One Piece: Lost in the Tutorial #52

Blake looked toward the docks and then back at Shachi. "We have guests, it seems," he said, shoving the apple into Shachi's chest and heading toward the railings on the other side of the ship. 

Shachi gripped the apple, looked at it for a moment, then took a bite and followed behind Blake. "Angry and loud guests by the sound of them," he added.

Soon enough, Shachi and Blake reached the other side of the ship and found themselves staring down at a group of marines, led by a man with a marine officer coat draped over his shoulders. Shachi couldn't help but frown at the sight, but Blake remained nonchalant as he addressed them.

"The captain of this monstrosity would be me," Blake said, leaning on the railing and looking down at the marines. "Did the sight of my ship offend you somehow? Or is it the smell of my friend here?" he added, patting Shachi's back with a grin. "You'll have to excuse him if that’s the case; he's been working under the sun for some time now." 

Shachi chuckled, feeling more at ease. "Is it the marines' job to enforce hygiene standards now, captain?" he asked with a grin, looking at Blake. "I suppose they do have to do something since we did their job for them," he added, sending a mocking look toward the man leading the marines.

The marine officer's face turned a shade darker in anger. "Enough with your insolence," he barked. "I am captain Daigin. Your ship and crew are under suspicion of illegal activities, and you are to submit to an inspection immediately."

Blake's grin widened. "Illegal activities, you say? I assure you, Captain Daiginin, we are but humble sailors seeking our next port," he said smoothly. "I'll have to strongly object if you insist on an inspection...."

Captain Daigin's expression remained composed. "You have the right to object, but you will comply," he asserted firmly. "My men will inspect your ship, and you will cooperate willingly."

Blake maintained his smile, though his demeanor grew more serious. "And if I refuse?" he inquired bluntly.

Captain Daigin crossed his arms. "Then you must depart immediately. While we appreciate your assistance in dismantling the gangs here, your continued presence is unwelcome," he declared. "It would only disrupt the peace and the justice of the World Government."

"Small assistance, he says," Blake chuckled lightly as he nudged Shachi with his elbow, earning a disapproving frown from Captain Daigin. "Ahem We have no intention of overstaying our welcome. We will depart once our business here is concluded," he stated firmly after clearing his throat. 

"That's the best I can offer you, captain Daigin of the Marines, nothing more," he added, dismissively waving his hand at the marine captain.

Captain Daigin's jaw tightened, but he nodded curtly. "Very well, Captain Blake of the monstrosity," he spat out, unbothered to hide his disdain. "You have six hours to conclude your business, gather your men, and set sail, not a moment more."

Captain Daigin's jaw tightened, but he nodded curtly. "Very well, Captain Blake of the monstrosity," he uttered sharply. "You have six hours to conclude your business, gather your men, and set sail, not a moment more," he instructed through clenched teeth before turning on his heel, followed closely by his Marine subordinates.

Blake watched them depart and couldn't resist a smirk. "Step carefully, Captain. Wouldn't want dog shit ruining your boots or that pristine white coat on your shoulders," he taunted, his words falling on deaf ears as the Marines marched away.

Once the coast was clear, Blake turned to Shachi. "Round up everyone. It's time to leave," he ordered, reclaiming the apple from Shachi's hand. 

"Are we really going to bow to Captain Turd's demands like that?" Shachi grumbled, clearly displeased.

Blake sliced into the apple with his knife, his smile wry. "We've lingered in this dump long enough. The stench here doesn't agree with my nose, or Sif's. It'll take weeks of fresh air to get the damned scent out of my nostrils," he complained, wrinkling his nose in distaste, which earned a chuckle from Shachi.

"Don't worry. I'll make sure to leave a parting gift for Captain Turd before we depart. Now, go round everyone up," Blake instructed, giving Shachi a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

Shachi offered a nod before taking his leave to do as Blake instructed. 

...

