Chapter 27: Dilemma

As the Marine Captain arrived in Lougetown, her striking appearance and commanding presence drew the attention of those around her. With her signature pink hair and purple suit adorned with the long white marine jacket, she exuded an aura of authority and determination.

Accompanied by her protege, a young woman with fiery red hair and a respectful demeanor, the Captain stepped down from the ship onto the bustling dock. She was greeted by the commander of the local marine base, exchanging pleasantries as they discussed the purpose of her mission.

"We've been assigned to capture a pirate crew before they reach the Grand Line," Hina explained to Ruby, her voice firm and resolute. "Our task is to ensure that they do not pose a threat to the safety and security of the seas."

As another marine captain, Smoker, emerged from the base, her face lit up with recognition. "Smoker," she greeted him warmly, a hint of nostalgia in her voice.

"Hina," Smoker replied with a grin, acknowledging their long-standing friendship. They had served together for years, facing countless challenges and adventures side by side.

Hina introduced Smoker her companion. "Meet Ruby. I took her as my protege a few years ago. She is a really good friend of mine."

Hina briefed Smoker on her mission, informing him of her intention to station Ruby with him at the base while she pursued the pirate crew in town. With a nod of understanding, Smoker agreed to assist her if the need arose.

As they conversed, Smoker couldn't resist making a teasing remark about Ruby's polite and respectful demeanor, contrasting it with Hina's more assertive personality. In response, Hina playfully slapped his arm, a playful smirk tugging at her lips.

With their brief reunion complete, Hina bid farewell to Smoker and made her way into the heart of Lougetown, her senses alert and her determination unwavering. As she embarked on her mission to apprehend the pirate crew, she knew that her skills and experience would be put to the test, but she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead with courage and conviction.

Having shed her marine uniform jacket to blend in with the crowd, she entered a local bar in search of information about the pirate crew she was tasked with apprehending. As she stepped through the door, she couldn't help but notice the lingering gazes of the patrons, their eyes filled with lust and desire. But amidst the sea of faces, one man caught her attention—a handsome figure seated at the wooden bar, his eyes filled with genuine affection and interest.

Taking a seat beside him, Hina lit a cigarette, ignoring the man's disapproving glance. "You know, smoking isn't good for your health," he remarked playfully, a smirk dancing on his lips. "I've got a friend who could tell you how many people die from it."

Raising an eyebrow, Hina smirked in response. "And why should you care?" she teased, intrigued by his boldness.

"Just can't stand to see a beautiful lady like yourself damaging her health," he replied with a shrug, his gaze unwavering.

This made her laugh a little. She knew it was bad, but it was an annoying habit. As they continued their conversation, Hina found herself drawn to the man's charm and wit. When he asked her what brought her to town, she simply replied, "Business," keeping her true identity and mission a secret.

After finishing their drinks, the man introduced himself as Ryo, his name rolling off his tongue like music to her ears. Hina hesitated for a moment before responding, but Ryo reassured her with a charming smile.

"You don't have to tell me if you're not comfortable sharing your name," he said, his tone flirtatious. "I'll remember you as the mysterious beauty."

With that, Ryo bid her farewell with a charming kiss on her hand, leaving Hina speechless and slightly flustered. As he walked away, she couldn't shake the feeling of excitement that had stirred within her.

She always wanted a boyfriend as handsome as him, that would treat her as good as he did with her. After a moment of thoughts she decided to look for him again, while looking for the pirate crew she had to find. And when she did found him, she would reveal him her name and ask, if he was open for a date with her. It was something, she would've never dared to do. She was never the impulsive type, but she didn't want to waste a chance as good as this.

Realizing that she had missed a lot of time searching aline for this crew, Hina took out her Den Den Mushi and called Ruby. "Hey, Rubes, new order. Come to the market. We are looking together. " She ordered in a casual tone. Ruby answered slightly annoyed by her captain. "Understood. But please quit calling me like that. I told you that i hate it when someone calls me that." "Fine ... Red" As she hung up, Hina just laughed to herself. She always had a soft spot for Ruby. She was like a little sister to her.

On her way to the market Hina encountered a group of five attractive looking women. They didn't look like they were from here. Maybe they knew something about this pirates she was looking for.

While she wanted to approach them, her attention was suddenly drawn to a platform in the center of the square. To her surprise, standing atop the platform was none other than Ryo, first smiling to the girls and as hers and his eyes met waving at her.

As she watched him look around the area, Ruby and her soldiers arrived next to her. The former began to talk to her, but her focus remained fixed on Ryo as he declared his ambition to become the King of the World.

The atmosphere grew tense as the sky darkened, lightning crackling overhead, and the ground trembled beneath their feet. Ruby's face registered shock at the dramatic turn of events, but Hina was left speechless, her mind racing with conflicting emotions.

In that moment, everything clicked into place for Hina. Ryo was undoubtedly the captain of this new crew of pirates, and the attractive women were his crewmates. But the hardest thing to cope was, that this sentence from him made him an enemy in the eyes of the world goverment. With this her hopes of forming some form of relationship with him were crushed.

Sadness washed over her, she knew that the divide between their worlds was too great, and she was left to grapple with the disappointment of her unfulfilled desires.

Ruby, sensing her captain's distress, tried to offer words of comfort and support, but Hina couldn't shake the weight of her realization. Despite finding the pirates they were appointed to apprehend, her heart was heavy with the knowledge that any chance of a connection with Ryo had been dashed by the gulf between their loyalties.