Chapter 23
As Luffy, Zoro and Nami continue to sail through East Blue, Nami points out how unprepared they are for the Grand Line, and they decide to get a larger ship. As the perspective changes to a nearby island, Usopp is introduced, running through his village warning them of approaching pirates. When it is revealed he was lying, he is chased off by the villagers, and meets up with his Usopp Pirates further down the road. One of the members, Tamanegi, warns that actual pirates are approaching, and the crew goes to spy on them. When the pirates turn out to be Luffy and the others, Usopp winds up having a meal with them. Before the chapter ends, a young, bedridden girl is shown.
The Dread Captain Usopp
The chapter starts with Nami scolding Luffy for being reckless and ill prepared for the Grand Line. While Luffy and Zoro say the only important things they need are food and alcohol, Nami begins to plan their future. She tells them they need to head south to a nearby island to get a ship and supplies.
On an island, Usopp stands looking out to sea. He dashes into his village and begins shouting "The pirates are coming!", but as he runs further, he announces that he was lying. The villagers begin to chase him and throw objects, but he outruns them all. As the villagers lose sight of him and wonder where he went, he laughs and brags to himself that they were tricked once again. As he rests back in the tree he was hiding in, Piiman and Ninjin show up. As they wonder where their fourth member is, Tamanegi rushes up, saying that there are pirates approaching the island.
The others accuse him of lying, but he claims the ship even has the flag of the Buggy Pirates on it. After hearing this, Usopp tries to make up excuses to run away, but the others see through it. When Tamanegi mentions he could only see three pirates, Usopp changes his mind and prepares to repel the attackers.
Luffy, Nami and Zoro reach the island and land, unaware at first that Usopp and the others are watching them, but Zoro spots them. Piiman, Ninjin and Tamanegi run away, leaving Usopp alone. Usopp claims to be the toughest pirate of the village, with a vast army of followers. When Nami accuses him of lying, he accidentally admits to it: in trying to recover, he makes Luffy laugh, and he claims to be "Usopp the Proud".
At a restaurant, Luffy and the others dig into a meal. Usopp tells them that if they want a ship, they should try the mansion in town, where a sick young girl lives. Her parents died the year before, leaving all their fortune and servants to her, and making her incredibly wealthy. Nami says that they should move onto the next village and try there. Usopp offers to be their captain, but the Straw Hats refuse and keep eating, much to his despair.
At the mansion, the young girl Kaya asks her butler Klahadore if she can meet Usopp.
Mission 8
The Forgers, along with the families of the 208 students that passed and alumni of the school are at the first assembly at Eden Academy. The man presenting it congratulates and welcomes everyone to the Academy.
Loid recaps his plan. He was able to get into the Academy, but the challenges have only just begun. Looking around, Anya points out that the kids are wearing the same clothes as her, Loid explaining that is how uniforms work. He remembers Handler's plan about having her obtain enough Stella Stars to become an Imperial Scholar, but he concludes that he has abandoned that plan, thinking that rising to the top of the school is a fool's errand. Due to her telepathy, Anya looks in shock after hearing Loid.
The school then starts calling each of the students to join their respective classes. Loid has made a change for the sake of the mission, and that was to put Anya in the class of Damian Desmond, the second son of Donovan Desmond. The boy proudly walks forward, thinking that they should have called his family name first due to his importance. Loid has been keeping an eye on him since he saw his name on the list of students taking the entrance exam.
In case the original plan by Handler is too difficult, then they can move into Plan B, the "Friendship Scheme." If Damian and Anya get along well in class, Damian will invite her to play at his home which allows Loid to make contact with Donovan and fulfill the mission. It is now time for Anya to walk up to join her class, and she does it in quite a robotic manner. Since she has grown up with many kids in the orphanage, Loid believes her communication skills are quite advanced.
Anya sees Damian and notes that he is the son of the "bad guy." Damian sees him looking at her and wonders what her deal is, but he answers the question himself, believing that she is another person to fall for his charms. She hears his thoughts and is greatly annoyed. Though she does not act on it, she turns away in dismissal, which Damian interprets as shyness. The next girl called up is Becky Blackbell, and Loid recognizes her as the daughter of the CEO of a major military contractor. He begins to notice more of the relations of the children to high-class families and sees the class as a treasure trove of intel. He tells Anya to make lots of friends, and Yor giggles at his intensity when he looks out for his daughter, misinterpreting it as his protectiveness. Becky introduces herself and thinks that Anya is a baby and that she should show her how things work, making an annoyed Anya turn away from her.
The students in Cecile Hall will be taken care of by Mr. Henderson, who Loid notes has not been fired after the dilemma at the family interview. He thinks that it is odd that the housemaster was put in charge of first-year students, but supposes that being demoted was the best he could hope for. Henderson thinks how he has not forgotten how to discipline the students, Anya perks up, hearing his thoughts.
