Chapter 11: Split Up

~Third POV~

Somewhere near the other sides of the Conomi Islands, the members were all moving towards the direction of Hinata memories of her shadow clone seeing that their destination was traveling through the forest area.

It took the gang a few minutes to get out of the forest as Hinata shadow clones managed to get some information before puffing out of existence, but the memories are transferred to Hinata in the progress.

While they got through the forest, they all see the homes of the people in the village being destroyed as surprise flashed through Ruby and Saeko's eyes as they see some destroyed ruble that was homes.

Tatsumi on the other hand looked around the area seeing the homes were destroyed as Hinata began to explain as they followed her to a deserted home although signs of damage were shown as she spoke, "Everyone this should be the place for us to hide for a while at least. Although seeing the destruction of the village is disheartening, we have to persevere."

*Crick*

That was when they open the door of the deserted home as some of the furniture, as well as the place, looked ransacked as if some items were either destroyed or taken.

Taking a seat on the table Hinata began to talk to everyone about what she knows about what's going on as she spoke, "Everyone from what I have gathered the Arlong Pirates seem to have a base operation at Arlong Park. That was what everyone knows but from hearing the news from Saeko correct?"

Everyone nodded at this while Hinata continues what her shadow clones' memories gave her as she talked further in more details, "True but what we don't know just recently the Arlong Pirates had a brief encounter with a pirate group calling themselves the Trump Pirates. Do those ring any bells Saeko?"

Saeko for her part looked confused as she didn't know who they were Tatsumi, on the other hand, was a bit shocked on the inside while keeping that shock to himself.

Hinata continued more as she sat cross-legged on the table as she went on further of the explanation, "Well then apparently the Trump Pirates were recently a pirate group before trying to plunder on Arlong turf on the sea battle. They were shortly killed by the members of Fishman dragging them into the sea by the death of suffocation of drowning. That was about three days ago hearing from the villagers here."

Ruby gasped in shock of actual deaths while Saeko looked surprised but Tatsumi nodded his head as he kept his cool already knowing that fighting Fishman in the sea was plain suicide in a battle.

Everyone nodded in agreement as Hinata continues further to explain the situation of the island, "From what I have gathered the information it seems that the Fishman has some fighting force at sea causing the ships nearby to be destroyed. That is assumed to be Moomoo the Sea King. But also, this part of the Conomi Islands has been destroyed for not paying tribute to the Arlong Pirates."

Ruby on her part then wanted to speak but that was cut off from Tatsumi in a curious tone, "I see… in that case has the rest of the Arlong Pirates already left, or are there any stranglers around?"

Ruby then asked what she wanted as she pouted her face as she then asked Hinata, "Hinata what about the law enforcement in the area? What about them have they done anything to deal with those pirates!"

She shakes her head as she replied to Ruby while expressing a confused tone, "Sorry Ruby but there are no mentions of law enforcement in the area. They all say they already tried to ask for marine help, but the blasted sea king kills them before they have a chance to set foot on this island."

Ruby looked downcast at that while Tatsumi began to think to himself in a curious tone while also being serious at the same time, 'I wonder? If what Hinata says about the Trump Pirates are gone then there might something worthwhile in the Marine base of Nezumi. Looks like I need to pay a visit to them.'

Hinata finished as she talked to everyone again as she went ahead to tell everyone with a nod before vanishing, "Sorry everyone but I'll be doing some scouting for the time being. For now, though I'll leave for the time being. I'll be on the watch from the shadows so at least you all won't be helpless as I'll be on the lookout."

*Swoosh*

Like that Hinata vanished like the wind as Tatsumi whistled at the sight as the two other members looked impressed as Tatsumi spoke, "Whistle…. Damn, so that's what is like to see a ninja of the leaf at work. But since we have Hinata watching our backs then I say I'm going to be traveling around a bit to get some information as well. But first Ruby how are feeling you back at 100% yet?"

Ruby looked at Tatsumi as she did Ruby got herself together as she thinks a bit before she nods but also gives Tatsumi a warning about his [Aura] in the process, "Yeah, I think I'll be good to go for a while. Even if it's to run away I should be good. Also, Tatsumi to use your [Aura] I suggest you leave it active at all times ok that way when you attacked it will take the hit."

Tatsumi nodded at this as Saeko goes over to Ruby's side as she responds to him in a humble tone, "As for I Tatsumi I'll stand guard and assist Ruby. Luckily, we have Hinata to watch over in the shadows at least it will make us feel relieved. But what about you are you going to be alright by yourself?"

Tatsumi grins as his backhand waves as he goes on over to search the place as he reassurances them while leaving the Marg Panther Cub pelts as he replied, "I'll be ok. I have been facing Danger Beast since I was around 8 years old. Facing off against monsters happen to be my specialty and those pelts would make for good shields see ya guys later."

With that Tatsumi left the group as he soon vanished leaving the two surprised as Ruby sighs at this as she spoke to herself, "Sigh… and here I thought Yang would get annoyed when I do it. Now I know how she feels when I go vanishing like that."

…

…

~Tatsumi POV~

*Swoosh*

Alright, that takes care of that. Leaving them alone might be a dick move but I would like to gather information as well and not play babysitter with them.

Although Saeko is weak the news of the Trump Pirates being killed off here makes me quite happy honestly. If they were killed, then that means their Devil Fruits have reincarnated in those three days intervals.

While the idea is tempting, I think I'll not eat one since I'm not sure if the shop function has something to remove the sea curse and there are plenty of water-based Danger Beast where I live so it's not worth it to eat one this soon.

But if they have the Logia Toro Toro no Mi in their possession then I might favor having that fruit. That fruit has the abilities of Rimuru Tempest from that slime anime and it wasn't talked about much because of its shitty user.

Plus, it's logia-free non-damage in other worlds I like but that's if I'm that lucky but hey a guy can hope right?

There is also the Bear King with his Kachi Kachi no Mi or the Hard-Hard Fruit that is also not a bad pick as well. If I were to awaken Haki with that fruit with armament I can tell it can be powerful enough.

Shaking my head of those thoughts I got myself a clear game plan as I need to investigate the base first and figure out which timeline of events I am in currently. Knowing that is the key to how I should go forward with this mission.

With the Fishman running around it will make some things difficult but not impossible to accomplish I need to analyze the situation first before making some judgments. What I need is to judge their strength firsthand.

Quickly running through the forest of the village I left with Ruby and Saeko I try to see where exactly I'm going, and I have to be extra careful of what I do. Hinata is watching from the shadows so I can't exactly be doing something wrong here not while the ninja is watching me anyway.

But going to the 16th branch that controls the Conomi Islands as well as visiting them would be the best likely chance to get what I need. Plus, I can just torture the Nezumi guy if I need be.

Saeko did explain what happen in the Arlong Pirates yet she failed to mention the marines in our earlier talks. Sometimes being as cautious as I have its perks.

While the idea of having Nezumi teach Ruby some life lessons is good it's going to take a lot for that girl to learn. There is the chance of this backfiring but first I would need to go in and see the situation by taking out their guards.

At least I won't have to deal with them arguing murdering them in daylight was a good idea well it's not, but those guys were pieces of shit for not fighting back.

*Bam*

Just as I was running around the place, I managed to find myself hearing some sounds of slamming like someone hitting something. That sounds important enough for me time to search for the cause.