhere in between... it looked cozy with its small houses made of wood and stone. Gen smiled walking through the winter wonderland. Why couldn't the whole planet be more like this? Why did deserts have to exist?

All he could do was be in awe! The odd man got a few looks as he walked through the town. People seemed amazed at his odd appearance for one and also because of his lack of coat or protective gear. It's not always that you see a man in a kimono walking around a taiga like an environment without a thick coat. Especially one that melted the snow around himself as he walked.

Looks were something however that didn't faze the Tengu. He'd become used to them at this point and besides he was usually ignored in most places of the grand line... weird looking people like him were the norm in this place. That is to say when he wasn't confused for a Devil Fruit user of sorts at times. Gen grimaced, remembering his horrendous stay in Resinbar. Never again! Never ever! Would he ever visits that island again? Or so he hoped he never would. Fate a funny way of handling things.

Arriving at the local drinking establishment, Gen reached out to open the door. The smell of winter spices and herbs like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and rosemary filled his nostrils. All pleasant smells... Gen was very fond of them all. They all seemed to soothe and relax him which was very much welcome. He felt his body loosen a bit the more he became used to the environment his mood shifting positively more. Inside many people sat around drinking and enjoying their time.

Out in the corner seemed to be a young woman wearing a Marine jacket. Gen wasn't that much of a fan of the Marines... but if they were around at least that meant there was a degree of safety. Which was always very much welcome... safety equates to peace something the Tengu wanted. The drum would be his vacation if you will. He looked around used somewhere to sit. The place was packed! But all the seats were taken only the one with the Marine across from it seemed available. The Tengu let out a sigh convincing himself that socializing wasn't bad he walked over and took a seat across from her.

"Greetings."

He said dryly before yelling at the tender to come to the table.

"Oi! I'd like some hot cocoa! Extra marshmallows please."

The Tengu yelled the tender across the counter gave him a nod writing down his order in a piece of paper and passing it on to one of her coworkers before resuming her interaction with another customer. Gen turned back to Tsubaki, he looked at the brunette woman... squinting his left eye and opening his right eye wide. One of Gen's most signature expressions. That's when he viewed her sword. He didn't recognize it by name. The Tengu had an eye for recognizing legendary swords as a proud swordsman himself. Despite him not recognizing its name it still looked like a nice piece of craft and he could respect that. In fact, he respected it enough he was prompted to ask about it.

"So, Marine? Can you tell me about that sword of yours? Who made it?"

[odango]

T H E  S T O R Y  O F  T S U B A K I

II - II

- T U S K E D  R A I D E R S -

---

”I’ll just take a tiny break. Just a little one…” she thought as she sat down after the woman behind the counter, that she talked to, assured she’ll bring the beverage over after Tsubaki sits down. Her hazel eyes gleamed a shade of dark golden in the warm lighting of the room and she found a corner table to sit down at. The girl could undo her coat and soak in the heat of the place. It was, certainly a lot nicer than the weather outside. Tsubaki came from Toroa which wasn’t the hottest island but it wasn’t famous for winter climate either – it was just in the middle how it was supposed to be.

The place was almost full. People had huddled up in couples and one company of four (they had taken the chairs from an additional table, leaving the table bare at the side). Chatter was in the air and Tsubaki couldn’t help but overhear a word here and there. The lady behind the counter brought her drink and the petty officer smiled up at her with a curt ”Thanks.” The people were talking about their days, dramatic situations at work and how their bosses were annoying. It was a pretty relaxed setting and the brunette couldn’t help but think how normal it seemed. It couldn’t been said about her recent experiences.

She watched the steam rise up from the surface of her cup and she stirred it gently with a teaspoon provided. The young woman had been hijacked on a ship, suffered through a ship wreck, landed on a dangerous island while trying to keep prisoners secure… and that was just within a few days. “Normal” was all she could ask for.

”?” The chatter in the room suddenly stopped and this caused the hazel eyed swordsman to lift her eyes from the mesmerizing view of her cup. A man walked in the room and it was something she hadn’t seen before. For a moment the woman was fascinated – especially of how he could walk around a winter island with barely any clothes on.

