Chapter 2: Fashion Intervention
The morning sun struggled to pierce the thick fog rolling in from the harbor as Aria walked through the quiet streets of Syrup Village.
"Great life choices, Aria. Eat the mystery fruit. What could possibly go wrong?"
A glint in a shop window caught her attention, prompting her to pause and lean closer to the reflection. The ends of her ponytail had turned a deep purple, the color stark against her natural dark hair. "Perfect. Because what says 'take me seriously' better than magical hair dye?" she thought, rolling her eyes.
She continued her exploration, Aria noticed the village sat emptier than yesterday, with most residents working in the fields or on fishing boats. Occasional pulses of energy emanated from various buildings, dissipating before she could focus on them. She rolled her shoulders, easing the building tension. "So much for clear instructions," she grumbled.
Her growling stomach interrupted her musings, reminding her that she hadn't eaten since the previous day. Spotting a small restaurant ahead, barely more than a food stall with outside tables, Aria decided to stop for a quick meal.
The middle-aged woman running the establishment greeted her warmly. "Welcome! What can I get for you today?"
Aria replied with a wry smile, "Whatever's fastest and most filling. I'm starving. And let's face it, beggars can't be choosers in my situation."
The owner bustled off to prepare her food, Aria took a moment to study her surroundings. The restaurant felt cozy despite its run-down state, with a few patrons sitting at nearby tables, chatting quietly over their meals.
Her food arrived quickly - a hearty plate of eggs, meat, and local vegetables. Just as she savored each bite, a loud crash interrupted her meal. A large, heavily muscled man slammed his fist on a table, cracking the wood. He swayed unsteadily, clearly drunk despite the early hour.
The restaurant owner approached him with caution, worry straining her voice. "Please, sir, you've had enough. Come back when you're sober."
The man slurred, "Don't tell me what to do! I paid good money-"
She swept his arm across the table, plates and glasses shattered on the ground. The owner flinched, "Your money's no good if you break everything!"
The drunk's voice turned menacing, "Everything's perfectly clear to me. Crystal clear."
His flailing arm knocked into Aria's table, upending her plate and sending her breakfast splattering across the ground. Memories of Sanji's absolute disdain for wasting food filled her mind. She stood, a snarl forming on her lips, "You motherfuck- You just wasted food!"
The man turned, squinting. "The hell? Mind your business, girl."
Aria held her ground, glaring at the drunk, "Someone needs to teach you some manners. And apparently, lucky you, I nominate myself."
Rage contorted the drunk's face. He took a menacing step forward, fists clenched at his sides. The other patrons watched in shocked silence.
Aria said firmly, "You need to leave. Now. Before you embarrass yourself further."
The drunk sneered, "Or what? You gonna make me?"
Aria didn't budge. "If I have to. Trust me, it won't be pretty."
The drunk barked out harsh laughter. "You're messing with the wrong man."
He cracked his knuckles. The sound echoed in the silence. "Last chance to walk away."
Aria smirked, "I could say the same to you. But hey, don't let common sense stop you from making a fool of yourself."
"You're gonna regret this."
He lunged forward with a roar. Pale blue energy rippled beneath his skin. His meaty fist swung toward her head.
Aria sidestepped smoothly, thanking her martial arts training. She ducked underneath his punch. The drunk's power signature pulsed weakly in her senses. He pressed his advantage, launching a flurry of blows.
She dodged and weaved, searching for an opening. The man overextended on a wild swing. Quick as a snake, she darted forward, closing the distance.
She grabbed his arm, fingers digging into his wrist. The moment their skin made contact, Aria felt the chill spread up her arm. Almost instinctively, she drew upon her power, pulling the pale blue energy from his muscles into her own.
The drunk staggered back, suddenly weakened. He stared at his hands. "What... What did you..."
Aria marveled at the sensation. She didn't fully understand what she'd done, but she knew she could put this new strength to good use.