They will now be taken away, and Loid passes on the torch to Anya, who salutes at him and gets told to stay in line by Henderson. When they go, Loid says he feels queasy, and Yor reassures him that it can be hard to send them off into the world.
Later, they are shown around the school and stop at the dining hall. Henderson shows the students the private dining hall, which is only for Imperial Scholars, which Henderson says they will be able to enter when they obtain eight Stella Stars with elegance. Those who fall behind will receive Tonitrus Bolts and be punished or even expelled, and he glares at a confused Anya. The class tour continues, and Damian's friends begin to brag as they bet Damian will be an Imperial Scholar in no time. He is confident he will and brags that his father is the Chairman of the National Unity Party. The students all gather around him and want to be friends due to his position, flattering him. Becky angrily thinks they are all suck-ups and Anya just stares.
Then, she is approached by Damian, who asks her what her dad does, stating that depending on her answer, she could be friends with him too. Anya says he is a "feelings doctor," and Damian concludes that he must be a nobody so they cannot be friends. Anya says he wants to play at his house, but his friends insult her and say that she needs to learn her place, Anya immediately remembers her training but another lesson from Yor interrupts, Yor warning Anya that being emotional and flaunting power will not be truly strong.
Yor told her that someone who lets emotion guide their fist does not understand what true strength is, when someone is being mean, a cool girl laughs it off. A smile is the strongest weapon, and it stops a fight before it even starts. Becky tells her to say something back, but Anya does not care and gives an indifferent smile, not realizing her smile appears smug. This enrages Damian, thinking she is making fun of him, while Becky thinks she misjudged her. She calls Anya grown-up, and Anya is touched by her compliment and looks back to Damian with the same smile, setting him off. He insults her but shows an extremely limited vocabulary. Henderson calls the two out and tells them not to make him warn them again, or else they will receive a Tonitrus. Damian says she will pay for embarrassing him, Anya thinks Yor was lying as smiling did not help her at all.
The tour continues with Damian's group harassing Anya. Damian throws a crumpled ball of paper at her head and pretends that he did not do it. Anya shrugs it off with a smile, but Becky threatens to tell them off. Damian simply asks if they have proof, elbowing Becky out of the way and he declares that he is going to bully Anya out of the school, and by then, she will never smile again. Emile tells her to cry to her father to make it all better. She smiles again, but she has decided she has had enough. She looks around her before punching Damian in the face, sending him flying into a rubbish bin.
Henderson rushes towards them, wondering what the noise was, and Emile says Anya punched Damian. Anya lies, claiming she was stretching out her hand and he walked into it. Emile and Ewen do not think anyone would believe that as she checked that Henry was not watching before she did it. Like Damian earlier, Anya asks if they have proof, but Ewen says Anya punched Damian so hard that a mark was left on his face. Henry asks Anya if she is willing to lie right to his face, causing Anya to sweat. Becky tries to stand up for Anya, saying that Damian and his friends started it first, but Henry insists that Anya answer him herself. Anya begins to panic and recalls Yor's words that violence is only appropriate when saving a friend in trouble. Anya makes up an excuse that Damian stepped on Becky's foot earlier and apologizes for getting angry, moving Becky deeply as she thanks Anya profusely. Henry sees Anya's action of standing up to the boys for the sake of her friend as elegant.
At Lounge C, Loid observes that Desmond did not make an appearance but assures himself that he will get his chance as long as they remain a part of the school as he chats with another parent, having made a few connections there. An Eden Academy staff announces to the parents that the students have completed the orientation and requests they move to the courtyard for a commemorative photo as the other parents reunite with their children. However, Loid notices Anya is not among them and wonders where she is. Henry appears, asking Loid to come with him, and explains that Anya punched Damian, with Anya appearing guilty. As Yor consoles Anya, Henry continues to explain that violence would normally earn her 3 Tonitrus Bolts, but he was able to reduce it to one at his discretion and that he will inform Damian's parents as well. Loid is distressed as both his plans are wrecked, with Anya getting a Tonitrus Bolt on her first day and Damian likely hating Anya. As the commemorative photo is taken with all the students' families, the Forgers are unable to hide their distressed faces.
The Morrigan
Fate is an unusual thing. An unseen force predicting every action of every being. Some deities can see it, recognizing the flow of the plan. There are none, save one, that claims mastery over it, that manipulates it with such cold intent, that steers it ever toward war and the red demise of heroes. In truth, she is many Goddesses, with many names and many forms. But there is only one title. The Morrigan
Anu, Macha, Badb. Individually, these three Goddesses were sisters, progenitors of sovereignty, war, and death. They were caretakers of their lush green Éire, champions for armored soldiers, guides for the deceased. It is unknown what bound them together. Some whispered curse, some lover's scorn. Some dark power or darker purposes. But now they are one.
She's been seen in many shapes. The lurid seductress, the wrinkled hag, the screaming crow, and worst of all, the washer in the river. For those who witness her cleaning their bloody armor prophesies a violent end.
