7 BRASS AND BARGAINS
The port town of Brass Harbor lived up to its name—every building seemed to gleam with bronze and copper fixtures, giving the entire settlement a warm, metallic sheen under the afternoon sun. It was significantly larger than Greenrest, with a proper harbor full of merchant vessels, pirate ships, and even a few Marine patrol boats docked at the far end.
"Busy place," Kael observed from the wheel as we approached. "That's good for us. Easier to blend in."
"Or easier to get noticed," Aria countered, standing beside him with her medical bag. "I count at least three Marine vessels. They're watching the harbor."
I stood at the bow, studying the town through the spyglass. She was right—Marines were stationed at key points along the docks, checking ships as they came and went. Not a full blockade, but definitely increased security.
"They're looking for someone," I said. "Question is whether it's us specifically or just general heightened alert."
"After what happened with those Marine ships?" Kael snorted. "Definitely us."
**[New Quest Available: Port of Opportunities]**
**[Objective: Resupply in Brass Harbor without drawing Marine attention]**
**[Optional: Gather information about Paradise routes ahead]**
**[Optional: Recruit skilled crew member]**
**[Reward: +800 EXP, Town Reputation, 500 SP]**
I dismissed the notification and turned to my crew. "Alright. We need supplies, information, and to keep a low profile. Kael, you're with me. We'll handle the supply run. Aria, you check the local market for medical supplies and anything interesting."
"What about the Marines?" Aria asked.
"We don't engage unless forced. This is a resupply stop, not a battleground." I pulled my wanted poster from my pocket—still showing 25 million, though I suspected it would be updated soon after the Marine squadron incident. "They're looking for the 'Chrome Demon.' So we don't give them the Chrome Demon."
"How exactly do you hide a Logia user?" Kael asked skeptically.
"By not using my powers. I'm just another pirate crew restocking. One of hundreds passing through." I transformed my right hand briefly, letting chrome flow across my fingers, then returned it to normal. "The fruit is a tool. I don't need to advertise it."
Aria nodded slowly. "That's… actually smart. Most Devil Fruit users can't resist showing off."
"I'm not most users."
We docked without incident, paying the harbormaster—a rotund man with a magnificent mustache—our berthing fee. He barely glanced at us, more interested in the money than our faces.
"Supplies district is that way," he grunted, pointing inland. "Market's open till sunset. Any trouble and you're banned for life. We don't tolerate brawlers."
"Understood," I said politely.
The town was surprisingly well-organized. Clean streets, functioning infrastructure, merchants calling out their wares in an orderly fashion. It reminded me more of East Blue than the chaotic Grand Line ports I'd imagined.
"This place is too nice," Kael muttered as we walked. "What's the catch?"
"Protection money, probably. Someone powerful enough to keep the chaos out." I scanned the buildings. "Notice the emblems?"
He looked closer. Several buildings displayed the same symbol—a bronze shield with crossed anchors.
"Local gang? Pirates?"
"Or legitimate business. Hard to tell in the Grand Line." I filed it away for later. "Come on. Food first."
The market district was bustling. We bought dried meat, hardtack, fresh fruit (expensive but necessary for long voyages), water barrels, and basic cooking supplies. Kael negotiated prices with surprising skill—apparently, bounty hunting had taught him the value of a Berry.
"You're good at this," I commented as we hauled supplies back toward the ship.
"Had to be. Bounty hunting doesn't pay as well as people think. Lots of dead time between catches." He adjusted a heavy sack on his shoulder. "Besides, my partner was terrible with money. Someone had to keep us from starving."
His expression darkened at the mention of his dead partner. I didn't push.
We were halfway back to the ship when I noticed we were being followed.
Not Marines—too subtle. Three men in plain clothes, keeping their distance, moving through the crowd with practiced ease. They split up when we turned a corner, flanking us.
"Company," I said quietly.
"I see them. Want me to—"
"No. Let's see what they want."
We reached a less crowded street. The three men closed in, boxing us into an alley. Not aggressive yet, just… present.
The leader stepped forward—tall, lean, with a scar running from his left eye to his jaw. His hands were empty, but I could see weapons hidden under his coat.
"Gentlemen," he said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Welcome to Brass Harbor. Name's Marcus. I work for the Brass Brotherhood—we run security here. My employer would like a word."
