War Dogs!

[Fennec]

The ship's flag flattered around in the wind wildly, displaying the colors of the Marines proudly. Two ships, two marine vessels anchored beside each other. Jack was on one of these, standing next to Zero 'the Hero' a wanted criminal. To be exact, Zero was a member of the Revolutionary Army and was wanted in the North Blue for a bounty of 7.000.000 berri.

A bounty was imposed for acts of terrorism, arson, and civilian casualties as a result of his actions. It was safe to say he was everything but a hero. Jack stood idle, watching over the grey-haired criminal with his golden eyes. On deck was a Marine Ensign who stood on the other side of Zero. All seamen were on deck! Awaiting the arrival of another CO! Lieutenant João Teixeira a recent import from the South Blue. Jack checked his watch quickly, what was taking Lt. Teixeira so long? That's when he heard a loud boisterous voice.

"Shriiiiikakakakaka!! Sorry for the delayed my good friends! I just got tangled up in an argument with one of my seamen. We were discussing what brand of pizza rolls was better shriiiiikakakaka!"

Announced the Lieutenant, with a hyena-like laugh. He was yelling across the sea from his ship. To say João was, tall was an understatement. The guy was at least eleven feet tall and well-muscled. This of course was slightly obscured by his white Marine outfit. Arms crossed and with a big smile, the Lieutenant stood greeting his fellow marines! A sheen of sunlight caught on his sunglasses, one that would blind almost anyone. The North Blue was so different from his home blue the South Blue, that's the first thing João had noticed.

Of course, it was! It was on the other side of the world. But that was understandable... in general, the culture, food, and even the water were different. Yes, the water too! For some reason, he'd found the water to even have a different taste. He remembered hearing a similar story from his father who had gone to the East Blue once in his life and had told him about the water tasting different. At the time João didn't believe his late father. But now, he was fully aware! No matter, his stay here would be short. He was sent here to do some basic training for recruits, but alas found himself as the only available officer to transfer the newest prisoner.

"Finally..."

Jack scoffed under his breath, this exchange of prisoners was putting him a bit on edge. They were going to transfer Zero from the Holy Remuno Marine Base to Jreum where he could be put in finer containment. Having a figure like him in a more publicly accessible base was a hassle and invited a break-in. Jreum was a seabase built on top of a reef that was exclusively controlled by the Marines. The Revolutionary Army was more than invited to attempt an attack on that base (again) after all their last attempt had failed. A second one was doomed to fail. Jreum was a proud bastion of the sea.

Jack fixed his sunglasses as he saw João and a Petty Officer cross the bridge over to the ship. He had to admit, João was the opposite of what he imagined a CO being... he was very jolly. Did they make them jolly in the South Blue? Probably, the place sounded sunny after all. That probably enhanced their mood. Cocking his head back Jack stared up at Joâo who was no directly in front of him staring down at Zero. The terrorist looked up at João glaring at him despite being very much human he had a muzzle and for very good reasons too. A low growl of annoyance came from the criminal in question.

"Oh! This is the trouble-making fellow!! Shriiiikakakaka! Oh wow, look at his glare and his growl! Oh, he'll be a fun one to transport I'm sure."

The Lieutenant announced, he was getting some odd stares from everyone on board. Did this guy seriously enjoy his job? Jack let out a sigh, honestly, this guy reminded him a lot of his Uncle, it was uncanny almost. The cipher pol agent bowed respectfully.

"This is correct Lieutenant Texiera! Zero, is here and ready for transport. I, Agent Jack Fitzgerald and Ensign Di Naso will be passing him onto you now as your responsibility."

Ensign Di Naso gave Jack an approving nod at Jack's statement. The agent was proud of his statement... or at least that was until he saw João.

"Very well! Then we should get moving I suppose!"