”Oh, right, I shouldn’t stare.” Tsubaki told herself and quickly looked down as the newcomer started searching where to sit. She looked down so quickly and so sharply, in fact, that it hurt her neck and, instinctively, the girl lifted a hand to rub the back of it.

It just so happened that the man chose to sit at her table. At first she thought that maybe he caught her stare and was about to apologize but that wasn’t the case.

”Er… hello.” she responded to the greeting. The guy looked so interesting. She wanted to but knew it would be impolite to ask why he looked the way he did. Certainly, one would think they’ve seen everything on the grand line but Tsubaki was always in a big group of marine soldiers and most of them were just regular humans.

The man asked for a drink too and then stared at her with one eye closed. There was a strange moment of tension. He was scanning her and she didn’t really know why. And why was one of his eyes shut? A thought occurred to her and she thought it best to voice her opinion before something escalates down the line.

”Um… are you…” she started before Gen had asked about the sword, ”winking at me?” she blushed at the words. It was a bit embarrassing to say for some reason. ”I’m sorry but I’m really focused on work and that kind of thing…” she paused to look down apologetically.

”Well, that kind of thing is not in the cards for me right now. I’m sure you’re a nice man…” she became a little flustered and smiled nervously while beginning to anxiously stir her drink quicker and quicker. ”Um… maybe I’ll think differently when I make captain.” she gave out with a nervous laugh. Oh, gosh, this was making her feel awkward.

”Oh.” He finally asked about her being a marine and about her sword and she could feel her face get a hundred shades of red – so much, even, that she could visualize her head being the one that’s steaming, not the drink. She was almost Gen’s shade. She took a minute thinking that it would be great to crawl in a hole somewhere. Had she completely misunderstood the situation?

”Yes. I’m officer Tsubaki Taighana – a marine. And the sword’s name is Ryūran. I don’t know who made it. I got it from an old antique salesman around four years ago. No one has been able to tell me what it is exactly.”

---

Tag: Sam
Words: 773
Tsubaki: 393597

[Sam]

The Winged man wearing a black kimono stopped for a moment as the tension-filled the air. He... he didn't wink he just squinted. Why? What was going on? Why was this conversation that could have pleasantly been about swords suddenly take such an uncomfortable turn? As Tsubaki's words left her mouth people nearby began to stare.

"I think this is a breakup..."

Gen heard someone whisper, normally this would set him off and make him pissed. Except Tsubaki seemed to be very uncomfortable with her face turning tomato red. A sign of her complete and utter embarrassment. To be frank, Gen would not have expected that sort of reaction from her given her appearance he would have thought she'd likely be told or at least receive the treatment she mistook the Tengu for giving her. Perhaps she did and for the reason, she was quick to assume Gen was making a move when he wasn't. The Tengu couldn't help but feel mildly embarrassed. He looked away and scratched the back of his head no knowing how to react.

After thinking it for a few seconds he finally settled on a few words... not expecting to be in this break up sort of situation. Gen wasn't a flirtatious type, he did have interest in women but quite frankly it wasn't the main objective in his life and for the reason, most of his relationships with members of the opposite sex were often purely platonic. Not to mention he wasn't traditionally handsome... not everyone was into going out with mythical creatures. Or people who looked like them at least.

"I... I think you have the wrong idea here... I didn't... it wasn't my intention to make a move? I am not sure what gave that off?"

Gen grit his teeth, had he been too tough? Too rough? He didn't want to make her feel bad. But in situations like these, it's best to come clean and make intentions clear. Otherwise, you end up in very inconvenient situations more often than not. Realistically it wasn't like he expected to run into this woman again... although you never knew. The world. More specifically the Grand Line when compared to the rest of the world. was very small and almost anything was possible. At least things felt like that more often than not.

"Back... to the sword... um... it's a nice name. You know, where I come from swords are very valued. It's why I ask who made it. It's important to know where I am from."

The Tengu explained, almost forcefully spewing out those words. He played with his thumbs and avoided too much eye contact. This had seriously been the most awkward situation he'd been in a while... he wasn't exactly used to them since he wasn't a particularly shy person. In any case, he decided to get to know better this person. Sure it had been a bad start but it didn't mean he should just cut things right then in there. That was unhealthy and unnatural if anything.

"So... Ummm with all this weird stuff out of the way. I'm Gen."