"We're just resupplying," I said calmly. "We'll be gone by morning."
"Oh, we know. Twenty-five million bounty, Chrome Demon, stole a ship from the Forge Pirates, fought off three Marine vessels." Marcus's smile widened. "You're quite the celebrity. And my employer appreciates celebrities."
Kael's hand drifted toward his gauntlets. I shook my head slightly.
"Who's your employer?"
"Lady Castellan. She runs the Brotherhood—and by extension, Brass Harbor. She'd like to meet you. Discuss… opportunities." Marcus gestured toward the town's center. "No tricks. No traps. Just a conversation between professionals."
I considered it. On one hand, walking into a potential ambush was stupid. On the other hand, refusing would make us enemies in a port we needed.
And information about local power structures could be valuable.
"Fine. But my first mate comes with me."
"Of course." Marcus gestured politely. "This way."
-----
The Brass Brotherhood's headquarters was the largest building in town—a three-story structure that served as both fortress and mansion. Guards stood at strategic points, well-armed and alert. This wasn't some small-time gang. This was an organization.
Marcus led us through a well-appointed interior to a spacious office on the third floor. Maps covered one wall, showing Paradise routes and island locations. A massive desk dominated the center.
Behind it sat Lady Castellan.
She was younger than I expected—maybe late twenties, with sharp features and calculating eyes. Her expensive coat bore the Brotherhood's emblem, and her fingers were adorned with rings that definitely weren't just decorative.
"Chrome Demon Fenris," she said, her voice smooth and controlled. "Welcome to Brass Harbor. Please, sit."
Kael and I took the offered chairs. Marcus positioned himself by the door—not threatening, but definitely blocking easy exit.
"I appreciate the invitation," I said carefully. "Though I'm curious what you want from a pirate passing through."
"Straight to business. I like that." Castellan leaned back. "Let me be direct. Brass Harbor exists because I made it exist. Ten years ago, this was a lawless rock where pirates slaughtered each other weekly. I built the Brotherhood, established rules, and now we have trade, prosperity, and order."
"And profit," I added.
"Of course. Order creates profit." She smiled. "But maintaining order in Paradise requires… certain arrangements. With Marines. With merchant guilds. With powerful pirates."
"And you want an arrangement with me?"
"I want to know what you're about, Fenris. Because pirates with twenty-five million bounties don't usually escort forty-five refugees to safety. They don't usually fight Marines to protect civilians. You're different. And different is either dangerous or useful."
I met her gaze. "What makes you think I'm not both?"
"Oh, you absolutely are." Castellan pulled out a newspaper—today's edition. My face was on it, though the article was small. "'Chrome Demon Fights Marine Squadron. Motive Unknown.'" She set it down. "The Marines are confused. They don't know if you're heroic or just pragmatic. Neither do I. So I'm asking directly: what do you want?"
It was a fair question. And surprisingly, I had an answer.
"Freedom," I said. "Real freedom. Not running from the Marines my whole life. Not constantly looking over my shoulder. I want to be strong enough, rich enough, and connected enough that no one can touch me."
Castellan studied me for a long moment. Then she laughed—genuine amusement.
"That's refreshingly honest. Most pirates your age claim they want to be King of the Pirates or find One Piece or some other nonsense." She stood, walking to the map wall. "You want security. Stability. The kind of power that doesn't require constant violence to maintain."
"Yes."
"Then we can work together." She tapped Paradise on the map. "The Grand Line is full of opportunities for someone with your unique abilities. I can point you toward them. In exchange, occasionally I'll need problems solved. Quietly. Professionally. No massive property damage, no dead civilians, just… results."
**[New Quest Available: The Brass Arrangement]**
**[Accept Lady Castellan's proposal]**
**[Reward: Information Network Access, Safe Harbor Status, ???]**
I glanced at Kael. He gave a slight nod—his way of saying "your call."
"I'm listening," I said.
Castellan returned to her desk. "Right now, there's a Marine Lieutenant Commander causing problems for my merchant partners. He's 'investigating' ships—meaning extorting them. I want him dealt with. Not killed—that brings too much attention. But removed from power, discredited, or convinced to leave."
"And in exchange?"
"Information about the route ahead. Safe harbor in Brotherhood-controlled ports. Introduction to useful contacts." She slid a paper across the desk. "And payment. One million Berry upfront, two million on completion."