The Lieutenant turned his back to Zero who took this as an opportunity, he broke his bonds with his monstrous strength and lunged to the side smashing into Ensign Di Naso. With quick action, he grabbed onto the Ensign's cutlass and slashed João's back causing the Lieutenant to fall on his back. Jack was in shock, he tried to lunge himself at Zero but the latter leaped past him and grappled a Petty Officer holding the cutlass to his neck.

"Give a boat or the kid gets it!"

Jack stood still meanwhile Ensign Di Naso stood up. This was a disaster! Everyone had their weapons drawn at the Revolutionary, but they soon lowered them.

"Do as he says... we need to get Lt. Teixeira to safety anyway."

The Agent commanded, a lot of the seamen stood still. Trying to register their orders.

"Well!! Do as he says! Fools!"

João yelled from the ground, feeling the seething pain in his back. He didn't show it, but he was pissed off. Once he got his hands on that Zero he was going to break his kneecaps! That was for certain. Quickly the task force mobilized to accommodate the demands of Zero and before they knew it. Zero had a boat ready for his escape, still with the Petty Officer yelled at sword-point. Jack watched from the side of the ship as the target he had tracked for so long as leaving with yet another victim. His hands grasped the side of the ship tightly.

"We'll get 'em... I'm sure... we'll get 'em."

The Lieutenant said standing up in pain, his teeth clenched as he leaned on the side of the ship with one hand right next to Jack.

---

João | White Smoke #F5F5F5 | Post Count: 1
Jack | Shamrock #03AC13 | Post Count: 1
Zero | Indigo #281E5D | NPC

[Deleted]

Meanwhile, in the city of Baetica on Naso, a grumpy-looking Wolf mink with silver fur and dressed in pristine scrubs washed his hands after performing a minor surgery on a local craftsman. The man, now fully awake with bandages around his chest, sat upright slowly and clutched his chest.

Without missing a beat, the Mink growled and turned around to bark at the injured man. The scar across his snout would normally add to intimidation, but it seemed as thought the injured man was unaffected by this display of ferocity. "Lay back down or you'll ruin my hard work!" Eddie, the man in question, simply sighed and did as he was told.

"Sorry Doctor Gin. But you know I have work to do... I can't let this injury stop me from supporting my family!"

Gin cleared his throat and adjusted himself. His voice was low and quite gruff, but his words sounded professional and practiced.

"I am fully aware of your situation, Mr. Shiner. But I am a doctor. If you tear the sutures, you'll be right back here for another day and miss yet more work. How would that help your family? You may rest in the other room, but you must not leave for at least another few hours whilst the medicine takes effect. I assume you'll be paying as usual, over a number of months at a fixed rate?"

Eddie scratched the back of his head as Gin helped him to the other room. While Eddie was not exactly a small man, Gin seemingly had no issue lifting him whatsoever.

“Yeah, though with my recent promotion I can afford a higher monthly payment.” Eddie smiled at Gin, who seemingly ignored the news. Gin had always been a tough nut to crack, and in all his days Eddie hadn’t seen him smile even once. As Gin sat him down, he quickly returned to his work in the other room, preparing medicines he made himself as well as cleaning bandages and tools to prepare for the next unfortunate fool who injured themselves doing stupid things.

With a quiet sigh and a shake of his head, Gin grumbled to himself.

“Humans are so fragile. At least I make good money here, And at least I haven’t had any trouble in a while.”

---

Okami Gin | Iron #D4D8DB | Post Count:1

[Fennec]

"I insist you require medical attention, I know of a hospital around these parts that can get you fixed up."

The green-haired Cipher Pol Agent said, his pale face and golden eyes had a stern look on them. All as he spoke up to the Lieutenant who had his hands in his pockets standing in a somewhat slouched position. The sound of waves crashing against the rocky docks of Naso combined with the screeching of seagulls fluttering about filled their ears. Both ships docked ships bobbed up and down as Seamen went up and down the ship constantly patrolling the island.

"Agent Fitzgerald, I'm fine I swear, Shrikakaka!"

