One Piece: The Freedom Fighters

Chapter 10: Genu Engum; The Bright Spark of Techt Isle

"That oughta do it!" Ket smiled, fastening the rope. He had just tied the sloop to a dock, and did a pretty good job too! He hates to admit it, but his time in the Navy taught him some pretty nifty knot tying skills!

Ket got up onto the dock and looked around. He found himself on Techt Isle, an island that was home to a sprawling city! The streets were crowded with people, and a distinct chatter could be heard. It was the polar opposite of Seagully! Unfortunately, Sukato's directions weren't the best, and they arrived a day later than expected... But honestly? It was a miracle they got here in the first place!

Right on cue, a voice spoke up from behind Ket. "Hey, whadda you think?" They ask. Ket turns around to see a man wearing a red Tengu mask. Ket gives them a confused look, trying to remember if they know this person until they slightly lift the mask up to reveal their face. It's Sukato!

"Oh!" Ket smiles, relaxing his shoulders a little. "I... I don't really think it fits you... Where'd you get it?" He asks, starting to walk off of the dock.

"I snatched it from a store when nobody was looking!" Sukato replied, clearly proud of his sneaky achievement as he followed behind Ket.

Ket turned around with a displeased look. "You stole it?" He glares, disappointed in Sukato's actions.

"Well, I don't want anyone to see my face..." Sukato explains, crossing his arms. He has a huge bounty on his head now, and they're on an island crawling with Marines. It only makes sense that he'd put on a disguise!

"I guess that's fair, you should have just bought it though." Ket sighs, trying to discipline Sukato. They have enough money for it...

"Come on, we're criminals now. You gotta be okay with a little stealing!" Sukato shrugs, adjusting his mask a little. "And besides, I was going to buy it... But it was so expensive!" He complains. "You want me to pay 3,000 Berries for a mask? No way!"

"I... Wow, that is a lot." Ket replies, giving up. "Fine, you can keep the mask. But lets only stick to stealing Government property." He adds, before feeling his stomach rumble. "Anyway, wanna get something to eat?" He asks, rubbing his belly a little.

"Eh?" Sukato asks, catching up to Ket to walk alongside him. "I mean, sure? We got food on the boat though..."

"I wanna try the local stuff!" Ket smiles, looking around for a restaurant. "How about... There!" He suggests, ponting over to a ramen shop. Sukato nods, and the two go in.

...

"2500 BERRIES?!" Ket gasped, looking at the menu in disbelief. THAT much for a single bowl? He and Sukato had taken a booth at the ramen bar, but now he was considering going somewhere else. It was a nice place, all things considered. It had an authentic vibe, with wooden walls and a heavenly smell of ramen wafted through the air. But everything costed so much!

Ket's outburst of shock summoned the manager, a plump woman wearing an apron that hardly fit her. "Yeah, I know, I know..." She sighs, pulling out a notepad. "It used to be cheap, but ever since the Government raised taxes..." She clarifies, shrugging in defeat. "What'll it be?"

"Well that explains the mask..." Ket muttered, shooting a glance over to Sukato. "Alright, we'll get two bowls of Shoyu, please." Ket smiled, giving the menus to the manager. She took them before truduging off into the kitchen.

"WITH EGG!" Sukato shouted, hoping she heard him. He turned his attention back to Ket, his mask staring emotionlessly. "Taxes... I guess that explains why this thing costed so much." Sukato said, pointing to his Tengu.

"Yep..." Ket replied, trailing off. 5000 Berries for two bowls... This better be the best ramen he's ever had! "Leave it to the World Government to make taxes stupid high, eh?" He joked, idly fiddling with his chopsticks.