Three million Berry total. That was… significant money.
"What's the catch?" I asked.
"The catch is that Lieutenant Commander Hayes is no pushover. He's a veteran Marine who's survived Paradise for five years. His crew is well-trained, and he himself is… unusually tough. Swords don't seem to cut him as easily as they should." Castellan's smile turned predatory. "But from what I hear, you fought off three Marine ships last week. This should be manageable."
Kael leaned over. "This is a test. She's seeing what we can actually do."
"Of course it is," Castellan said without shame. "I don't do business with people I can't measure. Prove you're worth my investment, and we'll have a very profitable relationship."
I thought about it. The money was good. The connections would be valuable. And fighting a veteran Marine officer would force me to grow stronger—which I needed anyway.
But I also wasn't stupid.
"Modified terms," I said. "I'll handle Hayes, but my way. If that means discrediting him rather than fighting, I do it my way. And I want information on Devil Fruit development—my doctor is an expert, but more resources would help."
Castellan's eyes gleamed. "You're learning how to negotiate. Good. Deal. Do you need Hayes's schedule?"
"That would help."
She handed me a folder. "He patrols the eastern shipping lanes three times a week. Next patrol is tomorrow at noon. He stops ships for 'inspection,' takes valuables, and threatens those who resist. Very professional pirate behavior from a Marine officer."
I skimmed the file. Hayes's bounty—wait, Marines didn't have bounties. His rank was Lieutenant Commander, reporting to a Commodore stationed two islands over. Standard crew of fifty Marines, one warship, basic armament.
"One more thing," I said. "If I'm working with you, I need to know: where do you stand with the World Government?"
"Officially? I pay taxes and don't harbor fugitives openly. Unofficially?" Castellan's smile turned cold. "I do whatever keeps my town profitable. If that means looking the other way when pirates dock, I do. If that means cooperating with Marines to maintain trade routes, I do. I'm loyal to Brass Harbor's prosperity, not to flags or ideals."
Pragmatic. I could work with that.
"Alright. We have a deal."
[Quest Accepted: The Brass Arrangement]
[Objective: Remove Lieutenant Commander Hayes from power]
[Methods: Combat, Discredit, Intimidation, or Creative Solution]
[Reward: 3,000,000 Berry, Information Network Access, +1500 EXP]
We shook hands. Castellan's grip was firm.
"One piece of advice, Fenris," she said as we stood to leave. "Paradise is where rookie pirates go to die. The ones who survive aren't always the strongest—they're the smartest. Use your brain as much as your Devil Fruit."
"I plan to."
Marcus escorted us out. As we walked back through town, Kael finally spoke.
"You trust her?"
"Hell no. But I trust her self-interest. As long as we're profitable, she'll keep her word."
"And when we're not?"
"Then we make sure we're always profitable." I smiled grimly. "Welcome to pirate politics, Kael."
We met Aria back at the ship. She'd gathered medical supplies and, interestingly, several books on Devil Fruit theory.
"Found a bookstore," she explained. "Owner was selling off his collection. These are outdated but still useful for basic principles."
I told her and Kael about the arrangement with Castellan and the Hayes situation.
Aria frowned. "A Lieutenant Commander with Haki. That's not a small problem."
"Which is why we're not fighting him head-on. We're being smart about it." I spread out the file on Hayes. "He's corrupt. That means evidence. We find it, expose him, and let the Marines clean up their own mess."
"That's… actually clever," Kael admitted.
"Let's save the praise for when it works. For now, let's get some rest. Tomorrow we hunt a Marine officer."
As night fell over Brass Harbor, I stood on deck, watching the stars. My hand transformed into chrome, then back, then chrome again. Practice. Control. Understanding.
[Level 7 Achieved]
[New Skill Unlocked: Advanced Transformation - Can maintain hybrid forms longer]
[Logia Mastery: 6%]
Six percent. Still so far to go.
But I was learning. Growing. Every fight, every challenge pushed me further.
Somewhere out there, the Straw Hat Pirates were probably having their own adventures. Fighting their own battles. Building their own legend.
I smiled.
Good. Let them. There was room for more than one legend in Paradise.
The Grand Line was vast enough for all of us.
[END CHAPTER 7]