João laughed out loud, he appreciated the concern for his health but he was certain he'd be fine. After all, he was a surgeon himself.

"See I'm as giddy as a kid on Christmas!"

The Lieutenant announced jumping up in down. That's when he heard something snap and instantly his face olive-colored face became contorted with pain. His black hair flashed forward as he cocked his head down and leaned against a pole. No, Jack was right. He needed to see a doctor. He couldn't take care of this one himself either, it was a wound to his back. A disrespectful and cowardly attack from Zero too. Most dishonorable.

"Fine... let's go see a doctor..."

Jack nodded approvingly, good crossing his arms. Without further or due they both left to the outskirts of the main town in search of Naso. They left Ensign Di Naso in charge of the ships meanwhile they went on a search. They had also called in a local Marine Captain for assistance just in case things got even more out of hand. João still wasn't too keen on leaving, he hated leaving his post behind especially in situations like these which demanded his utmost attention. But the pain was going to hamper his ability to work, that and Jack had insisted.

In fact, he had a feeling that Jack wouldn't have budge until he bent the knee and he wasn't wrong. Jack was a stubborn fellow, a quality he had picked up by being with his missing sister. Was his sister stubborn? No, not particularly. Not in a traditional sense. She was a happy-go-lucky type. That was unless it came to her father. Then, things were different. Then she was slightly stubborn with the pursuit of her dream.

The two men continued on their walk passing all the stone labor of Naso. Something that didn't impress Jack much. Sure it was pretty, but buildings were buildings. He was more of a fisherman, a man of the sea. Astounding monuments didn't particularly do much to impress him. João on the other hand as the son of a mason was impressed by the handy work. It was like nothing he'd see before, the way the stone was labored and chiseled. It was impressive, every small detail... a marvel of architecture. His home island, Silver Island had impressive stonework and architecture was its forte.

But outside of that, the South Blue was fairly devoid of architectural powerhouses. He had heard stories of the North Blue boating massive cities of stone, labored and built upon for centuries. But one thing was to hear or read about them and another was to actually be present to see it all on full display. Statues of lions that looked like the real deal adorned various parts of the city. As did great pillars of marble and roads made of polished cobblestone.

Marble statues and granite parlors adorned many of the homes that he saw along the way. All fit so well, along with the citizens wearing their pristine white togas. As centurion guards wearing mail and plate roamed the streets, shield, and spear on hand. With their helmets boasting red-feathered crests. It was a sight to see, to say the least.

The sightseeing however came to an end as they walked out into the countryside. Rolling green hills of a temperate landscape, prominent in this blue dotted the landscape. Occasionally you could spot the odd farmhouse and windmill. Or even a shepherd herd their sheep. Old marble pillars of a bygone age of the empire also were found littered about, symbols of this region's ancient history.

"We're almost there."

Jack announced and wrong he wasn't. As soon, they found themselves in front of the hospital. The two men looked at it, it wasn't anything particularly impressive. It was a hospital! A place! Scratching his chin, the man with a soul patch turned to Jack.

"So... do we knock or...?"

---

João | White Smoke | #F5F5F5 | Post Count: 2
Jack | Shamrock | #03AC13 | Post Count: 2

[Deleted]

Gin had just finished cleaning his utensils when he smelled the blood leaking from someone outside his hospital. It was clear to him he had another patient, but to ensure that Eddie hadn’t left his bed early and reopened his wounds, Gin checked the bed he put Eddie in, and luckily, the older man had fallen asleep. Good. That meant less of a fuss. He took off his gloves and tidied up the chairs quickly before heading to the door and opening it carefully. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time he was attacked by someone pretending to be injured, and he had patients to take care of so he couldn’t afford to get into another fight.

When Gin looked at the two men outside, one of which was obviously injured, it hadn’t quite registered who they were.

“I assume one of you needs help? Please, come in.”

The moment Gin was able to get a good look at the Marine Lieutenant, he cleared his throat.