Subtle and manipulative, there is no war The Morrigan did not incite. No dying breath she did not collect. Even this war, a war between Gods, must secretly be of her making. So, beware those that behold her, for The Morrigan controls your fate.
The Life Binder
Alexstrasza the Life-Binder, former Leader and Aspect of the red dragonflight One of the five Dragon Aspects and Aspect of Life, is the guardian of all life in the world of Azeroth. She was one of five great dragons chosen by the titans to be empowered with a portion of the Pantheon's power and rule over her flight while they watched over Azeroth and its inhabitants. The titans also appointed her queen of all dragons.
Though not content to just sit back and watch, she has most recently assisted the mortal races of the world against the threat of Deathwing and his dragonflight. Sacrificing much of her power to see Deathwing destroyed, Alexstrasza now resides atop the draconic holy site of Wyrmrest Temple, having passed her guardian duties onto the creatures she once protected.
Stranglethorn Fishing Extravaganza
Gull cries echoed off the cliffs surrounding Booty Bay as the sun dipped toward the horizon. Baron Revilgaz leaned against the wall of the inn, sifting through the latest reports from the marketplace. The news was troubling; with the recent wars in Alterac Valley and Warsong Gulch, far from the shores of Stranglethorn, business had been struggling of late. The goblin frowned. It would be difficult to draw visitors back to his colorful port without a gimmick of some kind; the old wounds between Alliance and Horde still ran deep in the adventurers of the day.
The light in the room disappeared suddenly. Revilgaz turned to find the large, grizzled Fleet Master in the doorway. "There's some nutty goblin rowing into the harbor," Seahorn rumbled. "He's shouting your name over and over. Sounds like a damn parrot."
Curious, the Baron walked out onto the balcony, his eyes seeking this mysterious visitor. The search was short; he quickly sighted the simple rowboat tied at the dock, as well as the bruisers escorting the owner. From this height, it was impossible to confirm the identity of the individual, but at the least it would prove a distraction from the trials of administration.
The escort reached his balcony at last and pushed the guest forward. Revilgaz arched a brow at the thin goblin before him, trying hard to maintain his smile as his nostrils were assailed by the stench of fish. "It's Riggle Bassbait, isn't it?" he said, determined to get through this meeting as quickly as possible. "What can I do for you?"
Riggle's face split into a hopeful smile. "You remember me! Please, Baron Revilgaz, I've just made the most amazing discovery. It's sure to breathe life back into the fishing industry, you mark my words! There's just one problem. . ." The fisherman rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "I don't have the gold I'd need to properly fund such an operation. I don't suppose you could give me a loan. . .?"
Revilgaz's smile vanished instantly, all pretense of friendliness gone. "I already extended you credit once, Bassbait. I can't afford to be handing out favors; particularly not now. Sorry I can't be of more help." He gestured dismissively to the bruisers, who took hold of Riggle's wrists.
"Wait!" the angler cried, fighting as the bruisers pulled him away. "I brought a sample of what I've found. Please, let me prepare it for you!"
A sigh escaped the Baron's lips. "Oh, all right. I hope you're not wasting my time."
An hour later, the Blackwater cooks presented the Baron with a steaming plate of fish. The master angler stood to one side, wringing his hands anxiously, as Revilgaz took a tentative bite. His eyes flew wide as soon as the meat hit his tongue. "This is fantastic!" the Baron exclaimed. "What is this? I've never tasted the like."
"Tastyfish, I call it," Bassbait said with a sheepish grin. "I can get more, but I need money first. . ."
Revilgaz stood and patted the fisherman's shoulder. "I have a better idea, one that will serve us both. I'll have my economy bustling again, and you will have your name on the lips of every angler in Azeroth. Come, let's discuss the terms." With that, he led the curious Riggle into his office. . .
Weeks later, a satisfied Baron Revilgaz looked out over his beloved town, adventurers pouring from the recently arrived ships. Goblin vendors were out among the new arrivals, doing brisk business on bait and tackle. Beside the Baron, an amazed Riggle Bassbait stood with jaw agape.
"You see?" Revilgaz said with a grin. "Everyone's here for your new tournament. They'll catch the fish you seed along the coast, and everyone profits." He clapped the angler on the back. "Go seed the waters; they're anxious to begin. Oh - and make sure to keep the water around Booty Bay itself clear; I'd rather the participants have to hike a bit. They'll be thirstier when they get here; all the better for business."
Riggle hurried down to the submarine, his mind awhirl. At long last, his favorite sport would be back in the limelight. Soon everyone would know the name of Riggle Bassbait, Angler Extraordinaire!
Oda Eiichiro
The boom box I bought with money from my very first high school part-time job has been with me for six years. Recently CDs started skipping. Hang in there!!
高校の頃、初めてしたバイトの金で買ったコンポとは6年のつきあい。最近CDが飛ぶ。頑張れ!!
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