Chapter 31
Rain hammered the alleys of Loguetown as the Straw Hats sprinted through the maze of shuttered shops and flooded cobblestones. Behind them, the battle had faded—but Marine whistles cut through the storm, growing louder with every turn.
"This way!" Silas shouted, vaulting a cart.
"We can't go back!"
Zoro, soaked and bandaged, scowled.
"The ship's that way."
"Think, moss-head! Usopp and Nami got there first. If the Navy showed up, they had to sail without us."
Sanji's drowned cigarette hung from his lip.
"You think they got chased?"
"I know they did," Silas muttered.
"Nami's smart. Usopp's paranoid. They wouldn't wait around with cannons aimed at them."
Luffy grinned, rain dripping from his hat.
"So what now?"
"We run to the far coast. The Merry will circle around."
"WHAT?!" Sanji slipped on the slick stone.
"You want us to swim?!"
"Better than getting blown up!" Silas snapped.
"Now move!"
They tore through the alleys, boots splashing, storm roaring. That's when they saw her.
A lone figure stood ahead, soaked and still. Marine uniform. Sword at her side.
"Nami-san!" Sanji lit up, voice full of hearts.
"Are you—"
"Sanji, you idiot!" Zoro growled.
"That's not Nami."
Silas stopped cold. He knew that stance. That fury.
"Tashigi," he muttered.
She raised her head. Rain streamed down her glasses. Her hand went to her sword.
"You lied to me," she said, eyes locked on Silas, then Zoro.
"You never asked for our names," Silas replied, hand drifting toward Blood Fang.
"You don't deserve those blades!" she snapped, drawing steel.
"I'll take them both!"
Silas froze. A memory hit hard.
His mother's voice, placing Blood Fang in his hands:
"Treasure this. It's our family's legacy. Keep it safe. But more than that—be worthy of it."
The storm returned. Silas stepped forward.
"You guys go."
"Like hell!" Zoro growled, drawing a blade.
"GO!" Silas barked.
"This is personal."
Luffy nodded.
"Don't take too long, Gunblade Guy."
"Jewelry store, don't hurt that lady!" Sanji called as they ran.
And then Silas was alone.
---
Thunder rolled. Rain ran like rivers. Silas stood still, left arm behind his back, right hand near his hilt.
"One hand?!" Tashigi shouted.
You're mocking me!"
"I think," Silas said quietly,
"You're about to learn the difference between strength and justice."
She charged.
Steel flashed. Silas moved. Blood Fang sang.
CLANG!
Their blades met. Sparks hissed in the rain. Tashigi's eyes widened.
"Impossible," she breathed.
Silas didn't answer. He blocked, parried, never struck.
She came again—faster.
"Seven Stars Sword Dance!"
Her form was flawless. But Silas read every move. His sabre met each strike with calm precision.
"Fight me seriously!" she gasped.
"I'm not your enemy," Silas said.
"Your enemy is the corruption you serve. I've seen Marines take bribes. Protect the strong. Crush the weak."
"That's not true!" she shouted, spinning into a slice.
CLANG!
"Isn't it?" Silas asked.
"How many corrupt officers have you arrested? How many innocents have you saved?"
Her blade faltered.
"Captain Nezumi," he said.
"Eight years of bribes from Arlong. Where was justice then?"
Her technique unraveled. She lunged—desperate.
Silas sighed.
Blood Fang moved once.
CRASH!
Her katana flew from her hands, clattering across the stones.
Silas sheathed his blade.
"You don't deserve it," he said.
His left hand never moved.
He looked her over, rain dripping from his hair.
"You're cute, though. Maybe try being a housewife. Suits you better than chasing pirates."
"WHAT?!"
"TASHIGI-SAN!"
Marines rounded the corner, boots splashing. They froze.
"He beat her?"
"With one hand?"
Silas stretched, unbothered.
"Educational," he said.
"Next time, fight someone who won't go easy on you."
He turned, walking away slow, boots echoing in the puddles.
"Wait!" Tashigi shouted, scrambling up.
SLAP!
Her palm cracked against his cheek.
She stood there—trembling, soaked, furious.
And Silas—cheek stinging, half-turned—just.