“Apologies. I didn’t realize we had both a Marine Lieutenant and a Cipher Pol agent visiting.”

As the two of them entered and the door closed behind them, Gin was able to clearly see the gash on the Lieutenants back. The clothes had been pretty clearly cut through with a sword and the bleeding was getting worse from the constant movement. Gin prepared some of his supplies before looking at the two of them.

“Marine work can be quite dangerous. I hope the pay is worthwhile. I should warn you now that while this is not a ‘city’ hospital, supplies can be expensive, especially when I factor in shipping. Depending on what needs done, your bill can range from anywhere between half a million beri and several million. That includes, of course, medicine, stitches, painkillers, a bed, food, etc.”

As he clarified the pricing and cleared his throat, he glanced at the Lieutenant and rubbed the back of his head.

“Of course, there is a discount for active Marines so long as they don’t bring trouble into the hospital. Please remove your shirt and jacket so that I can take a look at the wound. You may sit over here for your examination.”

Gin pointed to a clean, backless adjustable hospital chair. The gloves that Gin uses are specially made with extra thick tips, since his metal claws retract into his paws, which are also made of metal. It’s barely noticeable from a distance, but closer inspection makes it obvious that Gin isn’t a regular doctor. The gloves have to be made especially strong to compensate for the extra wear and tear of metal. Despite this, his fingers are incredibly agile and make it easy to perform labor intensive surgeries since his hands never cramp up!

Gin waited for the Lieutenant to follow his orders before pointing the Cipher Pol agent to a seat close by.

---

Okami Gin | Iron #D4D8DB | Post Count:2

[Fennec]

The last thing Jack expected to see today was a Wolf Mink wearing scrubs like a surgeon. The wolfish man turned his head slightly in amusement at the sight before him but otherwise made no immediate comment. João on the other hand seemed completely unphased by the sight of a mink, instead of giving Gin a big wide smile.

"Doctor Okami!!! You must be him yes?"

The larger of the two men inquired, he hunched over to look down at Gin. The smile was still on his face as he did so. Doing so however reminded him of his wound, as he felt a jabbing pain on his back immediately wiping the smile from his face. Instead, he contorted it into a pained one. Jack shook his head in disapproval, he didn't doubt João's intelligence... the man was an honored graduate from one of the world's most prestigious universities, that in of itself was more than what João could say. But the way he carried himself sometimes really made room for doubts.

"Yes! I sustained an injury while on duty, it's a funny story actually."

"No, it's really not."

Jack interrupted, with his lips tightened. The Lieutenant looked at his companion and shrugged, standing up straight once more.

"Come on, it got the adrenaline running! Oh well, it's good to hear there is a discount. Mostly because Jack will be paying."

A bead of sweat fell down João's forehead as he made that comment. He couldn't make any immediate payments... at least not in the North Blue at the moment. So instead he had banked on Jack paying. The annoyed Jack turned to João giving him the most annoying glare ever. Honestly, if he wasn't so beat up he'd give him a good kick over the head.

"So it seems I'll pay..."

Jack lamented, his brow furrowing at the comment. It was moments like these that he was grateful he'd been born to a rich family. At least there was that 25% discount that this Okami fellow was offering. There was something to be said for that.

"Hehe, well I don't really don't my job because of the pay, Doctor Okami. I do it because I actually quite enjoy it. I'm a doctor myself you know? I was a combat medic before my promotion. I'd do this procedure on myself but... well I'm afraid I can't reach my back! Shrikakakaka!! Ow..."

Even laughing hurt, with a slight frown on his face João followed Gin into the hospital as did Jack. The place seemed spotless, despite not being within the city and self-operated you could tell that Gin really took great care of the place. That was a good sight, especially with João who could appreciate such things. Jack on the other hand decided to take a seat in the waiting room at the behest of Gin. Looking around he picked up a magazine... it was about local popstars. Nothing he cared about really, but hey... it was better than staring at the ceiling.

