บท 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 food stall ahead with outdoor tables shaded by a worn canvas awning, Aria decided to stop for a quick meal.

The middle-aged woman running the stall 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, and Aria took a moment to study her surroundings. The stall felt cozy despite its simple setup, 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 stall 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 dirt road. Memories of Sanji's absolute disdain for wasting food filled her mind. She stood, wooden chair scraping against the ground. "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, boots scraping against the wooden floor. The other patrons pushed their chairs back, creating space. Their whispers filled the tense air.

Aria said firmly, "You need to leave. Now. Before you embarrass yourself further."

The memory of countless street fights flickered through Aria's mind. She planted her feet firmly. "If I have to. Trust me, it won't be pretty."

The drunk stumbled sideways, catching himself on another table. His lips pulled back in a sneer. "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. His eyes gleamed with malice. "Last chance to walk away."

A familiar thrill of anticipation coursed through Aria's veins. Her lips curved into a smirk. "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. His meaty fist swung toward her head.

Aria sidestepped smoothly, thanking her martial arts training. Her senses prickled. A faint pulse of energy caught her attention - pale blue wisps trailing from the drunk's arms with each wild swing.

"Stand still!" The drunk stumbled forward, knocking over chairs.

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 dodged left. Right. Back. Market-goers gathered at the edges of the awning. Their faces blurred as she tracked the energy's flow through her opponent's body.

"Fight back!" He growled, throwing another punch.

Aria saw her chance. She darted forward, closing the distance in a single fluid motion. Her fingers wrapped around his wrist, grip tight enough to bruise.

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, legs shaking. He stared at his trembling hands, confusion etched across his face. "What... What did you..."

Aria flexed her fingers, marveling at the surge of strength coursing through her body. The pale blue energy settled into her muscles, making her feel lighter, stronger.

She quipped, "Well, would you look at that? Guess I did get something useful out of that nasty fruit after all."

The man's face twisted with rage. He charged forward, boots thundering against the floor. His movements seemed slower now, more predictable. Aria stepped into his path, calm and precise. She caught his punch in her palm, feeling the impact ripple harmlessly

She thrust her arm forward, channeling it into a single strike. The drunk flew backward, his body crashing through empty tables. Wood splintered beneath him as he skidded to a stop.

Onlookers pressed closer, their morning shopping forgotten. Whispers spread through the growing crowd.

"Did you see that?"

"She barely touched him!"

"How did she do that?"

The stall owner hurried from behind her counter, stepping carefully around the scattered dishes. 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 shook her head firmly. "Nonsense! That man has been causing trouble for weeks. You've more than earned your meal today."

The growing whispers from the gathering crowd pricked at Aria's awareness, their curious stares making her skin crawl. She needed to leave before this drew even more attention.

"Thank you again for the meal." She pushed her chair back, ready to make a quick exit.

"That was incredible!" A young girl's voice cut through the murmurs.

Aria turned, freezing mid-step. Recognition hit her like a physical blow. Pale blonde hair framed delicate features - it was Kaya, the wealthy heiress who helped the Straw Hats obtain the Going Merry.

Kaya stepped forward, eyes bright with excitement. "The way you moved during that fight! And how you threw that man twice your size!"

Aria tugged at her t-shirt, the tight fabric bunching awkwardly from the scuffle. "It wasn't anything special." She pushed through the gathered onlookers.

She pushed through the gathered onlookers, their whispers following her path through the street. A child pointed at her purple-streaked hair. "Mama, look at her hair!" The mother pulled her daughter closer, eyes fixed on Aria's strange clothes.

Kaya followed, But I've never seen anyone do that before. Are you a pirate? You must be with those abilities!"

"What, a girl can't throw a few punches without being accused of piracy these days? Talk about jumping to conclusions." She quickened her pace, hoping to lose her persistent shadow in the crowd.

Pride filled her voice. "Well... I know some really strong pirates. They showed me that incredible people exist out there."

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 reached forward, grabbing Aria's arm with surprising eagerness. "Oh! I can help with that! My family's tailor makes the most amazing outfits. She can definitely find something that suits you!"

They passed a wall plastered with wanted posters. Kaya studied Aria's face as they walked. "So if you're not a pirate, what brings you to Syrup Village?"

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."

"He joined Luffy's crew?" Aria kept her voice carefully neutral despite knowing the answer.

