Job

"Just my luck." Aria adjusted her grip on the pirates' collars, sweat trickling down her back. "Marine outpost had to be uphill."

The two unconscious pirates dragged behind her left tracks in the dirt. Their weight pulled at her shoulders as she navigated the steep path leading to the Marine base.

She paused, setting the pirates down to catch her breath. "This would be easier if I'd just left you for the village to deal with."

The path ahead curved steeply through several clusters of houses. Aria grabbed their collars again and resumed dragging.

"Should've asked for a cart," she muttered, shifting her grip as one of the pirates started to slip from her grasp.

The small white-walled building finally emerged from behind a cluster of trees, the Marine flag hanging limp in the air. The compound stood surrounded by a modest wall, with a clear view of the harbor below - perfectly positioned for monitoring ships entering and leaving the bay.

Two Marines dozed at their posts near the entrance. One snored, his head bobbing against his chest. The other had his cap pulled low. Neither stirred as she approached.

She cleared her throat. Nothing.

Louder this time: "Little help?"

The younger guard startled awake with a snort, nearly knocking over his rifle. His eyes widened as they focused on Aria and her cargo.

"What's all this then?" He tried for authoritative, but his voice cracked.

"Special delivery." She gestured with her chin at the pirates. "Found these guys breaking into Gale's house."

The other guard stirred, lifting his cap. "Pirates?"

"Yeah, you know - stealing, threatening people." She shifted her grip as one of them started to stir, groaning. "Maybe we could continue this conversation inside?"

The guards exchanged glances. The younger one disappeared inside, his boots clicking against wooden floors. He returned with two more Marines who looked more alert.

"Bring them to processing," the older guard ordered.

One of the pirates regained consciousness. His eyes snapped open, confusion giving way to panic as he registered his surroundings.

"Wait, what—" He thrashed against Aria's grip.

The Marines moved quickly, restraining him.

"You're under arrest for piracy and assault," the senior Marine informed him, securing metal cuffs around his wrists.

"She's the one who assaulted us!" the pirate protested, wincing as the cuffs tightened. "We were just talking to the old man—"

"Save it for the commander," the Marine cut him off, nodding to Aria. "Come inside to file a report."

Inside, the main room hummed with activity. Ceiling fans spun overhead as Marines worked at their desks. A map of Syrup Village and surrounding waters dominated one wall, marked with pins and notes. Aria studied it, memorizing the layout of the bay and major landmarks.

A young Marine sergeant sat at the front desk, his uniform crisp.

"Yes?"

"Found some pirates that need dropping off." Aria gestured to her cargo, now being hauled away by the other Marines. "Do I need to fill out something?"

"Name?"

"Aria."

"Family name?"

She hesitated. "Just Aria."

That got his attention. He looked up, eyes narrowing. "Place of residence?"

"Currently between homes." She kept her tone light. "You know how it is."

"No, I don't." He pulled out a fresh form. "Incident report required for civilian arrests. Sit there."

He pointed to a wooden bench against the wall, already occupied by a snoring drunk.

Aria settled at the opposite end, watching Marines move through their routines.

The drunk stirred, bleary eyes focusing on her. "Y'look like trouble," he slurred, breath heavy with cheap rum.

"I'm not the one in a Marine station," she pointed out.

He barked a laugh. "Not yet, anyway."

Before she could respond, he was snoring again, head lolling against the wall.

From her seat, Aria could see into the processing room. The pirates were now fully conscious, arguing loudly as Marines catalogued their weapons. The one she'd mentally labeled as "Patch" seemed upset about his curved dagger being confiscated.

"Aria?"

She looked up to find a Marine officer standing over her. His lieutenant's stripes were new, the edges still sharp against the white fabric.

"Let's discuss what happened." He gestured to a side room. "Sergeant, the forms?"

The desk sergeant handed over a stack of papers.

The interview room contained only a desk, chairs, and a wanted poster featuring a grinning pirate she didn't recognize. The bounty read 5 million berries - significant for East Blue, though not by Grand Line standards.

"I'm Lieutenant Hido." He settled behind the desk, arranging the forms. "Walk me through the incident."

Aria kept it simple. Found the pirates threatening Gale at his house. Stepped in when things got heated. Got lucky with a few hits. They went down easy - probably drunk.

"Four armed pirates went down easy?" His tone suggested he wasn't buying it.

"Like I said, lucky hits." She shrugged, keeping her posture relaxed. "Caught them by surprise."

"You don't look like a fighter." His eyes assessed her frame.

"Looks can be deceiving." She met his gaze. "Sometimes that works in my favor."

A commotion erupted from the next room. The pirates were being processed, their confused voices carrying through the walls.

"She's not natural!" The leader's voice rose above the others. "Stole my strength somehow-"

"Sit down!" Another thud, followed by silence.

Lieutenant Hido's pen paused. "Interesting accusation."

"Guy hit his head when he fell." Aria kept her expression neutral, gesturing to her own temple. "Confused, rambling. You know how it is."

"Do I?" Hido studied her face. "You're new to Syrup Village."

"Just arrived yesterday."