"Get the latest gossip on Odette Valois... Nerine's latest hit popular among the older generation... huh..."

Jack said to himself, flipping through the pages.

---

João | White Smoke #F5F5F5 | Post Count: 3
Jack | Shamrock #03AC13 | Post Count: 3

[Deleted]

After waiting for the Marine to finish revealing his wound, Gin carefully examined it while mopping up the blood with a sterile rag. It was a fairly deep wound on the back and clearly a cheap shot. The way the wound cuts was indicative that the marine wasn’t actively fighting or running away. It was a clean cut with no tears, aside from what looked like overactivity after the wound was made.

“You’re lucky. While it may be painful, this wound is far from life-threatening so long as it’s treated quickly so that you don’t bleed out. You’ve been too active since receiving it, so there is some swelling both inside the wound and around it due to microtears in the muscle. You’ll need stitches, some pain killers, antibiotics, and bedrest for at least two or three days. I request that you remain here overnight for the first day so that I can monitor you in case of infection.”

It was less of a request and more just being polite that he asked, but Gin was deadly serious about ensuring his patients were taken care of as best as possible.

“Before we begin, Might I ask the name of my patient, Marine Captain…? I’m sure you’re aware as a fellow doctor that I’ll need your consent before I do this procedure, as while it is rather low risk, there is a possibility, however small, that something could go wrong.”

Upon receiving his consent, Gin would guide him over to a surgical table that had recently been sterilized. Unlike with hospitals in the city, Gin doesn’t require his patients to embarrass themselves by wearing hospital gowns. It’s a small hospital, so he does most of the cleaning himself, opting to ensure everything is perfectly sterile before any new patients are taken in. As João laid upon the padded table, Gin prepared his medical supplies. He quickly sterilized the wound and applied a local anesthetic, waiting for it to kick in before touching the wound and asking João if he felt anything.

Once the area was properly numbed, Gin cleaned out the wound thoroughly and applied a medicinal paste inside the wound before sewing it up and applying more medicine to the outside of the wound. The entire procedure was quite quick since it was a simple wound, but precautions still need to be taken. After bandaging the wound, Gin led João to a room where he could rest and recuperate and left him some painkillers, antibiotics, and a large glass of water to ensure he stayed hydrated. On the bedside table was a little bell that he pointed to.

“If you need anything, you can ring that bell there and I will get you what you need. I am going to go and check on your CP friend and give him the bill.”

Gin left the room, tallying everything up before printing it out and heading down to meet with the CP agent that came along with João.

---

Okami Gin | Iron #D4D8DB | Post Count:3

[Fennec]

The marine Lieutenant removed his coat and shirt revealing the massive gash with upturned flesh on his back. He was a tall man, although perhaps tall was an understatement for someone who stood over ten feet in size. His skin was olive in tone and covered in scars likely from other battles at sea. Showing off his back, it was still bleeding fairly heavily and like Gin revealed it wasn't exactly a fatal wound. Not that, João was a doctor who was worried.

He was well aware, however as Gin pointed out he could easily bleed to death due to this wound if it went untreated. This was true, but João was a bit of a hypocrite in this sense. If a patient came to him like this, he would 100% tell them the same. But since he was himself he didn't exactly want to be still. While at it he took off his glasses revealing a pair of narrow yellow-orange-colored eyes that seemed like those of a hawk.

"Alright, doc! I get it, I'll stand still shriiiikakakaka!"

João said as he laid face down on the operation table. It was cold, well hospitals were usually very cold. But still, lying bare-chested was always slightly uncomfortable. No matter, this is what he got for turning his back on such a dastardly villain.

"Oh sure, I am Lieutenant João Teixeira! You however can simply call me João or Jo! No need to be so formal Doctor Okami. You're a civilian not one of my men! Shrikakakaka! Ow..."