She quipped, "Well, would you look at that? Guess I did get something useful out of that nasty fruit after all."
The man charged again, roaring with incoherent rage. Aria intercepted him casually. She caught his punch in her palm, then thrust her arm forward. He flew backward, crashing into vacant tables.
In the sudden silence, Aria became aware of the crowd that had gathered, drawn by the commotion. Whispers spread like ripples in a pond.
"Did you see that?"
"She barely touched him!"
"How did she do that?"
The restaurant owner hurried over. Her eyes widened. "I don't know how to thank you enough for dealing with that brute. Are you alright?"
Aria looked at her hands, still tingling with the aftereffects. "I'm fine. Sorry about the mess and wasted food though. I'll pay for the damages. Wouldn't want to leave you with the clean up after I had all the fun putting that jerk in his place."
The woman waved off her apology. "Nonsense! You've more than earned your meal today."
As the whispers from the crowd grew louder, unwanted attention prickled at Aria's awareness. She offered an apologetic smile. "Thank you again for the meal."
A young girl's voice called out, "That was incredible!"
Aria turned. Recognition struck her. Pale blonde hair, delicate features - it was Kaya, the wealthy heiress who helped the Straw Hats obtain the Going Merry.
Kaya stepped forward. "The way you moved during that fight! And how you threw that man twice your size!"
Tugging at her t-shirt, the tight fabric bunching awkwardly from the scuffle and restricting her movements, Aria downplayed the praise. "It wasn't anything special."
Kaya studied her, curiosity piqued. "But I've never seen anyone do that before. Are you a pirate? You must be with those abilities!"
Aria stretched her shoulders, grimacing as her t-shirt collar dug into her neck. "What, a girl can't throw a few punches without being accused of piracy these days? Talk about jumping to conclusions."
Pride filled Kaya's voice. "Well... I know some really strong pirates. They showed me that incredible people exist out there."
Aria shook her head. "Ah, yes, pirates. But alas, I'm just a lowly non-pirate who knows how to handle themselves in a fight. Such a disappointment, I know."
Kaya's brow furrowed. "But that strength wasn't normal."
Aria shrugged. "What can I say? I eat my vegetables and do my squats." She grimaced as her t-shirt collar dug into her neck during another stretch. "Although I have to admit, I do look quite good in these, I'd settle for clothes I can actually move in."
Kaya's eyes lit up. She grabbed Aria's arm. "Oh! I can help with that! My family's tailor makes the most amazing outfits. She can definitely find something that suits you!"
As they walked away from the restaurant, the buzz of conversation fading behind them, Kaya studied Aria's face. "So if you're not a pirate, what brings you to Syrup Village?"
Aria hesitated before responding, "It's a long story. Let's just say I'm far from home and still trying to figure things out."
Kaya smiled warmly. "Well, you're welcome here." She pointed to a piece of paper on a nearby wall. "Oh look, another wanted poster of Luffy!"
Nostalgia softened her voice. "I wonder how Usopp's doing with them. He used to tell me the wildest stories about pirates and adventures. Now he's living those stories himself."
Keeping her voice neutral despite knowing the answer, Aria asked, "He joined Luffy's crew?"
Kaya's smile brightened with pride. "Yes! He left with them a while ago. I know his dream was always to become a brave warrior of the sea. With that 30 million berry bounty, it seems like Luffy's crew is making quite a name for themselves."
Aria remarked, "Sounds like they're having quite the adventure."
As they approached the clothing shop, Kaya bounced ahead. "Right this way!"
A bell chimed overhead as they stepped inside, greeted by racks of colorful fabrics lining the walls and the scent of fresh cotton filling the air.
Kaya called out, "Sasha! Are you here?"
An elderly woman emerged from behind a curtain, spectacles perched on her nose. Her eyes landed on Aria's attire. "Oh my."
Kaya explained, "She needs new clothes. Something more..."
"Local?" Aria suggested.