As he introduced himself one of the tenders came by and left their drinks for them. Gen turned to them and nodded, the tender giving him a nod back before walking off to help someone else. The Tengu looked down at his cup filled with hot chocolate and a couple of marshmallows floating on it. Seeing his reflection was difficult in the murky waters. But he still managed to get a glimpse of his silhouette on it. The steam of the drink hitting his face as the soft smell of the chocolate hit his nostrils. It was soothing, it calmed his nerves down a bit. Something that was much needed after the rough exchange that just happened.

"Kampai?

He rose his cup.

[odango]

T H E  S T O R Y  O F  T S U B A K I

II - III

- T U S K E D  R A I D E R S -

---

”Oh. My. God. I want the ground to swallow me up! This is so embarrassing!” she thought to herself while Gen explained his side of the story. The woman had completely and utterly misunderstood his facial expression and now both of them had caused a nit of a scene. Just when she was happy about how normal the day was – this happened. The girl just couldn’t get a break, could she?

”Y-yes, kampai!” she lifted her cup quickly, almost spilling some and touched it energetically to the tengu’s. It seemed she was eager to move on from the situation – and for good reason. Honestly, the girl would rather be facing some pirate than such an awkward moment. After that, the young woman took a big gulp anxiously to try even more to move on from what she had said.

”Hot, hot, hot, hot, hot, hot, hoot!!!!” she pulled away from the cup quickly and sat it down on the table with a thud. The hazel eyed marine proceeded to pour herself a glass of water that was provided on each table and finished the glass quickly. Her tongue was burning. The petty officer always had a bit of a cat’s tongue so she couldn’t drink or eat things that were too warm. Well, she could, but they burned. Tsubaki took deep breaths through her mouth to try and soothe the burning sensation. It was getting better

”Er… right… a change of topic! Umm, you said you were interested in swords, right?” she was flustered and spoke quickly when something came to her mind. Come to think of it, she did remember someone mentioning a correlation of winged human-like beings and traditional weaponry. At the time of so many thoughts going through her head, she couldn’t really remember it.

”What do you mean by “where you are from”? Where is that? Also – can you fly?” she let out bluntly and, while she usually wouldn’t ask that, the girl felt in a dire need to get some conversation going. Of course, she wouldn’t lie and say she wasn’t curious about the wings. Tsubaki had always been curious of everything in the world.

”I hope it’s okay that I asked…” she added politely. The girl did come from a very proper upbringing so she hated to appear rude and almost never did. Her past could be also seen in her posture and the way she handled her cup – it was that of one trained in “proper” manners.

---

Tag: Sam
Words: 413
Tsubaki: 393597

[Sam]

clink

Their cups lightly pumped, Gen immediately chugged his hot drink leaving his mustache and beard with a coat of chocolate. Being a man with little table manners he simply wiped it off with his sleeve. That was some nice hot cocoa. Very satisfying! The weather was great for it too... it wasn't something you could typically enjoy on a hot island.

"Where am I from?"

Gen thought to himself quitely, that was a question he wasn't asked as often as one would think. Most people he'd met actually didn't bother to ask... they just assumed he was from some exotic island in the Grand Line. The Tengu stroked his beard slowly before speaking.

"I'm from Wano! In New World. It's an island were swords and those who wield them are greatly respected."

The Tengu explained, he rose his head up high as he detailed Wano. Gen loved his homeland if anything he was a little sad with its state. He did wonder if Tsubaki would know what Wano was... most people he ran into didn't know. The nation was essentially news to them. It wasn't that surprising though... the nation was isolated and in the far reaches of the world which likely explained why people knew little about it.

"Huh fly?"

Gen asked confused at first, but then he remembered... the two angel-like white wings protruded from his back. He often forgot that they existed... it was an extension of his body sure but it wasn't something readily obvious since it was in his back. He looked at his wings for a few seconds before turning around to answer the Marine.

"Well... yes but actually no. It's a bit complicated Tsubaki-dono."

He continued to stroke his beard trying to figure out how to explain it for a bit.

"I can fly yes... but I do it with my legs not quite with my wings... those two things are useless. Vestigial wings I think they call it? Kind of like flippers on a penguin if you will. Oh and uh, please don't be shy about asking these questions. I get them asked often hahaha."