The dark-haired man announced, he began to laugh at his own statement. Not that it was funny... João was just that jolly. However, all the laughter caused some pain. He grimaces and squinted slightly. As Gin began to apply the local anesthesia... he felt the cold of it on his back like a chilling icele. The rest of the experience was... alright. As his wound was properly cleaned and stitches were applied, he felt nothing but a few numb pricks every now and then.

"Alrighty, Doctor Okami!"

João said happily, he even gave Gin a little wave as he left the room. The Lieutenant couldn't help but feel bad for Jack seeing as he was the one paying for these services. But it couldn't be helped... that said he'd figure out a way to repay him. Wasn't the lad trained by Vaun Hertz? A marine captain from the North Blue? Yes, maybe he could contact said Captain and inquire the sort of things Jack was into. He wanted a gift for him and there was likely no better man to ask than a person like that. A father figure always knew what his son liked. No?

~~~

In the waiting room...

Jack flipped across another page, his golden eyes spreading across. Engrossed in what he was reading... when there was a sudden ring from the bells at the door as someone else came in. Since Jack was in the waiting room he couldn't get a good look at who it was? Not that it really mattered. He didn't care. No, looking at his horoscope was more interesting. A guilty pleasure for the verdant-haired man.

"Mm, Leo's better watch out for surprises? Hm, I don't like surprises..."

~~~

At the front door...

It wasn't something he'd been counting on, but the petty officer's arm had gotten broken from the leap so he had to drag him over to this godforsaken place. Disposing of him was unintelligent... this was a ransom scenario. Surely the Marines already had Naso surrounded with ships and the island overrun. But Zero had a plan up his sleeve, he had contacts in the city. They could fight back and stage an escape he was confident of that. The Petty Officer was knocked out cold over his shoulder, upon seeing Gin... Zero pointed a finger at him.

"You. Doctor, this kid has broken arm. Found em on the street. Oh and uh... do you have a Den Den Mushi I can use? I need to make a call."

---

João | White Smoke | #F5F5F5 | Post Count: 4
Jack | Shamrock | #03AC13 | Post Count: 4
Zero | Indigo | #281E5D | NPC

[Deleted]

Gin had cleaned up the room before heading down, but when he heard another person come in the door, he sighed slightly to himself. This was the busiest day he had seen in a while. Usually he might get a person every week or so, but today alone he's had three! As Gin approached the front desk, he greeted the stranger politely, only for them to be very short with him while dragging along what looked like a marine that was much lower on the totem pole. This person couldn't be too bad if they brought an injured marine in, right?

Gin would be lying if he said he didn't smell something off, but he was a doctor. The small marine was clearly injured, so he had to take care of it.

"And who will be paying? I can't imagine the 'kid' had enough saved up to afford a medical bill at this time. I'm sure you know what would happen if he was unable to pay for medical care?"

Gin's face was very straight and slightly cold. He has never once felt bad for kicking a patient out that couldn't pay. For those who were in dire need of care, like the kid, he would fix them up and then call their commanding officer to have them pay for his services. Exceptions could not be made when he was the only doctor in town and the medical supplies he had were few and far between.

"If you can't pay immediately, I can call his 'guardian' to come down and sign a document stating they would pay. He obviously needs help. I'll fix his arm. You wait there."

Gin pointed toward the waiting area and guided the injured marine to the surgical room. After a brief examination, some bone-setting, and a brace, the marine was ready to go.

"Now kid, is that guy out there gonna pay with his own money or are you gonna call your commanding officer? I have systems up, so if he tries to skip out on payment, he won't get far. I don't allow anyone free treatment, no matter their rank. I can't run a business on charity. What's your name, rank, and division number?"

Gin didn't care about the circumstances of the injury so long as he got paid. He has treated criminals and marines alike in the past, and considered his hospital to be a neutral zone. If anyone decided to break the peace, they would be escorted out by force if necessary. He was utterly unaccepting of damage to his hard work.

---

Okami Gin | Iron #D4D8DB | Post Count:4