Sasha circled Aria, making thoughtful noises as she tugged at her band t-shirt. "What strange lettering."
Shifting under the scrutiny, Aria replied, "It's foreign. Very foreign."
Sasha disappeared behind a rack, fabric rustling as she spoke. "Well, we can't have you standing out too much. Especially with all the Marine patrols lately."
Aria's head snapped up. "Marine patrols?"
Emerging with an armful of clothes, Sasha elaborated, "Ever since that certain pirate crew left with the Going Merry, they've been monitoring the coast more closely." She thrust a bundle into Aria's arms. "Here, try these."
Pointing to a curtain, Sasha added, "The changing room is behind that curtain. And dear?"
"Yes?"
Sasha's voice dropped to a whisper. "Whatever power you used at the restaurant? Best keep that quiet. Marines aren't the only ones interested in Devil Fruit users these days."
Aria glanced at her purple-tipped hair. "You already heard about that? Right, because being subtle is totally my strong suit. I'm practically a master of discretion."
As Sasha drew the curtain closed, she chuckled. "News travels faster than a summer storm here."
Inside the changing room, Aria pulled off her t-shirt, examining the white fabric of the new one. "I didn't mean to cause trouble."
From outside, Sasha scoffed. "Trouble? About time someone put him in his place."
Pulling on the black pants, Aria sighed. "Still. I should have been more careful."
Kaya handed her fingerless gloves. "These too. Most travelers carry something for protection. Especially these days."
Poking her head around the curtain, Aria asked, "Weapons?"
Sasha nodded. "Pirates aren't the only dangers on the sea. Sometimes the ones claiming to protect us cause just as much trouble."
Stepping out from behind the curtain, Aria approached the full-length mirror, adjusting the straps on her new outfit. Her reflection stared back at her - a striking figure clad in black and white.
The sleeveless crop top hugged her athletic frame, its high collar adding a touch of elegance. The top left her midriff bare, showcasing her toned abs. A black vest layered over the top provided extra style. Slim-fit black pants emphasized her long legs while allowing for unrestricted movement. Fingerless gloves provided grip without compromising dexterity, and sturdy boots with knee-high straps completed the look.
A smile tugged at her lips as she murmured appreciatively, "Not bad. Not bad at all. Looks like this little shopping trip was more than worth the detour."
Sasha crossed her arms. "Much better."
Patting her empty pockets, Aria asked with a sheepish grin, "How much do I owe you?" She mentally kicked herself, realizing the pattern she'd fallen into. "I really need to stop going to places without money."
Kaya stepped forward. "It's free. Consider it a thank you."
"For what?"
Wistfulness touched Kaya's smile. "For reminding me of Usopp. You have that same look in your eyes. Like you're about to chase after something incredible."
Sasha's voice held warning. "Kaya..."
Kaya straightened. "It's okay. After Usopp left, I realized something. Everyone has dreams they need to chase. Some people just have to go further than others to find them."
Her smile brightening, Kaya continued, "Maybe you'll run into him out there. You can tell him I'm doing well and keeping his stories alive here in Syrup Village."
Sasha chuckled. "Those tales of his get wilder with each retelling. Last week, I heard the children talking about his battle with a giant goldfish."
Touching the fabric of her new vest, Aria mused, "You'd be surprised what's real in this world. I have a feeling Usopp's adventures will be beyond even his wildest stories."
Hope lit Kaya's features. "Really?"
Aria gazed at the distant ocean through the shop window. "More than that. He'll face giants in their own garden, help save a desert kingdom, and stand against powers that rule this world. Though knowing Usopp, he might be too humble to tell you the full truth when he returns."
Kaya's brow furrowed. "How could you possibly know that?"
Mystery curved Aria's lips. "Call it intuition. Some stories are written in the stars long before they happen."
Kaya tilted her head. "You're strange. But I like your confidence in him."
Studying her reflection, Aria replied, "He's got a good crew watching his back. And sometimes that makes all the difference."
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Amrokq
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