[odango]

T H E  S T O R Y  O F  T S U B A K I

II - IV

- T U S K E D  R A I D E R S -

---

”D-dono?!” Tsubaki gave out as a repeat. She could feel a slight blush return to her face. No one had ever called her like that – especially in the Marines. Most of the time she wouldn’t even get taken seriously. To find someone so polite… the brunette didn’t really know how to handle it. It made her happy.

The Toroa-born Petty Officer listened intently to Gen’s explanations. She hadn’t met anyone like him but she had heard about Wano. Not just heard – she had read about it one of the world history books. She nodded along when he encouraged her to ask more about his home. Tsubaki could learn so much new – it was truly great she met the winged red man.

”I see. It is true that not a lot of people would know about Wano but reading’s close to my heart so I remember a mention that it was a land run by samurai and shinobi. Is that correct? Are shinobi real?” Her eyes were gleaming with excitement her hazel hues clung to every word that were to come out of Gen’s mouth. At times, she would lift her cup and take a small sip without even looking at it and keeping eye contact. Her movements were quick and decisive.

”Maybe you can show me how you fly one day, Gen-san?” she asked and propped one elbow on the table to rest her chin on the base of her palm.

”Actually… maybe you’d be able to tell me more about my katana. You might have seen more swords anyways so perhaps you would have a clue about where on the spectrum it is.” she requested. ”But it’s fine if you refuse.” came a reassurance right after – after all, Tsubaki didn’t want to impose too much.

”Hmm… I was supposed to gather some information… I should get back to work soon.” she let out with a sigh.

---

Tag: Sam
Words: 317
Tsubaki: 393597

[Sam]

Gen leaned back in his chair crossing his arms. He was quite surprised that Tsubaki was aware of Wano. Most people he'd met so far hadn't heard of the place... this knowledge could however likely be attributed to her being in the Marines. Gen smirked, it was good to know the World Government at the very least informed their soldiers.

"Shinobi?"

The Tengu shifted his eyes from left to right, he leaned forward a bit and began to speak in a whispery voice.

"They're very real! As real as Yokai! That is to say illusive but around!"

Gen leaned back on his chair a smile not plastered on his face. The irony of the situation was, however, that Gen's family was actually a clan of Ninjas. Little to his knowledge the band of humble farmers he knew and loved were actually assassins in disguise. In fact, the funnier thing was his family was under the assumption that Gen was out doing Ninja's work and not too aware of his situation as a bounty hunter. The reason for this, however, was a story for another day. Perhaps something he'd figure out once he ran into his cousin Itachi who was also in the Grand Line.

"Sure I can tell you about your Katana! I'll examine it if you allow me..."

KABOOM

He blurted out, but as he did a loud boom was heard outside along with screaming. The people inside the cozy cafe all stood up in confusion, Gen included. The door slammed open! Through it walked in a man covered in black powder.

"Pirates! They're here!"

BAM

The man was shot before he could say anything else. His body fell on the ground unconscious as a pool of crimson formed under him. A pirate was right behind him wearing a winter cat and a big fluffy coat, he smiled wide with a big toothy grin. Smoke and fire could be seen in the background as pirates ran wild through the city and more gunshots were heard.

"Welcome! Seal-Sister Sedna with a bounty of 19,500,000 Beri! She demands a drink! On the house! Brahahaha!"

The man laughed, something that was brought to an abrupt stop as a woman standing at six feet in size walked in shoving the pirate aside. It was her... Sedna! Wearing seals skins and holding a large harpoon on her right hand... she had slick black hair that seemed wet and drenched in water. Her eyes had a menacing look like she was about to kill someone.

"Out of the way, Sitka! Listen up, everyone! The Boreal Pirates are here now! This town is ours! Anyone who opposes will be skewered!"

The tall woman yelled at everyone in the cafe. Most of the people were now cowering under their tables. Gen, however, had his hand on his sword's handle. He was ready for a tussle. The Tengu looked over at Tsubaki, expecting her to pull her weight too. She was a marine... right? Well, this seemed like a job she'd be willing to take up.

---

Gen - #ee1d41
Sitka - #8abde6"
Sedna - #849bad