Penguin wiped his sweat as he carried the last barrel of food onto the deck. "Is it just me, or does this one feel a bit heavy?" he muttered to himself, setting the barrel down with a grunt. 

Blake glanced at the barrel, then back at Penguin. "You're probably just tired," he said, rapping the barrel twice with his knuckles. "Lucky for you, we're already done loading everything," he added, hoisting the barrel onto his shoulder and heading towards the railing to gaze out at the docks when he put it down.

Penguin didn't question it, simply shrugging before retreating into the lower decks to rest. As he left, Law approached Blake. "If we're done, why aren't we leaving?" he asked, his brow furrowing. "What are we waiting for, exactly?"

Blake grinned broadly at Law. "Playing dumb, huh? Doesn't suit you," he remarked, shaking his head disapprovingly. "You know exactly what we're waiting for," he added, giving Law a meaningful look.

Law sighed in exasperation. "I do... though I'm not particularly happy about it," he admitted with a grimace.

Blake nonchalantly shrugged. "You don't have to be happy. I am, and that's enough," he said with a chuckle. "Besides, you know as well as I do that we need a skilled shipwright... and not just anyone will do for the kind of ship we sail."

Law raised his hands in surrender. "You're right, and you are the captain... we'll wait, as you say," he declared.

Blake planted his foot on the barrel. "I knew you'd see reason... and in the meantime," he said, trailing off as he turned his gaze to the barrel. "We can deal with the little rat that made its way onto the ship," he added, kicking the barrel to the ground. 

Asher staggered out alongside an assortment of dried fruits and meats.

"Stowing away in a barrel, boy? That's the oldest trick in the book," Blake chuckled as he watched Asher struggle to find his balance.

Asher scowled at him. "You... you have to take me with you!" he declared urgently. "Everyone's seen me with your crew. Once you leave, all the gangs will be out to kick my ass!" His frustration was evident, not bothering to hide it.

Blake gave Asher a condescending look. "Kick your ass? They'll either skin you alive out of anger or sell you off to some slave trader to recoup their losses," he said bluntly, seizing Asher by the collar. "You're a slippery little guy though, I'm sure you'll manage somehow," he added dismissively before tossing him over the railing into the water.

Asher gasped as the cold water enveloped him, his eyes locked onto Blake. "Bastard! I'll get off this island. I'll buy a ship and hire a crew!" he exclaimed defiantly, swimming towards the docks. "And when I do, I'll find you and knock your teeth in!" He threatened, shaking his fists at Blake before turning away.

"Bwahahaha! I'll be waiting!" Blake laughed heartily, his grin widening as he watched Asher depart. 

Law, who had observed silently until now, rolled his eyes at the spectacle. "Was that really necessary?" he asked with a hint of amusement. "Especially after forcing one of the gang bosses to keep him safe under threat that you'll find and castrate him should anything happen to the boy..." he added, unable to contain a chuckle.

Blake sighed deeply. "The kid reminds me of myself... more than I'd like to admit," he admitted. "I considered taking him with us, but it wouldn't have been wise," he continued, running a hand through his hair. "He'll suffer here for a while, but I believe he'll find his own way out of this hellhole... and he'll be stronger for it," he concluded, his voice tinged with certainty.

Law's smile widened. "Strong enough to make good on his word? I'll look forward to that day as well... sometimes I too feel like your teeth are in need of a kicking in," he said, eyeing Blake with a teasing glint.

Blake chuckled and nudged Law with his shoulder. "Your words cut deep. Careful you don't have to walk the blank someday, sailor..." he retorted, turning his attention back to the docks. 

His amusement faded as he spotted a colossal sphere of junk hovering above the stalls—a bizarre amalgamation of worthless items that only a compulsive hoarder would amass.

"Well, look who's finally arrived, and he's brought luggage—lots of it," Blake remarked dryly.

Law followed Blake's gaze and his eyes widened in both shock and horror at the sight. "Please tell me you don't plan to let him take all that rubbish with us!"