"Most newcomers don't immediately find themselves fighting pirates."

"Most newcomers have better luck, I guess." She smiled.

Hido made another note. His pen scratched against the paper.

"Why come to our little village?" he asked, changing tactics. "Not much happening here."

"That's the appeal. Needed somewhere quiet to figure things out." She shifted in her seat. "Looking for work, actually."

"And why Gale's house?" His eyebrows rose. "Of all places."

"Someone mentioned an old navigator lived nearby," she explained. "Figured someone who knows the area well might point me in the right direction."

His eyes narrowed, but he simply nodded and gathered the forms. "Don't leave the village until this is sorted."

"Wasn't planning to. Syrup Village seems... interesting."

"I'm sure." He stood, signaling the end of the interview. "We'll contact you if we need anything else."

Stepping outside, Aria weighed her options. She still needed information about navigation and sailing routes and a stable position in the village - at least temporarily.

Her stomach growled as she walked back toward the harbor. She stopped at a small stall, exchanging two precious berries for a skewer of grilled fish.

The quick meal reminded her of how rapidly her resources were dwindling and without a steady income, her plans for reaching the Grand Line would stall before they began.

She headed straight for Briggs' shop.

Briggs looked up from his workbench, surprise crossing his face. "You're back." He set down his tools. "I went back to the shop after checking on Gale. When you didn't return, I figured you might have gotten into more trouble."

"Just delivering the pirates to their new accommodations," Aria replied, finishing her fish. "The Marines have them now."

Briggs nodded. "Good. Gale was still shaken when I left him. Kept muttering about maps and charts they were after."

"He'll be alright?"

"He's survived worse." Briggs returned to sorting through a box of nails. "Though I've never seen his place in such a state. You did quite a number on those pirates."

Aria shrugged. "They had it coming."

She watched as Briggs organized his tools, measuring her next words.

"Actually, I have a question for you."

"Mm?" He didn't look up from his work.

"You need help around here? I'm looking for work." She gestured at the piles of timber and half-finished projects. "I'm stronger than I look. Good with my hands."

"You've done physical work before." It wasn't a question.

"Here and there."

She held her breath, watching him consider. Without a job, her savings wouldn't last more than a few days. More importantly, working at a shipwright's shop meant learning about navigation, ships, and the sea - knowledge essential for survival on the Grand Line.

Briggs began gathering his scattered tools, putting them back in order. "Could use an apprentice."

That caught her attention. "Yeah?"

"Start with the basics - wood types, grain patterns, proper tool care." He moved to a workbench covered in sawdust and plans.

"Morning work's maintenance. Hull repairs, patch jobs, basic carpentry. Afternoon's for learning."

Briggs straightened a pile of blueprints on the workbench, the conversation clearly over. "Dawn tomorrow. Don't be late."

She nodded, gathering her supplies. "I'll be ready."

"What about pay?" Aria asked, cutting to the point.

Briggs paused in his organizing. "Ten berries daily to start. Increases as you learn more." He gestured around the shop. "Plus, shipbuilding knowledge might keep you alive wherever you're really planning to go."

"Ten berries?" Aria crossed her arms. "That's robbery. Dock workers make fifteen minimum."

The corner of Briggs's mouth twitched. "Dock workers actually know what they're doing."

"I'm a fast learner." She pointed toward the stacked timber in the corner. "And you need the help. That pile is at least two days of work."

He stroked his thumb along his jaw, considering. "Twelve berries. Training included. I'll throw in lunch too."

"Thirteen," she countered, "and you teach me everything. The real skills, not just the basics."

He assessed her for a moment before extending a calloused hand. "Deal. But that means actual work. No shortcuts or slacking."

"What hours am I working?" she asked after they shook on the deal.

"Dawn till dusk, six days. Sundays off unless there's an emergency." He continued restoring order to his workspace. "You'll handle deliveries too—keeps you visible as a normal worker. Marines tend to leave alone what they can easily explain."

The delivery duties would give her perfect cover to explore the village and harbor while learning the trade. She'd gain both knowledge and the appearance of a legitimate resident.

Aria nodded, storing her supplies behind the counter.

"One more thing," Briggs called as she reached for the door. "First mistake's free. Second costs you. Third gets you fired."

"No pressure," she muttered.

"Where are you staying?" he asked as she turned to leave.

"Haven't figured that out yet."

He nodded toward a narrow staircase in the corner. "Room above the shop. Nothing fancy, but it's dry. Five berries a night, comes out of your pay."

The offer solved two problems at once - shelter and proximity to her new workplace. She'd be able to maximize her learning while minimizing expenses.

"Thanks," she said, unable to hide her relief.

"Don't thank me yet." He picked up a fallen ruler. "Dawn means dawn. Not whenever you decide to wake up."

The room was small but clean, with a narrow bed pushed against one wall and a small window overlooking the peaceful bay of Syrup Village.

Aria set her meager belongings on the worn dresser and sank onto the bed, exhaustion hitting her all at once.

Through the window, she could see fishing boats bobbing in the gentle waves, their silhouettes stark against the darkening sky.