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 the clothing shop. Racks of colorful fabrics lined the walls, with the scent of fresh cotton permeating the air. Aria trailed her fingers along a silk scarf, marveling at its smoothness. So different from the synthetic fabrics back home.

Kaya cupped her hands around her mouth. "Sasha! Are you here?"

An elderly woman emerged from behind a curtain, spectacles perched on her nose. Her sharp eyes immediately zeroed in on Aria's attire, particularly the band logo sprawled across her chest. "Oh my."

"She needs new clothes," Kaya explained, gesturing at Aria's outfit.

"Something more..." Aria glanced down at her worn jeans and t-shirt.

"Local?" Sasha supplied, already circling Aria like a hawk studying its prey. She tugged at the hem of the t-shirt, squinting at the text. "What strange lettering. Not from around here, are you?"

"It's foreign." Aria shifted her weight, uncomfortable under the scrutiny. Really foreign. Like different-dimension foreign. "Very foreign."

The rustling of fabric filled the air as Sasha disappeared behind a rack. "Can't have you standing out too much. Not with the increased Marine presence lately."

"Marine patrols?" Aria straightened, her muscles tensing. Great. Just what I need – more attention.

"Indeed." Sasha's voice carried over the racks. "They've been particularly vigilant since that incident with the Going Merry. The whole coast is under watch now." She appeared with an armful of clothes, her expression serious. "Here, try these."

Aria accepted the bundle, noting the sturdy material. At least they look comfortable.

"Changing room's behind that curtain." Sasha pointed, then lowered her voice. "And dear?"

"Yes?"

"That little display at the restaurant?" Sasha leaned closer, her breath warm against Aria's ear. "Best keep those abilities under wraps. Marines aren't the only ones hunting Devil Fruit users these days."

Aria ran a hand through her purple-tipped hair. "Word travels fast here."

"Faster than you'd think." Sasha's eyes crinkled with amusement. "Small town, big ears."

Behind the curtain, Aria peeled off her t-shirt. The new one was simple white cotton, practical and unremarkable. Perfect for blending in. "I didn't mean to cause trouble earlier."

"Trouble?" Sasha's laugh rang through the shop. "That fool had it coming. About time someone showed him not everyone's an easy target."

Aria pulled on the black pants, testing their movement. "Still should've been more careful."

"These might help." Kaya passed a pair of fingerless gloves through the curtain. "Most travelers carry protection nowadays."

"Weapons?" Aria poked her head around the fabric barrier.

"Pirates aren't our only concern." Sasha's voice hardened. "Sometimes those who claim to protect us bring their own brand of trouble."

Corrupt Marines. Aria flexed her fingers in the new gloves. Some things never change, no matter which world you're in.

Stepping out from behind the curtain, Aria approached the full-length mirror. Her reflection revealed a transformed figure - the new outfit striking a perfect balance between style and practicality.

Not exactly my usual style, but it works

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.

At least I won't have to worry about these ripping during a fight.

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."

"Much better." Sasha nodded in approval. "You look like you belong now."

Reality crashed back as Aria patted her empty pockets. Oh great, here we go again. "About the payment..." She flashed a sheepish grin. "I really need to break this habit of walking into shops without money."

Kaya stepped forward. "It's free. Consider it a thank you."

Aria raised an eyebrow. "For what exactly?"

A gentle sadness touched Kaya's smile. "You remind me of Usopp. That look in your eyes - it's the same one he had before setting sail. Like you're chasing something bigger than yourself."

Sasha's voice held concern. "Kaya..."

"No, it's alright." Kaya squared her shoulders. "When Usopp left, I learned something important. Some dreams can't be contained by village borders. Some people need to sail further to find their path."

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."

Aria traced the edge of her new vest, memories of manga panels flashing through her mind. If only they knew what's coming. "This world holds more wonders than most imagine. Usopp's real adventures might surpass even his tallest tales."

"Really?" Hope sparked in Kaya's eyes.

Should I tell her? Would it change too much? Aria gazed through the shop window at the distant horizon. "He'll walk in gardens of giants, help save a kingdom buried in sand, and challenge powers that shape this world." She smiled. "Though knowing him, he might downplay it all when he returns."

"How could you know any of that?" Kaya's brow furrowed.

Because where I'm from, your world is a story I know by heart. Aria's lips curved mysteriously. "Let's call it a strong feeling. Some tales are written long before they unfold."

"You're strange." Kaya tilted her head. "But I like your faith in him."

Aria checked her reflection one final time, "He's got a good crew watching his back. And sometimes that makes all the difference."